Latest Home energy articles

Electricity bills can be a huge expense. Understanding your home energy usage can help you reduce consumption and lower your home energy costs.

10 tips for getting the best solar quotes

Don't get ripped off! Here's how to get solar quotes for high-quality equipment, at competitive prices, from solar installers with top reviews

Written by Andy Sendy

Virtual power plants (VPPs): How they work and how homeowners can benefit

Virtual power plants are networks of connected devices that can be selectively activated and deactivated to respond to changes in power demand on the grid.

Written by Ben Zientara

Virtual power plants (VPPs): How they work and how homeowners can benefit
Why California electricity bills are so high and what you can do about it

In 2025, the average monthly residential electricity bill in California is $186, which is over 20% higher than the average bill in the USA.

Written by Ben Zientara

Why California electricity bills are so high and what you can do about it
How the U.S. electrical grid works

Every time you flip a switch or press a power button, the electrical grid reacts. Find out how and why here.

Written by Ben Zientara

How the U.S. electrical grid works
The 5 best energy-efficient light bulbs for your home

Energy-efficient light bulbs last longer, cost less, and are just as effective as traditional incandescent bulbs. Find out if they're right for your home.

Written by Ana Almerini

The 5 best energy-efficient light bulbs for your home
How many watts does an AC use?

How many watts an air conditioner uses varies based on the type of AC unit and the space it's trying to cool. Read to find out how many watts an AC uses.

Written by Ana Almerini

How many watts does an AC use?
How many watts of electricity does a TV use?

The average TV uses about 100 watts of power and costs just $0.17 on average to run for 10 hours.

Written by Ana Almerini

How many watts of electricity does a TV use?
How to automate your home with the ecobee SmartSensor

The ecobee SmartSensor can pair with a smart thermometer or security system to keep your home comfortable and safe. Find out the details from cost to warranty.

Written by Michael Cheng

How to automate your home with the ecobee SmartSensor