Thanks to the below tips on how to find the best temperature for your heater in winter, you can end the daily disputes over the thermostat. Whether you live in a state where wintertime lasts a few weeks or a few months, these tips should help you, your family, and your business stay cozy and content when it’s cold outside, all without going bust on your electricity bill.

What is the best temperature to set your thermostat in winter when you’re at home?

So what is a comfortable temperature for a home in winter during day time? While everyone has their personal preferences, a study connected by Cornell University reports that most people will be more comfortable and productive if the thermostat is set between 68° F and 72° F.

If those temperatures seem too low, consider running this little experiment. Try setting your thermostat at 72° F and then, every two or three days, bump it down a degree. Then, if complaints about it being too cold start to pop up, simply adjust accordingly.  

When it comes to bedtime, cooler temperatures have been shown to improve sleep; your body’s internal temperature even drops a degree or two during the night. If you bump the thermostat down to between 62° F and 66° F at night, you’ll not only achieve your required beauty sleep, but also see electricity savings at the end of the month.

What is the best temperature to set your thermostat in winter when you’re away?

Again, there’s no hard and fast rule for what temperature the heating should be at in winter. There are, however, hard and fixed budgets, and if you’re wondering if you can save some cash by letting your heater rest when you’re away, you’re right on the money (pun intended).

In fact, there’s no reason to keep your home heated to the perfect temperature when you’re not there. However, please note that turning off your electricity entirely can lead to mold and other home maintenance issues. With that in mind, it’s generally recommended that you keep your thermostat set between 62° F and 66° F when you’re away from your not home.

You’ll find it’s not only cost-efficient when you let your heater “chill” while you’re away, but better for the environment too, especially when you’re using renewable energy sources to power your home.

Managing your electricity costs in winter and year-round.

Beyond keeping your home at appropriate temperatures in the winter, there are several other steps you can take to help maintain a comfortable, energy-efficient home:

• Investing in a smart thermostat (such as Nest) and then programming it to match your family’s or company’s schedule can lead to energy savings on your heating bill.
• Making sure your home is well-insulated can save you a pretty penny. Check your windows and baseboards for leaks, and look to see if your attic and basement are insulated.
• Insulating furnishings such as curtains and rugs can also help your home or business retain heat.
• Recognizing that everyone’s ideal temperature is not the same can go a long way

LifeEnergy: Lowering your costs, increasing your comfort.

Setting your thermostat to the best temperature for your heater in winter is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to smart electricity usage. Even the savviest and smartest homeowner can get bill shock if they don’t manage their electricity plan and current energy rate properly.

LifeEnergy strives to provide electricity that allows for comfort and savings, not comfort or savings. We pride ourselves on being a renewable energy electricity supplier for homes and a business electricity supplier that prioritizes our customers and the environment.

So, here’s to a winter spent in comfort, enjoying the warm-fuzzies you get from knowing you’ve made the LifeSwitch to LifeEnergy. Sign up online in less than 5 minutes!

Related Resources:

• Electric Companies in Houston
• Philadelphia Electric Companies
• Electric Companies in Corpus Christi

The post Finding the Best Temperature for Your Heater in Winter appeared first on LifeEnergy.

So, snuggle up with a blanket, make a cup of hot cocoa, and get ready to bask in the (literal) warmth you’ll create when you implement these winter energy savings tips.

Invest in and set up a programmable thermostat

If you’re asking yourself, “How can I lower my electric bill in winter?” for the first time, your first step is to invest in a programmable thermostat.

Once set, a programmable thermostat remembers to turn off your heat when you leave the house for work and to turn down the heat a few degrees at your usual bedtime. That’s one less thing for you to worry about when you’re hustling your kids (or pets) out the door or when you’re cozying up in bed after a long day at work.

When used properly, a programmable thermostat can save you money and pay for itself many times over. We often hear from friends and customers alike that a programmable thermostat was the key to how they cut their electric bill in half.

But isn’t it cheaper to leave the heating on all day? That’s one of the more frequently asked LifeEnergy FAQs, and if we could, we’d shout from our rooftops that the answer is no. It is more expensive for your heating system to work all day to maintain a warm home temperature than it is for it to heat up a cold house.

If you’re wary of coming home to a cold house, program your thermostat to turn the heat on 30 minutes before you typically come home.

Seal air leaks & insulate everything but the kitchen sink

Sealing air leaks is another good solution for how to lower your electric bill in winter, especially if you live in an older home. Note that your house can “leak” in all different kinds of ways, so you may feel a little bit like this kitty at times:

Tips for keeping cold air outside your home:

• Check windows and doors and outside-facing baseboards for leaks and seal them.
• Purchase door sweeps for doors that lead outside, as well as doors to your basement and/or attic.
• Close your garage door regularly.
• Close the fireplace damper when your fireplace is not in use.
• Check that your home is properly insulated, including your basement, attic, and electrical outlets.

If you’re wondering how to lower the electric bill in an apartment, we recognize that renters, unfortunately, can’t control how well their apartments are insulated. But don’t despair! By the time you get through this guide, you’ll have plenty of options to lower your electric bill in winter.

Use your window(s) of opportunity

In addition to checking your windows for potential leaks, you can look to your windows for several other money-saving means for lowering your electric bill in winter.

Our windows are our… well, windows… to the outside world, including, importantly, the sun. Sunlight is free, and it’s smart to take advantage of the free warmth it provides.

To do so, make sure to open the shutters or curtains of your windows when the sun is out. In the northern hemisphere, south-facing windows will receive the most sun. Then, cover your windows when the sun goes down to conserve heat.

If you know you’re not going to remember to open and close your window coverings at the right time (or if you want to save even more energy), consider purchasing energy-conserving drapes.

Cuddle up before you pony up

While this trick for how to lower your electric bill in winter may seem obvious, you’d be surprised at how many people like to turn the heat up so that they can wear shorts around their house. More power (and power bills) to them, but we’re here to talk about lowering how much you pay for electricity, so in this case, consider it unwise to lounge around in your skivvies in January.

Instead, wear clothes that will keep you comfortable and warm. You lose the most body heat through your feet (not your head, as many people think) so slippers or a few quality pairs of wool socks can go a long way in saving you money. Area rugs will also help insulate your home and keep your toes toasty.

Finally, throw blankets are another solid investment (if you can ever get yours back from your cat).

Maintain your heater

Taking care of your furnace is way less fun than picking out comfy socks, but it’s just as (if not more) important to lowering your electric bill in winter. If you can, check and replace your filters every month and have your furnace serviced at least once a year.

You may also be able to keep more money in your pocket by knowing the age of your furnace. If you have an older furnace, closing the vents in rooms you don’t use will conserve energy; if you have a new furnace, leave all of the vents open.

Use these little money-saving tricks

The aforementioned tips are almost always your best resources for how to lower your energy bill in winter the most, but maintaining these smaller practices can also add up to some serious savings year-round.

• Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan’s motor. Typically, ceiling fans rotate counterclockwise, which creates a cooling effect. But if you set your blades to rotate clockwise at low speeds, they will create an updraft, which in turn pushes warm air down towards you.
• Make the most of laundry days. Save energy by waiting until you have a full load before washing your clothes (as opposed to doing multiple small loads). Wet air feels warmer than cold air, so consider line-drying your clothes indoors. If you do run the dryer, leave the door open when you’re finished; you’ve already paid for that heat, why not let it do a little double duty? The same can be done with your dishwasher.
• Lower the temperature on your water heater. Most water heaters are set to meet temperatures higher than we need. Lowering the temperature of your water heater may help lower your energy bill in winter. While you’re at it, make sure your water heater is well-insulated.
• Check the fridge. Is your fridge set at a temperature that’s lower than the recommended 32°F – 40°F? If so, adjusting the temperature can lower your energy bill. Cleaning your refrigerator’s coils may also help cut costs.
• Use smaller appliances when possible. For example, use a microwave (or even a crockpot) to heat your meals in lieu of using your oven or stovetop. The former uses less energy than the latter.
• Unplug your devices when you’re not using them. Your electronics continue to draw energy from outlets even when they are turned off, costing you money you could have spent elsewhere.
• Choose your lighting wisely. LED lights use up to 75% less energy than incandescent lights. Switching to LED lights could save you some serious bank, especially if you put up holiday lights in winter.
• Play decorator. Even if you seal leaks in your windows and doors, the areas around them are still often colder than other areas of the house. If your bed or favorite couch are located near a window, rearrange them so that they are in a cozier corner.

Want to lower your electric bill in winter? Make the LifeSwitch.

If your average winter electric bill is more than you can stomach, the problem may not be your home or apartment. It could be your energy supplier. And until now, most people would rather caulk a million windows before getting on the phone with their energy company — but you don’t have to with LifeEnergy’s easy online enrollment.

Whether you’re a renewable energy veteran or you’re looking at your computer/phone, stroking your chin, and mumbling, “How does renewable energy actually work?” LifeEnergy believes you should feel empowered when making your energy choices this winter.

We are renewable business energy suppliers and renewable energy electricity suppliers that have built personalized, easy-to-understand energy plans to meet the needs of your apartment, house, company building, and wallet.

Ready to go green? Easily sign up for LifeEnergy today.

The post How to Lower Your Electric Bill in Winter: The Ultimate Guide appeared first on LifeEnergy.

LifeEnergy knows what consumers value most: an uncomplicated energy plan that meets their exact needs. Consumers visiting the website have the option to enroll using LifeEnergy’s innovative MyLife plan, a plan designed towards matching consumers with a rate that fits their living situation. Alternatively, traditional fixed-rate electricity plans are also available, like LifeEnergy’s SimpleLife and PowerLife products.

LifeEnergy focuses on easily comprehensible plans that not only helps consumers know what they are paying for on a monthly basis but also helps them budget for their individualized lifestyles.

To add further convenience to consumer’s on-the-go, the company’s platform is mobileoptimized— giving consumers an easy enrollment process in the palm of their hands.

“With our simplified enrollment process, LifeEnergy has removed the complexity from the buying process by allowing consumers to easily pick a plan that is right for them. And with our new, innovative site, our consumers now have even easier access to plans that are customized according to their lifestyle,” says Chief Operating Officer (COO) Victor Howard.

LifeEnergy will continue to make it easier for consumers to take control of their electricity rates through updates to its online platform and by offering energy-related products and services that is based on the consumer, not the market.

For more information on LifeEnergy products and services, call 844-662-1222 or visit us online at www.LifeEnergy.com.

Media Contact Information
Lindsay Arnold
Director of Marketing
larnold@LifeEnergy.com
(281) 656-5491

About LifeEnergy

LifeEneregy is a distributed, full-service energy provider with a unique business model; one where the customer experience and satisfaction is priority, where renewable energy isn’t just a nice to have, but is our solemn promise and one where innovation isn’t a fancy buzz word, but a company-wide commitment. For more information, please visit www.LifeEnergy.com.

The post LifeEnergy’s New Website Offers Personalized Products for the Consumer On the Go! appeared first on LifeEnergy.

What is lightning?

Lightning is an electrical discharge which is caused by imbalances between clouds or between the ground and the clouds. This imbalance is usually caused by colliding particles of rain, ice, snow or hail inside storm clouds which produce a negative charge at the lower part of the cloud. Objects on the ground become positively charged creating an imbalance between the two. The way that nature corrects this is by passing current between the two charges which is how lightning is formed.

Why can’t we use this electricity to power our homes?

Lightning contains a lot of electricity. Wouldn’t it be great if we could harvest this and use it in our homes? Unfortunately, we cannot use the energy from lightning for a several reasons. One of the reasons is that lightning is unpredictable and we cannot determine where it will strike. However, even if we could determine where lightning would strike we would have to reduce the voltage significantly to be able to use the electricity in our homes.

#wherelifemeetsenergy

The post The Power of Lightning appeared first on LifeEnergy.

“Expanding our commercial business in Texas represents a key milestone for LifeEnergy, but this is just the beginning. We will continue to expand, adding more electricity, natural gas, and alternative energy solutions in competitive markets throughout the nation.” says Chief Operating Officer (COO) Victor Howard.

LifeEnergy offers traditional mixed fuel and green products at fully-fixed and alternatively structured rates. Commercial services can be purchased through an authorized broker network.

“The LifeEnergy Broker Model is designed to provide brokers the flexibility for developing commercial energy solutions that are tailored to the customer’s needs,” says Howard.

LifeEnergy is one of the fastest growing energy retailers in the country and is an affiliate of LS Power, which is a developer, investor, and operator of power generation, transmission, and energy infrastructure projects in North America. Since its inception, LS Power has invested over $36 billion to construct, acquire, and operate such projects. LifeEnergy will continue to expand its service offerings by adding other energy-related products and services designed to make the customer’s life easier.

To become an authorized LifeEnergy broker, contact Carl Holley, Director of Commercial Sales at (281) 656-5487 or cholley@LifeEnergy.com.

For more information on LifeEnergy products and services, call 844-662-1222 or visit us online at www.LifeEnergy.com.

Media Contact Information:
Lindsay Arnold
Director of Marketing
larnold@LifeEnergy.com
(281) 656-5491
###

About LifeEnergy:
LifeEnergy, LLC is a retail energy provider offering innovative products and services to homes and businesses across the U.S. Formed in 2016, LifeEnergy provides competitive rates and hassle-free customer service. Headquartered in Houston, TX, LifeEnergy is one of the fastest growing retail energy providers in the industry. For more information, please visit www.LifeEnergy.com.

The post LifeEnergy Launches Commercial Electricity Sales in Texas appeared first on LifeEnergy.

SolarGaps

SolarGaps are solar paneled blinds which create renewable energy from the sun. The idea is to set the blinds up in a window so they can shade your home from the sun, but also so that they can collect large amounts of sunlight. These solar paneled blinds can generate up to 100-150W of energy from just a 10 sq. ft window. This is enough to power roughly 30 LED light bulbs or three Macbooks.  SolarGaps are currently in the process of making their products and will be available late 2017. Prices range from about $200 to $2000 depending on size. It may seem like an expensive up-front cost, but these blinds are designed to last for years – contributing to a life-time of savings.

GoSun

Have you ever wondered how you can save money when you cook? In many parts of the world, the heat that goes into powering ovens and stovetops is one of the main uses of energy.  GoSun is a new product which offers a solar powered way to cook food. All you do is set up the GoSun in a sunny place, put some food into the GoSun oven and wait. There is no gas or charcoal needed and you can roast, steam, bake, boil or fry food in the oven. The heating temperature can get to around 550˚F and can cook meals in roughly 20 minutes. GoSun has a range of products from portable solar ovens to a solar grill ranging in price from $59 to $799 depending on what product you want. It’s a great way to cook food whether you’re at home or on the go!

Tesla Solar Powered Roofing

We have all heard about the Tesla automobile…. did you know they also make solar powered roofing? The Tesla solar powered roof takes in light and transforms it into energy that you can use to power your home. However, it can take a significant amount of time, effort and money from the customer to change their roof especially when they are already living in the house. However, if you are a new homeowner it could add value to your home and save you money every day for the rest of your life. Prices are different for each home depending on what type of roofing you want and how much of it you need. It is a big decision in any person’s life, but the future looks like it could lend itself to solar powered roofing and renewable energy options at home. In the long run it could be a great investment

All of these products are a great way of creating your own renewable energy at home and creating a more sustainable way of living life.

#wherelifemeetsenergy

The post New Innovations in Solar Make for a Better Life appeared first on LifeEnergy.

1. Flashlight – It is best to keep a flashlight with spare batteries somewhere easily accessible to you. People sometimes say they don’t need one because they have a flashlight app on their smartphone. However, if a power outage lasts longer than the battery life of your phone, you will have no light. Battery powered camping lamps can also help light up whole rooms.
2. Candles, Lighters and Matches – It is crucial that your flashlight is not the only source of light that you have available. Candles will illuminate a room without using electricity and can also provide a fire.  This fire can provide warmth and can be used to cook food.  However, please be careful where you place candles; ensure that they are out of reach of young children and away from drapes and walls so they do not catch fire.
3. Battery, Solar or Wind Up Radio – These types of radios are a real essential in a power outage. It is important to keep up with your local weather station in case there are any threats or dangers in your area, and they also are a good source of entertainment. Make sure your radio is in good working order and test it once a year.
4. Books or Board Games – If there is no power, you can get bored fast. However, if you have some good books or board games, these can keep you and your family entertained for several hours with no electricity.
5. Supply of Water and Food – Severe power outages can last for weeks. To be safe, keep a box full of bottled water and packaged foods that need little or no preparation to eat.  We recommend that you prepare for at least 1 week without power.

Power outages can happen at any time without any explanation. If you have these items in your home, then you can feel safe even when the power is out. We hope that power outages never happen to you, but, if they do you can be prepared and ready. If you experience a power outage, please visit our website and contact your utility at the Utility Contact Information page located under the Learn More tab.

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As LifeEnergy’s first COO, Mr. Howard will manage LifeEnergy’s rapid customer growth trajectory as the company expands into new markets and introduces new products and services. LifeEnergy plans to be an industry leader in serving the diverse, and rapidly evolving, energy needs of both its residential and commercial customers.

“It is an honor and a privilege for me to join the LifeEnergy team. I am thrilled to see the successes that LifeEnergy has already accomplished and we will continue to work towards building an energy brand focused on operational excellence, innovative products and a great overall customer experience”, said Mr. Howard. “In only a year, LifeEnergy has established itself as a key player in a number of markets across the US, including Texas, where we’ve already added thousands of new customers”.

Mr. Howard brings a wealth of career experience across multiple industries including Retail Energy, Technology, and Retail Banking, where his responsibilities spanned key functions including Marketing, Sales and Operations.

Mr. Howard comes to LifeEnergy from Centerpoint Energy, where he was the executive leading the Retail Choice gas business. Prior to Centerpoint, Mr. Howard held leadership roles in Marketing and Operations at Continuum Energy, ENCOA and Gexa Energy.

Mr. Howard has a Bachelors Degree from Texas A&M and an MBA from University of St. Thomas in Houston. He earned his Six Sigma Master Black Belt and is also an Eagle Scout.

About LifeEnergy
LifeEnergy, LLC, is a distributed energy company offering innovative products and services to homes and businesses across the US. LifeEnergy strives to be “Your Energy Provider for Life” by providing innovative products and services as well as customer experience. Headquartered in Houston, TX, LifeEnergy is one of the fastest growing distributed energy companies in the industry. To learn more about LifeEnergy, please visit http://www.LifeEnergy.com.

The post LifeEnergy has a New Chief Operating Officer appeared first on LifeEnergy.

“Food drives this time of year are unusual, which is exactly why we decided to do one now. Hunger knows no season and many families lack the ability to buy good quality, nutritious food,” says Jessica Sacks, Director of Marketing at LifeEnergy. “By donating just one can of food we change a person’s life, and that is why we are encouraging our staff and community to donate along with us; helping us to fight hunger and make a difference.”

As a proud member of the Houston corporate community and serving customers across the country, LifeEnergy and its employees plan on announcing various charitable and cause-related initiatives throughout the year.

The post LifeEnergy Kicks Off its First Annual Food Drive appeared first on LifeEnergy.

Prepare for the Nightmare
Even if you don’t have kids, however, it is time to start preparing yourself for the school year traffic. But don’t worry, LifeEnergy is here to help. Make sure to have a game plan on when the best time to leave is and the fastest routes to take. There are plenty of navigation applications like Waze and Google maps that allow you to miss the traffic by taking back streets. This will help with your punctuality AND your headache.

Prepare what to wear
One of the most frustrating morning tasks is realizing your late and have NOTHING to wear. No one wants to dig through their laundry to find the one shirt that still smells clean. Prep a week before hand and figure out which outfit will be used for which day. This will save you time at night and keeps your room in order as it will no longer be necessary to toss every item of clothing all over the place. Make sure to have the same routine for your kids so that the entire family can have a stress free morning!

Prepare the lair
One thing that can assist you and your children for Back to School time is having your home prepped to make everyday tasks easier for everyone. Create an area that allows you to check your schedule, post a daily routine, a homework station or a lunchbox cupboard. This will help you organize your day as well as make the process speedy quick.

Prepare for warfare
Sleep is extremely important and as adults we are happy to grab a quick nap here or there. Back to school means back to a schedule for the little ones and it can be a battle to get them into bed. Make sure to set up a sleep schedule so that you can plan when to have dinner, when the TV needs to be turned off, etc. This will help them be more productive in school and help you grab some well-deserved rest of your own!

Prepare to share
Sharing is caring, and going back would be a lot easier if you only had to drop your kids off at school once a week! Speak to other parents before school starts and see if you can manage a rotor for carpooling to school. Not only does this reduce your stress but it also saves you fuel and reduces carbon emissions for all families involved!

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