There are a number of simple, practical ways to make your home eco-friendly, save energy and reduce utility bills.

#1 Install a Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat


A smart thermostat is a great way to manage your HVAC system more efficiently and to conserve energy. Configure schedules to automate when to switch your system on or off. Save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling simply by turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from the normal settings. Save energy easily in the winter by setting the smart thermostat to 68°F while you're awake and setting it lower while you're asleep or away from home.

A big energy saver in the summer months is to switch off your HVAC when you are not at home. Typically cooling occurs quicker than heating and switching the AC on 30 minutes before you get home will have the temperature at a comfortable level for your arrival. In addition to saving energy, there are many benefits to being able to remotely control and monitor your HVAC system remotely via the TrickleStar® App or TrickleStar® Portal . Optimize your comfort and maximize savings.

TrickleStar Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat and mobile app

#2 Install LED lighting


Good quality, well-priced LED lighting is readily available. Apart from saving energy, LED lighting provides a nicer, less harsh light than most CFL bulbs and lasts much longer.

#3 Weatherize your home


Ensure that your windows and doors provide a good seal to prevent heat escaping in the winter months and heat entering in the summer months. Most utility companies have programs where home performance contractors will do this for you at low / no cost as part of an overall energy audit. In addition to sealing doors and windows, roof insulation can be a great way to achieve further savings and improve the thermal properties of your home.
A worker sealing the window with a water proofing sealant to prevent heat escaping
A happy mother drying up the clothes using the TrickleStar DryerSaver

#4 Install a TrickleStar® DryerSaver™️


Drying clothes with an electric clothes dryer is especially power intensive. Many older electric clothes dryers are installed with simple timers and have no humidity sensors, so they run for much longer than needed, wasting power and damaging your clothes. Many newer electric clothes use old generation temperature and humidity sensors which are less accurate and can foul leading to wasteful over-drying. A TrickleStar® DryerSaver™️ is a simple retrofit device to all-electric clothes dryers and prevents overdrying and reduces energy bills. Ensure your dryer exhaust duct is cleaned regularly a) to avoid the risk of a duct fire and b) to speed up drying times with good ventilation.
TrickleStar Tier 1 and Tier 2 Advanced PowerStrip

#5 Install a TrickleStar® Advanced PowerStrip


If you have a TV with a number of peripheral devices, an Advanced PowerStrip is an excellent, low-cost solution to eliminate standby power and reduce energy bills. Most homes have at least 2 -3 TVs, so install an Advanced PowerStrip with each TV. Apart from reducing energy waste, Advanced PowerStrips also provides surge protection for sensitive electronics and can help extend their lifespan.
TrickleStar Water Heater Controller and mobile app

#6 Install an Electric Water Heater Controller


An electric water heater controller is a great way to save money. Heat your water tank at night or when power is cheap. Water tanks are thermally insulated so they keep the water hot for hours. Many utilities offer Time Of Use rates where power is significantly cheaper. An electric water heater controller will allow you to optimize energy use, schedule when to heat water and to take advantage of these lower costs and to avoid peak periods where power is more costly.