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Easy Ways to Save Money and Protect the Environment Through Power Management

Posted on: Tuesday, 12 May 2009, 07:00 CDT

NEW YORK, May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Best Buy(R) and Black & Decker are teaming up to introduce power management tools and tips that can help consumers lower monthly bills, save energy, and reduce pollution. Power management is the practice of controlling the energy use in homes by using specific tools and implementing simple actions to reduce energy consumption.

"Taking small steps to reduce energy use can lead to big savings," said Francis J. Murray Jr., NYSERDA President and CEO. "Power management is a new idea for many people, but it is an easy path to follow, and will result in lower utility bills and a cleaner environment."

Home electronic products use 40 percent of their energy when they are turned off, powering features such as clock displays and remote controls. This hidden electricity waster is known as "phantom power." Using power management technologies to minimize phantom power could lead to approximately $200 in annual savings for a typical residential energy consumer.

Consider using an energy monitor, such as the Black & Decker Power Monitor.

Energy monitors track a home's energy consumption so consumers can avoid wasting energy. The Black & Decker Power Monitor consists of a wireless transmitter that attaches to the electric meter and a wireless handheld device that displays information about energy consumption. Consumers can track changes in electric consumption, in dollars and cents, as major appliances are turned on and off.

"The power monitor is a great way to learn where you may be wasting energy," said Scott Pollard, Senior Product Manager, Black & Decker. "Having reliable information is the first step to making smart changes."

Use an advanced power strip to minimize "phantom power"

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. households spend $100 per year to power devices while they are in this "standby" power mode. An advanced power strip automatically eliminates phantom power to products that are not in use, saving energy and money.

Install a programmable thermostat

The average household spends more than $2,000 a year on energy bills -- nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. Installing a programmable thermostat is one of the easiest ways to save money. Consumers set the temperature to a preferred comfort level while at home. The thermostat will automatically adjust to a more moderate temperature during times when a family is asleep or away. That way, consumers aren't paying to heat and cool an empty house.

Use an appliance timer

Timers make it easy to use appliances, lighting, and other devices only when they are needed. Timers can be used to run a dishwasher or clothes washer when it is convenient. Lights can be placed on a timer so they are used when needed.

Power management tools are easy to find

Advanced power strips, appliance timers and programmable thermostats are all available at Best Buy stores. "Best Buy offers a wide variety of products to make it easier for people to reduce their energy use," said Bryan Ledgister, Customer Solutions Manager for Best Buy. "These products pay for themselves by reducing monthly energy bills, making them a terrific value. Our sales staff can help you decide which tools are right for you."

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) uses innovation and technology to solve some of New York's most difficult energy and environmental problems in ways that improve the State's economy. Learn more at www.getenergysmart.org or call 1-877-NY-SMART.

SOURCE The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

Source: PR Newswire

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