If you have a lack of outlets in your home, the first thing that comes to mind is hiring an electrician to install a few more. However, if you are renting, this is not often an option. So what do you do?
The following tips will help you gain more power and more control over the power you have. The best part? All of these simple steps will help you save on your monthly electric bill as well. It’s a win-win plug-in.
Use Smart Plugs
Amp up your home’s intelligent technology and save on your energy bill. By purchasing smart plugs you can accomplish both and a number of other handy things. Smart plugs fit into your outlet underneath what ever gadget you have plugged in. They have a timer and also work with an app which allows you mobile tinkering. If you want your coffee hot before you get your sleeping body to the machine, preset the timer and presto – hot java! If you are worried about crime rates in your area or always come home after dark, preset your lamps on a timer or turn your lights on from your phone.
These are great ways to use smart plugs, but they also have another energy saving function. Connect a smart plug to a smart meter and you can see what energy you’re using, at what times, and where. Use this information to help you make the smartest use of your appliances.
Rearrange Your Furniture
If your goal is to save on electricity costs, you need to make the best use of your furniture placement. Setting up smart plugs is the first step, but then what?
Think of the sun. Reduce your need for lamps and overhead lights during daylight hours by using the natural light from your windows. Try to avoid blocking a window in your living room with your 50 inch TV. Avoid heavy curtains and choose something more sheer to allow light to flow into your space. Hang mirrors to reflect the light, especially if there are few windows in your home.
Collect electronics and hide the cords at the same time. Place your TV stand in front of an outlet so that you can plug everything in behind it, hiding the cables. Use a surge protector in this spot for two reasons:
-Surge protectors help reduce the chance of an electrical surge from ruining your electronics.
-Once your electronics are powered off, you can shut off the surge protector and this stops the flow of electricity. Without one, your electronics and appliances still draw power when they are not in use.
It’s also important to place appliances, lights and electronics near outlets. If you are going to use extension cords, be sure they have the proper voltage capacity for their use. For instance, if your object uses 15 amps, a 20 amp cord will do the trick. Extension cords should be as short as possible and routed safely. Never place an extension cord underneath carpet and check regularly for any damage. Wiring and related equipment caused 63% of house fires in the United States where electrical distribution and lighting played a factor. Proper use is the easiest way to protect your home.
[tweetthis]Extension cords should be as short as possible and routed safely. Check these smart home tips! #electricbill[/tweetthis]
Unplug Your Chargers
Keeping your cell phone battery at 100% is a priority, but when it isn’t charging you should pull it out of the outlet. It is slightly less convenient but because it constantly draws electricity, unplugging it helps the electricity bill, and who doesn’t like that?
The same goes for your toaster oven, kettle, and other small appliances. If they are not connected to a smart plug then unplug them. This is the most straightforward way to save on electricity and reduce your energy usage.
Alter Outlets
Wish your outlets had more plugs? There are products for that. In fact, you can use a savvy buy like the 360 Electrical
PowerCurve Mini to give you the usual outlet space plus two USB ports thus eliminating the need to use a separate outlet for your phone charger and other USB charging devices. For more connections and varieties, try their
Revolve 2.4 or 3.4 outlet plugins. These products all come with surge protection and the Revolve line also rotates, making those bulky adapters fit like a dream!
Since you are paying for electricity month after month, you might as well make the most of it. Smart use of your outlets and furniture placement, along with smart products, will save you money and give you the best use of power. Saving on your electricity bill is only half the battle, don’t forget to
reduce your heating bill while you’re at it!
