Summer may be the best season for many people, but winter has its own charm. One of these is staying snug and warm while watching snow flurries through your window. But to make your living space cozy, you’ll need an energy-efficient space heater. This way, you can heat a chilly room without getting shocked when …
Ah, the joy of a nice, hot shower. There’s nothing quite like it, is there? Unfortunately, the opposite is also true: nothing quite ruins your day like the shock of cold water cascading over you. That’s precisely what can happen if your water heater runs out of hot water or, worse, breaks down. If your …
Air fryers have become popular in the past several years due to their low power consumption, healthier food, and their fast operation. They are energy-efficient, easy to clean and store, and they give you food that is much crispier, tastier, and healthier than a conventional oven could ever give you. In reality, most people who …
Mini fridges used to be popular options mainly for those who lived in dorms, tiny homes, or RVs. However, changes in lifestyle and the high cost of electricity have pushed these small appliances into the limelight as energy-efficient ways to keep food fresh and cold, even for those without space constraints. We’re not surprised because …
Toasters are the second most popular appliance in homes, right after irons. And with good reason. Who wouldn’t welcome a warm slice of toast, especially before leaving the house for work or school? The fact that toasters can give you a quick breakfast when you’re running late is part of the explanation for the appliance’s …
Replacing a broken appliance can be tricky, especially if your income is on the lower end of the spectrum. More so when it comes to expensive equipment, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and other appliances with high sticker prices. Sadly, these do conk out, sometimes way before their expected lifespan. If you need a replacement …
Summer’s just around the corner and you know what that means. Hot weather. In some parts of the country, it can even be scorching, with the temperature climbing to stratospheric levels. During such days, a dip in the pool will be a welcome relief. Imagine this. There you are, cold drink in hand, with the …
Energy efficiency is an important aspect of sustainable energy use, as it helps to reduce operational costs and minimize environmental impact. By understanding how to calculate energy efficiency, individuals and businesses can identify areas of improvement and take action toward more sustainable practices. The formula for calculating energy efficiency is simple: it is the ratio …
Are you tired of being surprised by high energy bills? It’s time to take control back of your energy consumption by understanding the different types of electrical meters available on the market. By choosing the right energy meter for your home, you can accurately track the electrical energy consumed and make informed decisions about your …
When it comes to cooling down your living space, you have two options: portable air conditioners and a mini split system. While both of these units can be quite effective, they have different features and benefits to offer. This can make one more suitable for one kind of system, while the other may not work …
Curling up beside a roaring fire in the fireplace is a delightful way to spend cold winter nights. However, the hassle of igniting a flame, throwing in logs to keep it burning, and then raking out the ashes can make you think twice before striking a spark in the kindling. Other types of fireplaces, such …
When it comes to powering your mobile home, a power pole and meter box are essential components that allow you access to the national power grid. These components are designed to help provide reliable and consistent power to your home, making it possible for you to enjoy all the comforts of modern living without having …
In Texas, like in much of the country, the power company requires an electricity deposit before you get electric service if you’re a new customer. This requisite protects the energy provider and other consumers from those who use electricity and then leave without paying. You see, unlike other commodities, people consume electric power first and …
Nothing can beat a fireplace when it comes to providing warmth during a cold winter day. The crackling wood, the smell of the smoke, and the glow of the flames all create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. However, using a traditional wood-burning fireplace comes with some disadvantages. You’ll need a constant supply of wood for …
Gas leaks can pose a serious threat to your health and safety, and may even cause explosions or fires. Natural gas leaks are a common culprit and can result from faulty gas lines, appliances, or gas meters. In addition to the risk of fire or explosion, gas leaks can also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. …
Do you want to know when is electricity cheapest and how you can save money on your energy bills? As a homeowner or a business owner, it’s important to understand the cost of electricity per kilowatt hour and when peak hours occur. By knowing the off-peak times, you can take advantage of lower energy costs …
As temperatures start to soar, finding the perfect cooling system for your home becomes a top priority. Window air conditioners, or window units, have been a go-to solution for homes without central air, especially when one or two rooms need extra cooling. However, with advancements in technology, mini split air conditioners are becoming a more …
American homes are becoming outdated and are no longer as comfortable as they used to be. With the advent of technology, there is now a way to bring comfort back into homes. Smart furniture is a growing trend that provides homeowners with modern and convenient solutions for their everyday needs. This new generation of furniture …
Refrigerators are no longer the colossal energy drainers they once were, thanks to the development of more energy-efficient models. Still, their power consumption comprises a significant portion of your electric bill. If you live alone and don’t often load your refrigerator with fresh produce, you might be a good candidate for a mini fridge. Although …
With the never-ending rise in electricity costs, beating the heat presents a major challenge. Air conditioners are one of the best ways of bringing down the air temperature in your living space, making it more comfortable. However, used indiscriminately, they can impact your energy bill significantly. If you don’t have air conditioning in your home …
Well water is said to be a better option than municipal or city water because it’s often richer in healthy minerals. It’s also cleaner and fresher because it comes from an underground aquifer. The problem is it needs to be pumped out of the ground. This is where a well pump comes in. This device …
New homeowners have a tough job balancing the need for energy-efficient homes with the cost of living. But, you can make things easier on yourself by taking some simple steps to minimize your energy use. Air Seal Your Home Air sealing your home is an important upgrade that is worth your investment. It improves the …
Having a swimming pool right in your own backyard is one of life’s luxuries. Imagine all the fun activities you can enjoy, especially during hot summer days. Aside from being able to dip into its cool water anytime you like, a swimming pool can boost the value of your home. However, despite the advantages swimming …
“Dual fuel generator”, “RV Air Conditioners-Ready”, “High Running Wattage” and many more labels accompany different models of gas-powered generators. However, knowing what the best RV generator for your energy needs takes a bit more than a fancy sticker. So, stick with us, and let’s see what generator is the best for your RV or off-grid …
If you live in an area that is prone to power outages, you know the importance of having a backup portable generator. A handy thing, it lets you power your home, and even your RV when on the road. Moreover, a portable power generator can be hooked to your home to provide emergency power and …
While driving along the highway, you must have noticed those colorful balls on power lines. If you’re like most people, you probably wondered what they are. The theories about the purpose of those colored balls are varied. Some think they’re weights for the power lines. Others speculate that they’re weather sensors or even surveillance equipment. …
Have you ever wondered where the utility company gets the figures that go into your electricity bill? Okay, you know those numbers reflect the electric power usage of your home’s various electronics and appliances. But how does the electrical energy from the grid go into those electronics? And how can you determine how much power …
You may have wondered how much water does a washing machine use? Well, the answer is a lot. As washing machine water usage is not a straightforward number, it takes a bit of consideration to determine the exact water usage. Front-load washers and low-energy washing machines in general use less, but did you know there …
One appliance that has made cooking so much easier is the microwave oven. Because these appliances are cost-effective and convenient, their invention was hailed as a significant milestone in the culinary world. Nowadays, microwave ovens come in various shapes, sizes, and models, allowing you to choose the kind that suits your needs and lifestyle. One …
Almost everyone knows that power fluctuates constantly. Although most appliances and electronic devices are designed to handle slight surges and dips in electricity voltage, most will sustain damage if the voltage spikes are too high. In such cases, the sudden hike in voltage can fry circuit boards. Surge protectors will protect the internal components of …
How can you swim in your pool even during freezing weather? Using a pool heater is the answer. This equipment will keep the water at an ideal temperature even when the weather is colder than you prefer. But, like with many appliances or devices, picking the right kind requires a bit of research and planning. …
The rising costs of land, construction materials, and other expenses associated with building a house are behind the surging popularity of mobile homes. Undoubtedly, a mobile home is cheaper to build than a regular-sized house because of its size and design. Plus, it occupies a lot less land. However, one commonly overlooked aspect of owning …
Some people can quickly tell what type of heating system they have, while others may have no idea what kind of equipment brings heated air to their home. Or maybe you’ve just moved into a new house and haven’t had the chance to determine whether you have an electric or gas furnace. This information will …
If you lose power in just one room, there is no reason to panic. There could be a number of reasons this could have happened, and you can resolve most of these on your own, with no tools. You will be glad to hear that only a few of these problems actually demand that an …
Unlike 20-30 years ago, living off-grid today is a real possibility. If you are attracted to the idea of cooking on a wood stove and heating your off-grid home with it, you can read n to discover how exactly to do that. Besides that, we will see what other off-grid appliances you can purchase, and …
Electrical linemen work in one of the most dangerous jobs in the US. Despite their high-security measures, injuries still happen. Still, job opportunities are numerous, as electrical linemen are in high demand. This results in a high median salary, benefits, and other perks that come with the job title. In fact, electrical linemen are paid …
You’re seated on the couch, comfortably reading or probably watching TV, when the house is suddenly plunged into darkness. You groaned inwardly. Not another power outage. But before you can begin your search for a torch, the lights come right back on. Although you may have breathed a sigh of relief, you can’t help but …
If you have issues with air leaks, high energy consumption, and in general, losing energy in the form of heat or cool air, you may need a home energy audit. A home energy audit is a detailed evaluation and review of your home’s energy efficiency. This type of review is a professional home energy assessment …
It’s a common misconception that electrical devices don’t consume electricity when turned off. However, that’s not really the case. You’ll be surprised that many electrical appliances continue to draw power even when switched off. That’s because most modern electrical devices and machines don’t shut down completely even after you’ve switched them off. Instead, they go …
There’s no one answer to the question of how long a power outage lasts, as the length depends on various factors. The outage type is one consideration that will determine how long the restoration efforts take. Some power cuts take only a few seconds, while others can last for days, even weeks. When in doubt …
For many, it doesn’t matter how electricity works. What’s important is that it does work. You flip a switch, and the lights turn on, or you plug something into a power socket, and the device operates the way it should. However, sometimes you may wonder what the different electrical terms mean and how they relate …
Have you ever been greeted by a blinking microwave clock upon getting home? Or have you noticed your lights blink during a thunderstorm? If you experienced these things, you probably wondered what’s behind the occurrence. Well, it’s likely that there was a brief disruption to your electric service resulting from a power surge or blink. …
So you’re going to live on your own, huh? That’s a big step that many equate with freedom and becoming an adult. But while having your own place is great, you’ll also need to pay attention to your new responsibilities. Welcome to the world of utility bills. It’s easy to overlook the cost of apartment …
Excluding major weather events, an average US household experiences around 112 minutes without power per year. In fact, a power outage is so rare that it is considered almost an emergency. As with any other emergency, having an emergency light nearby can reduce discomfort and improve your safety, especially in the evenings and during nights …
When a transformer blows, the noise, heat, and fumes that are released may be a bit of a frightening experience. In some cases, you may even be able to see a fireball or a charged ball as it leaves the transformer and starts traveling down the power lines. Although this is not a nice sight …
The best-paying jobs in electric utilities central attract a lot of people every year. In fact, the energy sector, and electric utilities in general, have experienced steady growth in the past decades. With the need for the power grid to be modernized and with a switch to renewable energy sources, the need for more power …
A phone charger plugged in is a phone charger that wastes electricity. Phone chargers in general do not use too much electricity but can influence your electricity bill. This is especially true if you have several chargers plugged into the wall sockets around your home. Never forget that many small devices and appliances wasting energy …
While the discovery of electricity may have been considered a technological feat in the olden days, we now take the power that runs most everything in our homes for granted. That is, until a power outage occurs. Because electricity has become an integral component of everyday life, the world seems to stop turning when it …
Power surges and voltage fluctuations are not unheard of. Although grid modernization has stabilized the electric supply in many parts of the country, the electrical wires and power lines are often decades old and have difficulties carrying enough electricity to satisfy the growing demand. As low voltage and voltage fluctuations can damage your appliances and …
Rising energy costs prompt many to save energy. However, in doing so, many compromises the comfort of their workers or the quality of service they provide. As this is a dead-end street, let’s consider some ways that you can save energy without compromising your business. After all, an energy-efficient business is more likely to make …
The recent pandemic and the ongoing geopolitical unrest have contributed to the hikes in energy prices. Because of these contributing factors, the average energy costs for residential users have increased by 8 percent compared to 2021. That’s according to the US Energy Information Administration. So we can’t blame you if you dread receiving your electricity …
Sustainability is at the forefront of many people’s minds nowadays due to the state of the environment. Climate change remains a genuine threat. The world’s natural resources are rapidly dwindling, and pollution of all kinds has reached alarming proportions. Thus, we need to revamp how we live to create the most negligible impact on nature. …
The invention of electricity revolutionized the world. It brought humankind from the dark ages to the digital age, where most devices require electrical power to operate. No one can deny that the ability to generate electrical energy provides unlimited potential to make lives easier and more convenient. With the dawning of the electronic age, numerous …
Unplugging appliances to save energy is an effective way to slash energy vampires. As it goes, most of your appliances keep using energy even when they are off. To save money and reduce how much energy you use every month, read on, as we will learn how to save electricity without compromising the quality of …
How much electricity your clothes dryer uses is not something to forget about when purchasing a new unit or when considering a home energy audit. As all clothes dryers use a lot of electricity (up to 7.8 kW), they can represent a significant portion of your electricity usage. With this in mind, you should always …
It’s no secret that heating is expensive. In fact, depending on the fuel you use to heat your home, you probably spend upwards of $1,000 a season, even for an average home. However, a programmable thermostat and working on your energy efficiency can help you achieve energy savings and reduce home heating costs. At the …
With the relentless hikes in electricity prices, you probably can’t help but wonder how much more will your electric bill rise. The painful answer? A whole lot more. The trend shows an upward curve, with the price spikes showing no signs of abating anytime soon. You can’t stop the increases in power rates, but there’s …
If your power needs are similar to a typical American household, you likely spend about 2 to 3 percent of your annual income on electricity bills. That translates into approximately $122 a month, depending on the electricity rates in your area. It’s not a measly sum, that’s for sure. But brace yourself. The amount you …
As solar wind plays with the Earth’s magnetic field, the static electricity build-up that forms is what we get to call Auroras. They are just one of several instances of electricity in nature. As we have mastered the magnetic field, electric signals, and both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC), we seem to have …
During weather extremes, the danger of power outages in Texas rises. As solar power and wind turbines might not yet be enough to satisfy the peak demand, ERCOT relies on all its available resources to ensure grid reliability and prevent rolling blackouts. During times of energy emergency, you may be asked to conserve energy and …
All the hype in the housing market in the past decade has been around the energy efficiency of homes that people want to purchase. As the average US home is 37 years old, it can be expected that the insulation needs repairing and that an overall energy audit is necessary. A handy tool, a home …
Rising energy costs and climate change have brought back to the table the topic of a high-performance home. Although seemingly vague, a high-performance home is more than energy efficient: it takes care of your and the building’s health. It takes energy efficiency to the next level and reduces your total energy use by more than …
As more and more people move, switching utility companies and utility providers has become a necessary part of everyday life. As this can be a big headache, especially for first-time movers, we suggest you read through our guide and learn how to set up utilities in your new apartment. As it goes, the process is …
As the end of the month is near, the time comes to start worrying about the electricity bill. Those most concerned are the people with variable-rate energy plans, as the colder months usually mean higher power usage. In addition to this, the rising energy prices due to the energy crisis are there to remind us …
You may not enjoy paying your bills, but there’s no escaping such a responsibility. Letting those monthly payments slide will only lead to more trouble in the future. So at the very least, you’ll want to ensure that what you pay correctly reflects your energy usage, right? You can do so if you understand the …
Your apartment electricity usage may be lower than in an average house of the same size. However, that does not mean that your electric bill will also be lower, especially as electricity service is usually costlier in cities than in suburbs or in the countryside. Regardless of how much energy you use, there are always …
As world economies slowly switch to renewable energy sources and a more circular economy, new energy jobs appear in the energy sector. While it is easy to talk about high salaries and low degree inflation in the field, it is also necessary to consider in-field data and testimonies from those working in that same market. …
Energy consumption across the world and in the US has been rising for the past several decades. Each new device and appliance determines how much energy you spend, and rising energy usage, coupled with ever-increasing energy costs determines how much you pay for electricity each month. Smart home energy monitors can help you save money …
Your natural gas supplier may be delivering gas day and night with no interruptions. Having access to comfortable service such as this and not having to worry about hot water or hot rooms is one thing. But receiving your gas bill at the end of the month can be a bit of a bad surprise. …
Have you ever seen a stretch of power lines crisscrossing the sky? Depending on your point of view, you may consider them eyesores or sights to behold. Some hate seeing those thick cables marring the horizon, while some feel awed by the thought of the thousands of volts running through the wires. Those power lines …
Different electrical appliances need varying amounts of energy. Some, like electric fans, require less, while others can be power-hungry. Examples of energy-intensive appliances are air conditioning units, heaters, and electric stoves or ovens. Knowing the power consumption of your electronics and devices will help you estimate your home’s energy usage. If you aim to save …
If you own a coffee maker, the odds are that you use it every day. Coffee makers do not use a lot of electricity to make coffee, but if you make many cups every day or keep your coffee on the heater plate the entire day, you may be surprised at how quickly coffee makers …
As PCs and other computers become more powerful and can handle more complex tasks, their energy use increases as well. In fact, the power consumption of an average PC increases with the complexity of the tasks as well: playing video games and rendering photos and videos are some of the more complex tasks your computer …
Everyone wants to save energy, but where to start is a big question that many give up on answering. A professional home audit can cost a lot of money, and you may wait for weeks for the professional to even show up. If you want to take manageable steps to reduce your energy bill and …
You may be considering purchasing a hot tub. After all, flashy images from movies and TV shows show happy, cheerful people as they relax and have the best time that a chilly summer night can offer. In reality, spas are not cheap, and neither is their maintenance. For this reason, let’s consider the electricity cost …
Several considerations are associated with buying a printer. The upfront cost of the machine is just one of those. Aside from the amount you’ll spend, the unit’s power consumption is also a significant factor. Coming up with a figure regarding a printer’s maximum power consumption can be tricky. That’s because how much the equipment will …
Gas and electric stoves are a necessity in every kitchen. However, choosing between the two can be a hassle that is difficult to resolve. Looking at the initial cost of a gas stove vs. an electric stove is often not enough, as you should count in the costs of running the appliance for years to …
After the scary pandemic ravaged the world, keeping fit and healthy has become the goal of many. The good news is that plenty of ways to strengthen the body’s endurance exist. Running is one excellent cardio exercise. But while jogging outdoors has its appeal, there may be times when it’s not possible. There are also …
A heat pump is one of the ways you can keep your home snug and warm during winter. However, since it relies on electric power, you may worry about how much electricity the device consumes. You’ll be glad to know that heat pumps are more energy-efficient compared to traditional ways of heating your home. As …
When you feel a yearning for a quick cup of tea, warm milk, or coffee, an electric kettle will come in handy. Boiling water using an electric stove takes time as you’ll have to wait for the coils to heat up before that heat can even begin to warm the water in the pan. In …
It might seem counterintuitive to say that using dishwashers can help the environment. After all, these appliances use electricity and what may look like plenty of water per load or cycle. However, contrary to popular belief, doing the dishes using dishwashers requires less water than washing them by hand. You may counter by saying that …
The winter months lead to higher heating demands, so it should come as no surprise if you see increases in your electricity costs. After all, running your central heating system 24/7 can be an expensive affair. Even space heaters use significant amounts of electricity, so you’ll inevitably be left with higher energy bills. That’s if …
The lights used in homes have evolved through the years. From the humble candles and gas lamps, we now have a host of lighting solutions, such as the traditional incandescent bulbs to globes with light-emitting diodes. Technology advancements helped develop energy-efficient fixtures that can illuminate our living areas without consuming plenty of electricity. LED bulbs …
The popularity of incandescent bulbs as the go-to lighting solutions has waned considerably as new technology produced the more widely used light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. One reason for the phase-out of incandescent bulbs is their short operating life compared to LEDs. A bulb of this type has a lifespan of about 1,000 to 2,000 …
If you are thinking about how many watts an electric stove use, you may be surprised to find out that the electric stove power consumption is one of the highest in your household. The energy usage of an electric stove is so high because this is a heating body, and any form of heat generation …
Is it more environmentally friendly to wash dishes manually, or is using the dishwasher the greener way to do it? Washing dishes by hand may seem like a great way to push your energy consumption goals. However, contrary to what you may believe, using the dishwasher can help you minimize your water usage. An increasing …
Does your living space feel like an oven on hot days? Do you have no choice but to crank up your air conditioning system to get some relief? If that’s the case, your power consumption inevitably rises, along with the temperature. However, there are ways to control your electricity costs without wilting in the heat. …
A home without a TV set is more the exception than the rule in the U.S. Many households even have a couple or more. Well, watching TV is one way to relieve stress and boredom, so we can’t blame you if you have a TV in every room. But if you aim to lower your …
Natural gas is a versatile and cost-effective fuel source. No wonder then that its consumption has steadily risen, not only in the country but across the globe. This power source is typically consumed for space and water heating. However, it can also provide energy for other appliances. Some homeowners even extend their gas lines to …
Coal, oil, and natural gas are fossil fuels and are nonrenewable resources. This means that they cannot be replenished at a rate fast enough to compete with other natural resources, such as biomass, wind, hydropower, and solar. In fact, coal and other fossil fuels take millions of years to replenish in natural conditions, making them …
As summer approaches, you may want to think of ways to lessen the heat and humidity in your home. Fortunately, you have plenty of options to do so. However, one frequently overlooked method of making your living space more comfortable is providing adequate attic ventilation. Your attic space gets particularly hot because as the sun’s …
It’s a fine, sunny day, and you’re out for a drive. Looking up, you see a flock of birds sitting contentedly on a stretch of power lines. Knowing about the dangers of electricity, do you ever wonder why they don’t go up in flames and turn into puffs of smoke when stepping on electrical wires? …
Electricity has become a vital component of our life. Without it, we’ll have trouble doing even our simplest tasks. As such, we have devices and appliances plugged in and drawing power almost all the time. But while each utility company strives to provide a reliable electricity supply, a power surge can disrupt the process. Because …
You’re going about your daily business when suddenly, everything turns dark, and all your electronics stop working. Power cuts are not new to many electricity consumers. Surges in power demand plus an aging power grid make outages regular occurrences. Still, it’s no fun being left in the dark, and you may wonder what’s happening. There …
Living in your own home gives you more control over your utility expenses, including your electric bill. But what if present circumstances dictate that you rent an apartment in the meantime? Does that mean you’re doomed to paying a high energy bill month after month? Not necessarily. Fortunately, you can implement easy measures to lower …
Utility bills are a form of credit, which many may not realize. Your utility company and the power provider track your utility payments and make a profile of you as a regular paying customer. This type of profile, or credit history, can then interfere with your future utility bills, setting up additional utility services, and …
An average monthly electric bill in the US is $100-120 per month. Furthermore, an average American family has 2.6 members, which brings the average electric bill per person down to some $40. However, there is more to it, as each new household member does not add the same amount of electricity use to the electric …
A microwave oven is a very practical appliance: it can cook some simple foods (no meats, please) and can reheat your leftovers. However, the energy consumption of a microwave oven is not low, so it is important to know how much power most microwaves use. A countertop microwave uses less power than a build-in large …
If you would like or already have added solar panels to your home, testing solar panels for their output is an important thing to do. This will enable you to better understand how much solar power your panels can generate, what their solar output is during the day, and finally, what is the solar panel …
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