Day 1 of the Blog

Ok...welcome to my first blog.  So...let me get started...

Ever since I got this new TED 5000 I'm been infatuated with it. To those who are unaware...the TED 5000 is a home electricity monitor (www.theenergydetective.com).   Seriously...I'm always checking out how much power is being used followed by searching the house for what is being used when the wattage is so dang high.  Due to this almost "obsessive compulsive" behavior, my wife decide I needed to start a blog to chronicle my endeavors.  If you're reading this...then guess what?  You've just joined the 'cool-kids-club' and you get to share my joy/despair.

Ok...so this little piece of gadgetry has revolutionized how I think about my lifestyle.  As of now, I'm looking across the my TED display which is showing me a reading of 7.018 kW as my small electric convection oven is cooking some fish sticks.  I'm thinking to myself, "holy crap...where is all the power being used?"  And yes, I did just get up and check to find that the heat is on up- and downstairs, so it make sense.  Every AM, I'm checking the power usage when I walk the dog.  And then when I get to work, I go online to check my power usage.  That's right folks...I'm emphatic enough to have my TED hooked up so I can check my power usage anywhere.  I also have it connected to Google PowerMeter.  So, as you can see...I'm pretty obsessed.

Now, let me get this straight...I've always been concerned with energy efficiency.  Maybe when I get some motivation I'll post some blogs revisiting some past projects/moments....flashback style!  Anyhow, I'd like to reduce my carbon footprint and all...but truthfully, my main goals is to save money.  It's just amazing how much money I throw at utilities for their services.  I'd much rather put that money to much better use...like buying myself something cool.  So, I've put a lot of time and effort into making my home and lifestyle energy efficient.

Now, let me say...I don't just go out and buy something because it's 'cool' and 'green'.  As my wife will surely point out...I research everything exhaustively.  Seriously...I'll google for hours trying to find every last piece of relevant information.  Then, more than likely, I'll build myself a spreadsheet that calculates the life cycle cost comparing against other alternatives which I'll constantly scrutinize before I can convince myself that something is a good investment.  I'm not sure if being an Engineer is a curse or a Blessing...you tell me.