Dec 19, 2022 | Energy Efficiency
’Tis the season for swirling snowflakes, hot cocoa and decorations. This year, as you hang your holiday lights, we’d like to offer a few ideas to make them even brighter, and to help you save a few dollars while you’re at it.
For starters, if you haven’t replaced your traditional incandescent holiday lights with energy-efficient LED strands, this is the year to do it. Not only do LEDs consume less electricity, but they’re also made to be safer and sturdier. If you purchase ENERGY STAR® decorative bulbs, some have a manufacturer warranty of up to three years. They’re also a cinch to install.
Here’s the best part — many holiday LED strands don’t just shine brighter, but they also come in a wide array of changeable colors and patterns that can be synced to music.
Magnify the shine
Making the switch to holiday LEDs isn’t the only way to save energy this time of year. Once the lights are strung, here are a couple of other ideas. First, try amplifying the light by adding sparkle — hang small, mirrored objects that will catch the glow and reflect it. That way, you can get a brighter feel without adding extra lights. Next, cozy up the place by adding natural garlands, wreaths and ribbons, which don’t require any energy beyond your own.
Timing’s everything
Finally, use energy-efficient smart power strips and timers to automatically turn displays on and off, inside and out.
P.S. Decorate cookies, too.
Once the house is spruced, take some time to decorate some no-bake cookies. You can keep the holiday energy up, while keeping the oven off. And remember, when the guests arrive to see your décor, turn the thermostat down a degree or two as more warm bodies in the house will naturally raise the temperature. Pretty cool, huh?
There you have it. The makings of a brilliant holiday.
You can find discounted LED lightbulbs, smart power strips and more on our online marketplace.
Nov 10, 2022 | Energy Efficiency
Winter is near, and colder weather often means more energy use and higher bills. We want to help, and we’re happy to offer rebates for most of the ENERGY STAR® Home Upgrade series of improvements. These are designed to maximize your energy and cost savings with energy-efficient appliances and products.
Insulation
We’re offering rebates of up to $200 for air sealing and up to $500 for attic insulation; and doing multiple projects like these will put you on the path to a potential $350 retrofit bonus. Plus, you could qualify for tax credits.
If your home is leaking air, you may be leaking money on your energy bill. Ensuring your attic is well-sealed and properly insulated is one of the most important things you can do to reduce air leaks, save on your electricity bill, and improve comfort.
Low insulation levels and air leaks make your heating and cooling systems work harder and use more energy. If the insulation is below the level of the floor joists in your attic, you probably need to add more.
Tackle air sealing and attic insulation projects now to reduce your energy costs before it gets colder. Learn more about our insulation rebates here.
Nov 10, 2022 | Energy Efficiency
Winter is near, and colder weather often means more energy use and higher bills. We want to help, and we’re happy to offer rebates for most of the ENERGY STAR® Home Upgrade series of improvements. These are designed to maximize your energy and cost savings with energy-efficient appliances and products.
Smart Thermostats
We’re offering a $100 rebate if you install a smart thermostat. Plus, you could qualify for tax credits.
Half of an average American household’s energy bill goes toward heating and cooling—more than $900 a year. Let a smart thermostat help you control your home’s temperature—you could save money and stay comfortable! Smart thermostats ensure your home is at the right temperature when you’re there and conserving energy when you’re not.
The smart thermostat is an important part of an ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade because it controls equipment that uses significant energy for heating and cooling.
Learn more about our smart thermostat rebates here.
Nov 10, 2022 | Energy Efficiency
Winter is near, and colder weather often means more energy use and higher bills. We want to help, and we’re happy to offer rebates for most of the ENERGY STAR® Home Upgrade series of improvements. These are designed to maximize your energy and cost savings with energy-efficient appliances and products.
Water Heaters
We’re offering a $400 rebate if you upgrade to a super-efficient water heater. Plus, you could qualify for tax credits.
Your water heater is the second-highest energy user in your home, drawing more than your refrigerator, clothes washer, dishwasher, and dryer combined. Water heaters use 20% of a home’s energy.
A heat pump water heater with the ENERGY STAR label is up to four times more efficient and uses 70% less energy than a standard model. Upgrading can help you prepare for a clean energy future, while also saving you hundreds of dollars every year in energy costs.
Learn more about our heat pump water heater rebates here.
Nov 10, 2022 | Energy Efficiency
Winter is near, and colder weather often means more energy use and higher bills. We want to help, and we’re happy to offer rebates for most of the ENERGY STAR® Home Upgrade series of improvements. These are designed to maximize your energy and cost savings with energy-efficient appliances and products.
Heating and Cooling
We’re offering rebates of up to $450 to upgrade your heat pump. The savings are even bigger if you qualify for these tax credits.
Heat pumps can save you money. They are more efficient than both furnaces and boilers and, despite their name, serve double duty by providing heating and cooling. A new heat pump is an investment that delivers benefits year-round.
You can choose a heat pump that will use your home’s existing ductwork to deliver heating or a ductless pump for more targeted results.
Learn more about our rebates here.
