If you’re struck by the amount of screens, remotes, gaming controllers, charging stations and cords that have become fixtures in your home, you’re not alone.
The typical American family is well connected and owns a variety of devices. In fact, about 90% of Americans—more than 310 million people—own smartphones and nearly half of households have multiple kinds of internet-connected mobile devices, according to Consumer Affairs.
Consumer electronics coupled with the growing array of smart home appliances and technology have slowly but steadily changed our homes and lifestyles.
Smart Savings
So how can we save energy when we’re using more electronics than ever before? The answer may lie within those devices. In many cases, energy savings are a touchscreen away, as many apps enable you to monitor energy use.
From the convenience of your mobile device, smart tech can maximize your ability to manage electricity use across several platforms—controlling your thermostat, appliances, water heater, home electronics and other devices.
One of the easiest ways to make an impact on energy efficiency is with a smart thermostat. Using your mobile device, you can view and edit your thermostat schedule, monitor how much energy is used, and make adjustments accordingly. For example, program your thermostat for weekday and weekend schedules so you’re not wasting energy when no one is home. Check and adjust the program periodically to keep pace with changes in household routines.
You can also ensure efficiency by purchasing Energy Star-certified appliances.
Many new appliances include smart features, such as refrigerators that can tell you when maintenance is required or when a door has been left open. New washers, dryers and dishwashers allow you to program when you want the load to start. This means you can program your task for off-peak energy hours—a smart choice that can help keep power rates low.
Tried and True
There are the time-tested, old-school methods of energy efficiency that can be applied to myriad devices and screens. Computers, printers, phones and gaming consoles are notorious vampire power users, meaning they drain energy (and money) when not in use.
If items can be turned off without disrupting your lifestyle, consider plugging them into a power strip that can be turned on and off or placed on a timer.
While modern life involves greater dependence on technology, your best resource for saving energy and money remains your local electric co-op.
Regardless of your level of technical expertise with electronic devices, Trinity Valley Electric Cooperative can provide guidance on energy savings based on your account information, energy use, local weather patterns and additional factors unique to your community.
