Power Saving Tips for all growers!

[nUt_jOb]

Yup.. and if you just so happen to be walking by the home dePOT clearance rack and see a very rare site like I did last week.. a [1 x 240V x 30A] to [4 x 120V x 15A/Each] 25 foot extension cord that plugs directly into a standard electric drier plug (4 wire version) and can drive 4 1k lights continuously (8 1k lights on back to back 12/12) for $30... you will know that god wants you to grow pot.

Also check my sig for what to do about those shitty electric water heaters and electric driers!! $100/mo adds up pretty quick in savings and does pay for the equipment.. this rig is still running strong for me!



For heating in the winter may I also reccomend PROPANE!! and of course.. propane accessories

 

[Bermyboy]

How many watts does a typical laptop use?

 

[Guest]

you should judge a laptop by the rating on the ac adapter

 

[Wonderon]

Been a while but I like this thread, and I started it. Lets see if you have anything else to add.

 

[Guest]

I'm wondering if running my can fans into the HVAC air returns would be better than blowing it outside... Right now I have a 8" can fan blowing directly outside. The fresh air keeps me from having to use co2, but I'm wondering if I'm not pulling in 90+ degree air trying to cool 80+ degree air.

 

[flubnutz]

i wondered about sendin hot vented air back thru the cold air returns sounds like a great way to recycle the heat but there must be a limit to the amount you can send thru, im not an hvac man, can too much draft go back? wouldnt wanna blow out a pilot light or somethin.

 

[Guest]

flubnutz - from what I understand it's rarely too much return air, but usually not enough. Returns get blocked and coils freeze.

Anyone have any ideas for me though? Better to duct through return or blow it outside?

 

[Tomatoesonly]

I don't know where you guys live, but ducting the heat/MOISTURE throughout your house will have people wondering why your windows are covered in water droplets once it gets cold out.

The above is on a number of "how to spot a grow house" lists.

 

[Guest]

Keeping the RH down is key in being a good grower anyway. I don't have any RH problems.

The problem I have is lets say 8 lights per room - none of them air cooled as I cannot find cool air to bring in. Neither can I find a way to duct it back out where the smell wont give me away. SOOO I am running central air with zone dampers on thermostats.

I am also exhausting an 8" can fan with a charcoal filter and ozone generator outside. Now my question is - should I duct that clean air into the return or outside? If I clean it and dump it into the return, will that keep my upstairs from getting warmer? Seeing as I am no longer pulling in hot outside air? Or will the lack of fresh air cause me to need co2 enrichment?

Help?

 

[yamaha_1fan]

I think the A/C is working overtime if you are sending back hot air through the return line. I am no HVAC guy but my understanding is AC's can only create about a 20 degree difference in temperature. I think that factors heavily on external temps.

I dont know the setup but I would figure out a way to aircool those lights and funnel that air outside

You may want to start a new thread on this

 

[Guest]

Thanks Yamaha - I just wanted to get some opinions on this as it was brought up in this thread. Will start new with drawings.

 

[Guest]

If you can't afford double pane windows or your place is a rental, that thin clear plastic you put over the windows and shrink till it's tight like a drumhead, using a hair dryer, works VERY well for the cost outlay. It takes about 15 bucks to do a small/medium house and you'll save it easily over a very hot, or very cold season. Been there, done it, the stuff works.

 

[Wonderon]

If you can't afford double pane windows or your place is a rental, that thin clear plastic you put over the windows and shrink till it's tight like a drumhead, using a hair dryer, works VERY well for the cost outlay. It takes about 15 bucks to do a small/medium house and you'll save it easily over a very hot, or very cold season. Been there, done it, the stuff works.

Nice one, i have used this stuff before and not sure I would of thought of using it again but I will now for sure.

 

[jaw]

if your in a warm region sunscreens and window tinting will reduce your electric bills a little bit, maybe keep the ac off a few minutes per cycle