If you're thinking about replacing your central air conditioner, fall is the season to do it. When your A/C unit is on its last legs, fall’s lower temps allow you to get more juice out of your old unit. Also, the fall months are the best time to get the best deals on the new unit and installation, since that’s the slowest time of year for installers. And while you're at it, visit Energy.gov to choose the most energy-efficient unit for your home. You’ll save money and help the environment.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Leftover coffee from your coffee maker doesn't have to go down the drain. You can use it to give your wood furniture an instant facelift! Soak an old cotton T-shirt or rag in the cold coffee and wring out the excess; wipe down a scratched-up table with the coffee-soaked cloth and watch light-colored dings and dents almost disappear right away. Repeat several times and allow to air-dry so the stain can set into the nicks and grooves.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Pastry chefs say the best surface to roll dough, make chocolates and do other types of baking prep work on is a marble countertop, since it stays cool to the touch. If you don't have a marble countertop and don't want to make the investment in buying one, think scrap heap instead. Countertop fabricators often have square slabs of marble waste left over from the holes they cut to fit sinks when installing new countertops. Those slabs can be purchased for a few dollars or are free if you become friendly with your local fabricator.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION