Frequently Asked Questions about the KVAR Energy Controller (KEC)
Is the KVAR Energy Controller (KEC) legal?
Absolutely. It has over 14 patents nationally and internationally. These patents are issued with governmental approval and backed by the U.S. Department of Energy. It has been UL (Underwriters Laboratory) approved, CSA (Canadian Standard Approved) in addition to energy and safety tests conducted by the following organizations: NASA, EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), U.S. Dept. of Energy, and RoHS U.K. (Restrictions of Hazardous Substances) compliant. The manufacturer of the KVAR Energy Controller, KVAR Energy Savings, Inc., is a licensed business operating in the State of Florida and working with distributors world wide.
How does the KEC work?
The KVAR unit reduces the amount of power drawn from the utility by storing (in its capacitors) otherwise lost electricity (watts) caused by the inductive motors in your home or business. Some examples are Air Conditioning units, refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, dishwashers, pool pumps, vacuum cleaners, furnace blower motors, fans, etc.) The technology applied by the KVAR unit supplies that stored electricity back to your load, thus causing to decrease your demand from the utility. Your meter slows down as you use less electricity. The thought is, you’ve already paid for that electricity - why pay for it and waste it when you can store and reuse it? This whole process is called power factor optimization.
The authority of the power company ENDS at the sealed meter. When the power company sends you all this electricity, much of the WASTED electricity is emitted and disposed of throughout your building and all around you. Within that wasted energy are EMF emissions you are constantly exposed to. Unless you have something pulling/ drawing that energy from the power source/meter, that energy sits there waiting for you to consume it. Even though you are not using ALL the energy the power company sends you, you are paying for what you use AND what you waste.
The KEC takes that power being sent to you. It pulls it into the patented capacitors and sends that wasted energy back to the power company. There is no other product that offers a more COST EFFICIENT energy saving than this one. The KVAR unit takes the active part of energy and sends the excess back through the transformer and to the electrical company that sent it.
The power companies would love to stop our product from being used or for them to take the product and utilize it themselves by offering free installation by their own technicians to every home owner. But they can’t because our product is patented and thereby copyright protected.
Aside from the approval and protection of these patents by the governments issuing them, as well as other accredited institutions backing the product with their own tests and studies (i.e. NASA, EPA, RoHC, CSA) the product maintains an environmental approval rating of reducing the EMF emissions by up to 40%. With globalization of the product use, it will reduce the carbon footprint being emitted and help minimize the need to build more power plants, hereby affecting the reduction of the current contribution to global warming.
What is Power Factor?
In simple terms: It is the percentage of electricity that’s delivered to your house and used effectively, compared to what is wasted. For example, a 1.0 power factor means that all the electricity delivered to your building is being used effectively for its purpose. However, most homes in America have a 0.77 power factor or less. This means that 77% of the electricity that comes to your home or business is being used effectively; the other 23% is being wasted by your inductive load. With a low power factor, the utility has to deliver more electricity to do the same work. However, the KVAR unit increased that power factor in most cases to 0.97 or 0.98, thus increasing the effective use of your electricity and lowering your usage.
Does the KEC work in any home?
Yes, it does. As long as you have a circuit breaker panel with breaker switches, the unit will work on any single-phase electric application for homes and 3-phase commercial applications.
Is the KEC tested and approved by independent labs?
Yes, the KVAR unit is UL listed and tested in the U.S. and Canada, and has also been tested by many other highly credentialed organizations, such as NASA and RoHS. Also, the technology is recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy after their endorsement of the product.
Will the KEC affect any of my appliances and their normal use?
No, if anything, your motors will run about 10% cooler, which is good for a motor, because excessive heat can damage it.
How much can I expect to save per month by using the KEC?
That depends on many factors. The size of your home or business, the amount of inductive motor load, and the amount you are paying per kilowatt-hour for electricity etc. However, generally speaking, users of the product have seen an up to 25% reduced consumption. The average saving is somewhere in the 15% to 20% range.
How long will is take for the KEC to pay for itself?
Generally about 6 to 12 month. Individual results can vary.
Is the KEC easy to install?
We recommend installation by an electrician. The unit comes with complete installation instructions. It installs in about 20-30 minutes.
How long will the KEC last?
It has a predicted lifespan of up to 30+ years.
Why haven’t I heard of the product until now?
Two words: “cost effectiveness”. Up until recently, electric rates throughout America were cheap, costing us 2 to 4 cents per kilowatt-hour. Now, electric rates are 8 to 19 cents, and in some cases in New York City 22 cents per Kwh, and Hawaii is 33.5 cents per Kwh. At the cheaper rates the KVAR Energy Saver wasn’t cost effective, but at the current rated, it makes all the sense in the world.
How does the KEC work as Surge Protector?
The KEC protects the entire home or business against power surges. The amperage/power surge protection that would from the power company, or a direct lighting strike at the pole. The KEC has two thousand joule of surge suppression in each capacitor in the unit. We don’t claim to stop lightning; that alone is a one-in-a-million chance. The KVAR unit basically stops all the waste the electric company wants to send you and sends it back to the power company.
Does the KEC protect for amp or voltage power surges?
Amperage power surges at the panel.
Do you have a 3-phase KEC for commercial and industrial applications?
Yes! Please check our order page.
Is the KEC warranted? Is there a “Money Back Guarantee”?
Yes; 5 year Manufacturers Warranty for full replacement. We also offer a 60 day money-back warranty. If you don’t see a reduction in usage on your energy bill, call us and let us know. We’ll give you details on how to return the unit for a full refund of the purchase price. Installation cost will not be refunded. Installation of your KEC should be done by a licensed Electrician to warrant the product and to ensure proper installation and sizing.
Is the KEC weather-proofed for exterior installation?
Yes; the units are air tight and water-proofed.
Are there any code requirements for mounting the KEC to the breaker panel, placement in any other area of the home or business, or directly to the incoming power lines?
The power company’s authority stops at the meter. Installation of your KEC should be done by a licensed Electrician to warrant the product and to ensure proper installation and sizing.
What is the estimated turnaround time of building a KEC, after being sized, and then shipped?
Approximately one week; depending upon supply demand.
Where is the ideal place to install the KEC?
Installation of the KEC at the panel should be connected on the top, left side of the panel on a double pull or double throw switch, parallel. It is recommended that you use a licensed electrician to do your installation to ensure proper installation and warranty of the product.
How do I achieve the savings?
The most immediate savings you will see is the reduction of cost of your electric bill. As the demand for power runs through your home or business, there is non-productive current (heat) that strains your appliances and wiring. This heat is wasted energy that you pay for. The KEC optimizes the usable power, allowing your appliances to run more efficiently. This reduces heat (wasted electricity), which in turn lowers your electric bill, reduces the chance of fires, and increases the life of your appliances and motorized equipment.
What additional benefits has the KEC for commercial applications?
The most immediate savings you will see is the reduction of cost of your electric bill. Other benefits that can serve commercial and industrial applications is the avoidance of penalty charges the power company imposes, called “surcharges” or “demand charges” to businesses that exceed their monthly access allotment. By regulating and conserving the amount of energy you use, you can avoid these charges.