A few months ago, we did a post about how switching to energy efficient light bulbs can help you save a lot of money. Another easy way to save money on energy costs is to turn off electronic devices when they aren’t in use. What many of us don’t realize is that for a lot of electronic devices, even if they are turned off, they still use electricity. Game consoles, computers, and other devices that go into standby mode can contribute to up to 15% of your energy usage. To truly stop that power drain, you’d need to unplug that device, which simply isn’t practical. The new Smart Strip Surge Protector from Bits Limited is an easy way to help reduce the amount of standby power used by electronic devices in your home.
The Smart Strip Surge Protector is more than a traditional surge protector. While it comes with the standard protections and warranties for your electronics, what makes this surge protector uniuqe are the three different types of outlets on the protector – 1 blue control outlet, 2 red “hot” outlets, and 4 green switched outlets. The way it works to reduce your energy bill is by sensing when the control devices is turned off or in standby, and then cutting off power to the 4 switched outlets that don’t need power if the control device is off.
For example, if your computer is plugged into the control device, you would connect your printer, scanner, computer speakers, or other computer peripheral to the switched outlets. When the computer goes to sleep, the Smart Strip Surge Protector cuts off the power to peripherals because if the computer is sleeping, you certainly won’t be printing. When the computer comes out of sleep mode, then power resumes to the peripherals. For electronics that you want to stay on no matter what, you simply plug those into the hot outlets. These would be your modem or fax machine, for example.
The Smart Strip Surge Protector is also ideal for entertainment centers. You could plug your TV into the Control outlet, your satellite receiver/DVR into the hot outlets, then your DVD player, speakers, gaming system, etc – the things that you only use when the TV is turned on – would be plugged into the switched outlets.
According to Bits Limited, you can save over $39 per year when you use the Smart Strip for your electronic devices. With our home office arrangement, I could easily use three Smart Strips instead of my current surge protectors, which could save me more than $120 per year – just by switching to this energy smart surge protector.
I love how easy this surge protector makes it to cut power to the things that don’t need power and it’s nice that I won’t have to worry about whether I cut everything off. With seven outlets, it can easily handle the plugs for my electronic set-ups and I like how they allowed extra room on the strip for a wider plug as well. If you find yourself needing more outlets, they also offer Smart Strips with up to 10 outlets.
If you’re looking to reduce your energy bill, check out the Smart Strip Surge Protector from Bits Limited. You can buy the Smart Strip Surge Protector online from Bits Limited or from Amazon.com for just $20.71.
About the Bits Limited Smart Strip
Bits Limited Smart Strip Online
- Visit the Bits Limited Website
- “Like” Bits Limited Smart Strip Surge on Facebook
- Follow Bits Limited Smart Strip Surge on Twitter
Enter the WiC Project Bits Limited Smart Strip Surge Giveaway
The Prize:
One winner will receive a Bits Limited Smart Strip Surge Protector.
Disclaimer: This post consists of my (and/or fellow tester) opinions only. Your experiences may be different. No compensation was given for this review/giveaway. I did receive a free product from the manufacturer or their representing PR agency to use and test for the purposes of this review. This did not affect the outcome of this review.
I unplug things when not using them and try to keep lights turned off as much as possible
Keep the thermostat turned down (or up in summer), turn off lights, etc.
i unplug everything when i leave the house
I turn lights off and try to keep it as dark as I can. Hang alot of clothes to dry.
i try to save energy by using timers and unplugging appliances when they aren’t in use
During the day I rarely turn on lights, I just open the shades and if I am unplug anything I am not using
I turn off all lights when i leave a room.. and use energy saving bulbs
Open the blinds during the day to not have to turn on lights.
Use the natural light as long as possible before turning on the lights, and using CFL light bulbs.
we shut off lights when leaving a room
I keep the A/C and heat off, or on the most energy-conserving settings. It’s better to dress in layers, or stay cool with cold drinks.
We try to buy energy saving appliances.
Turn off lights and turn ac hotter when not at home.
wendym at cableone dot net
Thanks for the giveaway…we use Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs, use major appliances at off-peak hours, etc.
I unplug all non-essential electronics when not in use.