We often get questions asking if there are any kinds of gadgets to help customers learn more about their energy usage and to save money on their bill. You don't always need to buy a gadget to save energy. For example, you can use a clothesline or drying rack to dry your clothes instead of using your dryer.

To find out where you might save energy, here are gadgets that we have learned about from employees and  customers. (The PUD does not endorse any of the following products.) If you have suggestions for an energy-saving gadget, please let us know.

	Bye Bye Standby Energy-Saving Kit – A smart device that completely cuts power to electronics when they’re not in use. Simply plug the items into the adapter to start saving energy.
	Kill A Watt Meter – These devices help you assess where you’re wasting energy. Just plug in the appliance or electronics item into the meter to get a read on actual energy use by hour, day, month or year. You can check-out one* of these meters at these Sno-Isle Libraries (3 meters are currently available all months at the Everett Library): Apr: Edmonds Aug: Lake Stevens Sep: Marysville Oct: Stanwood Nov: Mukilteo *20 meters will be at each library
	PowerCost Monitor – Get real-time info on your electrical usage by installing this device on your electrical meter.  Information is transmitted wirelessly to in-home receiver/display. Track actual energy use, measure energy use changes and estimate future energy use. Click here for more information.
	Smart Strip – An easy way to automatically power down peripheral electronic devices in your home when you turn off the main unit, such as your computer CPU.  Many people leave printers or DVD players on even when they’re not in use, unnecessarily wasting electricity.
	Infrared Temperature Gauge – This device helps you increase the efficiency of your home’s insulation by identifying problem areas around drafty windows and doors and other soft spots around your home. A thermal reference light indicates hot and cold spots.
	Smoke Pencil - This non-toxic tool generates a small amount of smoke to help you identify drafts or air leaks in your home. Pull the trigger on the smoke pencil near the area that you suspect a draft and see how the smoke moves to show the air movement. The light on the end of the smoke pencil illuminates the smoke and the area you are testing for easy air movement detection. Use it to see if your fireplace chimney will draft properly or test if your damper is sealing tightly. See if your windows and doors are weatherstripped well and seal tight. Test to see if you need to tape or mastic the HVAC ducts in your basement or attic.