Saving Money

Together, let’s uncover practical strategies to help you make the most of your hard-earned dollars. In this category, we'll share invaluable tips, tricks, and insights to help you stretch your budget, cut expenses, and build a solid foundation for a secure future. From budgeting techniques to savvy shopping hacks, we'll explore ways to make every dollar count without compromising on the things that bring you joy.
Most recent posts
A man saving energy by adjusting the thermostat
Saving energy together

How to Talk to Reluctant Housemates About Saving Energy

You can foster a culture of energy conservation within a household with a game plan. Read more about how to bring people along in saving energy.

Couple looking over an electric bill
Learning to save

How To Read an Electric Bill

Let's clarify the confusing parts of an electric bill, providing a path to better understand your energy use. This enables you to make decisions that result in ongoing savings and reduced consumption.

Couple looks over how they can improve energy savings at home
Savings at the switch

How Much Energy Can You Really Save at Home?

Small changes make a huge impact — between changing some habits and replacing some appliances when the time is right, you could greatly improve your energy savings at home.

A woman using space heaters in NYC
Warmth without the worry

Using Space Heaters in NYC: Do’s and Don’t’s

Everything you need to know about using electric space heaters in New York City. From choosing a model with the right wattage to retaining heat to safety when operating!

High California electric rates are partially the result of burying utility cables.
Save when you can

California Electric Rates Are Historically High — Here's How You Can Save

Get help with California electric rate hikes.

Kids as their parents do the vacation home checklist to save energy and money
Power down, peace out

Leaving for Vacation Home Checklist: Save Energy and Money

Prepare your home for energy savings during vacation by adjusting thermostats, setting water heaters to vacation mode, unplugging devices, and managing lighting efficiently.

A woman calculates savings from her home energy audit
Whole house audit

What to Expect from a Home Energy Audit

A home energy audit is the first step and the key tool to making your home energy efficient and more climate friendly

A woman has coffee and reads about energy-saving tips for NYC living
Energy-saving: city style

Maximizing Small Space Living: Energy-Saving Tips for NYC Apartments

From quick fixes to long-term changes, this guide covers how to optimize energy use in NYC apartments.

A woman looks at her open refrigerator, wondering what maintenance it needs to be energy-efficient.
Chill smarter, not harder

Energy Saving 101: OhmConnect’s Deep Dive on Energy-Friendly Fridge Maintenance

Explore how a few easy refrigerator care tips can lead to major energy and cost savings at home.

Business man holds the image of a home between his hands, concept for solar insurance
Clean insurance check up

Solar Insurance Simplified: Protecting Your Renewable Energy Assets

Discover what every homeowner needs to know about the insurance implications of solar panels and EV charging stations.

Family doing laundry, dad has done laundry machine and dryer maintenance to be sure it’s all as energy-efficient as possible.
Efficiency meets everyday laundry

Energy Saving 101: OhmConnect’s Deep Dive on Energy-Friendly Laundry Machine and Dryer Maintenance

Learn the art of energy-efficient laundry, from choosing the right cycle to maintaining your machines. It’s easier and more important than you might think!

A photo of the Safe and Sound book by Mercury Stardust on a wooden table
Repair with confidence

Banishing Repair Fears: How 'Safe and Sound' Simplifies Home Fixes for Renters

Mercury Stardust's 'Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair' uniquely addresses the emotional aspects of home repairs in addition to practical advice for renters, offering a compassionate and useful perspective.

A couple looks at an electric vehicle at a dealership, they’re taking advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act.
Tax goodies for 2024

Important Updates to the Inflation Reduction Act — What to Know for 2024

Get ready for Inflation Reduction Act savings! Learn which tax incentives and tax credits are changing or becoming available in 2024.

An older Asian couple is trying to understand why utility rates in California are going up in 2024, they are PG&E customers.
Help with rising bills

Utility Rates in California Are On The Rise In 2024: Here's Why

What you need to know about the recent California decision that will result in increased utility prices for PG&E customers in 2024.

A couple moves into their home. They are first-time homeowners and looking to build their first set of tools.
Toolkit for homeowners

Tools Every Homeowner Should Own

Homeownership offers freedom from renting and the chance to personalize your space, but it comes with the responsibility of maintenance. We're here to assist you on this journey!

Kids looking out a back door while it’s snowing, their parents have winterized their home
Winter is coming

How to Winterize Your Home or Apartment—For Renters

Even renters should winterize their spaces in coordination with landlords or building managers. This can prevent big emergencies and make winter more comfortable!

The woman stares out the winter window. She is a homeowner and is going to winterize her home
Winter is coming

Winterize Your Home: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Proper winterization not only ensures a cozy and comfortable living space during the colder months but also helps you save on energy bills and prevent costly repairs.

A man works on a ceiling fan, he is making it spin the right way so that it helps warm air move down to heat a space in winter.
Change directions, stay warm

Did You Know Your Ceiling Fan Can Keep You Warm Too?

This one simple trick can turn your ceiling fan into a heating helper.

A woman reads a book in a cozy outfit, she is bundling up to avoid using her HVAC system so she can save energy.
Heating sans HVAC

Cozy and Cost-Effective: Winter Warmth Hacks to Save Energy

Consider some energy-saving alternatives to your HVAC system for a snug and financially savvy winter.

The deregulated energy market and different incentives through the state and IRA offer Texans lots of opportunity to save.
Save big in Texas

Beyond The Inflation Reduction Act: A Texas Guide

The deregulated energy market and different incentives through the state and IRA offer Texans lots of opportunity to save.

A couple meets with a solar engineer, they are using the Inflation Reduction Act benefits to install solar at their home in Delaware
Delaware goes green

Beyond The Inflation Reduction Act: A Delaware Guide

Delaware is offering many options for both homeowners and renters to take advantage of the savings within the Inflation Reduction Act.

A Chicago skyline at sunset, Illinoisans are already taking advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act
A renewable Midwest

Beyond The Inflation Reduction Act: An Illinois Guide

Illinois is providing incentives, tax credits, and tax rebates to help residents modernize their homes and transportation for energy-efficiency.

Someone installing insulation in their attic. They have taken advantage of the Maryland specific incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act to afford it.
Tax rebates, yes please

Beyond The Inflation Reduction Act: A Maryland Guide

Maryland is making it easier for residents to access do things like improve their home’s sealing, install solar panels and more.

A skyline of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which will be using the Inflation Reduction Act to modernize their infrastructure
Get help going green

Beyond The Inflation Reduction Act: A Pennsylvania Guide

Pennsylvania is helping residents weatherize their homes, purchase EVs, upgrade their HVAC systems, and more to improve energy efficiency in the Keystone state.

A doorstopper product with foam on two sides of a door and cloth that slides underneath to create cheap and nice looking air sealing to make your home more energy efficient
Save energy for cheap

Cheap Tools & Quick Fixes to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Our top choices for quick and cheap ways to make your home more energy-efficient!

Electrification is key to achieving clean energy, and the Inflation Reduction Act helps homeowners and renters make the transition.
Electrification amped up

Understanding The Inflation Reduction Act for California

In California, the Inflation Reduction Act is designed to speed up the transition to a truly clean energy economy through a focus on electrification incentives.

New York is embracing incentives to capitalize on the Inflation Reduction Act
Save across the state

Beyond The Inflation Reduction Act: A New York Guide

New York offers a wide range of opportunities for home and lifestyle upgrades for homeowners and renters.

The Inflation Reduction Act aims to make homes more energy efficient with heat pumps, solar panels, and more.
So much savings

Understanding the Inflation Reduction Act for Homeowners and Renters

The Inflation Reduction Act is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make your home energy efficient and climate friendly. How it all works, though, can be confusing.

Cute kid dressed as a vampire for Halloween, used to demonstrate the very real thread of energy vampires, which are appliances that draw energy when not in use.
Cut off energy vampires

Do You Have Energy Vampires Lurking In Your Home?

Your guide to hunting down the energy vampire devices using power (and costing you money!) without your knowledge

A couple looks at a laptop together; they are researching what kind of rebates they may be eligible for under the Inflation Reduction Act for home improvement projects.
IRA money is coming

How Do You Get Home Improvement Rebates?

When can I get rebates through the Inflation Reduction Act and what should I be doing now to prepare?

A woman hang dries towels because she knows dryers take a lot of energy and she isn't a hurry to use these towels.
Make the switch

Energy-saving tips that’ll reduce your bill more than turning off the lights

Find out what contributes the most to your energy bill and what you can do to shave down costs

A father and his son do laundry together, choosing to wash their towels in cold water. Teaching the next generation energy efficient living habits is great.
Use more cold water

The Environmental, Financial, and Lifestyle Case for Cold Water

Using cold water when washing dishes, doing laundry, and even showering is great for your wallet and the environment.

Using a thermal imaging camera like the HIKMICRO Pocket 2 to do an energy audit
Win and save!

Win a HIKMIKRO Pocket 2 Thermal Imaging Camera and more

We're giving away a thermal imaging camera to help you spot those pesky energy leaks! Plus, a chance to win a smart thermostat and smart plugs, too!

Two people installing a heat pump, which is a dual system heating and cooling appliance that’s better for the environment and your wallet.
IRA for the win

How to Get Your New Heat Pump Paid for in Texas

How to get your heat pump paid for in Texas, it's easier than you think!

Changing the time of day you run your pool pump can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
Pump up the savings

High electric bill? Check your pool pump.

Changing the time of day you run your pool pump, or replacing it with a variable speed model, can save you hundreds of dollars a year.

A family spends time together during a blackout
Stay safe

8 Tips To Prepare Your Home For a Blackout

Caught in a blackout? Don't get left in the dark! Here are a few simple things you can do to prepare your home and your family for a summer power outage.

A woman looks at her high electric bill new york on her phone
Big Apple bills

Why Is My Electric Bill So High in New York?

Need help navigating rising electricity costs in New York? You're not alone! Here's the lowdown on what's happening — and what you can do about it

A family looks at their electric bill
Lone Star woes

Why Is My Electric Bill So High In Texas?

Energy prices are rising in Texas — here's a quick rundown to help you understand why, plus tips on how to manage electric bill increases this summer.

A phone shows the OhmConnect energy plan in Texas
A better way

How to Find The Best Energy Plans in Texas

Feeling lost on how to get the most from your electricity plan? Here’s everything you need to know to pick the best energy plan in Texas. Savings await!

A woman looks disappointed at her bills
Stay sharp

Protecting Yourself From Common Energy Bill Scams

Energy bill scams are on the rise, and it's wise to be cautious. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself against utility bill scams in 2023.

A graphic showing an electric cord tangled with an arm
Smaller bills in TX

How to Lower Your Electricity Bill in Texas

Energy bills going through the roof these days? We can help. Here are five tips to save money and energy while living in the Lone Star state.

An overhead shot of a neighborhood
Make a plan

A Quick Guide to Texas Energy Plans

Got questions when it comes to which energy plan to choose in Texas? Everything you need to know to make an informed decision about powering your home.

Are gas and electric the same bill? Let us help figure it out.
Get the facts

Are Gas and Electric the Same Bill? Debunking the Common Misconception

It's a question we hear a lot: "Are gas and electric the same bill?" It can be confusing! Let's get to the bottom of it and get you saving money, stat.

A woman works at a computer on her bed
You're gonna make it

4 Ways to Earn Extra Money in New York City

Looking for ways to earn extra money in NYC? We've got you covered with a few simple ways to supplement your income while living in the Big Apple.

A woman looks at a tablet computer on her bed
At your fingertips

5 Online Tools That Can Help You Save Money and Energy

Whether you’re looking to make some eco upgrades or simply looking to reduce your electricity bills — these simple online tools can help you get there!

An image of the exterior of buildings in New York City
Easier than you think

How to Have a Lower Electricity Bill in New York City

Looking for ways to lower your electric bill in NYC? We've got five tips to save money and energy while living in the Big Apple. They're easy peasy!

A piggy bank sits broken on top of a utility bill
Get what's yours

Electricity Prices Are Skyrocketing: How to Reclaim Your Money

If you're not part OhmConnect yet, you're missing out on the opportunity to earn back some of what you're paying each month for electricity.

A key and keychain in a lock showing an apartment
No permission needed

How to Save on Energy Costs When You're Renting

Wondering how to save money and electricity when you're renting? We've got 8 ways apartment and home renters can make their spaces more energy-efficient.

The average electric bill NYC can be smaller with a few changes
Bright lights, high bills

What’s the average electric bill in NYC?

Wondering if you’re paying more than your NYC neighbor for your home’s electricity? Discover how to not only pay less, but actually earn money for your energy.

Get an IRA rebate for remodeling
Why pay more?

IRA Rebates Are Coming Soon: Here's How You Can Take Advantage Through Home Electrification Projects

You may be eligible for an IRA rebate if you're electrifying your home! Make the most of the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) with our guide.

People working in a small business
Small changes

5 Ways For Small Businesses To Stop Wasting Electricity

Own a small business? You could be paying more in operating costs than you need to! Simple adjustments that can help the planet *and* your bottom line.

A family leaving on vacation
Nobody's home

4 Tips for Electric Bills Savings While On Vacation

Vacations are expensive enough as it is! Find out how to save electricity and money while away from home on vacation with these can't-miss tips.

Inflation Reduction Act tax credits will put more money in your account
Big savings ahead

Inflation Reduction Act Tax Credits: A Guide to Saving Money and Fighting Climate Change in 2023

Here's how the new Inflation Reduction Act's tax credits can help you save money at home or when you're on the go. Plus do something good for the planet!

A man holding up a sign saying how much money he saved on his electric bill
It's almost too easy

How to Hack Your Electric Bill & Save Money Every Month

“I don’t want a lower energy bill.” … said no one ever. Find out our favorite tips to save money on your electric bill, no hassle required.

5 Thrifty and Thoughtful Gift Ideas to Spare Your Wallet and the Planet This Holiday Season
The thought counts

5 Thrifty and Thoughtful Gift Ideas to Spare Your Wallet and the Planet This Holiday Season

Save money AND be the best gift giver this holiday season? We're in.

7 Ways to save energy and money this Thanksgiving
Let's talk turkey

7 Ways to save energy and money this Thanksgiving

Don’t let your hot oven heat up your energy bill too!

Energy bill up? Here's how electricity costs have changed over the past year
The meter's running

Energy bill up? Here's how electricity costs have changed over the past year

Utility bill costs are going up nationwide. OhmConnect analyzed data from the Energy Information Administration to examine the rising cost of residential electricity in the U.S.

17 Ways to Save on Energy Bills in 2022
Collect it all

17 Ways to Save on Energy Bills in 2022

Get help paying your electric bill with these money-saving tips

It’s time to chill your summer energy bill
Cold hard cash

It’s time to chill your summer energy bill

OhmConnect will help you reduce your energy use when it is most expensive with no cost and no risk.

How to pay less for electricity with Time of Use rates in 2022
Time is money

How to pay less for electricity with Time of Use rates in 2022

Learn the Time-of-Use hack that could save you a bundle on your energy bill

A man wonders why his electric bill is so high
What's up with that?

Why is My Electric Bill So High in California? (2023)

Live in California and struggling with a high electric bill? You're not alone, and there are ways to manage those electric bill increases this summer.

Keep cool and chill your bills
Cool cash club

Keep cool and chill your bills

No sweat savings for an expensive summer.

5 surprising ways to save money using smart devices
Bonus cash club

5 surprising ways to save money using smart devices

It’s not just saving electricity, though that works too.

how-to-reduce-your-energy-costs-using-smart-devices-this-summer
Don't touch that dial

How to reduce your energy costs using smart devices this summer

With inflation at historic highs, you need to have these tools to save your budget.

A couple looks at their California electric bill
Chill, bills!

5 hacks to lower your utility bill in California

Wondering how to lower your utility bill in California? We got you. Fight high heating and cooling costs with these tips to lower your energy bill.

How to make $30 referring friends and family from Texas
Share the love

How to make $30 referring friends and family from Texas

Since everything is bigger in Texas, we are offering Supersize Referral Rewards. If your Texas compadre signs up with your unique referral ID, you’ll get $30, and so will they!

How to Save Energy In The Fall and Winter
Stone cold savings

How to Save Energy In The Fall and Winter

Energy saving tips for colder weather

live-in-california-youre-eligible-to-claim-300-in-cash
Really free money

Live in California? You’re eligible to claim $300 in cash

Do you pay an energy bill? Then you could be earning money, right now.

What’s the difference between a rotating power outage and a PSPS?
Powerful knowledge

What’s the difference between a rotating power outage and a PSPS?

The low-down on Public Safety Power Shutoffs - why they happen and how you can prepare

12 Ways To Save Energy at Home During COVID-19
Small steps, big savings

12 Ways To Save Energy at Home During COVID-19

Simple tips to help manage your home energy usage and bills during this difficult time.

Time of use pricing can help you save money
Every minute counts

Timing is Everything - How Staggering Your Energy Use Could Save You a Bundle with Time of Use Pricing

The price of electricity can vary from day to day and even by hour. Use Time of Use Pricing to your advantage to lower your electric bill, fast.

The Clothesline Comeback
Been here for years

The Clothesline Comeback

Why more people are drying on the line

Spring Home Maintenance: Ways to Save Energy In The Spring
Spring into savings

Spring Home Maintenance: Ways to Save Energy In The Spring

Spring clean your energy bill with this energy saving, Spring home maintenance checklist.

13 Ways for Apartment Renters to Save Money on Energy
Efficiency efficiency

13 Ways for Apartment Renters to Save Money on Energy

Take control of your energy costs with these tips and tricks.

How to stop COVID-19 from hiking up your energy bill
Flatten the curve

How to stop COVID-19 from hiking up your energy bill

Tips to avoid a sky-high energy bill while we Shelter In Place.

Ideas for social distancing with kids
Don't go crazy

Ideas for social distancing with kids

Under quarantine? Social distancing? Here are 60 ways to spend time with kids while you’re in isolation.

A couple does the laundry in a washing machine
Lighten that mental load

6 Ways to Save Money Doing the Laundry

Looking to save money on laundry? We've got six laundry life hacks can save you time and soften your energy bill. (And no, you don't need to shower in your clothes!)

The Hidden Expense of Raising Kids That No Mom Blogs Tell You About
Don't be surprised

The Hidden Expense of Raising Kids That No Mom Blogs Tell You About

If you're not careful, the costs can add up in a BIG way.

Could you 'Marie Kondo' your power usage and shrink your energy bill?
Clear the clutter

Could you 'Marie Kondo' your power usage and shrink your energy bill?

Take a lesson from the queen of clean and tidy up your energy usage to pay less for power.

7 New Year’s Resolutions That’ll Make You Money & Help The Planet
New year, more money

7 New Year’s Resolutions That’ll Make You Money & Help The Planet

Happy New Year! Make this year’s resolutions count with goals that won’t just reward you but give the planet a high-five too.

Pocket $445 Per Year By Connecting Your OhmConnect Account With A Smart Thermostat
Get connected

Pocket $445 Per Year By Connecting Your OhmConnect Account With A Smart Thermostat

Thermostats that learn your habits, adjust accordingly and even participate in #OhmHours without you lifting a finger? Money. (Literally.)

9 Helpful Apps for Homeowners
Always in your pocket

9 Helpful Apps for Homeowners

Keep your bills in check, rent your extra space or get paid to save energy with the apps and services on this list

Apps that pay help you earn money even when you're on a walk
Go green, earn green

12 Apps That Pay For “Better” Lifestyle Choices

Apps that pay you! You're already going for a run, and turning off your lights when you leave the house - why not get paid for both of those actions?

11 Smart (& Easy!) Ways to Pay Less for Utilities
They're simple

11 Smart (& Easy!) Ways to Pay Less for Utilities

Most of us are overpaying for utilities - here's how to stop.

Two people get energy data with green button on a computer
Just a click away

Pushing The Green Button: How to Access Your Home’s Energy Data to Save (& Even Earn) Money

Imagine seeing your energy usage in near real time and being able to make immediate changes to improve efficiency. That’s the power of Green Button.

9 Tweaks That Can Net You an Extra $580 Per Month
Don't lose out

9 Tweaks That Can Net You an Extra $580 Per Month

Life hacks, budget boosters and apps that pay you.

Where Do The Prices Of Electricity Come From?
It's complicated

Where Do The Prices Of Electricity Come From?

Our electrical grid is a massive, constantly moving machine. Here we break down how it works, and why we pay what we pay for power.

Help the planet by getting out into the evironment
Go green, get green

How to Make Money Helping the Planet

Want to make money while helping the planet? Find out how you can add a little green to your bank account while also adding some green back into the environment.

A woman analyzes her electric bill to help her reduce carbon footprint
Push that green button

Got Your Utility Bill Handy? These Services Use Your Home’s Energy Data to Save You Money & Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Looking to reduce your home's carbon footprint? All you need to know is your SDG&E, SCE, SMUD, or PG&E login information and you’re set to go.

The dirty secret in your investment portfolio
Clean money

The dirty secret in your investment portfolio

New research shows your investment portfolio may have more of an impact on your carbon footprint than any other individual action - including having a child.

See how much you can save on electric bill
Thank us later

These 9 Bill Hacks Could Save on Electric ~$2000 Per Year

Want to save on your electric bill every month? Check out our favorite hacks to get paid hundreds of dollars, just for unplugging and being smart about your usage.