Energy Saving Power Strips

The most common home electronics devices -- phone chargers, TV's, DVD & stereo equipment, coffee makers, and computers -- are all burning energy even when they're not in use. Otherwise known as "phantom power" this wasted energy may be costing you as much as 15% of your total energy bill. The cure is simple: use power strips. Here are EVO's top picks, spanning the basics to the super high-tech.

The Basic Strip

Starting at $8.99

Let's start with the basics. At night, or when you're away for the day, you can shut off power to 6 devices with the flick of a switch. For $8.99, you can get the basic 15-amp power strip from Home Depot. For heavy demand appliances like computers and flat screens, use the surge strip with circuit breaker protection for $12.99, also from Home Depot.

The Smart Strip

From $30.95

If you want to be able to control power to specific devices, use the flexible Smart Strip by BITS. The blue outlets allows you to chose a control device (like your television). When you turn that device off, it will power down all the other devices plugged into the strip. The red plugs are “safe” and will not turn off unless you unplug it yourself. If you're worried about messing up your TiVo, this is the power strip for you.

The Watt Stopper

Around $90

This is one amazing innovation. The Watt Stopper comes with an occupancy sensor. When you leave the room, the sensor will wait for whatever time you specify and then turn off the plugged-in devices automatically. The Watt Stopper is available from Goodmart

The Virtual Strip

$114.99 for a starter kit

Say goodbye to cumbersome power strips altogether with the Z-wave remote control kit. The starter kit comes with a remote control unit that can manage dozens of plugs throughout your house. You simply plug a Z-wave module (pictured above) into a standard outlet and the controller will turn on and off your devices at your command. The controller is totally programmable, so you can set all your devices to turn off automatically.

Now there's no need to fret about wasted phantom power. These smart power strips will give you control, peace of mind, and a pocket full of savings.

Read other ways to save big on your energy bills.