Energy guides and electricity savings resources - ElectricRates.org blog
11 guides

Energy Efficiency

Practical energy efficiency tips verified by EPA ENERGY STAR. Nest saves 10-12%, Ecobee saves 23% on HVAC (50% of home energy). Mass Save offers $100 thermostat rebates. Ohio HEAP provides $300-500 heating assistance. AEP Ohio rebates $50, PECO $75 for smart thermostats.

Average Home Electricity Usage: 10,500 kWh/Year (2026)
Energy Efficiency

Average Home Electricity Usage: 10,500 kWh/Year (2026)

The average American home consumes about 10,500 kWh of electricity per year—roughly 875 kWh per month. But "average" hides huge variation. A 1-bedroom apartment might use 4,000 kWh while a large house with electric heating tops 20,000 kWh.

Mar 266 min
Electric Bill: Higher in Winter or Summer? (It Depends)
Energy Efficiency

Electric Bill: Higher in Winter or Summer? (It Depends)

For most Americans, summer brings the highest electric bills because air conditioning is overwhelmingly powered by electricity. But homes with electric heat or heat pumps can see winter bills that rival or exceed summer peaks. Your heating fuel type is the deciding factor.

Mar 266 min
Electricity Rates & Savings Guide (2026)
Energy Efficiency

Electricity Rates & Savings Guide (2026)

The average American household pays 17.91 cents per kWh for electricity (EIA, March 2026). But that number hides massive variation. Some states charge 10 cents. Others charge 35 cents. Your rate depends on where you live, how you buy power, and when you use it. This guide breaks down how electricity rates work and what you can actually do about them.

Mar 269 min
Power Surges: How to Protect Your Electronics (2026)
Energy Efficiency

Power Surges: How to Protect Your Electronics (2026)

A power surge lasts microseconds but can destroy electronics instantly. Lightning, utility switching, and even your AC compressor create surges. The right protection costs $20-300 and saves thousands in damaged devices.

Mar 267 min
Solar Tax Credit Ended: What Homeowners Need to Know
Energy Efficiency

Solar Tax Credit Ended: What Homeowners Need to Know

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (July 2025) terminated the 30% federal solar tax credit. If your system was installed by December 31, 2025, you may still claim it. If not, here are your real options now.

Jan 510 min
Understanding Your Texas Electric Bill: Line-by-Line Guide
Energy Efficiency

Understanding Your Texas Electric Bill: Line-by-Line Guide

Learn what every charge on your Texas electricity bill means and how to spot overcharges.

Dec 318 min
Summer Electricity Costs: AC Efficiency & Savings Guide 2026
Energy Efficiency

Summer Electricity Costs: AC Efficiency & Savings Guide 2026

Summer AC doubles electricity bills to $200-400/month in Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Set thermostat to 78°F (saves 3% per degree). Avoid 2-7 PM peak pricing on TOU plans. ENERGY STAR AC units use 15% less energy. AEP Ohio and PECO offer peak demand programs with bill credits. Compare summer rates on ElectricRates.org.

Dec 89 min
Why Is My Electric Bill So High? Troubleshooting Guide 2026
Energy Efficiency

Why Is My Electric Bill So High? Troubleshooting Guide 2026

High bill causes: rate increase (check Price to Compare on AEP Ohio, PECO, Eversource bills), phantom loads (10% of usage), inefficient HVAC, or billing errors. Request free home energy audit from AEP Ohio (1-800-672-2231), PECO, or Mass Save. Compare your current rate against 70+ suppliers on ElectricRates.org.

Dec 811 min
Winter Energy Saving Tips: Lower Heating Bills Guide 2026
Energy Efficiency

Winter Energy Saving Tips: Lower Heating Bills Guide 2026

Space heating is the single largest home energy use, about 42% of the average household annual energy consumption. Set thermostat to 68°F (saves about 1% per degree lowered). Seal drafts with weatherstripping ($20-50 DIY). Mass Save offers 75-100% off insulation. Ohio HEAP assists with heating bills (1-800-282-0880). Heat pump water heaters save $300/year. Compare winter rates on ElectricRates.org.

Dec 88 min

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