All articles tagged with #home energy
While induction stovetops offer energy efficiency, they present five key disadvantages: strict cookware compatibility requirements, higher upfront installation costs, fragile glass surfaces, loss of tactile feedback, and potential health risks for users of medical devices.
The Homes & Gardens piece explains a Lunar New Year tradition of opening at least one window and the front door at midnight to release stagnant energy and invite auspicious qi, a Feng Shui practice believed to bring health, wealth and harmony in the Year of the Fire Horse (2026). Experts advise preparing the space by cleaning entryways, turning on lights, and creating a gentle cross‑breeze by opening a window opposite the door for a brief period (about 1–3 minutes in winter, up to 5–10 minutes in milder weather). The piece also notes the psychological benefit of rituals for a fresh start and sense of control, plus practical cautions about security and décor or “lucky” buys to celebrate the occasion.
Using a $12 power meter to survey standby power draw, the author finds the DirecTV cable box as the top energy vampire at 19.9W, costing about $28/year if left on; other devices draw far less (PCs 1.8–3.1W when idle, PS5 ~0.1–1.5W, TCL TV ~0W, etc.). Some items were effectively zero in standby (dishwasher, some lamps, certain chargers). The piece notes you often must balance convenience with savings and suggests steps like powering down devices, using smart plugs, disabling instant-on features, and testing with a meter to target real culprits.
Researchers in Australia have developed a safe, affordable, and high-performance water-based flow battery that could replace expensive lithium-ion systems for household solar energy storage, potentially on the market within a few years.
General Motors has released its new home energy products, allowing customers in select states to purchase equipment that can turn their GM-made electric vehicle into a mobile power generator for their home. The bundle includes a GM Energy Powershift Charger and GM Energy V2H Enablement Kit, priced at approximately $7,299. The 2024 Chevy Silverado EV RST is currently the only GM electric vehicle capable of bidirectional charging, with other models expected to gain this capability in the future. The move comes as heatwaves and electricity shortages highlight the need for alternative power sources, with GM aiming to compete in the home energy market by offering additional equipment such as stationary home batteries and solar panels.
Anker's flagship power station, the Solix F3800, is now available for purchase, offering the capability to power homes independently and charge electric vehicles. The system can be expanded to provide up to 26.9kWh of energy capacity and is designed to be portable with the option to connect foldable solar panels. Anker also offers kits for home backup solutions, including the Solix F3800 Home Power Kit and the Home Backup Kit, providing options for automatic switchover and manual intervention during emergencies.
Anker has announced its new solar-powered Solix batteries for the home energy market and the Anker Prime series, which includes ultra-powerful charging accessories and battery banks. The Anker Prime series will launch in July, while the Solix lineup will roll out in 2024. The Solix line will include solar balcony systems, EV car charging stations, portable solutions for homes or RVs, and an ultra-portable lineup ideal for camping.