Conservation @ Home: Tips for Going GREEN

Try this website for helpful tips! -- http://www.energystar.gov/yardstick

Green is the color for any season as environmentalism is here in full force, and by the looks of things, it’s here to stay.
One hot topic that is sweeping our nation is how to make your home environmentally friendly. And it’s no wonder. Anything that saves money and the planet is a sure-fire win in anyone’s book.

If you are looking for a way to go green around the house, start by taking steps to conserve energy. Try out these easy ways to enjoy your home and save money in the process!

Green Up the Air

Heating and cooling our homes is one of those touchy subjects we all have to deal with. Fortunately, there are great ways to save on energy costs so you can feel comfortable without feeling guilty.
Hands down, the best way to green your home is to invest in a high-efficiency HVAC system that is Energy Star certified.
HVAK stands for “heating, ventilation, and air conditioning”.
By installing a high-efficiency HVAC system you will reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted. And if that’s not enough to smile about, you also shave a big chunk of change off your utility bill!

Look for a product with a higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating, which means it meets strict government standards for energy efficiency. Today’s government standard is 13 SEER, but American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning has a wide range of products on the market that meet and exceed the standard, reaching as high as 18 SEER.

Another helpful tip is to clean out your filters or replace them regularly. A dirty filter quickly hampers airflow, costing you more money to run your system. And, of course, when you’re not home, adjust your thermostat to compliment the changing weather temperatures outside. One of the easiest ways to regulate this is to use an automated thermostat. American Standard has a variety of thermostats to choose from. Just as every drop of water counts, every temperature degree counts. You can save about three percent of your heating costs for every degree you lower your thermostat during the winter, and up to six percent for every degree you raise it during the summer. This adds up quickly!

Greening it Together

Make saving energy a game by getting the family on board.
Post your utility bill where everyone in the family can see it, and as a group try to lower it by ten dollars next month, perhaps twenty the month after that. Before you realize it, you’ll be line drying heavy items like comforters or pants, or cleaning out the filters in your fridge to make it run more efficiently. Little steps here and there add up in no time.

No one has to suffer when it comes to greening up your home. On the contrary, by making the challenge fun, you can get everyone in the family on board. As a result, everyone comes out a winner -- your home, your wallet, your family and your planet.

Try this website for helpful tips! -- http://www.energystar.gov/yardstick