How do you reduce your electric bill?

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acpie360

acpie360

0
Gold Supporter
Jun 18, 2017
105
CA
I run my Pentair 1-HP WhisperFlo pump, which uses about 1.5KW electricity, for 3 hours everyday. The utility company charges $0.21/KWH for anything under 130% of the baseline and $0.43/KWH for the rest. I am always over the baseline any way, so I use $0.43/kwh for my calculation, and this results in roughly $2 per day.

- I am considering going solar. However, my math suggests it will take about 10+ years to break even. Although solar panels have average 25-years lifetime, within 25-years new technology could easily obsolete those things that are already on your roof.

- I am considering a VS pump like the Pentair IntelliFlo. However, since I only run my pump for 3 hours, I am not sure how much it is going to save me. I am hoping someone can convince me a VS pump, or any high efficiency pump, is worth the effort.

Any other suggestions? I do use a robotic cleaner, the Discovery, to clean the pool daily.
 
What do you mean "going solar"? You cannot run an AC pump directly from solar panels. To do that, you would require batteries and an inverter. Batteries, inverter (you would need one that powers 220V appliances) and solar panels would run you at least 5K, if not more...I would assume more...

If you want to run a pump directly off solar, you will need to purchase a DC pump that can move sufficient volumes of water to maintain your pool. However, a solar direct PV pump, such as the one I run for my pool is 1,500$ for the pump and controller, and requires 1,500 W of solar for power. We have one due to our unique circumstances, so I cannot see how this option would save you any money either.

Your best bet is to run a very efficient VS pump during off peak energy hours.


18000 IG, SWG, 1/2 HP Tri Star + Solar PV direct DC Lorentz pump, Sand filtrt
 
tlevy said:
Your best bet is to run a very efficient VS pump during off peak energy hours.
Click to expand...
I think a high efficient pump is always a good idea. However, I am only running 3 hours now. How much can I cut down? As far as the on-peak/off-peak thing, it doesn't matter to me. I am using the "standard" pricing plan which is one flat rate for all hours. The Time-Of-Use pricing plan sucks for my area because the on-peak rate is $0.49, semi-peak is $0.43 and off-peak is $0.38. There is really no advantage for choosing Time-Of-Use.
 
It would take you a long time to recover the approximate $1000 cost of a VS pump installed. You could save by changing the motor on your existing pump to a 2-speed one. The initial cost would be substantially lower than a VS, and savings similar.

I am a big fan of VS pumps, but their prime attraction is the ability to tailor the speed to the most efficient for each of several tasks. If you don't have a spa, a heater, a cleaner, a solar system, etc. then a 2-speed can serve as well.
 
If you swapped out the motor for a two speed and ran on low speed all the time, you would save about 75% in energy costs. A VS pump will save about 90% in energy costs. Assuming of course you keep the same run time.
 
Raise the thermostat setting on your AC.

Really.

In winter, my electric bill is about $75. I just paid my bill today: $138. I haven't touched the timeclock on the pool pump in over a year. What's the difference? Air conditioning. That's the big power hog. That's why SoCal Edison has that voluntary AC cutoff bill credit, so they can remotely kill your AC during peak demand. Spend an hour cursing at the programmable thermostat and set it to 79 or 80. You'll hardly feel the difference from 78. And a fan can make much hotter temps feel bearable.
 
Hey, guys, thanks for the information. I didn't know I could replace only the motor of the pump instead of getting a complete new pump. Right now my WhisperFlo is controlled by an Intermatic mechanic timer. If I install a two speed pump, where would the switch be? Is it part of the motor?

Richard - My bill is $169.07 for July. If I remember correctly, I only ran my AC once or twice this month. My AC is off most of the time thanks to the cellulose filled attic insulation.
power_usage.PNG
 

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