If your home has its own private septic tank, you can help increase its life span by taking a few simple measures inside the home. Never flush pharmaceuticals down the toilet, and never pour flammable or toxic products (like chlorine bleach and fertilizers) or chemical cleaning products like rug cleaners and floor waxes down the drain. Also, be aware of the types of body washes and body oils you use in the shower and bath; excessive amounts can discourage the growth of natural microorganisms that are vital for breaking down organic matter in your septic tank.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If the hottest water from your shower or kitchen tap is too hot, that's an easy indicator that you need to dial down the setting on your water heater at home. Just moving it down a few degrees is not only enough to make it more energy-efficient, but it's also safer, since the members of your household won't scald themselves. The standard setting for a water heater is 140 degrees, which is very hot. Try turning it down to 120 degrees and see if that works for you and your family.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It's true that cars built more than 10 years ago are not as efficient, nor do they have the same technology as cars built today. But many people still have their motor oil changed at the same frequency, no matter if their car was built in 2000 or 2013. You may be surprised to learn that you may not need to change your motor oil as frequently as you think. The simplest way to find out is to visit checkyournumber.org and enter the year, make and model of your car. It will tell you the exact manufacturer-recommended oil change for your car, not the average for all cars.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION