What’s the best time of year to paint walls inside a home? You should schedule your home improvement project for the months when it’s mostly dry outdoors, which is in spring and fall. Eco-friendly or low-VOC paints still have odor, so it’s a good idea to keep windows open to allow for proper airflow and ventilation. Even the “greenest” of paints can benefit from ventilation, as it helps them to dry quickly and evenly. A total of two to three days is suggested to keep windows open after painting, so be sure yours are screened to prevent wild animals and insects from getting inside your home.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

A properly working fireplace is key for both energy efficiency and safety. But how do you see all the way up a dark chimney when looking for damage, nests and other obstructions? The simplest thing is to place a mirror on the inside base of your fireplace and shine a powerful flashlight directly on the mirror. The light will be reflected up, allowing you to see almost to the top and spy any cracks or blockages. And don’t forget to look for creosote buildup on the sides. Creosote is a tarlike substance that should be removed by a professional.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know conventional chewing gum is made with a plastic base to keep it chewy? This makes it non-biodegradable and a threat to wildlife who mistake it for food when your chewed-up gum ends up in the trash or on sidewalks. If you like gum, look for a natural alternative instead. More brands are returning to plant-based ingredients like vegetable-based glycerin, chicle (a tree sap) and rice flour to make all-natural and fully biodegradable gum.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION