Energy-Efficient Halogen Bulbs and Other Habits that Save Energy

According to research, a quarter of the electricity that is consumed in homes is used for lighting. Therefore, it is important to know what kind of bulbs are the most energy efficient so that you can save money. Whether you are thinking about lighting at home, in the office, or outdoors, you can always reduce the amount of money that you spend on energy if you know how to choose the right light bulbs. Here, we'll talk about halogen bulbs and a few other ways you can save on energy in your home.

For your flood lighting needs

One of the most common uses of energy-efficient halogens is in flood lighting. Usually, you will find them in the streets and stadiums where a lot of light is needed. In addition to that, these are bulbs that operate at high temperatures, and that is the reason they need so much power. If you replace them with halogens, you will have found a better way to cut down on energy consumption. Most energy companies are now turning to this solution. By using halogens, it is possible to increase your energy saving capacity from 30% to over 80%

When to replace the bulbs in your home

You need to check the bulbs that you use in your home to see if they are the latest type. If you have been using them for long, chances are that they are the old type that guzzles energy. They could be the reason you have been paying too much money for electricity. It is not difficult to tell when the bulbs are the old type because they are even marked with the number of watts that they produce. Energy expenses will drastically go down when you contact a local supplier so that you can get better bulbs.

How else can you save on energy in your home?

Unplug electronics when you are not using them

Sometimes, electronics consume energy even when they are switched off. For instance, if your music play is always on standby mode, you may think that it is not consuming energy, but it does. There are many other appliances that work the same way. Therefore, when you're not using them, you may want to unplug them altogether. Try doing it after installing energy-efficient halogens and see the difference that it will have on your next energy bill. In addition to that, you may want to unplug them if you will not be at home for a long time.

Change the filters in your AC

When it comes to saving energy in a home, a lot of focus is usually on the bulbs and appliances. Few people realize that an efficient air conditioner can help them to save money. If you talk to any electricity company about how to reduce energy costs, they'll tell you that simple maintenance practices can cut off a huge sum from your energy bills. For instance, when the filters are clean and working properly, an AC will require less energy to work. However, when they are old and dirty, the system will have difficulty attaining the required temperatures. Therefore, you will use more energy. Filters are easy to replace and readily available.

If you are wondering whether you can find the energy efficient halogens that can reduce energy costs, there are a lot of options.

3 Ways to Save Energy

When it comes to reducing energy use seasonally, many people think summer is the best time when big savings can be seen due to cutting back on things like air conditioning. However, there can be some great opportunities to reduce energy use during the colder months too. With fall finally here, it's important to think about ways to save energy in your home. So let's take a look at a few easy energy saving tips to put into practice this fall.


Use your heat wisely: While it can be tempting to crank up the heat at the first sign of cool weather, it's important to use your heat cautiously. Try to keep your thermostat as low as possible -- it's easy to put on layers and snuggle up in blankets for extra warmth. At the very least, turn the thermostat down while you're away from home or sleeping. Just think about the impact lowering your thermostat can have on the environment. In the colder months, lowering your thermostat just two degrees can reduce 6% of heating-related CO2 emissions, which certainly adds up over time.


Seal any leaks: One of the biggest wastes of energy is when a home has leaks around windows, doors, and in its duct system. When there are leaks, the HVAC system has to work harder to replace the air that is escaping the house, which increases energy use. So before the cold weather arrives, make sure to check all windows, doors, and attic insulation to ensure there are no places where air could escape. Additionally, have your ductwork checked for leaks -- and consider having it cleaned while you're at it.


Unblock registers and radiators: Many homeowners make the mistake of moving furniture in front of heat registers and radiators in hopes of hiding them from sight. However, doing this can decrease the amount of heat that can come out of the systems, forcing the HVAC system to work harder. So next time you're doing some cleaning, make sure your furniture, carpet, and draperies are all away from heat registers and radiators. Additionally, it's important to note that having items in front of radiators and registers can be a hazard, so moving them is a win-win.


It doesn't take a whole lot of effort to reduce energy use at your home. So if you're thinking about conserving energy throughout the colder months, keep these simple energy saving tips in mind.

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.

Corporations Go Green, Rural Communities Stay Clean

According to a recent article by Forbes, corporations are increasing their investments on renewable energy sources and the benefits are mostly going to small, rural communities. Despite the government continuing to heavily rely on fossil fuels, many governors and corporate America, in general, are looking towards the future, towards sustainable energy.

The cost of investing in green energy, such as wind and solar power, has decreased incredibly, leading to an uptick in businesses using them instead of fossil fuels. This not only is incredibly beneficial to their businesses but, according to Forbes, the ones really profiting are rural communities.

To just give a few examples, it has been stated that around 70% of the United States' wind farms are located in low-income areas, with wind energy companies employing 100,000 workers across the U.S. last year.

Solar energy has seen its fair share of positives around the country as well. It's estimated that around 75 billion oil barrels are being saved each year by solar energy users. And solar energy companies have employed double the number of people that wind energy companies have over this past year.

More big businesses are getting into energy conservation each day. Places like Walmart and GM, two giants in the world of industry, are actively searching for ways to reduce their emissions and invest in safer ways to find their energy. It is an encouraging sign to see big businesses begin to take responsibility for the future of energy across the nation.

Going forward, we can only hope this sets precedents for an ongoing forward momentum for research into energy conservation for the whole nation. We hope to see big businesses continue to invest more in renewable and safe energy choices in our country and around the world.

Five Easy Ways to Reduce Energy Use In Your Home

The energy we use in our own homes can easily turn into one of our biggest monthly expenses. That's why we are always looking for ways to save on energy costs, whether that means obsessively turning off lights or lowering the thermostat no matter the temperature outside. If you're interested in saving on your electricity bill, then keep reading to learn about five ways to save on energy costs. And for certain areas of the country, these tips are also great opportunities to build up your Reduce Your Use Rewards and save even more!

Check Your Windows

During the winter months, you may not even realize that your windows are a huge source of energy loss. They are one of the most common places for air to leak out, and if left unsealed these air leaks can cost you 20% more on heating and cooling bills. Choosing to change out your windows for energy saving windows, like vinyl framed or tinted windows, can drastically save you money through energy reduction over time.

Update Appliances

Many new appliances were designed to conserve energy. Though they tend to initially cost a bit more, they will ultimately save you more money in the long run than the alternative, while also increasing your Reduce Your Use Rewards at the same time. Be sure to check to see if the next appliance you are thinking about buying can save energy, because that also means it can save you money.

The Great Outdoors

Planting just a couple trees in your yard can actually result in saving money on energy costs. A tree's branches and leaves can shade your home from the hot sun during summer months and break up the wind and snow during winter. While it may seem small, even two or three trees can actually make quite an amount of difference.

Thermostat

Installing a programmable thermostat can pay for itself in a couple months time. While you're away from the house, you can set the temperature to a lower degree that can save you a lot on energy costs in just those few hours that you'll be away. They are relatively inexpensive and provide a huge return on investment by saving you money.

Gadgets

Nearly every gadget in your home runs on direct current. This means, even when not plugged in, their charger is still consuming electricity. It is a good idea to not only turn off all laptops, printers, and coffee makers when not in use, but to completely unplug them and their chargers from the wall. This can save you a lot on energy costs.

Saving energy is often easier than we realize, especially in the home. We hope these little-known tips helped you find new ways to lower your energy costs and save you money.
For more information about your energy options, please visit starionenergy.com.

How to Encourage a Green Lifestyle: Energy Saving Tips For Families

Spring is just around the corner, which means that warm weather will be here before you know it. When temperatures rise, our energy consumption (and our bills) tend to spike. If you want to preserve the planet as a family, there are quite a number of ways to save energy in your home that'll likely make a big difference. Not only will you be reducing harmful emissions when you save energy, but you'll also have lower bills and can enjoy spending quality time together. Here are a few energy saving tips that will make every member of your family want to go green this spring.

Unplug those gadgets and get outside
Your kids may be tempted to stay in front of the TV and play video games, but the beautiful weather provides the perfect opportunity to play outside. Not only are those gadgets a huge energy suck, but they can also lead to a sedentary lifestyle. It's becoming less common to see kids playing outside for hours in the spring and summertime, but you can help break these habits. Take a walk around the neighborhood after dinner or ride your bikes together on the weekends. You'll save energy within your home and expend it outdoors! Both your monthly bills and your family members will be healthier as a result.

Discuss some new house rules
If you're making it a family mission to help the environment, sit down and talk about things everyone can do around the house to assist in your goal. Whether you're conserving energy by keeping windows and doors closed when the air conditioning is on or convincing the kids to limit their time standing in front of an open fridge door, these little changes can have a big impact.

Consider renewable energy
It may not be an option for every family situation, but you may want to think about utilizing renewable energy techniques to power your home. Solar power is becoming more common and more affordable, making it a popular choice for families who want to go green. While it'll be a bigger investment initially, it will allow you to save on energy costs in the long run. And since the sun tends to shine more in the spring and summer, it's the perfect time to teach your kids about the benefits of renewable energy.

Plant a tree (or several!)
Well-placed trees around your property can cool your home and allow you to save money on your energy bills during the warmer months. When you don't have to use as much energy to keep your home comfortable, you're automatically practicing conservation. In fact, shade trees and even home painting can save up to 2.4 tons of CO2 emissions every year. In addition, a single tree can directly absorb nearly 25 pounds of CO2 from the air on a yearly basis! Simply put, trees can help us in many ways, and they're necessary for the health of the earth.

Want to learn about more ways you can conserve energy at home? Our renewable energy plans can help you reduce your carbon footprint without making sacrificing service and function. For more information about your energy options, contact Starion Energy today.

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!

Help Your Business, Help the Planet: 3 Ways to Conserve Energy at the Office

You’ve been trying to save on energy costs at home by being just a little more conscious of your carbon footprint. But energy conservation doesn’t have to stop at your front door. You can bring your green lifestyle into your business to save your company money and help the environment. Here are just a few ways to practice energy reduction at work.

Unplug
From the computers, to the printers, to the coffee pot in the break room, you probably use a lot of electronics in your office. Why leave them running overnight when no one is around to use them? At the end of each work day, simply power down your computers, unplug the microwaves, and shut off all the power strips. To save up to 10% on heating and cooling, install a programmable thermostat that manages the heating and cooling system when you’re not there. The energy drain from these machines and systems could be costing your business a significant amount of money every year.

Replace aging appliances
Advances in green energy technology have brought us more energy-efficient appliances and machines. So, when it comes time to replace your old microwave or refrigerator, choose an item with an Energy Star sticker. You’ll find that they have a longer lifespan and help you save on energy costs.

Switch to renewable energy
It may be a big investment, but over time the ROI can be worth it when you switch to an energy provider that uses renewable energy like solar or wind energy. Renewable energy is a growing movement for its eco-friendly nature and cost-efficiency. Last year, roughly 10% of all U.S. energy consumption came from renewable sources like wind and solar, and that percentage is constantly increasing.

When you go green at the office, you save money while saving the planet. There’s no good reason not to limit your carbon footprint both at home and at work, you can start taking baby steps to conserve energy today.

New Study Finds Customers Prefer Deregulated Energy Markets

According to EnergyManagerToday.com, the study, which was released on March 2nd, found that consumers in deregulated energy environments are significantly more engaged, and ultimately more satisfied, with their energy suppliers. One of the recurring themes was that electricity and energy suppliers in deregulated market “had a far better reputation than those in regulated markets.” 

In a study that surveyed over 1,000 U.S. utility ratepayers, about 68% of those in deregulated markets said they were satisfied with their providers, compared to just 51% in regulated markets. 

Similarly, if predictability and consistency are important to you, then deregulation is right for you, too. Approximately 62% of consumers whose energy suppliers competed in a deregulated environment knew exactly how much their electricity cost last month. 54% of consumers in regulated markets could say the same. 

Finally, if that isn't proof enough for you, one look at the reputation of these kinds of companies is really all you need to know. The majority of deregulated market consumers (62%) thought their supplier had a good reputation. Consumers in regulated markets were not so thrilled, as only 42% said the same about their energy suppliers. 

It's easy for people to tune out, calls for competition and free market policies as industry propaganda, but when you look at the numbers, it's clear that the people actually experiencing this kind of choice are saying the exact same things. 

The deregulation of electricity markets began in the 1970s and today, many states have accepted the idea, along with the deregulation of power companies too. The rising demand for these resources is one of the primary factors behind these recent trends. In fact, electricity use was more than 13 times greater in 2013 than in 1950. The industry has been forced to innovate as a result. According to the Edison Electric Institute, the cost of generating electrons currently accounts for less than half of the price of electricity, compared to accounting for two-thirds of that cost in 1995.

Beat the Summer Heat Without the Big Energy Bill

Americans look forward to summer vacation all year, but the warmer weather can also bring it's own set of challenges. The heat is great for a beach vacation, but it also makes the average energy bill go through the roof. Air conditioning represents the largest use of electricity in American homes, and that statistic is unlikely to change with the record high temperatures that the United States has already seen this year. Alternative energy companies encourage consumers to think differently about their power suppliers for environmental reasons, but there are also economic advantages involved.

Three Ways Homeowners can Slim Down Their Summer Electricity Bills:

Install a programmable thermostat

Even before alternative electricity suppliers become involved, homeowners can reduce their summer spending by installing and programming a smart thermostat. This appliance can maintain your desired room temperature to keep you comfortable. Heating and cooling systems will kick on and off as needed, rather than working continuously. 

Motivated homeowners can even set temperature changes according to time of day, so that their system isn't burning energy to keep the house cool while everyone is away at work. The result is an efficient heating and cooling system that expends less energy. Programmable thermostats save consumers an average of 10% on their yearly energy bills. 

Update your appliances

Alternative energy companies often suggest an energy audit, or an appliance-by-appliance look at where your home uses electricity. Out dated TVs and old refrigerators can be significant drains on your energy bank. It may be more cost effective to replace those appliances than to pay for their inefficiency. For instance, modern refrigerators are 60% less expensive than they were in 1975, and they use 75% less energy. 

This means you can abandon that weird ice cave in the back of the freezer and save. Heating and cooling systems are especially big drains, so think about your hot water heater, oven, and microwave in addition to your fridge. Updating appliances is a great way to slim your energy bill before you consider alternative energy companies.

Consider alternative power companies

The energy market is slowly shifting and becoming more competitive.  Previously, regulated markets meant that only one power provider supplied all aspects of a home's energy and the cost was controlled publicly. Deregulated markets allow companies to become innovative and compete to offer the best services for the best price. The deregulation of electricity markets isn't about making the power supply less controlled; it's about letting new technology improve the market. Look into your options and decide what's best for your energy needs. 

Summer is upon us and it's going to be a hot one! Before you crank up your AC, take a look at these simple tips for conserving energy this season.

Six Ways to Conserve Energy:

Use a Programmable Thermostat: Did you know that the largest use of electricity in the United States’ residential sector is air conditioning? AC accounts for 19% of electricity use in homes. However, you can save approximately 10% every year on heating and cooling costs simply by using a programmable thermostat.

Replace your HVAC Filters: When an HVAC system is not functioning properly, it must work even harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Replacing the filters is an easy and inexpensive way to keep your system running smoothly. Some energy companies and power suppliers offer incentives for installing high-efficiency systems, so talk to your electric company.

Keep it Shady: Your house doesn't have to be a dark cave, but too much sunlight will heat up your living space quickly. Insulated drapes and blinds will keep the sun at bay, preventing the interior of your home from becoming an oven. This way, you won’t have to crank up the AC at all times.

Use Cold Water/Limit Hot Water Usage: Heating water accounts for up to 18% of a home’s utility bills. You can save energy just by washing your clothes in cold water and cutting down your shower time.

Air Dry Laundry and Dishes: Rather than wasting energy on machine-drying clean clothes and dishes, hang your laundry on a line or drying rack and allow your dishes to dry on their own.

Unplug Chargers and Other Devices: Some chargers and other electronic devices continue to draw power even when they are not in use. Always unplug anything that does not need electrical power at that very moment.

We use a lot more electricity than we realize these days. In fact, U.S. electricity use in 2013 was more than 13 times higher than electricity use in the year 1950.  Fortunately, those who live in deregulated energy markets have options. 

The deregulation of electricity markets gives consumers a choice of energy suppliers. Deregulated energy markets can motivate suppliers to help offer competitive prices and can also allow for the institution of renewable energy companies that provide green energy products. As a result, consumers can help cut costs and do their part to improve the environment, especially during the hot summer months.

The Time is Now for Exploring the Benefits of Alternative Energy Suppliers

Why opt for alternative energy suppliers? Many consumers don’t even realize they have this choice. Many states today, however, have a competitive -- also known as a restructured -- energy market. This means that you don’t need to necessarily go with your default, current provider and can instead search among alternatives. 

The Benefits of Alternative Solutions Thanks to Deregulated Electricity Markets 

In most cases, the utility company has a monopoly on distributing electricity to your home if you live within their territory. What you’re not obligated to do, though, is buy electricity from them -- and today, the cost of generating electricity is less than half of what you actually pay for when you get your bill. This can allow you to not only have more control over your budget, but control over your carbon footprint, as well. In certain regions you may be able to opt for energy that comes specifically from water or wind, rather than from coal or fossil fuel. 

The average American household will pay about $107 each month in energy uses -- equivalent to 903 kilowatt hours (kWh). Knowing what your average monthly energy usage is can help when you compare your options for alternative electricity suppliers. Not all companies are the same, and some offers will be better than others based on your individual needs and typical usage. The ideal alternative electricity suppliers for a home will be different than for a business. 

Additional Ways to Cut Down on Your Overall Energy Bill 

Besides looking into your options for alternative electricity companies, how else can you save money on heating and cooling? Most households can save about 10% per year on the cost of heating and cooling, simply by using a programmable thermostat. 

Similarly, it makes sense to invest in efficient appliances, especially if your current appliances are over a decade old. Manufacturers today are often aiming for efficiency for even standard machines, and super efficient models can often be purchased for an extra cost. The average refrigerator sold today, for example, uses 75% energy than a fridge sold in 1975 -- and refrigerators today are both larger, and less expensive to purchase. 

Thanks to the deregulation of electricity markets, consumers have more choices than ever before. Don't put off examining your options -- switching to alternative electricity companies could help save you money every month you live in your home.

Want to Save on Power Bills While Doing Your Bit for the Environment? Check out Green Energy Suppliers

Comfort and convenience are two of the most important factors people look for in their homes. One of the most important aspects of comfortable home life, one that lets you accomplish your daily life with ease and a modicum of relaxation, is a stable, reliable electric supply. Energy suppliers try their best to ensure that your home remains connected to the grid at all times, and you have all the electricity you need. While competition among power suppliers ensures that electricity usage prices remain within the grasp of many, you can do your part too to ensure that your electricity usage remains environmentally friendly, while cutting down on your energy bills through best practices.

Energy suppliers of today are often concerned with more sustainable, greener practices at the point of manufacture. Consequently, there are a number of alternative electricity suppliers that operate in many areas in America. If you want alternative electricity for your home, all you need to do is to look at local energy suppliers and choose the right people for your needs.

Energy suppliers get the electricity to your home, and then it is up to you to use it in an efficient manner. If you want to explore options of getting your power bills lower, there are a lot of things around the house that you can do to reduce consumption and make the load smaller on a daily basis. When you have gone through the list of local energy suppliers and selected the right supplier for your needs, here are some of the things to ponder about -

Heating - Water heating is one of the areas where major consumption happens in your home, accounting for up to 18% of your total power use. The trick with efficient water heating is to ensure that your heating equipment is new and top of the line, and to maintain it diligently over time. Water heating systems usually consist of a number of different parts, and it is important to have a professional come over every few months and give things a quick look over. Any wear, tear or malfunction needs to be repaired promptly and faulty parts instantly replaced if you want seamless, efficient and optimum performance from your water heating equipment.

Cooling - About 20% of all residential use of electricity in America stems from the use of air conditioning equipment. Air conditioning has become somewhat of a requisite for homeowners, and this is another area where best practices can bring you major savings. Start off by getting air conditioning machines which are tried and tested for their efficient power consumption, and make sure you keep your appliance maintained at all times. With regular servicing, you will not notice much of a dip in the efficiency of your air conditioning with time, and save a little in the process. Also, in most scenarios where homes are fitted with climate control, investing in a programmable thermostat can help you reduce your power consumption by up to 10% on a yearly basis.

Following these simple tips and taking your pick from your local energy suppliers can ensure that you not only keep a tight grip on those power bills, but also encourage and take part in practices that are friendly to the environment as a whole.

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!

5 Reasons Deregulated Energy Markets are Best

The idea and actual practice of deregulated energy markets as alternative energy sources to traditional power suppliers "on the grid" is still relatively new in this country. 

Some would argue the restructuring began in the 1970s when the Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) was passed and created a structure for independent power suppliers. However, it wasn't until 1992 when deregulated energy markets really became an institution with the passage of the Energy Policy Act. That legislation got rid of regulations on the price control of wholesale electricity. 

According to the Edison Electric Institute, the cost of generating electrons currently accounts for less than half of the price of electricity, a number that was two-thirds in 1995. Deregulated electricity has played a vital role in that. There are other reasons deregulated energy markets are best for consumers of course, and here are a few of them.

Better Customer Service: When businesses compete in the free market, a beautiful thing happens naturally: the quality of their services goes up. At least for the successful companies that is.

Possibility of Promotions and Loyalty Programs: Competing companies are constantly trying to come up with promotions and loyalty programs to attract or retain your business. Energy companies sometimes do the same thing, except when there is only one option to choose from. In deregulated energy markets, you can even switch from supplier to supplier depending on who has the best deals going on.

Renewable Energy Options: More and more people are going green. Deregulated energy markets give you the power to choose the company that offers the most sustainable option.

Easy and Efficient: Some people resist the idea of deregulation simply because they don't like change and believe switching to a new company would be a long, drawn out process. The fact of the matter is, the change over process is quick and easy. Often times you can keep the one bill from your electricity company and won't even experience any interruption in your service.

Overall Cost: Of course, the biggest and best advantage deregulation has is the lower costs that can be gained by some consumers. When businesses are allowed to compete, good things tend to happen for the buyer.

3 Ways to Trim Your Energy Bills

Winter is here, which means your energy bills may start creeping up soon. That is, unless you do something about it. Here are a few ways to keep power companies from getting more of your money this winter. 

Make Sure All of Your Vents Are Open. - It sounds obvious, but it's worth checking to make sure that all of your heating vents are open. If they're not, then your home isn't being evenly heated. Consequently, your heater works harder and harder to get those parts of the home warmed up, which means it uses up more energy, increasing the bill. Go all throughout your home and apartment to double check and make sure your heating vents are open. 

Get a Programmable Thermostat. - Programmable thermostats are great investments. You can set it so it automatically heats up your home when you're home or about to be home, and set it so that your house is cooler when you're not around, so it doesn't use as much energy. Studies show that programmable thermostats can help homeowners save as much as 20% of their heating costs. In fact, they pay for themselves in the first year. 

Turn the Heat Down. - Why keep your house super warm when you can just as easily put on a sweater? You can save between one to three percent of your heating costs just by dialing things down. The optimum temperature is to set your home to 68 degrees when you're home, and 65 degrees when you're away. If you're going to be gone for the day (or at least for five hours), lower your thermostat to 58 degrees. 

It's also worth noting that there are renewable energy companies who may be able to offer you more alternatives. That being said, not all states have deregulated energy markets. Check online to see if your state allows different power suppliers to compete for customers. 

If you have any questions, feel free to share in the comments.

Four Ways You Can Quickly Cut Down On Your Utility Bills

Our country's energy suppliers produce an unprecedented amount of electricity. In the mid-1990s, electricity was affordable at 7.1 cents per kilowatt hour in 1995; by that year the price to actually generate the electricity from the power companies was two-thirds the price of what the homeowner would pay for electricity. In 2013, United States energy use was over 13 times greater than the energy use of 1950. Moreover, the current cost to generate electricity amounts to less than half of the price of electricity according to the Edison Electric Institute. Cutting down on your electric bill is possible by following these steps to cut costs and find alternative electricity for your home.

Regulate Heat Year-Round 

Most wasted energy is due to heat or air conditioning that runs while no one is home. By installing a programmable thermostat, you can set your heater or air conditioner to run only during the hours that people are home. In total, this can help homeowners save as much as 10% per year on their heating and cooling bills.

Warm Bathing Water 

Studies have shown that most Americans dedicate up to 18% of their utility bills to water heating. New, tankless water heaters are able to store a greater reservoir of hot water while helping to eliminate costs, thus helping homeowners save hundreds on their hot water every year.

Energy-Saving Appliances 

Many Americans have joined a growing movement to find more economically friendly, low-energy alternatives to traditional appliances. The refrigerators of today use three-quarters less energy than the average refrigerator sold in 1975; this is even despite the fact that today's refrigerators are 20% larger and cost 60% less.

Alternative Electricity for Your Home 

Many homeowners are searching for more affordable alternative electricity companies in order to save on their monthly bills. Many of these companies take extra precautions to ensure that your home is using energy at a moderate rate relative to the size of your household. Already, these alternative energy companies have installed 50 million smart meters to regulate nearly 43% of homes in the United States.