Ask Liv!

Here's the next installment of Ask Liv. Check out this week's question:

"I've been reading about how much electricity electronics and appliances use - even when they're not in use.  Are there any cool gadgets that help shut these things down or control the power they draw when not in use?"

You don't need to build a solar farm to save on your electricity bill. Try some of these handy gadgets instead! One popular tool is the Kill A Watt, a small, aptly-named meter that, when you plug in your favorite electronic device, digitally displays the amount of power that it is pulling at any given moment. Seeing the amount of electricity that old refrigerator or dishwasher uses just might move you to buy a newer, energy-efficient model. Consider the savings you'll see on your electric bill! 

If you're looking for something a bit more feature-rich, and a whole lot trendier, check out the Wattson by DIY Kyoto. It's a wireless meter that shows the electricity usage in your home at any given second. Flip the light switch, and watch the number go up. Turn off the TV, and watch it go down. Plus, the sleek and stylish look of this device is such that you can display it proudly as a conversation piece. Of course, it is a bit more expensive... 

Once you have a handle on your current electricity use, it's time to start reducing it. One gadget than can help here is a 'smart' power strip. Popular models include the Smart Strip Power Strip and the Wattstopper Plug Load Control. Both work on the same principle: the strip can sense when plugged in devices are not in use, and cuts the power to these outlets when this is the case. When the devices are turned on, power is restored. Both strips also include a couple of outlets that are always on for those items that can't lose power (like your alarm clock).

I don't know if these technically count as "gadgets," but CFL bulbs are always a quick way to slash your utility bill. They're affordable, produce light that is increasingly similar to incandescent, and painless to install (except for any "how many...does it take to screw in a lightbulb" jokes you may be subjected to). These bulbs last a long time, but just remember that when they do finally go, they need to be disposed of properly because they do contain a small amount of mercury.

I hope this helps. Keep in mind, too, that the easiest ways to save electricity don't require a gadget at all. Turn the lights off when you leave a room, unplug items when you're away from home and put your computer into low-power mode when it is not in use, or turn it off entirely.