On 15 Jan 2007 12:02:03 -0800, "Too_Many_Tools"
wrote:

In terms of energy efficiency, many new electronics are more energy
gluttons than the old ones they replace.
Bullcrap.The devices themselves are more power efficient (draw less
power to do the same job)and switch mode power warts draw VERY LITTLE
power. The power pack for my portable DVD shows no measurable draw on
my UPM E100 energy meter. Charging the battery, it draws about .02amp,
and running about .09 to .10 amps. The switchmode supply on my USP hub
draws .01 amp idle and the port draws another .03 for a total of .04
amps. My 20 year old TV draws.06 amps turned off, my daughter's new
one all of .02 and her 5 year old VCR draws .03. The old "instant on"
tube TV I used to have was over 20 watts when turned off, and it was
made 35? years ago. Not to mention it drew a WHOLE LOT more when
running than anything made today.

Many electronics today have "always on" features where they
continuously draw current even when shut off. Couple this with others
who use wall transformers that continuously draw current.

Cheap crap uses transformers. Cheap transformers dissipate about 4
watts. Virtually no QUALITY stuff uses transformers any more.
New Switchers dissipate significantly less than 1 watt idle. (my DVD)
Old switchers dissipate about 4 watts (old laptop) and 3 watts (cheap
chinese laptop supply and 2 watts for a better chinese laptop supply.
If one wishes
to reduce your energy bill, the first thing you need to do is remove
all these parasitic power users. The irony is those of us who are
serious about cutting our power bills seek out the older electronics
because they do not siphon power when not used.
Depends how much you use them. If they are used a lot, buy new quality
stuff - it uses a lot less power when in use. If it sits most of the
time, use the old stuff or disconnect when not in use.

It is true that some refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners are
more efficient but you also need to consider the depreciation cost of
your money when replacing the unit.

The difference in operating cost between a 25 year old fridge and a
new one will pay the depreciation cost and the financing charges at
today's rates.
The push to replace older
appliances is a push to sell new ones and for power companies not to
have to build new power plants....it is not about you saving money.

If power companies don't need to build new power plants, it saves YOU
money.

TMT

Tracey wrote:
"Too_Many_Tools" wrote in message
ups.com...
In my opinon...no.

I intentionally try to have older appliances, vehicles, machines to
lower repair costs and keep overall ownership cost to a minimum.

Your thoughts?

One thing that you might not have considered is Energy Efficiency. Sure,
your refrigerator from 1950 might appear to be working fabulously. However,
it probably costs an awful lot more in electricity to operate it than a
newer model would cost. Likewise with your hot water heater, oven,
diswasher, washing machine, etc.

Its just something else to keep in mind...

And I drive older vehicles and fix them myself. I don't put on a lot
of miles. If I did, I'd buy a newer more efficient vehicle - but for
me, at this point, it would never get close to paying for itself.

As for appliances, when I can no longer fix what I have, I buy the
best quality I can get for my money - knowing I will likely spend more
time and money fixing it over it's (shorter) lifespan than I spent on
what it is replacing, but less than if I buy the cheapest I can find.

My water heater is about 20 years old now. My friend is on his 4th in
15 years. Mine cost almost twice what his did.


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