Are you thinking of buying a new washer and dryer? While it might be tempting to choose something quickly, don’t make an impulse buy that you might later regret. Instead, use this checklist to make sure you find the best appliances for your household’s specific needs and preferences: What size washer and dryer can your […]
tips for your home
Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality is as important as outdoor air quality. Many of the pollutants that affect Americans today are found inside their homes and offices. Most homes have more than one source of pollutants that can make family members sick. There are steps you can take to reduce the risks of indoor pollutants in […]
Thermostats
Modern thermostats for heating or air conditioning systems rarely break down. The only maintenance required is an occasional light cleaning. Don’t attempt to repair a defective thermostat; instead, replace the entire unit with a new one. Be sure the replacement is the correct voltage and type for your system. How Thermostats Work Thermostats are […]
Smoke Detector Tips
Replace batteries twice a year. If you choose the times that you have to change the clocks, you won’t forget. Make it a family affair so the kids will remember how important the smoke detectors are. Make sure that your smoke detector is still in working order. Some need to be replaced every 7 to […]
Water Heating: Top 5 Energy Saving (and Bill Cutting) Tips
About 58 million homes heat their water with gas, while 42 million use electricity. But electric systems account for about 50 percent more carbon emissions, because so much power is lost in generation and transmission. About 58 million homes heat their water with gas, while 42 million use electricity. But electric systems account for about […]
How to Clean an Oven Using Homemade Tricks
Skip those caustic chemicals and get your oven sparkling with these natural, homemade cleaning tricks Aluminum Foil Are you baking a bubbly lasagna or casserole? Keep messy drips off the bottom of the oven by laying a sheet or two of aluminum foil over the rack below. Do not line the bottom of the oven […]
10 Clever Uses for Hydrogen Peroxide
Is hydrogen peroxide a non-toxic weapon in your green cleaning arsenal? It should be! When it’s time to clean, have your trusty green cleaners at the ready — baking soda, vinegar, castile soap — plus another ultra-cheap gem: hydrogen peroxide. You can use it anywhere, and can’t beat the price: A 16-oz. bottle only costs […]
Choosing Door Materials: Interior and Exterior Doors
This is a gallery of the different door construction design and the materials involved. Door Types and Styles: Interior Doors Because wood has a tendency to warp and to expand and contract with the weather, a door cannot be made from a single slab of wood. Centuries of experience have resulted in the practice of […]
Top Cleaning Tips From the Pros
To clean your home in record time, try these tips from professional cleaners. Professional cleaners. They have the tools, the talent and the know-how to make short work of cleaning a house. Learn their secrets to speed cleaning chores in your organized home. Schedule Cleaning Nobody hires a cleaning service that promises to arrive “some […]
10 Tips for a Cleaner Refrigerator
1. Create a homemade all-purpose cleaner by combining the following in a gallon of hot water: 1 cup clear ammonia, ½-cup vinegar and ¼-cup baking soda. Pour into a spray bottle, or use from a bowl with a sponge. This no-rinse formula is a degreaser that prevents mold and mildew. Wipe down the entire refrigerator […]