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(ARA) - When ranking household appliances that consume the most energy, no one is surprised to see heating and air conditioning units at the top of the list. On the other hand, many people are surprised to learn that their water heater ranks at No. 2.

"Monthly energy costs have become an important factor in the decision-making process for homeowners looking for a new water heater," says Ed Begley, Jr., actor and environmentalist. "That's why manufacturers are introducing new technologies that increase the energy efficiency of their products." In order to find the right water heater for your lifestyle, Begley points out that you need to consider both the performance of the machine and the monthly energy costs associated with it.

Your first option is a conventional water heater. These models typically include a glass-lined tank that holds anywhere from 30 to 120 gallons of hot water at a time. A 40-gallon tank is generally ideal for two or three people, while a larger family may need a 50- to 80-gallon tank.

A tank-type water heater can run on electricity, natural gas or propane. A natural gas model is generally the least expensive in terms of monthly energy costs, with an electric model costing up to three times as much to heat the same amount of water. Most homeowners simply select the type of water heater that matches their current fuel source.

A conventional tank-type water heater can operate at anywhere from 75 to 80 percent efficiency, depending on the brand. In other words, 75 cents of your heating dollar goes into heating the water, and the other 25 cents is lost.

Within the past 10 years, manufacturers have begun promoting another option - the tankless water heater. These models typically deliver about 82 percent energy efficiency. Compared to a conventional water heater, your savings will typically range from $30 to $75 per year.

A tankless water heater uses a very large burner to heat the water as it passes through a copper pipe on its way to your sink, washing machine or shower. These models are measured in gallons per minute.

If you don't use a lot of hot water, it can run almost indefinitely without running out. However, if you exceed the capacity of the machine, you will notice a drop in either temperature or water pressure.

A drawback to a tankless model is the initial cost. The unit typically has a price tag between $800 to $2,000, plus another $1,000 to $2,500 for installation. Compare that to a conventional water heater, which usually runs about $300 to $500 for the unit and another $300 to $500 for installation. That all adds up to a $1,200 to $3,500 difference.

The third option is a hybrid unit. As the name implies, the hybrid combines the technologies of a conventional and tankless water heater. The result is a product that performs better than both technologies with energy efficiency at 90 percent or above.

A hybrid allows you to have back-to-back showers or simultaneous showers because of the stored hot water in the hybrid design. The installation of a hybrid water heater is the same as a conventional model, however, the unit itself can cost $1,200 to $1,800.

"For the absolute 'greenest' option available today, homeowners should consider a solar thermal water heating system," Begley says. "These units include a solar thermal collector that goes on the roof of the home in order to supply up to 70 percent of the total energy needed to run the unit." A solar thermal system is typically more expensive, but right now they are eligible for a federal tax credit of 30 percent of the total installed cost in addition to other state and local utility rebates.

Homeowners looking for a conventional electric model have a new "hybrid" option to consider. "These water heaters include a heat pump that literally pulls heat out of the surrounding air, like an air conditioner in reverse," Begley says. "As a result, they are more than twice as energy efficient as a traditional electric model." This efficiency can translate to savings over $360 each year. These hybrid electric models qualify for the federal tax credit and there are also additional state and local utility rebate programs to encourage the adoption of these products.

If your current model is more than eight years old, you may even consider proactively replacing the older, less efficient model for one of the newer, more energy-efficient models and start saving right away.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - In the United States, Americans consume 3.7 billion gallons of water every year that are not replaced, leaving a huge water deficit - a result of growing demand on finite water supplies. In fact, at least 36 states are anticipating local, regional or statewide water shortages within the next five years.

Everyone has the power to change the water equation in the United States and put more money in their own pockets, while helping hydrate the planet. According to water-savings expert Tommy Linstroth, every homeowner can take three easy steps to help erase the water deficit by switching to WaterSense labeled toilets, showerheads and faucets.

Atlanta homeowner Peg Grady recently accepted this challenge, replacing three water-guzzling toilets with newer conserving models and installing low-flow showerheads and faucets in place of older ones in all three of her home's bathrooms. All the new plumbing products were manufactured by American Standard Brands.

While happy to do her part by greening her lifestyle, Grady is thrilled with the unexpected retrofit benefits - monthly water bills reduced by half and a happier family, thrilled with the performance of the new plumbing products.

"We should have done this years ago," says Grady. "We're saving money every month, and we absolutely love our new fixtures. The showerheads seem to have better water pressure, and we have been pleased and surprised with how well the toilets flush. In the past, we've had to pull the plunger out on more than one occasion. Since we've had our new toilets, we've been plunger-free."

Satisfied consumers save water without sacrificing comfort

Grady was one of 21 suburban Atlanta families that volunteered to swap their existing plumbing products for high-efficiency, WaterSense-certified models. This mass retrofit replaced 71 toilets, 96 faucets and 55 showerheads in 71 bathrooms.

American Standard provided products and funding for this first-of-its-kind makeover: the results showed at least 25 percent in overall water savings. The water and money saved by the homeowners from the Serenbe community in Chattahoochee Hills, Ga., and from the Chastain Lakes neighborhood in Kennesaw, Ga., demonstrates the simple steps every person can take to conserve this precious resource.

"We want to convince homeowners, building professionals and legislators that water conservation doesn't mean sacrifice and can mean real savings," says Linstroth, a principal at Savannah, Ga.-based Trident Sustainability Group. Linstroth documented at least a 20 percent collective savings in overall water usage at Serenbe, a savings that has remained consistent over two months. At Chastain Lakes, an older suburb built more than 20 years ago, Linstroth documented at least a 25 percent savings from the retrofit.

"As product technology has advanced, performance and satisfaction have advanced right along with it," says Jeannette Long, general manager for e-commerce with American Standard. "If we can encourage more home owners to feel confident with water-saving products, it will go a long way toward easing the drinking-water burden."

Plumber Nick Marine (Marine Plumbing of Marietta, Ga.), who handled the new-product installation at Serenbe and Chastain Lakes, counsels every homeowner to investigate ways to save water and money. To learn what you can do - and how much you can save - go to www.responsiblebathroom.com/inspiration/calculator. Marine also recommends checking with your local water utility; many offer rebates that offset the product investment.

For more information about American Standard's water-efficiency products and Water Savings Calculator, visit www.responsiblebathroom.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - You're ready for a new bathroom, something with style and comfort. You want the room to refresh you in the mornings, and provide you with the opportunity to relax and unwind in the evenings.

As you start to design your bathroom remodel, you immediately put comfort at the top of your priority list. You want a beautiful shower with superb water pressure that feels oh-so-good in the mornings or a sink that allows you to quickly and efficiently wash your hands and face so you can wake up and get started for the day.

Another notion to put at the top of your list is water efficiency. In fact, high-efficiency is now the standard for bathroom showers, sinks and toilets. In the United States, products with the Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense label are high-performing, water-efficient and tested by a third, independent party to be certified.

It's a misconception that high-efficiency products don't perform well. Technology is so improved that you can get the same invigorating stream of water in your morning shower while using less water. Another mistaken belief is that high-efficiency products are very expensive. Most green products don't cost any more than regular showers, sinks or toilets.

Toilets are the biggest source of water usage in your home - representing almost a third of your family's total indoor water consumption. And high-efficiency toilets, like TOTO's high-efficiency Double Cyclone toilets, only use 1.28 gallons of water per flush, which could save a family of four more than $2,000 over the lifetime of the toilet. These EPA WaterSense-labeled toilets make water work harder by marrying flawless performance to exceptional bowl cleansing action to create a green, clean flushing system that saves you money, water, and time cleaning the toilet, always a thankless task.

Of course, as you redesign your bath, you get to choose the style and look. Your taste might be a large, claw-foot tub that allows you to immerse yourself in a froth of bath bubbles, or you might go for a more modern design with glass shower walls and bold tile colors. Either way, make sure you upgrade your faucet and showerhead. TOTO's Guinevere high-efficiency faucets and showerheads offer stylish, high performance that can cut water usage by more than 32 percent compared to standard models.

Conserving water in your newly redesigned bathroom allows you to be green, save money, save time, and be conscientious about the environment - without losing the advantage of that great performance you have come to expect. So enjoy the comfort and luxury of your bath space, and reap the money-saving rewards at the same time.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Want a new bathroom, but think the price tag might be out of your budget? Don't give up so easily. Many simple updates and unique products can give you a custom-designed look on a bare-minimum budget.

"Consumers today are looking to 'remodel lite'- that is, refresh a room with only a few items and with a minimal investment," says Jack Suvak, director of market research and insights at Moen. "But at the same time, they want their home improvement project to make a significant impact on their home, in terms of both style and functionality."

To avoid becoming overwhelmed, break your bathroom up into smaller sections and projects. By thinking of your space in these smaller sections, goals will become more attainable.

Storage and space
While you can't easily add more square footage to your bathroom for extra storage, little things can make a difference. Adding new accessories, such as a towel bar, towel bar hooks, a towel ring, shelves and robe hooks can easily and inexpensively provide additional space and storage for your necessities ... and add a bit of style.

"You can change the look and functionality of your bath for less than $100 just by adding accessories," says Tim Bitterman, group marketing manager of Creative Specialties International, the accessories division of Moen Incorporated. "With designer finishes, such as brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze - and unique accessories, such as hotel shelves or new towel bar hooks - your bath can be more beautiful with more useful storage in no time."

Moen recently introduced several new accessory collections, such as the modern Method collection and the more transitional Sage collection in an oil-rubbed bronze finish. But no matter what your style - bath accessories will add a beautiful and functional update.

Color
After focusing on new finishes for your accessories, take your bathroom from blah to beautiful with a splash of color. Cool colors can create a calm, serene environment, while darker colors can be warm and inviting. And once you've updated the walls, consider perking up the cabinets, trim and hardware with a touch of spray paint for a final finished look.

Sensational showers
Your shower can be many things - rejuvenating, cleansing, soothing - but it should always be enjoyable. Add more space in the shower with a curved shower rod. Switching from a straight rod to one that curves outward can add up to 7 inches of elbow room - not to mention immeasurable style. Next, finish off your shower with a multi-function showerhead, such as Moen's Inspire (a "best buy" from a leading consumer magazine) or Home Care by Moen's hand-held shower with innovative palm grip. Soon you'll be singing a happier tune in the shower.

Soft and subtle touches
The bathroom is filled with hard, slick surfaces - so be sure to add a variety of plush, soft accents. Fabric shower curtains, window valances, rugs and towels in coordinating colors will be the final finishing touches for a chic and appealing look in your newly "remodeled-lite" bath. For more information about Moen bath accessories or showerheads to begin your bathroom update, visit moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - With summer in the air, you're just itching to get that home improvement project going. It's a great time to install a rain garden, improve storm-water runoff in your yard, redo your windows or siding, or even change the look of one of the rooms inside your house with new paint and furniture.

No matter what project you have on your summer to-do list, you're going to be shopping for supplies, and depending on how large your project is, the price can add up quickly.

Here are some tips to get your home improvement projects going, while keeping a bit of extra cash in your pocket:

* DIY - If you have any handy talents, you can save a lot of money by doing the project yourself, or by only contracting out part of the work where a professional might be required. If you aren't certain about installing a wood floor in your living room or are in need of landscaping ideas for around your back porch, head to your local library and check out several books on the topic for background knowledge.

* Negotiate work agreements with your friends - Having more hands on deck to help with the work will make the job go much faster, but you don't have to hire the help. Offer your friends a trade - maybe you'll take them out for dinner. Or volunteer your services on one of their home improvement projects. Just make sure they understand the trade before the work gets started so you don't abuse your friendship.

* Put cash back in your pocket when purchasing supplies - You can find great deals on supplies from leading home improvement retailers including Home Depot, Ace Hardware, American Blind, Lumber Liquidators and many more using online coupons and discount codes through Ebates.com. And at Ebates.com, not only can you get discounts for free shipping, or reduced prices at more than 1,200 online stores, but you will also get a check back in the mail for a percentage of what you purchase online.

* Look for contracting specials - If you do need to hire a contractor to help you with your project, look online to find specials being offered this summer. You can also find coupons for discounts in home improvement newspaper tabs or in the back of the phone book. Some of the more popular coupon topics include insulation, siding, windows and doors and roofing projects.

* Stage your project over time - You might discover your project is too much to handle - both physically and financially - in one season. The best recommendation is to break it down into mini projects. For example, if you want to landscape the entire yard, consider concentrating first on a vegetable garden or a flower garden that outlines the house. One advantage to breaking down a huge project is it allows you to discover how much maintenance and upkeep work you need to do on a yearly basis. You may discover you want to revise later stages of the project and make them maintenance free.

As the summer gets started, fast forward your imagination to this fall where you are enjoying that new room inside the house, or are sitting on your refinished deck and admiring your backyard with its fresh gardens. And you should feel a smile spreading across your face as you remember how much money you saved on your project.

Courtesy of ARAcontent