# How Do I Reduce Energy During an OhmHour?

> Here are our top recommendations to reduce energy during an OhmHour Event   Hook up your home with smart home technology for automated earnings   Connect your h

Source: https://ohmconnect.kustomer.help/help/what-should-i-do-during-my-ohmhour-to-reduce-energy-Hki5WhDVd

Last updated: 2024-06-17T19:55:03.506Z

## Here are our top recommendations to reduce energy during an OhmHour Event 

### Hook up your home with smart home technology for automated earnings

1.  Connect your home’s major energy hogs to [smart plugs!](https://shop.ohmconnect.com/products/tp-link-wi-fi-smart-plug-mini-hs105) A smart plug is a WiFi-connected device that, when connected to [OhmConnect](https://www.ohmconnect.com/how-it-works/what-are-ohmhours-and-autoohms/?campaign=blog&sub_campaign=help-article&channel=what-should-i-do-during-my-ohmhour-to-reduce-power-hki5whdvd), will power down automatically without you lifting a finger. This means you don’t have to run around the house unplugging when an OhmHour happens and you’re guaranteed to reduce your energy use.    
      
    
2.  Upgrade your old thermostat to a [smart thermostat](https://shop.ohmconnect.com/collections/types?q=Thermostat) —if you haven’t already. Not only will it automatically participate in OhmHours and AutoOhms, but it will learn your schedule and optimize your home’s heating and cooling, saving you money each month on your energy bills.

### Know which appliances use the most energy and shut them off

Some appliances may look unassuming but use a ton of energy (hello, refrigerator!). [This page](https://www.ohmconnect.com/energy-education) gives you the full rundown of what the biggest energy hogs in your household are.

  

*   Don’t have a smart thermostat? Set your AC to a higher temperature or turn it off entirely when an OhmHour happens.    
      
    
*   Unplug chargers and electronics that use energy even when turned off, such as computers, stereo equipment, TVs, phone chargers, or small electric appliances in the kitchen or bathroom.  
      
    
*   Avoid running the dishwasher, washer dryer, vacuum cleaner, or power tools during the OhmHour.   
      
    
*   Turn off any pool or hot-tub heaters and cleaners.  
      
    
*   Avoid opening your refrigerator and freezer during the OhmHour, particularly on hot days.   
      
    
*   Turn off the lights in rooms that are not being used.  Some families like using rechargeable head lamps or planning a candlelight dinner during evening OhmHours.

### [This OhmConnect article](https://www.ohmconnect.com/tips-and-tricks/beating-your-forecast-three-steps-for-ohmhour-success) is a comprehensive guide to earning as many Watts as possible.