All Posts

Here at OhmConnect (like at most startups) things move quickly as we adapt to customer feedback and cues from the market. We like to think we’re constantly evolving and improving and our product team is regularly coming out with ideas for new features we can offer.

A couple screwing in their new LED lights, which are more versatile, energy-efficient and budget-smart.

Lighting

Bills

LEDs over incandescents

Understanding the New Lightbulb Guidance: Out With Incandescents and in With LED Lightbulbs

Why you should only buy LED light bulbs and what the new Biden administration rules mean for you.

Kelsey Bourgeois

September 14, 2023

A woman wearing a red coat is charging her electric vehicle while out and about, as many renters do!

Electric Cars

Inflation Reduction Act

Electrification

EVs for renters

How to Navigate Going Electric for Renters: Understanding Electric Vehicles

Relieving charging anxiety for EV owners who rent

Siboney Winter

September 8, 2023

Solar Panels

Savings on savings

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?

How much solar panels cost depends on how many you need, what rebates are available, and how and where you’ll be installing them.

Steve Hansen

September 4, 2023

Our first electric car is a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4

Electric Cars

It’s electric!

What I learned buying my first electric car

Buying your first electric car can seem overwhelming, but with some research and some rebates, it’s a great time to be shopping.

Andrew Zoellner

September 1, 2023

Solar canopies installed over parking in the Netherlands

Solar Panels

Make it happen

The enormous potential of solar canopies

Solar canopies simply structures that uses solar panels to generate electricity while also creating shade and protection for your parked car.

Steve Hansen

August 23, 2023

A SunPower energy storage system in a garage.

Battery Storage

Bills

Harness the sun

Embrace the Power of Energy Storage: 6 Reasons Every Homeowner Should Consider It

Discover the six reasons every homeowner should be considering investing in an energy storage system and find out if the technology is right for you.

Katie Overmonds

August 18, 2023

Solar Panels

Let the sun shine

Embrace a Brighter Future: Why You Should Choose a Renewable Energy Plan in Texas

Discover the power of choice! Learn why opting for a renewable energy plan in Texas, with a nod to OhmConnect Energy, is a bright idea for your wallet and the planet.

Katie Overmonds

August 16, 2023

A full dishwasher, as pictured here, is best for dishwasher energy use

Appliances

Kitchen

Save, don’t scrub

The Dishwasher Energy Use Guide: Saving Money and the Planet

Your guide to all things energy efficient dishwashers

Katie Overmonds

August 10, 2023

Having a backup power source to keep your home running during a power outage is critical.

Battery Storage

Weather

Big, big batteries

What Backup Power Source Should You Use?

A backup power source, whether it’s a generator, grid-connected battery, a portable power bank, or a combination of those, is increasingly important during extreme weather.

Steve Hansen

July 31, 2023

Solar Panels

Mo' sunny, mo' money

Considering Adding Solar Panels To Your Home?

Adding solar panels to your home can be a smart move with a host of benefits, but there are a few things to think about before jumping into installation.

Steve Hansen

July 17, 2023

A Ford F-150 Lightning powers a construction site

Electric Cars

Plug it in

The Future Is Now: Electric Cars That Can Power Your Home

The future is now! Your car could soon power your home. Unleash the power of electric vehicles as PG&E partners with BMW for vehicle-to-everything testing.

Katie Overmonds

June 2, 2023

These Father's Day gift ideas are sure to please

Tech

Dad deserves it

5 Energy-Saving Father's Day Gift Ideas for Dad in 2023

Still on the hunt for the perfect gift for Father's Day? Help Dad save energy at home (and money) this year with these energy-efficient gift ideas!

Kimberly Hutchings

June 1, 2023

Smart Plugs

It's upgrade time

PSA: It's Time to Recycle Your Old Wemo Smart Plugs (If You Haven’t Already)

Need another reason to switch to an OhmPlug? There’s a problem with the Wemo Smart Plug Mini V2, and Belkin isn’t going to fix it. Upgrade time!

Guest Author

May 16, 2023

The best father's day gifts you can purchase online

Tech

Carbon Footprint

Because he deserves it

Best Father’s Day Gifts for the Tech Enthusiast Dad in 2023

Looking for the perfect Father's Day gift for your tech enthusiast dad? Check out this roundup of the smart home best gifts for dad in 2023.

Katie Overmonds

May 15, 2023

A smart fridge is a great way to save energy

Appliances

Kitchen

Cool savings inside

What is a smart fridge, and should you invest in one?

Want the scoop on smart fridges and how they can save you energy and money on your next electrical bill? Here's everything you need to know.

Kimberly Hutchings

April 24, 2023

A woman loads her energy efficient dishwasher

Appliances

Kitchen

Save money and time

A Guide to Energy-Efficient Dishwashers

Looking for the most energy efficient dishwashers to save money? We've got everything you need to know to get squeaky clean while staying green.

Kimberly Hutchings

April 24, 2023

Solar Panels

Battery Storage

Sunny days ahead

How Solar Battery Storage Can Help You Earn Money

Get rewarded for creating a more sustainable grid with OhmConnect and SunPower's solar battery storage. We break down all the savings for you!

Kimberly Hutchings

April 17, 2023

A man looks at a smart plug and his OhmConnect app

Smart Plugs

Make the investment

Meet the $11 Smart Plug That Could Save You $27 Every Year!

Here's how I "smartened" up my apartment, helped the planet and saved on my electricity bill with an OhmPlug smart plug. Cost $11, saves me $27 annually!

Kimberly Hutchings

April 5, 2023

Lighting

Bright ideas ahead

Bright Ideas For Your Home: The Best Smart LED Light Bulbs in 2023

Feeling left in the dark? Here's everything you need to know to make the switch to smart LED light bulbs in your home this year, saving money and energy.

Kimberly Hutchings

March 16, 2023

gas stoves are more dangerous than we think

Appliances

Kitchen

Let's settle the debate

Let’s Settle the Debate: Are Gas Stoves as Bad as They're Made Out to Be?

Are gas stoves bad? For my health? For the environment? For my kids? We've got all the latest news you can use. Here's what researchers are saying.

Kimberly Hutchings

January 18, 2023

What to know when you want to buy electric car

Electric Cars

Smart Money

Get the goods

4 Things to Know Before Buying an Electric Vehicle (EV)

Considering buying an electric vehicle (EV) in 2023? Here are four things you should know and keep in mind before you make your next big purchase.

Kimberly Hutchings

January 5, 2023

A refrigerator smart plug can alert you to issues with your refrigerator

Smart Plugs

Kitchen

It's just smart

Why It’s Time to Put a Smart Plug on Your Refrigerator

Putting a smart plug on your refrigerator yet? If not, meet the smart home hack OhmConnect members use to rack up big energy savings and even earn rewards.

Kevin Hoffman

April 26, 2022

Smart Plugs

Get smart with plugs

Smart Plug Life Hacks to Make Your Home More Efficient and Just Plain More Fun

Is a smart plug your home's best friend yet? It should be! Save electricity and money with some strategically placed smart plugs. We've got the tips!

Katie Overmonds

October 5, 2021

How to save energy while working from home

Bills

Stack on savings

How to save energy while working from home

Flexible hours and no commute can be good for your mental health, and your pocketbook

Katie Overmonds

August 21, 2020

Thermostats

HVAC hack

Smart Thermostats 101: All You Need To Know To Upgrade & Save On Your Energy Bill

Why you need a smart thermostat (if you don’t already have one) and how IT can pay YOU for your energy

Maria Belenky

June 29, 2018

These Devices Mean You Can Crush Your OhmHours Without Lifting A Finger

Tech

Keep it simple

These Smart Home Devices Mean You Can Crush Your OhmHours Without Lifting A Finger

‘Set it and forget it’ with smart home devices.

Sophie Lubin

April 26, 2018

Are Electric Vehicles Always Cleaner Than Gas Cars?

Electric Cars

Fossil-fuel free

Are Electric Vehicles Always Cleaner Than Gas Cars?

No brainer, right? … Or is it?

Max Dunn

April 9, 2018

Making Your Home a Smart Home Has Never Been Easier or Cheaper

Tech

Join the fun

Making Your Home a Smart Home Has Never Been Easier or Cheaper

OhmConnect has partnered with Hive to give you 20% off a Smart Home Starter Pack.

Katie Overmonds

March 16, 2018

TP-Link Smart Plug on a wall. What's the best place to put my smart plug? We'll let you know.

Smart Plugs

Smart Money

Location, location, location

Where’s the best place to put my smart plugs?

High five, you! You got a smartplug, an easy way to save energy and money every month. Now we want to help you be smart about where you put it.

Katie Overmonds

March 4, 2018

Solar Panels

Carbon Footprint

Get the facts

What Are the Pros and Cons of Installing Solar Panels?

Installing solar panels on your home can be a smart choice but before investing in solar, it’s important to consider both the pros and cons.

Kyle Pennell

February 18, 2018

Tech

Future is now

The Future Is Now With Home Automation. But What Is It & Why Do We Need It?

Wherever you decide to start, a small investment in some smart home technology will help you take the first step towards simplifying your home and your life – and you'll save more than just time. ‍

Katie Overmonds

February 1, 2018

Solar Panels

Battery Storage

Sunshine is free

Why Did Solar Panels Get So Cheap in the Past 20 Years?

Since 2010 alone, the cost of installed solar has dropped 70 percent. But how did solar panels get so cheap? And what does the future of solar look like?

Kyle Pennell

January 16, 2018

Tech

Circle of tech

The Silver Lining to America’s Tech Obsession

Smartphones and tablets keep getting smaller, replacing energy-hogging TVs and PCs while saving on raw materials

Katie Overmonds

January 11, 2018

A technician works on a mini-split, which is a ductless AC unit that is often used in retrofitting homes with AC that didn’t have it originally.

Air Conditioning

What AC to get

What's the Difference Between A Mini-Split and A Heat Pump?

The differences between a regular heat pump and a mini-split and the ideal uses for each.

Steve Hansen

September 20, 2023

A drought-tolerant landscape at sunset. There are native plants and part of a home. This landscape is designed to conserve water.

Landscaping

Water Conservation

Save water, save money

How to Create a Drought-Tolerant Landscape

A step-by-step guide for creating a home landscape that requires minimal water.

Leon Hordijk

September 19, 2023

A heat pump outside a home after a snow storm

Heating

Air Conditioning

Pump it up

Do Heat Pumps Work in Cold Climates? Maine Says Yes!

Do heat pumps work in cold climates? There's a new answer!

Daren Wang

September 11, 2023

Heating

New tech, old backup

What Is A Dual-Fuel Heating System

A duel fuel heating system uses both a heat pump and a fossil-fuel furnace to keep your home warm.

Steve Hansen

September 6, 2023

A father and daughter reviewing their refrigerator contents together, the full fridge is best for energy efficiency.

Kitchen

Cool for less

The Refrigerator Energy Use Guide - Saving Money and the Planet

Your guide to all things energy efficient refrigerators

Kelsey Bourgeois

September 5, 2023

Sunlight on wooden stair steps show high quality healthy finishes in a home.

Air Quality

Ban bad air

Ditch Microplastics and Embrace Sustainable Finishes in Your Home

Your guide to healthy and sustainable finishes, including avoiding microplastics and VOCs

Justin Wolf

August 29, 2023

Heating

Hot alternatives

Will My Furnace Work When the Power Is Out?

When electric power goes out for days and even weeks at a time, we all have to consider how we’ll keep our furnace going or find other ways to heat and cool.

Steve Hansen

August 25, 2023

A leaking water heater means it’s time for replacement.

Water Heaters

Water heater world

Should I Replace My Water Heater?

Water heaters don’t have a particularly long lifespan. If yours is around 10 years old, it’s wise to consider replacing it, and with rebates, you should definitely consider a heat pump water heater.

Steve Hansen

August 24, 2023

Learn how to heat my house when the grid goes down

Heating

Back it up

How Do I Heat My House When the Grid Goes Down?

Losing your electric power is inconvenient for a few hours, but it can also be quite dangerous if you lose your heating system in the winter months. So what can you do to prepare?

Steve Hansen

August 22, 2023

Laundry Room

Dry baby, dry!

Maximizing Efficiency and Savings with Your Electric Dryer: An Energy Guide

Unlock energy-saving secrets for your electric dryer! Learn efficient usage, lifespan, upgrades, and smart tips to cut costs and boost sustainability.

Katie Overmonds

August 18, 2023

Washing machine energy use improves with a full load, as shown here

Laundry Room

Appliances

Laundry 101

The Washing Machine Energy Use Guide: Saving Money and the Planet

Your guide to all things energy efficient washing machines

Katie Overmonds

August 10, 2023

Geothermal Energy and Ground Source Heat: A Sustainable Solution for Your Home

Ground-source heat pumps harness the thermal mass of the earth to heat and cool homes.

Daren Wang

August 4, 2023

Air Conditioning

Variable speed, baby

What to look for in an energy-efficient window air conditioner

There are good options for temporary window air conditioners available for nearly anyone and any window. Look for Energy Star ratings, and pay attention to CEER and think about paying extra for inverter technology.

Andrew Zoellner

July 24, 2023

Electrification

Be prepared

What to do during a long power outage

Power outages are on the rise as our energy grid is under increasing stress. Here are some tips to make sure you stay safe during a long power outage.

Katie Overmonds

July 24, 2023

power outage resetting a circuit breaker

When the lights go out: Making the most of a short power outage

Whether it’s an hour or a day long, it’s never a bad idea to be prepared for what to do during a power outage

Katie Overmonds

July 17, 2023

Heat pump condenser outside in Southwest

Heating

Electrification

Inflation Reduction Act

Heat pumps are cool

Electric Heat Pump Conversion: What to Consider

Upgrading to a heat pump for heating and cooling makes sense economically and for the environment, but what else do you need to know?

Justin Wolf

July 17, 2023

Kitchen

Cool eats

7 Summertime Tips To Keep Your Kitchen Comfortably Cool Without Running Up Your Energy Bill

Stay cool and save money! From meal planning to air-drying, follow this step-by-step recipe to prepare your kitchen for summer energy savings.

Kimberly Hutchings

June 23, 2023

Air Quality

Climate

Save the children

How to protect yourself and your family from wildfire smoke

As climate change increases the risk of wildfires around the globe, use this guide to keep your family safe from the impacts of secondhand smoke

Katie Overmonds

June 9, 2023

Close the blinds to cool down a room without AC

Air Conditioning

Cool your bills, stat

How To Keep Cool Without Air-Conditioning This Summer

Electricity prices are high: don't waste money on AC this summer. We've got four simple tricks to help beat the heat without breaking the bank!

Kimberly Hutchings

June 7, 2023

A child eats a popsicle to keep cool without AC

Air Conditioning

Smart Money

Beat the heat

10 Top Rated Amazon Items to Keep You Cool Without AC

Don't swelter in the heat this summer. Get some relief and stay cool with these 10 top-rated products on Amazon. Perfect if you don't have AC!

Curtis Tongue

May 12, 2023

Windows

Doors

See clearly

Energy Efficient Windows: A Smart Choice for a Greener Home

Looking for a home upgrade that won't just increase curb appeal but help lower your monthly energy costs too? Look no further than energy efficient windows

Katie Overmonds

April 25, 2023