The cost of energy and the state of the environment are both good motivators to find ways to save energy in your home.
Sometimes it can be overwhelming to know where to start, but you’ll quickly see that making small changes or upgrades can add up to a big difference — and savings!
Plus, technology has come a long way and there are lots of innovative gadgets on the market today that can save you a bundle.
Here are 5 of the most useful energy saving products…
#1 – Programmable Thermostats
One way you can make a drastic change in your energy use is by installing a programmable thermostat.
By setting your thermostat to automatically dial down the heat or A/C when you’re not home or when you’re sleeping, you can save hundreds of dollars over the course of the year.
High-tech thermostats are equipped with wifi, so you can can set the temperature inside your home from your phone. They can even sense when you’re coming home and will activate your heat an air automatically in time for your arrival.
#2 – Smart Power Strips
You may have heard that it’s a good idea to plug electronics into a power strip and shut that off when they aren’t in use. But realistically, how often do you remember to switch a power strip off?
Luckily, there are smart strip power strips that stop electronics from draining power when they’re off, automatically.
The way these smart strips work is by using a master outlet with a subset of outlets attached. When you turn off the device plugged into the master outlet — say a TV — all of the devices on the switch will automatically be powered off as well (for example DVD players, gaming systems, etc.)
#3 – Low Flow Water Fixtures
A great place to maximize energy savings in your home is your water fixtures.
Many showerheads use more gallons per minute than is necessary. You can buy low-flow water fixtures that use half the water but maintain the same (or better) water pressure.
A low-flow showerhead will not only save you money on your water bill, it will also save money on the energy you use to heat your hot water.
#4 – LED Bulbs
Energy efficient lighting technology has come a long way in recent years.
Many people have a negative association with eco-friendly bulbs because of their experience with dim compact fluorescent bulbs that contain mercury.
If you’re familiar with LED bulbs, then you may also be afraid of the price tag. However, LEDs have become more affordable as the technology improves and more people buy them.
LED light bulbs also give off bright, strong light and last for over 30,000 hours — as opposed to an incandescent bulb with an average lifetime of just 750 hours.
LEDs also convert most of the energy they use into light, wasting very little — while incandescent bulbs waste most of the energy they use and give it off as heat.
#5 – Energy Metering Devices
The best way to ensure energy saving is to measure your energy usage.
To do this, look into a Kill A Watt meter that you can plug appliances and electronics into to see how many kilowatt hours they are using.
It may shock you to see how much electricity some devices use!
Once you know what the biggest energy drains in your home are, you can make an informed decision about what you should change and whether it would be cost effective.
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Making even a few small changes will add up to a big impact over time — saving you money and helping the environment. Try out a few of these energy saving products and watch as your home becomes more energy efficient!
Other Energy Saving Tips
- Programmable Thermostats With WiFi & “Smart” Features
- Benefits To Using Low-Flow Water Features For Saving Energy
- Money Saving Energy Tips From Energy Star
- 2 Cool Green Gadgets That Help You Save Money
Always on the lookout for a good bargain, I consider myself a frugal person — but not cheap. And not afraid to spend money on the things that matter. I like to share good deals with others when I find them. One of my favorite ways to save money is to reuse items in ways other than their intended purpose — so I write a lot about outside-the-box ideas that most people wouldn't think of! When I'm not saving money or looking for good deals, you'll find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).
