How to Choose a Clean Energy Provider for Your Texas Home or Business

Published on: 30 December 2020 Last Updated on: 12 September 2024

Keeping Texas clean is a priority for most Texans. Clean energy is one way to do that. Choosing clean energy helps lower carbon emissions, which helps to slow climate change. It also lowers overall energy costs and helps create a steady energy supply in the future.

It can be cumbersome to sort through all the information on the internet to find an energy provider who uses renewable sources. Having a general idea of where to start and what you are looking for can really help you figure out what energy company to go with as you try to use clean energy in your home or business. You can find cheap energy companies in Texas and compare energy rates by making good use of energy comparison websites.

Understand Clean Energy

Clean energy, also called renewable energy, is generated from naturally replenished sources. These sources include solar energy, wind, water, nuclear, bioenergy, and geothermal sources. All of these energy sources are practically limitless instead of fossil fuels, which can take billions of years to renew.

When looking for a clean energy provider, it is good to start by looking at their energy sources. If they mention a specific kind of renewable source, it is safe to go with that option. You must be sure where your energy is coming from if clean energy is essential to you.

Make sure you don’t just take them for their word if they use buzzwords like “clean energy” in their marketing materials. Companies may get a small amount of their energy from renewable sources so that they can make that claim. However, it would be best if you went for a company that gets at least 50 percent of its energy from renewable sources if you want your energy source choice to make a meaningful impact on the environment.

Find Providers Near You

When searching for a clean energy provider, the first step is to determine what companies provide energy services for your area. Unfortunately, some more rural areas may not have the option to choose a clean energy provider. For locations with that option, search for “clean power companies in Texas,” like Chariot Energy or a comparable source to power your home or business. With any power company you find, make sure that they are rated for both business and residential areas.

Investigate Your Options

Find out what companies provide energy services for your area. Look for their story and see how long they have been working in clean energy. Look for businesses they work with and investors or politicians they have ties to. Their associations can tell you a lot about how serious the company is about clean energy.

You should also look up independent sources to get ratings on their clean energy track record. Search for individual companies on independent review websites and the Better Business Bureau to get an accurate idea of what they truly stand for. You also want to make sure they have an excellent customer service track record.

Compare Offers and Plans

Once you have decided on the power company you want to use, you will have to compare its plans. Some companies offer “green pricing,” which allows customers to pay a premium to use only clean energy. This premium helps companies with the added costs of switching to green energy and with the addition of other clean energy sources to their mix.

Suppose you can’t find a company that offers clean energy, or you want to give a little extra help to the industry as a whole. In that case, you can also purchase green certificates, which help companies around the country transition to clean energy.

The Texas Choice

Deciding to move to clean energy is good for the environment and good for Texas. It can be confusing to sort through all the information out there, but if you stay organized and sort through the data in smaller chunks, you can find the right energy company. It can save you money and save the wide-open spaces of Texas in the process.

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An Ultimate Guide To Instant Hot Water Dispensers

Ultimate Guide for Instant Hot Water Dispensers

Having hot water ready and waiting can make everyday life much easier. But heating tanks of water that mostly sit idle wastes energy. This is where on-demand hot water dispensers excel. They provide instant hot water as needed without standby energy losses. However, installing an efficient hot water system in your home or office lets you enjoy this convenience sustainably. Therefore, read on to learn what makes tankless water heaters eco-friendly and how to pick the best model to maximize energy savings. Why Instant Systems Beat Tanks Standard hot water tanks heat and store 30-50 gallons of water constantly. This maintains availability but isn't efficient. The standby energy needed to keep large volumes hot all day adds up. However, the US Department of Energy estimates tank water heating accounts for 18% of home energy bills on average. Enhancing your home's efficiency and saving on energy bills becomes a breeze with hot water dispensers, particularly the instant or tankless variety. Instant or tankless water heaters avoid this waste by heating water directly on demand instead of storing hot water. Compact and wall-mounted, they detect when a tap is opened. However, an internal heating element quickly warms the water flowing through to the desired temperature only as needed. Top benefits of instant dispensers include: Energy savings from not heating excess stored water Continuous hot water - it never runs out with an endless supply. Compact size takes up less space Long lifespan of up to 20 years with no tank corrosion Lower monthly bills and environmental impact Tankless instant systems can reduce household hot water heating costs by 30% or more. Key Factors When Selecting An Eco-Friendly System With so many instant heater models available, it's helpful to understand which features impact energy efficiency: Energy factor – A higher rating means greater efficiency. Look for 0.95 or more. Flow rate – GPM determines how much hot water is produced per minute. Higher is better for larger homes. Temperature settings – Lower heat settings use less energy. Models with a range are the most flexible. Safety controls – Sensors that modulate power use based on demand improve efficiency. Size – Right-sized units are most efficient. Undersized heaters have to work harder. Energy sources – Electricity or gas. Electricity offers environmental benefits. Buying the correctly sized hot water dispensers with an energy-efficient design maximizes potential savings. Read Also: Pros And Cons Of Mini Splits For Cooling Tips For Maximizing Efficiency Beyond choosing a quality efficient instant water heater, certain usage habits also optimize savings: Set temperature only as hot as needed Insulate pipes to reduce standby losses Schedule a vacation mode to save energy when away Limit excessively long showers that deplete capacity Have the unit flushed and maintained yearly Consider adding a recirculation pump if distances from taps are long Proper installation and maintenance ensure your system runs at peak efficiency for the long term. Smart Technology Provides Added Control Advanced instant water heaters offer built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and smart features. These provide greater control and customization for increased efficiency. Look for models with: Remote temperature adjustments via phone app Voice activation through virtual assistants Usage tracking to identify savings opportunities Away modes to conserve energy when traveling Diagnostic alerts to prevent issues causing waste Smart water heating provides detailed insights and controls at your fingertips, wherever you are. Winterizing Your Instant System In cold climates, taking steps to winterize instant water heaters prevents energy waste and damage from freezing. This may involve: Installing indoor models in conditioned utility rooms Insulating outdoor water lines and pipes Setting a vacation mode low temperature Adding antifreeze formulas to the system Draining water and blowing air through pipes before hard freezes Maintaining optimal airflow around outdoor wall-mounted units A frozen broken water heater wastes all the energy it took to produce and install it. Proper seasonal maintenance sustains energy efficiency. An Eco-Friendly Solution For Hot Water Needs Instant tankless water heating systems represent a sustainable upgrade from outdated storage tank heaters. Their compact on-demand operation slashes energy consumption and bills. Choosing Energy Star-certified models sized for your household with high-efficiency ratings and smart capabilities optimizes savings. With some energy-conserving usage habits, you can enjoy endless hot water with minimal environmental impact. Advanced Installation And Maintenance Tips Proper installation and maintenance help ensure your instant hot water system operates safely and efficiently. Hire qualified professionals for complex venting and wiring needs Follow all local building codes and permit requirements Insulate connecting pipes to prevent heat loss Flush annually to prevent scale buildup reducing efficiency Check the energy guide sticker to confirm optimal electricity amperage Keep intake openings clear to allow proper airflow Vacuum exhaust ducts to remove accumulated dust Replace water filters as needed Regular maintenance prevents future issues that could compromise energy performance. Additional Energy And Cost-Saving Strategies Beyond the instant water heater itself, completing your system with certain components increases efficiency: Recirculation pump - Circulates hot water through pipes back to the heater so it's instantly available at taps. Drain water heat recovery - Recovers heat from draining water to pre-heat cold supply water entering the system. Solar pre-heating - Solar collectors warm up cold water before it enters the instant heater, reducing the electricity needed. Insulated pipes - Limit standby heat loss from pipes between heater and fixtures. Low-flow fixtures - Reduce water demand so the heater doesn't have to work as hard. Layering on complementary energy-smart devices and practices amplifies your instant hot water system's eco-benefits. Frequently Asked Questions What maintenance do instant water heaters require? Annual flushing of the heat exchanger and checking electric connections, temperature settings, and airflow around the unit are essential. Filters should be changed following the manufacturer's guidelines, typically around once a year. Do instant heaters work well in cold climates? Yes, but outdoor pipes and units need insulation and proper air sealing. Some installations in northern regions place heaters in utility rooms instead of mounting them outside. How difficult is it to install an instant hot water system? It's recommended to hire a professional for the complex venting and electrical work unless you are very experienced. Typical installs take a full day. Final Thoughts Tankless instant hot water dispensers provide an energy-efficient and sustainable upgrade from outdated tank heaters. Combined with eco-friendly usage habits and proper maintenance, they deliver significant cost savings and environmental benefits. Adopting a whole-system approach maximizes efficiency. Read Also : Know Why Content Marketing Is Important For SEO 4 Points To Consider When Creating A Great Content Marketing Strategy Today How To Deal With Debt By Doing Business Marketing Smartly?

What You Should Know about Solar Energy for Schools Benefits

The use of solar energy has grown by leaps and bounds in recent times, and now, you don't just see it in residential or commercial buildings any longer – solar panel systems are now being utilised for more schools as well. The government encourages this growth and has even come up with its own form of support for schools and other educational institutions wanting to go solar. There are indeed a lot of benefits brought by having your own solar energy, but what else can you expect from it? How can you make sure that your solar investment is fully utilised? Here's everything you need to know about solar energy for schools: benefits, expectations, and more. How you can save on expenses – and earn: With solar energy, there are three ways through which you can save and earn on your expenses. One way is with your actual usage of energy from the grid. Since you produce your own energy, your energy usage from the grid will go down, thus resulting in lower electricity bills. The second way is through what you can earn based on the electricity your panels can produce. This the Feed In Tariff. The third way through which you can save and make money is when you get paid for whatever electricity isn’t used by your school. This is referred to as the Export Tariff. Will the sun be enough? This is one of the more common questions asked by many, and the answer is a simple yes. There is enough sun, even in the UK, for your solar panel system to work – and work well, at that. Although bright sunlight is always best in regard to solar energy, your solar panel system will continue to produce energy even when the days are cloudy. For every 1 kilowatt of solar panel installed, you can expect to produce an average of between 750 to 900-kilowatt hours of energy. If you are located in the south, your system will generate even more. Is it the best solution for my school? Granted, while a solar energy system is generally a good and worthwhile investment, you still have to be sure that it’s the right solution for your school, as experts in solar in Cheshire like Atlantic Renewables attest. Many of the schools in the UK are suitable, however. For instance, does your school have a roof that is flat or pitched and is the roof facing south-east, south-west, or south? If it is, that's already good news. Also, if you don't have any buildings or trees shadowing your roof, this is a good sign as well. You should also have a strong roof, although most roofs are already strong enough to hold solar panels. How to pay for it: There are different things you can do to help you pay for a solar panel system for your school, one of which is help from your local education authority. You can ask them to provide you with the capital you need at a very low or even zero rate of interest. Another way through which you can finance your solar panel system is to go to your local council. Community funding is also possible, and you may be surprised at how many communities have already worked together to bring a solar energy system to fruition for schools. Read Also: Ready Rooftops – How To Install Solar Panels Prepare Your Solar Panels For The Fall

Safeguard Your Loved Ones Against the Dangers of Radon Gas

Radon Gas is one extremely harmful elements present in our environment that cannot be seen, is odorless and also tasteless. It is the end result of decaying uranium in the ground that ultimately takes the shape of gas and gets emitted into the air above the ground. Essentially, radon is harmless when it remains outdoors, but after seeping inside any construction it leaves a long-term negative impact. If the required preventive measures aren't taken, the gas gets accumulated at a dangerously high concentration. This radiation is actually the number one cause of lung cancer in the United States for nonsmokers. And overall, it ranks being the number 2 cause of lung cancer in Canada and the US. Therefore, you must protect your family and your loved ones against the terror of this deadly and unseen menace. Radon Testing Testing for radon, including both the DIY and professional support ways, is a pretty easy and straightforward process. 1. DIY Radon Gas Test Kits : The DIY radon gas kits used for short-term testing are charcoal-based where a canister collects the particles of radon present in the air of a particular environment. The exposure period usually ranges from 48 hours to 72 hours. While the kit does its job, you are supposed to follow a few important steps. While testing, make sure to keep all the doors and windows closed for as long as possible. This will allow the apparatus to get the most precise readings. In the end, the entire kit is sealed, a few forms are to be filled and then the user has to courier the complete package back to the (authentic) testing laboratory where the results will be compiled. All the accumulated radon particles will be tested by the experts and a detailed report will be prepared to be sent to the user. DIY Test Kits - Why Should You Buy? These kits are easily available online as well as offline stores. They are very much affordable and a user can test the concentrations himself. Such kits are ideal when you are doubtful about the situation but don't really want to invest a fortune into professional services. Exposure time is also manageable and at the end, you get expert suggestions about the circumstances. There's optimal accuracy maintained and that's what you may even long for! You must also know that if you get precise results only then it will benefit the whole situation. Results that are achieved at the end form the basis for preventive measures that you might have to apply in case of higher concentrations. However, in case the levels appear safe and under the accepted levels, there's nothing else you will have to worry about. Electronic Radon Gas Detectors : These are electronic radon monitors that keep a check on the radon levels in your house. Such detectors are power or battery operated. The results are readily available, without wasting any time you can take the preventive measures and results too can be achieved on the spot. The hassle to courier a package and wait for the results gets avoided as the electric radon gas detector brings out precise readings right after the exposure time ends. Click here to know more about electronic radon monitors Electric Radon Gas Detection Monitors - Why Should You Buy? These devices administer only professional and advanced technology to help you keep the dangerous radon gas away. A radon detector can be useful in both home constructions as well as commercial properties. So, once you have the accurate results, you can take corrective steps to disperse the gas out of your property. On the basis of the readings you get, a radon mitigation plan is to be laid out for your home. And it is only in this manner that you become both an informed citizen of the nation along with being a responsible member of your family as well as the society. You will be able to take the next steps i.e. how to make your home radon-free! Radon Mitigation System When the test results report of any unsafe levels of radon gas inside your home, you will have to address the problem. In fact, address the problem as soon as possible. Contact a specialist or do it yourself if you are confident enough to be able to fix all the loopholes. However, an expert can actually help you in installing the right type of radon mitigation systems. A radon reduction system that cannot perform aptly is of no use. So, depending upon the kind of construction your home has, a multiple numbers of options will easily be made available by the professionals. The most prevalent option is the sub-slab depressurization along with sub-membrane depressurization. It is ideal for homes, basements as well as crawlspaces. 1.Sub Slab Depressurization Method : This method involves the drilling of a hole into the floor of your home's foundation and scooping underneath a slight cavity. A pump is then connected to this drilled out hole to vacuum radon gas before it can even break out and start causing harm to the members in the house. Even the other organic contaminants are pulled out from below to vent out the dangers present in your house. 2. Sub Membrane Depressurization Method : This method is actually similar to the method mentioned above. However, the only difference lies is in the membrane that is installed above the ground as opposed to a cavity being created in the other method. In fact, the membrane is fitted right above the floor of the crawlspace, so the radon gas can easily be trapped and be vented out of the house. The gas is extracted out in a similar manner as above; there just isn't a slab but a membrane. One can consider any of the mentioned ways to get rid of radon gas from your home. But you'll have to ensure that radon must be released at a place where it will not cause any further damage to the people or animals. Radon mitigation isn't a one for all kind of treatment. And every house needs its own tailor-made preventive measures. It may or may not be the job for a DIYer. From targeting the entry points of the radon gas to sealing all those spots, it is a pretty important process. One must have the needed skills, the absolute presence of mind and knowledge to ensure the safety of all the members in the family. If you aren't sure how to go about, contact any professional radon inspector. But, if you are knowledgeable enough to restrict the flow of gas in your property, then go ahead and save your loved ones. Read More : First Home Renovation Ideas And Tips What Are Renewable Sources And How To Introduce Them Into Your Household? Additional Ways To Keep Your Home Warm Image Source: http://cancercarenews.ca/

How to Choose a Clean Energy Provider for Your Texas Home or Business

Understand Clean Energy

Find Providers Near You

Investigate Your Options

Compare Offers and Plans

The Texas Choice

Solar Battery System Types – AC Vs DC-coupled

Everything You Need To Know About Mobile Solar Generators

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Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Ultimate Guide for Instant Hot Water Dispensers

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Safeguard Your Loved Ones Against the Dangers of Radon Gas

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The Texas Choice

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Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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