3 Heating Myths That Could Cost You Money This Winter

With the winter weather here, many homeowners have the heat in their homes cranked high to keep them comfortable. But while you may be nice and warm, your energy bill is probably rising. The good news is that you don't have to freeze to save on energy during the colder months. Let's take a look at a few heating myths that could cost you energy and money this winter.


You should turn up the heat quickly. One of the biggest misconceptions about using heat is that if you crank up the heat, it will warm up the house faster. Unfortunately, this is not true. Your HVAC system can't magically make your home five degrees warmer instantaneously. Instead, it has to heat it up slowly. And if you set the thermostat several degrees higher, your heating system is just going to have to work harder. In turn, this actually uses more energy. So if you're looking to save on energy costs, don't change the temperature more than a few degrees at a time.


New windows always help reduce energy costs. If you live in an old house with old windows, air leaks around the windows certainly could be contributing to increased energy bills. But getting new windows is not a cure-all solution. Furthermore, getting all new windows can be an expensive project. Instead, you should focus on smaller ways to reduce air leaks throughout your home. Did you know that insulating your walls and ceilings can help reduce heating bills by 20% to 30%? Ensuring your home is properly insulated is a great way to ensure the warm air stays inside your home.


A programmable thermostat always saves energy. While it's true that having a programmable thermostat can help reduce energy use, it only works if you use it properly. When you get a programmable thermostat, make sure to read the instructions and talk to your electric company. If you program the thermostat to turn the heat up before you get out of bed when you normally wait until you get up, it's going to end up using more energy. But if the thermostat is programmed properly, it could help you save energy.


Hopefully, this article cleared up some confusion regarding using heat and saving energy during the winter. If you have questions or concerns about your energy use, talk to your electric company about ways you can reduce your monthly bills.

Saving Energy at Home: How to Use Your Thermostat Properly

The way we use energy has changed drastically over time. Just think, wood supplied almost 90% of our energy needs over 150 years ago! Now, people tend to focus more on renewable energy and ways we can reduce energy use. Fortunately, with today's technology, this is easier than ever to do. One technological tool that can help with energy conservation is a thermostat. So let's take a closer look at how thermostats can help save energy when used right.

How Does the Right Thermostat Save Energy?

Most homes are equipped with a thermostat to help keep the indoor temperature nice and comfortable. And while it may be tempting to crank up the heat in the colder months, setting your thermostat back even just a few degrees can reduce heating and cooling costs immensely. Programmable thermostats are something every home should have. It can be difficult to remember to turn down the heat or air when you're sleeping or not home. But with a programmable thermostat, you won't have to remember. You can simply set your thermostat to turn down the heat or AC when you're not home or sleeping and you can easily reduce your energy use. Additionally, you should ensure your thermostat is in a central location in your home. If a thermostat is installed in a poor location, like near a garage, it can misread the temperature. So with the right thermostat, you can save energy at home with ease.

What NOT to Do With Your Thermostat

When using your thermostat, it's important to not make mistakes that could lead you to use more energy than necessary. One big mistake homeowners often make is cranking up their heat or AC because they think that will help them reach their desired temperature quicker. Not only does this not work, but it can actually make your HVAC system run slower and use more energy. So to focus on energy conservation, don't set the temperature too high or too low. Furthermore, you should try to change the thermostat temperature as little as possible. If you constantly change the temperature on your thermostat, you're going to end up using more energy because your HVAC unit will have to stop and start repeatedly.

When it comes to energy conservation, using the right thermostat, and using it correctly, can be a big energy saver. So keep these tips in mind and use your thermostat wisely.

Tips for Reducing Energy Costs

With the hot summer sun beating down, many homeowners are hiding away inside their cool air-conditioned home. But with the air conditioning blasting, electronics being used more often, and loads of wash increasing with the kids being home, energy bills can skyrocket during the summer months. So how can homeowners save money on their energy bills and still survive the heat? Well, let's take a look at a few tips on how to reduce energy use this summer.

Use fans instead of the AC: While it certainly can be tempting to blast the refreshing air conditioning to quickly cool down your home, air conditioning is a huge use of energy in homes. So instead of using AC all the time, try using a variety of fans to circulate cool air throughout the home. And open windows during those cool, breezy nights to let in some fresh air. If you must use air conditioning, consider installing a programmable thermostat to control temperature and save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs.

Consider cooking outside: One of the most common reasons houses get so hot in the summer is from people using the oven and stove in the kitchen to cook. To avoid this from happening, take advantage of that nice summer weather and cook outside. Grilling or smoking food outside is an easy way to keep the house cool and soak up some of that vitamin D. And if you're using gas grills, that's another easy way to reduce energy usage at home.

Be smart about electronics: With the kids out of school, electronics are probably being used a lot more often. And while it may not seem like they use a lot of energy, keeping track of electronic use is an easy way to save electricity. So when electronics, like TVs, tablets, laptops, and other devices, aren't in use, try to keep them unplugged. This will not only prevent them from continuing to use energy, but it will also keep them from heating up and increasing room temperature. So safely storing your electronics away can be an easy tip when it comes to figuring out how to reduce energy use.

Just because summer weather generally means higher utility bills doesn't mean you have to one of the homeowners who have to watch energy costs skyrocket. By following these few simple tips, you can keep cool, have a fun summer, and reduce your energy use.

4 Easy Ways You Can Save Energy in Your Own Home

It goes without saying that in some cases, a homeowner's least favorite day of the month is when the energy bills arrive. Even in this era of low energy costs, all that smartphone charging and central air conditioning adds up. But while many people complain about high energy costs, few will do anything to decrease their energy usage.
Well, there's no time like the present to save energy in your home. You might be at a loss as to how to do that, but we've got you covered. Saving money on energy costs isn't as complicated as you likely think, nor does it have to involve a total renovation of your home. Here are four simple tips that can help you save energy in your home and bid adieu to those ridiculously high energy bills.

Use cold water
Washing your clothes in cold water might be unpleasant when you're switching the laundry over, but it's going to save energy like you wouldn't believe. It takes energy to heat up all that water, so using cold water is going to help you save on energy costs, and probably on your water bill. Plus, cold water will clean your clothes just as well as hot water, while also avoiding that dreaded shrinkage.

Wear the right clothing
Something as simple as dressing for the weather can make all the difference in your energy usage. If the weather is shaping up to be cold, make sure you're wearing a warm pair of socks, warm pants, and a big sweater. Layers are great -- as is a particularly cozy hoodie. On the opposite side of the weather spectrum, summer weather should mean shorts and tank tops around the house. You'll be amazed at the energy reduction awards.

Seal windows and doors
Sealing air leaks around windows and doors can save up to 20% on heating and cooling bills. It's truly something else to see what just a little bit of caulk can do for your energy savings. Not only that, but it will keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Install a programmable thermostat
Programmable thermostats are one of the most useful energy savings tools you can have. Conserving energy is as simple as setting your thermostat to keep the temperature between a certain range of degrees. From there, you can program it around your schedule, ensuring that you aren't paying to heat or cool an empty home while you're away at work.
Saving energy isn't a difficult task. In fact, it can be the easiest thing in the world if you're willing to make a few simple changes to your lifestyle.

Don't let your energy bills control your life!

4 Tips to Investing in Renewable Power Sources

Saving money on energy bills is important for everyone. By installing a simple and programmable thermostat, electric bills can be cut by as much as 10%. Over the past few years, more and more people have started to look to renewable energy sources for their power suppliers and as an investment opportunity. If you are interested in either option here are some tips to help you along that path. 

Tips for Renewable Energy Investment 

It is cheaper than people think. Tapping into these to get electricity is becoming easier and easier for people and power suppliers. Solar and wind panels are already being installed on homes and are being used on larger sites. India and China already use renewable energy to power some of their factories. 

Power companies are becoming leaders in using renewable energy. A growing number of companies are looking into renewable energy as a way to fend off any problems that might arise due to fluctuations in the price of power. They also see this as a way to reduce their dependence on government entities. They recognize that any power interruption will hurt their bottom line so they are taking action before governments do. 

Developing counties are where the action is. In countries like the United States, the power grid is pretty stable. The same cannot be said in large parts of the world. The constant threat of a black or brown out has lead many areas to look to renewable power suppliers. That means they are investing heavily in finding and perfecting technology used to create electricity. 

Renewable energy is popular. While some people around the planet may not be as "gung ho" about the prospect of moving from carbon based power to renewable energy sourced. In ares where power suppliers often experience is unreliable, having a backup plan is essential. People see the need for cheaper and more reliable power sources now more then ever. 

People in the United States use about 13 times the power we used in 1950. This has caused a number of new energy suppliers to come into the business of electricity procurement and distribution. This is partly due to the fact that we use appliances and devices that use a lot of power. Our beloved air conditioners can take up nearly 20% of our energy consumption. 

It may be hard for some to grasp how renewable power sources are the future of electrify; but it is imperative for companies and individuals to continue to learn more about these renewable power sources so that we can embrace the newer technologies in our homes and businesses.

How To Save Money, And The Environment With the Way You Manage Your Energy

Among the rent or mortgage payments, the exorbitant cost of food, medical, gas, car insurance, and water bills, the monthly energy bill can really get you down, especially during the winter. If you are an average American living in an average household, chances are that your monthly electric bill will cost around $107. 

The worst part is that it may seem like there is no room to cut back in this area. However, you are incorrect. There are many ways to seriously cut back on energy bills, and there is an added bonus. The less energy you use in your house, the less fossil fuels will be burned, and the better for the Earth. 

Here are a couple of easy strategies to do something good for your pocketbook and the environment: 

1. Switch to energy efficient light bulbs 

You'll be surprised how fast you make you money back after this initial investment, especially because you'll have to replace the bulbs much less regularly than regular ones. 

2. Talk to alternative electricity suppliers 

Alternative electric suppliers and energy companies try to get their energy not from the burning of fossil fuels but from things like geothermal, wind, and water power. This can help drive down prices, since they are renewable resources, and is very good for the environment. 

3. Use Your Programmable Thermostat 

You can save 10% per year on heating and cooling costs by investing in or properly using a programmable thermostat. This way, the system won't be working while your not there -- and you can program it to kick start automatically an hour before you come home, so its cozy and warm by the time you open the door 

Another great option is to install smart meters in your home. These devices measure the amount of energy used in a week so you can better keep track of your energy budget. Power companies and renewable energy companies have so far installed 50 million meters at homes across the U.S. -- that's 43% of homes overall! 

From alternative energy companies and alternative electricity suppliers for your home to small household applications like light bulbs, you can reduce your bill and footprint at the same time!

Don't Let Your Energy Bill Sap all of YOUR Energy! Simple Solutions to Save Some Cash

What are the top three expenses in your home? If one of them is electricity, then you may be paying too much! The deregulation of electricity markets has caused prices for electricity and energy usage to rise in the last several years, which can lead to unnecessary spending on your part. The average energy bill per household is still approximately $107, which is a bit steep. So if you're looking for ways to save on your next energy bill, here are a few easy and convenient ways to keep that hard earned cash in your pocket.

Turn off the lights!

That's right, doing something as simple as turning off the lights when you're not in a room can save you money! Power companies may generate the electricity you use, but in the end, you're the one paying for it. If you don't need a light on in the house, then leave the light off! Using the sun coming into your house during the day also provides a more natural lighting and allows you to soak up a little bit of the vitamin D!

Keep the heat down!

If you get cold easily, make sure to throw on an extra pair of socks, because keeping your thermostat at a consistently low temperature can save you some cash! In fact, you can save an estimated 10% on your bills by using a programmable thermostat in your home. Don't let energy companies get the best of you! Besides, wouldn't you rather invest in some quality sweaters than another $50 on your heating bill?

Do you really need to blast the AC?

One of the largest uses of electricity is your AC unit. Annually, AC accounts for approximately 19% of residential electricity use, and that's just in the United States! Keeping your thermostat a little bit higher can save you a lot of money! In addition, by turning your AC off for a little while, you can let those cool summer breezes drift through your home. Fresh air never hurt anyone, especially not those energy suppliers.

The deregulation of electricity markets has provided opportunities for you to look into alternative electricity companies. But whatever provider you choose, you should always choose to save your money!

10 Easy Ways You Can Conserve Energy Today

Feeling the heat of summer electricity costs every time you open a bill from the electric company? You’re not alone. Between the costs of electricity generation and growing environmental awareness, people all around the world are looking for ways to cut down on their usage and see some energy savings. Fortunately, energy conservation doesn’t have to mean giving up modern comforts. Here are 10 easy ways you can start reducing your energy usage today:

1. Get a Programmable Thermostat

Air conditioning actually accounts for the largest portion of U.S. residential electricity use at 19%. But you can use about 10% less energy for cooling (and heating) by controlling temperatures with a programmable thermostat.

2. Replace All Your HVAC Filters

Inefficient HVAC systems have to work harder to keep your home comfortable. Replacing filters is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to give your system a boost. You should also ask your electric company if it offers any incentives for putting in high-efficiency systems.

3. Don’t Let the Sunshine In

You might want to soak up the sun this summer, but the same doesn’t go for your house. Insulated drapes and blinds can keep the sun from heating up the interior of your home. Long term, you might consider painting your house a light color and planting shade trees in order to reduce energy spent on summer cooling.

4. Install Low-Flow Shower Heads

Water heating is another major energy expense in most homes, accounting for 14 to 18% of utility bills. Use less hot water by installing a low-flow showerhead -- it will take literally minutes to do.

5. Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water

For the same reason, you can save quite a bit of energy by washing your clothes in cold or warm, rather than hot, water. Even if you do only two loads of laundry per week, you can also save around 500 pounds of CO2 from being released each year by doing so (that’s if you have an electric water heater; the figure is about 150 pounds for a gas water heater).

6. Embrace Line-Dried Laundry

Especially in the summer, many light fabrics don’t need to go in the dryer. You can get a folding drying rack for clothes if you don’t have space for an outside line.

7. Fill the Dishwasher All the Way

Don’t run the dishwasher until it’s full -- it will use the same amount of resources whether it’s washing five plates or 50. You can also turn off the drying cycle and allow dishes to air dry, which can shave around 20% off your dishwasher’s electricity usage.

8. Seal Around Your Windows

Caulking costs less than $1 per window, and can make a big difference when it comes to energy losses.

9. Unplug Battery and Device Chargers

Many chargers continue to draw power even when not in use, so it’s best to only plug them in when you’re actually charging something.

10. Cook Dinner on the Grill

Instead of cooking inside during the summer -- which will produce extra heat that your air conditioning will need to tackle -- grill outside. It’s more fun anyway.

Want to do even more concerning electricity conservation? Ask your electric company about smart meters that can help you accurately track your usage.

3 Steps to Conserve Energy in Your Home

It seems as if we see the terms 'green energy' and 'renewable energy' everywhere these days, but how much of a role can you play in those goals as a homeowner? The answer is, you can play a pretty sizable one! Not only would you be helping out the environment by following steps to minimize your Eco-footprint, but also you can actually benefit from it in terms of money saved. There are five main tips to follow when you decide that energy conservation is something you want to take part in:

Talk to your electricity provider.

Many energy suppliers and electricity providers now take their own measures to conserve energy, and you should first check to see if yours is one of them. If yours does not take action on their own, you can consider planning your own energy conservation accordingly.

Account for what you use.

Chances are, you aren't cataloging where you're using energy in a typical day. In order to figure out where you can conserve energy, you should first take a few days to a week and make a list of where you're using energy and for how long. You may be surprised to see how long you leave the TV on when you're not watching it, or how much energy you could save by shutting your computer down every once in a while.

Conserve!

Now you're ready to cut down on your energy use. Electricity providers say that you can save almost 10% on your heating and cooling just by using a programmable thermostat. Or, you can take shorter, cooler showers and save 14 to 18% on water heating costs. Throughout the summer, look for air conditioning alternatives -- it could save you about 19%.

Don't forget: even the smallest things add up! Start saving energy and money now!