Clean Up the Air
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.
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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.
Laundry is also a big water-eater. 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 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.
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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.
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