Energy Efficiency Archives - ElectricityPlans

The 9 Biggest Energy Wasting Mistakes You’re Making at Home

We’re so used to the convenience of electricity. We ask Google or Amazon to set a timer or answer a question, we flip the light switch without even thinking of it, and we expect our HVAC system to keep the temperature perfect.

But some of the ways we use electricity could also be wasting energy.

Here are the most common causes energy waste in the home. If you recognize some of these issues? We also highlight some simple fixes.

Do Space Heaters Save Money on Heating Bills?

Last Updated January 16, 2025

A space heater can save you money on your winter electric bill, but only if you use it wisely. If you’re using space heaters to just heat the room you’re using? Yes. Running multiple space heaters simultaneously to heat your entire house? Your electric bill may increase significantly.

Summary: Space heaters are a great way to warm a single room in your home instead of adjusting your thermostat. But they are an inefficient way to heat your entire house. Make sure to size the heater properly; you’ll need 10 watts of heating power for every square foot of the room you are heating.

CenterPoint CoolSaver Free A/C Tune-Up

Taking care of your HVAC system is an important part of prepping your home for Texas’ summer heat. That’s why I signed up for a free CoolSaver A/C Tune-Up from Centerpoint Energy. Not only did I save $120 with this freebie, now I can be confident that my HVAC will keep me cool all season long.

In this article, you’ll find out about my experience with the CoolSaver A/C Tune-Up, what’s included and how you can get your free A/C tune-up in the Houston area.

Is a Heat Pump HVAC System Right for Your Home?

When it comes to heating and cooling you home, you have options available. Instead of a traditional central air conditioning/furnace system, some homeowners are considering Air Source Heat Pump HVAC instead.

Heat pumps can be worth it because they can save money and improve efficiency, with an average savings of around $600 annually vs. a traditional HVAC system.

In this article, we review the basics and the pro/cons of an heat pump HVAC system.

How Often Should You Change Your Home Air Filter?

You’ve probably heard that it’s important to change your home air filter regularly. But why is it so important? And what type of air filter do you need?

First, in our commitment to saving you time and energy, here’s a quick answer:

Change your home air filter every 30-90 days. If you have pets in your home, you should change your air filter every 30 days.

Air Conditioners vs. Fans: Which is Best?

For as long as there’s been air conditioning, there’s probably been the debate. Air Conditioners or Fans. Which is best?

When it comes to air conditioning vs. fans, we say both! Air conditioning keeps the air cool in your home. And ceiling fans can create an additional cooling effect that makes you feel up to 4* cooler.

In this article we tell you how air conditioners and fans work to cool your home. And we look at air conditioners vs. fans from two aspects: keeping you cool and keeping your electricity bill low.

Sustainable Home vs. Eco Friendly Home – What’s the Difference?

Sustainable living, green households, eco friendly homes. Are they all just marketing terms? Or do they mean something?

Eco-friendly focuses on reducing harm to the environment, while sustainability considers the future impact of today’s actions. In this article, we’ll dive into the definitions of each term, and provide a case study example to further illustrate the difference, so you can make changes to your own household.

89 Ways to Save on Your Electric Bill

When it comes to home budgeting, your electricity bill takes a big portion of your paycheck each month. Here are simple tasks that can lower your electricity bill while maintaining your home comfort.

What Temperature Should I Leave My House When I’m on Vacation?

The plans have been made. The bags are packed. You deserve a vacation. But what are the best thermostat settings for vacation to keep your electricity bill low? In other words, when you’re in vacation mode, is there a vacation mode for your house?

The best approach is to set your vacation thermostat about 10 degrees higher (summer) or lower (winter) than you normally set it when away from home. This lowers the amount of time your HVAC system is running while you are away. In general, don’t set it above 85° in the summer or below 50° in the winter.

If you’re planning your trip now, consider our tips for adjusting the thermostat settings to reduce energy, create a comfortable environment for your pets and lessen household damage risks.

What’s the Best Thermostat Setting for Summer?

What’s the best air conditioner temperature setting in the summer? You want to keep your home cool, but also want to keep control of your electricity bills.

Keeping in mind both energy efficiency and comfort, the best thermostat settings for summer are 76° when you are home, 80-85° when you are away and 72° at night. Then use ceiling fans in the rooms you are in to feel up to 4* cooler.

Here’s more on why these thermostat settings are the best.

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