Choosing Energy-Efficient Electronics | Teems Electric

There are so many electronic items in our home that finding things that don’t involve some sort of energy generation might be more challenging than finding something that does. As electricity and electronics dominate so much of our lives, we know that finding the energy efficient versions of everything is crucial, as is saving as much energy as possible at home.

But how do you really do that?

There are labels, logos, ratings and an endless wealth of advice on what to buy and steps to take in order to conserve energy. It can quickly become overwhelming and make anyone want to say forget it and blissfully ignore how much electricity you are or are not using. That is…until your electric bill arrives.

We can help you work through it all and make the best choices for purchasing new items and saving while you use them.

Shopping for Energy-Efficient Items

You may have previously only considered energy efficiency when it comes to the larger items like refrigerators, washing machines or dishwashers, but it should also be a consideration when you are purchasing smaller items. Anything electronic comes with a certain energy rating.

If you are purchasing new electronics, look for an energy tag as well as a price tag. This might be a blue energy star tag, which indicates that the product exceeds federal minimum standards for efficiency, or it may be a more detailed yellow EnergyGuide label.

EnergyGuide labels are required on all appliances, but they may also be included on other electronics historically known for having a high energy draw. This tag will tell you a lot, but one of the key factors to look for is the predicted yearly cost and how it compares to less energy efficient models.

If you can’t find either of these tags on smaller electronics, look for added smart features. This can allow you to connect wirelessly and control temperature settings, run times and even when an item is on or off. This is a great way to keep your energy use low, especially if you are a family that is constantly on the go.

Tips to Save at Home

Updating appliances and electronics is one of the best ways to make your home energy efficient, but there are also things you can incorporate into your every day that will help lower your electric bills. Something as simple as unplugging as much as possible before you head to bed can make a big difference.

If you are a “nap on the couch before you zombie walk to bed” kind of person, you can still unplug as you go. Use power strips with on/off switches to make turning several things off at once a breeze. Invest in smart plugs and strategically place them where the majority of your electronics live so you can turn off the power supply from your phone.

Use natural lighting during the day, filtered through dark-colored blinds to also keep the temperature in your home regulated. Switch your bulbs to LEDs, and learn to appreciate the dark at night rather than keeping the lights on.

Don’t get bogged down with the tips, tricks, labels and numbers. Keep things simple and go energy-efficient in a few easy steps.

Want to learn other ways to reduce your energy use? Contact us to get started.