Latest news with #energySavings
CNET
08-07-2025
- CNET
Your Thermostat Is in the Wrong Spot and It's Driving Up Your Power Bill
Summer and winter have the highest energy costs thanks to extreme temperatures, but if your bill is soaring, your thermostat could be part of the problem. Where you install your thermostat makes a huge difference in how well it does its job. If it's too close to windows, or in direct sunlight, your HVAC system might be working overtime without a good reason. The good news? Fixing it doesn't require an expensive upgrade, just a better spot. Whether you're installing a new smart thermostat or just want to double-check your current setup, placing it in the right location can help your system run more efficiently year-round. That means more consistent comfort, less wear on your equipment, and real savings on your electric bill,especially when your AC is running full blast. Smart Thermostats: Why They're Good for Your Home and Your Wallet Smart Thermostats: Why They're Good for Your Home and Your Wallet Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:03 / Duration 1:35 Loaded : 12.47% 0:03 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 1:32 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Smart Thermostats: Why They're Good for Your Home and Your Wallet Never install a thermostat in these places When thinking about thermostat location, the most important thing is to avoid areas with temperature extremes, which can make your thermostat think the room is much hotter or cooler than it really is and adjust the temperature accordingly. According to the US Department of Energy, you should avoid installing your thermostat near windows or doors, heat sources or direct sunlight. You should also avoid putting lamps or TVs near your thermostat since they release heat that could impact the device settings. For that reason, it's best to avoid placing the thermostat in bathrooms or kitchens, too, where steam from the shower or from cooking can interfere. The same goes for exterior walls, which are typically cooler than interior ones. Putting your thermostat in any of these less-than-ideal spots could force it into heating or cooling when it doesn't actually need to, unnecessarily using up more energy and money. You should also avoid setting up your thermostat in hallways or rooms that you don't use often. The device will not read the temperature of the places you actually want to heat or cool and could leave you with the wrong setting. Google Nest Here's where you should put a thermostat The best spot for your thermostat is on an interior wall in the middle of a room you use often, such as your living room. That will keep the most popular areas of your house comfortable at the temperature you set. And if you have a smart thermostat, make sure it's not obstructed by doors, bookshelves or decorations so its sensors will work as they're meant to. You also need to make sure the smart thermostat is in range of your Wi-Fi to stay connected. In some cases, you can move your thermostat yourself. But in others, you'll need to call an HVAC specialist. But that cost can potentially be recouped over time through savings. For more money-saving tips, check out how Energy Star appliances can save you cash and the cheapest place to buy groceries online. For more ways to reduce energy costs, consider unplugging your appliances, adjusting your thermostat, turning off your lights or buying smart devices. There's even an easy ceiling fan hack that can save money on heating or cooling your house.
Geeky Gadgets
02-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Our In-Depth Review of Yoolax Motorized Patio Shades for Your Backyard Sanctuary
Imagine stepping onto your terrace at midday and being greeted by a refreshing breeze instead of scorching sun. With Yoolax Motorized Outdoor Roller Shades, you can transform any deck or veranda into a comfortable retreat. In this hands-on review, we found that Yoolax shades block 77% of solar heat gain and deliver effortless, hands-free operation via app, voice command, or geofencing. Their eco-friendly, solar-rechargeable motors ensure reliable performance while saving energy, and they integrate seamlessly with your existing smart-home hub. You can fine-tune each zone individually or sync all screens at once for uniform, customizable shade. Made for Families, Built for Comfort Busy parents know that outdoor play should be joyful, not a battle with heat and glare. Yoolax exterior screens shield delicate skin by blocking 95% of UV rays, crucial because a child's skin is thinner and more vulnerable than an adult's. By reducing solar heat gain by over three quarters, your porch stays up to ten degrees cooler, so little ones can splash in backyard pools or build LEGO forts without overheating. Most households recoup the investment in fewer than three cooling seasons thanks to energy savings of $150 to $200 each summer. It's not just comfort, it's peace of mind. Step into a Smarter Outdoor Oasis with Ease Link your Yoolax system to the platform you already love. Matter compatibility unites outdoor blinds with Alexa, SmartThings, Apple Home, or Google Home. Skip the hub entirely with quick Bluetooth pairing for a hassle-free setup, perfect if you just want to get rolling. For larger yards, Zigbee mesh networking ensures strong, consistent coverage—even through thick foliage—with no dead zones. It integrates smoothly with systems like Samsung SmartThings and pairs especially well with Alexa, enabling intuitive voice control and smart routines. Prefer a physical remote? Yoolax also supports remote control operation, offering a convenient option for quick adjustments without needing your phone or voice assistant. Pick the Perfect Fabric Think of the textile as sunglasses for your deck. Yoolax fabrics combine 95% UV blockage with a 5% openness mesh, filtering glare while preserving your view of the horizon. Quick-dry, mildew-resistant fibers shrug off rain, wind-driven debris, and accidental toddler splashes. Crafted for longevity, the tightly woven fibers resist fading and fraying even after years of sun, rain, and toddler vigor. The result feels as crisp as stepping into afternoon shade, season after season, without sacrificing durability or sightlines. Automate Your Comfort Let your patio know you better than yourself. Create scheduled scenes for nap time and playtime, so screens lower automatically when it's time to rest and rise again when the sun moves. With a simple voice command, 'Alexa, activate porch mode', all coverings deploy at once. Geofencing technology automatically lowers your shades when you leave home and raises them when you return—no taps or voice commands needed. On a full charge, the system can operate for up to three months, with enough reserve power, so you're always covered—rain or shine. Measure for a Flawless Fit Accurate measurement takes the guesswork out of installation, helping you avoid returns and reorders. Yoolax provides clear templates for both inside and outside mounts, making it easy to get the depth right from the start. Each template bears clear markings, and online video tutorials offer extra confidence for first-time installers. With intuitive guides and simple tools, most parents finish measuring in under ten minutes, no return trips to the hardware store required. Save Money, Save the Planet Yoolax systems are as kind to the earth as they are to your budget. A solar-and-USB charging kit keeps motors humming on cloudy days and recharges overnight. Energy savings of $150–$200 per summer translate into a rapid return on investment you can actually track. Pair exterior coverings with indoor shades in cooler months to retain warmth and further reduce utility bills. Plus, look forward to next year's model, which promises enhanced solar sensors for even smarter light management. Installation in Under an Hour Every Yoolax kit arrives ready to install with fabric swatches, pre-cut measuring templates, and step-by-step instructions. Stainless-steel guide wires keep screens aligned in breezes up to Beaufort Level 5. While installation, Yoolax provides everything you need for a smooth setup—including templates, step-by-step guides, and all necessary hardware. With common household tools and a bit of DIY confidence, most families complete the install in under an hour. Once in place, your shades deliver years of effortless, reliable performance. Key Specifications UV Protection : UP to 95% : UP to 95% Heat Reduction : 77% solar heat gain blocked : 77% solar heat gain blocked Annual Savings : $150–$200 per summer : $150–$200 per summer Backup Cycles : A single charge powers the system for approximately three months of regular use : A single charge powers the system for approximately three months of regular use Wind Rating : Beaufort Level 4 (steady) / Level 5 (guide wire tested) : Beaufort Level 4 (steady) / Level 5 (guide wire tested) Connectivity : Matter, Bluetooth, Zigbee : Matter, Bluetooth, Zigbee Fabric: Quick-dry, fade-resistant mesh available in 1%, 3%, 5%, and 10% openness options Ready to Transform Your Backyard? Bring shade, savings, and serenity to your outdoor retreats. Whether you crave a cooler play space for little ones, a chic lounge area for weekend coffee, or an energy-efficient upgrade that pays for itself, Yoolax Motorized Exterior Patio Sun Shades deliver. Discover the full range and find the perfect fit for your space: Visit our official store or shop conveniently on Amazon. Filed Under: Guides, Reviews Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
ABC News
27-06-2025
- Climate
- ABC News
What's the most cost-effective way to heat your home this winter? Here are some simple tips
As Australia's east coast braces for chilly nights this weekend, that means many of us will be cranking up the heaters and bracing for an eye-watering power bill. A rise in power prices from July 1 for people in three states also doesn't make things easier. But there are ways to keep your electricity bill down during winter — while staying warm. Here are some tips recommended by ABC readers. Be smart with your thermostat No, this doesn't mean setting your air conditioner to 28 degrees Celsius. You want to avoid the temptation to heat a room any more than you need to, or you'll end up hurting your hip pockets. Energy Australia recommends setting your temperature between the sweet spot of 18-20C in winter. Every extra degree increases your heating energy use by up to 10 per cent. And don't forget to only heat the rooms you are actually using and shut the doors to the others. This concentrates the heat where you need it most. Don't have a heater? That's okay! There are still some easy, low-cost changes you can implement to keep warm. Here is what experts and some ABC readers suggest, based on their own experiences. It may seem obvious, but wrapping up in fluffy sweaters and thick socks can be an easy way to stay comfortable. Jackie from the Central Coast in NSW swears by the 3B's: Beanie, Blanket and Bed socks. "I managed to get through last winter without using any powered heating," she says. "I've lived in a cold area for years and found that dressing properly works really well. "I wear thermal clothing when necessary, put a dressing gown on and always wear socks or slippers." Michael from Canberra uses one particular mantra when winter comes: "There's no such thing as cold weather, just poor clothing choices." Blankets After you have layered on the appropriate clothing, the next step would be to cosy up with some blankets. This could include your standard blanket, but also an electric one or a heated throw. Energy Australia says: "On average, electric blankets cost about four cents an hour, compared to some space heaters which can cost around 15 cents an hour." Lee from South Australia says her heated throw blankets are "lovely and warm", and for under $100 each, "a very good investment". Thermal curtains Up to 40 per cent of heating can be lost through windows. So the key here is to lock the warmth in. Let in the free heat by opening curtains and blinds on sunny days. As the Sun starts to dip, close them up to help reduce the amount of air exchange between a cold window and the rest of the room. Essentially, you want to trap the cold air behind the curtain. For this to be as effective as possible, you will want to invest in quality thermal curtains and blinds such as honeycomb blinds. But if you do not have thermal curtains, that's OK. You can still take advantage of the winter sunshine by opening and closing them at the right time. Reverse ceiling fans Did you know that reversing your ceiling fans can make a room feel warmer in winter? That is because warm air rises, and you want to get the warmer air back down to floor level where the people are. A fan spinning clockwise on reverse or 'winter mode' will push down warm air that has drifted upwards. This redistribution of warm air can dramatically change the overall ambient temperature of a room and make it a few degrees warmer than it otherwise would be. You can check your remote control for a reverse function button. If you don't have a remote control, most fans have a switch on the side of their motor labelled forward/reverse or summer/winter. Just flick the switch to change the rotation. Adjust hot water system temperature Water heaters account for around 29 per cent of the average household's energy use. You can cut down on the energy your hot water system uses by adjusting the temperature. If you've got a storage hot water system, you want to set the temperature to 60C, according to Green Building Council Australia. That is because you need it to be at least 60C to stop the growth of Legionella bacteria, but any higher than that means energy is being used unnecessarily. A continuous flow, or instantaneous system does not need to be set as high as it does not store the water, so it should be no higher than 50C. Michael from the Northern Rivers region of NSW, who has solar panels, turns his hot water off at the meter box overnight and back on in the morning. "All my water heating is essentially done by the Sun's rays," he says. "I have learnt that I only need to heat water every second day over winter, whereas in summer I only heat my water once or twice a week." Also consider insulating the exposed pipes running from the hot water system and your hot water storage tank if you have one. If you are heading on holiday over the winter period, turn the hot water system off. But when you return, you will need to ensure that the water is heated and stored above 60C before use. This could take several hours. Draught proof cracks and gaps Sealing unintended openings in your home can save you up to 25 per cent on your heating bills. And this is one of the cheapest options to implement. During COVID, Carina Turner made several "door sausages" to stop drafts coming into her Victorian home. She places them up against all the doors, ensuring they sit snugly against the gap between the door and floor. To find out if you have any gaps or cracks, feel for moving air, visible light and/or whistling wind in the following areas: Windows and skylights Windows and skylights Floorboards Floorboards Walls Walls Doors Doors Appliances that connect to walls Appliances that connect to walls Unused fireplaces One easy way to check for drafts in your home is to light an incense stick or candle and look for the flutter that indicates there is air movement. Even if you have seals around your windows, remember that these can degrade over time. So regularly inspect them to make sure they are in good condition. Window sealing kits are also available from your local hardware store. Unplug vampire appliances Generally, most electronic appliances — think TVs, computers and gaming consoles — tend to enter a stand-by mode rather than fully powering down. So while you are asleep or away from home, they are working behind the scenes, sucking your electricity and cash. According to Canstar Blue estimates, appliances on stand-by mode could cost you up to 10 per cent of your electricity bill. That's more than $100 annually. Use your local council's energy efficiency kits Many councils and libraries across Australia offer energy efficiency kits that residents can borrow for free to identify areas of energy waste and take steps to reduce their consumption and lower their bills. These kits typically include tools like: Thermal cameras to help you locate draughts and gaps in insulation Thermal cameras to help you locate draughts and gaps in insulation Plug-in energy monitors for measuring energy consumption and the running costs of appliances Plug-in energy monitors for measuring energy consumption and the running costs of appliances Water flow measuring cups to determine the water flow rate of your taps Water flow measuring cups to determine the water flow rate of your taps Thermometer for measuring the temperature of rooms, fridges and freezers Upgrades on the pricier side If you are looking for longer-term investments, here are a couple of home upgrades you could do. Insulation Let's start off with the savings you could make from installing insulation: Ceiling: 45 per cent or more on heating costs 45 per cent or more on heating costs Walls: up to 25 per cent up to 25 per cent Floors: 20 per cent CSIRO senior experimental scientist Michael Ambrose says insulation, particularly ceiling, provides "excellent bang for buck". But expect to pay between $1,800 to $2,800. Try and heat the person first — think socks, dressing gowns and jumpers. ( Freepik: pvproductions ) Double-glazed windows According to the Victorian government, double-glazed windows retain up to 30 per cent more heat and conditioned air than single-glazed windows. That is because the gap between the two panes of glass acts as a barrier, slowing down the transfer of heat. It can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,500 per square metre. If this is out of your budget, there are some other options to consider. This includes thermal film or secondary double glazing that you can attach to existing window fittings. One ABC reader, Eric, has done exactly this, using perspex and magnetic tape to double glaze the front of his unit, which he says cost him $1,500. Try switching providers Don't assume your current energy provider is offering you the best deal available. Give them a call to find out what they will offer to keep you as a customer, and then ring up some competitors to compare the prices. One ABC reader says every time they receive a utilities bill, they upload it to one of the comparison websites to see if there is a cheaper alternative. "Often I find that there is [a cheaper alternative], and occasionally it's even from the same provider I'm currently with," they said. "In the past, I've called up my energy or gas provider and asked for a discount, and while this can sometimes be successful, it's often much more hassle than simply connecting to a new company. "I imagine I have saved hundreds." When it comes to insulation, it's important to ensure coverage in ceilings, walls and under floor. ( ABC News: Alex Lim ) Last December, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission found as many as four in five households could be paying less for electricity by shopping around. The report showed customers on flat rate market offers that are two or more years old experience average annual prices $317 higher than those on new offers. One ABC reader who has switched to save on their power bill is Chris O'Neill from Victoria. Last year, he signed up to OVO's Free 3 plan which gives customers three hours of free electricity every day during the peak solar times between 11am-2pm. During that period, he switches on four heaters that use 6 kilowatt total, an oven that uses 2kW and the water heater that uses 2.4kW. Switching electricity providers is one of the easiest ways to save money. ( AAP: David Mariuz ) That is a total of 10.4kW an hour, or 31.2 kWh per day of free heating. "I get OVO to charge me $97 per month which is close to what we use but my credit keeps building up when the government puts a credit on my account," Mr O'Neill says. "My average bill from May to October inclusive in 2023 with Powershop/Nectr energy was $139, so just on electricity alone OVO has saved about $42 per month or $248 in six months." Other ABC users also spoke about using the three-hour deal. If you are looking to compare suppliers, this government website can help you find which has the best rate. If you live in Victoria, visit Victorian Energy Compare.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
AEP, Westerville can take control of smart thermostats in heat wave, here's what to know
Don't touch that dial, Westerville. Residents in the city's energy savings program are watching their thermostats set themselves this week in response to the heat wave melting central Ohio and beyond. Westerville's Electric Division, which serves all of the city, on Monday, June 23, raised temperatures in the homes of the 1,084 customers in the division's energy savings program, and notified customers that it planned to do the same from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 25. Customers unhappy with the change can override the division's settings. The phantom thermostat changes aren't new. Each summer, the division typically adjusts thermostats eight to 13 times, said Westerville Community Affairs Manager Mariah Beidleman. Last summer, thermostats were adjusted nine times between June 19 and Aug. 28. The adjustments are typically done in two steps, said Beidleman. Thermostats are first dropped 2½ degrees for an hour to cool the home, then raised 4 degrees for two or three hours. American Electric Power manages a similar program called the Power Rewards: Smart Thermostat Program, which allows AEP to adjust participants' thermostats remotely. The AEP program changes thermostats in the same way as the Westerville one: homes are first cooled, then thermostats bumped up 3 degrees during heat waves. AEP officials could not be reached to say whether the utility has employed the program during this heat wave. Citing the "significant burden" the heat wave is placing on the electric grid, AEP asked customers this week to limit their energy use during peak hours of 3-7 p.m. by turning off or unplugging unused devices and lights, turning up their thermostats and avoiding the use of large appliances like dishwashers, ovens and washing machines. The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued an "extreme heat watch" for the central Ohio area from Sunday, June 22, to 8 p.m. June 25. Real estate and Development Reporter Jim Weiker can be reached at jweiker@ and at 614-284-3697. Follow him @JimWeiker This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Westerville, AEP programs save power by regulating home temperatures
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Daily morning habit that's completely free will keep your home cool and and electric bill low
Homeowners hoping to keep cool — and keep costs down —may want to consider leaving their curtains closed when they wake up. With summer in full swing, energy usage is rising and so are electric bills. Utility companies like Consumers Energy have rolled out summer pricing that runs through September 30. It means electricity is now more than 50 percent dearer at a time most families are having to turn the AC to max. The timing couldn't be worse for residents already grappling with inflation, rising utility costs, and economic uncertainty tied to tariffs and recession fears. In New York, a recent climate bill has also been blamed for contributing to higher gas and electricity prices in the city. Matt Johnson, of Consumers Energy, pointed out that air conditioning is one of the biggest contributors to higher summer bills. Along with closed curtains, pre-cooling homes, cooking outside, keeping shades drawn, window and door quality control, and technology are worthy money-saving tricks to try. Besides Johnson, Tom Culp, owner of Birch Point Consulting in Wisconsin, insisted windows are significant factors in electric bills. 'For a typical home, the window area is less than 10 percent of the overall shell,' he told CNET. 'But the Department of Energy has estimated that windows can account for up to 50 percent of the energy that flows in and out of the home.' Ultimately, blinds or shades are what provide an 'insulating layer' to block some of the heat, especially at night. For anyone who cannot live without an open curtain, a Reddit user claimed black curtains could also lower electric bills. 'Utilizing blackout curtains have helped lower ambient temperature inside the house, reduce light/UV,' the homeowner wrote. 'By regulating the temp it allows the AC to not have to work as hard and in turn use less energy.' Because of this trick, they managed to bring their utility bill down $50 after spending over $200 the month before. Johnson revealed that smart thermostats can also make all the difference in the world when cooling homes. While some of them are on the pricey side, the thermostats can be a real money saver in the summertime. 'You can get an app on your phone that shows you, you know, sets your temperature to whatever temperature you need it to be while you're home,' Johnson told Fox 17. 'A lot of people, unnecessarily, are cooling their homes when they're away, right? So we encourage people to turn your thermostat up a couple of degrees when you're not at home, so that you're not using electricity and air conditioning unnecessarily.' This year, Consumers is charging 23 cents per kilowatt-hour on weekdays between 2pm and 7pm —a significant jump from the typical flat rate of around 15 cents. Outside those peak hours, the rate drops to about 18 cents per kilowatt-hour. If closing curtains and new thermostats aren't enough, the expert advised homeowners to look into Consumers Energy's Critical Peak Pricing Program. The program allows this company's customers to receive credits for every unused kilowatt-hour of energy during high-demand time frames. 'You'll never have to pay more by participating in the program if you don't tone down your usage during those peak times,' he said. Other companies may offer similar plans depending on location and electricity usage.
