1/18/11

Road salt in the wintertime is used to de-ice roads, but it can also be a leading source of rust for the undercarriage of your car. Be sure to bring your car to a car wash -- which is the most water- and energy-efficient way to wash a car -- after a harsh winter storm to have the salt residue washed off, opting for additional undercarriage cleaning. A wax seal now and then will also help create a protective barrier on the outside of the car.

1/17/11

A space heater can be an energy-efficient way to warm up a room. Even though electric space heaters have gotten safer over the years, the Consumer Produce Safety Commission offers some easy tips to use them properly. One suggestion that stood out is if you need an extension cord to run the space heater through the room, use a heavy-duty cord (the kind used for outdoor use) with at least a 14 AWG (American wire gauge). This will make sure the power is properly grounded and you can operate the heater more safely.

1/16/11

Many nocturnal animals, including migrating birds, depend on pitch-black conditions to make their way through the night sky. So, with the holiday season over, be sure to take down all the exterior decorative lights as soon as possible to help lessen the night's brightness. Also, make a habit of turning off outdoor lights before going to bed to help our feathered friends find their way.