Organic cotton linens are not only more attainable today than they were years ago, they can have other benefits, too. Buying organic cotton bedding helps support farmers who grow organic cotton, and it also helps eliminate unnecessary chemicals from your life. Conventional cotton bedding is often bleached and then dyed using heavy-metal dyes that can have formaldehyde resins. And if you choose sheets that are labeled “wrinkle-free,” they are treated with a chemical substance that is a suspected carcinogen. If you can’t find organic cotton sheets, light-colored bedding that is not wrinkle-free is the next best (healthy) thing.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 14% of total air infiltration in a home enters through a fireplace chimney -- even if the damper is pulled shut --which can make your home less energy efficient in the winter months. Chimney balloons, which are nearly indestructible balloons you place inside the chimney to block drafts, can work to stop the cold, but they can be expensive. One DIY solution? Rip open a cardboard box and tape it inside the chimney as a draft stopper to help save up to 30% on your heating bill. Just remember to remove the box first if you want to use the fireplace.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

A mattress is a major investment, and making sure you keep it in tip-top shape can help protect your investment over the long term. One of the most important things you can do is to rotate the mattress periodically so it wears evenly over time. Depending on the type of mattress you have, it needs to be rotated either every three, six or 12 months. Memory foam and latex beds should be rotated twice a year, and hybrid and innerspring-style beds should be rotated four times a year, according to bedding manufacturer Casper.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION