During the hot summer months, there are a number of things you can do to help keep the inside of your home cool without turning down the thermostat. Instead of turning on the oven, consider a tabletop toaster oven or use the grill outside. Run the dishwasher at night; it’s less strain on the energy grid and it reduces daytime heat buildup in the kitchen. And keep the exhaust fan running for a few extra minutes after cooking. It’ll keep removing airborne particles and will also help blow excess heat out of the house.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know modern-day dishwashers and detergents depend on grease and grime on your dishes to work as efficiently as possible? It’s your dirty dishes that help activate the compounds that get everything clean. So if you’re pre-rinsing all of your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, stop. First, it’s not necessary anymore; you can scrape the remaining scraps into the trash or compost before you load up your dishwasher. And second, it’s a waste of water, to the tune of approximately 55,000 gallons over the life of the appliance.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Warm weather is the time to change the direction of your ceiling fans for maximum efficiency inside your home. 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 fans run counter-clockwise to help push cool air down and create a nice breeze inside your home. Most fans have a switch on the side to easily reverse the rotation of your ceiling fan blades.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION