Don’t let the energy gnomes follow you back to school! Take control of your appliances.
Smart Strip
Your computer, printer, scanner and Wii use energy when not in use, even in idle/standby time. Many appliances consume 25 percent of their power when they are not even turned on. Smart power strips automatically sense the sleep mode, shut off phantom loss and also shut off any peripheral electronics that you plug into the same strip.
The Smart Strip controls power to the computer and peripherals like the monitor and printer and game player. The Smart Strip has 10 outlets, with one control outlet for your computer or TV, three constant outlets for a router, cable box or DVR, and six outlets for appliances that suck energy.
When you shut down the computer the printer will automatically shut down, but you could leave cable box hot as needed. Even your fridge, microwave, phone charger, hair dryer and all things with plugs can be plugged into the Smart Strip, which also comes equipped with a surge protector. The Smart Strip saves up to 73 percent of the energy that would otherwise be used and pays for itself in a matter of weeks!
Watch a video:
Light Bulbs
Yes, light bulbs make a difference! Lighting accounts for as much as 20 percent of energy use. Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs utilize 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, last ten times longer and provide the same amount of light.
If every home in America replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an ENERGY STAR-qualified CFL, in one year it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes and would prevent the release of greenhouse gas emissions equal to that of about 800,000 cars.
Solar Charger
Speaking of smaller electronics, go solar to charge your cell phone.
Check out this video:
Refrigerator
Snagging a new refrigerator for your room? Go ENERGY STAR to keep your goods cool. Brands like EdgeStar, Danby, Haier and Summit make ENERGY STAR mini fridges perfect for your personal space.
If you’re going full-size, check the ENERGY STAR website for guidance or check the yellow EnergyGuide label for specific energy use and operating costs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy recommend buying a fridge with a top-mounted freezer, which uses less energy than bottom-mount or side-by-side models. The most energy-efficient models are typically 16–20 cubic feet. FYI, skipping the ice-maker and dispenser saves 14-20 percent energy use and lowers the purchase price.
Heat & Cold
Keep your room warm or cool once you’ve jetted off to your new digs with insulated blackout curtains. Sleep as late as you want without getting too cold or too hot with these curtains that regulate temperature and save energy.
Still want light without the incubation factor? Slap some heat control film onto your windows and let your room be to your liking without your RA writing you up.
