If you use an outdoor fire pit, you use wood as your source of fuel to get it roaring. But not all wood is the same, and you should avoid pressure-treated wood. This is lumber that's designed for construction -- railroad ties, decking, shipping pallets –- and it is treated with chemicals to prevent rotting. Those chemicals are released when this wood is burned, and they can be dangerous. If you have some leftover untreated plywood, it's fine to burn. But when in doubt, don't take the risk. Also, avoid burning cardboard: It can create huge, smoldering "flakes" that can travel and ignite fires.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Air filters are critical for your HVAC system to keep things like allergens and dust/dirt particles from blowing around your home. The filters work, but they need to be replaced when they get too dirty. And a dirty filter can reduce airflow, which forces your HVAC system to work extra hard. Since filters need to be replaced on a regular basis and can be easily forgotten, consider signing up for a subscription service to have filters automatically sent to you when you need to replace your old ones.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

One trick interior decorators use to make a space feel more special is to install dimmer switches so you can control the amount of light a fixture produces. But does a dimmer also mean energy savings? Turns out, mood lighting is also a good thing for the environment. It works because light dimmers reduce the flow of electricity to a fixture, which means the bulbs work at lower power outputs. It also means the lightbulbs will last longer, since there’s less wear and tear on them, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION