Library to Help Residents Measure Home Energy

A “Kill A Watt Meter” measuring a window AC unit. Photo courtesy Jonathan Hunt.

Medford Public Library to end Kill-A-Watt meters to track energy used by TVs, computers, other electrical devices

On June 27, the Medford Public Library will begin lending packets to library card holders that will help them to track and conserve energy. The Kill-A-Watt electricity usage monitor is a small device that measures how much power a plug-in appliance is using at the moment, and how much energy it consumes over time. To use it, a resident can simply plug an appliance (such as a lamp, TV, computer) into the meter, plug the meter into a power outlet, and read the digital display.

By learning how much electricity various appliances and devices use, Medford residents can figure out where they can save the most energy and money. For instance, they could replace an appliance with a more energy-efficient one, or turn off or unplug devices when they are not being used.

The Kill-A-Watt meter is very simple to use, and safe when used as directed. As with anything that transmits electricity, people should be careful when using the device.

The Kill-A-Watt meter packets were generously donated by the Friends of the Medford Public Library, with logistical support from the Medford Energy Committee. Elisabeth Krautscheid, who is a member of both Friends of the Library and the Energy Committee, spearheaded the project. She says, “I first heard about libraries lending Kill-A-Watt meters a few years ago, and I thought it was a great idea. I was pleased to be able to connect the Energy Committee and the Friends of the Library together so that we can offer the meters at the Medford Library. I hope that families in our community will use these materials to learn more about energy conservation, save money, and pass along important and fun lessons to their kids about helping our environment.”

Along with the Kill-A-Watt meter, each packet includes complete instructions and a booklet of entertaining learning activities for families to do with the meter. This booklet, called “Energy Lite,” was created by group of Cambridge children called Sprouts of Hope. The Sprouts are a chapter of Roots and Shoots, an environmental program for children that was founded by the famous chimpanzee researcher Jane Goodall.

The meters can be borrowed from the Medford Public Library for 7 days with no renewals. A late fee of $1.00 per day will be charged. The meters can be reserved. To borrow or reserve a meter or for more information, please call the Information Desk at (781) 395-7950. The meters will be available to borrow starting Monday, June 27, 2011.

For more information:

The Medford Public Library, Information Desk: (781) 395-7950

The Friends of the Medford Public Library (http://friendsofmedfordlibrary.org/) is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to supporting, assisting, and enhancing the Medford Public Library.

The Medford Energy Committee (www.medford.org/Pages/MedfordMA_Energy/energycommittee) works in conjunction with the Medford Office of Energy and Environment to support the City’s goals of energy independence and environmental stewardship. The Committee, whose members are appointed by the Mayor, provides additional technical and consulting expertise to the City and organizes energy and environmental related projects, events and programs to benefit the residents of Medford.

Roots and Shoots (www.rootsandshoots.org) is a youth-focused organization founded by Jane Goodall.

– Submitted by Alicia Hunt, Energy Efficiency Coordinator, City of Medford