If you prefer that your energy comes from a renewable energy source, it’s safe to say you’re also interested in living as green as possible at home. The concept of going green or living green is always evolving because technology and innovation are giving us new ways to minimize our impact without completely giving up modern-day conveniences.

You’ve probably already started replacing all your old light bulbs with CFLs or LEDs and have already programmed your thermostat for optimal efficiency. Today, we’re covering new green home tips that are just now becoming more mainstream. Let’s see if there are some changes you can make to save more energy!

Use the Lagom Approach at Home

If you are committed to living a greener lifestyle that’s much simpler, then you may want to take the lagom approach in your home life. It’s a relatively new concept in the U.S., but it’s been around in Sweden for quite a while. 

The lagom approach focuses on finding contentment in simple, non-material things. In doing so you become more conscious of the waste you create and the amount of energy needed to support your lifestyle. The approach also encourages tracking and measuring energy consumption to become more mindful of how much you use.

The consciousness that comes from using the lagom approach at home can help you identify where you can be saving energy and how to make greener decisions in the future. 

Invest in the Smartest Home Products

Homes are getting smarter by the day. The dramatic increase in smart home products is a result of huge demand. One of the top reasons homeowners invest in smart products is because they can help you save energy. Some products even boast that they can pay for themselves in a matter of months. 

Books can be written and still not cover all of the new smart home products that were released just last year. But here are a few that we think are worth considering.

Smarter Smart Speakers

If you haven’t gotten an Amazon Echo or Google Nest smart speaker now is a good time. The speakers are more intuitive and better at recognizing voices than ever before. Plus, more and more smart device manufacturers are making their equipment smart speaker compatible. As a result, smart speakers can now act like a hub that allows you to put systems on a schedule and keep them optimized for the biggest energy savings.

Smart Outlets

One of the latest parts of the home to become smart are outlets. Smart outlets have been around for a little while but the new versions are more versatile and allow you to control more with schedules and remote control features. Now there are even outdoor WiFi smart plugs for your exterior. 

Countertop Smart Ovens

Refrigerators have been getting smarter for years, and now it’s the oven’s turn. But product developers aren’t just outfitting conventional ovens with smart features. One of the newest smart device trends is the countertop smart oven. It’s a great option for a tiny kitchen without an oven, but it’s still something to consider if you have a regular stove because it saves energy. With the Brava Oven, you can even watch your food cook with your smartphone.

Get More Technical When Selecting Green Home Products

These days consumers are smarter than ever, and they are much more aware. Many understand that products can be labeled as “green” or “all-natural” without actually being better for the planet. Luckily, there are now tools that consumers can use to gauge how green a house project, materials, or a product will be before buying. Here are a few to try:

EC3 Carbon Footprint Calculator

If you plan to build or renovate your home take the time to check out EC3’s carbon footprint calculator. It can be used to measure the carbon footprint of constructing a home as well as how much energy would be used by the home once it’s built or renovated. 

Product Data Sheets

Take your green shopping to the next level with product datasheets. Most manufacturers will provide product data sheets on their websites. In addition to information on how to use a product and the intended purposes, the product data sheet will tell you about the chemical makeup of the materials that are used to know if they are toxic.

New Low Emission Spray Foam Insulation

One of the most common green home tips is to increase the amount of insulation in your home, especially if areas like the attic are lacking it. It makes sense to want to use insulation with the highest rating for better energy savings. For that reason, many homeowners choose to use XPS rigid insulation or spray polyurethane foam (SPUF) insulation. 

People who are committed to having a green home have shied away from foam insulation even though it has a high insulating factor. Why? Because the emissions associated with foam insulation are very concerning. 

Manufacturers have taken note of consumer’s concerns and there are now low-emission foam insulation products. Instead of using hydrofluorocarbons that can release very harmful gases into the air, new foam insulation products are using hydro-fluoro olefins. You can reduce energy use year-round and worry less about what’s being released into the atmosphere. 

Intelligent Remote-Controlled Watering 

Water is one of the most precious resources on the planet. It’s so precious many cities across the country have instated lawn watering restrictions. If you want to keep your garden thriving and green up your grass without feeling bad about it consider the Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller. It’s a high-tech robotic system that allows you to create a custom watering schedule so you stay within the regulations. But that’s not all. You can customize the watering based on geolocation, soil type, and more.  

Another way to decrease your family’s carbon footprint is to choose an energy plan that’s powered by renewable resources. At Provider Power, we offer fixed-rate green energy plans that make renewable power possible for more people. 

Check out Provider Power plans available in your area. 

These days it seems like everyone is cutting cords, and wireless technology is quickly becoming the standard. We’ve got wireless phones, cameras, and Wi-Fi that can deliver an Internet connection just about anywhere. So it’s only natural that scientists would turn their attention to wireless electricity at some point. 

Imagine not having to plug in to get power. Or homes that don’t need to be connected to electric lines. But is it more of a sci-fi fantasy than a possible reality? Let’s find out!

Wireless Power Isn’t a New Idea

Some people may think that wireless electricity is a novel concept that has come about in the modern Internet Era. But those people would be wrong. Scientists, physicists, and engineers have been working on wireless power for over 130 years. 

Nikola Tesla was among the first to toy around with the idea of creating a system that could wirelessly transmit power. His attempts lead to the creation of the Tesla coil that can produce up to a million volts of electricity. That is the amount needed to transmit electricity wirelessly. Tesla even built the now-famous Wardenclyffe Tower in 1901 with the goal of transmitting electricity from it. 

Where We’re At With Wireless Electricity Today

Tesla laid a very firm groundwork for wireless electricity long ago, which begs the question “why don’t we have wireless electricity today?” 

Although Tesla was very optimistic about the adoption of wireless electricity, his investors were less impressed with the way things were progressing. J.P. Morgan (who funded Tesla’s wireless electricity experiments) pulled the plug on it by defunding the project. Advancements were stopped short, and Tesla’s tower was demolished.

That could have been the end of Tesla’s wild notion that he could transmit electricity wirelessly, essentially for free. But it’s a concept that’s just too enticing to ignore.

Tesla himself realized that transmitting electricity through airwaves proved to be virtually impossible beyond a short distance. However, he discovered the ground was a much better conductor for his methods. Using metal rods buried in the ground, Tesla claimed he was able to power on lightbulbs that were hundreds of feet away from his lab.

Scientists today think wireless electricity is possible, but few agree with Tesla’s approach. They say magnetic induction and microwaves are the keys to transmitting energy wirelessly. Researchers around the world, including a group from Stanford University, are working towards putting the final pieces of the puzzle in place. 

Wireless electricity transmission is actually being used on very small scales right now. For several years, physicists have been able to power multiple devices wirelessly without a direct line of sight for up to 30 feet. Furthermore, the devices being charged were in motion. This was achieved through magnetic resonance coupling, feedback resistors, and voltage amplifiers.

For researchers at Stanford, distance isn’t the issue as much as the amount of power being transmitted. Once they are able to transmit larger quantities of energy and produce wireless power receivers, the researchers believe it is possible for wireless electricity to be used in real-world settings. And it’s a possibility that isn’t far away. There are ongoing wireless electricity projects that hope to produce tangible results by 2031. 

The Advantages of Wireless Power Transmission

Is wireless power something that’s even worth pursuing? Is it worth the hassle to completely transform the electric system across the U.S.? The short answer is – yes.

No More Cords

The most obvious and immediate advantage of wireless power transmission is getting rid of the tangle of cords that keep devices shackled to an electric outlet. They would no longer be needed since electricity is delivered through the air. Not only is it more aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also safer with fewer cords around. 

Wireless Power Transmission Could Decrease Electricity Costs

One of the biggest advantages of wireless power transmission is its promise of free electricity. While electricity wouldn’t be free (it still has to be generated after all), there’s a good chance it would cost less eventually.

The infrastructure for buildings would cost less if electricians didn’t need to wire the whole property. Maintenance of the electric system would be reduced, which decreases the expense of delivering electricity. There would even be less need for technicians to serve as meter readers. 

Implementing new technology typically costs more upfront, but as it’s adopted and becomes more widespread prices tend to decrease even lower than they started. 

Electricity Could Reach More Places

It’s hard to believe, but there are still many places on this Earth where electricity isn’t readily available. Getting electricity to some structures is extremely difficult due to lack of infrastructure, environmental challenges or both. If electricity can be transmitted through the air it would bring power to millions of people throughout the world. 

Electric Cars Could Charge as They Drive

Another major invention of the last century was electric vehicles (EVs). Despite misgivings, demand for electric cars has steadily increased in recent years as concerns over climate change and gas prices have risen. If wireless electricity transmission were possible electric vehicles could charge as they are driven. How far an EV can go on a charge would be a non-issue. 

Less Toxic Waste

Disposable batteries are serious pollutants. In the U.S. alone, almost 3 billion batteries are thrown away each year. The toxic materials inside can leak out and contaminate the soil or water. With wireless power, it’s possible to develop batteries that can be recharged over and over again while in use, thus greatly reducing the number of batteries that need to be made and eventually discarded. 
While we wait on wireless electricity to become a reality, Provider Power can help you tap into the electric grid with the flip of a switch. Just input your zip code to find available electricity plans in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

Up until a few weeks ago, the term social distancing wasn’t a part of everyday conversation. It was a concept that few people had the first-hand experience with, but now it’s a reality for millions in the USA and around the world. In the wake of the COVID19 pandemic, people are following a stay at home mandates and self-quarantine initiatives in an effort to stop the spread. 

The tips below can help you take social distancing measures without feeling the effects of isolation. 

Replace Social Visits With Video Chatting

If you’re one of the thousands of people who got an Echo for the holidays you may want to send the gift-giver a thank you card. When people were told to stay at home for over two weeks, platforms like Facetime and Echo became a social lifeline that provides face-to-face discussions that are one step away from in-person interactions.

And people aren’t just video chatting one-on-one. Some people are arranging video chat happy hours and dinners with a group of family and friends. You have to make dinner and drinks yourself, but it’s better than feeling like a social outcast. 

Want to organize a virtual movie night? Then check out the Netflix Party Chrome extension. Discord is another option that can allow a group of users to share the screen of one person who’s streaming a movie. 

Zoom use has skyrocketed in recent weeks primarily among professionals and students. The app is designed for work functions and has had high-profile plugs from entertainers like Howard Stern that are producing shows remotely. The video conferencing platform also has special features like filters and backgrounds that take video chatting up a level.

Take a Walk, But Keep Your Distance

It’s kind of amazing how little Americans walk these days. A few years ago researchers like Tom Vanderbilt pointed out that Americans walk less than any other industrialized nation. Part of the reason we stopped walking is the technology that limits the need to travel on foot. Health experts are concerned that quarantining at home isn’t going to help the problem.

If you aren’t at high risk for severe COVID19 illness and keep a safe distance from others (6+ feet), taking a walk won’t break the social distancing rules. Most state parks and trails are closed, but even a quick walk around your neighborhood can be beneficial. The fresh air is good for your pulmonary health and mental state. And walking is actually a great form of exercise that just about anyone can do for free. 

Take a Virtual Class

Catching up on the streaming shows you’ve fallen behind on isn’t the only way to be productive during the self-quarantine period. As many school children can tell you, remote learning is the new norm. 

There are virtual classes for virtually every interest, hobby, and profession. You can take an online driver’s education, join a yoga group or learn how to cook a new dish. At the end of the quarantine, you can at least say you learned something new.   

A few more of our top social distancing tips include:

• Meditate for five minutes a day – that’s long enough to realize the mind-calming benefits and ease anxiety.
• Order an adult coloring book online to tap into your creative side.
• Read up on how to teleconference with your medical team. It’s a good idea any time you may be contagious.
• Watch a familiar show or movie if you’re home alone. The familiar voices can be soothing even if they come from the TV.
• Going for a bike ride is another way to get exercise without coming into contact with others.

Provider Power is dedicated to serving our customers during the COVID19 outbreak. We have taken measures to enable our customer service agents to work remotely so that they can stay safe while providing the exemplary assistance you’ve come to expect.

Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Massachusetts – those six states make up what’s known as New England. That’s your first tip for moving to the area. Many people mistakenly think that New England includes the entire northeastern part of the U.S., but locals will quickly correct them. 

One caveat about moving to New England is seasonality. If you plan to move during the winter you’ll have to account for potentially harsh weather conditions that make things a little more difficult. And fall can actually be very busy with people who are leaf-peeping. The White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire is one of the most popular leaf-peeping spots in the country. 

Moving is never an easy-going process, but being prepared does make it easier. The checklist below will help you make a move to New England no matter what time of year you plan to relocate. 

Packing

Packing is by far the most tedious moving task that people don’t look forward to doing. The trick is to get started early so that you can take it little by little in an organized manner. The more organized you are during the packing process the quicker it will be to unpack. 

Supplies

• Boxes (boxes and more boxes)
• Specialty boxes for electronics
• Packing tape
• Sharpie marker (for labeling)
• Newspapers or packing paper
• Bubble wrap

Travel Bag

• Few sweaters (it’s usually sweater weather in New England)
• Snow boots (if you’re moving in the winter)
• Medications and prescriptions
• IDs
• Layers of clothing (dressing in layers is a good idea most of the year)
• Phone chargers       
• Personal devices

First Night Box

• Blankets
• Towels
• Washcloths
• Shower curtain with hangers
• Toilet paper
• Paper plates
• Toiletries 
• Flashlight 
• Trash bags
• Basic toolset
• Sheets and pillowcases
• Blankets

Loading and Unloading

• Know whether there are any special circumstances like a steep driveway (which is somewhat common in New England) that will affect where the moving truck can be parked.
• Have a snow shovel on hand – if it’s winter you’ll need one to clear entryways to the house.
• A moving dolly is a much safer way to move heavy and bulky items whether or not walkways are iced over.

Transport

How will you get all of your things to New England? Whether you make a DIY move or hire professional movers below are a few things that need to be done.

Moving Truck

• Estimate the space needed. There are calculators online that can give you an estimate based on the number of boxes or rooms in your home.
• Make sure the mover you hire is registered with the Department of Transportation and has a U.S. DOT number for moving across state lines. The DOT search tool can be used to verify the information.
• Schedule the moving truck to arrive the day you plan to leave and get to the destination the day of or the day after you arrive. Do this about a month in advance if you’re moving during the busy summer season.

Personal Vehicles 

• Get snow/winter tires if moving during the winter months.
• Do a safety inspection to check the fluids, hoses, tires and more.
• Load up jewelry, computers, documents and other sensitive items in your own vehicle that you’re driving.
• Know the vehicle registration laws. You should have a grace period, but vehicle registration needs to be arranged within 2-4 weeks of moving.

Traveling

• Chart a course. One thing to be aware of with a tall moving truck is that overpasses can be just 9’ tall in some areas. 
• Line up hotels in advance if you have any special needs, like needing pet-friendly accommodations.
• Get a lay of the land. Some New England cities, like Boston, have a somewhat baffling street layout. 

Residential Setup

With so much going on for the move it’s easy to forget that things need to be set up at your new home. You don’t have to get everything arranged in advance, but you will want to handle the to-dos below.

Utilities 

• If your new home is in a deregulated energy market you can choose the energy plan you want. To get the best plan you’ll need to compare rates and features. It’s also important to verify that the provider is licensed to operate in the state. 
• Water services are typically available through the local government. Check the city website for details on how to initiate service.

Trash Collection

• Trash collection is another service that’s usually set up through the local government.
• Recycling may be handled by a third-party provider that’s independent of the city. 

Mail 

• The easiest way to change your mailing address is online at USPS.com/move.
• Schedule mailing address changes to take effect a day or two before your move so that mail doesn’t end up being delivered to your old address. 
• To make sure you know where your mail is by signing up for the USPS Informed Delivery service. The USPS will send email updates about what mail is scheduled to be delivered each day.

Pets 

• Get documents and records from your current veterinarian. 
• Give your pets extra love and attention. Moving can be stressful for animals.
• Line up pet-friendly hotels if moving by vehicle will take more than one day.

Congrats! You’re ready to move to New England. Now grab yourself a Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and get ready for all the unpacking. 

Need to set up electricity in New Hampshire, Massachusetts or Maine? Provider Power is a New England-owned leading supplier of electricity.  It’s Power with a Purpose!