Kiln energy consumption

[Molten Sands]

So latley I have been wondering how much electricity my kiln uses during an average days work of about 7-9 hours. Im sure some of you have similar concerns of how much impact our chosen path effects the enviroment.
Im assuming that all kilns pulse on and off once the set temp is reached, deffinitly good for energy savings, but tricky for consumption calc. I guess i could sit and wait and average the time it pulses on for then off for and figure out an approx time it is on per hour. However Im hoping someone might already know some info on this...maybe some info from AIM.
I have a large Aim 9767 (or something) digi on 120 volts and 15 amps. Ive been thinking about getting a smaller kiln for the days Im not planning to do large scale work do save energy but maybe the consumption is virtually the same cant imagine it would be...It be cool to see a layout from the kiln companies on how many Kwh per hour are used on avergae for the differing kiln sizes...Anyone who gots the info please distribute it kindly...peace

[n3rd]

I have a large Aim 9767 (or something) digi on 120 volts and 15 amps.

you just said it, 15 amps x 120 volts = 1800 watts. and as you also said its on/off, you can probably hear the relay clicking when it turns on and off. you can use this to determine exactly how many hours (as well as KwH/amps/watts/volts) with this cool gizmo:

http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/travelpower/7657/

also try searching there have been a number of interesting kiln / energy consumption threads.

[Mike_Aurelius]

Most of the energy consumed is in the heating phase, when the kiln is running at 100% on. During "idle", when the kiln is holding temp, typically speaking, the kiln is running around 35-40% "on", during cool down, maybe 10% "on". Your mileage may vary. Depends on the kiln, if it is all brick, partial brick, etc.

The more mass, the more energy required to heat it, the less required to keep it at temp.

[Greymatter Glass]

see if your local power company will loan you a plug-in meter.

[Loïc]

i bought a plug-in metter for 20$ at Canadian tire... usefull all around the house and shop...
maybe u can find something simillar if u are in the U.S. its a UPM em100

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=140847439 6672790&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443279714&bmUID=1209068593752&assortment=primary&fromSearch=true

[Dennis Brady]

http://www.glasscampus.com/tutorials/pdf/Kiln%20firing%20cost.pdf