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3 Reasons Your Electric Costs are Out of Control

Electricity is a valuable resource in the home, especially when you consider the many kitchen appliances and electronic gadgets you and your family need daily. Unfortunately, there can also be issues with your monthly utility bill and wasteful energy consumption. These are defining elements of an unsustainable home that can affect your family’s quality of life. 

Fortunately, there are practical steps that your household can take to prevent paying for high electric costs. All you have to do is keep reading to find out! 

Use this article as a guide to help you conserve energy and utilize your savings on electricity costs for meeting other household needs! Take this as an opportunity to become more fiscally responsible with your utility bills and champion functionality and sustainability in your home! 

1. Avoid using old and outdated appliances 

As homeowners we like to squeeze the maximum benefit out of our old and aging appliances. We feel that instead of giving them away to Goodwill or disposing them in trash, we can always use an extra refrigerator or microwave in our garage or basement. 

Unfortunately, these old appliances, that we quickly forget about, can consume significant energy and drastically increase our bills. Energy standards have vastly improved for appliances over time and older models tend to consume a lot more than the current new models. For instance, according to Energy.gov a 10 year old 25 cubic feet top freezer refrigerator will consume 50% more energy than a current model. A 2010 25 cubic feet refrigerator that you keep in the garage may be costing you a ~$100 extra every year in electricity costs. The graph below compares energy consumption for refrigerators for different year of manufacture. 

Figure 1: Annual energy expenditure on a fridge based on its manufacture year. The graphic is based on data from Energystar.gov.

Further older appliances are also a major safety threat. For instance, an outdated toaster oven that does not comply to the latest safety standards may start an electric fire and can damage your kitchen. 

As such, check all your household appliances and consider replacing them, especially if you can tell that they are well past their prime. You can also bring your old devices to recycling plants for responsible disposal! 

2. Have your appliances and gadgets cleaned 

One of the main things that can significantly affect any electrical appliances’ performance is dirt and grime. Your home equipment like air conditioners and fridge have external coils that are used to dissipate heat. The dirt that accumulates on these coils reduces the heat losing ability of the coils thereby making the equipment work harder and also resulting in higher energy costs. Cleaning the condenser coils of your HAVC system is shown to reduce energy consumption by 30%.  

While refrigerator coils can be easily cleaned as a DIY project, we recommend hiring an HVAC expert or purchase a HVAC maintenance plan to perform regular maintenance on your AC unit. 

3. Shop for the right energy contract 

In the Texas market, there are thousands of energy plans to choose from at any given time. Energy prices tend to vary throughout the year. By regularly shopping for energy and picking the right plan for their home consumers can save hundreds of dollars in annual energy bills. At WattZero we estimate that together, Texan homes are paying $2.7 billion extra for energy every year. Those who regularly shop for energy can save on average $450 every year. 

However, shopping for the right energy plan is tedious and confusing. You need to figure out your annual usage and then compare the usage to different plans, while making sure that you avoid “credit” and “discount” traps and gimmicks like “free energy”.  Even after doing all this effort you may still not have access to the cheapest energy plans because most online energy marketplaces promote and show plans where they get the highest commissions. BTW, these commissions are then built into your energy contract and you end up paying those commissions.  

By signing up for a service like WattZero you can be at peace that you will never pay extra for energy again. With your permission, WattZero gets access to your usage data from the utility. Then it runs its sophisticated analytics to figure out the energy plan that best fits your home. Our analytics incorporate your preferences such as autopay, your preference for renewable energy in plan selection so that you get the plan that works for you. When your plan is about to expire, we notify you and select a new one based on your latest energy consumption behavior. WattZero can also help you if you are looking to go solar and our free dashboard help you figure out where you can further reduce your energy spend. 

WattZero can help ensure that you and your family invest in the right smart energy solutions to maintain your electricity costs within budget. 

Conclusion 

Managing fiscally responsible electricity spending can be an ordeal, especially when considering your household’s monthly bills. Fortunately, you now have a better understanding of what you and your family can do to conserve energy. Consider all the previously mentioned tips and other alternatives to reduce electricity bill costs! 

Maintaining your appliances is a start, but if you truly want to understand and minimize your energy usage, it’s a good idea to consult professionals to see what you can do. Watt Zero is a one-stop-stop for everything you need to be smarter about your energy consumption. Get in touch with us to see how we can help!

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How much is my water heater costing me in energy?

Choosing the right type of water heater is crucial to maintaining the costs associated with it over time. After all, none of these fixtures are made the same; there are many types of heaters, each of which comes with different installation and consumption costs. Choosing the right one for your setup entails more than just looking at the size; you must also factor in the specs of each and how it works with your lifestyle.

If you are looking for a water heater but have no idea where to begin, here is a guide to help you figure out which heater will fulfill your needs most effectively. 

Types of water heaters

All devices and fixtures have their own service lifespan. No matter how well you maintain your water heater, there may come a time when it will need a replacement! If you are looking for a replacement water heater or if you are a first-time buyer, here are some tips to help you choose the right one:

1 – Conventional water heaters

This is the most common type of water heater. It consists of an insulated water tank that heats up the water and stores it until it is needed. These types of water heaters will usually require regular maintenance—but will last for over ten years if it is kept well-maintained. 

Conventional heaters do not usually cost very much but may be a little more complicated to install.

2 – Tankless water heaters

These water heaters are also called “on-demand” water heaters, as they use intense flashes of heat to heat up coils filled with water. It then releases the heated water when the shower or faucets are turned on, thus releasing the hot water on demand. 

Tankless heaters are more energy-efficient than most other types; however, these do require more costs up front. These require a gas line that has a larger diameter—especially for homes with large families that may need a steady flow of hot water to fulfill the needs of all members. Such fixtures also need to be maintained periodically to ensure that these continue to run smoothly!

3 – Heat pump water heaters

These heaters are also known as hybrid electric heaters. These work by capturing the heat from the ground or air and transferring that heat energy to the water. Heat pump heaters are one of the most cost-efficient of all heater types; in fact, a homeowner will be able to realize a return of investment fairly quickly after installation in the form of lower power bills. 

However, if the family lives in a cooler area, these heaters may not work as effectively as it should, so consider your locale as well!

4 – Solar water heaters

Solar power is one of the most abundant sources of energy and heat. Heaters that use it are extremely efficient in terms of both cost and energy. These heaters get their energy from solar panels that are attached to the roof of a home. Although the initial installation of these panels may seem costly, the family will realize a huge amount of savings in the long run because of their deductions in electricity bills!

5 – Condensing water heaters

Condensing water heaters also have a water tank similar to that of a conventional water heater. However, condensing water heaters are more energy-efficient, as they use the heat that is expelled from a home, absorbing that to heat up the water in the tank.

How much energy do water heaters use?

Each type of water heater uses energy to power it in different manners. However, one common factor that affects their energy consumption is how much water it needs to heat up, and how hot the water has to be once it is released.

Water heaters typically run only for a few hours in a day. A conventional electric tank water heat will run 3 – 5 hours a day based on the number of occupants in the house. For a 4 person family, a standard RHEEM water heater will consume 540 kWh per month. At average Texas rates of 11.4 cents per kWh the monthly cost of the tank water heaters is $62.  These numbers are bases on the latest water heaters. Older water heaters are of lower efficiency and monthly costs will be higher by 5%.  For tankless water heaters we should expect monthly electric costs to be 20% lower and should be $50 monthly.  

One easy way of reducing the costs is to reduce the temperature to which water is heated. Standard settings on a water heater ensure that the hot water is heated to 140 degree Fahrenheit. However according to energy.gov 120 degrees is sufficient for home use and can save you 4%-22% on your water heating costs. On average, this is equal to $8 every month. 

Further, if you do not mix cold and hot water, hot water and 140 degrees can scald your skin. To avoid accidents, homeowners with little kids or toddlers should especially reduce the water heater temperatures to 120 degrees. 

For example, tankless water heaters will only heat water on an as-needed basis, so these may be more energy-efficient than conventional water heaters that need to heat up a large quantity of water at one time. However, for larger families or properties, tankless water heaters may struggle with the increased demand—which is where other types tend to shine.

The bottom line is to consider your property’s situation and check whether the unit will be cost-efficient in such a setup. For the best results, find a consultant who can help you with that decision!

Conclusion

After reading, you may already be able to find the best water heater that will suit your needs. Keep in mind that all heaters have their pros and cons, and the best way to decide which heater your home will benefit from the most is to consider what your needs are first, and find the best heater to meet those needs!

Watt Zero is a one-stop-shop for consumers to purchase energy, solar, and energy efficiency installation services. We aim to help consumers understand their energy usage, purchase the cheapest energy that fits the homeowner’s lifestyle, and identify improvements that reduce energy consumption. If you need help finding a good-quality water heater for your home, contact us today!

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How to maintain your HVAC system properly

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is the complex network utilized in your home to allow clean and temperature-regulated air into your home. 

It’s simply one of those things you need to live each day in your home as comfortably as possible. After all, you use it to provide the necessary warmth during the cold seasons and the cool air when it’s humid and hot! It filters your indoor air to keep you safe and healthy in your household while balancing the comfort level you expect to achieve. In Texas, your HVAC system can contribute up to 60% of your total energy usage and greatly affects the size of your energy bills. 

Maintaining the HVAC system is therefore an essential activity that homeowners should regularly undertake to ensure their home stays comfortable in all seasons and that energy bills do not skyrocket. Keep reading below to determine how to manage your heating and cooling system to ensure you save more money efficiently.

How to maintain your HVAC system properly

Regularly clean or replace your air filters

If your air conditioning unit has a disposable air filter, then remember to replace it every two to three months—or the moment they have clogged up with dirt. It will ensure you continue getting the most out of your cooling system. But if you are using a reusable air filter, you should learn to clean it regularly.

Regularly treat the condensate drainpipe with vinegar

Not replacing your air filters for months can lead to gunk build up in the condensate drainpipes. These are typically PVC drainpipes that connect your furnace (that is located inside your house in the attic or a utility room) to the exterior of the home. Gunk buildup will stop condensate water from draining out. Over time this accumulated water in the drainage pipes may leak out through pipe corners leading to costly home water damage or even cause your HVAC system to completely shut off.   

To ensure that your drainage pipe is clean pour half a cup of a half and half mixture of hot water and bleach or a half and half mixture of hot water and white vinegar down the drain. You should do this every time you change your filter.  White vinegar is preferred as bleach may also eat through copper and the drain pan at the end of the pipe.  The drainpipe can be usually accessed next to the furnace. 

Eliminate debris in the way

For your AC unit to operate correctly, you need to clear out the space around it by removing any debris that could block your system from the outside. That way, you can expect the air circulation to keep running without any interruptions.

Maintain the cleanliness of your unit

Part of managing your AC is keeping it clean by getting rid of any mold and other dirt particles found outside the system that could affect the quality of the air you receive. Remember to also clear out the concrete slab to prevent obstructions from blocking your unit from draining water properly.

Regular maintenance 

While it may seem an unnecessary expense at first, signing up for a HVAC maintenance plan with a reputable local company will not only help extend the life of your system but also reduce your energy bills. 

A maintenance plan or a tune-up plan that you buy should consist of the following items:

  • Inspect cooling coil and remove any build up 
  • Inspect condensate drains to identify and remove any blockages 
  • Clean outdoor condenser coil:  A dirty coil can increase cooling costs up to 50%
  • Check compressor operating pressures to evaluate refrigerant leaks
  • Inspect the blower for adequate airflow to assure maximum cooling performance.
  • Monitor AC cycle
  • Monitor motor voltage and current and compare to standards. 
  • Inspect for loose electrical connections 
  • Inspect Thermostat for proper operation

It may also make sense to sign up for an annual plan as HVAC contractors will then provide a discount for the bundled summer and winter service. One such service that we at WattZero like is the “BAM plan” provided by Abacus in Houston. 

How to minimize your air conditioning expenses

Close off entry and exit points

Cold air from your AC unit can often leak through windows, doors, and other cracks and openings in your house. Sealing these cracks and openings prevents the indoor air from escaping and thus reducing the amount of work your HVAC system must do. Sealing of entry points also reduces cold drafts making your home more comfortable to identify leaks and drafts, place your hands near windows and doors from outside to see if any air is leaking. In winters heavier cold air may come in from the same leaks. Light up a candle and walk through your home with focus on windows and doors to identify leaks and drafts. 

Once identified, leaks can be sealed in by weather stripping, caulking, and sealing. 

 Invest in a smart thermostat

The temperature you set your AC unit on can affect your bills, so it’s best to get a programmable thermostat and create home and away thermostat profiles. A programmable thermostat can be set to your comfort temperature while you are at a home and can increase or decrease temperatures when you are away to reduce energy costs. Most smart thermostats come up with mobile apps that you can use to turn temperatures to your comfort level when you are away but heading home. That way, you can have a seamless comfortable experience when you arrive home. 

Place your thermostat in the right area

A thermostat only reads the temperature of the area surrounding its location. It is, therefore, important that you choose a location where the average temperature is representative of the average home temperature. If the thermostat  is placed on a wall near an exterior door or beside a window, it’s temperature readings will be affected by the outside air coming in when the door opens or temperatures just outside the window. Similarly, thermostats installed directly in front of a register that is blasting cold or hot air will incorrectly measure the home temperature. Due to the sensitivity of the thermostat temperature readings to its location we recommend contacting a professional to set up your new thermostat for you.

Use fans to circulate air 

When you go to your favorite weather website, you often come across the term “feels like” or wind chill. They refer to how cold the body would actually feel given the wind conditions on that day. The wind tends to speed up the heat removal process from close to your body. Similarly, fans perform the same process in your home and by removing hot air from close to your body, they can actually make you feel cooler than it is. Using fans is an excellent way to reduce your energy bills during summer. 

Another advantage of using fans is that they improve the air circulation inside the home reducing the workload of your HVAC furnace and thereby saving energy and money. 

Conclusion 

Your HVAC system plays an integral role in regulating your home’s internal temperature. It works to maintain the comfort and relaxation you and your family deserves! If you’re looking to cut back on your electricity expenses, you should learn to keep your heating and cooling systems working properly and remember the tips above to help you conserve energy. That way, you can continue to take advantage of the good working condition of your HVAC system for the years to come.

WattZero provides a unique HVAC health monitoring system that leverages your energy data to identify any issues with your HVAC system. If you are in Texas, sign up with us on our website or reach out to us on our Facebook page and we will set you up with our monitoring system. The online system is non-invasive and is absolutely free to our Texas customers. This is just another way how we are helping our energy customers in Texas.   

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How Do Smart Thermostats Help Me Save Money?

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Creature comforts have become more convenient thanks to technology. Although the act of getting up from your couch to turn off the light is relatively simple, rapid advancements in technology made it possible to do this with a tap of your smartphone. You can now order groceries, food for delivery, and hundreds of other activities thanks to these devices, allowing you to complete tasks without having to get up from your cozy seat on your sofa.

Another innovation that has taken US households by storm is the smart thermostat. Constantly changing the temperature at home and ensuring that you turn it off when no one’s home is a tedious task that’s easy to forget, which can, unfortunately, lead to higher energy bills. With a smart thermostat in your home, it does all the thinking and scheduling for you.

What is a Smart Thermostat?

A standard thermostat allows you to set your home’s temperature through a control panel on your wall. Once you’ve chosen a temperature, your home will continue to stay there until you change it yourself. Meanwhile, a smart thermostat can do much more than that. Besides controlling your cooling and heating, you can do this remotely. It also learns your schedule and adjusts the temperature accordingly, factoring in when you leave and arrive from work, where you spend most of your time, and the temperature you prefer at certain times. You can turn your air conditioning on when you’re on the way home or program it to keep a comfortable temperature level depending on the number of people in your home. 

Thanks to the wonders of a smart thermostat, you can explore high levels of customization while receiving critical insight into your energy usage patterns. The device stores data that reveal how much energy you use to keep your home comfortable during the winter and summer months, allowing you to track your consumption. It can even compare your use to the average household in your neighborhood. 

Why Do I Need a Smart Thermostat?

During extreme weather, energy bills can skyrocket as your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system works hard to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. With a smart thermostat installed, it manages your energy use by setting the temperature to your preferred level only when you’re home and in a specific room. Since it automatically turns off when you’re out of the house, you save even more money. 

Another remarkable aspect of smart thermostats is that you don’t have to program it painstakingly to receive all its energy-saving benefits; in fact, you don’t have to adjust it at all. These thermostats learn your energy habits and preferences and develop a schedule for you after a few weeks. If you feel too cold or warm, you can just open the app on your smartphone and adjust the temperature. 

Some thermostats are advanced enough to alert you when your AC stops working, which is crucial during sweltering heat. With this instant notification feature, you can immediately hire a repair technician to fix your AC and keep energy bills low, as broken HVAC systems can suck up more electricity, costing more money than necessary. 

How Can My Thermostat Save Me Money?

Smart thermostats can save you money in many ways. Since your home does not need to be heated or cooled all the time, your smart thermostat will adjust the temperature according to the weather and when you are home. If outside temperatures are pleasant, the thermostat will mimic it to lower energy consumption. You can also use your smart thermostat to schedule the periods to set the temperature lower or higher.

As you won’t be using your AC or heating as much, it also means you’ll be using less energy. Not only will you be enjoying cheaper utility bills, but you’ll also be reducing your impact on the environment. If you program your smart thermostat correctly, you can cut your energy bill by almost $200, netting you significant savings. However, if you’ve been meticulous about your energy usage, it can still reduce your consumption and bills, but not as drastically. 

How Does It Work and How Does It Interact With My AC or Heating Systems?

Even though smart thermostats come with many useful bells and whistles, they’re effortless to use. You can control it through the smartphone app or the device’s interface, just like regular thermostats. 

However, it doesn’t work just by installing the panel on the wall. It must connect to your HVAC systems so it can directly control it according to your temperature preferences. One of the smart thermostat’s components will be plugged directly into this, so it communicates with another part: the thermostat control. These components allow you to adjust the temperature from anywhere, whether you’re on the couch or 30 miles away, as long as you have Internet access. 

How Do I Install It?

You can choose to install it yourself, or you can hire a professional to do it. Although the former is a much cheaper option, you’ll have to invest in some extra toolers and further research to make sure it goes smoothly. Some smart thermostat options come with easy-to-understand instructions, however, so you may want to explore this. You can also enlist the help of a tech-savvy friend with prior experience in installing smart thermostats. 

If you want to go down the professional route, the average cost of installation is around $100 to $250. Keep in mind that it can run up to $400. 

What Are the Popular Smart Thermostats?

A few smart thermostats have been dominating the conversation for their utilities and benefits. One of these is the Google Nest Learning Thermostat, which creates an optimized schedule to cool or heat your home according to your preference. It retails for around $230-$250 depending on where you buy it.

The Ecobee Smart Thermostat ranges from $199 to $249 depending on the exact model, but it has been highly praised for its energy-saving features. It also has a built-in Alexa speaker, which is useful for those who want to use the popular feature without buying a separate Amazon Echo. It also works with Google Assistant and Siri. 

If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider the Nest Thermostat. At $130, it’s a more affordable choice compared to the high-end sub-$300 thermostats, but it’s an incredible entry-level thermostat that is easy to install and use while performing well. 

Conclusion

Smart thermostats are fantastic additions to your home. They are incredibly intuitive and user-friendly devices that get more affordable each year while helping you save money and energy. Obstacles to reducing energy consumption like complex control schedules and forgetting to adjust the temperature have bumped up bills, but smart thermostats eliminate this without a problem. With all its many benefits, smart thermostats are definitely worth the investment. 

Blue Barrel Solutions helps retail energy providers tailor products to suit their customer’s lifestyles. We also use AI to discover what customers are likely to leave and how to retain them. Contact us today to find out how we can help your company!