Home Utilities Hack Archives | Page 19 of 136 | The Cool Down

A portable solar generator connected to a solar panel on a sunny day.

Tech

Pacific Northwest family warned about $1,150 backup solar plan amid winter clouds, watt limits

A home battery for solar storage.

Home

UK homeowner eyes more plug-in batteries as power prices rise, learns they can't feed the grid

A row of solar panels in a yard.

Home

UK homeowner debates DIY solar, batteries, and heat pump before boiler replacement

A hot water tank and a heat pump attached to the exterior of a building

Home

Heat pump or electric tank? For a family of 5, solar changed the answer

A person interacting with a breaker box.

Tech

Steady overnight electricity draw leaves Powerwall owner hunting for a hidden home load

A person adjusts a smart thermostat while holding a tablet displaying temperature settings.

Home

New York fire official urges furnace checks, carbon monoxide detectors before first cold snap

A balcony with solar panels, potted plants, and a large yellow umbrella against a white building.

Home

California homeowner eyes 1,200W plug-in solar, gets warning: 'Use a dedicated circuit'

A carport attached to a home.

Home

Homeowner with new roof avoids solar, gets told panel weight is 'negligible'

A gas line to a furnace.

Home

Pennsylvania homeowner told furnace is up to code, but techs flag gas line issue

An AC window unit.

Home

Tenant says window AC doubled power bill after crew admitted they'd 'never installed one before'

Two solar panels are placed on the ground, surrounded by rocks and debris.

Tech

Homeowner with aging solar panels asks where lost wattage goes: amps, volts, or both?

A solar panel is displayed on grass next to a military-style backpack.

Tech

Solar enthusiasts say this $50 combo beats cheap power stations for unhoused people