Newsletters

Energy

This Startup Helps You Save Money While Saving the PlanetLife
There are lots of little ways you can be more environmentally friendly around the house; from weatherstripping to chemical free cleaning, little changes can make a big impact. One start up has harnessed the goodwill of individual households to make a large impact on the environment. OhmConnect organizes “events” to make sure that people’s efforts to save energy are put to the best use possible, by powering everyone down at the same time.
Nora Taylor
Oct 13, 2022
Here’s Where You’re Wasting Money at HomeProjects & Improvements
You are probably losing money right now, without even realizing it. If you’re less than pleased with your recent home energy bill, don’t fret. There’s room for improvement and savings. Heating accounts for the largest portion (45 percent) of our energy bills, according to the U.S.
Marissa Hermanson
Jul 17, 2020
The Bottom Line: What It Really Costs to Buy & Install a Water HeaterProjects & Improvements
Last month we asked how much readers spent buying and installing a new water heater in their home. And you told us! We hope this information gives a basic sense of how much this new appliance costs, and how much you can expect to pay when hiring someone. Keep in mind, this is general and prices most likely vary in cities versus more rural locations, etc…Although this gives you a rough idea, you should always seek multiple quotes for any work done in your home.
Dabney Frake
Jul 16, 2020
Does Turning Down the Heat Really Burn More Calories?Life
In response to my recent post, Trying To Cut Down On Heating Costs? Go Gradually, a commenter wrote, “If I feel a little cold, I just tell myself that I am burning more calories when I am chilly… because that’s true.
Tess Wilson
Jul 16, 2020
Energy Saving Task Lighting in the Kitchen: 10 LED Under Cabinet LightsDesign Ideas
I recently installed under cabinet lights in the kitchen of my rental apartment, and for a relatively small investment, they have made a big impact: They provide lighting for such kitchen tasks as dish washing and food prep, and their ambient glow is a pleasant alternative to the harsh overhead lighting I relied on previously. Fluorescent, halogen and xenonTOP ROW1. NON LED Countertop Light, $20 from IKEA2. LEDme Button Light, $54 from WAC Lighting3.
Kate Legere
Jul 15, 2020
How To Heat Up a Cold RoomProjects & Improvements
Brrr! Have winter temperatures outside been a little too present in the inside of your home? If you’ve got cold rooms, we’ve got the fool-proof ways to warm them up. Start from the top of this list and work your way down to see if any of these culprits have been keeping your rooms too cold to enjoy! First, check to see if you’re doing everything to keep the cold out. Drafts from windows are the first place to look.
Adrienne Breaux
Mar 11, 2020
The Ultimate Guide to Making Any Rental More Energy EfficientLife
Think that because you don’t own, you have no control over your home’s energy use? Not true! Here’s our ultimate guide; full of links to quick, easy and yes, even inexpensive, ways to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your bills (your landlord will thank you!). Most of these changes are likely to pay for themselves in energy savings over the duration of your rental.
Rachel Wray Thompson
Mar 11, 2020
10 Ways to Save Energy in the Laundry RoomCleaning
Washing and drying clothes uses a lot of energy and water in a typical house. Here are 10 ways you can reduce your consumption of water and energy while doing laundry.Move the dryer closer to an outside wall The farther exhaust air has to travel from your dryer to get outside, the more energy your dryer will use on every cycle. If you can, move the dryer as close to its exhaust port as possible. Can you reduce the number of elbow bends in the exhaust pipe?
Laurie McGinley
Feb 12, 2020
5 Draft-Stopping Home Solutions that Aren’t UglyDesign Ideas
Chilly winter weather is starting to blow in, and with it comes the annual war we wage against our thermostats. If you’re tempted to turn up the heat, but are scared to open your heating bill at the end of the month, invest in one of these draft-stopping solutions that will help warm up your space, saving you money in the long run. There’s no unsightly bubble-wrapped windows here—these 5 solutions will make your home look as warm and cozy as it feels.
Katie Holdefehr
May 3, 2019
This Weekend: Don’t Let This One Thing Slip Through The CracksProjects & Improvements
I know, I KNOW. I hate to even bring it up. But soon it will be winter, your joints and dry skin will hurt, and you’d rather cozy up in bed instead of fiddle with your drafty windows and doors. Take advantage on this transition period by prepping your home for the cold to come. You’ve totally got this! If You’re a Renter: Even if you’re not responsible for the building itself, you can still amp up your home’s efficiency and reduce your own heating bills this winter.
Dabney Frake
Apr 30, 2019
How a Thermometer Can Actually Save You Money Around the HouseProjects & Improvements
We’ve explained why you should keep a thermometer in your fridge, but temperature monitors can actually save you money in other parts of the house as well. And, honestly, who doesn’t want to save money on bills? Drafty windows and doors are often the biggest culprit when it comes to allowing air to seep in or out—a definite no-no when it comes to household energy efficiency—particularly during the sticky summer and colder winter months. Here’s a trick.
Kenya Foy
Nov 30, 2018
How Much Are You Really Saving When You Wash in Cold Water? Or Power Down Your Laptop?Life
Decreasing the amount of energy you expend at home isn’t just good for the environment—it can be good for your bank account, too. According to a study from SaveOnEnergy, the average American spends a whopping $1,460 a year on electricity and $421 on natural gas; numbers that are expected to rise by 2 percent in 2018. Luckily, there are plenty of simple ways to reduce your daily energy use.
Caroline Biggs
Sep 27, 2017