6/30/11

If you have room air-conditioners, it's important to replace the filters. A clean filter helps increase airflow and gives you a better performing unit, thereby making the air-conditioner more energy efficient. For health benefits, a dirty filter also means you are recirculating harmful mold, mildew, dirt and debris throughout your home, especially after the unit has been turned off for months.

6/29/11

Make it a habit to clean the lint trap each time you use your dryer, which will get your clothes dried faster. In addition to improved energy efficiency, you're also falling into the safe habit of making sure residual lint doesn't build up and cause a fire. Safety and savings!

6/28/11

Empty aerosal cans -- whether for spray paint or hair spray -- can be recycled in most communities. The trick is to recycle completely empty cans, so be sure to either use up the product that is inside the can or spray it empty onto sheets of scrap paper. Contact your local waste hauler and ask if your empty cans may be deposited into your curbside recycling or if there is a special drop-off location for them. The key thing is this: Don't throw them in the trash when they can and should be recycled.