Home Energy Saving Tips
Cut your energy bills without sacrificing comfort — or the look of your home.
Most homeowners overpay for
energy every single month without knowing it. Devices left on standby quietly drain $150–200 per year. Outdoor lights run on utility power when they don't have to. The good news: fixing this doesn't require a contractor, a big investment, or giving anything up.
Here's how we do it — and the tools and products that make it easy.
Disclosure: Some links below go to Amazon. GenTree Home is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you.
Step 1 - Find Your Energy Vampires
Before you can fix a problem, you have to see it. Most people are shocked when they find out what their TV, gaming console, older appliances, and phone chargers cost them while doing nothing but sitting plugged in.
The Kill-a-Watt meter is the fastest way to find them. Plug any device in, and it tells you exactly what that device costs per day, month, and year. Take it around your house once and you'll know exactly where to focus.
P3 P4400 Kill-a-Watt Electricity Usage Monitor | $31.99
Plug any device in and see real-time watts, amps, and cost per year. 50,000+ Amazon reviews. The first tool every homeowner should own
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Step 2 - Control it Automatically
Once you know which devices are the biggest offenders, smart plugs let you schedule them to cut power automatically — no more remembering to unplug things.
The Kasa KP115 is the most reliable energy-monitoring smart plug available. It works with Alexa and Google Home, tracks energy use per device, and you can control it from your phone anywhere. At ~$15 per plug, it pays for itself in a few months
Kasa Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring (KP115) - 2pack | $30.63
Schedule devices to power off automatically. Monitors energy use per plug. Works with Alexa, Google Home, and your phone. Amazon's Choice.
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Step 3 - Go Solar Outside
Outdoor lighting is one of the easiest energy wins in any home. Path lights, security lights, and decorative lights run on utility power every night — and every one of those can be replaced with a solar-powered alternative that costs nothing to operate.
We carry three solar outdoor lighting options in the store. All are waterproof, no wiring required, and they charge during the day and light up automatically at night.
For the Serious Energy Saver
If you want to go deeper — and see your entire home's energy use in real time — the Emporia Vue is the next step. It installs at your electrical panel (or can be professionally installed) and monitors every circuit in your home simultaneously.
You'll see exactly which appliances are using the most power, identify patterns, and track your savings over time. At under $150, it's the most affordable whole-home monitor on the market.
Emporia Vue Gen 3 Smart Home Energy Monitor | $96.99
Monitors 16 individual circuits simultaneously. Real-time energy tracking for your whole home. Works with Alexa and the Emporia app. DIY or professional install.
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