Kill-A-Watt Meter. Photo courtesy of Grainger.

One of my all-time favorite tools is the Kill-a-Watt meter.  Available in several models, this inexpensive, handy tool allows you to find out how much electricity a given plug-in item uses.  Simply plug it into the wall, then plug the item into the Kill-a-Watt.  Several different settings provide real-time wattage, voltage, and amperage readings, as well as watt-hours to determine usage over time.  The meter is very handy for determining how much equipment uses on standby, as well as when fully on.  Many things still draw energy even when fully “off”.  I have to admit that more than once I’ve been taken aback by the amount a beloved piece of equipment uses on (my 1940’s electric GE clock draws 24 watts 24/7 – it sure is nice, but that amounts to 210 kilowatt hours a year – the equivalent of the output of about ¾’s of one of our solar panels – not a trade-off we’re willing to make).

Brad’s niece showcasing her Kill-A-Watt project. Photo courtesy of Brad Liljequist.

My beloved niece recently told me she was doing a science project about her high school’s energy use and ways to reduce it (I swear, I had no influence on this choice).  I simply handed her my Kill-a-Watt meter and suggested it might help.  Check out the chart in the lower middle of her display – a fairly nice little analysis of standby and on watt and kilowatt hours by electrical item. Anyone need a great, fun energy professional in six or seven years?

Get a Kill-a-Watt meter, find your worst offenders, and get rid of them!

Written By

Brad Liljequist

Brad Liljequist is Director of Zero Carbon Solutions at McKinstry, where he leads deep carbonization of existing buildings for public and institutional clients. He managed the zero energy and carbon elements for the ILFI Zero Carbon and Energy Ready Catalyst project, and many other zero energy/carbon projects for McKinstry. Previously, he directed the energy, carbon and community programs for the International Living Future Institute, where he played a seminal role in the creation of the Zero Carbon certification, as well as launching the Living Community Challenge. He developed the first certified multifamily Zero Energy project in the United States, zHome, as well as Issaquah Fire Station 72, winner of the national ASHRAE Technology award. He is the author of The Power of Zero: Learning from the World’s Leading Zero Energy Buildings. His work has been covered by The New York Times, the BBC, the Wall Street Journal, national NPR, The Seattle Times, Engineering News Record, Architectural Review, GreenBiz, and many other media. He was educated at Georgetown University, the University of St. Andrews, the University of Washington Evans School, and Seattle Central College.