David Deem 714-997-3486 As we head into another winter, with inevitably higher energy consumption for most of the country, the energy experts at Eversource are reminding consumers that it's also a great time of year to assess ways to better manage energy use to save money and protect our planet. Eversource isn't just talking about turning off the lights or taking shorter showers. They've identified three of the biggest silent energy-suckers: Flip a bigger switch. Most common appliances, from your microwave and TV to your computer and game console, continue to draw power from electrical outlets even when you’ve turned them off. According to Eversource, you can save as much as $150 a year by simply unplugging each appliance when it’s not in use. Or, use a power strip so that you can power down multiple appliances all at once by flipping a switch. Think 'smart' thermostat. With big temperature swings from season to season, it’s time to consider setting you...

David Deem 714-997-3486 At a disappointing estimate of 553,000, new-home sales in September tanked, backtracking 5.5 percent from the previous month, according to the Commerce Department. There were 327,000 for-sale homes in September, representing 7.1-months' supply—a high—with a median price of $320,000. "Home price gains and rising interest rates are slowing down the housing market, particularly in high-cost areas and among entry-level buyers who are sensitive to price increases," said Robert Dietz, chief economist of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), in a statement. "Builders need to provide homes at different price points to address these affordability concerns. Meanwhile, overall job and economic growth should help support the housing market in the months ahead as it adjusts to higher mortgage interest rates." "Builders have not been building like they used to for some time now—and with winter coming, they appear to be in re...