BY BRIAN REYNOLDS One of the keys to understanding the utility industry or your utility bill is understanding the terminology. A common term is kilowatt-hour, the standard billing unit for electrical energy, abbreviated as kWh. It is worth noting that a kilowatt is a unit of power, while a kilowatt-hour is a unit of energy…. Continue reading.
By Matt Strahl Many homeowners can benefit from an audit designed to keep money in their wallets. An energy audit is an in-depth review and analysis of energy use in a home. The energy auditor will use an infrared camera to find “hot and cold spots,” and possibly include a blower door test to measure… Continue reading.
By Joe Spear A home upgrade that lowers the cost to heat your water may also help you save on your taxes next year. The Inflation Reduction Act, passed by Congress last year, includes incentives for homeowners to make qualifying energy efficiency upgrades. The act includes a tax credit to upgrade to a heat pump water heater… Continue reading.
By Chelsi Jackson It may not have happened yet, but sooner or later, you’re going to see electric vehicle charging stations popping up where there were none before. When they do, odds are it will be part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program that was created by the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law… Continue reading.
by Staci Montgomery For those considering the installation of solar energy at home, there is plenty of information — and misinformation — floating around. To get to the bottom of it all, the one thing any prospective solar owner should do is contact their local electric cooperative. There are a host of reasons why, but… Continue reading.
by TJ Garner A few tax changes passed last year might cause you to turn your head — toward the local car dealership. The Inflation Reduction Act passed by Congress last year includes tax credits for the purchase of electric vehicles. People who may be interested in buying an EV could be in for a… Continue reading.
by Brian Reynolds With inflation driving costs higher on multiple fronts, including energy, finding ways to save money is crucial in the current economy. There are two ways to go about home energy savings — energy efficiency and energy conservation. The two are often confused as the same thing, but there are important distinctions. Energy… Continue reading.
by Matt Walters Electric heat pumps have been around for a long time, and they’re among the most efficient and comfortable ways to heat and cool your home. But now there’s something even better — and it can save you big dollars on your heating bills every winter. Plus, with rebates offered by many local… Continue reading.
By Jordy Smith It’s the most wonderful time of the year… until you get December’s utility bill. What happened? Consider this: More family members are home from work or school, colder temperatures require more heat, there’s lots of cooking for work and family get-togethers and last, but not least, holiday decorations are shining brightly. When… Continue reading.
By Joe Spear From solar power systems to electric vehicles, you may have noticed an increase in how often batteries and electric storage are discussed. Some homeowners may consider adding battery systems as a home backup power source. Adding a home battery system is a major investment: possibly more than $10,000, and even higher if… Continue reading.
By Jake Taylor While many people enjoy driving around town in electric vehicles, more options are becoming available for enthusiasts who want to travel off the beaten path (or no path at all). The electric vehicle market has grown in the U.S., with more consumers buying EVs in recent years. Fortunately, the kinds of electric… Continue reading.
By Mark Belcher With renewable energy on the rise and questions swirling about the stability of the grid, installing residential solar panels is a popular option for both saving money and helping the environment. But how can you distinguish between a legitimate solar installation and scam artists trying to make a buck at your expense?… Continue reading.
By Brian Hawk As gas prices soared over the last several months, more drivers considered the appeal of electric vehicles. Those thoughts likely grew stronger when drivers stared at the gas pump’s ever increasing price display while they filled the tank. Transitioning from a gas-powered vehicle to an electric vehicle can help drivers save on long-term… Continue reading.
