Cut Your Home Phone Service or Dump it and go VoIP

It is possible to cut down on your current phone service by at least half of what you are already paying? This is possible by getting combined long distance and local phone service. When you get it in a bundle or over the internet, you only have to pay a small monthly fee. Not only does this save you a lot of money each month, it will also allow you to only worry about a single bill rather than multiple ones. There is just no reason to be paying for both local and long distance separately any more.

All you need to do to get this long distance and local phone service bundle is find out which provider is offering the bundle in your area. It might be from Verizon, it might be from Windstream, it might be from AT&T, dPI, Embarq, or Frontier. If you don't currently have a home phone, then you can still get service through your computer. This is what a lot of people are currently doing. You will need to have Internet that is better than dial up in order to do it. If you do have that kind of speed, VoIP might be the way to go.

Some of the companies that are currently offering local phone service through VoIP are Qt talk, Phone Power, and Lingo Go talk. If  your budget is your main concern, then you will want to check out Phone Power, who is currently offering free calling to local numbers. Out of state calling and even calls to Canada are also free, and you will just pay $10 a month to include long distance in that. Packet 8 is rated at one of the best quality VoIP options, so if you are concerned about the call quality above all else, you should check them out.

Overall, being able to speak with people across the world is something that will never go away. Make life easier for yourself by checking out the long distance and local phone service bundles being offered, or consider setting up a VoIP service on your home computer. You'll be able to speak with anyone you want from now on.

Marinated Texas Mesquite Teriyaki Chicken Breasts Recipe

This is a reprint article of my from Squidoo page to start off our new bbq section on CheapOnline.Net. Excellent barbeque chicken breast recipe. After seven years I still use it today.

Texas Style Mesquite Teriyaki Chicken Breasts

Marinate the chicken breasts in the following marinade for up to 2 hours.

Chicken Marinade
2 Cups Cola (pepsi, coke, store colas)
1/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/3 Cup Teriyaki Sauce
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
1 Tablespoon Honey
1/3 Teaspoon Cracked or Course Gound Pepper
1/3 Teaspoon Onion Powder
1/3 Teaspoon Garlic powder

Mix all the above ingredients in a blender or shaker with lid. Shake or blend the oil in well. Place the breast and marinade in a large freezer bag and squeeze the air out, place the bag in the refrigerater for up to 2 hours. Do not marinate chicken breasts for longer than 2 hours, they tend to toughen after 2 hours and do not add your salt till grilling time it tends to dry out meat after a half hour.


Then, grill your chicken breasts on the barbecue over mesquite wood or grill them on the grill using mesquite wood chips in your smoker tray. Be sure if grilling, to get your smoker chip tray going well before cooking the breasts, the mesquite smoke really adds to the taste of the ckicken. These taste so excellent you won’t need a barbecue sauce, just sprinkle your favorite barbeque rub or seasoned salt on before grilling. Enjoy!

More BBQ Recipes >>>>

How to claim Lower Cost gas or electric rates?

CheapOnline.Net can now help you find lower cost gas and electric utility rates.

The bills of electricity and natural gas providers can put huge burden on your pockets. The rapid increasing cost of the electricity is really a major issue of multiple people all across the globe. If you are one of the victims of huge electricity rates then get into the action and try some tips to get cheaper electricity rates.

 Most of the people consider that minimize the usage of electricity would help them to reduce charges. Apparently, it is the best alternative but what about the extra rates that your electricity service providers levy on you. Therefore, apply some other tips incorporating with minimum usage of electricity to get cheaper electricity rates. Never leave the fan or lights turn on while you are not working. These are some imperative doable ideas that need to be implemented by every human being. Here are some other vital ways to claim cheaper natural gas rates.

·      Put out the last year’s tax return document and review the annual income. If your annual income is below the prescribed poverty line, you will be considered for the electricity rate exemption up to certain limit. You need to contact your service provider and discuss about it.

·       You can install the solar system panel on your roof to generate electricity from that. This will surely reduce your electricity bill and keep the resources abundant in the environment.

·       If you are living in an area where electricity deregulation occurs frequently then you have a choice to change your electricity provider.

·       You can switch to different service provider by reviewing different electricity plans of various other electricity service providers. This is one of the best ways to get cheaper electricity rates. Moreover, it is not as hard to explore the relevant and cheaper electricity rates provider company with the help of Internet. Internet is flooded with millions of information regarding cheaper natural rates.

Instructions to select cheaper electricity rates provider:

It is quite easy and painless task. You simply instigate the research process over the web by putting the keyword cheaper electricity provider. You will be shown numbers of results having relevant information about different rate plans of various service providers.

·       There are several websites that provide information about gas and electric utility rates.

·       Scrutinize them one by one by comparing the rates and services.

·       You will be left with few selected choices. Now, do thorough inspection and finalize the cheapest one.

·       Thus, you are ready to enjoy the lower electricity rate from now onwards.

However, don’t forget to conserve electricity as much as you can by keeping yourself updated about gas and electric utility rates. Keep trying to minimize the usage and use it wisely. You will surely see that your next bill will be lower than your expectation. Do apply home electricity conserving tips and keep yourself updated regarding cheapest electricity rates by browsing over the web.



We will be providing links to compare Gas & Electricity Rates soon. More >>>

This is an article from one of my previous website that still applies today, will add the link to compare rates in your area. 

Getting the cheapest home Internet provider has become easier as more providers throw their hats into the ring. For the cost of what dial-up service used to be, high-speed service is available at a steal.
Major cities tend to have more options when it comes to choosing the cheapest home Internet provider. Because the competition is so fierce, they run various promotions throughout the year. If there is a promotion, look for time-frame restrictions. It may be permanent for the life of a contract or could be for 90 days, six months, or even a year. Read the fine print to avoid any billing issues later. There are other areas where the choices are not as widespread. With just a couple of providers, if the service is similar, look at what the price point is and how much bandwidth is allowed. Those who rarely use the Internet or do not download music and other files, dial-up may be all one needs.
Providers for dial up and DSL can only install in homes or businesses with a phone line. The information transmits via phone lines and customers are not sharing data lines with other consumers. Cable Internet works with cable lines that have already been installed within an area. Though transmission with either choice varies, cable has been faster, overall. Because they are both broadband services, transmission rates are quick. Songs download in seconds and sending large files becomes easier. Satellite services are ideal for small areas, where broadband access is lessened. The information is beamed over satellite, giving rural communities speeds that are up 30 times faster than dial up. T-1 service is optimal for businesses that require heavy Internet usage and need fast speeds to conduct business.
One of the least expensive ways to access inexpensive Internet is by bundling phone and Internet service. In some cases, you are adding television, too. Most times, the bundling will be seen with cable providers. Also, check to see whether a modem is included or if there is a lease fee. Providers also offer maintenance programs, so that any repairs are provided for free or at a reduced rate. Retrieving a quote often requires very little information and installs may be available as soon as the next day. Keep this in mind when seeking the cheapest home Internet provider.

Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency

Fed Tax Credits for Consumers Energy Efficiency

If you buy an energy-efficient product or renewable energy system for your home, you may be eligible  for a tax credit.

Below you will find an overview of the fed tax credits for energy efficiency.

What is included in the 2012 and 2013 Federal Tax Credit?

Tax Credit:30% of cost up to $1,500

Expires:Dec 31, 2016

Must be an existing home & your primary residence. New construction and rentals do not qualify.

ENERGY STAR distinguishes energy efficient products which, although they may cost more to purchase than standard models, will pay you back in lower energy bills within a reasonable amount of time, without a tax credit.

Biomass Stoves
Biomass stoves burn biomass fuel to heat a home or heat water. Biomass fuel includes ag crops and trees, wood and wood waste and residues (including wood pellets), plants (including aquatic plants), grasses, residues, and fibers.

Requirements Thermal efficiency rating of at least 75% as measured using a lower heating value.

Tax Credit includes installation costs.

More Information How to apply Biomass FAQs Wood Burning Efficiency & Safety

Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan An Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan is an efficient fan, or blower motor which blows the air that your furnace heats up through the duct system.

Must use no more than 2% of the furnace's total energy. Note: If the fan is qualified, but the furnace is not, you will not be able to take 30% off the cost of the entire furnace. Ask your HVAC contractor to break out the cost of the fan in your bill. You can get a 30% tax credit on the cost of the fan alone.

Tax Credit includes installation costs.

More Info How to apply Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan FAQs Air Source Heat Pumps Heat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners in moderate climates. Like your refrigerator, heat pumps use electricity to move heat from a cool space into a warm, making the cool space cooler and the warm space warmer. During the heating season, heat pumps move heat from the cool outdoors into your warm house; during the cooling season, heat pumps move heat from your cool house into the warm outdoors. Because they move heat rather than generate heat, heat pumps can provide up to 4 times the amount of energy they consume.

Requirements Split Systems:

HSPF ≥ 8.5

EER ≥ 12.5

SEER ≥ 15

Package systems:

HSPF ≥ 8

EER ≥ 12

SEER ≥ 14

Tax Credit includes installation costs.

See Definitions.

More Info How to apply Air Source Heat Pumps FAQs Central Air Conditioning (CAC)The best way to find tax credit eligible CACs is to ask your HVAC Contractor (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning). To verify tax credit eligibility, ask your HVAC contractor to provide the Manufacturer Certification Statement for the equipment you plan to purchase. Or, search the Manufacturer's website.

Requirements Split Systems:

SEER ≥ 16

EER ≥ 13

Package systems:

SEER ≥ 14

EER ≥ 12

Tax Credit includes installation costs.

See definitions.

More Information How to apply CAC FAQs Gas, Propane, or Oil Hot Water Boiler These are heating units that use water circulated throughout the home in a system of baseboard heating units, radiators, and/or in-floor radiant tubing.

Requirements AFUE ≥ 90

Tax Credit includes installation costs.

See definitions.

More Information How to apply Boiler FAQsNatural Gas or Propane FurnaceA furnace uses the combustion of fuel and air to create heat.

Requirements AFUE ≥ 95

Tax Credit includes installation costs.

More Info How to apply Gas Furnace FAQsOil Furnace A furnace uses the combustion of fuel and air to create heat.

Requirements AFUE ≥ 90

Tax Credit includes installation costs.

More Information How to applyOil Furnace FAQs

Insulation

Adding adequate insulation is one of the most cost-effective home improvements that you can do.

Requirements Typical bulk insulation products can qualify, such as batts, rolls, blow-in fibers, rigid boards, expanding spray, and pour-in-place.

Products that air seal (reduce air leaks) can also qualify, as long as they come with a Manufacturers Certification Statement, including:

Weather strippingSpray foam in a can, designed to air seal Caulk designed to air seal House wrapTax Credit does NOT include installation costs. But, you can install the insulation/home sealing yourself and get the credit.

See definitions.

More Information How to apply Insulation FAQs Insulation efficiency through Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Heat & Cool Efficiently at Home

Roofs (Metal & Asphalt)

Qualified roof products reflect more of the sun's rays, which can lower roof surface temperature by up to 100F, decreasing the amount of heat transferred into your home.

Requirements"Metal roofs with appropriate pigmented coatings" and "asphalt roofs with appropriate cooling granules" that also meet ENERGY STAR requirements.

Tax Credit does NOT include installation costs.

More Information How to apply Roofing - Metal & Asphalt FAQs

Water Heaters (non-solar)

Gas, Oil, Propane Water Heater Water heating can account for 14%–25% of the energy consumed in your home.

Requirements Energy Factor ≥ 0.82 OR a thermal efficiency of at least 90%.

Tax Credit includes installation costs.

See definitions.

More Information How to apply Gas, Oil, Propane, Water Heaters FAQsElectric Heat Pump Water Heater Water heating can account for 14%–25% of the energy consumed in your home.

Requirements Energy Factor ≥ 2.0

Tax Credit includes installation costs.

More Information How to apply Water Heaters FAQs

Windows & Doors

Windows, Doors, Skylights Energy efficient windows, doors and skylights can reduce energy bills.

Requirements U factor <=0.30

SHGC <=0.30

Tax Credit does NOT include installation costs.

See definitions.

More Information How to apply Windows, Doors, Skylights FAQs Storm Windows & Doors A less expensive approach to replacing old windows/doors, is to use storm windows to improve energy efficiency. When installed in combination with older, less efficient window/door, storm windows/doors can enhance efficiency by creating another barrier between the interior of you home and the weather outside.

Requirements In combination with the exterior window/door over which it is installed:

U-factor and SHGC of 0.30 or below Must meet the IECC Tax Credit does NOT include installation costs.

See definitions.

More Information How to apply Storm Windows & Doors FAQs

Tax Credit:30% of cost with no upper limit

Expires:December 31, 2016

Details:Existing homes & new construction qualify. Both principal residences and second homes qualify. Rentals do not qualify.

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Geothermal heat pumps are similar to ordinary heat pumps, but use the ground instead of outside air to provide heating, air conditioning and, in most cases, hot water. Because they use the earth's natural heat, they are among the most efficient and comfortable heating and cooling technologies currently available.

Tax Credit includes installation costs.

See definitions.

More Information How to apply Geothermal Heat Pump FAQs All ENERGY STAR geo-thermal heat pumps qualify for the tax credit.What about water-to-water geothermal heat pumps?

Small Wind Turbines (Residential)

A wind turbine collects kinetic energy from the wind and converts it to electricity that is compatible with a home's electrical system.

Requirements Must have a nameplate capacity of no more than 100 kilowatts.

Tax Credit includes installation costs.

More Information How to apply

Solar Energy Systems

Solar Water Heaters Solar water heaters come in a wide variety of designs, all including a collector and storage tank, and all using the sun's thermal energy to heat water. Solar water heaters are typically described according to the type of collector and the circulation system.

Requirements At least half of the energy generated by the "qualifying property" must come from the sun. The system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) or a comparable entity endorsed by the government of the state in which the property is installed.

Note: The credit is not available for expenses for swimming pools or hot tubs. The water must be used in the dwelling.

Photovoltaic systems must provide electricity for the residence, and must meet applicable fire and electrical code requirement.

Tax Credit includes installation costs.

More Information How to apply Solar Water Heater FAQs All ENERGY STAR Qualified solar water heaters qualify for the tax credit.Solar Panels (Photovoltaic Systems)Solar Panels or Photovoltaic Systems are solar cells that capture light energy from the sun and convert it directly into electricity.

Requirements Photovoltaic systems must provide electricity for the residence, and must meet applicable fire and electrical code requirement.

More Information

Tax Credit:Credit Details: 30% of the cost, up to $500 per .5 kW of power capacity

Expires:Dec 31, 2016

Details:Existing homes & new construction qualify. Must be your principal residence. Rentals and second homes don't qualify.

Source....

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