The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Best Buy Co., Inc. (Best Buy) and Black & Decker Corporation (Black & Decker) have collaborated to introduce new power management tools and tips. These power management tools can help the consumers lower monthly bills, save energy, and reduce pollution. Power management is the practice of controlling the energy use in homes by utilizing specific tools and executing simple actions to minimize energy consumption.

“Taking small steps to reduce energy use can lead to big savings,” stated Francis J. Murray Jr., NYSERDA president and chief executive officer. “Power management is a new idea for many people, but it is an easy path to follow, and will result in lower utility bills and a cleaner environment.”

The home electronic products utilize 40% of their energy when they are turned off, powering features like clock displays and remote controls. This hidden electricity waster is known as phantom power. Using power management technologies to reduce phantom power could lead to about $200 in annual savings for a typical residential energy consumer.

Consider using an energy monitor, like the Black & Decker Power Monitor:

Energy monitors track a home’s energy consumption so the consumers can evade wasting energy. The Black & Decker Power Monitor incorporates a wireless transmitter that attaches to the electric meter and a wireless handheld device that displays information about the energy consumption. The consumers can track changes in electric consumption, in dollars and cents, as major appliances are turned on and off.

“The power monitor is a great way to learn where you may be wasting energy,” said Scott Pollard, Senior Product Manager, Black & Decker. “Having reliable information is the first step to making smart changes.”

Use an advanced power strip to reduce phantom power:

The US Environmental Protection Agency has reported that US households spend $100 per year to power devices while they are in this standby power mode. An advanced power strip automatically abolishes phantom power to products that are not in use, saving energy and money.

Deploy a programmable thermostat:

The average household spends over $2,000 a year on energy bills, nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. Deploying a programmable thermostat is one of the easiest ways to save money. The consumers set the temperature to a preferred comfort level while at home. The thermostat will automatically adjust to a more moderate temperature during times when a family is asleep or away. That way, consumers aren’t paying to heat and cool an empty house.

Use an appliance timer:

Timers make it easy to use appliances, lighting, and other devices only when they are needed. Timers can be used to run a dishwasher or clothes washer when it is convenient. Lights can be placed on a timer so they are used when needed.

Power management tools are easy to find:

Advanced power strips, appliance timers and programmable thermostats are all available at Best Buy stores. “Best Buy offers a wide variety of products to make it easier for people to reduce their energy use,” stated Bryan Ledgister, customer solutions manager for Best Buy. “These products pay for themselves by reducing monthly energy bills, making them a terrific value. Our sales staff can help you decide which tools are right for you.”

Black & Decker is a US-based global manufacturer and marketer of quality power tools and accessories, hardware and home improvement products, and technology-based fastening systems.