Power/watt useage concerns

hey RIU community. Got some questions concerning my useage of power on my first grow. I have done plenty of reading on this and have pretty much came to the conclusion that as long as I don't have some outrageous setup and as long as I pay my power bill on time, I shouldn't have any issues with anyone snooping around. I guess I just am a little paranoid and rightfully so. I want to state that I am in a little older apartment building and am concerned my increased use of power might alert somebody. It really is a small compact apartment and a use of all this extra power all of a sudden worries me. Electrically speaking, my setup consists of:

• One 600 watt hps with ballast
• 700 CFM carbon filter with variable speed controller
• Humidifier
• 3-4 inline fans for various ducting, etc.

I know watts can add up fast and I just don't want anything going south. Any wise advice from you guys here? Would really help.

Growing in an apartment building is about the easiest, surest way on earth to get caught.

In fact, plan on getting caught. If you can't handle the circumstances of getting caught, do not grow. Period.

The energy bill will be the least of your worries. Odor will in all likelihood be number one. That and the fact that anybody from management or maintenance can walk into your apartment at any time without notice. They come in to check your AC to make sure it's running properly, and you're busted.

TacoMac said:

Growing in an apartment building is about the easiest, surest way on earth to get caught.

In fact, plan on getting caught. If you can't handle the circumstances of getting caught, do not grow. Period.

The energy bill will be the least of your worries. Odor will in all likelihood be number one. That and the fact that anybody from management or maintenance can walk into your apartment at any time without notice. They come in to check your AC to make sure it's running properly, and you're busted.

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Pretty much this, if you aren't legal I certainly wouldn't recommend it. A single 600w grow isn't going to raise your electric bill by very much really, an extra $100/mo maybe, if even that. My PC uses more electricity than a 600w light does (750w PSU with 3 monitors), a single light tent grow isn't nearly enough to warrant any suspicion. If anyone asks, just tell them you have a high end gaming PC and/or you run the central air constantly and problem solved.

However, as TacoMac said, that is the absolute least of your concerns. You'll be placing an awful lot of trust into your carbon filter, and being in such a confined space you'll have issues with being discreet. Ever heard how loud those fans are? If it's too close to your neighbor then the sound of the fan alone could cause suspicion. Ever seen how bright an HPS light is? Shit will shine right through your blinds and it doesn't take a genius to figure out what's going on if they catch a glimpse of that. And finally, your biggest concern is the final thing Taco pointed out which is the fact you're in an apartment/rental. Check your lease agreement, your landlord has the right to come in at anytime or send anyone in for maintenance at any time. In some cases a 24-48hr notice is required, other cases it's not.

If one of your neighbors smells it, or sees something, then complains to management then management can come up with any lame excuse to find their way into your place to "fix" something in order to do some snooping. Even if you're given a notice, you're still screwed. Where would you hide everything within a 24-48 hour period of time? And even if you could successfully hide everything, what are you going to do if this happens in flower?

If you aren't in a medical/recreational state, I personally wouldn't risk it. You have quite a bit working against you here unfortunately. Best of luck my man.

TacoMac said:

Growing in an apartment building is about the easiest, surest way on earth to get caught.

In fact, plan on getting caught. If you can't handle the circumstances of getting caught, do not grow. Period.

The energy bill will be the least of your worries. Odor will in all likelihood be number one. That and the fact that anybody from management or maintenance can walk into your apartment at any time without notice. They come in to check your AC to make sure it's running properly, and you're busted.

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Thanks @TacoMac, I really appreciate your insight. This is completely new to me so I appreciate you being honest with me. I think I've came to a decision on what to do.. just wait for the right time. Thanks again brotha

kratos015 said:

Pretty much this, if you aren't legal I certainly wouldn't recommend it. A single 600w grow isn't going to raise your electric bill by very much really, an extra $100/mo maybe, if even that. My PC uses more electricity than a 600w light does (750w PSU with 3 monitors), a single light tent grow isn't nearly enough to warrant any suspicion. If anyone asks, just tell them you have a high end gaming PC and/or you run the central air constantly and problem solved.

However, as TacoMac said, that is the absolute least of your concerns. You'll be placing an awful lot of trust into your carbon filter, and being in such a confined space you'll have issues with being discreet. Ever heard how loud those fans are? If it's too close to your neighbor then the sound of the fan alone could cause suspicion. Ever seen how bright an HPS light is? Shit will shine right through your blinds and it doesn't take a genius to figure out what's going on if they catch a glimpse of that. And finally, your biggest concern is the final thing Taco pointed out which is the fact you're in an apartment/rental. Check your lease agreement, your landlord has the right to come in at anytime or send anyone in for maintenance at any time. In some cases a 24-48hr notice is required, other cases it's not.

If one of your neighbors smells it, or sees something, then complains to management then management can come up with any lame excuse to find their way into your place to "fix" something in order to do some snooping. Even if you're given a notice, you're still screwed. Where would you hide everything within a 24-48 hour period of time? And even if you could successfully hide everything, what are you going to do if this happens in flower?

If you aren't in a medical/recreational state, I personally wouldn't risk it. You have quite a bit working against you here unfortunately. Best of luck my man.

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Hello @kratos015, and thank you oh so much for your indetail response. Thanks for giving me some insight on my potential power useage even though you had already said this apartment grow might be a bad idea.. and with me being a beginning, I must come out and be honest and say that I have never seen an HPS light or carbon filter in action. Had no idea how loud or how bright it might actually be. Luckily with my landlord, he's a pretty laid back guy and apartment inspections have never ever happened in the two years I have resided here, but you truly never know.. as much as I desire to begin this project, I think I will take the advice from you folks and just be patient and wait for the right time to come along.. until then..

PSlacks said:

Hello @kratos015, and thank you oh so much for your indetail response. Thanks for giving me some insight on my potential power useage even though you had already said this apartment grow might be a bad idea.. and with me being a beginning, I must come out and be honest and say that I have never seen an HPS light or carbon filter in action. Had no idea how loud or how bright it might actually be. Luckily with my landlord, he's a pretty laid back guy and apartment inspections have never ever happened in the two years I have resided here, but you truly never know.. as much as I desire to begin this project, I think I will take the advice from you folks and just be patient and wait for the right time to come along.. until then..

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I hear you man, it totally sucks that some places are still illegal but that's changing quite quickly. In recreational/medical states I always recommend everyone at least TRY growing their own on a small scale because it'll never be 100% worthless.

Unfortunately, if you're in a state where it's illegal the risk just isn't worth it. Some states will give you a year just for a roach, not to mention the minimum sentences associated with growing.

A lot of people in your shoes look into guerilla growing. I hate to be a buzzkill about the whole thing, but prison time is no fun. I mean, if you get caught up with just a little baggie and you have no priors any decent lawyer will be able to get you on house arrest. Getting caught cultivating is another ball game entirely though sadly.

Hope you're able to find some sort of opportunity in the near future my man.

kratos015 said:

I hear you man, it totally sucks that some places are still illegal but that's changing quite quickly. In recreational/medical states I always recommend everyone at least TRY growing their own on a small scale because it'll never be 100% worthless.

Unfortunately, if you're in a state where it's illegal the risk just isn't worth it. Some states will give you a year just for a roach, not to mention the minimum sentences associated with growing.

A lot of people in your shoes look into guerilla growing. I hate to be a buzzkill about the whole thing, but prison time is no fun. I mean, if you get caught up with just a little baggie and you have no priors any decent lawyer will be able to get you on house arrest. Getting caught cultivating is another ball game entirely though sadly.

Hope you're able to find some sort of opportunity in the near future my man.

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In today's time, yes, things are changing very quickly! A couple of years back, the thought of even one state allowing marijuana was just a dream floating amongst us all. Now, some of us are witnessing that reality and some of us just happen to not be in the right place yet.. time will tell. And my friend, I have read up a bit on the consequences of getting caught and oh lordy that's enough to make me run away gladly. But it's very hard to accept defeat so easily when I simply just want to grow a plant.. I know I know, same ole century old argument, I could go on for days so let me just stop myself before I continue, haha. I ready your post almost right after you posted here a couple hours ago and couldn't help but show some interest in this "guerrilla growing." Let's just say I haven't stopped reading since. It sure is a long time until the next grow season starts though.. any sources on here for some guerrilla growers? Thanks @kratos015, you're the man! Looking forward to learning many more lessons from you my friend

kratos015 said:

A single 600w grow isn't going to raise your electric bill by very much really, an extra $100/mo maybe, if even that.

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Not even remotely close. In fact, it's a fraction of that.

During an 18/6 veg run, the 600 watt will cost you $35.64 per month based on the national average of 12 cents per kilowatt hour.

When you switch to a 12/12 flower schedule, that drops to $25.92 per month based on the national average of 12 cents per kilowatt hour.

There's a very simple formula for costs: Watts x Hours Used / 1000 x KwH cost = cost per day. Multiply by 30 to get monthly cost.

In other words, someone that runs their AC at 72 degrees will have a higher power bill than you do if you're running your AC at 76 degrees and the 600 watt MH.

Hence why I said your power bill isn't going to be an issue. That's an old wives tale / urban legend that law enforcement looks at power bills within normal range. They don't.

Now, if you were to rent that apartment and crank up 10 1000 watt lamps and your power bill suddenly shot up an additional 650 dollars per month, then they might take notice.

TacoMac said:

Not even remotely close. In fact, it's a fraction of that.

During an 18/6 veg run, the 600 watt will cost you $35.64 per month based on the national average of 12 cents per kilowatt hour.

When you switch to a 12/12 flower schedule, that drops to $25.92 per month based on the national average of 12 cents per kilowatt hour.

There's a very simple formula for costs: Watts x Hours Used / 1000 x KwH cost = cost per day. Multiply by 30 to get monthly cost.

In other words, someone that runs their AC at 72 degrees will have a higher power bill than you do if you're running your AC at 76 degrees and the 600 watt MH.

Hence why I said your power bill isn't going to be an issue. That's an old wives tale / urban legend that law enforcement looks at power bills within normal range. They don't.

Now, if you were to rent that apartment and crank up 10 1000 watt lamps and your power bill suddenly shot up an additional 650 dollars per month, then they might take notice.

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I knew it wouldn't be $100, just prefer to overestimate things is all. I was too lazy to do the math tbh.

It all depends on your electric company and how they work. Mine for example starts at .14/kW but goes up in tiers up to .18/kW.

I freaking wish it only cost me $650 to run a 10k watt grow though! I'm running 4400 watts in a shed, last month I did 2 weeks 18/6 and 2 weeks 12/12. That combined with my house's electrical usage resulted in an $880 electric bill. I'd have killed for a $650 electric bill haha

At peak hours (.18 cents) on an 18 hour schedule you're shelling out $427.68 per month.

If you were running 10,000 watts, you'd be shelling out $972.00 per month.

TacoMac said:

Growing in an apartment building is about the easiest, surest way on earth to get caught.

In fact, plan on getting caught. If you can't handle the circumstances of getting caught, do not grow. Period.

The energy bill will be the least of your worries. Odor will in all likelihood be number one. That and the fact that anybody from management or maintenance can walk into your apartment at any time without notice. They come in to check your AC to make sure it's running properly, and you're busted.

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Hey man that's why OP is asking questions. Don't need to come in and scare the guy. I will agree with what you're saying though.

PSlacks said:

hey RIU community. Got some questions concerning my useage of power on my first grow. I have done plenty of reading on this and have pretty much came to the conclusion that as long as I don't have some outrageous setup and as long as I pay my power bill on time, I shouldn't have any issues with anyone snooping around. I guess I just am a little paranoid and rightfully so. I want to state that I am in a little older apartment building and am concerned my increased use of power might alert somebody. It really is a small compact apartment and a use of all this extra power all of a sudden worries me. Electrically speaking, my setup consists of:

• One 600 watt hps with ballast
• 700 CFM carbon filter with variable speed controller
• Humidifier
• 3-4 inline fans for various ducting, etc.

I know watts can add up fast and I just don't want anything going south. Any wise advice from you guys here? Would really help.

Click to expand...

Hey Op, as another fellow apartment grower let me Add my .02 cents. Although growing in an app does have its challenges you can get away with it as long as you are on top of it. No one will no squat! If there's a will there's a way.

You'll need a carbon filter to eliminate all orders. Just hook it up to your inline fan. To be on the safe side you could clean it out or get a new one after 1-2 runs. One inline fan and two desk fans or those moving fans in the tent to get the air moving around. Remember you can have all the fans you want but you'll need to cool the air the tent is in to have proper temps inside the tent.

The one thing is that when you're working in the garden that hps bulb is going to light up the whole room. So if there's windows you'll need to figure out a way to block it. That's probably the biggest giveaway besides Smell. If you have some trust in the landlord just figure a way to cover the tent if they ever pop on by.

Good luck and it's definitely do able. Just have to be really proactive about it.

TacoMac said:

At peak hours (.18 cents) on an 18 hour schedule you're shelling out $427.68 per month.

If you were running 10,000 watts, you'd be shelling out $972.00 per month.

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This guy knows what's up!

Better us scare him, than bubba in jail asking him to pick up the soap.

DemonTrich said:

Better us scare him, than bubba in jail asking him to pick up the soap.

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Giving you flashbacks from your time in the slammer ?

TacoMac said:

Growing in an apartment building is about the easiest, surest way on earth to get caught.

In fact, plan on getting caught. If you can't handle the circumstances of getting caught, do not grow. Period.

The energy bill will be the least of your worries. Odor will in all likelihood be number one. That and the fact that anybody from management or maintenance can walk into your apartment at any time without notice. They come in to check your AC to make sure it's running properly, and you're busted.

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Keep that shit under 300 watts and hidden! And no, they cannot walk into your apartment without notice. It requires a 24hr notice to enter a dwelling, in California atleast, unless under emergency circumstances. Make a stealth cab with no light leaks or smell and you're golden!
Have your lights set to be off during business hours of the apartment complex to further lower the risk.
But, yeah fuck apartment growing for the fact that you can't just do wtf you want.
Large scale grows are pretty much impossible unless you live in a shit hole.

PSlacks said:

hey RIU community. Got some questions concerning my useage of power on my first grow. I have done plenty of reading on this and have pretty much came to the conclusion that as long as I don't have some outrageous setup and as long as I pay my power bill on time, I shouldn't have any issues with anyone snooping around. I guess I just am a little paranoid and rightfully so. I want to state that I am in a little older apartment building and am concerned my increased use of power might alert somebody. It really is a small compact apartment and a use of all this extra power all of a sudden worries me. Electrically speaking, my setup consists of:

• One 600 watt hps with ballast
• 700 CFM carbon filter with variable speed controller
• Humidifier
• 3-4 inline fans for various ducting, etc.

I know watts can add up fast and I just don't want anything going south. Any wise advice from you guys here? Would really help.

Click to expand...

35 years ago I got nabbed growing in a townhouse complex. I had built a room in the basement in an area that didn't have meters, breakers or anything else. But one day while I was at work, a maintenance guy came in, snooped around, then called the cops on me. Later that night after I got home, the whole town's police force swooped in with guns drawn.

That's what you can't plan for... Landlords or maintenance people - or nosy neighbors...

Also, if it's an older building, do they have a breaker panel or is it so old that it still has fuse panels? I would recommend splitting up the loads so that it's not all pulling off a single 15A breaker - you'll just keep tripping it. You'll have to find 2 outlets or more that are on different breakers, and plug the light into one and the the other stuff on the other one.

I wouldn't be concerned about your power usage. I'd be concerned about a surprise inspection like has been mentioned.

Id personally grow 1 or 2 little autos for personal smoke. Get some Northern Lights bc they're not that loud. Use a 300w and just stay on top of it. If you do this power wont be an issue the only thing that would be is an unexpected visitor. If you feel safe that wont happen id start growing immediately and the smell dont really start untill about 5 weeks in depending on strain