A while back we wrote about the performance of our refrigerator and presented the power details. However, one item was probably missing in the data. That is, how much power does that thing take when its summer?
I pulled out our trusty Kill-o-watt power monitor and set up the test a couple days ago, and began recording . Unfortunately, we are not in the middle of a hot spell which would raise the ambient temperature in in the kitchen to 80F or more. For this test I’d say the average temperature remained between 70-72F. This is better
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Depending on your body thermostat and the climate at your off grid home, keeping cool can be a challenge to your power system. Traditional AC units draw enormous power for their compressors. Earth or underground homes are nice, but not for everyone. Evaporative coolers and their variations have broad appeal for our off grid cooling needs. We’ll finish up with a free, primitive evaporative cooler.
The weather around these parts has been cooler and wetter than past years, so its not too hot yet. Personally, I don’t like anything much above 75F and 85F is unbearable. With the weather switch
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Marshall continues this series with quick steaks. Its time to re-evaluate power assumptions about things like electric grills to see if these useful appliances can be practically used in the right sized genverter system. If so, you can move off grid sooner with less kitchen equipment? Last time, Jackie did barbecue beef in the crock pot.
Well, it happened in Walmart the other day. We were near the checkout and it happened, something that never happens to me, an impulse buy. There it was, the George Foreman indoor electric grill, for only twenty bucks! I don’t remember, but I probably muttered something like,
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Jackie continues this series with some tasty barbecue beef. Its time to re-evaluate power assumptions about things like crock pots and determine if these appliances are practical in the right sized genverter system. In this recipe, we capture the power data for the crock-pot on the high setting. Next in the series, we’ll look at another common kitchen appliance. See the first installment at; Rethinking Off Grid Cooking [1]
My latest crock-pot venture was yesterday’s dinner. It wasn’t very imaginative, but crock-pot cooking doesn’t need to be.
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Compact Florescent(CF) lights have been quite a blessing to those off grid as well as on. The power savings of CF lights over normal incandescent lights made everyone like ourselves and early adopter. When it seemed like and overpriced luxury for most people, it made great sense to us. Many remote homes began to light up as the cost of these lights dropped. I remember paying $15-18 for a 60W equivalent bulb!
This tip is based on the notion that you CAN teach an old dog (me) new tricks (lights).
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Jackie starts of this series with some tasty stew. Its time to re-evaluate power assumptions about things like skillets and crock pots and determine if these useful appliances can be practically used in the right sized genverter system. If so, you can move off grid sooner with less kitchen equipment? Next in the series, we’ll look at another common kitchen appliance.
One thing I miss about not having grid power is being able to cook with most electric appliances. [Marshall has the exception for his Espresso though] I recall asking about the electric food dehydrator. about the bread maker, and about the crock pot – all No.
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When the subject of off grid dishwasher comes up you are likely to think of two things. A) a monster off grid power system to handle the load, or B) a delightful helper or indentured servant to do this chore. Both are possible solutions, but they will either consume your budget, or wreck a relationship. Neither is desirable. There is a happy middle ground solution that we have used our whole time up here.
Fortunately, thanks to free power time, you can plan on a large appliance like this if you routinely
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Keeping a refrigerator in an off grid environment is a challenge and expense. In this series, we cover our experience with several units. In the previous Tips 2 & 3, we spoke of the new Frigidaire unit, here I’m seriously pleased to follow up on that last bonus tip with good power news
One of the more difficult parts of creating and living within your power budget is getting good power data to use. Yes you can “worst case it” by using UL power listed on appliances. The result, however, will be a moderate to largely exaggerated system budget. Yes, you will have more than enough power, yet the price tag may scare you away from your off grid move! So realistic power numbers are crucial.
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When it comes to computers, everyone seems to think “their” program, Operating System, or hardware is the best. These ideas are often formed from years of experience. Not being one to shy away from and occasional
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Being able to make phone calls using the internet has come a long way since 2003. Companies like Vontage 
and Packet8 have made this service very usable. Now Comcast, Cox, and Roadrunner cable TV systems offer their own phone service. If you are off grid / remote living, you don’t care much about cable companies and their offerings, but depending on the kind and quality of Internet connection you have, Internet phone technology can make a big difference.
First, the bad news.
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