Want to make your home more energy efficient but don’t know where to start? A great way to ease into this project is to start with electronic devices. Try these tips to make your appliances and electronic devices more energy efficient:

Make These Simple Switches

Use a power strip.

Even when an electronic is turned off, it will still consume energy if it’s plugged into an electrical outlet. How can you stop this energy from being wasted while you’re nowhere near these electronics? Instead of plugging each device into the wall, use a power strip! This will allow you to completely turn off multiple appliances with just one flip of a switch. When devices are plugged into an “off” power strip, no energy is sent to the devices, so nothing is wasted.

Adjust the brightness.

You’re probably familiar with turning up the volume or changing the channel on your TV, but maybe you should start adjusting the brightness, too. Toning down the brightness on your TV can conserve up to 15% of energy every time you turn on your TV! Even a slight dial down will make a huge difference on your energy consumption, and not on your viewing experience.

Stop These Bad Habits

Hibernate.

Does your computer automatically go to a screen saver when it’s not in use? Although you may think this is a great energy saver, it’s actually not. Computers still consume energy to power the different images that are used as screen savers, so this is not an energy efficient choice. If you have to walk away from your computer without shutting it off, set it to go into hibernation so the screen goes black and the computer consumes less energy.

Don’t overcharge.

Is your cell phone battery at 100%? Then unplug it! Many people choose to leave cell phones plugged in even after they are fully charged, however, this can not only damage your battery, but also waste energy. Try charging your phone right when you get home and then taking it off the charger during the night so energy is not wasted once it’s reached a full battery.

Tackle These Projects

Replace your thermostat.

Newer thermostat models come with the option to program temperatures that should be set throughout the day. This allows you to save energy by turning off the heating and cooling system while you’re out of the house, a move that can reduce your energy bills by up to 15% per month! Luckily, replacing your thermostat with a programmable model is an easy project that can be tackled without the help of a professional, just keep these tips in mind:

• Make sure the power is turned off before you begin this project to avoid injury.
• Check the compatibility on your new thermostat before you purchase it to make sure it will work with your heating and cooling system.
• Pay close attention to how the wires are connected to the old model so you can quickly attach the new one.

Install an Energy Star compliant washer.

One project that will definitely pay off over time is installing an Energy Star compliant washing machine. These energy efficient appliances use 40% less water and 25% less energy than other models, so you’ll quickly begin to see the difference on your monthly energy bill. Fortunately, there are a number of different sizes and models of these washing machines, so you’ll have no problem finding one that works for your home.

Next time you turn on your computer or relax in front of the TV, remember these energy efficient tech tips! You can also make upgrades around your house to lower your energy bill. Find out how!