The holiday season is here, bringing cheer, decorations, and plenty of traditions. Along with all the joy, it’s also a time when energy use can increase—think festive lights, cozy heating, and extra cooking. But don’t believe everything you hear about holiday energy habits! We’re here to separate fact from fiction and debunk five common energy myths so you can enjoy the season without unnecessary stress.

Myth 1: Leaving Your Holiday Lights On All Night Doesn’t Use Much Energy

The Truth: While it might feel like a small indulgence to let your lights twinkle until dawn, keeping them on all night can significantly increase energy use, especially with older incandescent bulbs. Instead, switch to LED holiday lights, which use a fraction of the electricity, and put them on a timer. This way, your home shines bright during the peak evening hours without wasting energy overnight.

Myth 2: Turning Off the Heat While Traveling Saves the Most Energy

The Truth: Turning off your heating system completely while you’re away might seem like a good idea, but it can backfire. In cold weather, this can lead to frozen pipes and costly repairs. Instead, lower your thermostat to a safe temperature—around 50–55°F—so your home stays protected while still saving energy. If you have a smart thermostat, you can even adjust the settings remotely.

Myth 3: Outdoor Decorations Are the Biggest Energy Drain

The Truth: While those glowing inflatables and festive lights do contribute to energy use, they’re not always the main culprit. Holiday cooking, heating, and extra appliance use (like ovens and dishwashers) can often add more to your bill. The good news? By using LED decorations, energy-efficient appliances, and being mindful of heating habits, you can manage energy use across all areas of your home.

Myth 4: Using a Fireplace Instead of the Heater Saves Energy

The Truth: While a crackling fire may feel cozy, fireplaces are often less efficient at heating your home than central heating. In fact, traditional fireplaces can pull warm air out of the room and send it up the chimney. To make your fireplace more efficient, close the damper when it’s not in use and consider installing glass doors or using a fireplace insert to keep more heat inside.

Myth 5: Decorating with Solar Lights Doesn’t Require Any Planning

The Truth: Solar-powered holiday lights are a fantastic energy-saving option, but they do require some planning to work well. Make sure the solar panels are placed in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight during the day, especially in the shorter daylight hours of winter. Without proper positioning, these lights may not charge fully and could underperform in the evening.

Celebrate Smartly This Holiday Season

Understanding the truth behind these common energy myths can help you make smarter choices and enjoy the holidays without worrying about unnecessary energy waste. From using LED lights to managing heating efficiently, a few thoughtful adjustments can keep your energy costs in check while ensuring your home stays festive and warm.

At NextVolt Energy, we’re here to help you power through the holiday season with reliable service, simple plans, and practical advice. Happy Holidays!

Holiday Stock photos by Vecteezy

Many of us have daily routines that unknowingly contribute to higher electricity bills. These might not be “bad” habits per se, but being aware of them and making small adjustments can lead to significant savings. Let’s explore how some common habits might be affecting your energy consumption and what you can do to cut down on costs.

Common Energy-Draining Habits

Some everyday practices can quietly increase your energy bills over time. Here’s a closer look at some common habits that might be adding up:

Leaving the HVAC On When You’re Not Home
Keeping your heating or cooling system running while you’re out is a common habit that can waste a lot of energy. Your HVAC system uses significant power, so turning it off or setting it to a more efficient temperature when you’re not home can lead to substantial savings.

Relying Solely on Your HVAC for Temperature Control
Using the HVAC system exclusively for temperature adjustments can be costly. It’s more efficient to supplement with ceiling fans, portable heaters, or blankets to maintain comfort without constantly changing the thermostat.

Closing Vents in Unused Rooms
It might seem like closing vents in unused rooms would save energy, but it can actually make your HVAC system less efficient. The system will still work to push air into those closed-off areas, potentially causing strain and reducing overall efficiency.

Ignoring Dirty Air Filters
A clogged air filter forces your HVAC system to work harder, using more energy. Regularly replacing or cleaning your air filter ensures smooth airflow and optimal system performance.

Using Hot Water Unnecessarily
Heating water takes a lot of energy. You can save by washing clothes in cold water and reducing the temperature on your water heater for tasks that don’t require hot water.

Leaving Lights On
Leaving lights on when they’re not needed is an easy habit to fall into. Turning off lights when you leave a room and utilizing natural light during the day can significantly reduce your energy consumption.

Leaving Doors and Windows Open
When heating or cooling your home, keeping doors and windows closed is crucial to maintaining indoor temperature. Open doors and windows allow conditioned air to escape, making your HVAC system work harder.

Lingering in Front of the Fridge
Opening the refrigerator door for extended periods causes the appliance to use extra energy to maintain its cool temperature. Plan what you need before opening the door, or consider a smart fridge with an interior display.

Leaving Electronics Plugged In
Devices left plugged in when not in use draw “phantom” energy. Unplugging electronics or using power strips to cut off power can prevent unnecessary energy usage.

Ignoring Drafts
Drafts around windows and doors allow warm or cool air to escape, leading to higher energy consumption as your HVAC system works to maintain a consistent temperature. Sealing up drafts can help keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient.

Take Action – Making Simple Changes

Now that you’re aware of these habits, making small adjustments can have a big impact on your energy consumption:

• Install a Smart Thermostat – Smart thermostats learn your schedule and adjust the temperature automatically, so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Many models let you control settings from your phone, making it easy to save energy on the go.
• Use Ceiling Fans Efficiently – In the summer, ceiling fans can create a wind-chill effect, allowing you to raise the thermostat by a few degrees without sacrificing comfort. In the winter, reversing the fan direction helps distribute warm air more evenly, reducing the need for extra heating.
• Replace Air Filters Regularly – A dirty air filter forces your HVAC system to work harder, consuming more energy. Set a reminder to check your filter every month and replace it every three months, or more often if you have pets. This simple step improves airflow and system efficiency.
• Optimize Appliance Use – Appliances like dishwashers and washing machines use the same amount of energy regardless of how full they are. By running full loads, you maximize the energy used for each cycle. Additionally, using cold water settings for laundry can save energy since heating water accounts for a large portion of a washing machine’s energy use.
• Switch to LED Bulbs – LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. They produce less heat, making them safer and more efficient for lighting your home. By replacing your most-used bulbs with LEDs, you’ll notice an immediate reduction in energy consumption.
• Seal Drafts and Insulate – Drafty windows and doors allow heated or cooled air to escape, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. Use weatherstripping and caulk to seal any gaps around windows and doors. Adding insulation to your attic, walls, and floors can also help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the strain on your heating and cooling systems.

Get “Smart” with Your Appliance Shopping

Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can make a significant difference in your home’s energy consumption. Appliances with the ENERGY STAR label use 10-50% less energy and water than standard models¹. For example, an ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerator uses about 15% less energy than non-certified models, which can save you up to $260 over the appliance’s lifetime².

Smart appliances go a step further by offering features like timers, remote control, and energy monitoring. For instance, a smart thermostat can save you up to 10% annually on heating and cooling bills³. Many smart washers and dryers can adjust their cycle length and water usage based on the load size, optimizing energy consumption.

These appliances often come with companion apps, allowing you to monitor and control energy use directly from your smartphone. This added layer of control helps you identify which devices are using the most power and make adjustments as needed.

Investing in energy-efficient and smart appliances may have a higher upfront cost, but the long-term savings on your energy bills and the environmental benefits make them a worthwhile investment.

Hire an Energy Advisor

If you’re not sure where to start with improving your home’s energy efficiency, an energy advisor can be a valuable resource. They conduct a thorough evaluation of your home, identifying areas where energy is being wasted and providing tailored recommendations to address these issues. This can include everything from suggesting better insulation methods to recommending energy-efficient appliances.

An energy advisor can also help you understand your current energy consumption patterns and how to make simple adjustments that lead to substantial savings. They might even assist with finding rebates and incentives for energy-efficient upgrades, maximizing your investment.

By bringing in a professional, you gain expert insights into how your home uses energy and practical steps to reduce your electricity bills, all while making your home more comfortable and environmentally friendly. This personalized approach helps ensure that any changes you make are both effective and suited to your specific needs.

Start Saving Today

Your everyday habits have a significant impact on your energy consumption. By making small changes and being mindful of how you use energy, you can start saving money on your electricity bills right away. At NextVolt Energy, we’re here to help you make your home more efficient and your energy costs more manageable. Start with these tips today, and you’ll see the difference on your next bill.

Sources:

1. ENERGY STAR – Programmable Thermostats
2. ENERGY STAR – About ENERGY STAR Products
3. ENERGY STAR – Refrigerators

Habits Stock photos by Vecteezy

At NextVolt Energy, we know making decisions about your home energy needs can feel overwhelming sometimes, especially when considering a significant investment like solar panels. You may be wondering, “Is it worth it to add solar panels to my home?” That answer depends on several things – such as benefits, costs, your home itself, and other factors. Let’s break it down so you can make an informed decision.

First, Understand the Benefits of Solar Power

Why even consider adding solar panels in the first place? Because there’s some pretty alluring benefits. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which can power your home. By generating your own energy, you can reduce your reliance on the grid, lower your utility bills, and decrease your carbon footprint. For many families, these benefits are the primary motivators for going solar.

Lower Energy Bills

One of the most immediate benefits of installing solar panels is the potential to save money on your electricity bills. By generating your own power, you use less electricity from your utility company, which can significantly reduce your monthly expenses. Over time, these savings can add up, especially in areas with high electricity rates.

Environmental Impact

Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource that doesn’t produce harmful emissions or contribute to climate change. By switching to solar, you’re not just saving money—you’re also helping to protect the environment. This is a great way to contribute to a sustainable future for your family and community.

Energy Independence

With solar panels, you have the ability to produce your own electricity, making you less dependent on the grid. This can be particularly beneficial in areas prone to power outages or where utility rates fluctuate frequently. Knowing you have a reliable source of energy can provide peace of mind.

Next, Know the Costs of Installing Solar

While the benefits of solar are clear, it’s also important to consider the costs involved. Installing solar panels requires an upfront investment that can be significant depending on the size of the system you need and the specifics of your installation.

Upfront Costs

The initial cost of solar panels includes the panels themselves, the inverter (which converts solar energy into usable electricity), mounting equipment, and installation labor. The total cost can vary widely based on factors like the size of your home, the amount of sunlight your location receives, the complexity of the installation, the company or installer you choose, and where you live.

Maintenance Costs

Solar panels generally require minimal maintenance, but it’s still important to consider potential costs for occasional cleaning or repairs. The good news is that most solar panels come with a warranty of 20-25 years, so they’re built to last.

Financial Incentives

The good news is that there are many financial incentives available to help offset the initial cost of solar. Federal tax credits, state incentives, and local rebates can significantly reduce the price of installation. You might also find a reputable installer that offers incentives or promotions to help ease the overall cost of install.

Determining if Solar is Right for You

Deciding whether to add solar panels to your home depends on several factors, including your location, your home’s energy needs, and your financial situation.

Location and Sunlight

Solar panels are most effective in areas with ample sunlight throughout the year. If you live in a region with frequent cloud cover or long winters, solar might still be viable, but it’s important to manage expectations about how much energy you can produce.

Roof Condition and Orientation

The condition and orientation of your roof play a significant role in the effectiveness of solar panels. South-facing roofs typically receive the most sunlight, but east and west orientations can also work well. It’s also essential to ensure that your roof is in good condition before installation, as panels can last for 20-30 years.

Energy Usage

Assessing your household’s energy consumption can help you determine the size of the solar system you need. A higher energy usage will require a larger system, which can increase upfront costs but also maximize savings in the long run.

Budget and Financing: The initial cost of solar panels can be a barrier for some homeowners, but many financing options are available. Solar loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs) can help make solar more affordable by spreading the cost over time.

Making the Decision

Adding solar to your home is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of the benefits, costs, and your unique circumstances. At NextVolt Energy, we’re here to help you make an informed decision that’s right for you and your family. If you’re interested in exploring solar further, we recommend consulting with a professional solar installer who can provide a detailed analysis based on your specific situation.

Remember, choosing solar is not just about saving money—it’s also about investing in a sustainable future for your family and your community. By considering all the factors and understanding the long-term benefits, you can make the best choice for your home and help contribute to a cleaner, greener world.

Solar Panel Stock photos by Vecteezy

Have you ever wondered how electricity seamlessly powers your home whenever you flip a switch or plug in a device? Behind this convenience lies a complex system known as the electrical grid. Let’s delve into what the grid is and how it relates to your home electricity.

The electrical grid is a vast network of interconnected power lines, substations, transformers, and generating stations that work together to deliver electricity from power plants to homes, businesses, and industries. It operates on the principle of supply and demand, ensuring that electricity is constantly available and distributed efficiently.

At the heart of the grid are power plants, where electricity is generated using various sources such as coal, natural gas, nuclear, wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal energy. Once generated, electricity travels through high-voltage transmission lines to substations, where its voltage is lowered for safer distribution.

From substations, electricity is further transmitted through distribution lines to neighborhoods and eventually to individual homes and businesses. Along the way, transformers step down the voltage to levels suitable for household use. Once electricity reaches your home, it flows through your meter and into your electrical panel, where circuit breakers or fuses ensure safety by controlling the flow of electricity to different circuits.

Understanding the grid is crucial for homeowners because it impacts electricity reliability, cost, and sustainability. It allows us to appreciate the importance of energy conservation and the role of renewable energy sources in reducing our carbon footprint.

Moreover, advancements in technology, such as smart meters and home energy management systems, enable homeowners to monitor their electricity usage in real-time, optimize energy efficiency, and even participate in demand-response programs to help balance the grid.

The grid is the backbone of our modern electrical infrastructure, ensuring that electricity reaches our homes reliably and safely. By understanding how it works, homeowners can make informed decisions about their energy consumption and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.

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Image Credit: Energy Grid Stock photos by Vecteezy

YOUR PATH TO POWERFUL REWARDS STARTS WITH NEXTVOLT™ ENERGY:

Did you know as a valued NextVolt™ Energy customer you are automatically enrolled on our rewards program? Every month you get 50 Reward Dollars redeemable for a variety of benefits. Check out the three most popular ways to use your Rewards Dollars below!

1. Daily Gift Card Giveaway: The name says is all. We give away a gift card every day to one lucky winner. Our giveaway features rotating gift cards from all the brand names you love. We want our customers to spend a little extra on their next trip to Walmart or Target, take on that home improvement project at Home Depot or Lowes, or grab a coffee at Starbucks or Dunkin on the way to work. Enter for your chance to win every day. 

2. Monthly “Pick to Win”: Can’t wat until next month for your next deposit of Reward Dollars? Test knowledge and play Pick to Win for your chance to win a bonus 25 Reward Dollars every month. From trivia, to games, to lucky guesses – a new question is unveiled every month. February featured a Superbowl challenge encouraging our sports fans to take a side – 49ers or Chiefs!

3. Dining Savings: Spend your Reward Dollars on dining deals close to home or on the go. From chain restaurants to local mom and pop shops, NextVolt™ customers get exclusive access to all kinds of deals. Spend a few Reward Dollars for a free appetizer, or percentage off your bill. Print out the deal of your choice at home, or pull up the “show and save” feature on your phone right at the restaurant. 

We value our customers, and NextVolt™ Rewards is our way of helping you save money and have some fun in the process. 

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Not yet a customer? Take advantage of our latest plans here and get access to NextVolt™ Rewards!

Disclaimer: NextVolt™ Rewards is a free, voluntary, and ongoing customer loyalty, connection, and community resource created by NextVolt™ Energy for select NextVolt™ Energy customers over the age of eighteen. Enrollment in NextVolt™ Rewards by NextVolt™ Energy and online/mobile redemption by enrolled customers are required to access/use NextVolt™ Rewards benefits. NextVolt™ Rewards is not a one-time promotion or inducement to contract/purchase. Reward Dollars are not cash, rebates, gift cards, or gift certificates, and have no cash value. Participating offers subject to change.