Energy is not cheap. Fortunately, today's technology can help you lower your energy consumption and energy costs. Check out these six energy efficient appliances, gadgets and devices designed to increase your home's energy efficiency.

1. 6 steps to
energy efficient homes

2. Keep in mind that each of these
steps is an investment. So while
they may cut into your savings
initially, in the long run, you have
the potential to come out on top.

3. Energy’s not cheap. The average U.S.
household spent nearly $1,300 on
electricity in 2012, consuming 903
kilowatt-hours every month.

4. Fortunately, today’s technology can help you
lower your energy consumption and energy costs.
Check out these six energy efficient appliances,
gadgets, and devices designed to increase your
home’s energy efficiency.

5. 1. Home energy monitors
The first step to improving your
home’s energy efficiency is to figure
out which appliances and areas are
consuming the most energy.
A monitoring system can help
track your family’s energy usage by
displaying how much energy each
appliance or device is using. This
information can determine how
behavioral changes, such as turning
off a computer or cutting back on the
AC, can help cut costs each month.

6. 2. Smart Power Strips
Devices plugged into the wall continue to consume
small amounts of electricity even when powered off.
“Smart” power strips allow you to plug in more devices
while also cutting off the excess power when they aren’t
in use. Smart power strips shut down based on a timer,
an occupancy sensor or when a “master” device like a
computer is turned off.

7. 3. Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats can improve the
energy efficiency of your home by automatically
reducing your cooling or heating based on a preset
schedule. You can set temperatures for daytime
and nighttime, and even specific days of the week.
According to Consumer Reports, devices like this
can help you save up to $180 in energy costs.

8. 4. Energy-Efficient Lighting
A simple way to increase your home’s energy efficiency is to
replace conventional incandescent light bulbs with compact
fluorescent ones. You could also opt for lower wattage bulbs.
And for the outdoors, consider using solar-powered lighting.

9. 5. Hybrid Water Heaters
Hybrid water heaters cost more than
conventional water heaters but reduce
long-term energy costs. Consumer
Reports estimates that some hybrid
water heaters can provide annual
savings of about 60% a year.

10. 6. Water-Efficient Showerheads
Showering not only uses a significant amount of water, but
also uses energy to heat and pump the water.
High-efficiency showerheads with the WaterSense label provide
a lower flow of water to help reduce both water and energy
use. The EPA estimates the average family could save 2,900
gallons of water and 370 kilowatt-hours of electricity each
year, simply by switching to a high-efficiency showerhead.

11. Whether you opt for one of these devices or
try all six, simple updates can put you on the
road to improving the energy efficiency of
your home and cutting your utility bills.

12. For more information, check out 10 tips for increasing
your energy efficiency in our How to Save Energy Checklist.
This information is general in nature, is provided for educational purposes only, and should
not be relied on or interpreted as accounting, financial planning, investment, legal or tax
advice. Regions neither endorses nor guarantees this information, and encourages you to
consult a professional for advice applicable to your specific situation.