Sometimes, it’s the simplest fix that leads to the greatest savings when it comes to the cost of gas or electricity prices.

Sealing and insulating the ducts in your home is one of those simple fixes that could improve your heating and cooling system’s efficiency by 20 percent – or more!  Since up to half of your energy bill can be devoted to heating and cooling your home, the savings can really add up.

Think about it.  Air ducts are located in one of two places, your attic or your basement, and in some homes it’s both.  If your ducts are not properly sealed, you could be wasting a lot of money heating or cooling spaces in your home where you spend very little time.  But if you want to save some money you owe it to yourself to go into those spaces and inspect your home’s ducts… or have an HVAC specialist do it for you.

If you decide to inspect and repair your ducts yourself, make sure you use the proper materials.  Even though it’s called duct tape, it should not be used to repair leaky joints in your ducts.  Use specialized aluminum foil tape to make any repairs.  This is the same tape that is used to connect standard, foil-jacketed ducts by HVAC professionals and is the only type of tape that is acceptable to use.

While you are repairing your ducts, take a moment to note their surface temperature.  If your air-conditioning is running, and the duct is cold to the touch – or the heat is running, and it’s hot to the touch – you are still wasting energy and money.   Wrapping your ducts with insulation will help curb the amount of energy lost through the duct itself.  Cracks in the joints of your ducts are easy to spot and fix, but they aren’t the only ways that cool or heated air is lost.  Thermal transfer can be just as wasteful.

Spring is a great time to check your ducts and make sure there aren’t any problems.  The weather is cool, and the temperatures in your attic aren’t terribly uncomfortable.  Believe me, if you put it off until the dead of summer, you’ll wish you hadn’t.

By properly maintaining and insulating the heating and cooling ducts in your home, you can make some significant strides toward lowering the cost of staying comfortable, no matter what the season.  The cost of gas and electricity prices may fluctuate, but your home will remain energy efficient if you take the time to maintain it properly.

Tell me if this sounds familiar.  For whatever reason, you miss your favorite show.  Even worse, you forgot to DVR it.

No problem.  You’ll catch it On Demand.  Of course, this particular show isn’t available On Demand.  That or it isn’t available until some time next week after the next show airs and what good is that?  That puts you another week behind schedule.  So what can you do to watch the show you missed?  Check the Internet.

Many times you can find the missing episode the day after it originally aired on the channel’s website (ABC.com, FXnetworks.com, etc.).  Or you can check a site like Fancast.com or Hulu.com for rebroadcasts of your favorite shows and movies.  Then, you can either watch it right there on your little laptop screen or you can graduate to the computer/TV/Internet blend of television.  It’s actually much easier than you may think.

You can create your own little broadcast network using just your laptop, your high speed Internet connection and your TV.  That’s right.  So how do you hook up your laptop to your TV?  It’s easy.

First, you need to determine which type of cable you’ll need.  Most laptops will have multiple options, but at the very least you should have an S-Video output (Separate Video).   Likewise, most newer model TV’s will have an S-Video input.  You just need to make sure both have the same type of S-Video connector.  There are 4 pin and 7 pin.  Your laptop will likely have a 7 pin, so just make sure your TV has the same or it won’t work.

Your next option would be VGA – Video Graphics Array.  The VGA output on your laptop is the more familiar, blue connector typically used to connect your monitor to your laptop.  VGA provides a higher quality connection than the S-cable, but your TV likely won’t have a VGA connection unless it’s an HDTV.

You could also look for the white connector, the DVI – Digital Visual Interface.  Found on newer laptops and Macs, DVI will provide a much higher quality display from your laptop to your TV.  DVI inputs are found almost exclusively on HDTV’s and the cables can be a lot more expensive than VGA or S-Video cables.  However, if you plan on watching TV from your laptop on a fairly regular basis the cost could be worth it.

Of course, you could utilize your HDMI input on your HDTV, but you’ll likely find your laptop lacking an HDMI output.  That will likely change over time, but for now you can use a DVI to HDMI connector to your laptop to your HDTV.

In the end, connecting your laptop to your TV is easy.  It’s all about the connections and cables.  Once you determine which type of cable you need, make sure you buy enough.  The last thing you want to do is connect your laptop to your TV and be forced to dangle the computer in awkward position, because you didn’t buy enough cable.  VGA and DVI cables may be more limited in length, but S-video cable can run great distances.  That’s important when you don’t want to leave the couch to watch the next episode.

Can Skype VoIP service replace your cell phone? Probably not—and the service doesn’t claim to. But Skype can work in conjunction with your cell phone service to offer a host of features at low prices, including some services that may not be available with your cell phone.
Let’s look at what Skype can do—and what it can’t do.

Skype-To-Go from your cell phone

Normally, you can use Skype to make local, long distance and international phone calls through your computer. But with a service called Skype-to-go, you can use Skype to make phone calls from any telephone —including your cell phone.

Simply subscribe to one of Skype’s subscription services, which start at $2.99 per month plus a small connection fee. Then sign online to activate your Skype To Go number from your account overview page.

You can make local, international or long distance calls from your cell phone using Skype-to-go in three easy steps:

1. Use your cell phone and current cell phone service to dial your local Skype access phone number.
2. Use your Skype credits or subscription service to call any number, anywhere, by dialing from your list of phone contacts, using voice dialing or speed dial, or simply punching in the numbers on your phone’s keypad.
3. Talk as long as you like at one low rate!

Skype is a great, low-cost alternative to calling people outside your cell phone calling plan or for making international calls. You don’t have to worry about who’s in your network, who uses the same cell phone service as you do, or where they live.

Skype Mobile

If you have a Smartphone with Verizon Wireless cell phone service (such as a Blackberry or a Droid) you can get Skype Mobile on your cell phone. You can do everything you can do on Skype, including talk to anyone, anywhere in the world on Skype, use text-based chat, and video calling through your Smartphone. Best of all, you won’t use your wireless minutes for Skype calls.

One Phone to Do It All?

By using Skype-to-Go or Skype Mobile on your cell phone, you can keep your cell phone bills low—you won’t have to worry about counting minutes or paying roaming charges for international calls. This is a great feature if you travel abroad.

However, you still need a cell phone plan (or a data/Internet access plan) to access Skype-to-go or Skype Mobile. That’s why Skype can’t actually replace your cell phone. It’s just not practical to carry a laptop or netbook around the same way you carry your cell phone—so for convenience alone, you’ll still need a cell phone for making calls when you’re away from home.

With Skype and a Cell Phone, Do You Still Need a Home Phone?

Just as Skype can’t replace your cell phone, in most cases your cell phone can’t replace a home phone with home telephone service, either. You can’t use Skype to dial emergency numbers, which means you need either a cell phone or a home phone in the event of an emergency.

And, in the event of an emergency, nothing provides more reliable service than a conventional home phone. Cell phone coverage can be spotty in some areas. People often forget to charge their cell phones. And cell phones are more prone to damage and malfunction than a home phone.
Even if you only use a home phone service plan for local calls and 911 access, having those features could save your life.

Only you know which communications decision is best for you and your family. If a combination of cell phone service, Skype and a home phone with local limited calling is the right choice for you, shop online at Allconnect to make sure you’re getting the best rates on your home phone service.

Let’s look at TV service in a way you never have before. What do television cable services really do for us? TV service, and cable TV service in particular, provides:

• Family entertainment
• Prime time programming
• News
• Educational programming
• Local news and programming
• Sports programming
• Up-to-the-minute weather reports … and more

Upgrade options to your basic cable TV service may include:

• HD programming for enhanced picture quality on HD-equipped TVs
• A DVR to record programs and play back later, as well as to pause and rewind shows as they air
• Premium sporting events
• Premium movie channels
• Access to on-demand and pay-per-view movies and sporting events
• On-screen classified ads
• Special benefits and discounts

A bundle can also include your home phone and high-speed Internet service.

When we look at cable TV service this way, we can see how much television cable services actually enhance our lives. If you’re looking to cut costs on your monthly budget, you may consider your cable TV service as one area you can cut. But you can save money without losing all the benefits of cable TV. Begin by evaluating your family’s viewing habits. Then, keeping in mind what you really want to get out of cable TV service, compare pricing and packages through Allconnect.com to find the lowest rates available, often with no long-term contract.

Questions to Ask before You Sign up for Cable TV Service

Where does your family primarily watch TV? Do you have television sets that get turned on rarely, if at all? Can you save money by decreasing the number of television sets in your house?

What channels does your family primarily watch? If your family mostly watches the major networks (2—12), plus local channels, you may be able to save money with a “basic basic” cable TV package.

Do you have an HDTV? Many people think they can get HD quality programming if they subscribe to the HD channels offered by their cable TV service. But if you don’t have an HDTV, you’re not enjoying HD quality. Make sure you’re not paying too much for an HD package when you don’t have an HDTV.

Who provides your home telephone and Internet service? You can save substantial amounts of money—hundreds per year—by turning to your cable TV service for high-speed Internet and home telephone service, as well. Most “triple play” packages give you at least 100 channels—more than just a “basic basic” cable package. Check if bundling your TV, phone and internet service will save you money.

Pick a Package for your Cable Television Services
Once you’ve outlined exactly what you want out of cable TV service, you can compare prices for the package that’s right for you. Be sure not to order a package with more than you need, but be open to deals.

For instance, you may find that an upgrade package costs less if you bundle your home phone and high-speed Internet together—you’ll get more for your money, for the same price (or less). Additionally, you might get free installation (which can cost $100 or more) if you sign up for a larger package. When you compare prices, make sure to factor in any taxes, fees, and hidden costs.

When you purchase your cable TV service makes a difference, too. If you can’t find the deal you want, wait a month and check back with Allconnect.com. Cable TV companies change their special offers frequently; it shouldn’t be long before you find the package you want at a price that fits your budget.

Just the other day, cnet news posted an article on the Google PowerMeter.  If you’re not familiar with it, PowerMeter is an online tool that allows you to monitor and manage your home electricity usage.  According to Google’s PowerMeter site, the tool works by communicating with “utility smart meters and energy monitoring devices . . . [allowing] users to view their home’s energy consumption from anywhere online.”

If you notice a spike, you can investigate your home electricity usage to see what appliance is wasting your energy, your money.  It’s still in its early stages, but it certainly appears to be headed in the right direction to help consumers save money and energy.  Likewise, Allconnect recently launched the beta version of its new consumer money saving tool the Home Services Advisor.

After entering some basic usage and pricing statistics, the Home Services Advisor recommends how you could save on your monthly bills by optimizing your current plans or switching providers altogether.  Moving forward, the Home Services Advisor will even email you to let you when a better deal has popped up or when your current contract is expiring.  That way you you can look into locking in a lower price.

In recent years, we’ve all become keenly aware of budgets and spending.  It’s nice to see companies recognizing the need for saving money and energy.

As the temperature moves the mercury higher and higher, many of us look for additional ways to stay cool.  The pool.  The lake.  Walk-in freezer at the local grocery store.  But what about additional ways to cool your home?

Ever thoughtful of our wallets and our resources, the EPA has posted a few low cost ideas (and no cost  ideas) to help you lower your electric bill while staying cool.  Their suggestions actually echo many of the points we’ve made in the past here at Allconnect.  For instance, if you look back at our article on how to save money heating and cooling your home, you’ll see Allconnect, like the EPA, suggests you set your thermostat to a higher temperature while you’re not at home for extended periods.  There’s no need to waste electricity chilling your home when nobody’s home.  Save the energy, money and cool breeze for when you can enjoy them.

There are many ways to cool your home without breaking the bank or squandering energy.  Learn how by reading  up on how to save money heating and cooling your home.

Today, heating and cooling your home will make up the majority of your utility bills each month. Combined, these two sources use more energy, and also drain more energy, than all other systems in a home. According to the Department of Energy, on average, 43% of a utility bill is for heating and cooling. It doesn’t matter what kind of ventilation, air-conditioning system or heating is in your home, you can still save money heating and cooling your home by properly maintaining your equipment and your house.

It’s important to remember, that an energy efficient system by itself won’t make a significant change in your energy bills. To see a noticeable savings on your energy bill, you need to adopt the “whole-house approach”. If you combine maintenance and upgrades with the right kind of air sealing, insulation and thermostat settings, you’ll be able to reduce your total energy use and save money on heating and cooling costs.

How to save money heating and cooling your home long term:

• Choose energy-efficient products when purchasing heating and cooling equipment. ‘Energy Star’ is one popular brand that is best for energy-efficiency.
• For an air conditioner, look for a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The minimum today is 13, but more energy efficient products are 14 or more.
• Attic insulation of R-19 or more is considered the best protection against unnecessarily high cooling and heating costs.
• Try free heating and cooling by using windows and curtains to block or add heat/cool to a home. Allow the sun to enter windows and keep blinds closed to keep the sun out (Blackout curtains also reduce thermal waste). Open windows to allow a cool breeze in the Spring and Fall.

How to saving money heating and cooling your home every day:

• Weather-strip windows and doors. Replace window screens with solar screens.
• Use thermal drapes (Blackout curtains) to insulate windows.
• Wrap insulating around heating and cooling ductwork and then secure it with duct tape.
• Use fans (room or ceiling) to circulate air.
• Keep exterior doors closed while the heat or air conditioning is on.
• Cook and bake early in the day.
• Change air filters every 30 days.
• Use Energy Star appliances.
• Lower the temperature of your hot water.
• Plant tall shrubs or deciduous trees around your home to provide shade.
• Make sure you are getting the best price plan available with your utility companies.
• When not at home, raise the temperature in your home by at least 5 degrees or install a programmable thermostat to moderate temperatures throughout the day.

Recycled natural gas and landfill gas are two terms natural gas customers are hearing more frequently, especially when the topic is green energy. But what exactly do these terms mean and how do they impact customers?

First, landfill gas. Landfill gas (LFG) is the natural by-product that is created as solid waste in landfills begins decomposing. In other words, it’s the gas emitted from rotting garbage. Comprised primarily of carbon dioxide and methane, landfill gas contributes to smog, odors, global climate change (methane is a greenhouse gas), and it’s flammable. However, instead of allowing this recycled natural gas to escape into the air, natural gas companies can capture, convert, and use it as an energy source.

Landfill gas becomes recycled natural gas when it is processed and added into the existing natural gas distribution system for delivery to homes and businesses. Thanks to new technologies, the result is a cleaner and safer environment with no difference in the natural gas service being provided. Recycled natural gas means that the gas was generated in a landfill.

So, it’s a win-win. The dangers of landfill gas are reduced and the natural gas supply is increased. And it’s eco-friendly and sustainable. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, landfills are one of the largest sources of methane gas emissions in the United States, accounting for 25 percent of all methane sources. However, of the 1,800 municipal landfills in the U.S., which accept approximately 60 percent of all municipal solid waste, less than 500 are capturing and converting LFG. One of these is the Live Oak Landfill in metro Atlanta. Georgia natural gas customers are already benefiting from this DeKalb County landfill that is capable of producing enough natural gas to fuel approximately 15,000 homes and could produce recycled gas for about 15 years. This process is also contributing to better natural gas prices for people in this area.

If you’ve signed up for satellite TV, free professional installation may come with your new service. However, if you are interested in DIY satellite dish installation, here are some things to consider and an overview highlighting the steps.

While it is not difficult to install a satellite dish, it does require experience in electrical wiring and minor construction. If your location requires climbing a ladder, you not only need to be comfortable working with heights, but you also want to avoid putting yourself in a precarious situation. DirecTVs self-install guidelines suggest that if you have installed a TV antenna outside the house, a ceiling fan, a basketball goal, a dimmer switch or a garage door opener, then you can be reasonably confident that you can install a satellite dish. If the answer is no, they say this is probably not the time to learn and you should use a professional installer.

The next step in a DIY satellite dish installation is to review what’s involved. While this high-level overview highlights the necessary steps required to install a satellite dish, read through the complete directions so you know exactly what’s involved.

• Survey your site and identify the best location. See Tips for Satellite Installation for more pointers.
• Use the on-screen menu system to obtain the exact coordinates (azimuth and elevation) for pointing the dish and then conduct a precise site survey to determine the exact mounting site.
• Based on your mounting site, decide where the cable will enter the house, and measure how many feet you need to complete the connection.
• Begin dish assembly and determine the elevation setting
• Follow the mounting instructions, specifics of which will depend on where the dish is being mounted.
• Level the mast, attach the dish parts, connect the cables, and make final connections.
• Use the on-screen signal meter to check for a signal. Once the signal is obtained, adjust dish pointing to achieve maximum signal strength for your location.