It’s common knowledge that a programmable thermostat is a smart investment to regulate temperatures in your home and keep your heating and cooling bills as low as possible. In the hot summer months, when you’re away during the day, set your thermostat to what the average high temperature will be for the day. When the difference between your indoor and outdoor temperature is small, it allows your HVAC system to work as efficiently as possible. So while the morning temps are cool, check to see what the average high is and set your thermostat for that temperature.

Local animal shelters are always in need of financial donations and volunteers to help find forever homes for the many animals they bring in. If you can’t donate money or time, the next best thing is to donate things they need. Collect newspapers and shredded paper from your office, which the shelters use to line cages. But many don’t accept shredded paper that has gone through the new machines that shred paper into tiny, confetti-style pieces instead of long strands. Most shelters do not want old T-shirts, pillowcases, sheets and towels; those items becomes trash and more work when they are donated.

Before you reach for the chemical flea repellent sprays if you suspect your dog’s bed might be infested, try trapping the pesky pests instead. When your dog isn’t on the bed, put it in a dark room and place a small lamp by the bed. Leave the light on, and put a bowl of very soapy water near the bed and light. The fleas are attracted to the warmth of the light and will fall into the trap. If you see fleas in the water, you can take steps to clean and disinfect the bed.