05-29-2009, 11:18 PM
I'm with you on energy conservation. I didn't know about the remote switchable surge protectors so what I did was buy a wireless remote control outlet. I got mine from Surplus Computers for somewhat less than the price listed. With it I independently control all the accessories (monitors, speakers, chargers, etc for two computers. My printers are on the third switch.
I also bought a 2 outlet wireless controller at Costco that I use to control lamps in the living room.
By switching every light bulb in the house to CFL, turning them off when not in use, keeping the house at 80 degrees (used to maintain 77 degrees - this is South FL), and tinting SW facing windows I found my energy use dropped 30 - 50% per month compared to the same period a year ago. I've checked for the last 6 months and only this past month, with heavy A/C use because of unusually warm temperature (read, summer-like) did it even approach the use in the previous year for the same month.
I also bought a 2 outlet wireless controller at Costco that I use to control lamps in the living room.
By switching every light bulb in the house to CFL, turning them off when not in use, keeping the house at 80 degrees (used to maintain 77 degrees - this is South FL), and tinting SW facing windows I found my energy use dropped 30 - 50% per month compared to the same period a year ago. I've checked for the last 6 months and only this past month, with heavy A/C use because of unusually warm temperature (read, summer-like) did it even approach the use in the previous year for the same month.