An area rug is an easy way to add a decorative touch to a space. But it’s also a fantastic way to improve the energy efficiency of your house. Rugs and carpet are great insulators, and they can transform chilly floors into warm, cozy places. Studies have shown using a rug pad and rug can have the most impact on insulating your floors. They improve efficiency for all types of floors -- wood, ceramic and laminate -- and can reduce your heating bills by around 5 percent.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know that waste haulers typically do not accept appliances, batteries, electronics, pesticides and paint in regular curbside pickup? For many of these items, it is illegal to dispose of them in your trash. What to do? Contact your local waste pickup provider and ask them to do a "special handling" pickup for your items. By simply making a call and arranging for this kind of pickup, you can ensure that these items are disposed of safely. And never, ever try to “hide” these items inside trash bags and bins; special pickup items can pose safety hazards for workers if not handled properly.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

The next time you fly, consider choosing an airline that only offers all-coach seating. It’s a surefire way to save money on your roundtrip flight, and it also means the plane you’re flying in is the most fuel-efficient of all planes heading to whatever sunny destination you’re visiting. The reason is simple: When you remove the larger first- and business-class seats, additional coach-style seating can be configured on the plane. More seats means better fuel economy per person flying. This, in turn, cuts down on the carbon emissions per passenger on the flight. Consider an all-coach flight an upgrade for the environment!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION