24/7 vs timer?
I have always been running my espresso machines from a timer, not 24/7. Why? To be honest, it just seemed to be the right things to do for me. I did experiment with the electricity consumption in both of these operating modes. Logic says that a machine that is running 24 hours a day will consume more electricity. So tried this over the course of a few days. My usual daily routine (which I followed through these days) is two have two cappas in the morning and a minimum of two straight doubles in the evening.
The graph shows the cumulative electricity consumption over 24 hours with both methods. My first observation is that the GS3 uses less electricity than I thought it would. The second is that the difference between the two is bigger than I expected. We are not talking big money here, but according to my calculations I save around 75-85 euros (over 100 usd with the current exchange rate) when running the GS3 from the timer vs 24/7 operation.
I know that there are arguments both ways - electrical components and gaskets don't like constant heat while scale buildup is increased in timer use. 24/7 operation is naturally convenient in the sense that if you feel like having a cup, the machine is always ready. On the other hand, there is also comfort in being home when the machine is on just in case something did go wrong. Is there a clear benefit from choosing one or the other? I have not seen or heard anything conclusive on this, so I will probably stick with my current MO.
The graph shows the cumulative electricity consumption over 24 hours with both methods. My first observation is that the GS3 uses less electricity than I thought it would. The second is that the difference between the two is bigger than I expected. We are not talking big money here, but according to my calculations I save around 75-85 euros (over 100 usd with the current exchange rate) when running the GS3 from the timer vs 24/7 operation.I know that there are arguments both ways - electrical components and gaskets don't like constant heat while scale buildup is increased in timer use. 24/7 operation is naturally convenient in the sense that if you feel like having a cup, the machine is always ready. On the other hand, there is also comfort in being home when the machine is on just in case something did go wrong. Is there a clear benefit from choosing one or the other? I have not seen or heard anything conclusive on this, so I will probably stick with my current MO.
Labels: machines
posted by Teme at Friday, October 19, 2007
2 Comments:
That interesting. Years ago when I did the same testing with a smaller home machine I found it used the same amount of electricity to heat up initially in the morning, than leave it on overnight.
You just have to consider that when heating up and cooling down the metal will expand and subtract. Not all parts and connections inside the machine are fond of this, so often it's recommended leaving the machine on. Group gaskets don't mind constant heat - they just don't like drying out.
Thanks Klaus. I double checked my measurements (i.e. re-measured) and got the same results. I have not tried the economy-mode, though and of course the later GS3's with some added insulation may be a bit more energy efficient when idle as well.
With regards to the expansion and subtraction of the metals around joints in timer use, I agree that this is a very valid point. However, the GS3 does have a fair bit of electronics that do no like heat. These are very expensive parts to replace I assume?
Either way, one has to make a compromise?
Br,
Teme
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