If you stop and study your monthly bill, you know that natural gas pricing involves paying for therms. Understanding how those therms are priced, however, requires knowledge about supply and demand as well as an evaluation of fixed vs variable rates. The Georgia Public Service Commission notes that “Not only do different marketers charge very different prices, the prices that some marketers charge their existing customers may vary greatly. So, even switching plans within the same marketer can save you money.” Read more about understanding natural gas prices in the Resource Section.

Allconnect is a premium sponsor of Real Estate Connect, a technology real estate conference taking place this week in San Franciso. The company has launched new functionality at www.connectmybuyer.com. Below is the official release. If you are a Realtor, or know a Realtor, have them try connectmybuyer.com out between now and July 30 and they’ll be entered to win a trip to Napa Valley!

Allconnect Launches Unique Marketing Tool for Real Estate Pros

New, free online system lets brokers create custom brochures about home services for clients

SAN FRANCISCO, July 13, 2010 – Allconnect – the leading comparison shopping and connections marketplace for essential home services – today unveiled a new, unique customer service and marketing tool at Real Estate Connect 2010 created specifically for real estate professionals. ConnectMyBuyer.com is an innovative, free system that delivers benefits to both realtors and their customers.

By accessing Allconnect’s ConnectMyBuyer.com, realtors can input a client’s address and create an individualized email or flyer that lists contact information for water, waste, gas, and electric services.  It also includes a summary of the television, Internet, and phone service plans available for the specific location.  New home buyers can compare providers, plans, and rates, with no obligation to purchase.

“ConnectMyBuyer is designed with both the homeowner and the realtor in mind,” said Glenn Goad, Allconnect Chief Strategy Officer.  “The homeowner has access to information about special offers, can explore which plan is right for them, and get best-price guarantees. Realtors can provide customer service that exceeds expectations while standing out from the competition.”

ConnectMyBuyer.com is already in use at Allconnect’s real estate partners, including Harry Norman Realtors, Home123, Keller Williams Realty: The Rawls Group, RE/MAX Executives, and Prudential Palms Realty.

“Our comprehensive database is regularly updated to have the latest information from service providers. The front-end technology is easy to use. The combination gives realtors hassle-free access to a powerful personal brand enhancer,” said Allconnect’s Goad.

About Allconnect
Allconnect is the leading provider for connecting consumers with household services including satellite TV, cable TV, Internet, phone, home security systems, and natural gas and electric utilities.  The company offers a convenient, simple, and objective one-stop source for comparing options and pricing, whether consumers are transferring or establishing household services during a move or simply wanting to ensure they are on the best plan for their budget.  This service is offered at no charge, online or by phone.  Founded in 1998, Allconnect has connected over 20 million people through its partnerships with more than 30 utility companies and hundreds of service providers across the U.S.  Allconnect employs more than 500 associates and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with offices in St. George, Utah; Danville, Virginia; and Mexico.  Realtors can learn more at ConnectMyBuyer.com.  Customers can visit Allconnect.com or call a Home Services Consultant at 800-930-1940.

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Paying utility bills can be a chore and, with the terms and lingo involved, trying to understand your gas bill can result in frustration. Companies usually provide some definitions on the bill, and most have a page on the website that explains natural gas terms. However, while the price per therm may be clear, what exactly is a therm? To learn more about the calculations involved and natural gas terms such as BTU, CCF, DDDC and WNA, read the glossary to help you understand your gas bill in the Resources section.

Hate your antique furnace, but not sure if it makes sense to replace it? Want to compare the energy efficiency for heating and cooling systems?

CLECO, a Louisiana-based energy services company, has partnered with Enercom to provide the comparison site to help you understand the costs and energy savings for upgrading heating and cooling systems.

For example, let’s say you have a 15-year-old furnace with central air conditioning in your 1,800-square-foot house. Assume the AFUE is 65 and the SEER is 6. Assume you use 13,050 kWh of electricity and 729 therms of natural gas. Assume your rates are 0.098 cents per kWh and $1.01 per therm. You currently spend $2,085 per year in energy costs.

If you replace the system with a geothermal heat pump, your annual energy costs would be $851, assuming a COP of 3.5, an EER of 16 and electricity use of 8,693 kWh at 0.098 cents per kWh.

In other words, you would save $1,234 in energy costs each year.

The comparison site allows you to enter the cost of new equipment and installation in order to estimate the length of time for the return on your investment.

Tips on comparing furnaces, cooling systems, or heat pumps

• To compare furnaces, you’ll need the  AFUE = Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. The Energy Savers website has more info on AFUE, as well as information on boilers and furnaces in general.

• To compare cooling systems, you’ll need the SEER = Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The Energy Savers website has more information on SEER and central air conditioners.

• To compare heat pumps, you’ll need the HSPF = Heating Season Performance Factor. The Energy Savers website also has more information about HSPF and air source heat pumps.

• To compare geothermal heat pumps, you’ll need the  COP = Coefficient of Performance and EER = Energy Efficient Ratio. For more information, visit EnergyStar.gov and the Energy Savers web site.

Save money when upgrading heating and cooling systems.  Check out which heating and cooling upgrades qualify for tax credits and rebates.

Save money on high energy bills by making your home more energy efficient with Energy Star-rated products.  You’ll be protecting the environment, too!