Save money greening your home--photos
A combination of efficiency and at-home power generation will lighten your home's energy footprint.
Google PowerMeter
Here is a screenshot of PowerMeter, a Google home energy monitoring application now in limited beta testing. It's one of many of Web-based tools and gadgets under development meant to give consumers more insight into how and when they consume juice. Advocates say just surfacing more information will help people cut electricity consumption by 5 percent to 10 percent. Utility-run demand response programs should help consumers to take advantage of lower rates or get discounts by allowing the utility to adjust appliances during peak times.
Bits Smart Surge Strip
You can put your electronics on a power strip and just click it off when you're not using them. A more clever way is a "smart" power strip like this Bits Smart Surge Strip. You connect a device like a TV, stereo, or PC to the main blue-colored plug. The strip turns off stand-by power to all peripheral items, like speakers, game machines, and DVD players. The red plugs let you keep certain items on all the time.
Blower door
A blower door, pictured here, is just a temporary door with a large fan and computer attached. When the fan blows, it exaggerates the leaks in your house to help you or an energy auditor find them. Patching a large hole in a heating duct or in your basement can make an immediate difference in your heating and cooling bills.
Go solar
Does solar make sense for you? If you have good sun and you plan to stay where you are for a long time, it's worth considering as a way to hack away at your monthly bills.
In general, solar hot water systems will be cheaper upfront and have a quicker payback. Solar electric, or photovoltaic, panels can cost about $25,000 and take years to recoup the initial cost. But there is a 30 percent federal tax credit for solar energy--hot water and electric--and a growing number of financing options to chip away at the upfront cost.
Solio charger
I recommend getting a charger and a battery, either integrated with the panel or standalone storage. That way, you can use the sun to store your energy during the day and power up when you need it.
Recycle those gadgets
For TVs, Greenpeace recommends going to the manufacturers' Web site to find a recommended recycler. If that's not possible, Greenpeace says to look for an e-Stewards certified company, which will ensure that the electronics are not dumped or burned.