Latest news with #energybill
CNET
3 days ago
- General
- CNET
Lower Your Summer Energy Bills by Making Sure Your Ceiling Fan is Spinning the Right Way
This summer has been brutal, with record-breaking heatwaves across the US, and heat domes that have sent the temperature rocketing up into three digits as far north as Connecticut. If your AC has been running nonstop, you might be dealing with some sticker shock at the size of your energy bill. However, there is an easy way to keep your home cooler with the help of a ceiling fan. A ceiling fan can make a room feel up to 4 degrees cooler, so you can dial back your air conditioning without sacrificing comfort. All it takes is flipping a switch to ensure it's spinning in the right direction (counterclockwise for summer), and you're on your way to better airflow and lower energy costs. It's one of the easiest ways to beat the heat without raising your utility bill -- no fancy tech or major upgrades are required. Bonus: It's a small move that can shrink your environmental footprint. Take a moment to flip this hidden setting on your ceiling fan. You'll stay comfortable all season long and keep your energy bills in check. For more on saving money on energy, learn how unplugging some appliances can save you $100 a year and the most efficient temperature for your thermostat this summer. How to change the direction of your ceiling fan Changing the direction of your ceiling fan's rotation is simple. It's usually controlled by a sliding switch on the motor housing. This switch lets you adjust the fan from spinning clockwise to counterclockwise. Before you make any changes, turn off your ceiling fan -- you don't want to hurt yourself or anyone else in your home. Look for the small sliding switch on the side of the fan's motor housing. It should be labeled with markings like "Forward/Reverse" or have arrows pointing in opposite directions. To switch rotation to counterclockwise, slide the switch to Forward or Counterclockwise. For clockwise rotation, slide the same directional switch to Reverse or Counterclockwise. The fan blades will start to push air upward to recirculate warmer air. If there's no switch on your ceiling fan, you may have a remote control that can change the direction with the push of a button. And if you've got a smart fan, you can probably change direction with your voice or by using an app. You may need to check your instruction manual for further help. Set your ceiling fan to counterclockwise in the summer During the summer, you'll want your ceiling fan to rotate counterclockwise, blowing cooler air straight down into the room. Just make sure the fins on your fan blades are tilted downward to help push the air toward the floor. You should feel the air in the room start to get cooler. Switch your ceiling fan back to clockwise in the winter In winter, you'll want your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise. The airflow will then be directed upward, circulating hot air from the ceiling back down into the room to help spread warmth. Other tips for making the most of your ceiling fans If you want to reap even more benefits from your ceiling fans, choose the right fan. According to the Department of Energy, you should look for fans with the Energy Star label, as they're around 60% more efficient than conventional fans. You'll also want to ensure the fan you're using is the correct size for your room. Larger rooms may need bigger fans with blade spans of at least 52 inches or more, while smaller rooms can get by using fans of 36 inches. If changing your fan blades' direction becomes a pain, you might consider installing a ceiling fan with a remote control or implementing a smart switch. This makes it easier to change the fan direction and speed without reaching up, using a ladder, or fumbling around for the switch to push. The easier it is to change the fan blades' rotation, the easier it is for you to be cooler or warmer in uncomfortable temperatures.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Kmart, Bunnings warning over $15 purchase causing bill shock for shoppers: 'Can add hundreds'
Australians have been sounding the alarm about cheap heaters from retailers like Kmart to keep warm this winter. Parts of Australia have shivered through some of the coldest mornings of the year recently, and many wouldn't think twice about chucking on their heater to beat the chill. But you need to be careful about the heater or radiator you purchase, as it can cost you dearly. CHOICE has reviewed certain models in the past, and a spokesperson for the consumer group told Yahoo Finance Aussies get a huge shock each year when they pick the wrong one. "This doesn't just apply to Kmart heaters, though. Electric heaters are cheap to buy and easy to install, but they can also be one of the least efficient ways to heat your home," they said. RELATED Bunnings, Kmart items and other hacks that can shave $470 off winter power bills Major warning after Aussie receives random $350 payment in her bank account Major ATO deadline hits thousands of Aussies today "If you buy an inefficient model, it can add hundreds of dollars to your energy bill over the winter." Numerous videos have been posted to TikTok from Aussies who bought cheap heaters in the past few months to stave off the effects of winter. Many remarked how their electricity bill spiked massively, some by as much as $1,000, and they suspected it was because they were running these heaters for a few hours a worked out that she used her $15 heater for four to five full days in one month, and her energy bill was $176 more expensive than the previous month. Many pointed the finger at Kmart's heaters, because they are dirt cheap compared to other retailers. You can pick up a desktop heater from Kmart for just $12, a 5-fin oil heater for $39, and a mock fireplace, which is one of its most expensive heaters, for $65. Bunnings also sells cheap heaters for between $15 to $99. But many shoppers weren't aware that these short-term cheap buys end up costing them much more in the long run. Why do some cheap heaters spike your electricity bill? It all comes down to how much energy they use to operate. When you're shopping for heaters or radiators, it's worth looking at the wattage required for them to run, as that will allow you to work out how much electricity they'll use over a certain time frame. Sarah Aubrey noticed this when she was perusing the aisles of Bunnings last year to find a heater. "I'm just so shocked by how energy-hungry they are," she said. "[They're] proudly displaying 2,000 watts, that is so expensive to run. So you run that for one hour, that's 2 kilowatt hours." Some Kmart and Bunnings heaters require around 1,800 to 2,000 watts to run; however, others, still in the cheap zone, only require as little as 550 watts. A 2,000-watt fan heater would cost around $408 to run over the three months of winter, according to CHOICE. Comparatively, an 800-watt heater would only cost you around $83 to run for four hours every day during winter. People can often spike their electricity bills unnecessarily by using the wrong heater for the required room. Picking the right heater for the right purpose Different heaters have different purposes. If you had a small bedroom with not much window space, you could use a tiny, fan-based heater to stave off the chill. You would only need to run it for less than an hour to heat up the room. "If you are heating a room that's about 20 square metres or smaller, a less powerful heater with a capacity of around 1,000–1,500 watts is all you need," CHOICE said. The consumer group said if you wanted to leave the heater on all night but didn't want to take up too much electricity, then a convection heater, such as an oil column heater or panel heater, would be a better option. Some of these also work on a timer so that they turn off after you've fallen asleep and turn on just before you wake up. An oil column heater typically uses 1,620 watts per hour, and would cost $324 to run during winter. A panel heater is closer to 2,000 watts per hour and costs roughly $398 to operate for three months. But if the room was much bigger, like a kitchen, living or dining room, you would need something more substantial. "For a large living area, you'll need a high-wattage heater (ideally 2400W) with a good fan to distribute the hot air," CHOICE home heating expert Chris Barnes said. "A convection heater such as a panel or oil column heater with a fan, or a tower fan, is usually the best option here." You could also get a reverse-cycle split-system, but that might not be in everyone's budget or living arrangements. CHOICE added that just because a fan, heater, or radiator might be expensive, it doesn't necessarily mean it will be cheap to run or effective at warming a room. Cheaper ways to stay warm in winter this year There are plenty of methods to beat the chill this winter without seeing your energy bill go up massively. CHOICE suggested looking at sealing draughts in your home to ensure the heat isn't escaping under doors or through windows. Buying a door snake can help address that issue. You can also switch your ceiling fan into reverse so that the blades push the warm air back towards the floor. Electric blankets can also help during winter as they cost around $20 per season to run for a single bed. You could also use a hot water bottle when you go to sleep or to have on your lap if you're working from home. You can check out other methods that could shave off $470 from your bill in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Homeowner confused by 'surprise' energy bill after installing solar panels: 'This is the payback I get?'
Homeowner confused by 'surprise' energy bill after installing solar panels: 'This is the payback I get?' A confused homeowner whose electricity payments hadn't dropped as much as expected after they installed solar panels was shocked to discover a massive negative balance on their energy bill. They turned to Reddit to ask whether they were right in assuming that their power company had essentially refunded the built-up value of their solar contribution all at once. "I just installed solar last September and have noticed my PGE bill hasn't adjusted much due to the electricity I have been generating," the homeowner posted to r/solar. "However, logging into PGE today I see a negative balance. Did they finally catch up and this is the payback I get?" Along with their post, the OP shared an image showing a negative balance of nearly $1,400. PG&E, or Pacific Gas and Electric Co., is the electricity and natural gas provider for large parts of Northern and Central California. The homeowner's situation illustrated that, while installing solar panels can drop your energy bill to nearly (or even below) zero, understanding how it works in your area can sometimes get complicated. EnergySage offers free tools to help simplify the process, from comparing quotes among vetted local installers to taking maximum advantage of incentives and rebates. In the comments, Redditors agreed that the OP had received their entire solar payout in one lump sum. "New solar installs in PGE areas are on TOU plans with yearly true-up," one person explained. "The balance on your bill looks like they finally caught up on your billing and you'd been overpaying. Since you've got such a big balance, I'd call them and ask for them to refund your money." Whatever the reason, the OP was pleased with the outcome. "Regardless, it was a nice surprise this morning!" they said. What's the biggest concern you'd have about getting solar panels? The cost The efficiency How they look No concerns here! Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. With electricity production accounting for one-third of all planet-heating pollution generated in the United States, installing solar panels is a great way to help your wallet and the environment. Plus, installing solar panels in conjunction with a home battery system can make your home more resilient in the event of a power outage. EnergySage offers a free, easy-to-use mapping tool that makes it simple to see what the average solar installation costs in your state and what incentives are available in your area. The 30% federal tax credit on residential solar installations ends Dec. 31, so if you've been thinking about installing solar panels, the time to act is now. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
CNET
11-07-2025
- General
- CNET
If Your Ceiling Fan Is Spinning the Wrong Way, It's Costing You. Here's How to Change It
If your AC's been working overtime this summer, brace yourself -- your next energy bill might sting. But before you reach for the thermostat, consider a much simpler, lower-cost fix: your ceiling fan. A ceiling fan can make a room feel up to 4 degrees cooler, so you can dial back your air conditioning without sacrificing comfort. All it takes is flipping a switch to ensure it's spinning in the right direction (counterclockwise for summer), and you're on your way to better airflow and lower energy costs. It's one of the easiest ways to beat the heat without raising your utility bill -- no fancy tech or major upgrades are required. Bonus: It's a small move that can shrink your environmental footprint. Before the dog days of summer take hold, take a moment to flip this hidden setting on your ceiling fan. You'll stay comfortable all season long and keep your energy bills in check. For more on saving money on energy, learn how unplugging some appliances can save you $100 a year and the most efficient temperature for your thermostat this summer. How to change the direction of your ceiling fan Changing the direction of your ceiling fan's rotation is simple. It's usually controlled by a sliding switch on the motor housing. This switch lets you adjust the fan from spinning clockwise to counterclockwise. Before you make any changes, turn off your ceiling fan -- you don't want to hurt yourself or anyone else in your home. Look for the small sliding switch on the side of the fan's motor housing. It should be labeled with markings like "Forward/Reverse" or have arrows pointing in opposite directions. To switch rotation to counterclockwise, slide the switch to Forward or Counterclockwise. For clockwise rotation, slide the same directional switch to Reverse or Counterclockwise. The fan blades will start to push air upward to recirculate warmer air. If there's no switch on your ceiling fan, you may have a remote control that can change the direction with the push of a button. And if you've got a smart fan, you can probably change direction with your voice or by using an app. You may need to check your instruction manual for further help. Set your ceiling fan to counterclockwise in the summer During the summer, you'll want your ceiling fan to rotate counterclockwise, blowing cooler air straight down into the room. Just make sure the fins on your fan blades are tilted downward to help push the air toward the floor. You should feel the air in the room start to get cooler. Switch your ceiling fan back to clockwise in the winter In winter, you'll want your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise. The airflow will then be directed upward, circulating hot air from the ceiling back down into the room to help spread warmth. Other tips for making the most of your ceiling fans If you want to reap even more benefits from your ceiling fans, choose the right fan. According to the Department of Energy, you should look for fans with the Energy Star label, as they're around 60% more efficient than conventional fans. You'll also want to ensure the fan you're using is the correct size for your room. Larger rooms may need bigger fans with blade spans of at least 52 inches or more, while smaller rooms can get by using fans of 36 inches. If changing your fan blades' direction becomes a pain, you might consider installing a ceiling fan with a remote control or implementing a smart switch. This makes it easier to change the fan direction and speed without reaching up, using a ladder, or fumbling around for the switch to push. The easier it is to change the fan blades' rotation, the easier it is for you to be cooler or warmer in uncomfortable temperatures.
CNET
20-06-2025
- Climate
- CNET
Top 5 Tips to Get Your Smart Thermostat to Beat the Summer Heat
The time for vacations, pools and school breaks is here. With all the excitement and freedom of the season, also come some very high temperatures. Luckily for your energy bill, if you have a smart thermostat, there are some ways you can adjust your settings for your home to give you some savings. Smart thermostats excel at this kind of response, from automated changes to easy app updates even if you aren't home. These recommendations will have you set for the heat to come. Read more: The Best Smart Thermostats for Your Home 1. Set 'at home' heating to 68 Fahrenheit Set your thermostat to 68°F or below when winter comes knocking. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Check your summer scheduling in your app settings (such as the Ecobee app or the Google Home or Apple Home app) and use your scheduling options to set the daytime temperature -- when everyone will be home -- to 76 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. That's enough to keep the house cool without overheating or wasting energy. If you like the heat and can get a reliable breeze by opening windows, you may be able to bump settings up to 80 degrees or so to save more money. But when outdoor temperatures start soaring well above 80 degrees, close the windows so they don't dilute your cool air. Important note: Some US cities have cooling regulations that indicate thermostats can't be set above a certain temperature. They usually do this to prevent landlords from risking the health of the elderly or pets in an effort to save money during the hottest days. Check your city to see if it has any of these laws in place. 2. Set 'away/asleep' heating at 82 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit Google Home makes it easy to apply weekly schedules in minutes. Tyler Lacoma/CNET When everyone is out of the house for work or school, or asleep with a healthy dose of blankets, set your temperature trigger to between 82 and 85 Fahrenheit, depending on what feels the most comfortable. Lower temperatures are typically better when you're sleeping, while the house can usually endure higher temperatures when everyone is away -- although you should also think about what keeps your pets comfortable. Of course, we know that for some, sleeping when you're too hot is impossible. That's why it's also a good idea to remove some bedding for summer and crack open a window when temperatures get lower. Try to avoid setting up indoor rotating fans or similar solutions, as they'll eat into your electricity bill. 3. Turn on your Eco/CNET Most smart thermostats have an Eco mode or a recommended mode for saving as much money as possible. Ecobee even has an Eco Plus mode that adjusts cooling based on local electricity use in peak hours to save more energy. Enable these modes and apply them to your thermostat settings to see their suggestions. Nest thermostats, for example, have a green leaf icon that shows exactly when you're starting to save to make things easier. Usually, Eco modes are the best way to save on your bills without thinking about it and they tend to be reasonable. My Google Nest Thermostat Gen 4, for example, usually sets my "hold" eco mode to 82 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the day and can be adjusted from there. These modes combine well with learning modes that keep track of your manual preferences and home activity to automate savings suggestions over time. 4. Create a vacation mode Ecobee offers a dedicated vacation mode for its smart thermostat. Ecobee/CNET If your smart thermostat supports a vacation mode or alternate mode, set it up so that this alternate schedule is ready for summer trips. You may want it a little cooler in the day than your full away mode settings to help keep pets and plants comfortable, but maximize your savings by skipping any "at home" temperature bumps. If no one is at home and you're confident your house can withstand anything, close the shades and turn the cooling off entirely. Note that the Nest thermostat doesn't have a full alternate scheduling option but you can choose the "Add event" option for a similar result when creating your vacation plans. Read more: Home Security Prep If You're Taking a Trip 5. Move your satellite sensor to a common room Newer smart thermostats often come with a satellite temperature sensor that makes cooling decisions based on location. Nest Newer smart thermostats often come with a satellite temperature sensor or let you buy one as an add-on (here's a Nest version for $40). This allows the thermostat to make cooling decisions based on a different location beyond the often-central thermostat installation. That can be very useful if parts of your home stay too hot (living rooms with lots of electronics, kitchens with active ovens, etc.) while air near the thermostat cools down too quickly. However, be careful with this method because it could cost you more money in the long run (which may be a small price to pay for your comfort). To save money, you can move the sensor to the coolest room, such as a bedroom at night with the windows open. Complete your home prep by learning if a space heater can help you save money and your home checklist for leaving on vacation.
