Power?

41hope · Jan 3, 2011

What is the most watts including pumps, fans, & air conditioner I can run in a 1700 square foot house 3 bedroom? I've heard 1000 watts per bedroom, which mean its safe to run 3000 watts? If that is the case my power bill will be $400 in winter vs neighbors $60 to 70 and $600 in summer vs. 300 for my neighbors. Is this safe?

northstate · Jan 3, 2011

The bill alone is not enough for a warrant unless there is probable cause (Smell, traffic, snitch) as long as you pay on time and keep it underground. All electric appliances right?
Dont you do a lot of welding and have a large fish tank? It depends on what state you live in I think anything above $600 may raise some questions but hell, I doubt it. Stagger your lights to avoid a spike pattern. I dont really know what "safe" is but good luck and I am sure you will figure something out. NS

michmedclones · Jan 5, 2011

pay your bills. the energy co doesnt care what you're doing with it as long as you're not stealing it, and they are not connected with law enforcement what so ever

headiez247 · Jan 5, 2011

If you are in California, use as much as you want as long as you pay your bill on time.

PoopyTeaBags · Jan 5, 2011

pay your bill ontime use as much as the breaker box allows -=P

there use to be a rule that 1k per bedroom but thats a old rule and in america more you use the more they make and snitching on your best customers is not good business practices....

ive ran a 10k + in a 3 bedroom hood house for a year....

northstate · Jan 10, 2011

That should boost the OP's confidence I bet. I run 7k and keep it clean. NS

420stoner · Feb 13, 2011

do you guys think a 400watt or 600watt & all the other stuff that goes inside an indoor grow, will make the electric company suspect something when other people in my neiborhood pay less than $100 im not really growing but when i do i dont want the pigs busting my door!

GrassRoots · Feb 13, 2011

The same questions on power get asked time and time again. You'll be fine. Come up with an excuse in case you ever get asked. Say you weld, or that you work with ceramics and use a few kilns or some other high wattage endeavor.

I would suspect most of us growers have higher electric bills than our neighbors. Funny thing is, I could be saying the same thing on a welding forum, or a ceramics forum, or a glass blowing forum, and I wouldn't be worried about police kicking in my door.

People use different amounts of electricity for different reasons. High electric use alone is not enough to get a warrant.

ballplayer 2 · Feb 13, 2011

I'm glad somebody bumped this thread, as I was going to ask a similar question.

In a non-med state my bill jumped on me last month. I added a 600 and air cooled it. Plus, I was not watchful of my heat running too much, my TV usage, etc. My bill spiked from around low 200's to almost 400. Part of it was because of the estimated bill from the previous month. 4 bedrooms 2500 sq ft.

In my area they have been busting very small grows lately, less than 15 plants. I'd think it was the work of CI, but its hard to tell. Makes me a little paranoid of the electric bill. Anyone else got any input on this subject. Especially those in similar situations to me.

Needless to say I'll be watching my electric usage much more closely, leading into summer when I have no choice but to use AC and rack up a relatively large bill.

Thank you for your time and help.

BP

David762 · Feb 13, 2011

There are ways to excuse high electric bills.

There are ways to excuse high electric bills.

northstate said:
The bill alone is not enough for a warrant unless there is probable cause (Smell, traffic, snitch) as long as you pay on time and keep it underground. All electric appliances right?
Dont you do a lot of welding and have a large fish tank? It depends on what state you live in I think anything above $600 may raise some questions but hell, I doubt it. Stagger your lights to avoid a spike pattern. I dont really know what "safe" is but good luck and I am sure you will figure something out. NS

I stayed with a friend for a spell that heated his living-room with a 54" plasma television -- it stayed toasty ...

They're cheaper these days, practically politically incorrect, especially when purchased used. Just because you have 1 or more doesn't mean that you have to use them that much. Another big electric hog is a hot tub -- got one? Ever considered converting it to a DWC reservoir for your "girls"? Combined with "no probable cause" (smell, traffic, snitch), you should be okay.

Just avoid traffic stops while holding -- in other words, keep your shit wired tight, vehicle well-maintained, and don't drive like a maniac. If you're off LEO's "radar", you're not likely to draw attention with your electric bill. And your electric bill? -- pay it on time, every time.

:tiphat:

GrassRoots · Feb 14, 2011

Lazyman · Feb 14, 2011

My power bill at my place is about $1k a month, and the only "grow" i have here is about 200W of fluoros for my clone tent. Hot tub, lots of outdoor lighting, LOTS of home theater gear, plus my place is cold and drafty so the heater runs all the damn time. Adds up fast. I'd be surprised if my neighbors bills weren't close to mine.

designer · Feb 14, 2011

I don't care what these guys say, I would still try to watch your power usage. That, along with something else small like that could add up to probable cause. Try to use some alternate lighting methods that use less power and do not make as much heat. BTW, the heat is defined in an electrical circuit as wasted energy.

cyberwax · Feb 15, 2011

Just dont get greedy, there are a zillions things to use power on, growing is just one of them, dont be paranoid but again; dont be greedy.

DasFox · Feb 15, 2011

michmedclones said:
pay your bills. the energy co doesnt care what you're doing with it as long as you're not stealing it, and they are not connected with law enforcement what so ever

LIE...many power companies are PRESSURED to give LEO data...

ALL power cos have database reports...THIS is a Tech talking here...I KNOW...that highlight users...

Who have big jumps in Kwhrs...

Rent a place with large bills...that has a pool/spa or is huge...use same or little more power b/c its you and plants only...

:dance013:

THANKS

DasFox · Feb 15, 2011

Lazyman said:
My power bill at my place is about $1k a month, and the only "grow" i have here is about 200W of fluoros for my clone tent. Hot tub, lots of outdoor lighting, LOTS of home theater gear, plus my place is cold and drafty so the heater runs all the damn time. Adds up fast. I'd be surprised if my neighbors bills weren't close to mine.

SAME as Neighbors...KEY... :dance013:

THANKS

SOTF420 · Feb 15, 2011

I would be far more worried about FLIR than your electrical usage.

Keep it sensible and if possible invest in some new state of the art LED lighting, it may cost more to buy up front but the benefits are endless as far as reduced electrical usage and low heat. Also they produce no IR which is what is seen my LEO scanning for grows. Fire risk is also greatly minimized.

Check out the Lumigrow Es 330, great light if you have the cash they have sales on them also don't be afraid to bargain you will likely get a nice price break if you bought a few. I can confidently say that one equals 400 - 600 watts HID equivalent yield wise with top quality nugs and extremely healthy strong bushy plants that are short & compact. :good:

OsWiZzLe · Feb 15, 2011

No need to worry friends....grow a couple of huge Sweet Tooth Trees and let the sweet sugar goodness protect you from all that is not sweet!

SOTF420 · Feb 15, 2011

That too!

OsWiZzLe · Feb 15, 2011

Do or DO not......Without Sweet Tooth ...Bulbs of Light could not emit their beautiful wide array of colorful beams that we see.... all in all Sweet Tooth will make you want to drop the huge yields of HID and go for the soft kind sweet and weak LED (he sells them)

Power?

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shut the fuck up Donny

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Overkill is under-rated.

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