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Power Bills
Hey Guys,
Just thought I'd get a discussion on this. Now I know we all come different aprts of the globe but I'm sure we are all feeling the pinch of power bills given that we all keep reptiles (some of us more so than others).
Given that power consumption increases with each new arrival, and I really don't see us stopping from getting a new reptile as soon as a space is available in the house. I thought it would be good if we can help each other out with some tips on lowering the cost power bills and energy consumption in our hobby.
Ok i'll start.
1) All my enclosures have ambient air control thermostats in them. If there's no need for the heat to be on as the temps are high enough then they're not on. Pulse proportional thermostats for the tubs controlling heat cords and heat mats.
2) All enclosures are made of wood as it retains heat better, even my tubs are in a rack system which is made of 16mm melamine to help stem heat loss
3) Where possible I have all my reptiles in a dedicated room, this way the ambient temerature in the room is actually hotter than the rest of the house and the enclosures are heated partially by each other.
4) I'm slowly starting to switch all diurnal reptile heat bulbs to halogen lights. They pump out a lot of heat at very low wattages. A 50w halogen can get to 50C at a distance of 1 feet (for monitor keepers or people with tall vivs). I am only using a 20W and a 35w for my shingle back skink and BD instead of the old 75w and 100w bulbs efectively switching one bulb off.
5) Now I know this would not apply to everybody and may not be even feasable but I thought I'd throw it in here anyway.... We have installed a 3kw solar system in the house.
Please share any other tips that you know as we can all help each other.
Cheers,
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