Winter weather may be months away, but as the nights turn cooler, your heating system should be given a tuneup. Keeping your home’s furnace clean and adjusted can help it run efficiently and help you save money in the long run. Your local utility company may offer free checkups by teams of technicians. Now is a good time to book your appointment, since winter is when appointments become nearly impossible to come by. These checkups will tell you if any repairs are needed for your heating system.

It’s happened to even the best home cooks: Things burn. Pots spill over and casseroles bubble, causing messes and odors inside the oven and on stovetop burners. One natural and easy way to clean up and neutralize the spill is to reach for two pantry staples: table salt and cinnamon. When the spills are still hot, sprinkle a generous amount of both spices and wait until everything cools. Rub it away using a brush or scouring sponge, and it should be clean and odorless.

Using an energy- and water-efficient dishwasher instead of washing by hand can actually save you about $40 a year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. But like most household appliances, maintenance is key to making sure your dishwasher works properly for a long time. One issue is hard water, which can build up stains and deposits inside the dishwasher. Over time, it can restrict water flow and effectiveness of the dishwasher. The easy solution is white vinegar. Pour 2 cups into the bottom of the dishwasher and run it empty. It will eradicate hard water stains and also help neutralize any odors.