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Power-saving gadgets Updated: 03 Jun 2008

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Power Panda Posted by: Gzt 19 Jan 2011 11:50pm

I operate a small site listing energy saving devices available in NZ. The Power Panda and similar hot water saving devices are listed here:

http://sites.google.com/site/ema1powermeter/hot-water-energy-saving

Power Panda Posted by: Dorothy 13 Oct 2010 2:35pm

Has anyone heard of this? It apparently gets wired into fuse box + hot water cylinder and you can programme water heating daily or weekly as you need it, thereby saving 20-30% on power bills. Heard about it on radio the other day. Cost is $410 all-up, they provide electrician to install. Anyone heard of it or got one?

LED bulbs Posted by: Patrick B 10 Jun 2010 8:41am

Agree with Terry, we build early last year and had LEDs installed, with a few halogens for spot lighting.
we can't compare power costs because this is only system this house has used but lighting levels are very good and they look better then energy saver bulbs.
Plus a couple LED lights along the hallway skirting board cost little to run and guide the kids at night. No need for main hall lights to be turned on.

LED Bulbs Posted by: Terry Cass 14 May 2010 8:24pm

Start looking at LED Lighting - we've reduced our energy consumption in our kitchen from 350W down to 28W by changing 50W halogen lights to LED's.

Centameter the Secret to Reductions Posted by: Terry Cass 14 May 2010 8:22pm

The Centameter is invaluable - we've had one for two years - having data/info is the secret to managing your costs. this unit tells us how much things cost & shows us when appliances have been left on. We've halved our power bills in the last 2 years - now monthly bills are $58 (summer) - $105 (winter). The centameter is the key to deciding what energy efficient devices should be installed.

Centameter Posted by: R M Scaife 17 Sep 2009 11:01am

Had one of these for a while, they chew through the batteries, 6 batteries to replace every 4 months.

Forgot the link! Posted by: James Littlejohn 12 Jun 2009 10:36am

Jackson Energy Saving 6 Way Surge Board.

http://www.dse.co.nz/dse.shop/4a3184c6009eff0e273fc0a87f3b06f7/Product/View/M6650

Reducing standby power Posted by: James Littlejohn 12 Jun 2009 10:36am

This device looks very promising - especially for home entertainment sets.

It is a power stip, which has three "slave" power sockets which are only powered if the "master" socket is connected to an appliance which is drawing more than 30W of power.

So, for example - if the TV is the master, the stereo, game consoles and DVD, and Sky box will only have power if the TV is powered on.

For $40, it's not unreasonable - and would deserve a review and inclusion in this part of the website.