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.
Linda says
October 15, 2012 at 11:02 amI am all in favor in cutting costs and saving energy. Great giveaway!
allyson tice says
October 15, 2012 at 11:05 amalways turn off all lights and turn off tv when we leave the room!
Carol ONeil says
October 15, 2012 at 11:05 amI wash all my clothes in cold water and I use energy light bulbs!
Tracie says
October 15, 2012 at 11:07 amWe use Engery light bulbs and wash in cold water. Give my little ones a small treat when I see them trying to save energy too
Karen Glatt says
October 15, 2012 at 11:28 amI save energy by turning off all the lights when not in the room. I have an energy saving washer and refrigerator. I turn down the thermostat at night!
Cheryl Abdelnour says
October 15, 2012 at 11:30 amI TURN OFF LIGHTS WHEN NOT IN THE ROOM.
Stephanie Phelps says
October 15, 2012 at 11:35 amWe make sure all lights are turned off when no one is in the room
Wanda McHenry says
October 15, 2012 at 11:43 amWe keep our thermostat at the recommended settings, unplug unused appliances and also wash in cold water & hang dry the clothes (except for linens, towels, socks, etc.)
Sandy VanHoey says
October 15, 2012 at 11:47 amI hang clothing outdoors to save
Jennifer Rote says
October 15, 2012 at 11:51 amwe use all energy efficient bulbs.
Yesenia says
October 15, 2012 at 11:53 amI dry clothes and diapers on the line whenever possible; We have motion sensitive lights for outside. We turn off the lights when not in certain rooms at night. We unplug unused appliances. We have solar flashlights and lanterns.
Darlene Owen says
October 15, 2012 at 12:09 pmI turn off my computer and WiFi when I am not using it.
Candice says
October 15, 2012 at 12:11 pmI use energy efficient bulbs, and try to turn things off as I leave a room.
Keely Hostetter says
October 15, 2012 at 12:28 pmKeeping heat low, lights off, energy efficient appliances, all the ways we can:)
Lisa Brown says
October 15, 2012 at 1:01 pmKeep lights turned off unless needed and use halogen bulbs.
Lisa Brown says
October 15, 2012 at 1:03 pmRSS with Bloglines via email: jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
D Schmidt says
October 15, 2012 at 1:23 pmI try to save energy by turning off lights when i leave the room, running my washing machine on the cool cycle, only using air conditioning as a last resort, etc
Tami Q. says
October 15, 2012 at 12:42 pmI encourage my kiddos to turn off their fans and lights every morning.
Jennifer (Jen) Boehme says
October 15, 2012 at 3:09 pmI turn lights off not in use, close off unused rooms, plastic in windows, and set thermostat for energy saver.
Brooke Bumgardner says
October 15, 2012 at 3:10 pmI try to save energy by making sure to turn off lights and unplug small appliances that we are not using.
Andrea Williams says
October 15, 2012 at 3:15 pmI try to go around behind everyone and turn off unnecessary lights, fans, electronics, etc…
Andrea D. says
October 15, 2012 at 3:31 pmI try to turn lights and things off when we can.
Anna Johnson says
October 15, 2012 at 3:41 pmwe changed all our light bulbs to low energy ones
Barbara Stenby says
October 15, 2012 at 4:06 pmI unplug appliances and light when not in use,I unplug phone chargers and computers when not is use. I do laundry at non peak hours and I don’t use a dishwasher.
amy beth marantino says
October 15, 2012 at 6:08 pmI use energy light bulbs
Kortney Picker says
October 15, 2012 at 6:39 pmWe always turn off lights when we are not using them, we just re-insulated our house and looking at more energy efficient changes for the future!
april yedinak says
October 15, 2012 at 7:52 pmKeep the heat turned down as low as we can stand it
Trish B says
October 15, 2012 at 9:07 pmI use CFLs and LEDs, I keep my thermostat at 60, wash in cold water and air dry laundry as much as possible.
Julie Klein says
October 15, 2012 at 9:23 pmWe run the low energy use bulbs in everything. We also try to use a lot of natural light instead of running lights all the time.
ANN*H says
October 15, 2012 at 10:32 pmUse cold water to wash laundry and hang wash outside
Colleen Maurina says
October 16, 2012 at 1:17 amWe try to save energy by turning lights off when not needed and buying energy saving appliances. We also unplug appliances and electronics when we travel.
Jan Messali says
October 16, 2012 at 8:40 amWe try to save energy by only running the dishwasher and washing machine when they are completely full.
Paul T/Pauline T says
October 16, 2012 at 8:49 amunplug all the appliances when not in use and turn off the lights, water, and timed our usage for both —– Paul T/Pauline T aka Paul Tran ….. emscout9 at Hotmail dot com
Paul T/Pauline T says
October 16, 2012 at 8:51 amFollowed on RSS…Google reader subscriber …as Paul T / Pauline T (Paul Tran…pls use emscout9 at hotmail dot com instead of gmail to contact me)
Nikita Ingram says
October 16, 2012 at 11:02 amsaving energy is great!
patricia says
October 16, 2012 at 12:33 pmI keep our thermostat set low in winter and high in summer
C.j. says
October 16, 2012 at 2:03 pmI use a lot of energy saving devices from light blocking curtains to LED energy bulbs I also use a programmable thermostat
Seyma Shabbir says
October 16, 2012 at 2:56 pmTurn off appliances when not needed, even unplug them
Ruby Y says
October 16, 2012 at 3:51 pmby turning off lights and system immediately when not using
Miranda M says
October 16, 2012 at 5:17 pmI unplug electronics that are not in use.
deb c says
October 16, 2012 at 7:16 pmWe save energy by only using lights in the rooms we are in and we have switched all our light bulbs to the energy efficient ones. All our majors appliances are energy efficient also.
Kristen says
October 16, 2012 at 7:24 pmWe turn lights off when we leave a room and unplug power draining devices when not in use.
Michele P. says
October 16, 2012 at 9:07 pmwe shut off lights when not in use, try to weatherize the house so that heat won’t escape out doors and windows, keep the furnace turned down, and unplug electronics that we are not using.
Marlene Breakfield says
October 16, 2012 at 9:38 pmI buy CFL bulbs
Christine says
October 16, 2012 at 10:24 pmTurn off lights when not in use & turn down heat when in bed @ night!
Vicki Wurgler says
October 17, 2012 at 10:08 amI wash in cold water-during summer hang them out to dry, turn off lights and short showers
Heidi Daily says
October 17, 2012 at 11:16 amWe have been updating our appliances with energy efficient ones, i hang clothes out to dry whenever possible, we have cfl in our home and are slowly but sure switching over to leds
Betty Baez says
October 17, 2012 at 11:37 amI turn the lights off during the day and use energy efficient bulbs
Margaret Smith says
October 17, 2012 at 2:19 pmWe have solar lights outside. Inside, we shut the lights off when we’re not in the room and when we’re away, we put a few lights on times.
barb h says
October 17, 2012 at 3:18 pmunplug cell phone chargers- they eat energy
melissa n says
October 17, 2012 at 8:28 pmwe use cold water for all our clothes washing, and turn out lights when not in use
Ann Fantom says
October 17, 2012 at 9:57 pmWe have been replacing our appliances with Energy Star appliances as they wear out
Heather Poindexter says
October 18, 2012 at 11:23 amI replaced light bulbs with the engery savers when the old one go out!
Lisa M says
October 18, 2012 at 12:58 pmWe never leave lights on plus we keep the ac on 82
Melissa says
October 18, 2012 at 1:01 pmI wash my clothing with cold water.
tamathahunter says
October 18, 2012 at 2:25 pmenergy saving light bulbs, keeping the thermostat at a set degree, going behind everyone turning out lights & unused electronics.
Renee Richardson says
October 18, 2012 at 4:12 pmWe switched to energy efficient lighting. Thanks for the awesome giveaway 🙂
Renee
fattybumpkins at yahoo dot com
Kermit Crissey says
October 18, 2012 at 8:39 pmRecently change over to energy efficient light bulbs
Corey Olomon says
October 18, 2012 at 9:06 pmMakesure the kids remember to ALWAYS turn off the lights when leaving a room.
Trasina McGahey says
October 18, 2012 at 9:38 pmI TRY to make sure the kids turn the lights and TV off when they leave the room.
Laurie Emerson says
October 18, 2012 at 10:17 pmI make sure all the lights are out when we go to bed and also keep the thermostat higher in the summer.
Edrie says
October 19, 2012 at 2:55 amWe use the energy saving light bulbs, try to remember to turn lights off when don’t need them, the usual but I would like to do so much more but it’s hard to get everyone in the house to follow along.
Francine Anchondo says
October 19, 2012 at 6:49 pmturn off lights that are not in use
JESSICA LEWIS says
October 19, 2012 at 10:27 pmjust replaced our old windows with energy efficient windows.
brandy says
October 20, 2012 at 12:33 pmWe switched to energy efficient lighting
sandra says
October 20, 2012 at 5:34 pmwe try to turn off the lights when we leave rooms
Linda Lansford says
October 20, 2012 at 9:45 pmwe turn off the air when we leave
Jennifer says
October 20, 2012 at 10:44 pmchange light bulbs to those new energy saver kind
Kimberly Schotz says
October 20, 2012 at 11:50 pmWe line dry our clothes
nannypanpan says
October 21, 2012 at 1:53 pmi wash (clothes)in cold water
AMBER says
October 21, 2012 at 4:07 pmby turning off lights when im not home, or in that room
Christina S says
October 21, 2012 at 8:57 pmI use the energy efficient light bulbs
Candie L says
October 21, 2012 at 8:57 pmWE use energy efficient light bulbs. Thank you
Grace Dressler says
October 21, 2012 at 8:59 pmUnplugging things when not in use
Barrie says
October 21, 2012 at 9:04 pmBefore going on vacation, I turn down/off heat/AC,unplug all items that I can. We also use energy saving light bulbs in the house only.
Stephanie says
October 21, 2012 at 9:08 pmI use energy efficient light bulbs, turn off all lights when not in use, use cold water for wash, burn wood for heat, and only purchase energy efficient appliances when replacing.
Selinda says
October 22, 2012 at 2:43 pmWe just got new windows that we are hopeful will help considerably this winter!
Sonya says
October 22, 2012 at 3:30 pmI hang clothes outside instead of using the dryer
tara b. says
October 22, 2012 at 3:56 pmi wash all our clothes in cold water. I hang clothes out when its nice enough 🙂
Lori Thomas says
October 22, 2012 at 3:58 pmWe use Energy Star products and turn off stuff when not in use
Jerri Davis says
October 22, 2012 at 4:01 pmI try to keep the lights off and the air conditioner set on 78. Thank you. Jerri Davis
Courtney P. says
October 22, 2012 at 4:08 pmI try to save energy by keeping the lights off in rooms that we are not in.
Heather Wone says
October 22, 2012 at 4:17 pmWe purchased a new washer and dryer that are energy saving certified.
Melanie H. says
October 22, 2012 at 5:00 pmWe swapped out all of our light bulbs for the energy efficient kind
June Ebinger says
October 22, 2012 at 5:02 pmI TURN OFF THE LIGHTS WHEN NOT IN USE.
Cindy B says
October 22, 2012 at 6:16 pmI’m trying to get my sweet husband and our grandson to turn off lights. It’s a never-ending job 🙂
Susan Franklin says
October 22, 2012 at 6:17 pmI save energy by only doing laundry and dishwasher after 9:00 P.M. I use all energy saving light bulbs only have lights on in the room I am using.I use Evaporative cooler instead of refrigeration when possible.I keep the thermostat set to keep the house comfortable but not over heated or cold. I dress warm so I can keep the house a little cooler in winter.
Sandra Beeman says
October 22, 2012 at 7:31 pmI save energy by keeping the heat down to 66 degrees!
Kathren M says
October 22, 2012 at 7:59 pmWe use CFL bulbs, and on days like it has been for the past 2 weeks we don’t run the A/C during the day we open the windows and turn the thermostat off.
Michele Behlen says
October 22, 2012 at 8:05 pmI use energy saving light bulbs, cold water wash and hang my clothes outside. I do not have a clothes dryer. In the summer we use or air condioner when very hot and keep our thermosat at 68 in the winter.
annette campbell says
October 22, 2012 at 9:14 pmI unplug everything when not using it
Kim Cowgar says
October 22, 2012 at 9:46 pmwe try to save energy by turning out lights in rooms that aren’t being used and switching to long-life light bulbs.
Jessica P. says
October 22, 2012 at 10:10 pmI keep lights off,leave appliances unplugged when not in use,use energy star light bulbs,use cold water to wash clothes and hang dry.
Rebecca L says
October 22, 2012 at 10:32 pmI keep my Air conditioner set on 80 during the Summer and 60 during the Winter.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Cheryl Chervitz says
October 22, 2012 at 10:47 pmI try to keep lights off when I’m not in a room. Keep the air a little higher and the heat a little cooler.
Tammy says
October 22, 2012 at 11:05 pmI have a great need for a new powerstrip and this looks awesome.
Janet says
October 23, 2012 at 4:35 amI turn off lights when they’re not in use.
Dwayne Berry says
October 23, 2012 at 9:39 amWe turn out all the lights in the rooms we’re not in.
Sherri Jackson says
October 23, 2012 at 1:50 pmTurning off lights when we’re not in a room.
tami s says
October 23, 2012 at 4:29 pmI turn off lights when not in the room. I lower my thermostat when not home and at night
Donna says
October 23, 2012 at 7:10 pmI turn out the lights when I leave a room.
Tamar says
October 23, 2012 at 10:30 pmWe turn off our lights and unplug non essential appliances. We also have 4 zone heating and try not to use it!
Breanne says
October 24, 2012 at 12:29 amI unplug everything I’m not currently using
Bonnie says
October 24, 2012 at 10:16 amTurn the power off to everything not in use. Wash and dry full loads of laundry. We do not leave the tv or radio on just for the noise. Turn the computer off when not in use.
Janet W. says
October 24, 2012 at 11:15 amWe save energy by turning off electronics/lights when we aren’t using them.
CherylS22 says
October 24, 2012 at 5:57 pmI save energy by unplugging appliances when I’m not using them & shutting off lights when leaving a room.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Cynthia C says
October 25, 2012 at 6:11 amI turn of lights and unplug things when not in use.
Amanda Myers says
October 25, 2012 at 12:05 pmI unplug my washer when I am not using it
Nan Bixby says
October 25, 2012 at 12:54 pmTurn off lights and unplug things not used. Making sure to wash full loads in washer and dishwasher.
felecia says
October 25, 2012 at 3:01 pmI wash clothes with cold water.
steve h says
October 25, 2012 at 9:25 pmWash and dry full loads of laundry and use cold water
Sharon says
October 26, 2012 at 11:38 amWe keep the thermostat on the air and heat set at certain temp and keep it there.
Thank You!
Ruth Anderson says
October 26, 2012 at 11:47 amI dry most of my laundry on line on back porch.I hang up wash and wear clothes to cut back on ironing.I turn off lights and cooling and heating when I can.
Amy Peschel says
October 26, 2012 at 12:15 pmDuring the day I open blinds/curtains so we don’t have to turn on lights.
Debra L. Guillen says
October 26, 2012 at 12:21 pmTry to make sure all the lights are turned out when not in use and add extra blankets to beds in the winter instead of turning the heat up at night
Cindy says
October 26, 2012 at 12:24 pmI turn off lights when not in use.
Tanya Bartlett says
October 26, 2012 at 2:21 pmBy turning out the lights when I leave the room
Marianna says
October 26, 2012 at 9:45 pmI use CFL light bulbs
Gianna says
October 27, 2012 at 11:52 amTurn of items not in use.
Desiree Dunbar says
October 27, 2012 at 7:09 pmWe are very aware of turning lights off when we leave the room and unplugging things when they are not in use.
vickie says
October 28, 2012 at 7:13 amI remember when Mom used to make a game -how many lights each kid could turn off just before our show would come on at night. Now I do the same thing at my house
Amber Porter says
October 28, 2012 at 11:05 amI unplug all kitchen gadgets that aren’t used very much.
Michael says
October 28, 2012 at 11:21 amI turn off lights when I’m not in a room, and turn off my computer every night.
Jennifer says
October 28, 2012 at 11:30 amWe only run the dishwasher/clothes washer when they are full.
jeanne conner says
October 28, 2012 at 2:20 pmWe unplug appliances not in use..
Debra Hall says
October 28, 2012 at 2:25 pmi unplug everything not being used
micheal dale grim says
October 28, 2012 at 2:31 pmwe keep lights off and use candles instead!!!
Karen F says
October 28, 2012 at 3:03 pmwe changed all of our bulbs to e engery saving spiral bulbs
Erica C. says
October 28, 2012 at 3:57 pmI unplug unused electronics.
Diane Baum says
October 28, 2012 at 8:41 pmI turn off all light and unplug unused items
Brittney House says
October 28, 2012 at 8:55 pmWe turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use.
laura ari says
October 28, 2012 at 9:19 pmWe make sure all the lights are out when no one is in a room and we use energy saving bulbs!
Richard Hicks says
October 28, 2012 at 9:59 pmWe save a lot by turning back temperatue on hot water heater
brich22 at earthlink dot net
cassandra says
October 28, 2012 at 10:10 pmwe try to make sure that we use energy saver products star95011()yahoo()com
Charlene says
October 28, 2012 at 10:26 pmTurning off the lights when we don’t need them on, unplugging appliances when not in use & turning down the thermostat at night.
Amanda C. says
October 28, 2012 at 10:40 pmMy husband and I always try to keep as many lights off as possible while we are home and while we are away from home and also…….we try and keep the temperature cool in the apartment to save energy
Kayla says
October 28, 2012 at 11:15 pmI unplug things when I’m not using them.
Stacey V says
October 29, 2012 at 12:37 amI always turn off lights and unplug items when not in use.
laurie says
October 29, 2012 at 1:27 amwe try to turn out lights when we are not in the room
Ericka says
October 29, 2012 at 8:22 amWith 3 kids I have no choice but to try and save money. I make sure my kids set sleep timers for their tv at night as well as make them turn lights off when they are not using it
Ellen says
October 29, 2012 at 10:01 amI turn out lights and the air convector when I don’t need it.
s riches says
October 29, 2012 at 10:13 amI use digital programable thermostats
Angela Neynaber says
October 29, 2012 at 11:35 amWe try to unplug things that are not in use.
Kathleen M Smith says
October 29, 2012 at 11:49 amI use small heaters a lot of the time and turn the hot water heater off when not needed and combine loads of laundry when possible.
Tanya White says
October 29, 2012 at 1:12 pmI turn off electronics and unplug the ones I am not using
Brad Merrell says
October 29, 2012 at 1:34 pmI unplug when I’m not using them
kat says
October 29, 2012 at 2:43 pmturn off lights and unplug stuff we’re not using
Vikki Billings says
October 29, 2012 at 3:49 pmI make sure the lights are turned off, I do not run the water while brushing my teeth.
Michele Amos says
October 29, 2012 at 4:17 pmWe try to keep everything unplugged that isn’t used everyday.
Barbara R. says
October 29, 2012 at 4:35 pmI unplug all if not needed.
Shannon says
October 29, 2012 at 4:39 pmI unplug things when not using them and try to keep lights turned off as much as possible
clynsg says
October 29, 2012 at 5:39 pmKeep the thermostat turned down (or up in summer), turn off lights, etc.
jules mcnubbin says
October 29, 2012 at 6:00 pmi unplug everything when i leave the house
carol lewis says
October 29, 2012 at 6:06 pmI turn lights off and try to keep it as dark as I can. Hang alot of clothes to dry.
susan smoaks says
October 29, 2012 at 7:20 pmi try to save energy by using timers and unplugging appliances when they aren’t in use
Laurie Barreca says
October 29, 2012 at 8:14 pmDuring the day I rarely turn on lights, I just open the shades and if I am unplug anything I am not using
sherri chastain says
October 29, 2012 at 9:23 pmI turn off all lights when i leave a room.. and use energy saving bulbs
kelly says
October 29, 2012 at 9:29 pmOpen the blinds during the day to not have to turn on lights.
Alexandria Cozzini says
October 29, 2012 at 9:30 pmUse the natural light as long as possible before turning on the lights, and using CFL light bulbs.
kathy pease says
October 29, 2012 at 9:42 pmwe shut off lights when leaving a room
Kris says
October 29, 2012 at 9:42 pmI 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.
Jane T says
October 29, 2012 at 9:48 pmWe try to buy energy saving appliances.
Wendy McBride says
October 29, 2012 at 11:12 pmTurn off lights and turn ac hotter when not at home.
wendym at cableone dot net
Bryan E. says
October 29, 2012 at 11:26 pmThanks for the giveaway…we use Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs, use major appliances at off-peak hours, etc.
Gaines Simmons says
October 29, 2012 at 11:42 pmI unplug all non-essential electronics when not in use.