To freshen the air in your home, make use of your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans. The trick is to run the fans beyond just the time you shower or cook a meal. In the kitchen, your fan removes odors, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and any other particulates that may have been created by cooking. And bathroom fans remove excess moisture to help dry out the room and prevent mold. Simply leaving the fans on a few minutes longer can have a big impact on your home's indoor air quality.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you use chemical fertilizers for your gardens and landscaping, it's important not only to remove your shoes before entering your home, but also to wash your clothes and shower immediately after application. If that sounds like too much hassle, do the alternative: Skip fertilizers. Instead, choose native plants that naturally thrive in your climate. They don't need fertilizers and are drought-resistant as well, making them an easy-to-maintain option to beautify your yard.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Motion sensors for lights are easy to install and can help save electricity when people forget to hit the switch on their way out. These sensors are great in places like a laundry room or workshop, where lights tend to be left on accidentally for long periods of time. They are also a great solution if you rent out your home on sites like Airbnb; tenants are even less likely to turn off lights. New sensors are a breeze to install and will pay for themselves over time.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION