By Jennifer Bemisderfer

Summer is finally here and for most people, that evokes images of vacations and traveling.  Unfortunately, with record high gas and oil prices, this summer also brings to mind images of higher energy bills.  That means people are looking for ways to cut their energy costs. Here are some simple tips to help you save electricity and money this summer:

• Look for the label: The EPA’s ENERGY STAR label quickly identifies energy-efficient appliances and electronics.  Visit http://www.energystar.gov for a searchable database of ENERGY STAR products.  For example, ENERGY STAR qualified TVs use about 30 percent less energy than standard units.
• Automate it: Automated technology to control electricity and air conditioning can translate into big savings.  Start with a programmable thermostat, since cooling systems use a significant amount of energy.  Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you about $150 every year in energy costs. TechHome professional integrators can help properly install your automated technology control devices to ensure maximum savings and productivity.  Click here to locate an integrator in your area.
• Get the facts:  Most people do not like to read their owners’ manuals, but manuals are full of energy saving ideas.  Read your manual to ensure you are taking full advantage of all the energy-conservation capabilities available with your electronic devices.  For example, you can lower the brightness—and the energy usage—on your DTV by going to the “main menu,” selecting “video settings” and then looking for the “brightness” control.
• Unplug it:  Many electronic devices, such as televisions, DVD players, stereos, computer and cell phone battery chargers, continue to draw a small amount of power even when turned off or not in use.  Unplugging them, versus only turning them off, is a smart and easy idea to save power.
• Centralize it:  Make it easy to turn off multiple electronics when they are not in use by plugging them into power strips, however, remember to read the manual first to make sure you comply with manufacturers’ recommended specifications.

For more tips on summer power savings, or to calculate your home’s electronic energy consumption using CEA’s energy calculator, visit www.MyGreenElectronics.org^TM

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This entry was posted on Monday, June 30th, 2008 at 10:00 am and is filed under Environmental, How To. Reply to this post, or trackback from your own site. Follow responses to this entry through the comments RSS feed.