Whether you rent or own, making small adjustments to the way you use electricity in your home can help you save energy and money.
Check out these easy tips:
- Change your lightbulbs to LED. They last longer and use up to 85 percent less energy than a standard incandescent bulb. The LED bulb becomes part of the family, lasting for up to 20 years — don’t forget to take that long-lasting, energy-efficient bulb with you the next time you move. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, check out the Philips Hue starter kit to learn more about LEDs that allow you to change colors and control the lights from your smartphone or tablet.
- Disable “instant on” and “standby” modes. Gaming consoles are notorious energy guzzlers when they’re left ready to turn on in a second’s notice or when they’re downloading updates 24/7. Waiting a little longer for your console to turn on will reduce your energy usage and give you more time to strategize.
- Unplug devices that are not in use. Yes, we’re talking about “vampire devices” —items that suck electricity, even when they’re turned off. Unplug things like your TV, speaker and other entertainment devices when they’re not in use. Or consider plugging these devices into a Belkin WeMo switch so you can turn your outlet off when you don’t need it.
- Consider installing a smart thermostat (or ask your landlord). It can learn your habits, and it knows when you’re typically gone for the day so it can heat or cool your house accordingly, reducing your A/C and heating bills.
- Purchase ENERGY STAR® certified products. For all of you cord-cutters who stream TV shows on your laptop, consider buying an ENERGY STAR computer to reduce your energy usage. An ENERGY STAR certified computer will use about 60 percent less energy, depending on how it is used. More battery life means you’ll be watching the next episode in 3…2…1…
- Put computers/monitors in “sleep” mode when not in use.When you’re not using your ENERGY STAR certified computer or monitor, put it in sleep mode. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that doing so can save you up to $30 a year on electricity. That’s enough for a three month-subscription to your favorite streaming service!
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