Even when you try to avoid clogging sinks by keeping things like grease, coffee grounds, and hair out of drains, clogs can still happen. Products like Drano® and other chemical drain cleaners can be an easy way […]
Read MoreClogged drains can be a drag, especially when your kitchen is the center of attention during the season! It’s important to remember to avoid things that clog drains, such as pasta and rice, grease, poultry bones, or items like celery, eggshells, and onions. We also know your bathroom can take a hit, too.
Read MoreToday we hear a lot about strategies to reduce the rate we pay for our heating fuel. I believe the “lowest hanging fruit” is available to most by lowering usage!
Read MoreReplace incandescent bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) — CFLs can give the same amount and quality of light as incandescent bulbs, yet use one-third the amount of energy and last ten times longer. A CFL can save over $30 in electricity costs over the lamp's lifetime compared to an incandescent bulb and save 2,000 times their own weight in green house gases.
Read MoreUse dimmer switches or timers on lights. Savings: 7-10 percent of lighting costs.
Read MoreSet your water heater thermostat at the lowest temperature that provides you with sufficient hot water, but not lower than 120* F. For most households, 120* F water is fine. If you use a lot of hot water, you may need to set the temperature higher to provide enough hot water for your needs.
Read MoreKeep bulbs and fixtures clean. Dirt will absorb the light and reduce the efficiency.
Read MoreOperate your dishwasher at full capacity. And if the manufacturer's instructions permit, open the door of the dishwasher at the end of the last rinse cycle, rather than using the drying cycle.
Read MoreChoose the right size dishwasher for your home. Standard capacity models hold more than 8 place settings and 6 serving pieces. Compact capacity models hold 8 place settings and six serving pieces or less. If you have to operate a compact model more frequently, you may actually use more energy than you would with a standard model over time.
Read MoreChoose a dishwasher with several wash cycle selections. If your dishes are only slightly dirty, you can use the light or energy-saving wash cycle, it uses less water and runs for a shorter period of time.
Read More