Last Updated on January 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff

(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

Last Updated on January 3, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Transform Your Space with an Accent Wall

(Family Features) If you’re looking to give your home a fresh look without a full-scale remodel, an accent wall might be an ideal solution. Whether you’re craving bold color or rich texture, an accent wall can instantly add personality and visual interest with minimal effort. Consider these ideas to spark your imagination: Bold Paint Colors Sometimes the simplest option can be a fresh coat of paint. Whether you choose a deep, dramatic color like burgundy, navy or emerald green or opt for more playful vibes with teal or mustard shades, pair your accent wall with neutral decor for a balanced, stylish look. Geometric Designs For a modern architectural look, use wood trim or molding to create a geometric pattern such as chevron or herringbone. Paint the trim the same color as the wall for subtle texture or use contrasting tones for a bolder statement. Stone or Brick Accents Exposed brick and stone can bring natural beauty and timeless appeal that pair beautifully with wood beams, modern furniture and industrial lighting. Use real stone for authenticity or opt for veneer panels for quick and easy installation. Built-In Shelving Combine function and style with a statement storage area. Built-in shelves filled with books, plants and curated decor can become the heart of a living room or home office. Wall of Art Whether you opt for a hand-painted mural or a variety of prints in different shapes, sizes and frames, artwork can tell a story or set the mood for a room. Try a floral motif for softness, a skyline for urban flair or abstract pieces for modern drama. Find more ideas to personalize your living space at eLivingtoday.com.   Photo courtesy of Shutterstock SOURCE: eLivingtoday.com

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

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CVT Transmissions Explained: Model Years to Avoid, Reliability Issues, and Maintenance Tips

Continuously Variable Transmissions — better known as CVTs — are now common in compact cars, hybrids, and fuel-efficient vehicles. They promise smoother driving and better gas mileage, but their reputation has been uneven, depending heavily on brand, design, and model year.

Here’s what CVTs are, which vehicles have had the most trouble, and how owners can protect themselves from costly repairs.

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What Is a CVT?

A CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) doesn’t use traditional fixed gears like a 6-speed or 8-speed automatic. Instead, it relies on two variable-diameter pulleys connected by a steel belt or chain. As the pulleys change size, the transmission seamlessly adjusts the gear ratio.

• Smooth acceleration
• No noticeable gear shifts
• Improved fuel efficiency

This design is why CVTs are especially common in hybrids, where efficiency and smooth power delivery matter more than outright performance.

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Why CVTs Are Popular in Hybrids

Most hybrid systems use a variation called an eCVT, which is mechanically different — and generally more reliable — than belt-driven CVTs found in many gas-only cars.

Manufacturers like Toyota and Honda favor eCVTs because they:

• Reduce mechanical complexity
• Eliminate traditional belts under high stress
• Integrate seamlessly with electric motors
• Deliver long-term durability with minimal maintenance

This is why hybrid CVTs tend to have far fewer failure complaints than early gasoline-only CVTs.

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CVT Model Years to Avoid (Buyer Beware)

Not all CVTs are created equal. Some manufacturers — most notably Nissan — experienced widespread issues during certain production years.

Nissan CVT Model Years With Higher Failure Rates

• Nissan Altima: 2007–2012, 2013–2018
• Nissan Sentra: 2012–2017
• Nissan Rogue: 2014–2018
• Nissan Pathfinder: 2013–2014

Common issues reported included:

• Shuddering and hesitation
• Overheating
• Whining noises
• Premature belt or pulley failure
• Complete transmission replacement well before 100,000 miles

These problems were serious enough to result in extended warranties and class-action settlements in some cases. Newer Nissan CVTs (2019 and newer) show improvement, but long-term reliability data is still developing.

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How Other Brands Compare

• Toyota & Honda: Generally strong CVT reliability, especially in hybrids
• Subaru: Mixed results; early Lineartronic CVTs had complaints, later versions improved
• Mitsubishi: Some issues in budget models, fewer reports overall than Nissan

In short, design, torque limits, and cooling systems matter more than the CVT label alone.

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How to Extend the Life of a CVT

Despite the myth of “lifetime fluid,” most transmission specialists agree that maintenance is critical.

• Change CVT fluid every 30,000–50,000 miles
• Use only manufacturer-specified CVT fluid
• Avoid aggressive acceleration and heavy towing
• Watch for early warning signs like whining, slipping, or shuddering
• Keep the vehicle’s cooling system in good condition
• Verify service records before buying a used CVT vehicle

Neglecting fluid service is one of the fastest ways to shorten a CVT’s lifespan.

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CVT vs Dual-Clutch Transmission

Feature CVT Dual-Clutch (DCT) Gear changes Continuous Fixed gears Driving feel Smooth, no shifts Fast, sporty shifts Fuel economy Often better Good, performance-focused Reliability Varies by brand/year Can be complex or jerky

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Final Takeaway

CVTs aren’t inherently bad — but early designs and poor maintenance gave some brands a lasting reputation problem. Buyers should focus on:

• Specific model years
• Service history
• Driving habits
• Whether the CVT is a traditional belt-driven unit or a hybrid eCVT

When properly designed and maintained, a CVT can deliver excellent efficiency and long service life — especially in modern hybrids.

According to Consumer Reports reliability data , CVT performance varies significantly by manufacturer and model year.

Drivers can also research real-world issues through the NHTSA vehicle complaint database , which tracks owner-reported transmission problems.

For more automotive explainers, visit our The Knowledge section on STM Daily News.