At a Glance
- CNET curates 24/7 advice on balancing home energy costs and comfort
- State-specific solar guides, EV charging math, and thermostat hacks headline the section
- Buying guides rank the best smart thermostats, EV chargers, and portable power stations
- Why it matters: Rising utility rates and climate anxiety make every watt and dollar count for homeowners
CNET’s Home Energy & Utilities vertical packages rebates, product reviews, and usage tips into one scrollable resource for anyone looking to shrink bills without sacrificing comfort.
Solar Made Simple
State-by-state landing pages break down incentives, net-metering rules, and installer rankings for Arizona to Wyoming. Interactive maps and report cards grade each region’s solar friendliness, while financing explainers compare loans, leases, and PPAs side-by-side.
- Georgia: solar loans plus extra efficiency rebates
- Washington: net metering and sales-tax exemptions
- Florida: property-tax exclusions and battery rebates
- New Jersey: SREC markets and transition incentive programs
Electric Vehicles & Backup Power
A cost-per-mile calculator pits home charging against gasoline, updated with the latest utility time-of-use rates. Reviewers test portable power stations from Jackery, EcoFlow, and Anker, timing how long each unit can run refrigerators or CPAPs during blackouts.
| Model | kWh | Price | Earth-Day Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| EcoFlow Delta 2 | 1 | $999 | $200 off |
| Jackery 1000 v2 | 1.07 | $849 | $180 off |
| Anker Solix 522 | 0.51 | $449 | $80 off |
Thermostat Science
Lab tests reveal the single temperature that saves the most money in winter and summer. Smart thermostat roundups compare Emerson, Honeywell, Google Nest, and Ecobee on C-wire requirements, remote-sensor accuracy, and rebate eligibility.
Key Takeaways
- CNET’s solar guides are updated quarterly to reflect new state laws
- Portable power station deals peak around Earth Day and Black Friday
- Locking a thermostat to 68°F in winter and 78°F in summer trims up to 10% off annual HVAC costs
- Rebates often cover 30-50% of smart thermostat MSRP through utility programs
Bookmark the page before your next utility bill arrives; the curated links and live pricing tools refresh daily.
