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.

Off-Peak Hours Explained: Is Electricity Cheaper at Night?

Electricity is cheaper at night. To save money, you can shift your energy usage away from evening peak hours with smart appliances and solar batteries.

Written by Ben Zientara

Off-Peak Hours Explained: Is Electricity Cheaper at Night?
How much do pellet stoves cost?

The total cost of a pellet stove installation will range between $1,500 and $5,000. Typical operating costs are between $35 and $45 a month.

Written by Cameron Bates

How much do pellet stoves cost?
What is a Sun Number score and how is it calculated?

The Sun Number score represents how suitable a home is for solar on a scale from 1 to 100, but how much does it actually matter?

Written by Catherine Lane

What is a Sun Number score and how is it calculated?
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