Idle energy waste is a hidden problem in most households
Many devices keep using electricity even when nobody is actively using them. This includes laptops, phones, desktops, tablets, and TVs. A lot of this energy is wasted because the device stays awake longer than needed or charges past the point that is necessary.
On average, idle energy can make up 10 to 20 percent of a household electricity bill. Reducing this does not require new appliances or behavior changes. It only requires adjustments to power settings and small device automations.
I created simple automations that reduce daily energy waste
I designed easy automations that anyone can install. These automations lower screen brightness, enable low power modes, shorten sleep timers, and reduce overnight charging waste. They are based on built in tools that come with iPhone, Mac, and Windows computers.
These settings cut down unnecessary energy use each day. People install the automations once and then the savings continue on their own.
Each automation is built and tested on real devices
I built and tested the automations on my own iPhone 14, MacBook Air, and Windows laptop. I created the routines, exported the files, and documented the steps with screenshots. Anyone can import the same files and get the identical power saving setup without needing technical knowledge.
Each user logs their installation so impact can be measured
When someone installs an automation, they fill out a short form. This form asks which automation they installed and how many devices they have at home. The responses feed into a spreadsheet that calculates the total estimated energy saved.
This approach allows the project to measure meaningful environmental impact without requiring personal information from participants.
Small daily savings add up to large community impact
Each automation saves a small amount of electricity every day. When many households use the automations, the savings add up. The project estimates energy and carbon savings based on common device wattages. This is a simple way to reduce community energy use without cost or effort from the user.
Why this matters
Energy use is one of the main sources of emissions in Southern California. Irvine continues to experience hotter summers and higher electricity demand. Cutting down daily idle energy reduces strain on the grid and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
This project gives people an easy path to take action that feels realistic and delivers measurable results.