With the chill outside, central air conditioning may be the last thing on your mind, but this is actually a great time to consider replacing yours if your home needs it. In the hot summer months, not only are installers busy, but prices are also highest for new central air conditioning units. In the cooler months, prices are at their lowest, and wait times are virtually nonexistent. If your AC unit is on its last leg, consider replacing it with an Energy Star qualified model now, before it gets hot again.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Got a little leftover shampoo or body wash? Or maybe you have a stash of little hotel bottles of these things in your junk drawer? You can use them for a few things around the house! One handy way to use them is as a stain remover on upholstered furniture; just dab some liquid soap right onto the stain and use a damp cloth to work the suds (and stain) out. Or use it as a detergent for handwashing delicate items in the sink. Finally, try shampoo to degrease kitchen cabinets; just use it full strength as a degreaser on the cabinets and wipe it off with a damp towel. Good as new!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you can plan ahead, one easy way to help reduce carbon emissions is to opt for ground shipping of purchases made online. Ground shipping may take a bit more time, but it usually does not involve gas-guzzling airplanes to guarantee your package is delivered overnight. Instead, it uses a fleet of trucks which have been programmed to deliver packages in the most fuel-efficient way from Point A to Point B. If you must overnight something, try to use the shipping company’s own packaging; many companies not only use packaging created from recycled materials, but then it can be reused.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION