"Hey, what did you just turn on that uses 1500 watts?" Normally, we wouldn't expect something that looks like this to generate so much conversation. But recently, anthropologist and technology researcher Jay Hasbrouck blogged about a friend of his who, through a bit of serendipity, installed The Energy Detective [TED] in a very visible location... and wound up with a more energy aware family.
In essence, TED is a Kill-a-Watt for your entire house.
As the TED website points out, the average person pays around $1200 a year for the privilege of being able to plug things in. We like the idea of technology like this that starts a conversation, but we're reminded by this story that location within the home is key.
To that, we add this plea: we're looking forward to this kind of technology in a more highly designed wrapper: think sleek iPod, rather than 1980's era digital thermostat. Why can't it be an object you would want to show off when friends come to visit? A bit of envy could do a world of good in this case.
At $140, do you think a TED would lower your energy usage? Is it green enough that you are willing to look past the, um, retro design?
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
To me, this is so OCD. I think the green world should focus more on getting green energy being more efficent at producing energy so that we don't have to sacrifice our lifestyles. The potential to produce green energy is there, we just need to harness it better.
view Amphetamine's profile
The province in which I live, Ontario, is coming out with smart metres in the next year or two. They'll do the same thing TED does. At the same time the electricity utilities are going to charge a higher rate for peak electricity. hurray!
view rapidtransitman's profile
I agree with Amphetamine, but I think this unfortunately-so-"retro" doohicky is a good idea in the meantime. Maybe the fact that it's pretty ugly would mean that a person would look at it even more--with distaste!
Without making much of an effort, I've become much more aware of electricity usage. And I'm about to spring for a smaller fridge, as this giant one bugs me each time I open its door.
Yet I cannot bring myself to use those energy efficient lightbulbs with their warmup time and hideous light. . . .
view Aulaire's profile
amphetamine, I completely disagree. Yes, we absolutely need to work on making green energy more efficient, reliable, available, affordable, etc but I definitely don't think it's too much too ask that we all be aware of what resources we use and that we become more responsible in our use. The lifestyle of many if not most Americans is extremely wasteful. There's no reason to be wasteful, and I see no benefit in it either. A little awareness among a lot of people could go a long way - not all the way, but I don't believe we're going to find a magic answer anyway so conservation should remain/become a part of our lifestyle even once green energy is better developed & utilized.
view Beck's profile
I appreciate beautiful things as much as the next person, but honestly, I don't see what's so horrible about the look of this thing. Sure, it's utilitarian, but does everything in your home have to be in a sleek, highly designed wrapper?
view HBR23's profile
To me, this is so OCD.
Those of us with the disorder don't appreciate casual comments about it. And it's not OCD to care about your energy usage.
view Monkeyme's profile
Just installed TED in our new "green" construction in Vermont, and am loving it! Since it's an all-electric house it'll be interesting to see the highs and lows of the various systems over the next year.
My goal is under $100 a month for the whole house, which includes the heating & cooling system, hot water, ventilation systems, computers, lights etc. So far we're doing okay!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2348/1880315969_3ff84eb4f8.jpg?v=0
view Albo's profile