6 Gadgets That Help You Save Energy (and Money)

Getting a handle on your household energy consumption can save money and the environment. Your heating and cooling usage is an obvious target, but did you know it's also important to monitor your gadgets and electronics gear?

Getting a handle on your household energy consumption cansave moneyand theenvironment. Your heating and cooling usage is an obvious target, but did you know its also important to monitor your gadgets and electronics gear?

The average US household spends $100 per year powering products that are turned off or in standby mode, according the theEPA. And, nationwide we spend $10 billion a year in energy costs.

Below youll find devices that help determine where youre losing your money and ensure you keep spending under control.

Black & Decker

Youll see big savings on your monthly energy bill when you stop heat and air conditioning from leaking out of your house. A thermal leak detector, like the Black& Decker TLD100 can show you where your homes leaks are. Once the device has readthe ambient temperature, youcan start checking around windows, door frames and other places air could be escaping. The light will change to red for warmer spots and blue for cooler spots. You can set the temperature tolerances to one, five or 10 degrees.

Price:$35.10 onAmazon.com

Nest

The Nest Thermostat (2nd Generation) is smart enough to know when youre away. So if you forget, it can lower the temperature about two hours after youve left. Its continually monitoring your habits, so it can automatically adjust the temperature based on your needs. And, Nest lets you know when youre saving energy, rewarding you with a green leaf icon. Even small changes to your thermostat settings can impact your monthly energy bill. For instance, each degree above 68 Fcan addthree percentto the amount of energy needed for heating, according to the Edison Electric Institute.

Price:$249 onAmazon.com

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6 Gadgets That Help You Save Energy (and Money)