There are 10 billion electrical outlets in North America, and over the last few years, inventors have been hard at work making them easier, safer, and more energy efficient than ever before. Here are our five favorite innovative “smart” outlets:
Belkin Conserve Socket
1. Conserve. According to the EPA’s Energy Star program, vampire power accounts for more than $10 billion per year in energy costs. While “vampire power” might sound like the latest anemic thriller from Hollywood, the term actually refers to the energy some devices use, when they are switched off but still plugged in. Belkin’s Conserve Socket helps battle the electricity-suckers in a simple and easy-to-use way (that doesn’t involve garlic). Simply plug one of these $10 devices into the wall, set the switch to one-half, three, or six hours, and press the start button. The socket shuts off all power after the programmed time. In addition to vanquishing vampire power drain, Conserve works great for an air conditioner or fan you don’t need to run all night, or for a curling iron or coffeemaker you’re afraid you might forget to turn off in the morning. In other words, both energy and stress are saved.
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- Let Your Attic Help Improve Home Comfort Year Round
Let Your Attic Help Improve Home Comfort Year Round
Illustration: idevelop.ie
Looking to cut energy costs and improve home comfort? Focus on your heating and cooling systems. While it is imperative to choose an Energy Star-certified unit properly sized for your home, a variety of factors influence the effectiveness of your system, according to the experts at Lennox. And some of those factors, it turns out, have very little to do with areas of the home that you actually live in.
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Bob Vila Radio: Radiator Covers
Cast iron radiators can be beautiful, but an old, peeling one can really bring down the look of a room. Stripping and refinishing a painted radiator is one option, but it can be a messy, time-consuming project. If your radiators are working great but looking bad, consider sprucing them up with radiator covers.
Photo: fichman.com
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Listen to BOB VILA ON RADIATOR COVERS or read the text below:
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