Texans have the highest average electricity bill in the United States (thanks, summer heat). Despite that, we also have some of the best options for electricity. Options means competition, and competition means great deals. Here is how to find the cheapest electricity company in Texas.

Understand Deregulation In Texas

In 2002 Texas decided to deregulate its electricity markets. This allowed for consumers, like you, to shop between different providers to find the right deal for them. Because everyone needs electricity, these providers had to get competitive with their deals and plans. To help you find the cheapest electricity in Texas, you should first understand what different plans actually mean.

Understand Common Electricity Plans In Texas

With such tough competition, electric companies have come up with a ton of different plans to help them compete for your business. Before you compare plans, you should know that electricity is billed by the kilowatt hour. Like buying gas at the pump, the price you pay will vary; Sometimes you might pay more for a kilowatt hour, and sometimes you might pay less. The price will change depending on a wide range of factors, one of which being the type of plan you have.

Fixed-Rate Plan

You pay a fixed amount per kilowatt hour for the duration of the plan. This can be a good way to get low rates, but will typically require you to lock into a contract.

Variable-Rate Plans

With a variable-rate electric plan, the amount you pay per kilowatt hour will vary depending on the market. This is a great plan if you need month-to-month flexibility. However, it can mean very expensive electricity during summer months, when all of us Texans are running our AC 24/7.

Prepaid Plans

If you are looking to avoid contracts and deposits, a prepaid plan might be right for you. These plans typically don’t require any contract, credit check, or deposit. You simply pay for an amount of electricity, and then you use it. When you need more, you will need to purchase more.

Time Of Use Plans

If you’re in Texas, you’ve probably heard a commercial for these types of plans. They are plans that offer “Free nights,” “free weeks,” or “free highest seven days” plans. If you are a big user of off-peak electricity, then these plans can be amazing options.

Average Billing Plans

In Texas, we use a lot of electricity in the summer months. Not only are we running the AC constantly, but we’re trapped inside so we’re also using our TV and computers to help keep us entertained. When demand goes up, so does the cost per kilowatt hour. Average billing helps remove the pain of seasonal spikes. With average billing you will pay an average amount each month, instead of the actual amount.

For example, the electric company will add up your last 12 months of usage, then divide that number by 12. This amount will be your monthly billed amount.

Renewable Plans

Houston is the energy capital, and Texas certainly has a close relationship with fossil fuels, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of green energy providers. With the freedom to choose, you can find electricity providers that offer energy generated from renewable sources.

Solar Plans

Texas is hot and sunny. Especially if you are living in west Texas. That means that it can be a great state for solar panels. While solar panels do carry an expensive upfront cost, they can pay for themselves. Many local governments offer rebates for solar panels and excess electricity can be sold back.

Know Your Electricity Usage

Most of the electricity used in Texas goes to industrial uses. Texas households consume about 14% less than the average U.S. household. Texans can expect an average annual electric bill of $1,801, which is around $150 a month. This is consistent with other states that have extremely hot summers, like Florida.

Where does the average household in Texas use electricity?

• 22% Space heating
• 15% Air conditioning
• 19% Water heating
• 41% Appliances, electronics, and lighting

Knowing how much you use will help you pick a plan that lets you pay in the smartest way possible. For example, if you live alone and work at an office during the day, then most of your electricity consumption will be at night and on weekends. Finding a “Free nights and weekends” plan could mean your bills stay very small.

Shop Your Options

With so many electricity companies and so many plans, it can get overwhelming to research and compare your options. Don’t do it by hand. Let a computer do it. More specifically, let our computers do it. We’ve already gathered all the information you could want and made it easy to find the best electric company in your area.

Electricity Use In Texas Fun Facts

Texas is the largest electricity generating and consumer state in the US and has an average price of kilowatt hour of 11.82 cents. Part of the reason our cost is so low is because Texas is a top producer of crude oil and natural gas. In fact, Texas provides 41% of the nation's crude oil.

Despite the amount of fossil fuels Texas creates, it leads the nation in wind-power. In 2019, Texas generated 28% of the entire U.S. wind-powered electricity.

Are you looking for cheap cable TV, but you don’t have it in the budget to sign up with one of those premium packages? You’re in good company. We’ll explore some of the best options to cheaply get access to cable tv.

Over The Air (OTA) Cable

One of the cheapest ways to watch TV is through the use of an antenna to capture over-the-air channels. All that is required for this option is an antenna; no sign up, no contracts, and no monthly fees. The big downside is that you are limited to what channels you can receive, and if you live far away from the transmitter tower, you might not receive anything at all.

Streaming Cable Options

Steaming is a great way to supplement the channels you receive through your antenna. They come with a monthly subscription fee, but can dramatically expand how many shows you can watch.

Hulu

Cost: $5.99 - $11.99
What do you get: With the basic package, you will get access to their entire library of content. This library has some classics and some Hulu originals, as well as full length movies. That said, you don’t get live TV. You might get access to some of your favorite shows and their current season, but you will usually get it the day after it airs, so brace yourself for spoilers.

Sling

Cost: $30.00 - $45.00
What do you get: When you sign up with Sling, you can choose either the Blue or Orange package (or both). Each comes with a different selection channels. You will roughly 45 channels (depending on the package), including the local NBC and Fox affiliate. Another nice perk of Sling is the inclusion of 10 hours of recording using the cloud DVR.

Philo

Cost: $20
What do you get: Philo offers one of the largest collection of channels, around 60, at a great price. You have access to some of the popular channels like A&E, Discovery, and Nickelodeon. That said, you won’t get local channels or sports channels.

AT&T Watch TV

Cost: $15.00
What do you get: Think of this as the lite version of AT&T’s Direct TV service. You get much fewer channels, around 37, and you don’t get any of the local channels. The nice thing about this package is you can still get some premium channels that other streaming services don’t offer, like Boomerang and TruTV.

One important thing to note is that while the monthly fees are low, to stream content you need a fast internet connection. For a good internet connection you could easily pay $60 a month. Add a streaming service of two on top of that and you are paying well over $100 a month.

Bundle Cable and Internet Options

If you liked the offerings of the streaming services, consider looking at internet and basic cable bundles. These packages can be a more cost effective way of getting access to your favorite channels and internet access.In fact, in many cases, it is cheaper to get TV and internet together, than it would be to get just television on its own.

In one analysis of over 300 packages, the researchers found that the average price of a TV and Internet bundle was $107.00 and gave access to around 237 channels.

Shop Around

Before you pick a plan for watching content, make sure you shop around. Comparing cable providers will not only help you find the best deal, but it will also help you make sure you’re getting the channels you really want. Shopping around will also help you catch any promotional packages that are being offered.

We’ve all seen the cliche scene of someone adjusting a rabbit-ear antenna and smacking the top of a tiny TV in an attempt to get a signal from the static. Antennas are a joke, right?

Hardly. In the age of cord cutting, indoor TV antennas are making a comeback. Not only are they cheap, but they let you get dozens of free local television channels in HDTV quality. Of course, the number of channels you get depends on the quality of your signal.

Here are tips for how to boost your indoor TV antenna signal.

Pick The Right Location

Where you choose to place the antenna in your home will dramatically impact the quality and number of channels you receive. You might want the antenna neatly hidden behind your TV, but the lack of windows, thick walls, or how internal a room is could all limit your antenna’s reception.

Place It By The Window

As a general rule, the less material between your antenna and the outside world, the better. Because of this, placing your antenna against a window will often improve the antenna signal.

Face It Towards Transmitter Towers

The TV signal comes from transmitter towers. Facing your antenna towards the tower will help it better receive the signal. I can hear you asking “How do I know where the transmitter tower is?” Try a website called Station Finder to figure out where you should angle your antenna.

Place The Antenna As High As Possible

The higher the antenna, the less obstructions between the antenna and the tower. If you can mount it at the top of a window, you will likely get a better signal than laying it on the floor. If you have a second story in your house, even better.

As a tip, you could even consider mounting your indoor antenna in a skylight or in the attic. I know the attic ruins the “place by a window” rule, but it can help for some locations.

Use A High Quality Coaxial Cable

The coaxial cable is what connects your antenna to the television. You could be getting a great signal, but the signal isn’t making it to the TV to create a good quality reception. For each foot of cable that the signal must travel through the coaxial cable, some of the quality is lost. You can minimize this by using a high quality cable. Look for an RG6 cable with solid copper for the best possible results.

Rescan Regularly

Rescanning will help you find new channels and help ensure that your antenna is looking in the right place for your existing channels. From time to time, stations will move or change frequencies. You want to make sure that your antenna is using the best frequency for the given channel.

Purchase An Amplifier

An amplifier does exactly what you think it does; It boosts your antenna signal so that it can pick up on transmissions that are further away.

Getting Desperate?

Here are some tips that might look ugly… but can help you out if you just need to catch your favorite show and nothing else is working.

Add Metal

Okay, going back to that dated image of someone using a rabbit ear antenna… you might remember crumpled up tinfoil on those rabbit ears. If you do, it is because it worked. And it will still work for your modern tv antenna. If you have a metal antenna, adding metal to it will further extend the surface area through which it can receive signals. This could be as basic as attaching a coat hanger… or as sophisticated as using copper tape to turn your entire attic into an antenna extension.

Add A Reflector

You’ve seen a satellite dish before, right? The dish portion is known as a reflector. It helps to “catch” the transmission and focus it back towards the antenna. Depending on how desperate you are, you could use something like a metallic pie tin to act as a reflector for your antenna. If you have more time, then you could try to make something with a wooden frame and chicken wire.

Unplug Your Amazon Fire Stick or Google Chromecast

Other devices can cause interference with the signal, so by turning them off or removing them, you might be able to reduce this interference. Smart-tv devices are common culprits, but in dire straights, you might want to try any electronic device that is on and near your antenna.

Scout Security is perfect for people who want a DIY home security system and don’t want to spend a ton of money on equipment or monitoring. In fact, that is basically their origin story. The founder was looking to secure his own home and saw how difficult and expensive it could be. As a result, he launched a crowdfunding campaign to pre-sell their devices.

They’ve come a long way since then, but their mission has remained the same; Create a home security system that is smart, simple and affordable.

Quick Look At Scout

If you’re busy and just want the quick overview of Scout Security, here is what you should know:

• They are great for DIY home security installation.
• They offer plenty of security devices to cover your home.
• The cost of devices is standard, but their monthly monitoring is very affordable ($19.99).
• They play well with other smart devices and voice assistants.
• Their app lets you customize how your system responds to any triggered alarm.

Scout Security Devices

There are four main things I love about Scout’s home security devices:

Easy to install. The entire system is wireless, which is a critical criteria for anyone looking to install a home security system themselves. This means no ripping up drywall, no need to hire electricians, and no need to run conduit. You simply place the device in the monitoring location and it talks to the Scout Hub through your WiFi network.
Great Selection. Because Scout is made for the DIYer, you can completely customize your equipment configuration, and they have plenty of home security devices to choose from. The one required component is the Scout Hub. It acts as the “brains” of the system. It connects with your router to monitor all your devices, but also had battery 4G cellular backup included, in case there is a power outage. Beyond that, you can add anything you can think of:

1. Door panels
2. Access Sensors
3. Motion Sensors
4. Cameras
5. Video Doorbell
6. Keypads
7. Smoke Alarms
8. Water Sensors
9. Glass Break Sensor
10. Smart Locks

You get the idea. No matter what your house is like, Scout will have the devices to help ensure you’re covered.

Beautiful Design. You can choose from two different color themes with Scout devices: Arctic or Midnight. Arctic is a sleek white theme and Midnight is black. However, both themes look like something Apple would design, with simple design and smooth edges, which will look great in any home. Aesthetics aside, the design is also incredibly durable and sturdy. With some DIY home security solutions, the devices can feel fragile or cheap, but Scout’s sensors have the heft you want for something that is supposed to be protecting your home. In fact, the devices are so sturdy, they come with a 3-year warranty.

Made For Smart Homes. Candidly, this is my favorite aspect about Scout’s home security system. One of the appeals of a smart home is that all of the devices speak to and coordinate with one another. When I leave my house, I want it to automatically arm itself. I want the AC to turn up. I want my laundry to automatically start. Maybe that last one is asking too much, but you get the dream.

Scout Security Pricing

Device pricing is comparable to other DIY home security systems, but where Scout’s pricing really shines is in its monthly plans.

There are two plans: Always On and Always On +.

Always On: This is the self monitoring plan and includes the 4G LTE back-up and unlimited notifications (email, push notifications, SMS, and phone calls). There is no annual contract. It’s priced at $9.99 a month.

Always On +: This version includes everything from the Always On version and 24/7 professional monitoring. It’s priced at $19.99 a month, but also doesn’t require any contract.

If you want even more discounts, and don’t mind a contract, then you can save 10% on the fee. This makes Scout one of the cheapest home security systems with professional monitoring.

Scout Security’s Mobile App

Regardless of if you go the self-monitoring route or the professional route, a great security system has to have a great mobile app, and Scout’s is definitely solid. The app allows you to arm and disarm from anywhere, livestream from the cameras, and set some smart rules for how the system should behave. For example:

• How the security system should respond in certain situations;
• Set locations and context-based modes;
• Create a network of people that Scout should contact in case an alarm is tripped and you are unreachable.

In short, the app will give you all the control you need to effectively monitor your home and manage any alerts that get triggered.

Home security systems can be expensive. You have to purchase or rent the equipment, you have to pay to get it installed, and then… the biggest bill of all… you have to pay for monthly monitoring. Luckily, there are a number of new security systems that you can install and monitor yourself, giving you all the safety but without the monthly fees and long-term contracts.

Best DIY Install Home Security System

Our Pick: SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe was made for DIYers. We really loved two key things about each of their devices:

It is all wireless. You don’t need to rip open drywall or hire an electrician to set up your home. All you will need is a wifi network in place and the SimpliSafe keypad. As you install items, you will pair them with the base station. It is that simple.
All devices have both sticky adhesive, for temporary installation, and screws for more permanent installation. This means that you don’t even need to own a screwdriver to install Simplisafe. It also means that if you are a renter, you can still use the system to protect your family and belongings.

Installation doesn’t get easier or faster than SimpliSafe. The devices are also relatively cheap to purchase and you don’t have to use their professional monitoring.

So, what’s the catch?

Depending on the quality of your wifi network, some devices might have a harder time consistently reporting to the base station. In one of your tests, we noticed that the smartlock would have a hard time reporting, causing it to not automatically lock or be difficult to unlock even with a key. Another issue is that the quality of the devices wasn’t as strong as some of the competitors; specifically using their security cameras as external cameras. The cameras rely on wired power sources, meaning you would need to still drill a hole to power the cable… and the cable can be unplugged pretty easily. Which feels like that could be a vulnerability.

Best No Contract Home Security System

Our Pick: Abode

Abode is an amazing choice for any smart home enthusiast who wants all their things to integrate with one another. Their basic package comes with a nice set of options (siren, keyfob, door and window sensors), but they offer plenty of add-ons.

If you are going the self-monitor route, then you want to be able to easily see what is going on at home and receive proactive alerts should something go wrong. The Adobe app is great, plus the system integrates well with other smart home systems, like HUE, Yale, and hundreds of others.

They offer two plans, a free self-monitoring plan, or a stand plan for $6. With this standard plan, you get access to more advanced home automation features.

One thing we didn’t like was that you needed to upgrade to the premium plan in order to get cellular and power backups. This means that if you are self-monitoring and your network or power goes down, your house is exposed.

Best Self Monitoring Home Security System

Our Pick: Vivint

We looked at the most popular home security options these days, comparing the quality of their devices, how easy they are to install, and how well they maintain their connectivity to a wifi or cellular network. We also wanted to see how nicely the system would play with our smart home and work with other, third-party, devices.

Our winner was Vivint. We picked them because they offered a wide range of equipment, like entry sensors, doorbell cameras, motion sensors, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors… basically anything you need. Their devices don’t stop at security. Vivint offers other smart home automation devices, like smart thermostats and base stations. You can control all of this through their app, or through a voice assistant like Google or Alexa.

Vivint includes installation of these devices with their purchase. That does mean that the initial cost can be high, but the quality is unmatched.

Best Self Monitoring Security Camera System

Our Pick: Canary

Canary is an all-in-one smart security camera. It is a single device that will watch your home and send alerts to your phone if it detects motion.

We loved how easy it was to set up (literally just plug it in and connect to the network) and the quality of the camera is great, especially the night vision. If you purchase multiple cameras, you can monitor them all from the app. If the camera does detect something, you receive a push notification and then can view your room live. From there, you can talk through the camera, sound the built in alarm, or call emergency services. This convenience makes self-monitoring super easy.

The camera will also detect things like air quality, humidity, and temperature -- which is a lot for such a small and affordable device. This is a great option for anyone who is a renter.

What didn’t we like? For as much as this little device does, it is just one device. There are some things it cannot monitor, like entryways, so if you want to cover your entire house, you will need one device per room or area you wish to monitor.

A home invader's first point A home invader's first point of entry will always be your doors, but I bet you can guess their second favorite. That’s right: windows. Windows are a popular choice for burglars because they are more vulnerable than doors. People forgot to close or lock them and they can be easily broken and then crawled through. Here are some tips to burglar-proof your windows.

Remove The Opportunity

Burglars look for convenient opportunities. They want to minimize risk while maximizing their potential haul. The more inconvenient you can make your home, the less likely you are to become a victim. This sounds crazy, but one of the simplest things you can do is to make sure you close and lock all your windows. An open window is an invitation to a home invader, especially ground floor windows.

You can take this a step further by making sure you don’t accidentally provide the burglar tools. Make sure you keep anything that can be used to break windows (like bricks) or pry windows (like a screwdriver) away from your house. Don’t leave your ladder hanging around either.

Secure Windows With Window Locks

Pin locks are an easy way to secure a window, while also making it easy to open should you need to. A window pin lock is essentially a metal pin that slides between, and locks, your window frames. This makes it difficult to pry a window open.

Install Window Contact Alarms

Many home security systems will come with wireless window alarms. These use contact strips to detect when a window or door is opened or remains in the open position. If the alarm is active, then when the contract strip’s connection is broken, the siren will sound. An added benefit of these devices is that most systems will let you know if you have left a window or door open when you attempt to set your alarm for the night.

Get Window Coverings

Burglars don’t break into your home as a hobby, they do it because you have something of value that can be sold. You might want to show off your big TV to the neighbors, but you might also be advertising to a window shopping criminal. Make sure you keep valuable items away from the window and consider getting window coverings. These could be shutters, blinds, or curtains.

Window Security Decals

As we discussed, most home invasions are the result of opportunity. To make your home secure, you want to make your house as unattractive a target as possible. If you have a home security system, be sure to get window decals. These small stickers remind the burglar that there will likely be an alarm if they break the window, which increases the odds that they will be caught. That simple reminder might be enough to cause the home invader to look at another house.

Install Window Bars

Window bars or grates work on two levels. First, it makes it very difficult and time-consuming to enter through a window. Criminals know this, which also makes the act of installing a window bar a deterrent to even attempt a break-in.

While external bars can help to deter criminals, installing the bars on the inside of the house is a more popular option, as they are often better in allowing escape should there ever be a fire inside the home.

Regardless of the option, be sure to consult your local fire department and your HOA to ensure you are picking a legal and safe option for your home.

Review Your Landscaping

Installing motion-sensing flood lights can also help deter a would-be-criminal. Especially if you do this in dark areas of your yard, like along the side of the house. You can also make a window unattractive to crooks, but attractive to neighbors, by planting thorny plants. A rose bush will make your garden pretty, but the thorns will make a burglar question if it is really worth the effort.

Install Broken Glass Alarms

Another device that many home security systems offer is broken glass alarms. These devices “listen” for the frequency of glass breaking, specifically window glass. When it hears this frequency, it will trip the house alarm. The sound of an alarm going off is usually enough to stop an intruder.

Upgrade Your Windows

Double-hung windows, where there are two panels of glass stacked one above the other, are the most vulnerable. They are older, as are the latches used to secure them, and can often be easily pried open with a knife or screwdriver.

If you cannot change the window style, you could consider at least installing window locks and upgrading the glass to laminated glass. Laminated glass is made with a sheet of plastic between glass panes. When it is broken, instead of shattering, the glass adheres to the plastic sheet. This makes it difficult for a burglar to smash and reach in to steal something or to attempt to unlock a window or door.

There is nothing like the peace of mind knowing that your family is safe. It’s the kind of rest that home security systems can provide. Of course, if you’re like me, this can be interrupted by the haunting reminder of the bill that comes along with a top-notch home security service.

We get it; Your family is priceless, but that doesn’t mean your budget is limitless. Here are some tips to cut the cost of home security systems.

Look For Promotions On Systems

Home security companies are always running promotions and offering discounts. When you’re shopping around, remember to try the following:
Sign Up Bonuses: Several companies offer free additional equipment, like a free home security camera, if you sign up now.
Ask About Your Situation: If you just moved, or if you are building a new home, there might be extra discounts available. For example, some home builders have relationships with home security companies and you can get your system installed or equipment upgraded at a steep discount.
Coupons: The internet is full of coupons. There are even websites dedicated to housing lists of active coupons. Taking 10-minutes to google and test coupons could save you 30% (or more) on your equipment.

Look For Local Rebates On Security Systems

Some cities offer rebates for installing a home security system. For example, D.C. recently offered rebates of up to $200 per security camera installed with a cap of $500 per residential address.

Beyond rebates, there have been situations where a city would subsidize some home security equipment. In Arcadia, California, the local government used $100,000 to subsidize Ring doorbell surveillance cameras. Citizens could purchase one with a discount of $100. While you might not support this use of tax dollars, it can mean that you get a cheaper home security system.

If the devices you are installing might help conserve electricity or water, then there is a chance that your local government is offering a rebate.

Factor In Security System Home Insurance Savings

Most home insurance companies will offer discounts if you install and maintain security devices. These aren’t limited to home alarms. You could receive a discount for installing smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, freeze alarms, and water leak detection devices.

Research from the Insurance Information Institute found that installing a comprehensive home security system, reduced homeowners' insurance premiums by about 15 to 20 percent. If the average annual cost of insurance is $650, this could mean an extra $130 in your pocket. The homeowners were also less likely to see hikes in their premiums over time.

Be sure to check which items will help lower your premium. For example, it might be more important to get a deadbolt than a camera doorbell. Your system might also need to be monitored for the discount to apply.

Comparison Shop For Your Home Security

Of course, the best way to save money on your home security systems is to have done your research and know which providers offer the best service for the fairest prices. Be sure to consider their customer ratings, the cost of equipment, and the cost of ongoing monitoring.

Want a head start on your home security system research? We’ve done the hard work. Just enter in your zip code and we will compare home security offers in your area.

My friend has all the best gadgets. When I walk into his house, it's like I am teleported 50 years into the future. The door magically unlocks and the lights follow me down the hallway like I'm in StarTrek. This is the wonder of a smart home.

Then I go back to my apartment. I pull out my keys in disgust. Am I some sort of caveman?

Just because I rent an apartment, doesn't mean that I should miss out on the comfort and convenience of smart devices. And so began my quest to turn my apartment into a smart home.

How do I make my apartment a smart apartment?

I knew that many smart home features would require installation that might damage walls or systems. For example, installing a Nest thermostat would be too much for an apartment. So, I started to look for wireless devices that would be easy to install (and uninstall) without damaging anything.

Picking Your Hub

At the center of the smart home is your hub. The most popular options are Google Home or Amazon's Alexa. Most wifi-enabled devices will work with either of these two hubs and often come with apps that allow you to control them from your phone.

Before you fall into one camp or the other, check the other devices you are considering purchasing and make sure that they are compatible.

For me, I opted for the Google Home. They purchased Nest, giving them a great suite of native products, they integrate well with almost everything, and I was an Andriod phone user, meaning I would have even more integration.

Upgrading Your WiFi Network

My internet speed was fast, but I had two issues.

1. There were parts of my apartment, far from the router, where the internet connection was weak. Setting up a smart home requires a strong internet connection throughout.
2. The neighbors' networks used channels that conflicted with my own network.

To fix both of these, I upgraded to a Google Mesh network. A mesh WiFi network uses several pods places around the house instead of a single router. The result is much better coverage.

Smart Lights

One of the best features of a smart home is the ability to turn on and off lights with your voice or an app. If you own a home or happen to be an electrician, the best way to get this control is to get a smart light switch.

I wasn't about to do that for my apartment.

Instead, I opted to get smart lightbulbs. Philips Hue is a great option because it is easy to set up and gives you more control than just turning lights on and off. Many Philips Hue light bulbs allow you to choose the color, which allows you to create all sorts of different moods around the house.

This can be more expensive, but the ability to change colors really is great for differnet times of the day, watching movies, or just showing off that you have a smart apartment.

Smart Sockets

Another way to approach having smart lights, especially if you use lamps, is to get smart sockets. Again, you can find options that you wire into your house's electricity, but... Apartments.

A better option for us renters is to find smart plugs. You plug the smart plug into the wall like you would any power strip, then plug the appliance you want to control with your voice into the smart plug.

TP-link makes plugs, power strips, and even out-door power options that work with Google Assistant.

Smart Security Systems

With all this expensive tech in my house, there is no way I am not going to secure it, so I started researching smart security systems for renters. There are many great options out there that met my requirements of:

1. Allowing me to install the equipment
2. Having wireless equipment
3. Would work with my Google Assistant

Ultimately, the best option for me was to use SimpliSafe. I liked that all of their security devices were wireless and could be installed without the use of screws. Plus, since I owned the equipment, I could pack up and take it all with me when I move to my next place.

I ended up getting door/window sensors and a couple of cameras. Installing one of the cameras on my patio was a little tricky as the cameras communicate wirelessly to the base, but they still require a cable to be hooked up to a power supply.

I needed to speak with my landlord first, as there are rules about locks and a landlord's ability to access the property, but I also picked up a SimpliSafe door lock. The lock replaces the back half of the deadbolt, allowing for the existing key to still unlock the door, or for the use of the keypad or the app.

How To Automate Your Apartment

Now that I had plenty of smart devices around my apartment, I could start getting them to work together. Google Assistant has some great default options, like creating routines. When I say "Goodnight, Google" SimpliSafe arms itself, my lights turn off, and Google tells me what my schedule for tomorrow it.

Does it save me time? Not really. But is it awesome? Yes. I feel cool everytime I do it and I sleep easier knowing that I didn't forget to lock the door. But beyond that, the biggest peace of mind comes from being able to check and make sure the apartment is secure when I am away from home.

Another useful resource for home automation is IFTTT.com. This site is full of automation recipes that all your to set "If this, then that" rules. For example, when my phone comes within a one-mile radius of my apartment, turn on the lights. Now my home is lit up for me when I return without me needing to say a word.

I bought my first home nearly three years ago. During the closing, my realtor said almost in passing "Oh, and the buyer is paying for a year of a home warranty with whatever company you want."

It sounded cool, and since I wasn't the one paying for it I thought "Why not?"

A year later, the warranty was nearing expiration and I had to actually make a choice: Should I renew the warranty or let is lapse? Here is what I wish I had known...

What is a home warranty?

When you buy an appliance, usually the store will try to sell you extra coverage on that appliance. Something like "If this refrigerator breaks down in the next 5-years we will repair or replace it." You can buy this peace of mind for some annual fee.

A home warranty is a lot like that; A home warranty is an annual coverage of the major appliances and systems inside your home. If something breaks, they help to cover the costs of repairing or replacing.

Sounds pretty good, right? They definitely can be, but you will want to do your research when choosing a home warranty company. You should check:

1. The company's reputation - Check review sites and see how easy they are to work with or to file a claim with.


2. The coverage - Home warranties will be very specific in what they do and do not cover, and under what circumstances.


3. Existing coverage - If you have warranties on major appliances and systems already, then having another would be redundant.

What do most home warranties cover?

Every home warranty will be slightly different. If nothing else, understanding exactly what your home warranty covers and under what circumstances are the most important things to understand.

That said, you should expect a home warranty to cover home systems like:

• Electrical
• Duct Work
• HVAC
• Interior Plumbing

And major appliances, like:

• Air conditioning
• Dishwasher
• Washing Machine
• Dryer
• Garage door opener
• Garbage disposal
• Oven, range, or cooktop
• Refrigerator

How much does a home warranty cost?

Like everything else, it depends, but the average cost is between $300 and $650 a year.

Some factors that might impact your home warranty cost are:

• The company you choose;
• Details like your home type and size;
• Where you live;
• Any additional coverage you want; like covering pool equipment.

Additional Costs To Home Warranties

There might be more costs to having a home warranty that the annual fee. For example, most home warranties will charge you a fee per service call. These range between $50 and $100 per call.

You will also likely have a deductible or a co-pay, meaning that the home warranty will only cover a portion of the repair or appliance replacement cost.

What else should I know when picking a home warranty?

As mentioned before, you should check to see the reviews and quality of service the home warranty company provides. Remember, when you need them, you will likely be having an emergency. You are going to want a company that makes filing a claim easy and can work with your 24/7.

Do they have a good contractor network?

Some companies will force you to work specific contractors. You want a large network so that you know you are getting quality craftsmanship. Ideally, they let you choose who you get to work with.

Is there a limit to the number of claims you can file?

Some policies will have an annual maximum for what you can claim. These policies might be cheaper, but then you run the risk of having an emergency at the end of the year that you have to pay out of pocket.

Does the warranty cover pre-existing issues?

Chances are the warranty will not cover pre-existing issues. If you buy a home filled with broken appliances, you won't be able to get all new appliances for $300.

Do you need a home warranty?

This is a personal preference. You can think about how new your home and appliances are. If you think that you will have more than $300 in appliance repairs, then it is probably a great idea.

If you feel like you are going to need a major repair in the next few years, then it is probably a good idea.

If you are the kind of person who thinks $300 a year is a small price to avoid the worry, then it is a good idea.

All that said, it's not a legal requirement and you might have warranties on your appliances or systems in your house already. If that is true, then you are paying to cover the same thing twice and you'd be better off not purchasing.

You're trying to enjoy some streaming when you get the 'Windows has detected an IP address conflict' error. Uh, what?

You probably have a ton of questions, but don't worry. You don't need to have a degree in IT in order to fix this. It's actually a pretty common error message and one that is easy to fix.

What Does It Mean Ff Windows Has Detected An IP Address Conflict?

To understand what IP conflicts, it is useful to understand what an IP is and what it does. Think about when you mail a letter: On the envelope, you write an address on where the letter should go, and you also write a return address. The return address is used to say where the letter is from and where to send correspondence back.

An IP address is very similar, it is a string of numbers used by any device that connects to the internet to let data know where to go.

What Is An IP Address Conflict?

In keeping with the analogy above, how hard would it be to deliver the mail if two houses had the exact same address? That same problem occurs if two devices are using the same IP addresses on a network. That is what is going on when you receive an address conflict error.

In short, IP address conflicts come from the network mistakenly assigning two devices to the same IP address. The result is that neither device can connect.

Is An IP Address Conflict Dangerous?

In short: No. IP address conflicts can be an issue when talking about DNS servers and how that might impact a business, but for the everyday person who just wants to watch some Netflix... you'll be okay.

How To Fix An IP Address Conflict

Option 1: Restart Your Computer

Troubleshooting an IP address error starts like resolving most computer issues. Try restarting your computer. Seriously, by restarting your computer you give it a chance to connect to the network and get assigned a new IP address.

Option 2: Restart Your Router

If restarting doesn't solve the issue, try restarting your router. The router is the device responsible for assigning devices on your network unique IP addresses.

Option 3: Release And Renew Your IP Address

If all else fails, this is a pretty surefire way to resolve the issue.

1. Search for your Command Prompt Tool
2. Right-click and choose the "Run As Administrator"
3. In the Command Prompt, type in the following, hitting enter between each command:
• netsh int IP reset c:\resetlog.txt
• ipconfig /release
• ipconfig /renew

Option 4: Remove Static IP

Static IPs mean that the device has the same IP assigned to it every time. This can be useful in some circumstances, but it can result in the conflict IP address issue. You can change this setting to assign automatic and dynamic IP addresses.

1. Press the Windows Key and R at the same time to launch the run tool.
2. Type in ncpa.cpl and hit enter.
3. This will pull up a list of adapters. Right-click on it and select Properties.
4. Double click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
5. Select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.

When you hit okay, it will restart your computer. Once your computer restarts, it should have a new IP address.

Option 5: Update your Network Card Driver

An outdated driver can cause a lot of problems. To check and install updates, follow the below steps:

1. Press the Windows Key and R at the same time to launch the run tool.
2. Type in devmgmt.msc and hit enter.
3. Click the arrow icon to expand your list of Network Adapters
4. Right-click your driver and select Update.
5. Windows will attempt to find an update and install it.

Once done, restart your computer and see if the issue persists.

It’s the hottest time of the year, which probably means there is a way over the thermostat. The house is too hot, but you’re trying to keep the electricity bill reasonable. Here are some simple and inexpensive ways to save energy without sacrificing the comforts of modern living.

Energy Efficient Appliances

Consider this: Turning off two 100-watt light bulbs for just two hours a day would translate to saving over $15 a year. Switching to LED lightbulbs would further reduce electricity consumption by up to 80%.

If that is a simple lightbulb, just imagine what a larger appliance could save?

Some of the biggest energy hogs in your house are the hot water heater, washer/dryer, electric oven, refrigerator, and television. Energy-star appliances save, on average, 30% on your electricity bill. For most households that would equate to around $600 a year in savings.

Upgrading to a smart appliance could help you save even more money. Smart thermostats are popular because they help ensure that you aren’t cooling an empty house. Why stop there? You can find smart versions of most appliances, including refrigerators, lighting, oven, and washer & dryer sets.

Fix Appliances

As a kid, I remember hanging on the refrigerator looking for a snack. After a matter of seconds, my dad would tell me to close the door -- I was letting all the cold air out. Once I closed the door, you could hear the motor kick on to try and maintain the temperature.

This uses electricity.

Of course, a hungry kid isn’t the only reason a refrigerator might have a hard time keeping a temperature -- a big reason could be a leaky seal, low on refrigerant, or a motor that needs replacing.

Other appliances have similar requirements to work efficiently. Your air conditioner will work less if you replace your air filters regularly.

Pick Smart Temperatures

Can you really tell the difference between 71 and 72 degrees? You can when you look at your bill, but it likely won’t make a big difference in terms of comfort. Picking the right temperature setting for your appliances can help reduce your electricity bill.

Here are some recommendations:

• Refrigerator between 30 and 42 degrees.
• AC around 78 degrees and use a fan.
• Turn your water heater to a max of 120 degrees.
• Turn off your oven slightly before it should be done and let the residual heat finish the job.

Turning Off Things When Not In Use

This is the most obvious thing ever written; If you aren’t using an appliance, turn it off. Not watching the TV? Turn it off. Not in the room? Turn the lights off.

You can go one step further with this by using efficient power strips and then unplugging the entire power strip if you aren’t using those appliances.

Upgrade Your Insulation

You might have noticed that a lot of this post centers around maintaining temperatures. Your HVAC unit is a major culprit, so making sure your house is well insulated is important. Here are some quick items to check:

Check weather stripping around doors for any gaps or cracks.
Make sure that your windows and doors close completely.
Have your home insulation inspected for hotspots.
Seal any cracks around windows, doors, basement, or attics.
Upgrade your windows to double-pane if you live in cold climates or coated windows in hot climates.

Consider your alternatives

There are also a couple of smart choices you can make that will help save energy. Here is a quick list of our favorite energy savings tips.

• Use a microwave and not an oven.
• Wash with cold water when you can.
• Take shorter showers (to cut down on hot water usage).
• Use your ceiling fan in conjunction with your AC.
• Turn off kitchen or bathroom vents as soon as possible.
• Use your laptop over your desktop.
• Run your laundry and dishwasher with full loads.
• Don’t let recharged items keep charging once full.

Hopefully, with these tips in mind, you can drive down your energy consumption and save more on your next electric bill!

If you’re shopping around for electricity, it can be hard to know what is a good deal. You’ll see terms like kWh, off-peak, and fixed rate. We’ll walk you through what this means so you’ll know if you’re getting a good deal.

What is a kWh

Kwh stands for kilowatt-hour and it is the unit of measurement electric companies use to figure out your consumption. It is how they measure how much energy you are using and so how much they should charge you for.

A 100-watt lightbulb could be on for 10 hours and that would equal one kilowatt-hour.

Here are some examples of activities that use one kilowatt-hour:
Watching TV for 3-hours
Running your router for 5 days
Using your oven for 30 minutes

The average US household uses around 900 kWh per month, but this can vary a lot depending on how big your home and household are, the time of year, and your personal energy habits.

The average cost of kWh in the US is 13.14 cents.

What does off-peak mean?

During the summer between 8 am - 10 pm is when we use the most electricity. We are trying to work and stay cool. When the demand for electricity is higher, the costs also go up. When this demand is high, it is called “peak.”

Off-peak is when demand is at its lowest. This usually 11 pm and 7 am. It’s also when you’re electric costs will be at their lowest. A smart money-saving strategy is to wait until off-peak hours to do things like run your dishwasher or do laundry. Since these two appliances use a lot of electricity, why not use it when it is cheaper.

Types of Electricity Plans

The kWh rate you pay will also depend on the type of electricity plan you have. There are three types of plans:

Fixed Electricity Rates - This plan is nice if you want a predictable price for electricity. When you sign this type of contract, you can count on the price of kWh being the same no matter what happens in the market. This is awesome if the price of electricity goes up because you’ve locked in your price, but it can sting if the price goes down and you’re stuck paying a price higher than the market. This is a good option if you are trying to budget.

Variable Electricity Rates - This plan type changes the price month-to-month based on the cost of wholesale electricity. This is a good option if you don’t want a long term contract or if you plan on living in a location for a short period of time.

You might want to stay away from this type of plan if you live in an area with high summer temperatures. When everyone is running their AC, the prices typically jump as much as 50%.

Indexed Electricity Rates - This plan could have variable prices or fixed prices for the duration of the contract. If you see specials like “free nights and weekends,” these are typically indexed plans. You’ll want to research the exact terms of the contract before you agree, as this could have the same downside as a variable plan.

Tiered-Rates

Another thing to look out for in your electricity contract is tiered rates. This works a lot like a cell-phone plan where you get changed extra if you cross a data threshold. For example, you might be charged $90 for using at least 1 kWh. When you cross over the 1,001 kWh, you enter a new tier and get another $90 tacked on to your bill.

What does that mean? It means that a company could advertise a cheap kWh to make their contracts look attractive, but then have tiers kick in and drive up your total bill.

You've finally had enough of high electricity bills and are ready to find a new electricity provider. Of course, you don't want to sign up with the first company you see and end up in the same situation a couple months down the road. Here are some easy steps you can take to find the right electric utility provider.

Think About Your Consumption

Before you start shopping, you will want to know how much electricity you use and when you use it. This will help you find the best deal. For example, if you are single and work 40 hours a week in an office, you probably don’t use much electricity between 9-5, but you use a lot on nights and weekends. If you find a provider that offers free nights and weekends, then you can save a ton.

Think About Your Future

How long do you plan on living in your current address? This should help you determine what type of contract and the duration of the contract you should be looking for. If you are staying in the same house, then you might want to consider a fixed-rate. If you are renting, look for variable-rate contracts.

Find The Right Provider

If you live in a deregulated area, then your options for providers might be pretty extensive. This means you can find a great deal, but only if you can find it. Companies might advertise a low kWh, but to make sure you don’t get slammed with a high bill, you should look at the contract terms and if there are tiers that might impact your final bill.

Of course, there is more to the right provider than just the kWh price. You should also look at:

The Company’s Reviews: You don’t want to sign a 3-year contract only to find out that this company has a lot of unhappy customers… and now you’re one of them. Make sure you read reviews before you agree to a contract. Look for complaints around service, outages, and things like fees or hidden charges.

Green Options: Many providers will advertise where they get their power from and the price to support sustainable options can actually be cheaper.

Gifts: A common electric promotion is to offer a cool appliance, like a smart thermostat. Having this installed in your house can help you use less energy, which will of course reduce your energy bill. This, combined with a good kWh rate, can dramatically reduce your total electricity bill.

Know Your Contract

Before you make the switch to a new electricity provider, make sure you understand your current contract. Fixed contracts usually have long contract periods and come with a termination fee.

If you have a variable-rate contract, then it is likely that you are on a month-to-month contract and will be able to swap over the next month.

Regardless of the contract, if you are within 14-days of your contract expiration, you should be able to switch providers without any penalty.

Prepare For Switching Costs

You are probably switching providers to save money, but there might be some added costs to switching. We’ve already mentioned the “Early termination fee” that many electric providers charge, but your new provider will also likely ask for a deposit. The deposit fee can range from $100 - $400 and will be applied to your final bill and is usually dependent on your credit score.

2020 is shaping up to be the year of being stuck inside. You've probably gotten bored with all your favorite movies, shows, games, music... and now you're looking for a way to get something new. Having the internet puts a world of content at your fingertips, but you might be wondering is it all legal?

We researched some of the most popular ways to watch content and the laws that apply to them. Note: we are not lawyers and this should not be considered legal advice. If you are concerned, speak to a professional.

Is Streaming Movies Online Illegal?

Not likely.

Without getting too in the weeds about copyright law, as long as you don't record or create a permanent copy of the content, then streaming unauthorized content won't create any liability for you.

The one major caveat to this is that it is always illegal to watch illegal content.

Is Running A Stream Of Unauthorized Content Illegal?

Definitely.

While it might not be illegal to view a stream of unauthorized content, it certainly is illegal to stream unauthorized content. This isn't just broadcasting a movie; it could be as simple as having copyrighted music playing in the background while you show off your dance moves on TikTok (I've heard that is a thing?).

Is Downloading Movies Illegal

It depends. If the platform has the rights to the content and they offer a temporary download, then it is legal. A good example is that Netflix will allow you to download a movie for a limited time to enable offline use. This is totally fine.

Now, if you are downloading movies from a peer-to-peer network, then it is definitely illegal.

Think about the word copyright. It literally means the right to make copies. The artist or studio that produced the content will likely be the holder of the copyright, meaning they are the only ones authorized to make copies. When you download a movie or a song, you are making a copy of that property (i.e. you're violating the copyright and the law).

That's why when you watch a movie, you see a warning from the FBI informing you of the possible penalties of copyright infringement.

What Happens If I Get Caught Downloading Pirated Content?

Copyright infringement is punishable in several ways:

1. You pay the dollar amount equal to the damages caused.
2. You pay an amount between $200 and $150,000 for each file.
3. You are issued an injunction to stop the infringing acts.
4. You can go to jail for up to five years.

While the above list is terrifying, the reality is that most copyright issues are resolved in civil court(meaning you'll pay a fine) and not criminally. Further, most people receive a warning to stop before anything more serious occurs.

That said, there are some famous cases where people have faced massive consequences for what probably seemed harmless at the time; like the story of Jammie Thomas-Rasset.

Jammie was a single mother of four and downloaded 24 songs from a popular peer-to-peer sharing platform. Like most of these platforms, the file-sharing feature was turned on by default, meaning she was distributing these copyrighted songs she had just downloaded.

She was caught, taken to court, and ultimately fined $80,000 per song. That brought her total fine to $1,920,000.

Myths About Pirating Content

Growing up during the Napster era, I heard them all. These are common excuses people use to say that downloading content is actually legal. They are wrong, so don't bank on these to keep you out of the courtroom.

Myth 1: I own a copy of the movie/song/game, so it's legal.
Myth 2: I'm not distributing it for money, so it's legal.
Myth 3: It's okay to share content if I legally bought it.
Myth 4: Only people who have downloaded more than 1,000 songs get caught.

Beware Of Viruses

If the list of legal ramifications weren't enough to keep you from downloading illegal content, then the risk you expose to yourself should be. One study found that a third of illegal streaming sites exposed users to malware and that these sites make around $70 million a year that way. Another study found a similar result; 33% of people who visited a piracy site had malware on their computers.

Long gone are the days when a cable subscription was enough to catch all the popular shows. Now, media companies are trying to own more of their distribution and offering a streaming service. With all those monthly fees, you might not be able to afford a new 70-inch smart TV, but don’t worry, we’ll tell you how to start streaming to that old regular TV.

What is the difference between a smart tv and a regular tv?

Smart TVs can connect to wifi. Normal TVs cannot.

Since the Smart TV can connect to Wifi, it can do things like streaming or downloading apps, which allows you to access mountains of content. Because it is connected to Wifi, it also cuts down on the number of cables you might need hanging out of the back of your TV.

How To Connect Your Regular TV to Wifi

Luckily, it is incredibly easy to connect a regular TV to Wifi.

The Basics

Before we get into some of the tools you will need to stream content to a regular TV, let’s cover the basics. You will need a fast internet connection and Wifi set up for your house. Without this, any of the below tools still won’t help you.

Roku

One of the first streaming sticks, Roku is pretty cheap ($30 for the streaming stick) and will support all the streaming service you want to connect. It’s extremely easy to install and offers a robust free movie channel.

Roku also supports over 600 internet TV channels.

Google Chromecast

Google Chromecast doesn’t have some of the apps that Roku has, but it doesn’t necessarily need to. Chromecast will allow you to cast your computer screen to your television. This means that as long as it is streamable over the web, you can stream it on your TV.

Their 4k steamer stick is also one of the cheapest options to get 4k content.

The downside is that you will need to have your computer running at the same time. This also means that it will put added strain on your WiFi network.

Apple TV

If you’re a mac user, then Apple TV might be a nice addition to your suite of electronics. As an Apple user, you know that all things iOS work really well together, but maybe not so well with non-Apple devices.

One of those cool integrations is that Apple TV supports a multitude of apps, like games, productivity, and streaming apps.

The downside is what we expect from Apple; It doesn’t play well with non-Apple devices and is a little bit more expensive than some alternatives.

Amazon Fire Stick

Amazon’s Fire Stick is extremely easy to set up and the fact that it is Alexa-enabled means that it can work well with the rest of your smart house.

Given that it is Amazon, it also means that renting or buying content is super convenient (but maybe not awesome for your budget). They also bury some of their competitors’ apps, but they are there.

Gaming Systems

If you have a PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch then you can connect them to your network and stream through apps you download onto your gaming system. This isn’t the cheap route if you are looking for a streaming solution, but if you already own one, then you might as well make it pull double duty.

Tips For Fast Streaming

Now that your TV is ready to stream, let’s go through a couple tips to help ensure that there aren’t any issues with framerates.

1. Move your router close to your streaming device. Distance to the router impacts your signal strength. If there are multiple walls between your streaming device and the router, that will further impact your signal strength.
2. Use an ethernet cable. Hardwiring your device to the internet ensures the strongest possible signal strength.
3. Shut down devices on your network that are not being used.
4. Shut off your VPN, if you are using one.
5. Upgrade your internet speeds.