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written by weee , September 13, 2007

It would be interesting to see an estimate of how long it takes to pay for itself. A time less than 4 years would see it sell.

Pay off
written by Hank , September 13, 2007

They're saying 1 to 2. But that seems like a big fat lie to me. Especially considering that last two years I paid less than $1200 for electricity total. So it would be hard for them to save me $1200 in two years, unless they started paying for all my bills.

I'm sure it's more useful for someone with air conditioning...and a larger house. Not that I want to promote larger houses. The easiest (and cheapest) way to save on electricity is live in a smaller house...but I don't think HGTV is a big fan of that message.

Wireless outlets
written by Anders , September 14, 2007

I've solved this issue by installing wireless plugs in my outlets connected to the tv/dvd,computer,wireless internet etc.

The remote to the system features on/off buttons for each group (ie: coputer internet) or the mighty "all off" button wich I use before leving the house or going to bed.

It's not ideal since you miss out most lights but it's cheap and dead easy to install and you can always add on more plugs when needed.

...
written by Monotonehell , September 14, 2007

Hank, we've been following your movements via the RFID chip we installed at birth. All we can say is that we're very disappointed in you. *wags finger*

House switch solutions
written by Ken , September 14, 2007

I am pretty sure X10 sells automated in-wall and socket plugs that do the exact same thing as these. I'd like to know where the installer gets their hardware, since the switches I've seen cost somewhere between 10 and 20 dollars. Much more cost effective to DIY.

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written by HappyCthulhu , September 14, 2007

Ed Begley just had one of these installed in his house on the last episode of Living with Ed on HGTV.
It looked like a pretty easy install and worked just as advertised.
Even his wife thought it was cool.

SmartHome
written by Gordon Niessen , September 17, 2007

X-10 and Inston both can do this for much less. And I have no idea how they could save you that much even with A/C control. I have my thermostat already set to adjust the temperature from 76 to 80 when I am away. But how does the GreenSwitch know when you are going to return. It can take a home time to bring the home back to a comfortable level.

Lazy is not my name
written by Dean Cartwright , December 20, 2008

Wow, to spend money on something like this when I can turn off the lights, TV etc. all on my own before I walk out the door!! I refuse to be that lazy. If the object is to save money on utilities by spending money for something I do not need. Now that's just plain wasteful.

Explorer
written by Ryan , January 06, 2009

This is designed to primarily address the "phantom load," not laziness. Phantom, or vampire, electricity is drawn out of your appliances and electronic devices when they are idle unless you cut it off, like turning off a surge protector will. Unless you unplug devices such as your microwave and printer each night and whenever you are not using them you could easily be spending hundreds of dollars a year to run them on idle. I am currently doing the calculations in my own house with a kilowatt meter to see what will work best to stop this phenomenon. I am also exploring smart strips and other devices designed to address this issue.

The wireless outlets post above seems like a good approach because there is more flexibility for the super energy conscious to shut off different systems while still using the house,like the eneterntainment center or kitchen, not just when you leave. The greenswitch on some kind of timer for bed time might also provide more utility.