Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips

Explore our latest insights and expert advice on Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips

60 articles in Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Christine Orlando

    Vampire Energy: How Phantom Power Drains Your Wallet and the Environment

    Imagine your home filled with silent energy sippers, lurking in the shadows, unnoticed yet constantly draining power and your wallet. Vampire energy, or phantom load, refers to the electricity electronic devices consume, even when turned off or in standby mode. These energy vampires are prevalent in every household and workplace, from the charger left plugged […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    The Top Sources of Carbon Emissions in the U.S.

    Climate change due to rising global temperature seriously threatens the natural ecosystem. It can result in erratic weather featuring intense drought, heat waves, melting ice caps, warming oceans, and increased storms when left unchecked. As the impact of climate change worsens, the risk of biodiversity loss and human extinction gets bigger. Table of Contents What […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
    Renewable Energy
  • Christine Orlando

    California Solar Tax Credit & Incentives for Residential Rooftop Solar

    Are you considering investing in residential solar panels in California? You’re not the only one. Research shows that California was ranked number one out of 50 states in 2022 for solar power generation, with more than 11 million homes powered by the sun. A major reason why solar power is popular statewide is that prices have dropped […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
    Renewable Energy
  • Alfred Poindexter

    What Should You Include in an Energy Efficiency Audit?

    Rising energy costs mean higher electricity bills, and for the average homeowner or business, a little savings each month can add up to extra cash at the end of the year. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your home’s energy consumption, performing a home energy audit is a great place to start.  Table of […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    How to clean your solar panels

    Have you considered installing a renewable energy source at your home? Power Wizard recommends trying solar energy, which accounts for 3% of the U.S. electricity supply.  Solar energy is clean and affordable because it uses advanced technology for energy production. Solar technologies convert sunlight into either thermal or electrical energy.  Collecting photovoltaic (PV) cells in […]

    Electricity Shopping
    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
    Renewable Energy
  • Christine Orlando

    How to Reduce Your Carbon Emissions

    Carbon emissions refer to the measure of the impact of human activities on global warming and climate change. Every person on the planet contributes, directly and indirectly. It includes things like methods of transportation, cooling/heating your home, running appliances, the food you eat, the clothes you buy, and more.  While we can’t eliminate all production, […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
    Sustainable and Green Living
  • Alfred Poindexter

    Solar Energy Credits: Everything You Need to Know

    Solar panels are a great way to save money. They are energy efficient and reduce the impact of electricity production on the environment. You can get them installed on the roof of your house to reduce your reliance on the electric grid. Once installed, solar panels help passively produce energy from the sunlight — as […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
    Renewable Energy
  • Alfred Poindexter

    Incentive-Based Energy Plans: What Are Your Options?

    Incentive-based energy plans are becoming critically important as war, sanctions, and declining fossil fuel production cause nonrenewable energy prices to skyrocket.  Fortunately, private companies are busy developing energy-efficient technologies while all levels of government are offering substantial financial incentives for consumers to adopt renewable energy sources. Let’s examine the many federal, Texas, and local energy […]

    Electricity Shopping
    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
    Renewable Energy
  • Alfred Poindexter

    What To Look for in a Carbon Offset Project

    Many businesses are looking for ways to offset their carbon footprint and positively impact the environment. When choosing a carbon offset project, it is vital to consider the following factors: The environmental benefits of the project: Does the project help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or protect natural ecosystems? The carbon offsets: How much carbon […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
    Sustainable and Green Living
  • Alfred Poindexter

    How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

    Owning a home is expensive, and that’s not expected to change anytime soon. On top of everything else, the cost of energy can be a burden for many familiar and even more so when temperatures reach extreme highs and lows. Whether you’re well-off or living paycheck to paycheck, you’re probably interested in lowering your energy […]

    Electricity Shopping
    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
    Renewable Energy
  • Alfred Poindexter

    Carbon Credits vs Carbon Offsets: What’s the Difference?

    We’re all working toward reducing our carbon footprint and ushering in a cleaner future. But how can you take meaningful steps to reduce your carbon emissions? Purchasing carbon offsets or carbon credits allows you to reduce your emissions by funding sustainability projects around the world that avoid or capture dangerous greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
    Sustainable and Green Living
  • Alfred Poindexter

    Mono vs Poly Solar Panels: Which Should You Go With?

    From providing houses with power to allowing nearly instant global communication, electricity plays a massive role in the average person’s life. Electricity may not be something you think about much, but this can lead you to overpaying for your electricity plans or missing out on the latest available technologies, such as solar technology.  The popularity […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
    Renewable Energy
  • Alfred Poindexter

    How Time of Use Energy Plans Work

    Once, one company controlled all aspects of your electricity. Whether you liked it or not, you had to agree with the charges of that company and pay the bills. Those days are over, as you can now choose an electricity provider within a deregulated market and pick the best rates for yourself. You even have […]

    Electricity Shopping
    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    How Many Solar Panels Does It Take to Power a House?

    Solar panel systems produce power by harvesting sunlight shining on an array of solar panels installed on rooftops or on solar farms. The sun’s light is absorbed into photovoltaic cells on the panels, which then creates an electric field.  The photons hitting panels then flow to a house’s inverter where it changes from DC power […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
    Renewable Energy
  • Alfred Poindexter

    How to Understand Your Texas Power Bill

    When your Texas power bill arrives, what do you do? Many people only look at the amount due and pay it without a second thought (unless they notice that the total is significantly higher than the month before). Understanding your electricity bill and the charges on your bill can save you from overpaying for electricity. Don’t […]

    Electricity Shopping
    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Christine Orlando

    How much electricity does a pool pump use?

    A backyard swimming pool lets you beat the scorching afternoon heat while enjoying the privacy of your home. On the downside, pools have huge installation costs and electricity demands. Therefore, if you want to enhance the elegance of your backyard with a pool, keep in mind its maintenance cost.   Homes with swimming pools consume on […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
    Smart Home Technology
  • Christine Orlando

    What is an electricity saving box and does it actually work?

    Are you frustrated about the current high fuel prices? While natural gas generates about 40% of electric power in the U.S., you can anticipate a rise in your electricity bills. In January 2021, the national average household electricity rate went up by 8%, the highest increase ever in this decade. Power Wizard recommends taking control of […]

    Electricity Shopping
    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Christine Orlando

    The Energy Impact of Weatherstripping Doors and Windows 

    Are you concerned about rising energy costs? Looking for ways to cut back on your electricity bill? You’re not alone. Many Texans have noticed that their monthly energy bills are skyrocketing, and they want a solution to the problem.  Fortunately, there are plenty of tricks and tips to help consumers reduce electricity bills and  stop wasting […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Christine Orlando

    Cost of Charging Your EV at Home 

    Electric vehicles, including all-electric (also called battery electric vehicles or BEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), have been growing steadily in popularity. One of their biggest draws is that they produce little to no emissions, helping to reduce your carbon footprint. They also help you save money on gas. PHEVs use less fuel, while all-electric […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Christine Orlando

    Buying vs Leasing Solar Panels: Which Is for You?

    Solar panels are an attractive option for many homeowners. Whether you are looking to lower your energy costs, reduce your carbon footprint, or both, solar power can make a significant difference. You have options, including buying vs leasing solar panels. In this article, we will look at the pros and cons of each solar installation […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Christine Orlando

    What are solar shingles?

    Interest in green energy sources is steadily growing across the country. Solar energy is a sustainable source with immense sustainable potential when adequately harnessed. If you live in a place receiving consistent sunshine exposure like Texas, you may consider setting up residential solar power systems. So, what are solar shingles? Roof solar panels are one […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    Eco-friendly homes

    Environmentalists often interchange the phrases ‘sustainable’ and ‘eco-friendly’ when discussing improving the environment. Despite both focusing on environmental awareness and social responsibility, these terms have different meanings. So, what can you do to create a sustainable vs eco-friendly home? An in-depth take on both phrases will help you realize the distinct dissimilarities between eco-friendly vs. […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
    Renewable Energy
  • Alfred Poindexter

    Energy Saving Programs and How They Work

    Energy efficiency refers to optimizing your home energy consumption by using methods that consume less energy to attain a similar useful output. The U.S. has seen a growing trend in energy-efficient use due to increased environmental concerns caused by carbon emissions and growing energy demands. Subsequently, there are limitless opportunities in power consumption levels where […]

    Electricity Shopping
    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    What impacts your air conditioner’s energy efficiency?

    You rely on your air conditioner to keep your Texas home cool and comfortable, especially during the hot summer months. However, it’s one of the most expensive appliances to run. That doesn’t mean that it should be cost-prohibitive. Here are things to consider that impact your air conditioner’s energy efficiency. Several factors contribute to how […]

    Electricity Shopping
    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    Energy-efficient appliances to have in your home

    When it comes to CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Your first thought might be cars or planes. Transportation does account for a large portion of most people’s carbon footprint. However, so too does home electricity usage. You likely have numerous appliances and electronic devices that consume electricity. All […]

    Electricity Shopping
    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    How to Track Your Appliance Energy Usage

    Tracking your appliance energy usage is key to reducing your overall energy usage. If you find that your bills are drastically higher than your estimated costs, it could be that your energy provider is tacking on far more fees than you realized, meaning it’s probably time to shop for a new provider. Another issue you […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    Going Green Can Save You Money

    Let’s go green! But wait, isn’t that expensive? A Tesla costs the same as a mortgage payment. We know. That’s why we’ll give you stuff you can do. “Going Green” means living a lifestyle that reduces your environmental impact. And maybe you’ve had the thought to go green, but it’s widely got a bad rap […]

    Electricity Shopping
    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Christine Orlando

    How to Track Energy Usage in Your Home

    With more and more of our devices networked online, there are many ways that homes draw electricity that weren’t common 10 or 20 years ago. If you thought that your electricity bills were high a few years back, you’re likely seeing them continue to grow — and you might want to push back against that […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
    Smart Home Technology
  • Alfred Poindexter

    Tips and Tricks to Lower Your Electricity Bills

    Have you ever been so stressed about your electricity bill that you don’t dare touch the thermostat? In summer we turn on a fan and in winter we put on a sweater. What if we told you there’s a way to make your house comfortable while paying less for your electricity bill? There are hundreds […]

    Electricity Shopping
    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    The 5 best energy usage monitors

    Does this sound familiar? You open your electricity bill only to find yourself shocked by the amount due. You didn’t think you were using as much power as your statement reflects, yet, here you are. Now you’re looking for ways to lower your electricity usage and the price you pay for it. However, maybe you […]

    Electricity Shopping
    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Christine Orlando

    Motion Sensor Light Switches and Energy Efficiency

    When it comes to improving your energy efficiency and reducing your electricity bills, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For most, it’s often the age-old tip: “turn off the lights when you leave the room.” Indeed, routinely forgetting to shut lights off — or living with others who tend to forget — can […]

    Electricity Shopping
    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    How to Set Your Thermostat in the Summer

    Summer fun has arrived, but it’s not just cookouts and pool parties. As the temperature creeps up, so does the need for relief on the hottest days. This is instantly available within your air-conditioned home, but that comfort comes at a cost: higher electric bills. The more you run your air conditioner and the lower […]

    Electricity Shopping
    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    A Breakdown of Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

    Too often, people only think about electricity in terms of how much they’re paying each month. While the impacts on your budget are important, energy efficiency also matters when it comes to saving our planet. What may seem like a small gesture, like changing incandescent bulbs in your home for energy efficient light bulbs, can […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
    Smart Home Technology
  • Alfred Poindexter

    The Top 5 Best Smart Thermostats That Help You Save Energy

    A smart thermostat is a vital smart home product, managing your home’s temperature to help you optimize your energy consumption. Installing one can take all the thought out of managing your home’s heat and cut your energy costs. You can improve these savings further by becoming a Power Wizard member to find the electricity plan […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Christine Orlando

    4 Signs You’re Wasting Energy in Your Home

    Most of us don’t pay much attention to the energy used in the household. Yet, higher bills are almost always a sign of wasting energy at home. With so many people staying at home in the last couple of years of the pandemic, things became even more burdensome. The increased use of computers, TVs, and […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    Appliances That Cause an Electric Bill Spike

    Some bills are predictable — your mortgage or rent, car payment, mobile phone, subscription services. Every month, you pay the same amount. Others, like your electric bill, can be a stressful mystery. It’s already one of the most expensive utility bills for most US residents. When there’s an unexpected spike in your electric bill, it […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    The Most Efficient Ways to Reduce Your Energy Usage

    Modern living requires a constant supply of energy for round-the-clock use in homes. Nationwide, U.S. energy demands are projected to rise by  7% in the next 20 years, accompanied by an increase in the cost of electricity. About  70% of the electricity used in the U.S. comes from burning fossil fuels in power plants, contributing […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    9 Top Tips for a Lower Summer Energy Bill

    We all know that summer in Texas is hot. And when it is hot, we have the air conditioning going. We have the ceiling fans going. And we use a lot of electricity. Residential electricity consumption can jump from 25% on a moderate day to 50% on a hot summer day, according to ERCOT.  Since […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    Kwh Calculator

    Let’s face it. Electricity plans have become more confusing than ever before.  Trying to figure out the details of any one plan can feel like you skipped straight from multiplication tables to calculus, with no teacher to show you the right formula. The numbers blur as your brain tries to figure out this puzzle, but […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    What Should I Keep My Heat On To Save Money

    You live in a house divided! Your wife and son want the house to be a toasty 70 degrees all winter while you and your daughter enjoy a chillier house at 55 degrees. Every day, it’s another battle!  First, your daughter tells your wife to put on another sweater. Next, your wife sneaks out of […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Christine Orlando

    When Are Energy Rates The Lowest

    This short guide shares when energy rates are the lowest and explain how to shop for the best electricity plan for your usage needs. [toc] The Supply And Demand Of Energy Rates Supply and demand are the cornerstones of a capitalist economy. The Library of Economics and Liberty explains supply as “the quantity of a good supply […]

    Electricity Shopping
    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    How To Save On Heating Costs In Apartment

    You’re wearing two sweaters, sitting in your house, freezing your butt off trying to save on electricity. On top of that, you don’t even know if you have the best possible electricity plan for your needs.  If you’re looking for how to save on heating costs in apartments, we’ve got you covered! Shivering in your […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    How to Save on Electric Bill

    That last electric bill seemed excessive. You’re already looking with dread toward next month and wondering whether you should cancel your summer vacation so that you can pay your bills. You weigh them in your mind: a trip to Barbados vs. electricity at home, luxurious vacation vs. air-conditioned staycation, canceled flight vs. getting your electricity […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    Home Office Electricity Deduction

    If you live on this planet, you already know that taxes are a pain. Any tax deduction you can find makes them a little less painful, so you’re trying to figure out how to get a home office electricity deduction to keep a little more of your hard-earned cash. [toc] Home Office Types There are two […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    Get Help Paying Electric Bill In Texas

    Are you ever shocked at the size of your electricity bill at the end of the month? Many out there are looking to get help paying electric bills in Texas. Do you know for sure that you have the best possible rates? If not, then you need the ultimate shopping service for electricity.  You Need […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    Flat Screen TV Electricity Usage

    Your kids are glued to the TV! You worry that maybe they’re not being active enough or using their imagination enough.  And if that wasn’t enough, you’re worried that your kids are wasting electricity in the process.  [toc] What Is My Flat Screen TV Electricity Usage? The electricity usage of your flat-screen TV can vary […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Christine Orlando

    Fan vs Air Conditioner Electricity Usage

    Texas summers are some of the hottest in the US, bringing up the great debate: fan vs. air conditioner. When you were a kid, it wasn’t a big deal because you could sleep with the fan or air conditioner all night without worrying about your electricity bill.  Now, as an adult, you dread looking at […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Christine Orlando

    Cost Per KWH By Source

    Are you trying to find ways to save on your electricity? Considering the cost per kWh of different energy sources?  Congratulations! Most people never even think about their electricity, and that can cost you. But before you go delving into the maze of the Texas electricity market, you need to hear about the single best […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
    Renewable Energy
  • Christine Orlando

    Cost Of Living In Texas

    Do you want to know one of the biggest impacts on your cost of living in Texas? Your electricity rates.  That’s why it’s so important to find the best plan for your needs. You can’t afford to waste your hard-earned money on expensive electricity. How do you find the best plan?  The Answer Is Power […]

    Electricity Shopping
    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    Everything You Need To Know About Senior Discounts in Texas

    Your golden years are meant to be spent on the deck of a cruise ship sipping a martini or reading to your grandchildren.  But now, as you research electricity plans and try to understand the Texas Electricity Senior Discount, you feel like retirement isn’t all it was cracked up to be. You’ve got a headache […]

    Electricity Shopping
    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    Unlock the Secret To Cheap Electricity in Texas

    Do you need to find cheap electricity in Texas right now?  Compare Cheap Electricity Rates in Texas With Our Smart Tool!  You can look into each company by yourself, but that takes too much time – time you could spend having fun and relaxing. Power Wizard can save you time and money by doing all […]

    Electricity Shopping
    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    Are Electric Rates Higher In Summer or Winter

    Are electric rates higher in summer or the Winter? The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, but there is one thing that will impact your electricity bill more than any other, your choice of electricity plan.  Does your electricity bill cause you anxiety during the summer months? Do you have a […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    How Much Does It Cost To Run Central Air

    You know the moment when you wake up, drenched in sweat, and realize you waited too long to turn on your air conditioning?  We’ve all been there. It’s easy to justify leaving your air conditioning off as the temperatures creep up through the 70s, but eventually, we all reach a point where it’s just not […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
    Smart Home Technology
  • Alfred Poindexter

    All Electric Home Heating

    Are you considering whether or not all-electric home heating is the best option for your family in Texas?  You’ve come to the right place.  All-electric home heating can be a very expensive way to heat your home, and before you make the switch, you’ll want to consider whether or not you are on the ideal […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
    Smart Home Technology
  • Alfred Poindexter

    10 Ways To Save Electricity At Home

    We all want to save money, and managing electricity usage is a great start, but if you’re on the wrong plan, it won’t help much.  How do you know if you’ve got the plan that’s right for you? Power Wizard Can Help If you’ve spent even a few minutes shopping for electricity in Texas, you know […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
    Smart Home Technology
  • Alfred Poindexter

    6 Ways to Save Money on Your Electricity Bill with Everyone at Home

    Most of us are working from home, and it’s unknown when the kids will return to school, if even this school year. How do you save money on electricity when everyone is at home? Have you thought about what the Covid-19 pandemic is doing to your electricity bill? The mandate of social distancing means our […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
    Smart Home Technology
  • Alfred Poindexter

    What is a Smart Home and Should I Build One?

    You Must Understand the Technology to Make the Right Choices for Your Home Smart homes are nothing new. Just think of The Jetsons, Star Trek, and any number of Isaac Asimov novels. For more than a century, science fiction has extolled the virtues of using technology like artificial intelligence to accomplish a wide range of […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    How Can I Use Technology to Save on My Electricity Bill?

    5 Modern Devices That Can Help Lower Your Energy Usage If you’re like most electricity consumers, you want one thing from your energy company – a lower electricity bill. There are typically two ways you can achieve this: Securing a low kilowatt-hour rate for the electricity you use Using less electricity around the home, thus […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
    Smart Home Technology
  • Alfred Poindexter

    5 Ways to Improve the Energy Efficiency of Your Home

    Using Less Energy Helps Lower Your Home Energy Bills No matter the size of your home, everyone wants to pay less on their electricity bills. Even with a low fixed rate for a long contract, you could have a large bill if you ignore your home energy usage. By introducing a few helpful energy efficiency […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
  • Alfred Poindexter

    How Can I Tell Which Electricity Plan is Right for Me?

    What Your Neighbor Doesn’t Know About Your Electricity Profile Can Cost You We’ve all done it before, though it probably had nothing to do with an electricity plan. It’s one of those “You’ve become an adult!” moments you see captured in cheesy comedies, and it comes when you least expect it. Let’s set the stage: […]

    Energy Efficiency & Saving Tips
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