EPRI calculates annual cost of charging an iPad at $1.36

 
Consumers who fully charge their iPad tablet every other day can expect to pay $1.36 for the electricity needed annually to power the device, according to an assessment by the Electric Power Research Institute.

The analysis shows that each model of the iPad consumes less than 12 kWh of electricity over the course of a year, based on a full charge every other day. By comparison, a plasma 42" television consumes 358 kWh a year. EPRI conducted the analysis in Knoxville, Tenn., at its power utilization laboratory. Costs may vary depending on the price of electricity in a particular location, EPRI noted.

Read more: http://www.naylornetwork.com/app-ppd/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=187561&issueID=26833

For energy efficiency, replace your windows last

When most people think about energy efficiency, once they stop talking about solar panels, they usually get to windows.  “My windows are so old,” or “They’re only single pane glass,” or “I need to replace them,” and so on, much if it fueled by the replacement window industry selling the energy savings. Unfortunately, in most cases, those savings just aren’t there, at least not at the level at which they sell them.

There’s a joke about window replacement that goes something like this: After her windows were replaced, a woman had yet to pay the bills she kept getting from the contractor who did the work. Finally, a year later, the contractor got her on the phone and asked her why she had not paid for them. Her response: “Do you think I’m stupid? Your salesman told me that in one year the windows would pay for themselves. It’s been a year!”

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/04/10/for-energy-efficiency-replace-your-windows-last/#ixzz21jn8nLro

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/04/10/for-energy-efficiency-replace-your-windows-last/

After the storm: Floodwater safety

Flooding forces homeowners to ask many difficult questions about water-damaged electrical equipment in their houses: Can I use appliances after they dry out? Are circuit breakers and fuses safe to use? Will I need to replace my electrical wiring?

Floodwater contaminants can create serious fire hazards if electrical wiring and equipment have been submerged in water. Even with professional cleaning and drying, sediments and toxins are difficult to remove.

As families begin to clean up after a flood, there may be hidden electrical hazards. This is not a do-it-yourself project! Before beginning, have a qualified electrician check the house wiring, assess other damages and proceed with repair work. Then, follow these important safety tips:

Read More: http://www.ul.com/global/eng/pages/offerings/perspectives/regulator/electrical/additionalresources/flooding/