Cooler temperatures will mean dry air inside our homes from heating systems. To combat this, many people use humidifiers to add moisture into the air. But like any machine that uses water, a humidifier needs to be disinfected because of bacterial growth inside. To clean it, fill the water chamber with white vinegar and let it sit for 30 minutes. After scrubbing the chamber, dump the vinegar, then fill it with cool water and a few teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for 30 minutes, rinse and use like normal.

Many homeowners are advised to keep chest freezers in the garage because the unheated area will help keep the freezer cold. But the reality is that the garage has inconsistent temperatures, especially in climates with hot summers and cold winters. These swings in temperature can force the freezer to work harder on hot days, which works the internal motor longer and can break down the lifespan of the freezer. The best place to keep a chest freezer is the basement, where the temperature is consistently cool.

Backyard bird and nectar feeders need to be properly filled to avoid getting birds sick. When it comes to birdseed, be sure to store it in a dry place inside an airtight container. If there's any moisture, mold and bacteria can grow. To make sure your birdseed is fresh, give it a good smell; if it smells off, bury it deep inside your compost pile. When it comes to nectar feeders for hummingbirds, take a look at the feeder. If it's cloudy, discolored or has floating particles, it needs to be scrubbed clean and refilled with new nectar. Old nectar can be fatal to birds.