Running costs TV v Computer!!!

[daisycakes]

Hi...Just received my electricity bill ((OH NO)) and himself and I discussed which of us uses the most electricity (( he thinks I've emigrated when I'm in my snug researching FH and he is watching sport on TV)) So my question is does anyone know the average cost of sitting at my computer for 4 hours or watching TV for the same length of time!! We are all electric and on economy 7 tariff.

Sorry about the moan its my first today!!!! Daisycakes

[Browneyes]

I can't answer your question but have thought the same thing recently. Charges for leccy seem to be ridiculous these days. However, I am not going to purchase a private generator and start pedalling. I did notice though how many things are left on standby. Conversations seem to start with "why did you turn the tv off completely?" these days!

[Jan1954]

What is television?

Save the licence fee - stay on Brit-Gen

[michaelpipe]

PC on and running, around 160-190 watts for an average system, more with peripherals.

40" plasma TV around 250 watts.
40" LCD TV around 200 watts.

If his TV is smaller, he could be way ahead.
Solution - use a laptop, then you can win the "argument".

[salcat]

But don't forget the TV will also have the sky box (or equivalent) and/or the DVD player on as well (Never mind the cost of the satellite or cable subscription)

Sally

[daisycakes]

PC on and running, around 160-190 watts for an average system, more with peripherals.

40" plasma TV around 250 watts.
40" LCD TV around 200 watts.

If his TV is smaller, he could be way ahead.
Solution - use a laptop, then you can win the "argument".

Hi... Thanks Michael ... but thats a bit technical for me... TV is 24inch LCD... does a laptop use less electricity?...( excuse my PC ignorance)... Hey if thats the case then maybe he'll buy me a laptop Result!!!!

Daisycakes

[michaelpipe]

With a 24" LCD his power usage could be down to 55-60 watts ( plus DVD etc). Certainly the right time to put forward the laptop request - they do use less power than desktop PC's. If you really want to know the exact usage that there is a plug-in gadget that you can buy called "Kill a Watt" (google for it). It will measure the consumption of whatever is plugged into it; similar products cost in the order of £15.

[v.wells]

Our electrcity bill is between $80 and $100 depending on the season. Run a desktop 12+ hrs daily, a laptop about 2 hrs and have a 48" HDTV on all day (a beacon for a blind dog)! We don't have any other strange gadgets and only plug in chargers when necessary - we don't worry to much as my pc is the only excessive thing in the house and everything is energy star rated.

[beachbaby]

One of the things they have suggested around here (New England rates are rather high, even with all the hydroelectric power generated by our rivers, dams and waterfalls) is that people install power strips that have multiples plugged into them. We have our 27" TV, the DVD player, tape player, and the surround sound system plugged into one in the living room and when we leave the room simply flick the switch and everything is turned off. The rationale is that all these things are "instant on" which means even when off they are drawing power. Did the same thing with the computer setup in my office - monitor, tower, lights and printer on a power strip that I shut off with a touch of my toe. They are even advocating unplugging the small TVs in the bedrooms because they too are instant on. What the hey, it can't hurt. Will see what the next bill comes to (we run about $110 a month, mostly because of an electric hot water heater). I also installed a clothes line out back years ago because the cost of running an electric dryer is thru the roof! Should be interesting to see if it helps.

Teri

[sandiep]

Daisycakes

get yourself a laptop then you can surf and watch TV at same time!.....sandie