Consumer Corner
5 Ways to Trim Home Energy Bills



(Family Features) After the mortgage, utility costs, including electricity, likely make up one of the most significant portions of monthly budgets for the typical American household. In fact, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average residential electric bill in the United States is $143.
However, reducing your family’s energy costs is possible by following some smart, practical, cost-cutting tips from the heating and cooling experts at Mitsubishi Electric. Consider these ways to help dial down your energy bills.
Service HVAC Systems Regularly
To ensure the best performance and efficiency possible, find a licensed contractor to keep your heating and cooling system well-maintained and serviced throughout the year. There are some tasks many homeowners can handle on their own, like keeping outdoor units free of debris and changing air filters. Some filters are removable and washable, saving you money. However, bringing in a professional 1-2 times a year for maintenance and to ensure proper function of ductwork and electrical components is also essential.
Use Appliances During Non-Peak Hours
Rather than using stoves, ovens and clothing dryers in the afternoon hours, consider doing so early in the morning or late in the evening. Peak time for many electricity providers is noon-6 p.m., meaning using these appliances outside of this timeframe when conventional heating and cooling systems are likely running full throttle can help lower energy costs.
Upgrade Your System
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) incentivizes homeowners that opt for energy-efficient air-conditioning and heating options to replace fossil-fuel-fired furnaces. This includes upgrading your existing HVAC system to a qualified heat pump. For example, Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps provide more energy-efficient cooling and heating that equals cost and energy savings as well as a reduced carbon footprint for homeowners.
Installing a smart electrical panel alongside an all-electric heat pump enables homeowners to monitor and control energy consumption on-site or remotely using a smartphone for better overall efficiency and utility cost savings.
Harness the Sun’s Energy with Solar Panels
According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, the amount of sunlight that strikes the Earth’s surface in 90 minutes could power the world’s total energy usage for a full year. Investing in solar panels can help decrease energy bills and increase your home’s sustainability. Additionally, some utility providers and government entities, including the IRA, offer incentives to help reduce installation costs.
Avoid Heating or Cooling Unused Spaces
One mistake many homeowners make is forgetting to adjust their temperature settings when leaving the house. Whether you’re headed out for the weekend or just headed to work for the day, running your system in an empty house can result in unnecessarily high utility bills.
Multi-zone, all-electric heat pumps like those from Mitsubishi Electric allow homeowners to set the comfort level and adjust the temperature in each room, reducing the energy waste of cooling unoccupied rooms. With a smartphone app, you can even adjust the settings remotely.
Find more ways to increase energy savings while making your home more sustainable by visiting MitsubishiComfort.com.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
SOURCE:
Mitsubishi Electric
Automotive
Nissan Reveals Retro-Inspired Hardbody Edition to Their 2024 Frontier Truck Lineup
Nissan unveils 2024 Frontier with retro-inspired Hardbody Edition, combining nostalgia and modernity in a rugged truck lineup.



Nissan has always been known for its rugged and reliable trucks, and the 2024 Nissan Frontier continues that tradition. This fall, Nissan is set to release their highly anticipated new Frontier, showcasing a blend of modern technology and retro-inspired design. One particular edition that stands out is the Hardbody Edition, paying homage to the iconic Nissan Hardbody pickup trucks of the 1980s. This limited-edition package is sure to capture the hearts of truck enthusiasts across generations. Let’s dive into the exciting features and details of the 2024 Nissan Frontier lineup.
The Frontier Hardbody Edition:
The 2024 Frontier Hardbody Edition embodies the spirit of Nissan’s 1980s truck heritage. Available exclusively on the Frontier SV Crew Cab 4×4, this edition features a range of design elements that harken back to the original Hardbody pickup. The retro-inspired decals, heritage-styled 17-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, sport bar, and black exterior trim create a distinctive and eye-catching appearance. Priced at $3,890, the Hardbody Edition adds a touch of nostalgia to the Frontier’s lineup.
Enhanced Features and Grades:
In addition to the Hardbody Edition, the 2024 Frontier offers an array of features and grades to cater to various customer preferences. The new SL grade on Crew Cab models combines luxurious elements such as LED lighting, leather-appointed seating, and a Fender® 10-speaker audio system. This highly equipped midsize truck reflects Nissan’s commitment to meeting the demands and desires of its customers.
Upgraded NissanConnect® Services:
Nissan has also enhanced the connectivity and convenience features of the 2024 Frontier. The available NissanConnect® Services now come with a three-year trial, providing an extended period for customers to experience the benefits. This telematics feature integrates with the MyNISSAN smartphone app and offers functions like remote door lock/unlock, remote engine start/stop, vehicle health reports, emergency calling, and Nissan Skill for Amazon Alexa®. These advanced features further enhance the Frontier’s appeal in the modern era.
Versatility and Customization:
The 2024 Nissan Frontier offers a wide range of options to suit individual needs. With various bed lengths, drivetrain configurations, and grades, shoppers can customize their Frontier according to their requirements. Whether it’s the PRO-X and PRO-4X models designed for off-road adventures or the King Cab and Crew Cab variants with different bed lengths, the Frontier provides versatility and flexibility for every kind of truck enthusiast.
Pricing and Availability:
Nissan has announced the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the 2024 Frontier, starting at $29,770 for the base Frontier S King Cab 4×2. The pricing varies depending on the model, trim, and drivetrain configuration. Interested buyers can visit the Nissan website or local dealerships for detailed pricing information.
With the introduction of the 2024 Nissan Frontier and the special Hardbody Edition, Nissan pays tribute to its rich truck heritage while incorporating modern features and design elements. The Frontier’s combination of ruggedness, technology, and customization options make it an appealing choice for truck enthusiasts. Whether you’re nostalgic for the 1980s Hardbody trucks or seeking a well-equipped midsize truck for your adventures, the 2024 Nissan Frontier is worth considering. Stay tuned for the release of this exciting lineup and experience the perfect blend of retro charm and contemporary innovation.
Source: Nissan
A Nostalgic Footnote:
When I was a young man fresh out of my teenage years and eager to explore the world, I remember seeing the new Nissan Hardbody truck being introduced. It was during a late winter day in 1986 in Southern California when my Dad, who owned a Datsun truck himself, took his vehicle for servicing at Gardena Nissan. It was there that I stumbled upon a stack of brochures and picked one up to read while we waited for Dad’s truck to be serviced. I remember telling my Dad that I would soon own one of these trucks, and by May of the following year, 1987, I indeed purchased a sleek, black E model.
Have you had a chance to read the article in Road & Track?: https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a45140451/2024-nissan-frontier-hardbody-edition/
Automotive
Hyundai 2024 Santa Cruz: Best Urban Pickup by Cars.com
“Hyundai’s 2024 Santa Cruz named Best Urban Pickup by Cars.com, blending adventure with practicality.”
Hyundai’s 2024 Santa Cruz has been named the Best Urban Pickup by Cars.com in their Pickup Truck Buying Guide. The Santa Cruz impressed Cars.com’s editors with its ability to combine adventure and practicality, as well as its range of desirable features. Ricky Lao, the director of product planning at Hyundai Motor America, expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the brand’s commitment to innovative design, powerful drivetrains, driver convenience, and advanced safety features.



According to Aaron Bragman, Cars.com’s Detroit Bureau Chief, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is the ideal truck for urban environments. Its sleek and compact design, lockable hard-top tonneau cover, and comfortable ride make it a dream for city dwellers. Additionally, its Surround View Monitor makes parallel parking on narrow city streets a breeze.
To receive a Cars.com Top Pick designation, vehicles must demonstrate solid fuel economy, capability, and value. For pickup trucks, payload and towing capacities are also considered. Moreover, practical attributes that cater to family needs are taken into account, as many pickups are used for this purpose.
Cars.com Inc. is a leading automotive marketplace platform that connects car shoppers with sellers through digital solutions. Hyundai Motor America focuses on “Progress for Humanity” and offers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles to U.S. consumers. In 2022, Hyundai’s dealers sold over 724,000 vehicles in the U.S., with a significant portion produced at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. For more information, visit www.HyundaiNews.com.
Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok
Source: Hyundai
Automotive
2024 Nissan Sentra: Refreshed Styling & Premium Features at $20,630
“Discover the 2024 Nissan Sentra with refreshed styling, improved fuel economy, and premium features starting at $20,630.”



Introducing the 2024 Nissan Sentra: Fresh Style and Enhanced Features at an Affordable Price
Nissan has unveiled the refreshed 2024 Sentra, and it’s better than ever. With updated styling, improved fuel economy, and additional premium features, the new Sentra is ready to impress. Starting at just $20,630, this compact sedan offers great value for money.
One of the first things you’ll notice about the 2024 Sentra is its striking design. The front fascia has been reshaped, featuring a new interpretation of Nissan’s iconic V-motion grille. The headlights have been updated, and there’s a new 16-inch alloy wheel design. For those seeking a sportier look, the SR grade boasts red SR badges, a new 18-inch alloy wheel design, and dark chrome trim for the V-motion grille.
Under the hood, the Sentra is equipped with a smooth and responsive 2.0-liter inline-four engine. Combined with a new Xtronic CVT and the integration of Idle Stop Start technology, the Sentra delivers improved fuel efficiency. The S and SV grades achieve an impressive EPA-rated 30 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined, while the SR grade gets 30 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.
Safety is a top priority for Nissan, and the 2024 Sentra comes equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard across all grades. This comprehensive suite of active safety technologies includes features such as Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, and Rear Automatic Braking.
In terms of premium features, the SV Premium Package now includes an eight-speaker Bose Premium Audio system, Intelligent Around View Monitor, and exterior mirror turn signal indicators. These additions make the package even more appealing to Sentra buyers.
With a starting price of $20,630, the 2024 Nissan Sentra offers a range of options and upgrades to meet individual preferences. Whether you opt for the S, SV, or SR grade, you’ll find a sedan that combines style, efficiency, and advanced safety features.
To learn more about the 2024 Nissan Sentra and explore its full specifications, photos, and videos, visit the official Nissan website. Stay connected with Nissan through their social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube for the latest updates on their products, services, and commitment to sustainable mobility.
Read the original press release: Sporty refresh and new technology for 2024 Nissan Sentra
Source: NISSAN Motors
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