How to use an energy saving smart strip

We hardly notice that little red light on our TV screens, DVD player, coffee machine, or printer, but those appliances are constantly using energy... even when they are off.   During a home energy audit, we can usually see these plug loads are not the reason why your energy bills are so hot, but we will provide some guidance on DIY energy saving tips.  Rather than always having to turn off every single appliance when we are not using it, a smart strip can turn off your small appliances and electronic equipment when not in use.

I love smart strips because they allow me to have a plug for the electronics that I want always on like my modem and router, but turn off less essential appliances like the DVD player, Cox cable box, and Wii player when the TV is off... that's right, my DVD player, cable box and Wii are dependent on my TV being on or off.

While the alternative is to put everything on a power strip and manually turn it on and off when not in use, the smart strip is more convenient if I just want to surf the Internet or work and not watch TV. Which saves more money? It depends on how much you currently turn off your power strip now. If the answer is not much, then yes, the convenience of a smart strip will save you energy even with the modem and router always on.

Go ahead and give it a try! In fact, SRP is giving a smart strip away for FREE as part of their home energy audit program (ended in 2014). You can have a smart strip to start saving the same day you have your energy audit done to find how you can finally cool that annoying hot room or why the utility company always shows your energy usage much higher than a comparable home. Go ahead and contact Green ID today to see how much we can save on your utility bills.