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Using timers, Wasting money ??
Greenwellies_2
Posts: 441 Forumite
in Energy
Cutting to the chase, I use a timer for my living room light, and a few for the garden lights and atmosphere lights in the house.
I also set the washing machine on timer delay, along with the breadmaker etc.
Am I wasting money in using timers? I mainly use them for security or convenience of domestic chores, but most of them are plugged in 24/7, whether they are programmed to come on or not.
Thanks
GW
ps
I turned my boiler off timer about 10 years ago and saved a fortune!
I also set the washing machine on timer delay, along with the breadmaker etc.
Am I wasting money in using timers? I mainly use them for security or convenience of domestic chores, but most of them are plugged in 24/7, whether they are programmed to come on or not.
Thanks
GW
ps
I turned my boiler off timer about 10 years ago and saved a fortune!
0
Comments
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Hi GW,
How are things going?
With regard to timer plugs, I would say that they start using energy when the timer comes on (say with a lamp etc) as they activate an internal switch. Most of the timer plugs use a battery for their display (if you have one of those types) so the lectricity is not feeding the display. As for the washing machine, you will be using a small amount of electric to light the LED if the machine has one and for it to count down the hours before starting. I'm not sure how it would compare to leaving the TV on standby every night rather than turning it off but my guess would be that it is relatively small and the timer plugs should be using their own battery. I guess the question is how long do you delay the washing? Is it only a few hours or over 12? I personally turn everything off that I can (even the oven that has a clock on it!) but I use timer plugs for lamps as a security issue. Sorry, probably haven't been that much help!Now debtfree except for the mortgage!0 -
Hi SMS!
(I'll confess on DFW later *cringe*)
At least I am not alone.
Thanks
GW0 -
sweetmoneysaver wrote:With regard to timer plugs, I would say that they start using energy when the timer comes on (say with a lamp etc) as they activate an internal switch.
All timers use energy all of the time that they are plugged in, even if it is a negligible amount like an electric clock. The appliance will then obviously use whatever wattage the appliance is rated at when it is switched on by the timer.sweetmoneysaver wrote:Most of the timer plugs use a battery for their display (if you have one of those types) so the electricity is not feeding the display.
The battery is there for back-up i.e. so that the time and ON/OFF settings are not lost in the event of a power cut. The timer and display are powered by the mains and the battery is constantly trickle charged to keep it fully charged and ready.
Generally the cost of the small amount of electricity used by timers would be much less than the amount of money saved, if appliances are used at the cheaper night rate.
:doh: Blue text on this forum usually signifies hyperlinks, so click on them!..:wall:0 -
The amount of power used by a timer, stand-alone or built-in, is miniscule. On a stand-alone timer it is so low that they don't even put a power rating figure on the unit.0
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Thanks,
So I think I understand.
If the timer is set correctly, then I wouold be money saving by using them (as opposed to leaving lights on etc)
Thanks
:beer:
GW0
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