5/7/12

Now is a great time to get your home prepared for the hot summer months that are just around the corner. One inexpensive investment is to install solar control film to existing windows and sliding glass doors in sunny spots. This easy-to-install film helps block the sunbeams from heating up your home, and it reduces exposure to ultraviolet light. Proper use of solar film can reduce cooling costs by 5 to 10 percent.

5/6/12

If you have a frying pan that has caked-on grease, food or anything else you simply cannot scrub off -- no matter how much elbow grease you use -- look to the fridge for help. Fill the cookware with cola (like Pepsi or Coke) and bring it to a boil. Simmer for around 15 minutes. The caked-on mess will fall apart and make cleanup a breeze -- just wipe the pan clean with a scrubby brush or steel wool sponge.

5/5/12

You've heard the phrase "It's not the heat, it's the humidity" when it comes to uncomfortably hot days in the summer. When it's humid, the air can feel much hotter than it actually is. Using a dehumidifier in your home can take out excess moisture in the air and make it feel cooler inside. Dehumidifiers are energy efficient and can help reduce energy costs. Bonus tip: Use the collected water from your dehumidifier to water plants.