03/13/12

If you have a stack of CDs that you haven't listened to in ages, don't throw them out -- they may be considered collector's items. To find out, visit SecondSpin.com. Enter the names of the CDs, DVDs or video games you want to sell, and see how much the company will give you for them. After you mail in your items, you'll receive a check. The rarer the discs, the better the prices.

03/12/12

Today is the first day of Fix a Leak Week, the Environmental Protection Agency's nationwide effort to find and fix hidden water leaks in homes. Did you know the average home wastes about 10,000 gallons of water a year due to running toilets and drippy faucets? One way to find out if you're wasting water is to turn off every faucet, shower, washing machine, etc. Check your water meter, and then come back a few hours later -- if the meter reads the same, you're good to go. If there's a difference, you probably have a leak.

03/11/12

One way to significantly cut down on energy use when running a dishwasher is to skip the drying cycle. Take advantage of the time-saving benefits of using the wash cycle, then open the door when the dishwasher is done washing and let the hot water evaporate off the clean dishes. This is a great way protect your pots and pans; air drying helps keep nonstick coating from wearing off, which often happens during the dry cycle.