Your Electric Bills Are Likely to Skyrocket This Summer. Here Are 23 Ways to Save

Your Electric Bills Are Likely to Skyrocket This Summer. Here Are 23 Ways to Save

1 of 24 Alina Bradford/CNET

Stop spending so much on electricity

You've probably noticed that your gas and electric bills have been more costly than usual this year. According to the US Energy Information Administration, these electricity prices are only going to increase more significantly throughout the summer. 

In fact, the EIA estimates the Northeast regions could see a $100 increase in wholesale electricity over last year. And other regions across the country are seeing rising prices too. 

If you're looking for ways to cut down on utility costs, there are plenty of simple measures you can take to lower your energy bills from turning off the lights to doing laundry the cost-efficient way. Here are the top 23 ways to start saving now. 

2 of 24 Chris Monroe/CNET

Use your dishwasher

Dishwashers may use electricity, but they save more energy, money, water and time than washing dishes by hand.

According to the California Energy Commission, using an Energy Star-qualified dishwasher instead of hand washing can save you 5,000 gallons of water and $40 in utility costs each year, on average, not to mention 230 hours of your time.

3 of 24 Alina Bradford/CNET

Air-dry your dishes

Opt out of the heat-dry cycle on your dishwasher. Instead, crack open the door and let your dishes air-dry. If your dishwasher has an air-dry option, use that instead of heat-dry. 

Air drying plates can reduce your dishwasher's energy use by 15% to 50%, according to the California Energy Commission.

4 of 24 Chris Monroe/CNET

Get 'em clean

These dishwasher tips won't save electricity if you have to repeat loads because the dishes just won't get clean. That's why you need to make sure to load the dishes correctly.

For example, you should place plates in the bottom rack, bowls on the top rack and cups upside-down. Pots and other large items should be washed separately.

5 of 24 Taylor Martin/CNET

Use a fan

If you live in an area of the world where the summers are hot, turn on your ceiling fans instead of touching the thermostat. Using a ceiling fan can make a room feel 10 degrees Fahrenheit cooler, and a fan uses 10% of the energy that a central air conditioner does, according to the US Natural Resource Defense Council.

6 of 24 Alina Bradford/CNET

Use a smarter bulb

If you haven't switched to LED lighting, now is the time. The US Department of Energy says that LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy -- and last 25 times longer -- than incandescent lighting. That equals a lot of savings over time.

7 of 24 Chris Monroe/CNET

Use motion to stop waste

If you're constantly following family members from room to room and turning off lights behind them, a little automation can save you time and money. One solution could be motion detectors, like GE's LED Plus lineup or Ring's smart outdoor lights. They turn on when they sense someone's in the room and turn off when no movement is detected.

8 of 24 Sarah Tew/CNET

Turn off the burner a little early

According to the California Energy Commission, if you turn off the burner early, the stove will release enough heat to finish up whatever you're cooking and save electricity. This tip works for most dishes, though there are a few exceptions.

9 of 24 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Keep your oven closed

Every time you open an oven door while cooking, the internal temperature can drop 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The oven then has to use more electricity to bring the temperature back up. To save electricity, peek through the window and rely on the oven's light instead of opening the door.

12 of 24 Chris Monroe/CNET

Use a smart plug

You may think that your electronics and appliances are energy-efficient, but you might be using more electricity than you think.

The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini is a gadget that plugs into your wall; you can schedule it to turn your electronic devices on and off automatically.   

13 of 24 Sarah Tew/CNET

Put it on standby

Putting your electronics on standby saves more money than leaving them on 24/7, but it still uses a substantial amount of electricity. 

According to the US Department of Energy, electronics on standby account for 10% or more of your electricity bill.

14 of 24 Chris Monroe/CNET

Better yet, get a strip

One of the best ways to control these power wasters is by plugging them into a power strip or a smart outlet like the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip. 

Just switch the strip off or use the smart switch's app to turn off electricity guzzlers when you go to bed or you're not home. 

16 of 24 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Check your thermostat location

While you're considering a programmable thermostat, check your current thermostat's location. It could be on the wrong wall.

Drafts, direct sunlight and other factors can trigger your AC or furnace to kick on when it doesn't need to. Here's the perfect place to put your thermostat.

17 of 24 Alina Bradford/CNET

Baby your dryer

The California Energy Commission says that dryers use approximately 6% of a home's total electricity usage. You can help your dryer work more efficiently by keeping it clean, and emptying the lint trap after each load is one of the most important things you can do to stop a dryer from working harder than necessary. 

Here's more on how to deep-clean your dryer  and your dryer vent.

18 of 24 Chris Monroe/CNET

Go cold

Start using cold water when you wash laundry. Why? Because 90% of the electricity used to wash a load goes toward heating the water, according to Consumer Reports. 

The Alliance to Save Energy also says washing clothes in cold water can save you $63 a year on electricity bills. Most detergents are designed to work better in cold water, anyway, so this is an easy swap to make.

22 of 24 Alina Bradford/CNET

Switch out your showerhead

Switching to a 2.5-gallon-per-minute (low-flow) showerhead and taking a 10-minute shower not only saves you 5 gallons of water over taking a bath, it also saves up to $145 each year in electricity, according to Energy Star.

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Your Electric Bills Are Likely to Skyrocket This Summer. Here Are 23 Ways to Save

Your Electric Bills Are Likely to Skyrocket This Summer. Here Are 23 Ways to Save

1 of 24 Alina Bradford/CNET

Stop spending so much on electricity

You've probably noticed that your gas and electric bills have been more costly than usual this year. According to the US Energy Information Administration, these electricity prices are only going to increase more significantly throughout the summer. 

In fact, the EIA estimates the Northeast regions could see a $100 increase in wholesale electricity over last year. And other regions across the country are seeing rising prices too. 

If you're looking for ways to cut down on utility costs, there are plenty of simple measures you can take to lower your energy bills from turning off the lights to doing laundry the cost-efficient way. Here are the top 23 ways to start saving now. 

2 of 24 Chris Monroe/CNET

Use your dishwasher

Dishwashers may use electricity, but they save more energy, money, water and time than washing dishes by hand.

According to the California Energy Commission, using an Energy Star-qualified dishwasher instead of hand washing can save you 5,000 gallons of water and $40 in utility costs each year, on average, not to mention 230 hours of your time.

3 of 24 Alina Bradford/CNET

Air-dry your dishes

Opt out of the heat-dry cycle on your dishwasher. Instead, crack open the door and let your dishes air-dry. If your dishwasher has an air-dry option, use that instead of heat-dry. 

Air drying plates can reduce your dishwasher's energy use by 15% to 50%, according to the California Energy Commission.

4 of 24 Chris Monroe/CNET

Get 'em clean

These dishwasher tips won't save electricity if you have to repeat loads because the dishes just won't get clean. That's why you need to make sure to load the dishes correctly.

For example, you should place plates in the bottom rack, bowls on the top rack and cups upside-down. Pots and other large items should be washed separately.

5 of 24 Taylor Martin/CNET

Use a fan

If you live in an area of the world where the summers are hot, turn on your ceiling fans instead of touching the thermostat. Using a ceiling fan can make a room feel 10 degrees Fahrenheit cooler, and a fan uses 10% of the energy that a central air conditioner does, according to the US Natural Resource Defense Council.

6 of 24 Alina Bradford/CNET

Use a smarter bulb

If you haven't switched to LED lighting, now is the time. The US Department of Energy says that LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy -- and last 25 times longer -- than incandescent lighting. That equals a lot of savings over time.

7 of 24 Chris Monroe/CNET

Use motion to stop waste

If you're constantly following family members from room to room and turning off lights behind them, a little automation can save you time and money. One solution could be motion detectors, like GE's LED Plus lineup or Ring's smart outdoor lights. They turn on when they sense someone's in the room and turn off when no movement is detected.

8 of 24 Sarah Tew/CNET

Turn off the burner a little early

According to the California Energy Commission, if you turn off the burner early, the stove will release enough heat to finish up whatever you're cooking and save electricity. This tip works for most dishes, though there are a few exceptions.

9 of 24 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Keep your oven closed

Every time you open an oven door while cooking, the internal temperature can drop 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The oven then has to use more electricity to bring the temperature back up. To save electricity, peek through the window and rely on the oven's light instead of opening the door.

12 of 24 Chris Monroe/CNET

Use a smart plug

You may think that your electronics and appliances are energy-efficient, but you might be using more electricity than you think.

The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini is a gadget that plugs into your wall; you can schedule it to turn your electronic devices on and off automatically.   

13 of 24 Sarah Tew/CNET

Put it on standby

Putting your electronics on standby saves more money than leaving them on 24/7, but it still uses a substantial amount of electricity. 

According to the US Department of Energy, electronics on standby account for 10% or more of your electricity bill.

14 of 24 Chris Monroe/CNET

Better yet, get a strip

One of the best ways to control these power wasters is by plugging them into a power strip or a smart outlet like the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip. 

Just switch the strip off or use the smart switch's app to turn off electricity guzzlers when you go to bed or you're not home. 

16 of 24 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Check your thermostat location

While you're considering a programmable thermostat, check your current thermostat's location. It could be on the wrong wall.

Drafts, direct sunlight and other factors can trigger your AC or furnace to kick on when it doesn't need to. Here's the perfect place to put your thermostat.

17 of 24 Alina Bradford/CNET

Baby your dryer

The California Energy Commission says that dryers use approximately 6% of a home's total electricity usage. You can help your dryer work more efficiently by keeping it clean, and emptying the lint trap after each load is one of the most important things you can do to stop a dryer from working harder than necessary. 

Here's more on how to deep-clean your dryer  and your dryer vent.

18 of 24 Chris Monroe/CNET

Go cold

Start using cold water when you wash laundry. Why? Because 90% of the electricity used to wash a load goes toward heating the water, according to Consumer Reports. 

The Alliance to Save Energy also says washing clothes in cold water can save you $63 a year on electricity bills. Most detergents are designed to work better in cold water, anyway, so this is an easy swap to make.

22 of 24 Alina Bradford/CNET

Switch out your showerhead

Switching to a 2.5-gallon-per-minute (low-flow) showerhead and taking a 10-minute shower not only saves you 5 gallons of water over taking a bath, it also saves up to $145 each year in electricity, according to Energy Star.

---

Source

https://nichols.my.id/how-to-download-telegram-video.html

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Millions can't pay their car loans. Here's what to do if you're one of them

Millions can't pay their car loans. Here's what to do if you're one of them

If you've skipped a car payment or two recently -- or you worry you might have to miss an upcoming one -- you're not alone. Due to the coronavirus recession and record levels of unemployment, over 7% of all car loans in the US are currently in some sort of deferment program, according to recent data released by credit reporting agency TransUnion.

Typically, missing a car payment can damage your credit score or even lead to the bank repossessing your vehicle. However, in the wake of the recent economic turmoil brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, most lenders have streamlined their financial hardship programs and are willing to be a bit forgiving if you just ask for help.

But just like the help available with rent payments and unemployment benefits, you do have to ask. The worst thing you can do is ignore the problem and assume it'll work itself out on its own. (Scroll to the end for what else you should absolutely not do.)

Here's a look at the most current information and resources we could locate to help you deal with your car payment. We'll continue to update this story as new details emerge.

First, see what assistance your lender has to offer

You'll want to know what kinds of programs your bank, credit union or other auto loan provider may have available to you. Also, if there are any state laws that might offer some protections against repossession, you'll want to find out about those, too. 

Here are the most comprehensive resources we've been able to turn up to help with both. (If you don't see your lender on any of those lists, try contacting the company directly through its website or app.)

As businesses like this soda and candy shop in Asheville, North Carolina, start to reopen, you can bet repossession companies will be back to work, too.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Most repos occur after two or three months of no payments

If you've fallen behind (or you think you're going to fall behind) on your car payment for 90 days or longer, you may very well be at risk of having your car repossessed. Your lender may be more lenient if you've never missed a payment before, but the more often you've been late in the past, the sooner they might attempt repossession. 

One way around this, however, is a deferment or forbearance program.

What are auto loan deferment programs and how do they work?

Under normal circumstances, most lenders will report a late payment to the credit bureaus once it's at least 30 days overdue, and they'll typically come to take your vehicle away after you've missed three or more payments in a row. 

A deferment or forbearance allows you to skip between one and three payments with no late fees or penalties. After the deferment period ends, either your monthly payment will either go up slightly or your loan will be extended by about the same amount of time as the deferment.  

On the downside, interest will continue to accrue during the months you skip your payment, so you'll end up paying more for your vehicle in the long run. But on the plus side, your missed payments will not show up as negative marks on your credit report, so your credit score shouldn't take a hit.

How to talk to your bank about your options 

Most lenders' programs have been streamlined to be pretty simple to apply for. Fill out a form, possibly attach some documentation (termination letter, layoff notice, etc.), send it off to your lender and wait for an approval confirmation. If your bank doesn't have it set up that easy and you have no idea where to begin, the legal services website DoNotPay has a chatbot that can help you draft a letter to your lender.

That said, you can probably handle this on your own. Just be honest and forthcoming about your situation and realistic about how much time you'll need to get back on your feet. Generally speaking, banks would rather work with you and retain you as a customer than leave you stranded without a vehicle.

Ford is currently offering to pay six months' worth of new vehicle payments when you purchase a new car from the company.

Wayne Cunningham/CNET

What normally happens when you miss a car payment?

In most states, a lender, like your bank, can start the repossession process the day after you miss even just one payment, but most companies give their customers a grace period. Often the lender won't even charge a late fee until the payment is at least 10 days late, and most won't report it to the three major credit bureaus until it's over 30 days late. 

If you go past 30 days delinquent -- and especially if you miss the next two payments in your loan cycle as well -- that's where you start treading into repossession, or repo, territory. 

How repossession works 

In most cases, your lender will contract with a third-party agency that specializes in repossessions. That company will use whatever information it can get -- your home and work addresses, for example -- to track down the vehicle and tow it to a secured, usually gated lot. It does not need your car keys to take your car. 

The repo company will then charge your bank for towing the vehicle, as well as a daily storage fee, usually around $25 to $75 per day. Unless you happened to have left your keys in the car, the repo company will also contract a locksmith to make a new set of keys -- then charge your bank for that service, too. When all is said and done, you'll owe anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars in charges, which you'll still be liable for whether you get your car out of repo or not. 

If you quit paying your car payment, eventually a vehicle recovery service will come tow your car.

Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Are car repossession companies even open right now?

The auto repossession industry never quite figured out whether repo companies, many of which laid off dozens of employees early on in the pandemic, were even allowed to operate in areas under strict shelter-in-place orders. The Association of Credit and Collection Professionals, a lobbying group for debt collectors, has argued that debt collection is an essential service, but lawmakers have yet to chime in.

However, as most US cities are far along in the process of reopening and orders shuttering nonessential businesses have mostly been lifted, you can probably bet that repo companies will be up and running as soon as they can be.

Your rights vs. the bank's rights 

In pretty much every instance your bank does not need a court order to attempt to repossess your car. You can view a list of every state's specific automobile repossession laws here, but generally speaking, your lending institution (or a company it hires) has the right to come onto your property and take the car so long as no one commits a "breach of the peace."

That means its representatives can't break into a locked garage, through a locked gate or otherwise use physical force against you or your property to take possession of your vehicle. They can, however, follow you to work, for example, or the grocery store, and wait until you leave your car unattended. 

How to get your car out of repo -- and what happens if you don't 

What if it's too late and your car has already been repoed? Many states have laws on the books about how long and under what conditions lenders must allow you the opportunity to get your vehicle back, but the terms aren't exactly favorable, especially if you're in the kind of financial situation that led to repo in the first place.

Generally, the law only compels lenders to release your car if you pay off the loan plus any towing and storage charges that have accrued. In practice, however, most lenders are willing to give your car back if you can at least catch up with your late payments (and, of course, even up with the repo company as well). 

One option if you're struggling to pay your car payment is to try and sell your car for cash to pay off the loan, but that won't work if you owe more than the car is worth.

Sarah Tew/CNET

If you leave your vehicle in repo, either because you can't afford to get it out or you just decide it's not worth it, you're still not completely off the hook. The bank will likely auction off your car to the highest bidder, then apply the revenue from that sale to your remaining balance, including repossession charges. If that doesn't cover your entire debt, the bank can come after you for the remainder, including handing your account over to a collection agency and reporting the delinquency to the credit bureaus. 

You have a few wild-card options as well 

If you're at risk of having your car or truck repossessed, there are other options available besides deferment, but none quite as simple or easy. You could do what's called a "voluntary repossession," where you contact your lender and indicate your desire to turn your vehicle over to it. Your credit will take a hit and you'll be liable for any outstanding debt the bank fails to recoup at auction, but the overall impact to both your credit score and pocketbook will be less than if you wait for the bank to forcibly repo your car.

You can refinance your car for a lengthier loan term with a lower monthly payment, but that will only work if you've already paid off a substantial amount of the principal. If you've only had your car loan for a year or two, you might actually still owe more than it's worth. Also, your credit has to be good enough for a bank to underwrite a new loan for you, which may or may not be the case anymore. 

You could also try to sell your car on the open market, or trade it in for something less expensive, but again, with the economy now in a full-blown recession, neither of these options seems very compelling.

What you absolutely should not do 

Whatever you do, don't try to hide your car from your bank or the repo company. For one, you're probably not going to beat them at their own game, and the longer it takes to find it (and the more difficult you make it), the more they're going to charge you for their services in the end. 

Stop! Don't just sit back and wait until the bank repos your car. Be proactive and ask and your lender may be able to help.

Shara Tibken/CNET

And don't just stop paying your loan and hope for the best. Whether or not lawmakers decide the repo industry performs an "essential" function, or if the repo man has to wait for a treatment or vaccine like the rest of us before getting back to work, eventually your delinquency will catch up with you. With banks demonstrating some compassion right now for those who've suffered financial hardship, you might as well take advantage of one of their relief programs while you can. 

Chances are if you're worried about making your car payment, you have other bills keeping you up at night, too. Here's what you need to know about rent relief during the pandemic, as well as what assistance is available if you have a mortgage. For taxes, credit cards and everything else, here's what other financial help is available.

The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.

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Add these 19 things to your travel checklist before leaving the house add these 19 things to your travel checklist before death add these 19 things to your travel agency add 19 to the difference between 70 and 56 add 1952 plus 50 years add these 10 in demand add these figures add these fortnite bots add these minutes

Add These 19 Things to Your Travel Checklist Before Leaving on a Trip

Add These 19 Things to Your Travel Checklist Before Leaving on a Trip

This story is part of Home Tips, CNET's collection of practical advice for getting the most out of your home, inside and out.

As you count down the days to your end-of-summer trip, you might find your pre-vacation giddiness is actually overshadowed by stress. There's a heap of chores to manage before traveling: After you arrange your time out of office, you'll have to prep your home for your absence and make sure it's secure. Then there's figuring out what to pack, not to mention fitting it all into your suitcase.

But all those tricky logistics are so much easier to tackle once you've put together a comprehensive set of to-dos, along with a smart packing list.

The tips below will make your vacation a walk in the park. Or, preferably, a walk on the beach.

Packing list essentials most people don't think about

A few small additions to your suitcase can minimize hassle and maximize comfort when you're traveling. Here are some essentials you probably already have in your home. (If you're interested in bringing your computer or tablet on your trip, be sure to also check our list of must-have travel gadgets.)

1. Pack a reusable water bottle

With heat waves happening now, this one is a must — especially if you're not staying in an environment where free water is easily accessible. A hydration bladder (a pouch that fits in your backpack and sends water to your mouth via a long tube) is a handy option for more hiking-oriented trips, though keep in mind it's a little more complicated to clean. Either way, you need some sort of reusable vessel to keep you hydrated consistently. Otherwise you'll have to rely on buying water bottles, which is expensive in tourist hubs and not always feasible in more rural areas. Here's a list of our favorite water bottles for 2022. If your destination's tap water isn't drinkable, try a water bottle with a built-in filter. 

Hydrate or diedrate.

Paige Thies

2. Bring dryer sheets

Ironically, they're bad for your dryer. But dryer sheets will do wonders for your foul-smelling shoes. Bunch them up and stick them inside (or, for sandals, on top of the footbeds) before you go to bed. This will alleviate the stench that will inevitably accumulate after days of walking. Dryer sheets can also get rid of deodorant stains on clothes and flatten down your hair's flyaways. (Here are 20 unexpected ways that dryer sheets can come in handy.) 

Pack plastic shopping bags to keep dirty clothes from muddying up your clean ones.

mrs/Getty

3. Don't forget plastic bags

Nothing fancy, just the disposable grocery bags you stuffed in the back of your pantry. While they're not the most luxurious of travel take-alongs, plastic bags prove their usefulness in a number of situations. You can fold and stuff your already-worn outfits into plastic bags to partition dirty laundry from the rest of your suitcase and keep it from stinking up the rest of your clothes. They can also offer some temporary storage for wet swimsuits and grubby shoes. Plus, if there's any chance you'll be grocery shopping on your trip, you can reuse those plastic shopping bags in countries that ban stores from providing them or require stores to charge extra for them. 

Packing tips to fit more and travel easier

Once you've determined what to pack, next comes figuring out how to pack. Whether you're trying to squeeze your belongings into a compact carry-on or you're filling up a roomier suitcase you plan to check at the airport, packing strategically can maximize space in your luggage and make it easier to access the things you need most. 

4. Fold, roll and cube your clothes

Every traveler has their preferred method of packing clothes: Some fold their garments, others roll them into logs and still others flatten them into packing cubes. We recommend mixing these three strategies. Fold your more structured, bulky clothes: jeans, trousers, formal dresses and button-downs. Then roll up the rest of your garments and stuff them into the remaining gaps in your suitcase. For some extra flattening down, squeeze some of those rolled clothes into packing cubes.

Fold or roll? It depends on the garment you're dealing with.

Sellwell/Getty

5. Prepare for TSA

To bring a carry-on through security, you'll need easy access to your electronics and liquids so you can place them on the conveyor belt.Stick them in the top layer or outer pocket of your suitcase (or your allotted personal item). Otherwise, you'll have to jumble your perfect packing as you dig around for your laptop, stalling the line behind you in the process.

6. Put the most important things in your carry-on

When you check your luggage, you run the risk of losing it. That's why your carry-on or personal item is the optimal place for the essentials that would be most difficult to replace: your wallet, contact lenses, glasses, medication, electronics or anything you would hate to be stuck without for a few days.

7. Track your bags

To give your luggage some extra protection from loss and theft, outfit both your carry-on and checked bag with tracking devices, like Tiles or Apple AirTags. Knowing your suitcases' exact location will certainly save you some headaches if something goes awry: AirTags enabled Ross Feinstein, of CNET's sibling site The Points Guy, to find his missing bag and board a connecting flight on time. 

8. Leave luggage wiggle room if necessary

Is there a chance you'll hit the shops or bring back some souvenirs? As you're loading up your luggage, take into account any extra space you might need on the way back. You don't want to end up in a situation in which you've bought, say, a fabulous pair of pants at your destination, but your suitcase is so stuffed you have to consider sacrificing some other belongings in order to make them fit. (True story.)

Pre-vacation home checklist 

Handling some quick chores before you leave will help ensure that you'll come back to find your home just as you left it. Check out our full list of pre-vacation household tasks.

It's important to unplug your appliances while you're gone because some of them drain electricity even when they're turned off.

Sarah Tew/CNET

9. Unplug your electronics

This will lower your energy bill and reduce the risk of electrical fires. Before you depart, unplug your appliances, lamps, chargers, routers, computers and TVs. 

10. Lock your windows

In addition to triple-checking all your doors, make sure you secure your windows, the next easiest entry point for thieves. Better yet, a smart lock can alert you when a window is unlocked and allow you to lock it remotely.

11. Put timers on your lights

To make it look like you're home, plug light timers into your outlets or install a remotely controllable smart bulb. Set your indoor lights to turn on and off as they normally would, and set your outdoor lights to turn on at night. 

12. Keep your plants alive while you're away

Don't doom them to wither in your absence. You can fashion a drip system out of a plastic water bottle by filling it with water, drilling some holes toward the top, turning it over and tucking it into the soil deep enough that the holes are covered. For big pots, water-filled wine bottles work well. (There's no need to drill any extra drainage holes: Just leave the bottle open.) For more ideas, check out our guide to helping your plants thrive while you're away.

With this plant-friendly hack, there's no need to spend money on watering globes.

Chris Parker/CNET

13. Stay cool

It's possible to keep the summer heat out of your home without running up your electric bill. Close your shades if you're in a sunny area, and run a dehumidifier if your local weather calls for it. Set your thermostat 5 degrees higher than you normally keep it, or get a smart thermostat that you can set to vacation mode. 

Figure out how your phone will work abroad

If you keep your phone's default settings while traveling abroad, it won't work the same way. At least, not without your provider slapping hefty international charges onto your phone bill. 

14. Sort out your SIM situation

To get the full range of calling, SMS texting and data, you'll need to get another SIM card that's supported abroad. Some newer phones have eSIM technology that lets you do this digitally, but many still require you to physically remove your SIM card and replace it with another.

With eSIM support becoming increasingly common with newer phones, physical cards will soon be a thing of the past.

Jason Cipriani/CNET

15. Know where to get a SIM if necessary

International airports typically have counters or self-serve kiosks where you can buy prepaid local SIM cards once you get to your destination. But if you'd rather figure it out in advance and have service right as your plane touches down, CNET has previously recommended KnowRoaming, which now offers eSIMs.

16. Let your contacts know what's happening

With a new phone number comes potential snafus you'll want to anticipate. If you don't want to deal with texting your contacts from a number they won't recognize, let them know you'll be going abroad and tell them to reach you on apps like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp, which just use data.

17. Work around two-factor authentication obstacles

You might need to access services or accounts that require two-factor authentication to log in. Before you go, make sure the authentication method is set to email instead of your phone number. 

Stash money safely while traveling

Your mind is often in a million places at once as you're traveling, so it's all too easy to let your guard down and lose track of your money. With a bit of planning ahead, you can dramatically reduce the likelihood of your funds getting lost or pickpocketed. 

18. Don't be an easy target

Stuff your cash in a money belt or fanny pack, which makes it far more difficult to steal than a tote or the outer pocket of a backpack. 

Fanny packs and money belts keep your money easily accessible (but not to pickpockets).

grandriver/Getty Images

19. Hide your money

Avoid putting all your eggs in one basket... or all your funds in one place. Stick an extra card in your carry-on or some small bills in a second wallet. That way, if you lose one bag or wallet, you're not stuck penniless. (Just make sure you remember all your hiding places; maybe keep track of them in a password-protected note on your phone.)

Looking for more travel tips ahead of your next vacation? These features on Google Maps and Google Flights will help you save money and find your way around. Here are seven gadgets we recommend packing, along with our staff's favorite carry-on luggage. Plus, elevate your travel photography with these 12 pro tips.

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This Common Cooking Habit Is Ramping Up Your Electric Bill

This Common Cooking Habit Is Ramping Up Your Electric Bill

This story is part of Home Tips, CNET's collection of practical advice for getting the most out of your home, inside and out.

It's summer, and Americans are dealing with rising inflation, high gas prices and now, skyrocketing electric bills. With all of that going on, you might be looking for ways to cut down on your spending at home. Look no further than your stovetop. While using the stove probably seems foolproof, you might be missing a simple thing that can save you money on your electric bill over time: Matching your pot size to the burner size.

Turns out putting a small pot on a large burner is probably costing you. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy found that putting a 6-inch pan on an 8-inch burner, for example, wastes over 40% of the heat created by the burner. Using the right size pot or pan can actually save you around $36 a year if you use an electric range and $18 a year for a gas range.

Read more: Best Nonstick Frying Pans, Tested and Reviewed

Another cooking tip that can save you money: If you keep a lid on your pans while cooking, you can set a lower temperature on your stove, and can decrease your energy use by up to 66%. 

So the next time you shop for pots and pans (check out our picks for the best cookware sets, the best stainless steel skillets and the best Dutch ovens), make sure you buy them in sizes that correspond with your burner sizes. Until then, try to match your pot size to burner size as closely as possible.

For more ways to save money at home, check out how much you can save by unplugging your unused appliances, shopping online instead of at the grocery store and buying meal kits instead of groceries. 

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Battery Backup vs. Generator: Which Backup Power Source Is Best for You?

Battery Backup vs. Generator: Which Backup Power Source Is Best for You?

When you live somewhere with extreme weather or regular power outages, it's a good idea to have a backup power source for your home. There are various types of backup power systems on the market, but each serves the same primary purpose: keeping your lights and appliances on when the power goes out.

It might be a good year to look into backup power: Much of North America is at an elevated risk of blackout this summer thanks to an ongoing drought and expected higher than average temperatures, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation said Wednesday. Parts of the United States, from Michigan down to the Gulf Coast, are at a high risk making blackouts even more likely. 

The SaveOnEnergy marketplace helps you search, compare, sign up and save on the right energy fit for your home — all for free. If you're interested in solar, answer a few questions to get an exact price quote from our solar advisors.

In the past, fuel-powered standby generators (also known as whole house generators) have dominated the backup power supply market, but reports of risk of carbon monoxide poisoning have led many to search for alternatives. Battery backups have emerged as a more eco-friendly and potentially safer option to conventional generators. 

Despite performing the same function, battery backups and generators are different devices. Each one has a particular set of advantages and disadvantages, which we'll cover in the following comparison guide. Keep reading to find out about the main differences between battery backups and generators and decide which option is right for you.

Cynthia R Matonhodze/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Battery backups

Home battery backup systems, such as the Tesla Powerwall or the LG Chem RESU, store energy, which you can use to power your house during an outage. Battery backups run on electricity, either from your home solar system or the electrical grid. As a result, they're much better for the environment than fuel-powered generators. They're also better for your wallet.

Separately, if you have a time-of-use utility plan, you can use a battery backup system to save money on your energy bills. Instead of paying high electricity rates during peak usage hours, you can use energy from your battery backup to power your home. In off-peak hours, you can use your electricity as normal -- but at a cheaper rate.

LifestyleVisuals/Getty Images

Generators

On the other hand, standby generators connect to your home's electrical panel and kick on automatically when the power goes out. Generators run on fuel to keep your electricity on during an outage -- typically natural gas, liquid propane or diesel. Other generators have a "dual fuel" feature, meaning that they can run on either natural gas or liquid propane.

Certain natural gas and propane generators can connect to your home's gas line or propane tank, so there's no need to refill them manually. Diesel generators, however, will need to be topped up in order to keep running.

Battery backup vs. generator: How do they compare?

Pricing

In terms of cost, battery backups are the pricier option upfront. But generators need fuel to run, which means that you'll spend more over time to maintain a steady fuel supply. 

With battery backups, you'll need to pay for the backup battery system upfront, as well as installation costs (each of which are in the thousands). Exact pricing will vary based on which battery model you choose and how many of them you need to power your home. However, it's common for an average-sized home battery backup system to run between $10,000 and $20,000.

For generators, the upfront costs are slightly lower. On average, the price of purchasing and installing a standby generator can range from $7,000 to $15,000. However, remember that generators require fuel to run, which will increase your operating expenses. The specific costs will depend on a few factors, including the size of your generator, which type of fuel it uses and the amount of fuel used to run it.

Installation

Battery backups earn a slight edge in this category since they can be mounted to the wall or floor, whereas generator installations require a bit of additional work. Regardless, you'll need to hire a professional for either type of installation, both of which will require a full day of work and may cost several thousand dollars.

Aside from setting up the device itself, installing a generator also requires pouring a concrete slab, connecting the generator to a dedicated fuel source and installing a transfer switch.

Maintenance

Battery backups are the clear winner in this category. They're quiet, run independently, don't produce any emissions and don't require any ongoing maintenance.

On the other hand, generators can be quite noisy and disruptive when they're in use. They also emit exhaust or fumes, depending on which type of fuel they use to run -- which may irritate you or your neighbors.

Keeping your home powered

As far as how long they can keep your home powered, standby generators easily outperform battery backups. As long as you have enough fuel, generators can run continuously for up to three weeks at a time (if necessary).

That's simply not the case with battery backups. Let's use the Tesla Powerwall as an example. It has 13.5 kilowatt-hours of storage capacity, which can provide power for a few hours on its own. You can get extra power out of them if they're part of a solar panel system or if you use multiple batteries in a single system.

Expected lifespan and warranty

In most cases, battery backups come with longer warranties than standby generators. However, these warranties are measured in different ways.

Over time, battery backup systems lose the ability to hold a charge, much like phones and laptops. For that reason, battery backups include an end-of-warranty capacity rating, which measures how effective a battery will hold a charge by the end of its warranty period. In Tesla's case, the company guarantees that the Powerwall battery should retain 70% of its capacity by the end of its 10-year warranty.

Some backup battery manufacturers also offer a "throughput" warranty. This is the number of cycles, hours or energy output (known as "throughput") that a company guarantees on its battery.

With standby generators, it's easier to estimate lifespan. Good-quality generators can run for 3,000 hours, as long as they're well maintained. Therefore, if you run your generator for 150 hours per year, then it should last about 20 years.

Which one is right for you?

Across most categories, battery backup systems come out on top. In short, they're better for the environment, easier to install and cheaper to run long-term. Plus, they have longer warranties than standby generators.

With that said, traditional generators can be a good option in some cases. Unlike battery backups, you only need a single generator to restore power in an outage, which brings down the upfront costs. Plus, standby generators can last longer than battery backup systems in a single session. As a result, they'll be a safer bet if the power is out for days at a time.

Explore more home energy topics

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