Saving Power Doesn’t Have to Be Confusing

by SPAdmin on August 10, 2010

Texas power customers may know about their power to choose where their electricity comes from. They may also know that there are many different companies out there competing for your business. Some may think that it is going to be really confusing, and this may deter them from seeking these alternatives to their current high energy bills in order to save power. This is not a good idea, and the truth is that choosing your own electricity doesn’t have to be a big hassle, nor does it need to be confusing.

Don’t be afraid to check out your alternatives when it comes to choosing electricity so you too can save power. Aren’t you tired of high energy rates, ones that can fluctuate whenever your utility company feels like it? Don’t you want to be able to pick a company that will provide you with the best services, the lowest rates, and have the highest customer satisfaction? Don’t you want to be able to choose environmentally conscious companies, ones that use alternative energy sources to produce electricity and that save power?

If you want to be able to get some help choosing the right alternative, one that will provide the services you want, or the lowest rates, or alternative energy sources, then there are two websites you should go too. One of them is the Public Utility Commission of Texas. The PUC can explain in easy to understand terms how the new Texas electricity market works, and why these changes are important to you.

The next site you should go to is chooseenergy.com. Why? Because this is the one site where all the top Texas energy service providers are offered in one location. Not only this, but they provide unbiased reviews of each company, what each one is offering, where they get their electricity, and how they can help you. Not only this, but choose energy has many other things to offer the consumer. There is an education center, where you can learn about these new rules and regulations, all in easy to understand details.

They can also help you in other ways. Choose energy can walk you through the process of picking the right company, help you find the company that will best suit your individual needs, whether you rent, own your own home, or even own a business. For an example, if you are tired of dealing with fluctuating prices, you may want to consider a prepaid alternative. This means that depending on how many rooms are in your home, you can pay one price for your electrical needs. If you live in a two bedroom home, you can prepay $176+/- a month, which comes out to around 15 cents a kilowatt hour. This rate is locked in, and no matter how much electricity you use, you will pay the same amount no matter what.

Choose energy will also take the hassle out of switching providers as well. They provide all the applications, help you through the process, and switch you over without you having to even contact your current provider. They can give you helpful tips about ways to save energy, like switching your incandescent bulbs over to energy saving compact fluorescent bulbs instead. These are just a few of the examples of the services they provide.

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10 Tips to Save Power

by SPAdmin on August 3, 2010

If you need to make your home more energy efficient, you’re not alone. Many people have older homes that have not been updated in terms of energy usage for a long time, if ever. However, there are some things you can do easily and immediately to reduce your consumption, while other things will take a bit of work but are still very much worth it.

Easy, low-cost, “immediate” ways to save power

  • Use new fluorescent light bulbs in place of old incandescent or fluorescent lighting

 

How Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs Save Money and the Environment

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) use 75 percent less energy than incandescent light bulbs. With ten times the life span of traditional light bulbs, CFLs pay for themselves quickly. www.sylvania.com

New fluorescent light bulbs can save you significantly as compared to older types of lighting such as incandescents or older fluorescents. In fact, you can save significantly when it comes to the energy used for your lighting needs simply by replacing the bulbs in your home, even if you don’t do anything else.

  • Use natural lighting whenever you can

This, too, will reduce the amount of energy you use to light your home.

  • Turn off lights and appliances when not in use

This is a “no-brainer,” but it’s still something a lot of people overlook. Turning off lights when you leave a room, and unplugging energy draining appliances like televisions when not in use are great ways to save energy. Use “smart” power strips to make this task easier.

  • Change furnace and air filters frequently

Ideally, you should change furnace or heating/cooling system filters every three to four months, for best function.

More labor-intensive (or more expensive) ways to improve energy efficiency

  • Seal “leaky” windows with caulk, or at least cover with plastic in the winter; replace with new, energy-efficient ones if possible

If replacing the current windows in your home with new, energy-efficient ones is impossible because of cost at the moment, you can still significantly save money by sealing your windows off in the winter with caulk and/or plastic. Reducing the amount of warm air “leakage” you have in the winter will significantly reduce heating costs.

Window Caulking

Help your home become more energy efficient.

  • Seal and insulate air ducts; update your heating and cooling system if possible

Even if you can’t replace your current heating and cooling system because of cost, you can seal and insulate the ducts with duct sealants for better efficiency. If possible, update and replace your heating and cooling system with Energy Star quality products; installation, too, should meet Energy Star guidelines.

  • Install low flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets in your home

These will significantly save the amount of water you use to flush, use your sinks, or take a shower. In turn, not only does this save on the amount of water use, but it also saves on the amount of water you have to heat, too.

  • Use tankless, “point of use” water heater systems instead of a conventional water heater

A tankless water heater heats water instantly, when it’s going to be used. This can save significantly over having to maintain water temperature in a conventional water heater. Alternatively, you can also wrap a water heater blanket around your current water heater, to conserve energy.

  • Add more insulation to your home

Adding more insulation will make keeping your home the proper temperature, whether warm in the winter or cool in the summer, much easier. Common insulation types include rigid foam board, cellulose, and fiberglass. If you live in a hot sunny climate, you may want to consider something called “reflective insulation,” or radiant barrier.

  • Replace older appliances with new, Energy Star qualified ones

In many cases, you can get tax credits, cash rebates, and more when you trade in old appliances for new, Energy Star appliances. Of course, cost is a factor, and conservative “use it up, wear it out” consumers won’t necessarily want to replace all appliances simply because of the energy efficiency factor. Nonetheless, when it comes time to replace older appliances, do look for the Energy Star label when you buy.

These are just some of the ways you too can save power in your home which results in lower power bills for you.

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Save Power By Switching To A Low Cost Provider

July 23, 2010

Texans can save power by using a low cost Texas energy service provider for the electricity needs. Just because these costs are low, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice customer service or reliability. You can choose fixed or variable rates, prepaid electricity services, and even companies that don’t check credit references, or require a deposit. There are also many providers that have payment centers close to where you live, so you can pay in cash. This is convenient for those who have a poor credit history, or don’t believe in having a credit card, or even a bank account.

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Practical Tips On How To Save Power in Your Home

July 23, 2010

No matter where you live, there is an abundance of ways you can save power and lower your electric bill. If you are one of the many people that live in states where you have the power to choose your own electricity service provider, the first place to start is by taking advantage of this. You can find many different websites that can help you, by providing lists of available providers, what their rates are, what kinds of benefits, packages and services they offer, all in on convenient location – the best for this is ChooseEnergy.com. Many people have a variable electricity rate, which may not be a good idea. What this means is that your provider is able to charge higher rates whenever they feel like it, especially during the summer or winter, when usage goes up. Picking a fixed rate provider might be a good idea, especially those that have severe weather changes, and need air conditioning or heating.

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