How does your home compare?

13.04.04: Powerstream has come up with a useful presentation of data.
Bar graphs are quite useful for a quick visual summary. 

Their site will show you how your home uses water and electricity ... compared to other homes in your area.

I was a little surprised our home was less electrically efficient than 56% of homes in the area ... and less water efficient than 82% in the area!

I guess changing to CFLs and turning lighs off when not needed doesn't account for much when everyone does it!
Maybe a 12 gallon/day humidifier isn't the way to go...
 
When I thought about it, I attempted to justify our results by thinking other homes were smaller, no inhabitants during the day, did not have an extra fridge and freezer.

What I can do:
1. I may have to borrow the Watt Reader from the local library again and test individual devices. 
2. I need to better understand how to use the Energy Display device Powerstream provided for free.
3. I will take reading of the water meter in the basement, as I turn on and off the humidifier for a few days.

If you use Powerstream, here is how to get to the information:

1. go to Powerstream and sign in
2. click on "Compare Usage in My Area" in right side menu
3. select "electricity" and "amount" - chart will automatically update
4. select "water" and "usage" - chart will automatically update
5. select "usage history - electricity" - to see highs and lows of your usage over the last three years
6. select usage history - water" - to see highs and lows of your usage over last three years

Previous related blog items:

1. Up-to-the-minute Hydro Usage - Dec, 2010 
2. Hydro - Time of Use Pricing - Oct, 2010
3. Powerstream Peaksaver - Jan, 2009