Do you want to do just one thing to improve the energy efficiency of your refrigerator by as much as 20%? Turn off the ice maker. If you don't often use ice in your drinks, turning off the ice maker can significantly increase the energy efficiency of your refrigerator/freezer. And considering this appliance is the largest energy hog in your kitchen, this step can do two things: It can save energy, which saves you money, and it also can help prolong the lifespan of your refrigerator. If you want ice, use simple silicone ice trays that can be filled and frozen as needed.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Many of us soak our cookware in water for several hours or overnight to loosen baked-on food and make cleanup easier. While this practice works, it also can have the unintended consequence of warping the pan over time, making it defective and difficult to use. To protect your cookware investment, allow your pans to cool to room temperature, then immerse in water for several minutes. That should be enough soaking time to make cleanup easier without risking any damage to your pans.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

You know the saying: One man's trash is another man's treasure. And nothing could be more true when it comes to marble and granite remnants at your local countertop fabricator. The reality is when someone does a kitchen renovation, slabs of pricey granite and marble are cut to fit spaces or make room for a sink. But what happens to those slabs that are too small to use for a countertop but too big to toss away? They are sold for next to nothing. Your countertop fabricator can turn small remnants into cutting boards, backsplashes, desktops and surfaces for small tables in your house.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION