Summer Energy Savings Tips!

Summer is always wonderful... Until you see your energy bill!

The majority of American households see a spike in their energy consumption during the summer months. This is primarily do to increased use of air conditioning (A/C) this time of year. Now we know you don't want to be hot and miserable all summer long, but you dont want to be spending so much on outrageous energy bills either. Don't worry, we have a some tips and tricks to help you save energy while keeping your home cool and comfortable this summer.

Let Your Home Breathe-

By this we mean, on cool days turn off your A/C and open the windows in your home. This will help to cool down your home without using all the energy an A/C unit requires. Not to mention it will circulate some fresh air through your home too.

Change your Air Filter-

With the summer heat you will most likely be running your A/C more often. This means your HVAC system will be pulling a lot more air through it, and will be needing its filter changed more often. The more air going through the filter means the more dust, and dirt it will be picking up. If the filter becomes clogged it will put a lot of strain on your HVAC system causing it to use more energy! This strain can actually cause your HVAC system to break down, which can cost an arm and a leg to fix or replace. Energy companies recommend replacing your air filters once a month, especially during months where you are using your A/C or Heat a lot.

Keep Appliances Away From Your Thermostat-

Many appliances in your home (ie. lamps, tvs, computers, coffee makers, etc) give off heat when they are on. When these appliances are close to your thermostat, that heat can sometimes trick the thermostat into thinking it is hotter than it should be causing it to kick on the A/C when it is not needed. Thus using more energy when it does not need too.

Don't Use Your Oven- 

At least not on hot days. With how hot an oven can get and how long it needs to stay on, your oven will actually cause the temperature inside your home to increase. Instead of your oven, try using your outdoor grill and/or a microwave instead. These appliances can do almost everything your oven can while using less energy and not causing any temperature spikes inside your home.

Strategically Landscape Your Yard-

Not our simplest tip we know, but planting shade trees in strategic parts of your yard can actually help you to save energy. These trees will help to block the direct rays from the sun that can cause your home to heat up more than it should, making you use more energy to cool it back down. Privacy bushes by windows that get hit with direct sunlight can help too.

Use LED Lights-

LED bulbs give off a fraction of the heat incandescent bulbs do. As we mentioned before this extra heat can cause your A/C to turn on prematurely, costing you energy and money. By installing LED bulbs around your home you won't have to worry about that anymore. You'll also get the added benefits of LED bulbs being way more energy efficient, and lasting much longer than any other bulb.

Program Your Thermostat Correctly-

Programing your homes thermostat will help it to regulate the temperatures in your home throughout the day.  If done correctly it should help you to save on energy during the hot and cold months of the year. Some thermostats can be tricky to set however, so be sure to read their instructions if you still have it. You can also upgrade to a Nest Learning Thermostat to make things easy. The Nest Learning Thermostat is the first thermostat to be ENERGY STAR certified. It will learn what temperature you prefer and builds an energy efficient schedule around them. You can also access your nest thermostat from anywhere via your phone.

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Why Should I Clean My Dryer Vent?

When was the last time you had your dryer vent cleaned?

No we are not talking about your lint trap, we mean the vent in your wall that exhausts the hot air from your dryer to the outside of your home. If it's been over a year it's been to long!

Dryer vent cleaning is an important but often forgotten about home maintenance task. Your homes dryer vent is supposed to be cleaned at least once a year according to the fire department. Some homeowners are lucky and have their dryer on an exterior wall where they can simply push a brush a couple of feet and it's clean. Most homeowners however can have up to 25 feet of duct work they need to clean!

Why should I have it cleaned?

The leading reason to clean your dryer vent is that it is a major fire hazard. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), dryers, and dirty/clogged dryer vents, are one of the top 10 causes of house fires in the USA.

As you use your dryer, over time lint will begin to build up in the vent which can create blockages so that the hot air cannot exhaust out properly. With the build up of the flammable lint and the hot air not being able to exhaust properly, the vent and the dryer will start to become very hot. This heat can then cause the lint in the dryer and the vent to ignite and catch fire. As the vent is already in your wall it does not take long for this fire to spread throughout your home.  The best way to avoid this is to have your dryer vent cleaned at least once a year.

What are some other benefits of dryer vent cleaning?

Another benefit of dryer vent cleaning is getting rid of unwanted pests that want to make your vent their home. Mice, bugs and birds all love to make nests in dryer vent (also a fire hazard) because of the shelter it provides and the warm air being exhausted through it.  Regular cleaning will help get rid of these nests and if they keep coming back most service pros will be able to help you with options to keep them away for good.

Regular dryer vent cleaning can also help you save energy, and extend the life of your dryer.  When your vent is clean and clear your dryer does not have to work as hard to push air through it.  This can help lower your energy costs while making your dryer more efficient at drying your clothes.

Who should I have clean my dryer vent?

It is recommended to hire a reliable local pro to do your dryer vent cleaning if your vent extends longer than just a few feet out.  This is to make sure that the cleaning is done thoroughly and with the correct equipment. 

5 Tips for Summer Energy Saving!

Summer is a fun time of year but it's high temperatures often leads to higher energy bills. Learn to save energy during these hot months by following these 5 quick and easy tips!

1.) Change Your Air Filters- 

With your A/C running more frequently do to the summer heat, it becomes more important to check and replace your dirty air filters more often. Energy companies recommend checking and replacing your air filters once a month, especially in the summer months.  After a month your air filter will have filled up with all the dirt and dust  that has been blowing through it. Once this happens your system will have to work harder to continue to pull air through it, using more energy.

2.) Replace Your Outdoor Lights with LED Bulbs-

Summer time often leads to more backyard outdoor activities.  Whether it's the neighborhood BBQ or a pool party, a lot of these activities can stretch into the twilight hours.  To save energy but still keep everything well lit, look into investing in LED bulbs for outside your home.  LED bulbs traditionally use 25%-80% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs, while giving off more light. Not just that but they last up to 25 times longer too!

If saving energy is your end game it would be a good idea to look into replacing all your homes lights with LED bulbs.

3.) Use a Clothesline to Dry Your Laundry-

On a beautiful summer day why not air dry your laundry on a clothes line.  Your dryer can use a lot of energy to dry your clothes, even more if you haven't cleaned the dryer vent recently. So when its nice outside simply hang up your laundry to dry.  Not only will this help you save energy, but it will help air out your laundry leaving it with a nice fresh air scent.

4.) Use Your BBQ Grill to Cook-

Cooking a meal in your kitchen can use a lot of your homes energy.  From using the stove, oven, and even the opening and closing of your refrigerator you can add a lot to your energy bill. So during the summer to save energy, try using your grill to cook as many meals as possible. You can cook almost anything on a grill and it uses much less energy to do so. 

5.) Set Your Thermostat to 78 Degrees or Higher-

As mentioned before with the summer your A/C will be running much more often.  To avoid over using your A/C, most energy companies recommend setting your thermostat to the highest temperature that is still comfortable for you and your family.  Usually 78 degrees or higher. To help you with this we recommend getting a Nest Learning Thermostat. The Nest Learning Thermostat learns and programs itself based on your habits and automatically helps save energy. Plus you can control it using your phone, tablet or laptop even when you are not home.

To learn more about how we can help you save energy visit joefilter.com today!

8 Energy Saving Tips for Renters

Trying to save energy is a struggle that the majority of us face.  It can be even more of a struggle for those of us that do not own our own place.  When you are renting usually you have to work with whatever appliances and tools they give you.  This usually means older thermostats, incandescent light bulbs, and out dated washer and dryer models. Sometimes you get lucky and find a place with newer models, but for times you don't there are a few other tricks and tips you can do to save energy.

Energy saving tips for renters-

1. Turn out the lights.  -  This tip is fairly straightforward. Don't leave lights on in rooms if you are not in them. Just don't do it.
2. Wash your clothes in cold water.  -  This is of course only if you have an in home washer. Washers waste more energy using hot water than just running the the motor.  Remember to check the clothes you are washing because some are not supposed to be washed in cold water.
3. Use LED or CFL light bulbs.  -  Get rid of the old incandescent light bulbs and replace them with energy saving LED bulbs or at very least CFLs.  They will save you upwards of 75% more energy than incandescent bulbs.
4. Adjust your thermostat.  -  If you do not have a smart or programmable thermostat be sure to adjust your thermostat when leaving for a while.  (Turn up the temperature in the summer and turn down the temperature in the winter.)
5. Open your windows.  -  On cooler summer days turn off the A/C and open all your windows.  Not only will this save you energy but it will air out your home and let in some fresh air.
6. Purchase blackout curtains.  -  Blackout curtains are an excellent buy for rooms that have windows directly facing the sun.  When the sun beats down through windows it can raise the temperature in the room.  Blackout curtains will block the sun's rays and heat from coming through, keeping the room nice and cool.
7. Use surge protector power strips.  -  
   
   Not only will this help protect your devices from electrical surges, but it also allows you to turn off the power to all your devices/appliances at once. Some devices like TVs never fully turn off unless they're unplugged.  Instead they are put in standby mode so that they can react quickly when you use the remote control.  These are known as "energy vampires" because they continue to suck up energy even after you turn them "off".
8. Air dry your laundry.  -  Your clothes dryer takes a lot of energy to run.  If you have the room try setting your clothes out to dry on a rack or clothes line.  If you do this outside your closes should gain a nice fresh air smell.

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How To Install Your Home's Air Filters.

When's the last time you changed your air filters?

Many people do not realize air filters are recommended to be replaced once a month.  This needs to be done to  help your ductwork stay clean, save you energy and to keep your system running correctly. To get started there are a few things you need to figure out.  The most important of which are how many air filters you have, where they are located, and what sizes they are.

After determining the quantity, locations, and the sizes, you will need to figure out what rating and type of air filter you need.  Air filters have a few different rating systems but the most common is MERV. We at Joe Filter recommend never going less then a MERV 8 if you want your filter to catch the pollutants in the air that you need it too.  If you suffer from respiratory issues or other health issues (ie. allergies, poor immune system, etc) you may want to look into higher MERV ratings, as well as antimicrobial air filters.

To change your air filters follow these steps-

1. Remove the vent cover. - The vent covers can either be screwed in or latched in.  Be sure you know which you have.
2. Look at how the air filter goes into the unit. -  Most air filters are designed to filter air from one direction, so as they collect dirt, they will not collapse or fall apart. Some air filters will have arrows on them showing you the direction it is supposed to face.
3. Remove and throw away the old filter. - The old filter is filled with all sorts of disgusting pollutants and needs to be disposed of immediately. This will help stop the dust and dirt from getting back into the air.
4. Vacuum off the vent cover. - Just like the air filter itself the vent cover can get clogged with dirt. It is a good rule of thumb to clean it off with a hand held vacuum once you replace your air filters.
5. Insert the new air filter. - Make sure it is facing the correct way as stated before.
6. Put the vent cover back into place. - Secure it by clipping or screwing it back into place.

If you need help installing your homes air filters or just do not have time to do it yourself give Joe Filter a call at (480) 813-9494, we would love to help you out!  You can also purchase all the air filters you need from our online store at joefilter.com/store.

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LED Bulbs Save You Time, Energy and MONEY?!

What light bulbs are today's most energy efficient and rapidly developing lighting technology on the market.  The answer is LED bulbs! These bulbs are saving people time and money all over the world.  Like most energy saving items their initial investment is higher than their less efficient counterparts. However, LED bulbs make up for this by paying for themselves within a year, with the money you save on your energy bills.

According to energy.gov LED bulbs use more than 75 percent less energy than traditional bulbs.  This is because LED bulbs emit very little heat whereas their counterparts release 80 to 90 percent of their energy as heat.  Being so energy efficient allows LED bulbs to have a lifespan of around 25,000 hours. That roughly adds up to a lifespan of three years running 24/7, which is about 25 times longer than traditional light bulbs. Which allows you to save time and money on replacing burnt out bulbs.

Another great aspect of LED bulbs are that they come in every shape and size imaginable.  From standard bulbs to flood lights, rope lights, headlights, night lights, even holiday decorations and more!  They can save you money and energy no matter the time of year or project your working on. LED lights also contain no mercury and have the smallest environmental impact compared to more traditional bulbs when thrown away.

So next time you get your energy bill or one of your lights burns out think about investing in LED lights instead.  Be warned though once you switch you might start to notice an abundance of money growing in your bank account...

Have lights you can't reach to replace with LED bulbs or do you just not want to risk getting on a ladder? Give Joe Filter a call and we will take care of it! (480) 813-9494

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Holiday Energy Savings

Amidst all the fun of the holidays we tend to forget about the importance of energy savings. Everyone is flying in to see friends and family, setting up for holiday parties, or decorating their home to be so bright you can almost see it from space. Wouldn't it be great to save some energy as well? Thankfully there are a few ways to save energy during the holidays without ruining your holiday fun.  Plus with energy savings comes financial savings, and who couldn't use a little extra cash around the holidays?

Here are some tips for energy savings during the holidays:

1. Put Your Lights on a Timer- Set your holiday lights on a timer so they are on no longer than 6 to 8 hours. This way you won't need to worry about turning them on when it gets dark or off before bed, saving you time and energy.
2. Switch to LED Holiday Lights-  According to energy.gov LED lights use at least 75% less energy than other lights. This can result in huge savings over the holiday season.
3. Turn Down the Thermostat for Parties- When you know you are having a lot of guests over for a holiday party turn  the thermostat down just prior to the start of the party.  The body warmth of all your guests should be enough to keep your home temperature comfortable while saving you energy.
4. Use a Cooler- If you are having holiday guests put all the beverages (soda, beer, water, etc) in a cooler for your guests.  This will limit the amount of times you refrigerator is open and closed which will save you on energy expenditures.
5. Unplug When Not in Use-  When it is light outside you do not need to have your lights plugged in.  Same goes for when you go to sleep, make sure you turn off all your decorations and unplug the ones you can.
6. Candles Make Great Decorations- Candles are great for creating a seasonal atmosphere.  Many give off pleasant smelling holiday aromas and the flickering lights give off a wonderful holiday glow. The best part of all they do not take up any electricity! Be careful however and remember not to leave them lit when you leave the room.
7. Not Everything has to Light Up-  Not all your holiday decoration need to have lights on them.  Use the traditional approach and buy organic wreaths and garland made of evergreen, rather than the fake ones you plug into the wall.

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Energy Saving Tips

Right in your own home you have the power to save money, while at the same time conserving energy... 

By taking a few simple steps, you can help to reduce the nation's overall energy demand and put more money back in your pocket. If you decide to make larger energy saving investments such as solar panels and geothermal coils, the savings you will accrue will overtime pay for the cost of the improvement.  If you don't have the time or money to make these large home investments here are a simple tips on how you can save energy around your home.

• Change out air filters monthly. 

• Install a programmable thermostat to lower utility bills and manage your heating and cooling systems efficiently.

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) or LEDs.

• Turn off lights and other electronics when leaving the room.

• Take short showers instead of baths and use low-flow showerheads for additional energy savings.

• Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.

• Have dryer vents professionally cleaned.

• Close blinds in the summer and open them in the winter.

• Have your air ducts inspected and cleaned.

• Cook outside on your grill more.

• Use a power strip for electric appliances that you can turn on and off.

Joe Filter can help you out with several things on this list.  For more information on how you can save energy contact your local energy provider.