Another reason why investing in a hybrid car is a smart choice: It gives you more free time. A recent study by the Ford Motor Co. showed that investing in a fuel-efficient hybrid significantly reduces the number of trips you need to make to the gas station to refuel. Over the course of just one year, the average hybrid car owner saved about 10 hours of time from refueling. What would you do with 10 hours of extra time per year?

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If the thought of dousing your home with chlorine bleach to keep things disinfected bothers you, you might want to try another method to kill germs, bacteria and pathogens. Handheld steamers that use water to blast away wrinkles can be effective in disinfecting surfaces. While it's currently not approved by the Center for Disease Control as an antiviral method, many scientists agree steam can be effective to help create a healthy home. A soapy water mixture on the countertops blasted with steam can be a power method to kill germs, bacteria and, yes, viruses.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know refrigerators are designed to remove moisture that is inside the unit? If there is too much moisture, condensation can build up on the interior of both the refrigerator and freezer in the form of frost and ice. Before putting anything in the fridge, make sure it has a lid or cover, since uncovered containers transfer moisture into the air. Water-rich produce like iceberg lettuce and celery can be problematic; cover them in paper towels, which will help absorb excess moisture. And avoid opening and closing the fridge too many times if it's warm inside the home. The influx of warm air can create too much moisture.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION