8/7/11

LED bulbs -- short for light-emitting diodes -- are the hottest bulbs to hit the market recently. They can be pricey -- around $30 a bulb -- but the savings over time is worth the investment. According to the government's Energy Star program, an LED bulb that is Energy Star-qualified will last around 22 years or 25,000 hours. The energy savings show that LED is a leader in eco-friendly bulbs!

8/6/11

While many of us know not to place our refrigerator near any heat sources, like ovens and dishwashers, which cause the fridge to work harder to keep things cool, we often forget one small thing: Is it in direct sunlight or not? If a refrigerator is exposed to direct sunlight all day, the sun's rays can heat up the exterior of the fridge and force it work harder. This is just one more reason to keep the drapes drawn during bright, sunny days. 

8/5/11

If you keep a pitcher of juice or water in the refrigerator, it's important to make sure it is covered with a lid or layer of plastic wrap. Moisture can be drawn from uncovered liquids, forcing your refrigerator's "no frost" function to work harder. The less moisture that's inside your fridge, the more efficient it can work.