If you are struck by the number of screens, remotes, gaming controls, charging stations and cords that have become fixtures in your home, you are not alone. Ninety-five percent of Americans have a cellphone, and 50% of U.S. homes have a gaming system. Nearly 80% of adults own a laptop or desktop computer, while approximately half own tablets.
Consumer electronics, smart home appliances and technology have steadily transformed our homes and lifestyles and created new implications for energy efficiency.
Use Smart Technology To Manage Energy Savings
So how can we save energy when we are using more electronic devices than ever before? The answer may lie with some of those same devices that have become indispensable to modern living. In many cases, energy conservation is a touch screen away as more apps enable you to monitor energy use.
From your mobile device, you can now control 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 energy use and make adjustments accordingly.
You can also ensure efficiency by purchasing Energy Star-certified appliances. New washers, dryers and dishwashers allow you to program when you want a load to start. This means you can program your tasks for off-peak energy hours.
Old-School Energy Savings for New Devices
Of course there are time-tested, old-school methods of energy efficiency that can be applied to electronic devices. 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.
