Originally Posted by
mr500
240 Volt uses half the amperage that 120 Volt uses, therefore it's more efficient than 120 Volt. You get more bang for your buck with 240Volt compared to 120
This is not entirely true. While 240v is slightly more efficient than 120v, there is NO energy savings. The wattage consumed is the SAME. Wattage is what you pay for in your utility bill, NOT amperage.
The main advantage to 240v is that for a given load the amperage is half that of the SAME load if running off 120v (given the option). Wattage drawn is still the same.
This lets us run smaller wire and equipment, so installation costs are much less and are easier due to the smaller equipment.