04/08/12

Donating food to your local food bank or soup kitchen is a great way to get rid of unexpired food and help others. But keep in mind that just because it's food, it doesn't make it OK to donate just anything. Generally, unlabeled or rusty cans should be tossed in the trash. Homemade food items, beverage mixes and soda should be avoided, too. Food banks' most-wanted items include healthy foods like canned and boxed meals, pasta, rice, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, cooking oil and 100 percent fruit or vegetable juices.

04/07/12

Spring is the time to change the direction of your ceiling fans to reach maximum efficiency. In the winter months, fans running clockwise help push heat down to keep a chilly room warm. In the warmer months, switch the direction so it runs counter clockwise to help create a nice breeze inside your home. Most fans have a switch on the side that can help you easily reverse the rotation of the blades.

04/06/12

Air conditioning units can be real energy hogs in hot summer months. So, this spring take the time to plant shade-giving trees and plants around your HVAC system or window units to get them out of the sun. Cooler air helps the compressors run more efficiently, so any shade you can give them will keep your home comfortable and your wallet a little fatter. And remember to replace the air filters in your cooling system; it's an easy thing to do to keep your system running as efficiently as possible all summer long.