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7 Ways to Reduce Energy Bills During Summer Heat

The summer is when we see homeowners strategizing about how to keep their homes cool and comfortable while sticking to their household budgets,

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The summer is when we see homeowners strategizing about how to keep their homes cool and comfortable while sticking to their household budgets,

 (Family Features) With temperatures forecasted to run at least 2 degrees higher than historical averages across more than half the country, according to projections from AccuWeather, heat waves may lead to soaring air-conditioning bills this summer.

“The summer is when we see homeowners strategizing about how to keep their homes cool and comfortable while sticking to their household budgets,” said Michael Williford, HVAC service manager at Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical. “We work with customers to keep their current HVAC systems running smoothly or upgrade to more efficient systems, which can make a huge difference in their utility bills. In addition, there are many other ways homeowners can keep their energy costs down during the hot summer months.”

Consider these smart, practical, cost-cutting tips for dialing down your energy bills.

Service HVAC Systems Regularly
To ensure the best cooling 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. 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 appliances that heat up your home outside of this timeframe when conventional heating and cooling systems are likely running full throttle can help lower energy costs.

Upgrade Your Systems to an Energy-Saving Heat Pump
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) incentivizes homeowners who opt for energy-efficient HVAC upgrades, including qualified heat pumps, which can boost seasonal energy efficiency ratios and increase efficiencies. For example, Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps provide more energy-efficient cooling that may equal cost and energy savings as well as a reduced carbon footprint for homeowners. These systems are equipped with inverter or variable-speed technology that allows systems to automatically ramp up or down the required amount of energy depending on the room’s capacity. Although annual savings vary, some homeowners can save as much as $1,000 per year by switching to an all-electric heat pump.

Fire Up the Grill
When temperatures soar, use the grill for cooking to help lower energy usage and save on air-conditioning costs. Alternatively, toaster ovens, air fryers and slow cookers use less energy than larger conventional stoves or ovens. Get creative by cooking a pizza in a chiminea or smoking favorite meats as alternatives to using your oven.

Stop Cooling Empty Rooms
One mistake many homeowners make is forgetting to adjust their temperature settings when leaving the house. Whether you’re headed to the beach for the weekend or just headed to work for the day, blasting the air conditioner 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, so you don’t have to waste energy cooling unoccupied rooms. With a smartphone app, you can even adjust the settings remotely.

Install a Smart Electric Panel
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. Plus, solar-sourced power pairs well with all-climate heat pumps, which require minimal electricity to operate.

Find more ideas to dial down energy usage (and bills) this summer at MitsubishiComfort.com.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock


SOURCE:
Mitsubishi Electric

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Tech

Perfection in Every Wave: Bang & Olufsen and Riva Partner to Create the Ultimate Vessel for Sound

Perfection in Every Wave: Bang & Olufsen and Riva partner to create the ultimate vessel for sound. Unveiling in Sept 2024. #LuxuryAudio #Yachting

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In the world of luxury audio and yachting, two iconic brands have come together to create something truly extraordinary. Bang & Olufsen, the renowned leader in luxury audio, and Riva, the prestigious Italian yacht manufacturer, have joined forces to deliver the ultimate vessel for sound.

With a shared legacy of excellence in craftsmanship and an ambition to deliver beautiful sound experiences, Bang & Olufsen and Riva are now partnering to create the ultimate vessel for sound.

With a shared legacy of excellence in craftsmanship and an ambition to deliver beautiful sound experiences, Bang & Olufsen and Riva are a natural match. Both brands have long been known for their dedication to performance, design, and craftsmanship, and this collaboration is a testament to their commitment.

“The partnership between Riva and Bang & Olufsen sounds great. We both have a taste for ‘mixing’ elegance and innovation, and this shared value will guide our product design and production,” said Alberto Galassi, Ferretti Group’s CEO. He further expressed his excitement about advancing research in pursuit of absolute quality and beauty, eagerly anticipating the wonders that will emerge from this extraordinary collaboration.

The exclusive products from this partnership will be unveiled in September 2024 during the boat show season. This highly anticipated release is sure to excite both audio enthusiasts and luxury yacht aficionados alike. The combined expertise and prowess of Bang & Olufsen and Riva will undoubtedly result in something truly remarkable.

Bang & Olufsen has been at the forefront of luxury audio for almost a century. Their powerful sound, timeless design, and unrivaled craftsmanship have consistently set them apart from their competitors. Riva, on the other hand, is a true icon of fine Italian yachting artistry. With a history dating back to 1842, they are synonymous with beauty, style, and innovation in the boating world.

Bang & Olufsen and Riva will reveal the exclusive products in September 2024 during the boat show season.

Throughout this project, the teams at Bang & Olufsen and Riva have worked tirelessly to ensure that the final products live up to their legacy of excellence. The dedication of both teams is evident in every detail, from the superior sound quality to the impeccable design. The result is a vessel for sound that is nothing short of perfection.

As a personal testament to the quality of Bang & Olufsen’s products, I have been a proud owner of their portable speaker for several years. Just yesterday, I received my new headset/headphone from them, and I must say, it did not disappoint. In my interactions with the people at Bang & Olufsen, I have always been met with courtesy and friendliness. They genuinely care about their products and always strive for excellence.

The collaboration between Bang & Olufsen and Riva is set to redefine luxury audio experiences on the open waters. It is the perfect marriage of artistry, innovation, and style. We eagerly await the unveiling of these exclusive products and the incredible sound experiences they are sure to provide. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey with Bang & Olufsen and Riva.

Follow the conversation

@bangolufsen on Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube and LinkedIn using #BangOlufsenxRiva

Follow Riva and Ferretti Group on FacebookPinterestLinkedInYouTubeInstagram and X.

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Tech

Urgent Windows Security Flaw: Protect Your PC from Wi-Fi Hackers

Urgent Windows security flaw allows hackers to infect PCs over Wi-Fi. Update now to stay protected from potential cyberattacks.

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a man looking sick while working with his laptop. security flaw
Photo by Edward Jenner on Pexels.com

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, with hackers finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in our devices. Recently, a critical Windows security flaw has been identified that could allow hackers to infect your PC over Wi-Fi, posing a serious risk to your data and privacy.

This new Wi-Fi vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2024-30078, affects all versions of Windows and carries a high CVSS score of 8.8 out of 10. What makes this flaw particularly alarming is that attackers can exploit it without needing physical access to your device, as long as they are on the same Wi-Fi network.

The potential for malware infection without any user interaction raises the stakes, especially for those who use their Windows laptops in public spaces like coffee shops or airports. Public Wi-Fi networks already pose risks, and this new flaw adds another layer of vulnerability.

To safeguard your Windows PC from such threats, it is crucial to stay vigilant and take proactive measures. Here are some tips to enhance your security posture:

  1. Update Your System: Ensure your Windows operating system is up to date by installing the latest security patches from Microsoft. Regular updates can help protect your device against known vulnerabilities.
  2. Enable Windows Defender: Activate Windows Defender, Microsoft’s built-in antivirus software, to provide baseline protection against malware and other threats. Consider complementing it with a reputable third-party antivirus solution for added security.
  3. Use a VPN on Public Wi-Fi: When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, employ a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic and shield your data from potential eavesdroppers. VPNs add a layer of privacy and security, especially in high-risk environments.
  4. Exercise Caution Online: Be cautious when clicking on links, downloading attachments, or accessing sensitive information while connected to public Wi-Fi. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts like online banking unless you are on a secure network.

While Microsoft has released patches to address this specific Wi-Fi vulnerability, staying informed and proactive is key to mitigating cybersecurity risks. By adopting best practices for online safety, such as regular updates, strong antivirus protection, and secure browsing habits, you can reduce the likelihood of falling victim to malicious attacks.

Remember, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and by taking steps to protect your Windows PC, you can safeguard your digital assets and personal information from cyber threats. Stay informed, stay secure.

Check out this article from Tom’s Guide about the Microsoft security flaw. https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/malware-adware/urgent-windows-security-flaw-lets-hackers-infect-your-pc-over-wi-fi-update-right-now

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Beware of SunPass Scam Alert: Protect Yourself from Toll Smishing Scams

Beware of SunPass toll smishing scams! Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages and verify information independently. Stay safe online!

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In recent days, a concerning scam targeting SunPass users has emerged, with crooks sending deceptive text messages claiming unpaid toll fees. These fraudulent messages prompt recipients to click on malicious links to settle supposed debts, leading to potential financial loss and identity theft. The Florida Attorney General, Ashley Moody, along with law enforcement agencies, has issued a consumer alert to raise awareness about this scam and provide guidance on how to avoid falling victim to such schemes.

SunPass
I received this text on Friday.

The scam, known as “smishing,” involves sending fake text messages alleging unpaid toll fees and providing links to fraudulent websites designed to deceive individuals into making payments. The Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit, in collaboration with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, has taken action to shut down 10 impostor websites mimicking the official SunPass platform. By dismantling these fake sites, authorities aim to prevent further victimization and protect unsuspecting drivers from financial harm.

To safeguard yourself from falling prey to toll smishing scams, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

  1. Avoid Clicking Links: Refrain from clicking on any links provided in unsolicited messages, especially those claiming to be from SunPass, E-ZPass, or the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
  2. Verify the Source: Independently verify information by contacting FDOT or SunPass using official contact details obtained from their legitimate websites.
  3. Check Account Status: Regularly monitor your online toll account to detect any suspicious activity and prevent unauthorized transactions.
  4. Protect Personal Information: Be cautious about sharing personal or financial details in response to unsolicited messages, emails, or phone calls.
  5. Register with the Do Not Call List: Take steps to block robocalls and spam text messages by registering your phone number at DoNotCall.gov.

By exercising vigilance and following these precautions, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to toll smishing scams and protect your finances and personal information from cybercriminals. Stay informed, stay alert, and stay safe on the digital highways of the modern world.

Check out the story fro FOX 13 Tampa Bay.

https://www.fox13news.com/news/scammers-posing-sunpass-persist-despite-recent-state-crackdown

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    Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art.

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