Dear MBTA (Mass Bay Transportation Authority for the non-Boston area readers),
Thank you for ruining another commute to work. The other day I spent nearly two hours on the red and green line attempting to go from Dorchester to Somerville, roughly ten miles.... read more
Now that winter has reared its ugly head, it’s everyone’s mission to keep as warm as possible!
With heaters on full blast around the clock, it’s no wonder that household bills skyrocket at this time of year. According to ABC, The average American household will pay $992 in heating costs this winter, which is $94 higher than last year. This is because of a recent hike in oil prices.
As well as saving some money by keeping more heat inside, you’ll stop harmful greenhouse gasses from escaping into the atmosphere and adding to global warming.
It makes sense to try and keep as much heat in the house as possible. Our guide is here to help!
INSTALL ATTIC INSULATION
Most of the heat lost in your house is escaping through the roof. It can be quite expensive to have your attic insulated, but the long term benefits make the cost worthwhile. Make sure that you research a few firms before you make your decision, or ask friends and relatives who they have used to carry out the work.... read more
The time to think about cooling is when it’s cool, not hot. So begin preparing for a cooler summer now and through the spring. Doing so will have you sitting pretty when the thermostat starts hitting its July and August highs.
The methods you choose will depend on several variables, not the least of which is your own internal thermostat. Some people can tolerate more heat than others. If you’re not afraid of a little perspiration, for example, any number of low-tech solutions may be all you need. As a bonus, low-tech tends to be greener and less expensive than mechanical solutions. If your tolerance to heat is low, or if you live in a climate where the heat is relentless, choose from one of several central air conditioning systems. They are quieter and more efficient than window air conditions and won’t obstruct your windows. They’re also more secure, giving intruders one less way to break into your home.... read more
I'm sure you've seen both sides of the coin by now with hybrid vehicles. One side's championing and the other's lambasting on many points of interest. Heck, there's probably even a small sector of people debating the debate on hybrids vs. conventional vehicles.
To which I say, whatever's clever. At some point, all the facts and figures and testimonials won't change everyone's mind sooner rather than later. Whether that's because of myths or not, I figured it's high time to list the best hybrid myths out there. And at the end, if you want to pick your favorite from the bunch or add to the list, you're more than welcome.
Now on to the list!
Myth #1: Hybrids Are Still A Relative Unkown
While they may be intentionally unkown to some, hybrids are far from being a new property. The "hybrid" car was orignially conceived way back in the late 17th century by Ferdinand Verbiest, who drew up plans to create a 4-wheel steam car for the Chinese Emperor, Khang Hsi. And as for the first functioning hybrid, you only have to go nearly 100 years later to 1769, where Frenchman Nicholas Cugnot completed a steam-powered carriage that moved at a brisk 6 miles per hour. Granted, it wasn't fast, but from a technical sense of the word, it's still a hybrid through and through.
Myth #2: Hybrid Tech Is Merely A Trend
Technology is always evolving into something much more with every passing year. Whether it's smartphones becoming smarter, home siding becoming more energy efficient or in the case of hybrid engines, becoming more advanced between all-electric reliance or efficient gas-electric motors, hybrid cars are evolving with every new model year. Trends are reserved for disco.
Myth #3: Hybrids Only Appeal To Conservationists
This one's pretty easy to dissect. Grouping a hybrid with a percentage of people who may be more eco-friendly than another is on the same level as saying the only people who buy a Porsche or Corvette are people approaching a mid-life crisis.The reality is a hybrid appeals to every driver the same way a truck or sports car should appeal to every driver. ... read more
Aside from helping conserve the environment around us, there are many pluses sprouting up from increased awareness on eco-friendly how-to’s, habits and just general recycling mentalities. They can be found with how we drive or arrive at a particular destination. Or how we reuse items we took for granted and disposed of in the past. If you stare long and hard at any given task for a good amount of time, there’s a green initiative hiding somewhere inside.
Like moving into a new home or apartment.
Now, no one’s really running through the streets expressing their love for moving, now are they? Truth be told, it’s one process stacked on top of another that’s more or less one big cluster both with packing and unpacking. Some might just opt to let the professionals come in and handle the situation, while others will take the task on their own (and hopefully with a few helping hands). ... read more
It can be difficult to understand how a lot of modern day machinery, from vehicles to agricultural devices can be seen as being eco friendly or environmentally sound. But the truth is, without the high levels of quality within their internal components manufacturing processes, their emissions could be far worse and their environmental impact far greater than we can fully understand.... read more
According to EnergyStar.gov, your water heater accounts for about 15-20% of your monthly energy bill. When it comes time to purchase a new hot water heater, it is important to understand efficiency ratings of the many types of water heaters that are out there.
Energy efficiency of water heaters is discussed in terms of two metrics: First-hour rating (FHR) and efficiency. First-hour rating (FHR) measures how much hot water is available during the busiest hour of the day. Interestingly, the size of the water heater does not always correlate with the FHR. More importantly, look for the recovery rating, which tells you how quickly the water heater will replace the hot water as it is used.... read more
Hot water heaters last, on average, 13 years. So when it comes time to replace your existing water heater it’s important to do your research and make the right decision for your home. Water heaters account for about 25% of your energy bill – that’s a pretty large chunk, and is why it often makes sense to spend a little more money initially. The big question that comes up is gas vs electric. Should you buy a gas water heater or electric? Which is cheaper, and more importantly, which is more efficient?
In short, gas (both natural gas and propane) water heaters are more efficient than electric. It usually costs about 3x as much to heat the same amount of water with electricity as it does with gas (yes, I said THREE TIMES as much).... read more
Your home improvement and maintenance needs from a professional HVAC service can be green, too. Some contractors are “green screened,” meaning that they have accepted the challenge to preserve the environment and to teach customers how to preserve it, as well. They take steps to help lessen their impact on the environment and to service homes with green friendliness in mind. Green screened contractors educate people about green home comfort systems; they offer energy efficient products and services; and they recycle, reuse, and conserve products and supplies both in the office and on site.
In the United States, buildings are estimated to consume about twenty-four percent of all energy. In homes, heating and cooling systems may consume as much as half of a home’s total energy. Green home comfort systems are a big push from green screened contractors to help save energy usage, which as a result helps to save money.... read more
Now that winter has reared its ugly head, it’s everyone’s mission to keep as warm as possible! 
The time to think about cooling is when it’s cool, not hot. So begin preparing for a cooler summer now and through the spring. Doing so will have you sitting pretty when the thermostat starts hitting its July and August highs. 
I'm sure you've seen both sides of the coin by now with hybrid vehicles. One side's championing and the other's lambasting on many points of interest. Heck, there's probably even a small sector of people debating the debate on hybrids vs. conventional vehicles.
Aside from helping conserve the environment around us, there are many pluses sprouting up from increased awareness on eco-friendly how-to’s, habits and just general recycling mentalities. They can be found with how we drive or arrive at a particular destination. Or how we reuse items we took for granted and disposed of in the past. If you stare long and hard at any given task for a good amount of time, there’s a green initiative hiding somewhere inside.
Your home improvement and maintenance needs from a professional HVAC service can be green, too. Some contractors are “green screened,” meaning that they have accepted the challenge to preserve the environment and to teach customers how to preserve it, as well. They take steps to help lessen their impact on the environment and to service homes with green friendliness in mind. Green screened contractors educate people about green home comfort systems; they offer energy efficient products and services; and they recycle, reuse, and conserve products and supplies both in the office and on site.