Conservation Starts at Home: Everyday Tips for Going Green

Conservation Starts at Home: Everyday Tips for Going Green

By Hannah Keeley

(ARA) - It seems green is the color for the season, and not just on the runway. Environmentalism is here in full force, and by the looks of things, it's here to stay. One area that is red hot -- or green hot, as the case may be -- is making 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 water and energy. Try out these easy ways to care for the earth, enjoy your home and save money.

Don't Waste the Water
When it comes to water conservation, every drop counts. Look around your home for any leaky faucets and get them repaired as soon as possible. You can also save on water in the bathroom by installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. They save on energy costs by cutting down on water usage, and with less hot water being used, less water is being heated.

Laundry is also a big water-eater. With kids, it seems clothes get dirtier by the second. But you can easily conserve water by adjusting your "squeamish" threshold. Dry off with that towel more than once before tossing it into the hamper. And, unless you are out roping steer every day, you can often get by with a two or three wears before laundering your jeans. Remember, every little bit helps.

By far, the best way to conserve water is to make it a family affair. Get your kids on the bandwagon by teaching them the value of water. Show them how to turn off the water when they brush their teeth or take a quick shower, and of course, set a great example.

Green Up the Air
Heating and cooling our homes is one of those touchy subjects we all have to deal with. Sure, I want to save energy and preserve our planet, but when sweat is dripping down my neck in the summer and my teeth are chattering in the winter, self-preservation wins out every time. 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. 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 bills. 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 will quickly hamper the 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.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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EDITOR'S NOTE:

Hannah Keeley is a lifestyle expert, author and founder of TotalMom.com. Her work has been published in numerous publications and she has been featured on national television programming as the go-to source for moms.