Hi guys,
I'm considering swapping out my good old single speed Hayward pump for something more energy efficient (dual or variable speed). As I was trying to figure out my wattage and cost calculations, I noticed that the actual wattage of my pump seemed way off, compared to what's stated on the label. The label reads 2HP, 115V, 16A - so it should be drawing about 1.8kW, whereas my house energy monitor and kill-a-watt both report a number closer to 1kW. I checked the power factor, and it read ~0.55, which would explain the difference between ~1kW and ~1.8KVA. However, I always thought that it's the other way round - the wattage would be consistent, and the KVA would increase proportionally to the inverse of power factor due to increased KVAR. Most websites usually clock 2HP pumps at much higher wattage than the "measly" 1kW I'm getting, so I'm a bit puzzled.
Now, since I am a residential customer, I do not get billed per KVAh, but per KWh used. My question is - is the power factor at this pump/outlet a function of the outlet, wiring, the pump itself, or combination thereof? What I'm trying to figure out is if I should assume a similar power factor in my calculations after a pump replacement? Or will power factor go inadvertently up, thus reducing the cost benefit of getting a newer pump?
I hope someone can clarify this for me.
I'm considering swapping out my good old single speed Hayward pump for something more energy efficient (dual or variable speed). As I was trying to figure out my wattage and cost calculations, I noticed that the actual wattage of my pump seemed way off, compared to what's stated on the label. The label reads 2HP, 115V, 16A - so it should be drawing about 1.8kW, whereas my house energy monitor and kill-a-watt both report a number closer to 1kW. I checked the power factor, and it read ~0.55, which would explain the difference between ~1kW and ~1.8KVA. However, I always thought that it's the other way round - the wattage would be consistent, and the KVA would increase proportionally to the inverse of power factor due to increased KVAR. Most websites usually clock 2HP pumps at much higher wattage than the "measly" 1kW I'm getting, so I'm a bit puzzled.
Now, since I am a residential customer, I do not get billed per KVAh, but per KWh used. My question is - is the power factor at this pump/outlet a function of the outlet, wiring, the pump itself, or combination thereof? What I'm trying to figure out is if I should assume a similar power factor in my calculations after a pump replacement? Or will power factor go inadvertently up, thus reducing the cost benefit of getting a newer pump?
I hope someone can clarify this for me.
