Even if you’ve thoroughly shopped for the cheapest electricity rates and best electricity deals, and even if you’ve locked in one of the best electricity rates available, you could still be paying a scary price for vampire power.

What is vampire power?

Vampire power is the energy that certain electronics and electrical appliances continue to draw from electrical outlets, even when turned off or idle. It’s also referred to as standby power, phantom load or idle load.

Whatever you choose to call it, it’s a serious waste of energy and money. And it’s most likely happening in your home right now.

Where does vampire power lurk?

One way to identify electronics that consume power even in “off” or “sleep” mode is by an always-on LED. This could appear as a digital clock on a set-top box, a lit-up charging indicator or another type of status light.

Common items that consume standby power that you may have in your home include:

• Battery chargers for tablets and smartphones
• External power supplies for laptops and printers
• TV set-top boxes, DVD players, video game consoles and Internet routers/modems
• Smart appliances

What is the cost of vampire power?

Even though individual devices may not use huge amounts of vampire power, when you look at all the idle load in your home, it can really add up.

Although the amount of vampire power used varies from home to home, estimates say that always-on energy use by inactive devices can quickly add up to $100-200 a year in an average household.

Luckily, there are some simple ways to lose less to vampire power — and keep more of your hard-earned money.

The best electricity rates can’t slay vampire power — but you can!

As we mentioned, you may have one of the best electricity rates in Texas. But vampire power can quickly drain those savings. If you’re ready to banish phantom load, try these five tips:

1. Optimize your devices

Many devices — like computer screens, tablets and smartphones — let you adjust their energy efficiency settings. Take a look and see if you can minimize standby power consumption. Even some microwaves have power-saving modes that turn off the display — clock and all — when not in use.

2. Use a watt meter to find the biggest vampires

Buy or borrow a watt meter to figure out which electronics are consuming the most standby power. You can address these items first to make the biggest impact.

3. Use smart plugs and power strips

You can plug in electronics to a smart plug or power strip so they only draw power when needed. When you don’t need to use them, use your smartphone to turn the plug off, cutting power to the device. You can even set schedules for smart plugs to turn on and off at certain times. 

4. Manually unplug rarely used or fully charged devices

If you have a TV in a guest room that only gets used a few times a month, it doesn’t need to stay plugged in. The same goes for devices like smartphones, tablets, electric razors, power banks and other items that have been fully charged. Just unplug them to stop the energy drain in its tracks.

5. Buy more efficient appliances and electronics

If it’s time to replace an electronic device or appliance in your home, check out ENERGY STAR®-rated products. Items with an ENERGY STAR label have been externally certified against strict performance requirements and shouldn’t consume much standby power.

Run an electricity price comparison for greater savings

Eliminating vampire power, following energy-saving tips and finding the best electricity rates for your home and lifestyle are three ways to optimize your energy bill.

To search for some of the best electricity rates available in your area and make apples-to-apples electricity price comparisons, shop at EverythingEnergy.com.

In August 2023, a rule that would effectively ban the sale of common incandescent and halogen light bulbs went into full effect. Those types of bulbs do not meet the minimum standard of emitting 45 lumens per watt, making them energy inefficient. One of the most eco-friendly alternatives is the light-emitting diode (LED). And if you’ve been paying close attention over the past several years, many Texas Energy Providers have recommended switching to LEDs.

Read on for more information about the future of lighting: LEDs.

What are LEDs? And how do LEDs work?

LEDs differ from other types of lighting. As ENERGY STAR explains, “An electrical current passes through a microchip, which illuminates the tiny light sources we call LEDs and the result is visible light.”

Heat created by the LEDs is absorbed into a heat sink. This keeps it from getting too hot and burning out. In fact, LEDs don’t usually “burn out” like we’re used to seeing with other types of lighting. Instead, their brightness slowly dims over time.

If you look at the packaging of an LED light, the lifetime listed is actually a prediction of when the light output decreases by 30%.

Why do Texas Energy Providers recommend LEDs so highly?

LED light bulbs offer a number of advantages over other light bulb types. Here are a few reasons why electric companies in Texas recommend we all switch to LEDs:

LEDs save energy

Residential LEDs use at least 75% less energy (and up to 90% less energy) than incandescent light bulbs. If everyone used LEDs instead, this energy savings would significantly reduce carbon emissions.

LEDs save money

As they use so much less energy than regular bulbs, LEDs can help you lower your electricity bill. Lighting makes up about 15% of an average home’s electricity usage. Using LEDs instead of traditional bulbs can save an average of $225 per year.

LEDs last longer

It’s true that LEDs cost more than regular bulbs at the time of purchase. However, LEDs last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. That means over time, you won’t need to buy nearly as many LED replacement bulbs for a fixture as you would if you used regular bulbs. Plus, the cost of LEDs continues to drop. This fact, combined with the money-saving efficiency of LEDs, gets you to a break-even point faster than in the past.

And while there are some drawbacks to LEDs (such as blue light exposure and increased light pollution) that need to be researched and addressed, they do show promising advantages over incandescent and other types of lighting.

What are some of the savings I can expect from an LED?

While you may or may not want to run out and replace all of your household lighting with LEDs at once, you can begin with impactful baby steps. Replacing bulbs in high-usage areas (like the kitchen and living room) is a great place to start. And replacing high-wattage bulbs with LED-equivalents will help you lower your usage.

Even one bulb can make a difference. For example, replacing a 43-watt halogen bulb with a 9-watt ENERGY STAR® rated LED bulb of the same luminosity could save $4.76 per year. And that’s just one bulb!

What else should I know about LEDs?

Texas energy providers like Reliant Energy, Green Mountain Energy, Direct Energy, Cirro Energy and Discount Power are examples of companies that embrace energy efficiency. Adopting LEDs is one easy way that homes and businesses can do just that.

You can also turn to ENERGY STAR® for more information about LEDs. Check out their LED purchasing checklist and their Choose a Light Guide to help you find the perfect LEDs for every room in your home.

Find and compare electricity rates in Texas

Residents of the Lone Star State have the power to choose Texas electricity providers for their homes! To make quick apples-to-apples comparisons of electric companies and plans, and sign up with just a few clicks, check out Everything Energy.

If you’re looking to save on electricity costs, one way is to invest in ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances. Let’s take a look at what ENERGY STAR is and perform some energy comparisons. You might be surprised to see how much a new energy-efficient appliance could save you.

What is ENERGY STAR?

ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. It is run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

When you see the blue ENERGY STAR label on an appliance or other electronic equipment, you know right away that an item has been externally certified against strict performance requirements.

Why would a company want their product to be ENERGY STAR rated? First, it meets the growing consumer demand for efficiency and sustainability. Second, providing energy-efficient products helps protect the environment, improve air quality, and protect public health. It’s a win-win for all.

Since it began in 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners have helped:

• Save 5 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity
• Avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 4 billion metric tons

How can ENERGY STAR appliances help me save money?

There are two costs to every appliance: what you pay to buy it and what you pay in energy (and water) costs to use it.

Owning an energy-efficient appliance will help you use less energy than one that meets the minimum federal requirements. Using less electricity helps lower your monthly energy bill. For appliances that are heavily used — like refrigerators, laundry machines or dishwashers — the monthly savings can add up.

If you’re in the market for a new appliance, perform an electricity comparison between the models you’re interested in. There should be a noticeable difference in kilowatt hour usage between the ENERGY STAR appliances and non-rated options.

Energy comparisons of 4 major appliances

We’ll begin with refrigerators since they’re plugged in and running all day, every day.

A refrigerator/freezer model must use approximately 9% less energy than a model that meets the federal minimum energy efficiency standards in order to earn the ENERGY STAR rating. Energy-efficient features of these units include:

• High-efficiency compressors that emit less heat and use less energy
• Improved insulation
• Efficiency temperature and defrost systems

If you want to be energy efficient, you should replace your refrigerator if it’s more than 15 years old. That’s because an old fridge could cost up to 30% more to run than a new ENERGY STAR unit. And keep in mind that the most energy efficient full-size fridge/freezer combos are between 16 to 20 cubic feet.

Energy comparisons of dishwasher efficiency

Next up are dishwashers — a modern convenience that more than half of households in the U.S. possess.

Compared to standard models, ENERGY STAR-qualified dishwashers use 12% less energy. Over a 10-year period, an efficient dishwasher can also save about 3,870 gallons of water.

ENERGY STAR dishwashers have energy-efficient features including:

• Soil sensors that test for dish cleanliness and adjust as needed
• Better water filtration that removes food from the wash water as the cycle runs
• Efficient jets to spray detergent and water
• Innovative dish rack design to maximize your load

Energy comparisons of clothes washer efficiency

Moving on to the laundry room, we’ll first look at clothes washers.

ENERGY STAR-certified washing machines use around 20% less energy than regular models. They also use 30% less water — around 14 gallons, compared to the standard 20 gallons.

Additionally, ENERGY STAR-rated front-load washers use about 45% less energy and 50% less water than a top-load washer with an agitator.

Technology that helps deliver added efficiency to washers includes water-conserving wash systems and high spin speeds.

To get the maximum efficiency while doing laundry, pair an ENERGY STAR washer with an ENERGY STAR dryer.

Energy comparisons of clothes dryer efficiency

An efficient clothes dryer uses about 20% less energy than a standard model, which can help lower your electricity bill — especially if you have a lot of laundry to wash but don’t like to hang your clothes to dry.

ENERGY STAR rated dryers often feature:

• Sensors that can tell when clothes are dry
• Lower heat settings to conserve energy
• Delayed start option, which can help you save money if you’re on a Time of Use electricity plan that charges less per kilowatt hour during certain times of the day
• A steam cycle, to avoid having to iron clothes once they’re dry

Together with ENERGY STAR clothes washers, efficient dryers can help maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR certified laundry sets use 25% less energy and 33% less water.

Compare power plans for even greater savings

Upgrading to ENERGY STAR appliances when necessary can help you save on energy costs over the lifetime of the product. You can also compare electricity rates with an energy broker to help take control of your energy bill today.

To compare electricity prices, plans and providers the easy way, simply enter your ZIP code and start shopping with Everything Energy!

Are you ready for the back-to-school season? As students gear up for a new academic year, don’t forget to keep a close eye on your energy usage at home. As energy rates in Texas fluctuate and many of us still use air conditioning quite a bit, it’s important to find ways to reduce usage to help lower your electricity bill.

In this article, we’ll explore some effective strategies for both children and adults to combat energy rates in Texas while focusing on ways to choose Texas power consumption wisely.

Understanding energy rates in Texas

Before we dive into energy-saving tips, let’s take a quick look at the energy landscape in Texas.

Many regions of The Lone Star State are known for their diverse electricity markets, which let consumers choose from a wide range of Texas electricity providers and plans. With this freedom, you have the opportunity to find the best electricity rates in Texas to suit your specific needs.

Your energy rate is a significant factor affecting your monthly electricity bill. The other significant factor is your usage.

What to do if energy rates in Texas are high

Aside from shopping for electricity and finding the right plan for your household, there’s not a lot you can do to control the rate you pay for Texas electricity plans. So, if you’d like to lower your bill, a smart approach is to use less electricity.

There are many ways to use less. Some are easier than others, some require an upfront investment, while others cost nothing to implement. Some tips may work for one household but not for another. The main thing to remember is every small adjustment adds up!

Here are some energy-saving tips that you and your children can implement this back-to-school season:

Tip 1: Compare electricity rates in Texas

Your electricity plan determines the price you pay per kilowatt hour (kWh) for the length of your contract. By shopping for the best electricity rates in Texas and finding a plan that fits best with your usage habits, you can start off with a competitive rate.

Everything Energy provides a convenient way to compare rates and choose Texas power for your home.

Tip 2: Be mindful of lighting

This one is simple: turn off lights when they’re not being used and make the most of natural light during the day. Encourage your children to switch off lights when they leave a room, and it will soon become an automatic habit.

You can also start switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs. They use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs. They also last 3 to 5 times longer than CFL bulbs and up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs!

Tip 3: Unplug electronics

Many electronic devices still draw power when they’re turned off. By some estimates, this “phantom load” can account for 5 to 10 percent of your electricity usage. To save, have everyone in the household unplug chargers, gaming consoles and other electronics when not in use.

You can also use smart plugs and power strips to help minimize standby power consumption.

Tip 4: Maximize heating and cooling efficiency

In Texas, the weather can be quite extreme. You could be running your air conditioner well into fall. To get the best bang for your buck, program your thermostat to follow your work and school schedules.

You should also check that windows and doors are properly sealed. This will prevent your cooled or heated air from escaping.

Tip 5: Keep appliances and electronics efficient

Here’s one of the tips that require an upfront investment. But if you’re already in the market for a new appliance or other electronic, why not choose one with a high Energy Star rating? This will ensure that you’re using an energy efficient model, which can help save you money overall.

Tip 6: Make it a game

Transform energy-saving tasks into a game for young children to help them have fun while learning good habits. For instance, see who can turn off the lights the quickest at bedtime. Or assign them roles like  Thermostat Chief (to make sure the thermostat is set correctly before leaving for school) and Plug Police (to alert you to any devices plugged in but not charging or in use).

Tip 7: Conduct an annual energy audit

Make energy efficiency an important part of your family’s life by performing an energy audit once a year. This can be a great learning experience for children, and you may uncover some hidden inefficiencies along the way.

Set aside an hour or so to give your home a thorough inspection. Identify areas where energy is being wasted, like air leaks and inefficient appliances. Then, involve your child(ren) in finding and implementing solutions. This activity will help empower everyone to take an active role in reducing energy usage.

Start combatting energy rates in Texas today

As the back-to-school season approaches, remember these energy efficiency tips. And you can take charge of your electricity bill right now by shopping for low energy rates in Texas and the best energy plan for your family.

All you have to do to get started is enter your ZIP code here.

Average Electricity Costs? Try Energy-Saving Tips – everything energy

At Everything Energy, we love us some good energy-saving tips. That’s especially true during the hot Texas summers. Check out these five cheapest energy hacks to help you use your air conditioner a little less and beat the heat. (And trim some dollars off your next electric bill.)

Cheap Energy Hack #1: Maximize your thermostat settings

Going for a cheaper energy bill? Start with your thermostat. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, set it according to your household’s schedule. When you’re home, run it at a comfortable temperature. When you’re sleeping, kick the setting up a few degrees. And when you’re not home, bump it up even further, or turn it off completely. (Unless you have pets that may need you to maintain a comfortable temperature while you’re away.)

Increasing the temperature setting in summer, even by a degree or two, can make a big impact on your monthly bill.

Cheap Electricity Hack #2: Seal air leaks to keep cool air inside

It doesn’t make sense to run your AC all day if it’s just seeping out of your home left and right. If you own your home, seal up those leaks with caulk or weatherstripping. And if you rent, ask your landlord to take care of the issue. It’s essential to keep the cool air in and the hot air out to avoid waste.

This is another way to achieve cheaper electricity bills in summer.

Cheap Energy Hack #3: Avoid adding more heat

When you’re going for the cheapest energy bill in summer, the last thing you want to do is add more heat to your home. For this reason, avoid using your clothes dryer, dishwasher and oven/stove during the day. Instead, try to run loads of dishes at night, hang clothes to dry and grill outdoors or have a chilled meal.

Cheap Energy Hack #4: Eat to hydrate

About 20% of the water our bodies need comes from the foods we eat. For optimal hydration, which will help you regulate your body temperature, eat foods that contain a lot of water. The following foods contain 92% or more water content: cucumbers, iceberg lettuce, celery, radishes, tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach, strawberries and watermelon.

Cheap Electricity Hack #5: Get creative at night

Falling asleep in hot weather can be tricky and just plain uncomfortable. Instead of running your air conditioner all night — running up your bill — open your windows and try some other ways to beat the heat:

• Stick a clean pair of socks in the freezer an hour before you go to bed. Then, put them on as you hop in bed for a refreshing cool-down. This also works with your pillowcases or even your sheets.
• Use an ice cube or cold water on pulse points to cool off.
• If your bedroom is upstairs, camp out on a lower level. Heat rises, so a room closer to the ground should be cooler and more comfortable.
• Store lotions and face sprays in the refrigerator for a cooling bedtime skincare routine.
• Take a cold shower right before bed.
• Sleep in lightweight, breathable, loose-fitting pajamas.

Avoiding summer spikes starts with getting the cheapest electricity rates.

You can cut back and optimize your air conditioner usage to your heart’s content. But at the end of the day, you’ll still be using some electricity every month. That’s where finding the best energy prices for your home and lifestyle comes in.

In your search for the best electricity prices, be sure you’re making apples-to-apples comparisons. One easy way to do so is to use Everything Energy’s advanced filtering tools. We help you look beyond the price per kilowatt hour and show you plans based on your specific needs and usage habits. You can even see customized bill estimates! That way, you can be confident you’re making a smart energy choice.

Shopping for electricity has never been so easy!

With summer officially here, many people are worried about their rising electric bills when they increase their air conditioning usage. Here are 10 practical tips for cheaper electricity bills this summer.

Tip #1: Master your thermostat settings

If you’re going for a cheaper energy bill, start with your thermostat. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, set it according to you and your family’s schedule. When you’re home, run it at a comfortable temperature. When you’re sleeping, kick the setting up a few degrees. And when you’re not home, bump it up even further, or turn it off completely. (But keep in mind any pets that may need you to maintain a comfortable temperature while you’re away.)

Increasing the temperature setting in summer, even by a degree or two, can make an impact on your monthly bill.

Tip #2: Seal air leaks

It doesn’t make sense to run your A/C all day if it’s just seeping out of your home left and right. If you own your home, seal up those leaks with caulk or weatherstripping to keep the cool air in and the hot air out. If you rent, ask your landlord to take care of the issue.

This is another way to achieve cheaper electricity bills in summer.

Tip #3: Maintain your A/C

Regular HVAC maintenance will go a long way in keeping your air conditioner (and heater) running at optimal efficiency. A yearly professional tune-up and regular filter replacement can help in your quest for cheaper electricity bills in summer.

Tip #4: Cover windows

Did you know that about 76% of sunlight shining through standard double-pane windows enters as heat? This makes your air conditioner work harder to keep you comfortable. Minimize this solar heat gain by shutting curtains and blinds when you don’t need natural sunlight. Insulated window coverings offer even more protection against solar heat gain.

Tip #5: Ventilate

Want to keep your A/C usage down? Use Mother Nature’s free gifts! Open windows in the early morning, late evening and overnight to enjoy cooler air and refreshing breezes.

Tip #6: Plan appliance use

Avoid introducing more heat into your home from cooking, washing dishes and doing laundry during the hottest part of the day. Instead, make dinner in a slow cooker or grill outdoors, and run your dishwasher and clothes dryer at night. To maximize your energy efficiency, go one step further:

• Have cold dinners (like sandwiches, salad and fruit)
• Skip the heated dry cycle on your dishwasher
• Hang your clothes to dry instead of using the dryer

Tip #7: Use LEDs

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) pack a one-two punch that will help you achieve cheaper energy bills. First, LEDs are at least 75% more energy efficient than regular incandescent bulbs. Second, LEDs emit very little heat, compared to incandescent bulbs, which release 90% of their energy as heat. So, LEDs use less energy and add less heat to your home.

Tip #8: Unplug

Unused electronics that remain plugged in and on standby mode still consume energy. This phantom load can unnecessarily add to your electricity bill. So, banish this vampire power by getting in the habit of unplugging electronics when you’re done using them.

Tip #9: Cool off other ways

Running your air conditioner all day may be the most convenient way to stay cool. But it’s probably also the most expensive. To decrease your monthly electricity usage, try other methods of staying comfortable in the heat. Putting ice on your pulse points, wearing breathable clothing and sitting near a fan can all help beat the heat without breaking the bank.

Tip #10: Shop around for a cheaper electricity rate

Using less power using the methods above is one way to get a cheaper electricity bill. You can also shop for an electricity plan that best fits your needs, usage habits and preferences. Think of it like the story of Goldilocks — you want to find a plan that’s just right.

Finding the plan that’s just right for you

Everything Energy specializes in helping Texas residents find that just right electricity plan and cheapest electricity rates for their unique situation. Using our search filters, it’s easy to narrow down your choices, make apples-to-apples comparisons and see estimated bill totals. Find your plan today!

Do you own a swimming pool? For many Texas residents, it’s a dream come true to have a refreshing oasis right in their backyard during the hot summer months. But pools can use a lot of electricity. And that can impact both the planet and your energy bill. To enjoy your pool while reducing its power usage, follow these energy-saving tips from Texas Energy Providers.

What pool upgrades do Texas energy providers suggest for energy savings?

Upgrading to energy-efficient pool equipment can really help reduce your pool’s monthly energy usage. Here are some options to consider, according to Texas energy providers:

• Direct Energy suggests installing the latest in efficient filtration, pumping and heating technology. This will help minimize how much energy and water is needed to keep your pool in  swimmable shape.
• Reliant Energy advises upgrading to a five-star, energy-efficient pool pump.
• Green Mountain Energy suggests upgrading to a variable-speed pump to reduce energy usage. It also recommends switching from traditional pool lighting to energy-efficient LED bulbs. Further, the clean energy company notes that small trees or hedges near your pool can act as a windbreak that helps reduce heat loss and evaporation.

What pool maintenance tips do Texas energy providers suggest for energy savings?

Proper and regular maintenance is needed to keep your pool from overusing electricity. Many Texas energy companies agree that these tips can help optimize your pool’s efficiency.

• Direct Energy reminds pool owners to keep pool filters clean so they can run efficiently. Clogged filters can make the pump work harder, using more energy.
• Using a solar blanket to cover the pool when it’s not being used helps keep it naturally warm. It also helps prevent evaporation and keeps debris out of the pool. The U.S. Department of Energy backs up this tip. It states that covering a pool when it’s not being used can save 50% to 70% on pool heating costs.

What actions do Texas energy providers suggest pool owners take to save energy?

Upgrades and proper maintenance can make a big impact on energy usage. But so can your everyday pool habits. Here are some easy ways to save energy, according to electric companies in Texas.

• Direct Energy advises not to set the pool temperature above 80 degrees.
• Along those lines, Reliant Energy suggests using an automatic timer on your pool pump to control energy usage.
• Green Mountain Energy takes it one step further. It recommends you run your pool pump at night, when electricity demand is the lowest. The company also recommends setting a pump  timer for a maximum of eight hours.
• Reliant Energy reminds pool owners to turn off the heater or heat pump when they go on vacation.
• Reliant Energy also recommends using cartridge filters, which are more energy efficient than sand filters. (They allow water to pass through more freely, putting less pressure on the pump.)

Why do Texas electricity providers want to help me make my pool more energy efficient?

It may seem odd for a company to want you to use less of its product. But Texas energy providers would rather have you conserve energy than waste it. For starters, it benefits the planet when we use less electricity. It’s also often more economical for electric companies in Texas to sell a bit less energy than it is to have to buy more energy than they had planned to during peak demand, at high market prices, to meet everybody’s usage needs.

So, there you have it. It’s a win all around to use less energy running your pool this summer!

What are the best electricity rates in Texas for pool owners?

With these energy-saving tips for your swimming pool in hand, all that’s missing is the electricity to power your backyard oasis this summer. To find the Texas energy providers and plans that have the best rates for your family’s usage habits and lifestyle, head to Everything Energy.

Search by ZIP code and filter your results to get recommendations customized to your needs. Start shopping today!

One way to lower your monthly energy bill? Evaluate the efficiency of your large appliances. When it comes to your refrigerator, there are many ways you can save electricity.

What should I know about refrigerators and energy prices?

Newer refrigerator models are usually much more energy efficient than older units. Energy efficiency can make a big impact on your electricity bill. So, if you have an older model, it could make financial sense to trade up.

Making an energy comparison between models

Modern refrigerators (and many other appliances) now come with an EnergyGuide label. This label helps consumers make apples-to-apples comparisons between models. The label tells you how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity a model uses in a year. The smaller the number, the less electricity the unit uses. And when your fridge uses less energy, it can help lower your monthly energy usage.

Very efficient units get a special rating. These models have the ENERGY STAR® logo on the EnergyGuide label. For refrigerators, it means the model uses at least 15% less energy than the federal standard for efficiency.

The average electricity cost to run a refrigerator for a year

Refrigerator models, energy prices and user behavior can vary greatly. For this reason, it’s difficult to state the average cost to run a unit annually.

However, the ENERGY STAR® website has a useful Flip Your Fridge calculator. By adding some information about your current refrigerator and electricity prices, you can find out how much your unit costs to run. You can also see how much you could save by replacing your unit with an ENERGY STAR®-rated model.

What refrigerator features will help lower my energy prices?

Some features can help make a refrigerator more energy efficient and less expensive to operate. These include:

• Refrigerators with the freezer on the top — they tend to use less energy than bottom or side-by-side models
• A refrigerator sized to meet your needs — most manufacturers suggest 19 to 22 cubic feet for a family of four
• Door-in-door storage — for easy access to often-used items so you open the main fridge door less frequently
• ENERGY STAR® units — an old refrigerator can use about 35% more electricity than one that is ENERGY STAR®-rated

How else can I reduce the electricity cost of using a refrigerator?

The size, type and age of your refrigerator can impact your refrigeration costs. But you can also do a few things to make it more efficient and help lower your monthly energy usage.

Here are 5 easy ways to help your fridge run more efficiently:

1. Keep the refrigerator (and freezer) stocked. A bare or semi-empty unit uses more electricity to maintain a cool temperature.
2. Maintain a tight door seal. If the rubber gasket around the door becomes loose or worn, it can let warm air in and cool air out. A seal with wear or tear should be replaced.
3. Clean the condenser coils. The coils under or on the back of the fridge remove heat from the unit. Clogged or dusty coils will slow it down and require more electricity to do their job.
4. Let leftovers cool down. When you add heat into the fridge, it takes more energy to cool the unit and its contents down.
5. Keep the doors closed. It’s safe to say many of us have stood in front of an open refrigerator deciding what to eat. Try to only open the door to retrieve or return items.

Where can I compare electricity rates?

Everything Energy has everything you need to research, shop and compare energy prices and providers. Check out what people are saying about some of the top electricity companies in Texas. Then, start your energy price comparison. Simply entering your ZIP code HERE.

With Mother’s Day approaching, you may be looking for the perfect way to honor the moms in your life. How about also making the day Mother Earth-friendly? In this article, we’ll explore some of the best energy company eco-tips from some of the top energy companies in Texas for an eco-friendly Mother’s Day.

What are some of the best energy company tips for a green Mother’s Day?

Buy and install a smart thermostat

If you don’t already have one, a smart thermostat is a gift that mom will enjoy. Reliant Energy loves that it learns your schedule and adjusts itself to conserve energy. Plus, it can be controlled from anywhere using a mobile app. That means mom can cool off the house before she even walks in the door. (Make sure to take care of the installation and setup so she doesn’t have more added to her to-do list!)

Do laundry the green way

Don’t just offer mom some help with the laundry — do it the energy-efficient way. That means wash clothes in cold water, according to one of the best energy company tips from Cirro Energy. Then, hang them in the sunshine instead of using the dryer. (And don’t forget to fold them and put them away for her when they’re dry!)

Play pool boy (or girl)

Clean her pool’s water filter. Clogged filters make pool pumps work harder, using more electricity says Reliant Energy. With the average monthly electricity cost to run a pool between $10 to $300 (depending on your pump type), it pays to keep the entire system well-maintained. Plus, it’s one less thing on her to-do list. Now, she can have a relaxing afternoon in the water.

Keep the cool air coming

Speaking of filters, Discount Power recommends cleaning or changing your air conditioner’s filter — another task your loved one will appreciate not having to do. A clean filter will help your unit run more efficiently. And that can help you save money, even if you have the cheapest electricity supplier on the planet! (You can then spend that savings on mom, of course.)

Take a hike — or a bike

Unplug and take mom on a nice hike or bike ride. Not only will you save fuel, as Direct Energy says, but you will also save electricity by not using the A/C or electronic devices.

Have a “no cook” picnic

Here’s one of the best energy company tips that children can participate in, too. Reliant Energy suggests making a nice picnic lunch without using any heating device. (Bonus eco-points for bringing reusable bottles, plates, napkins and silverware!)

Cook and stock

If you do want to cook mom a nice meal, why not double or triple the recipe so there’s dinner for several nights? As Green Mountain Energy reminds us, stocking the fridge and freezer helps them run more efficiently than when they’re partially empty.

Honor mom with a tree

Green Mountain Energy proposes planting a tree in your yard, which you can dedicate to the mom in your life. Since a mature tree can absorb more than 48 pounds of CO₂ from the atmosphere each year and releases oxygen in exchange, it will be the gift that keeps on giving. Plus, many years from now, it may provide shade to keep your house cool sans electricity in the summer.

Looking for even more of the best energy company tips for your home? Read on >

Where can I find the best energy company and best electricity rates?

If you want to really rock mom’s world, you can help find her the best energy company and rates for her home and lifestyle.

Start by entering her ZIP code here. Then you can start narrowing down the options based on average monthly usage, the hours when she uses energy the most and other factors.

At Everything Energy, you can make apples-to-apples comparisons to find the best electric company for her. You can also see estimated monthly bill amounts based on her unique usage habits. Get started today and you’ll be able to give mom the gift of energy!

Are you one of the nearly 4 million Texans who reside in an apartment? Apartment living has some unique features to think about when shopping for the best energy provider and plan for your life. Don’t forget about these crucial factors during your search.

What’s the best energy provider for my electricity usage?

Some apartments measure a few hundred square feet. Others offer more space than a typical two-story house. That means the size of your apartment can affect your monthly electricity usage. 

Many electricity companies list each of their plan’s price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) online. However, to make an apples-to-apples comparison, you need to understand what that average price is based on. Most commonly, it could be based on electricity usage using 500 kWh per month, 1000 kWh per month or 2000 kWh per month.

Often the prices listed online reflect a monthly usage of 2000 kWh. Living in an apartment, you may not ever use that much in a month. (Check your usage history with your current electric company to see your average monthly electricity usage.)

The price per kWh often rises when you only use 1000 kWh or 500 kWh per month. That means finding the cheapest energy supplier for your apartment is not as easy as just choosing the lowest price listed online. 

Remember, make sure you’re comparing apples-to-apples and that the rates are based on monthly usage most similar to yours. For example, if you use around 1000 kWh per month in your apartment, compare rates at that monthly usage.

What’s the cheapest electricity company for my specific needs?

Once you know how to make accurate comparisons, you can start shopping for electricity. However, the best electricity deals for your specific apartment and life might not be the ones with the lowest price per kWh. 

In addition to your monthly usage, you should also consider your usage habits. For example, are you a night owl who does laundry, dishes and other electricity-consuming activities from dusk to dawn? Or maybe you’re away from your apartment most of the workweek, but a homebody during the weekends. In these cases, the best energy provider for you may be one that offers a Time of Use plan.

What is a Time of Use plan?

A Time of Use plan offers a lower price per kWh during certain timeframes like nights or weekends. With some plans, those hours are even free! So, don’t veto an energy plan that has a higher rate listed. It may actually net you the lowest cost if your usage habits align with the discount timeframes.

To fully understand a Time of Use plan’s pricing and see if it will benefit you, refer to the Electricity Facts Label. 

Where can I find the best energy provider for my apartment life?

Shopping and comparing electricity plans from some of the best energy providers in Texas has never been easier. Simply enter your ZIP code at Everything Energy. From there, you can make apples-to-apples comparisons of energy plans and pricing based on your estimated monthly usage. You can even see monthly bill estimates to make the choice even simpler. Check it out today!