The Filtered Files - Filters Fast

Tips For Becoming More Efficient This New Year

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The start of a new year is the perfect time to make changes that will last all year. With rising energy costs and our ever-changing climate become a more efficient homeowner is more important now more than ever. Are you interested in becoming a more efficient homeowner? Here are a few helpful tips that can help you conserve energy and save money.

 

1) Invest in a smart thermostat

Smart thermostats like Nest Smart Thermostat or the Emerson Sensi Thermostat are essential to helping you become a more efficient homeowner. Not only do they learn your patterns and what temperature you like, they also will show you when you are using the most energy during the day and how you can change that.

According to nest.com, a recent study found that a Nest Smart Thermostat can save most homeowners 10 to 12% on heating bills and up to 15% on cooling bills. Not only will a smart thermostat save your home energy, it will also save you money.

2) Inspect Your Home for Air Leaks

This small and easy task can save you a lot of money in the long run and is especially important during the winter. Inspect places in your home where air could be escaping, in most cases, these can be found around windows and doors. Take care of gaps or cracks around these areas by caulking, sealing or using weather stripping. If these go unnoticed long enough they can cause your home’s air to escape and drive up your energy bill. They can also grow and become very expensive to fix.

 

3) Make the Switch to More Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

Say goodbye to cheap iridescent bulbs and hello to LED and CFL bulbs. These bulbs might be a tad more expensive compared to what you’re currently paying, but they actually last longer than iridescent bulbs and use 75-80% less energy.

 

4) Change Your Air Filters

This simple and inexpensive task can save you lots of money over time. Not only can replacing your filters regularly (it’s recommended that you change them every 3 months) keep your family happy and healthy, it can also help your HVAC system last longer. Depending on what MERV rating you select, your air filters can help keep particles like bacteria, dust, pollen and even mold from being pumped into your air. They also protect your equipment from dust.

Does the thought of having to remember which filters you need, when to change them and what store you can get them give you a headache? What if we told you that you could mark this off your to-do list forever? With the FiltersFast.com Home Filter Club, you can have your filters delivered to your front door when they need to be changed and you don’t even have to remember to order them! This onetime thing can save you tons of money, time and give you peace of mind. Don’t wait, sign up for the FiltersFast.com Home Filter Club today!

 

 

Sources:

http://blog.solarcity.com/5-energy-efficient-ways-homeowners-can-start-saving-money-in-2015/

https://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/energy-efficiency-tips-renters-and-homeowners

https://www.safetyinsurance.com/resource_center/homeowners/efficienthome.html

 

 

“January in July”: The Mysterious Case of Over-Cooling in the Summer

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ColdIn the sweltering heat of the summer you may have noticed the contrast between the high temperatures outside and the frigid indoor temperatures of certain buildings. In the New York Times‘ Sunday Review, Elisabeth Rosenthal noted this common disparity, pointing out how she often needs to wear a sweatshirt indoors when the weather outside is close to 100 degrees.

The recommended setting for a thermostat during the summer is 78 degrees, which helps conserve energy costs and fights against increasing greenhouse gas emissions. However, many homes and businesses set their thermostats to temperatures in the low 70s or high 60s. Many are aware of this trend, which explains why some will go to a movie theater simply to escape the heat.

Rosenthal explains that this is likely attributed to the expectation of having “January in July.” Alan Hedge, a Cornell University professor specializing in Design and Environmental Analysis, states that “in the United States there is a strong marketing emphasis on cold. When you get a soda it’s chock full of ice. We serve beer chilled. We make a virtue of freezing things.”

And certainly it’s the people being chilled too. Low indoor temperatures were once a necessary trend, but many wonder if it’s necessary now when air conditioning has become such a staple of residences. Businesses across the world have started to reduce what is known as “over-cooling.” Whether it’s Italian energy company Eni or Japan’s Cool Biz initiative to increase thermostats to around 80 degrees, the issue has been noted and solutions are being offered.

While some may enjoy the cold or not deem it necessary to do anything about over-cooling, Rosenthal argues that the rising cost of energy and the increase of greenhouse gas emissions make this is a necessary endeavor.