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All the conveniences that technology offers to the home, such as Wi-Fi enabled washing machines, powerful gaming systems, and large smart TVs - the downside is the cost of power.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2021 electricity prices are expected to rise at the fastest rate since 2008. This is despite Americans already facing rising inflation and higher prices for many goods.

The average household has dozens of electronic products that are connected to power outlets. Most also consume electricity when they're not in use. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), "Vampire Power" - also known as "phantom or standby power", can account for up to 10% of a household’s electricity bill.

These can add up.

The main electricity vampires are large appliances. However, there are other culprits such as sound systems, cable boxes and video game consoles. There are also security cameras, printers and pool pumps.

There are many ways you can reduce your electricity bills.

When not in use, unplug

Although it is annoying, unplugging gadgets from the wall can be done quickly.

Your smartphone's battery will be fully charged in about 45 minutes. So why leave it plugged in overnight for 7 hours?

Although manual unplugging devices is the most cost-effective way to deal with "vampires," it requires that you be vigilant. For example, unplug any televisions, fans, lamps, or other devices that you don't use more than once a year in a guest bedroom.

A television can be left unplugged, but a cable box with a DVR/TiVo to archive your shows will need to remain plugged in. You will also need to plug in many appliances, such as fridges and chest freezers. However, the Energy Star logo can be found below.

You can unplug video game consoles when they are not in use. However, there is a trade-off. Many consoles that are always connected to the internet and plugged into the wall will download the latest games (and operating system) updates when it's not being used. This means you don't need to wait for them to download the update at the right time. This will cost electricity.

Computers can also update themselves overnight. However, it is important to set your monitor to automatically go to sleep after only a few minutes, as this will reduce your power consumption.

Smart Plugs, Strips

Eye Systems provides a few smart home solutions that will help you manage your electricity and water consumption. Its smart plugs, power strips, room sensors and other devices can all assist with this. All devices are HomeKit-enabled, support Siri voice control and wireless Thread connectivity.

Eye Systems provides a few smart home solutions that will help you manage your electricity and water consumption. Its smart plugs, power strips, room sensors and other devices can all assist with this. All devices are HomeKit-enabled, support Siri voice control and wireless Thread connectivity.

Smart plugs give you more control over your devices.

The Eve Energy Smart Plug & Power meter ($39.95 for a single unit, $109.85 for a three-pack, or $179.75 per 5-pack) can turn appliances on or off using a tap on Eve. You can also set timers and schedules, or ask Siri to do it via voice (using Apple's HomeKit platform). Eve Energy can connect to your iPhone/iPad via Bluetooth and the more responsive Thread technology (no bridge needed).

Belkin also offers a Wemo Smart Plug with thread starting at $24.99.

To save electricity, you can set your dishwasher to run only during off-peak hours. Your utility company will have different rates depending on when your appliances are in use. This can change throughout the year.

The Eve Energy Strip ($99.95), which allows you to control three outlets individually, connects to your Wi-Fi and does not require a bridge, is also available. It allows you to track your total power consumption as well as the anticipated costs.

Surge protection, overcurrent protection, and overvoltage protection are available to protect your computer and other electronic devices.

Smart power strips can also be used to cut off electricity at a few outlets. This is ideal for vacations, or when other outlets are turned off (such a DVR).

The Sense Home Energy Monitor, which costs $299 for homes, is another option. It installs in the electrical panel of your home and gives you real-time insight into your energy usage and home activity via iOS android and web app.

Products from Energy Star

As they have been proven to be more efficient, ensure you only purchase consumer electronics with the Energy Star logo (cyan and white). The familiar sticker should be visible on both the product and box. If in doubt, contact a salesperson on the manufacturer's website.

Energy Star-certified products won't necessarily mean they don't consume electricity when it's turned off. However, they will be more environmentally-friendly to get the seal of approval. Energy Star certification by the EPA means that products have been tested to ensure they meet stringent efficiency standards and are certified by an independent third-party.

Smart thermometers and LED lights are now possible

LED bulbs consume 75% less energy per bulb than traditional incandescent bulbs.

LED bulbs consume 75% less energy per bulb than traditional incandescent bulbs.

It's time to upgrade your incandescent or florescent bulbs to LED lights. They consume electricity, not gulp it.

They are more expensive, so you might wait for sales or seasonal rebates. But they will save you money over the long-term. For example, a 60-watt equivalent might cost only 7.5 watts for similar lumens using an LED light. They can also last much longer which will save you even more. Energy Star-certified bulbs can last up to 15,000 hours.

Smart LED bulbs can also be Wi-Fi enabled, and you might save even more. You can set timers and schedules, remote access your lights, or have them turn off when you leave the room. Smart LEDs can also be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa and Google. You can also change millions of colors or set scenes.

Smart thermostats like the Amazon Smart Thermostat for $60 and smart lights options give you more control over your home. You can set timers and schedules, add motion sensors, use an app or voice control to control everything, and create routines.

Smart thermostats like the Amazon Smart Thermostat for $60 and smart lights options give you more control over your home. You can set timers and schedules, add motion sensors, use an app or voice control to control everything, and create routines.

Automation through Alexa Routines makes it easier to save energy, and smart speakers are no exception. The Alexa app allows you to create a Routine that group together actions so that you don't need to remember them all or even ask Alexa for them. A featured Routine, "Snore Your Lights On", uses sound detection to have your smart speaker in your bedroom detect snoring and turn off smart lights. This helps you save energy.

You can also create a Routine that you activate when you step out of the door. Simply say "Alexa! I'm leaving" and it will turn off your lights, lower your thermostat, power off a TV, etc.

Smart thermometers allow you to adjust the heating and cooling settings from your phone, tablet, or laptop. They can also learn your schedule and optimize your home's temperature.

Amazon Smart Thermostats (from $48), ecobee Smart Thermostats (from $149) and Google Nest Thermostats (from $129) can learn about your preferences and adjust to your home's temperature. It could also turn down the heat when you are asleep.

Last summer, many states in the US broke long-standing temperature records. This summer will likely be even hotter. It can be difficult to combat the heat with rising temperatures. This often causes our ACs to work overtime and makes our cooling costs extremely high. In fact, the US Energy Information Administration states that take shorter showers and turn off your lights. But, a simple adjustment to your thermostat could save you a lot of money. This article will show you how to set up your thermostat to maximize efficiency in the summer. We'll also discuss how it can make a big difference in your home. We'll also share some tips to help you keep your home cool and comfortable, without spending too much.

The ideal summer thermostat temperature

The US Department of Energy suggests that the best way to stay cool and minimize utility costs in summer is for your home to be warmer than normal when you are not home, and then to set the temperature as high as possible when you are home. Energy Star, a program of US Environmental Protection Agency, and the US Department of Energy suggested that homes should be kept at 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.

It also recommends that the thermostat set to 85 F when you are out of the home for maximum savings. These recommendations have been met with backlash.

At Premier Improvements Solar, We can handle all of your needs from the Design, Permitting, Installation & Inspection of both Residential and Commercial properties. With Solar Tax Credits still available it's a perfect time to start moving forward to your financial freedom from the Utilities. Servicing All the Connecticut and Massachusetts as well as Rhode Island we are always here to help you and answer any Questions you may have. Give us a Call @ (860)901-7619 or visit our website @ PremierImprovementsOne.com for additional info.