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Utilities Consumer Advocate

Controls

Technology has made life easier for us in many ways. One of these is giving us the ability to automatically control energy use in the home. Many products are available to allow us to automatically control the house temperature (see the Programmable Thermostats section), light switching and illumination levels, automobile block heaters and interior heaters, and appliance operating times.

Occupancy Sensors

It makes sense to light areas only when they are being used. Installing occupancy sensors for energy efficiency can be an effective and economical measure.

Sensors consist of a motion detector, electronic control unit and a relay. These units are installed on the wall light switch and are pre-set to turn the light on when motion is detected and turn off a short period of time after no motion occurs in the room. They are best suited for rooms where they control a ceiling fixture with supplemental lighting such as a table lamp. Sensors can also be useful if family members forget to turn lights off.

There are also sensors designed for use with light dimming systems to maintain lighting levels while making use of available daylight. Savings will vary depending on the kilowatt load of the lighting sensors control and the operating hours before the sensor was installed. Savings can be up-to-50 per cent for each area or room.

Sensors are also available on outdoor light fixtures as a security application. As an energy saving device, these are best installed in locations where light is only required when someone is in the area, eliminating the need to have the light switched on during all dark hours.

Dimmers

Light dimmers have been available for some time. These are wall-mounted units in place of conventional on/off light switches. They can be used for all incandescent lights including halogens and dimmable compact fluorescents. They are not as effective an energy saving device as on/off sensors, but in rooms where full lighting is not always required, they will save energy and provide a lighting level conducive to the tasks being performed. They are best utilized in rooms where different tasks are done such as reading, watching TV and entertaining.

Timers

Timer devices are strictly on/off controls for any electrical load. They are convenient energy savers for lighting indoors and outdoors. There are also units available that come with an overriding light sensor. Light sensors detect light levels and will only switch on when the ambient light level is low. This is a useful feature to accommodate changing daylight hours over the course of the year and is particularly convenient for outdoor lighting.

Another common use for timers in Alberta is to control automobile block heaters and interior heaters. Engine block heaters need only be switched on for a maximum of four hours during the coldest Alberta days for your engine to start properly, less if it’s in a garage.

An average block heater is rated at 600 watts and a timer can save over 50 per cent. An interior heater can warm up the automobile passenger space in less than two hours – again depending on the outside temperature. An average interior heater is 850 watts and a timer would save over 75 per cent if normally plugged in the night before.

A power saver cord is an excellent add-on for timers in these applications or as a stand-alone product. It is an extension cord with a built-in thermostat that monitors the temperature of the engine coolant switching the block heater on and off to maintain the proper temperature for starting.

Timers are also great energy savers in the kitchen. There are built-in timing mechanisms in your oven that allow you to plan and cook your meals for when you arrive home from work. Timers can also be used on small appliances such as having that hot pot of coffee available first thing in the morning.

Energy Saving Tips

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