It’s well-known that a programmable thermostat is an easy way to save money on heating and cooling costs in the home. But it’s imperative you know where to install one. Choose the room where you plan to spend the most time or where the temperature is most important to you, like a family room or bedroom. Then make sure the thermostat is positioned away from things like a front door (which can blast cold air into the home), the sun’s rays from a window or the area above a register vent. A false reading can cause a thermostat to overwork and waste energy.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Ever try to remove a price tag or label from an item and it just won’t come off? Instead of reaching for a chemical product, you can make your own degreaser with two simple ingredients: coconut oil and baking soda. Just mix 1/3 cup of coconut oil and 1/4 cup of baking soda together. The coconut oil helps saturate the label and lift the adhesive that’s on the jar or container, and the baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to help scrub off the label. Just leave the mixture on the label for at least 10 minutes and it’ll wipe right off.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When you want to get your whites white on laundry day, there are plenty of reasons to skip adding chlorine bleach to the wash. Numerous studies show that bleach can have an adverse effect on respiratory health, and it’s highly corrosive to the skin and eyes. A much safer alternative is to use hydrogen peroxide, which breaks down in water and uses oxygen to naturally whiten. One cup of hydrogen peroxide with regular laundry detergent is a safe, natural alternative to bleach.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION