Monday, December 27, 2010

Five Ways to Use Your Christmas Gift Card

I received a nice gift card to the Home Depot for Christmas. It got me thinking - what should I spend it on?

I like to spend a lot of time on Home Power Saver talking about ways to reduce your electric bill through simple projects and improving efficiency, and I always focus on whether a product or project is cost effective.

So why not use that gift card towards a project that will pay you back for years to come?  Today I'll outline five ways to spend a gift card the Home Power Saver way!


  1. Buy CFL or LED Lightbulbs. This GE 8-pack might be the single most cost effective move someone can make to save energy.  CFLs have come a long way, and these are quality bulbs that can save a lot of energy if placed in your most highly used sockets.
  2. Buy a Smart Power Strip.  The basic Smart Strip is the most widely known, and Belkin also makes one.  These will automatically shut off other devices when you power off a controlling device.  For example, turn your TV off and it will shut off your Blue Ray player, stereo receiver and powered subwoofers, preventing vampire power.
  3. Install a Programmable Thermostat.  I talk about this one a lot.  Why not automate your home and save money at the same time?
  4. Try an efficient space heater instead of heating the whole house.  This is perfect for like-minded couples or single people.  Use your space heater to only heat your room at night.
  5. Install a 1.5 GPM shower head. There are few easier projects, and this one will save on your water bill and your water heating bill!

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