DENVER -- Most people know some quick ways to save energy, like unplugging appliances not in use, using energy efficient appliances and changing out old light bulbs.

So, why don't more people do it?

For many people, seeing is believing and a new device is using that strategy to teach people about their energy use habits and how much they could be saving each month.

"It's almost addictive," said working mom and homeowner Cori Pope.

Pope and her husband installed the Black and Decker Power Monitor in their home.

"We were optimistic. Plus, my husband is kind of a gadget guy," Pope said, "It seemed like an interesting toy for us to have."

The Popes have been playing with their new "toy" for about one month.

"Before we started using it, we had no idea how much it cost to use lights in the house, run the dryer. I had no concept of what it costs every time I do that," she said.

"I consider it a revolutionary product," said Ace Hardware store owner Andy Carlson.

Carlson said he has already sold several power monitors.

He said he carries the Black and Decker brand at his hardware store because it is easy to set up, easy to use, and at about $99, is in the moderate price range.

"It connects to the power meter on the outside of your home, then wirelessly talks to every device that will tell you every minute of every day how much energy you're using in your home. It'll tell you in dollars and kilowatt hours," he said.

To program the wireless part of the device, a homeowner will need figures from their latest energy bill.

Pope said the whole process took them about 30 minutes to set up and starts working instantly.

"We've made a game out of it with our family. We keep it in plain sight. Just walking by it. 'It's up, what did I forget?' or 'It's down, what did I leave on?'" Pope said.

Pope said that by watching the numbers on the monitor rise and fall with their energy use, they were able to change habits and save money.

For example, when Pope plugged in an older, their energy number jumped from 20 to 35 cents and hour. But after switching to a more efficient space heater the Popes could save $1 a day from changing this one appliance.

Pope admits when she plugs in a new appliance, she runs over to see what it is costing.

Predictably, bigger appliances cost more.

The Popes' dryer sends the monitor soaring to 78 cents an hour.

"The biggest thing that made a difference is changing habits. I don't run the dryer unless I have a full load," Pope said.

Changing light bulbs also makes a difference.

The Call7 test found changing out just 10 light bulbs to CFL high efficiency bulbs saved about 7 cents an hour.

Still, the Pope's know how low they can go.

The Call7 team turned off all the lights and got the monitor down to 5 cents an hour.

Pope said it is savings the whole family can take part it.

"My 4-year-old can see that, the tangibles. You can see when you turn off a few light switches," Pope said.

The Power Monitor costs about $99 and claims to pay for itself in one season.

Call7 asked Xcel Energy what they think of the device.

While they are encouraged about energy saving techniques, a spokesperson said like other energy saving ideas, the homeowner still needs to act on them in order to see a savings.

Xcel spokesperson Mark Stutz said the company does not support or endorse the use of energy monitors.

While they do not affect the monitor they are attached to, Stutz said they could damage the equipment, which is owned by Xcel.

Stutz also said the devices are not held to same standards of accuracy the meter itself is and that customers can not use those readings to debate their bills.

Xcel Energy is offering Colorado electric customers energy-efficient light bulbs for as low as $1.00. For a list of participating stores go to responsiblebynature.com.