Skip to content

Smarter Choices for Everyday American Life

About JanMuse
Latest from JanMuse
Watch our latest video

Archive

Home Energy

Exterior patio sun shades installed on a sunny back porch of a modern home
Energy & Savings

Do Exterior Patio Sun Shades Actually Lower Your Cooling Costs?

13 min read

When summer temperatures climb in the southern and western regions of the United States, keeping a home comfortable without watching electricity bills skyrocket becomes a primary household challenge. Air conditioning systems run continuously during peak afternoon hours, struggling against relentless solar radiation pouring through windows and sliding glass.

Close-up of a hand using a modern smart home wall switch.
Energy & Savings

Smart Ceiling Fan Switches vs. Pull Chains: Do They Lower Energy Bills?

10 min read

When summer temperatures climb, most homeowners immediately reach for the thermostat to lower the air conditioning. However, running a central AC system continuously drives up electricity bills. A more efficient approach relies on pairing your cooling system with ceiling fans. By creating a wind-chill effect, fans make you.

Worker blowing loose fill insulation into a residential attic space
Energy & Savings

Should You Put Blown-In Insulation Over Existing Fiberglass Batts?

12 min read

When winter heating bills spike, homeowners in cold-weather regions naturally look toward the roof for quick energy savings. Heat naturally rises, and if your attic lacks sufficient thermal resistance, expensive conditioned air escapes right through your ceiling. For many homeowners, the most direct solution appears to be ordering.