Make a Building Block Table the Whole Family Will Love

Pre-paint and cut

Get all your painting done before assembly to minimize touch-ups on the back end. Paint the 3/4-in. plywood faces first — one side near-white for the outside of the table, one side green for the inside. Then paint all remaining components, including the 1×2 pieces and the 1/2-in. plywood for the back (Q), their final colors before cutting and assembly.

Let everything dry completely, then cut all components from the cutting list above on the table saw and miter saw. Leave the edgebanding (H + J) and tabletop trim pieces (L + M) a little long, and trim them to their final lengths during installation.

Assemble the casework

To bring the cabinets together quickly and accurately, first pin the butt joints together using wood glue and 1-1/4-in. 18-gauge nails. Then countersink 1-1/4-in. screws to tighten down all the seams for strength.

Join the two sides (A) of each cabinet to the underside of the cabinet tops (B), then install the cabinet bottom (C) flush with the bottom edges of the two sides (A).

Use wood glue and 18-gauge nails to evenly space the shelves (D) inside each cabinet opening — roughly 8-9/16-in. apart — flush with the back edge of each side (A). Make sure they are square and level. Countersink all screw heads on the sides (A) below the surface so they’re easy to hide with filler during finishing.

Hang the bin rails

Use wood glue and 18-gauge nails to hang the rails (E) for the plastic bins. The bin openings should be snug, not too loose — adjust these measurements based on the size of the bins you’re using. Secure the rails 1-1/2-in. below the top and corresponding shelf.

Flip the cabinets upside down and use scrap 1x2s as spacers to position the bin rails 1-1/2-in below the shelves above them (D) and 1-1/2-in. from the front edge of the cabinet sides (A).

Install bin stops

To prevent the plastic bins from being pushed too far into the cabinet, install bin stops (F) on each shelf (D) five inches in from the back edge. Use a scrap 1×2 cut to five inches as a spacer to position them consistently. Adjust this measurement if you’re using different bins.

Cut the access panels

Place the tabletop (L) on top of the two cabinet tops (B) and clamp them together so the tabletop edges on each end are flush with the outside edges of the cabinet tops. Confirm there is a uniform 1/2-in. overhang at the front and back.

Mark out placement for the two bin access holes (8-1/8-in. wide x 10-1/8-in. long), centered over the plastic bins on each cabinet. For our project, the access panels were cut three inches in from the sides of the top (L) and four inches from the front edge.

For the first cut, set your circular saw depth to cut through both the tabletop (L) and the cabinet tops (B) it’s clamped to. Cut a rectangular hole through both layers that is 1/2-in. smaller in each direction (7-1/8-in. x 9-1/8-in.). Use a clamped or taped-down board to guide your circular saw and keep the cuts straight. Stop the cuts short (or fill them like I did) and clean up the corners with an oscillating tool.

For the second cut, separate the tabletop (L) from the cabinets and, using the same process, cut the access hole to its final dimension of 8-1/8-in. x 10-1/8-in. through the tabletop (L) only. Cutting the first hole smaller in the cabinet top (B) creates a lip where the lid (P) will rest when in place.

Make the lids

Measure the access holes cut in the tabletop (L). Ours measured 8-1/8-in. x 10-1/8-in. Cut the lids (P) from 3/4-in. plywood so they are 1/8-in. smaller in both directions (ours were 8-in. x 10-in.).

At the drill press, use a 3/4-in. Forstner bit to drill a single hole in the center of each lid (P) to serve as a finger pull for removing and replacing them.

Secure the tabletop

Set the tabletop (L) back on top of the cabinet bases, aligning it to the position where you cut the access panels. The tabletop edges on each end should be flush with the outside edges of the cabinet tops (B), with a 1/2-in. overhang at the front and back.

Make sure the smaller hole in the cabinet top aligns under the larger hole in the tabletop, leaving a 1/2-in. reveal. Nail and glue the tabletop (L) to the two cabinet tops (B), then follow with at least two screws connecting each cabinet top to the tabletop.

Trim the tabletop edge

Attach the tabletop trim pieces (M + N) to hide the plywood edges and give the table a finished look. These pieces get a 45-degree miter cut on each end. Cut them long and sneak up on the final fit for tight miters. Secure the trim pieces (M + N) to the tabletop (L) edge using wood glue and 1-1/4-in. brad nails.

Install the back panel

Attaching the back panel (Q) covers the back of the cabinets and keeps the table square. Slide the 1/2-in.-thick back panel under the tabletop trim (M) on the back side of the table and secure it flush to the outside edges of the outermost cabinet sides (A). Use wood glue and brad nails to attach it to the back edges of the sides (A), bottoms (C), and shelves (D) of both cabinets.

Install the edgebanding

To hide all exposed plywood edges on the front of the cabinet sides, bottoms, and shelves, attach 1/4-in.-thick solid edgebanding using wood glue and 23-gauge pins. Attach the two vertical edgebanding (J) pieces flush to the outside of the cabinet sides (A) first, then cut the horizontal (K) pieces to fit between them on the cabinet bottom (C) and inset cabinet shelves (D). To avoid warping and curling, wait until the edgebanding is installed before painting it.

Add building block baseplates

Attach a 15-in. x 15-in. building block baseplate to the outside face of each cabinet side (A). Apply spray adhesive to both the back of the baseplate and the cabinet side, being careful to keep overspray contained. Align each baseplate 3-3/4-in. from the top and centered side to side, then press the pieces together firmly.

Install a 1×2 frame around each baseplate. Use wood glue and 23-gauge pins to attach the horizontal rail (H) pieces at the top and bottom of each baseplate, flush with the outside edges. Then install the vertical stile (G) pieces along the two outside edges of the baseplate, covering the end grain of the rails (H).

Finishing touches

• Break all sharp edges with 150-grit sandpaper.
• Use a nail set to ensure all nail heads are set below the surface of the plywood.
• Fill all nail and screw holes with wood filler. Let it dry, then sand smooth.
• Caulk any open seams with paintable caulk.
• Touch up the paint on the entire unit. Use painter’s tape to keep the line between colors crisp.
• Rolling green paint onto the tabletop surface to refresh the finish.

FAQ

Are all building blocks standard size?

Not all building blocks are standard size.  Look on packaging for phrases like “compatible with major brands.” However, the ultimate assurance comes by testing for yourself.  The true secret to building blocks working with one another is in how snugly they fit together. If they are too loose, a project may come apart.  If they are too tight, they may not connect at all. Stick to one brand for continuity when using building blocks.

What is the best way to clean building block pieces?

The best way to clean a building block piece is to soak it in warm water with dish detergent. Rinse them thoroughly to remove all soap residue. To tackle stubborn dirt, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush or a wet cloth. Allow to air dry and do not use a dishwasher, washing machine, or hairdryer during cleaning. Exposure to high heat will warp and deform the plastic.

What is the best way to clean this table?

A microfiber cloth lightly dampened with soap and water will do a good job of keeping this table clean. Avoid drenching the table with moisture to prevent bloating and water stains.

What is the best way to store building blocks?

When storing building blocks, avoid direct sunlight and extreme heat.  Direct sunlight may cause the building blocks to fade or change color, and exposure to heat may make the plastic brittle and cause the building blocks to warp, shrink, or contract.  The easiest way to store building blocks is in clear plastic bins, sorted by color for easy access. Plastic bins stack easily, taking up a small footprint.

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The Secret to a Garden That Keeps Giving All Season Long

Create a string grid

Use a string and a measuring tape to create a grid with one-square-foot squares in your garden bed. If your bed doesn’t lay out evenly, and you have some bigger and smaller squares, save the biggest for the plants that will grow the largest and put smaller plants, like herbs, in the tighter squares. Secure the string to the edges of your raised bed with tape or wrap it around stakes and insert them into the ground.

Lay out the plants in their pots

Keep the plants in their pots and lay them out in the grid for visual balance. This will give you a chance to move and switch plants around before committing to their placement in the ground.

Plant the veggies

Once you are satisfied with your layout, start by digging holes deep enough to completely cover the root ball with one inch of dirt. Be sure to turn over and loosen the soil in the area where the plant will live to give the roots room to spread out easily. Create a mound of dirt around the root ball, with a circular channel to direct the water flow back toward the plant during watering.

Water the plants

After plants are in the soil, continual observation and maintenance will be key to a good harvest. Give the entire garden bed a thorough soaking for the initial watering and establish a regular watering routine to care for your garden throughout the growing season.  Every summer brings a hot period where you’ll need to water your plants twice a day.  Plants will always give you a warning when they are not doing well and will start to wilt way before they die. Be consistent with watering, pay attention and your garden will be bountiful!

FAQ

Can I adjust the PH in my garden soil?

Yes, you can adjust the PH balance in your soil.  Using a PH meter will let you know if you have to raise the PH – making it more alkaline or lower the PH – making it more acidic. You will often hear people say they add coffee grounds to their soil, which means they are trying to lower the PH to make it more acidic. When trying to lower or raise your soil’s pH, add the additives in small increments until you get a feel for which direction the meter moves. This works for both vegetables and flowering plants.

When is the best time to plant my vegetable garden?

In most regions, planting a vegetable garden in mid-to-late May will be successful, but it’s essential to first check your plant hardiness zone. It is important to wait until the frost season has passed before planting anything outside in your garden.

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Why You Should Never Leave Too Much Empty Space in Your Freezer

Last week, a Reddit user posted an image of their freezer on a LifeHacks forum, and it quickly got the internet buzzing. The image shows the inside of the Redditor’s freezer, where nearly every inch of space is filled with gallon jugs of ice.

The image is eye-catching, as one may wonder why someone would fill the empty space in their freezer with jugs of ice if they don’t know the simple idea behind the practice. Filling up empty space in your freezer with ice has several potential benefits, including:

• Extending the life of your refrigerator’s compressor.
• Cutting down on your electricity bill.
• Keeping the freezer cold longer during a power outage.
• Maintaining an on-hand supply of potable water.

Let’s take a look at the science behind the benefits of stuffing your freezer with jugs of ice.

Fill Empty Space in Your Freezer With Jugs of Water
by
u/Mi_Ki_Ii_Zaru in
lifehacks

Why It Works

Appliance companies typically recommend keeping freezers 75-80 percent full. The reason is simple thermodynamics. Water is what is known as a “thermal battery,” meaning it can absorb, store, and release large amounts of thermal energy. Adding large blocks of ice to the empty spaces in your freezer essentially supercharges its cooling capability.

Be careful not to overdo it, though. An overstuffed freezer is even more of a problem than an empty one. Your freezer still needs to circulate air, and blocking the vents and fans will greatly reduce its ability to do so.

“Don’t put too much food in the freezer,” recommends the Department of Energy. “Chilled air must be able to move evenly around the food to keep it frozen.”

So if you want to try this milk jug hack, just be sure you leave enough room in the freezer for things to flow. Otherwise, you may be doing more harm than good.

How Long Do Refrigerator Compressors Last?

Another purported benefit of filling your freezers with gallons of ice is that it reduces strain on your refrigerator compressor. While we can’t find any solid evidence to back this up, it makes sense: mostly full freezers are more efficient, and more efficient cooling would put less strain on the freezer’s mechanics.

It’s important to note, however, that refrigerator compressors typically last around a decade. While this milk jug hack may squeeze a little more life out of your machine, there’s no evidence it would significantly extend its lifespan.

Backup Cooling During Power Outages

Of course, one situation where this milk jug hack could really help your freezer is during a power outage. In an emergency situation, having drinkable water and rations can make all the difference. Having jugs of ice on hand gives you an immediate source of potable water.

But there’s more to it than just a water supply. Turns out, the amount of space in your freezer has a massive impact on how quickly your food stays frozen when the power goes out.

“Foods stay frozen longer if the freezer remains unopened, is full, is in a cool place and is well insulated,” says Whirlpool. “Usually, food in a loaded freezer will stay frozen for two to four days, depending on its size. A half-filled freezer will keep food frozen only about 24 hours.”

Getting an extra 2 or 3 days of food could be a game-changer during an emergency. To keep food frozen as long as possible, Whirlpool also recommends covering your freezer with blankets. Considering this, you may consider forgoing the massive water jugs and just fill the empty space in your freezer with more frozen foods to achieve the same benefits!

Sources

• Reddit “Fill Empty Space in Your Freezer With Jugs of Water” 2026
• Department of Energy, “Refrigerator Freezer Use and Temperature Tips” 2026
• Whirlpool, “What’s the Best Freezer Temperature?” 2026

Related

• The Real Reason Aluminum Foil Has a Shiny Side and a Dull Side
• Think Adirondack Chairs Are Uncomfortable? You’re Using Them Wrong
• Why You Shouldn’t Crush Aluminum Cans Before Recycling

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Cut Your Insurance Bill: Insider Tips for Better Rates

Insurance rates are rising just about everywhere. In my home state of Colorado, homeowner’s premiums have gone up an average of 10% just in the last year, and, according to Insurify, New Jersey car insurance premiums have spiked 20% in that time.

“Annual increases in the double digits are generally expected in today’s market,” says insurance expert Travis Hodges. “But if you experience a sudden price increase without a clear explanation or reason, it may be a red flag that you’re overpaying.”

For example, I recently helped my mom shop around for a new policy. The result: her insurance is now nearly half of what it was, without reducing any coverage. How is that even possible?

I asked some experts, and here is their advice for lowering insurance premiums.

Why Insurance Premiums Increase Despite Not Filing a Claim

Premiums go up for myriad reasons, including increased claims in your location, general inflation, rising material, labor costs and medical costs. “There’s also a climate risk,” says insurance analyst Matt Brannon. “More frequent severe storms and wildfires increase insurer payouts, which affects regional rates.”

Reasons Your Insurance Quote Might Be High

In general, your insurance rates will be higher if you make frequent claims, have a gap in coverage or have a lower credit score. For homeowners, the condition and materials of your home, including its roof and siding, are also factors. For auto, accidents or infractions will raise your rates dramatically. Your vehicle type and demographic (such as being a teenage driver) are also factors.

Tips to Get the Best Insurance Quote

Review Your Coverage

Every year, look over your policy to make sure it still fits your coverage needs and financial situation. That includes checking if your homeowner’s insurance reflects current rebuilding costs, and deciding if you still need full coverage on your aging car.

Also, if you get a high renewal bill, call your agent and ask what changed, says personal finance expert Eric Croak. “Sometimes just that conversation can eliminate that $350 increase, because more times than not, it’s only one coverable item on your policy that needs to be tweaked.”

Shop Around

Get quotes annually from at least a few companies. “It definitely helps,” says insurance expert Melanie Musson. “As you get older and your life circumstances change, a different company may be better for you than it was the year before.”

To streamline the process, Musson recommends using a website that automatically generates quotes from multiple insurance agencies. “Just keep in mind that you will get more email responses in the aftermath than you ever imagined,” she says. You can also gather quotes from individual companies online or call an independent insurance agent who can help with the process.

“Make sure you are quoting the same coverage limits and deductibles, so you’re comparing apples to apples,” says Brannon. “Otherwise, a lower premium may reflect lower liability limits or a higher deductible, which is not necessarily a better deal.”

Bundle Policies

It can help to bundle your home, auto and specialty insurance policies with a single insurance company. That will generally get you a discount on all of them. “But it might make more sense to decouple them if you receive significant savings from a specialist in that area,” says Croak.

Ask About Other Discounts

Many insurers offer safe driver discounts, as well as occupational discounts for military, medical workers, engineers, scientists and law enforcement, says insurance agent Vlad Cherchenko. “If you have teenagers, look for carriers with a reputation for taking care of them, and ask about student discounts. Most carriers have a discount for kids with great grades.”

Change the Primary Insured

Try switching the primary insured name on your policy to someone else — such as a spouse, child, parent, sibling, or life partner. “If they have better credit or accident history, it will likely lower your premiums,” says Cherchenko.

Install Home Safety Features

Security systems, impact-resistant roofing, fire-resistant siding, water sensors and other upgrades can lower your home premiums. “Homeowners should weigh both the upfront cost of improvements and the long-term savings potential,” says insurance specialist Travis Hodges. “Also, consult with an insurance expert to understand which home improvements will have the greatest impact on insurance rates.”

Sign Up for Telematics, Maybe

Many insurance companies offer a discount for equipping your car with devices that monitor your driving habits, aka telematics.

But, sometimes that backfires, says legal expert Yosi Yahoudai. “A lot of drivers don’t realize how much of their vehicle’s telematics data is now influencing insurance decisions, from rates to claim denials,” he says. “Insurance is no longer just about your driving record. It’s now about your data, your environment and how insurers calculate all of that into risk.”

Upsize Your Deductible

A higher deductible means lower payments, but it also means if something happens, you’ll pay more out of pocket. “The right deductible depends on factors like financial cushion, risk tolerance and how often a homeowner expects to file claims,” says Hodges.

Consider Redundancies and Riders

Between home, auto, umbrella and other policies, check to see if you have redundant coverages. If so, you can save money by dropping the ones that overlap, says Croak. Also, reconsider optional riders. For example, “Ask your agent to explain why you have a $250 claims filing threshold on home, and if it truly benefits you to file small claims,” he says.

FAQ

Why can insurance have such different costs depending on the company?

It mostly comes down to the company’s business strategy, says Brannon. Some companies may be growing in a state, while others may be pulling back. So if you get a high quote from one company, it could mean that, as a whole, that company is trying to reduce its business and exposure in your area.”

Also, insurance companies have different end goals for their consumers, says Cherchenko. “Some carriers focus on ironclad coverage, others focus on having low monthly rates. Look for carriers that focus on your end goals,” he says.

Does my credit score really affect my insurance premiums?

Usually. Insurers use credit-based insurance scores, which are heavily correlated with traditional credit scores. They’re especially interested in aspects such as how reliable your payment history has been, says Brannon. “Drivers and homeowners with poor scores tend to pay more for insurance, all else being equal,” he says.

However, if you live in one of the following states, there are limits on how your scores can affect your rates: California, Michigan, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Utah and Oregon.

About the Experts

• Vlad Cherchenko is the founder of Cherchenko Insurance Agency and Insurance Sales Lab. He is also one of Farmer’s top insurance agents.
• Matt Brannon is a senior economic analyst of insurance trends at Insurify online insurance services.
• Travis Hodges is managing director at VIU by HUB online insurance services.
• Eric Croak here is a personal finance expert and president of Croak Capital, an Ohio-based fiduciary financial firm.
• Yosi Yahoudai is co-founder and managing partner at J&Y Law in Los Angeles, where he’s handled thousands of car accidents over 15 years.
• Melanie Musson is an insurance and finance expert at Clearsurance.com online insurance services.

RELATED:

• Do You Know What That Little Button on Your Seat Belt Is For?
• What Those Lines on Your Backup Camera Really Tell You
• Here’s What The Small Panel On Your Car’s Front Bumper Is For

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All the Ways AI Is Making the Housing Market Worse

The rental real estate market has been one of the fastest adopters of AI tools and technology. In just a few short years, a formerly personal, human-to-human process has largely moved online and is now driven by AI. The days of calling or emailing a landlord about a property, trying to make a good impression at a private showing and filling out a paper application are largely a thing of the past.

Today’s real estate rental process is streamlined and efficient, but also highly impersonal and transactional. Ahead, learn about the different ways AI is being used in the rental process — and ways it’s making things more complicated — with help from three real estate professionals.

Automation of the Rental Process

In today’s rental market, most, if not all, of the rental process is automated using AI software. “Property marketing can now be done at a much bigger scale, faster with the help of AI tools,” Johana Williams of Utopia Management in San Diego says. “Uses include generating rental descriptions, writing listings and marketing copy, AI staging, virtual tours and 24/7 customer service chatbots.” Automation certainly streamlines the rental process for both tenants and landlords, but leaves little room for nuance or personal circumstances, putting tenants at a disadvantage. AI tools are also often used to screen tenants and accept or deny applications based solely on income and credit scores.

Algorithmic Pricing and Rent Setting

AI pricing tools analyze competitor prices, occupancy rates, and tenant demand to determine what it considers a fair market rate. AI-generated prices are convenient and lucrative for landlords, but leave no room for tenant negotiation. “In the past, a landlord might lower rent slightly for a strong applicant or long-term tenant,” Patrick Connelly of The Connelly Team says. “When pricing is steered by software, these types of adjustments typically occur less often. As AI-assisted pricing becomes more commonplace, renters may also see rents adjust more frequently to changing market conditions.”

Another concern is when multiple owners with large holdings use the same or similar pricing tools in the same market; they could inadvertently and artificially drive up rental rates.

“Early last year, San Diego and other major market cities passed ordinances banning algorithmic rent-setting, backed by the argument that algorithmic pricing facilitates coordinated pricing among landlords, putting tenants at a disadvantage,” Williams says. “I think it was a good move.”

Reduced Human Contact in Leasing

As more of the rental process is automated by AI-driven software, tenants may complete it without human interaction. “The listing is generated automatically, the apartment is shown via a virtual tour, and the application is evaluated by an algorithm. This saves time for owners, but the downside for tenants is that the system can make a decision without explanation or the opportunity to discuss their situation,” real estate investor Shawn Zar says.

Instead of speaking to a landlord or property manager to ask questions, renters are limited to the answers an AI chatbot can provide. Virtual tours are a convenient way to view an apartment, but fail to give renters a true feel for the property, neighborhood and landlord. This over-reliance on technology can also be difficult for elderly renters to navigate.

AI-Induced Market Noise & Scams

Property managers and landlords may love how easy AI software makes it to quickly generate and distribute listings across multiple platforms, but scammers do too. AI-generated photos and fraudulent listings are becoming more commonplace, making it increasingly difficult for renters to distinguish between real and fake listings. AI marketing software can also bombard renters with advertisements and listing information, increasing online market noise that follows them wherever they go online.

Algorithmic Bias and Discrimination Concerns

“There are concerns that AI tools are unfairly rejecting applicants based on certain characteristics because they don’t take all individual nuances to account,” Williams says. This can include issues with credit scores or income, as well as eviction and criminal history. A 2022 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report found that AI-generated background checks often contain unsubstantiated, outdated or incorrect information that is then used to deny an applicant.

Furthermore, applicants have no way to correct this misinformation or even know that it’s been used against them. The report also found that the applicant criteria used by AI-assisted screening tools often target applicants from marginalized communities.

FAQ

Is AI contributing to higher rents?

There is concern in larger markets that AI rent generators are contributing to higher rents, especially given that most management companies use the technology.

Can renters opt out of AI-driven processes?

Seek out smaller mom-and-pop landlords for the best chance of a personal, human-based interaction and application process.

About the Experts

• Patrick Connelly is a licensed real estate salesperson with The Connelly Team in Hampton Bays, NY.
• Johana Williams is regional manager for Utopia Management, a property management company based in San Diego.
• Shawn Zar is a cash homebuyer and investor with sell-my-house-fast.com.

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Every State’s Average Electricity Bill, From the Cheapest to Most Expensive

If you’re looking to cut energy costs, knowing your state’s average electricity bill can help. This way, you have an idea of where your bill sits, as well as how realistic it is to aim for a significant decrease. It’d be nice to get your energy bill below $75/month, for example, but if you live in a state where electricity is expensive, that might not be realistic. We looked to a survey done by Power Outage to see how electricity prices currently stack up.

Electricity Rates by State

Electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Different states have different infrastructure and electricity needs, and the price breakdown varies from state to state as a result. Below are the electricity rates by state.

State	Cost (cents/kWh)
Idaho	11.74
North Dakota	11.92
Nebraska	12.19
Louisiana	12.34
Utah	12.97
Arkansas	12.83
Washington	12.86
Oklahoma	13.05
Montana	13.12
Nevada	13.16
South Dakota	13.14
Iowa	13.18
Kentucky	13.20
Tennessee	13.28
Mississippi	13.91
Missouri	13.91
Wyoming	14.02
North Carolina	14.08
Kansas	14.48
South Carolina	14.72
Oregon	15.00
Virginia	15.26
Florida	15.27
New Mexico	15.29
West Virginia	15.39
Arizona	15.70
Colorado	15.79
Texas	15.83
Georgia	15.22
Minnesota	16.04
Indiana	16.12
Alabama	16.55
Ohio	16.90
Illinois	16.96
Delaware	17.18
Pennsylvania	17.78
Wisconsin	18.04
Maryland	19.29
Michigan	19.91
Washington D.C.	20.04
New Jersey	22.15
Vermont	22.58
New Hampshire	23.35
New York	23.87
Massachusetts	26.01
Maine	27.24
Rhode Island	28.42
Connecticut	30.35
California	31.14
Alaska	25.01
Hawaii	41.30

The most expensive state is Hawaii (41.03 cents/kWh), coming in at 29.29 cents/kWh more expensive than the cheapest state, Idaho (11.74 cents/kWh).

According to Power Outage, “states with abundant hydro, wind, or natural gas often have lower rates, while regions reliant on imported energy may pay more.” Hawaiian Electric explains that “unlike mainland states, Hawaii does not have access to fuel sources such large rivers to produce hydropower.” Additionally, “the islands do not have indigenous oil, natural gas or coal resources. Such fuels need to be imported.”

Conversely, “Idaho has had low rates since 1900 because the state generates electricity through one of its own natural resources—water,” according to REDI. Idaho residents don’t have to worry about the same kind of energy import costs that Hawaiians do.

Average Electricity Bill by State

Like with other utility bills, the unit cost is only one factor. Time of year, climate, number of appliances, and other things also contribute to the overall bill.

State	Cost per Month
New Mexico	$95
Utah	$99
Colorado	$103
Nevada	$107
Montana	$108
Wyoming	$109
Idaho	$110
Iowa	$111
Minnesota	$111
Illinois	$115
North Dakota	$115
Washington D.C.	$118
Nebraska	$120
Wisconsin	$120
Kansas	$126
Michigan	$126
Washington	$126
South Dakota	$128
Vermont	$130
Oregon	$134
Arkansas	$136
Oklahoma	$137
Missouri	$140
New Jersey	$141
Kentucky	$143
Maine	$143
North Carolina	$144
Massachusetts	$145
Pennsylvania	$145
Alaska	$146
New Hampshire	$146
Indiana	$149
Arizona	$150
Louisiana	$151
Ohio	$151
New York	$152
California	$155
Delaware	$155
South Carolina	$155
Georgia	$159
Virginia	$159
Tennessee	$160
Rhode Island	$161
West Virginia	$163
Mississippi	$164
Florida	$168
Maryland	$174
Texas	$177
Alabama	$188
Connecticut	$190
Hawaii	$199

The most expensive state is Hawaii again ($199/month), which is $104/month more expensive than the cheapest state, New Mexico ($95/month). Even though the electricity unit price there is slightly higher than in Idaho, 15.29 cents/kWh versus 11.74 cents/kWh, the other aforementioned factors that contribute to your bill have enough of an impact that the total is still cheaper.

Some of these price discrepancies have to do with the climate. States like Hawaii and Florida are quite hot and humid (the average high temperatures of these states are 73.9 degrees Fahrenheit and 80.9 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively), compared to drier or cooler states like New Mexico and Idaho (the average high temperatures of these states are 67.7 degrees Fahrenheit and 54.5 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively).

Sources

• Electricity Rates by State, PowerOutage.com, 2026.
• Renewable Energy Sources, Hawaiian Electric.
• How hydropower makes Idaho’s electricity rates below the national average, REDI, 2024.
• Hottest States 2026, World Population Review, 2026.

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Major vs. Online and Regional Car Insurance: What’s the Difference? Pros and Cons

Every year, I embark on the hassle of getting fresh car insurance quotes, and every year, there is a new provider or two that I’ve never heard of. Sometimes their rates are low, but I have wondered, if I had to make a claim, would they be reliable? We asked some experts to find out, and their consensus was…“it depends.”

“You really can’t say in broad classifications that some types are better or worse,” says Melanie Musson, an auto insurance expert with AutoInsurance.org. “For example, you can’t say that online companies are better than local agencies, because it comes down to the individual companies and personal preference.”

However, there are plenty of nuances between the various types of insurers. Here’s more about those differences, plus the pros and cons between major, online and regional car insurance companies.

Major Insurance vs. Regional and Online Insurance Carriers… What’s the Difference?

Some insurance companies, like Farmers, State Farm and Allstate, are well-known national brands, which maintain brick-and-mortar offices staffed with local agents who sell their products exclusively.

Others, like Progressive, the General and Geico, solely sell policies online, through call centers and apps, and sometimes via independent insurance agents.

There are also smaller, regional insurance carriers, such as Eerie Insurance, Auto Owners and Amica, who sell primarily through independent agents.

Regardless of the type, any insurance company that is licensed in your state is held to the same standards, says Musson. So “personal preference will have a role in helping people decide if one of these is a better option than the others,” she says. “Some people don’t care if they ever have an agent they can call by name, and others would hate the idea of not having a local contact.”

Pros and Cons of Major Insurance Carriers

Major insurers maintain vast networks of agents, extensive claims departments and technology systems that make interactions easier for customers, like 24-hour claims reporting. They also tend to have strong financial ratings and diversified risk pools, meaning that if there’s a massive regional disaster, they have large customer bases elsewhere to help offset those losses.

“They also provide a brand name customers can trust and are available nationally, which means they are able to help customers all over the US, even if a customer moves states,” says Lauren McKenzie, a senior independent insurance agent with A Plus Insurance.

On the flip side, sometimes all of those brick-and-mortar locations and national advertising campaigns result in higher prices.

Pros and Cons of Online Insurance Carriers

Online companies tend to have lower overhead costs, which can mean lower premiums. “They don’t typically provide personalized service, though,” says Musson. “Depending on the company, you may have a hard time ever contacting an actual human to help you through a claims process.”

Pros and Cons of Smaller and Regional Insurance Carriers

Regional insurance companies sometimes offer lower premiums because they spend less on national advertising and their policies are tailored to your area. They are also often represented by agents who can quote multiple companies at once, so you can quickly compare a wide range of prices and policies.

Many also have excellent reviews for customer service, says Musson. “That’s their specialty. They know their demographic well and can provide coverage options that fit the region in ways a large company may not.”

On the downside, smaller carriers might not be as financially stable, and if you move to a new state, you might have to switch insurance companies.

Which Insurance Is Right for Me?

It depends. If you value personal interactions, you’ll want an agent with a local office, whether that’s an independent agent or one working solely with a major carrier. Conversely, if you like handling everything online, an online-only option might save you some money. Beyond cost, other factors to consider include coverage options, the company’s financial rating and customer reviews.

FAQ

Are regional car insurance companies financially safe/reliable?

Usually. Often, they carry reinsurance, which is insurance that covers themselves from major claims. To learn an insurance company’s financial stability ratings, check AM Best. “That can help you understand if a company is expected to remain financially stable and able to pay claims,” says Musson.

How do I check if a car insurance company is legitimate?

• Check with your state insurance department to make sure they’re licensed in your state.
• Read BBB reviews and JD Powers claims satisfaction surveys.
• Check their AM Best rating.

“These sites have all the important information about an insurance company, including financial strength, claims handling process and overall service,” says McKenzie.

Can I switch from a major insurer to a regional one mid-policy?

Yes, you can switch insurance providers at any time. A few companies charge small cancellation fees for dropping their coverage before the term is up. “Some companies may also ask for further documentation before cancelling, such as a new policy declaration showing you purchased insurance elsewhere, or a bill of sale if the vehicle is no longer owned,” says McKenzie.

About the Experts

• Melanie Musson is an auto insurance expert with AutoInsurance.org. She has been in the insurance industry for over 10 years and specializes in education and advocacy.
• Lauren McKenzie is a senior independent insurance agent with A Plus Insurance, which is licensed in 35 States.

Sources

• Jenna Bailey is founder and lead trial attorney at Bailey Law Firm.

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The post Major vs. Online and Regional Car Insurance: What’s the Difference? Pros and Cons appeared first on Family Handyman.

Article source here: Major vs. Online and Regional Car Insurance: What’s the Difference? Pros and Cons