|
By: Stacey Freed
Wow. What an olfactory difference cleaning with a small box of baking soda can make. How many of those hanging car air fresheners would it take to stop the fishy smell from last night’s dinner? Too many! Before you decorate your kitchen like a cardboard pine forest, take a deep breath — preferably through your mouth — and open your cupboard. Enter baking soda. Odds are you already have what you need to nix food odors in one inexpensive little box. That unassuming baking soda can work a miracle in your kitchen. Baking Soda Absorbs Odors This household staple acts as a molecular sponge, eagerly soaking up and neutralizing a wide range of odors. Baking soda, unlike most commercial air fresheners, doesn’t mask odors, it absorbs them, says Mary Marlowe Leverette, an experienced cleaning and fabric care expert. Not only does baking soda absorb odors, but it does so with a scientific finesse that makes it a go-to solution for maintaining a fresh and odor-free environment in various corners of your home. How Does It Work? Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate in a convenient box) neutralizes stubborn acidic odors — like those from sour milk — as well as other funky smells lurking in your home. It’s a natural odor eliminator, but it’s not instantaneous. Depending on how pervasive the scent is, baking soda can take anywhere from a few hours to a whole day to remove unwanted food odors. The secret to the absorption lies in the chemical composition of baking soda, scientifically known as sodium bicarbonate. Baking soda is amphoteric, meaning it can react with both acidic and alkaline substances. The acidic or alkaline molecules that often cause odors are neutralized by contact with baking soda. 7 Household Items to Clean With Baking Soda From banishing odors in your dishwasher to rejuvenating your microwave, baking soda can elevate your cleaning routine, especially cleaning kitchen appliances. Bonus tip: A vinegar-baking soda combination can boost cleaning power: the acid in the vinegar reacts with the baking soda, causing it to break down and release carbon dioxide gas. This gas can lift dirt from the surfaces undergoing the cleaning process. Let’s delve into the myriad ways cleaning with baking soda (and sometimes vinegar) may refresh and revitalize items around your home: #1 Dishwasher Dishwashers are supposed to be hallowed havens of cleanliness. If you don’t run the dishwasher every day, those rotten food smells can build up. Stop the stink by dumping a cup of baking soda into the dishwasher and running it through a rinse cycle. The soda eliminates foul smells and unwanted food odors from the machine. Ah! That’s a nicer-smelling place for your dishes, no matter what type of dish detergent you use. #2 Oven If you avoid using your oven because of that special burning smell, it might just be time for a scrub. The oven can be responsible for a lot of household cooking, which means it can hold onto a lot of food smells. Cleaning the oven with baking soda can be done in just a few steps: Cleaning Your Oven with Baking Soda
#3 Range Hood That greasy range hood could also be adding to your kitchen’s odor. Clean it with a mixture of about one-quarter cup baking soda, a good squirt of degreasing dish soap, and the hottest water you can stand (but be careful not to burn yourself!). #4 Drains and Disposals When you can’t source an odor, drains and disposals are often the culprits. Make them stink-free and (bonus) clog-free with a mix of one-quarter cup of baking soda, one-quarter cup of vinegar, and some kosher salt. Give the drain a slightly abrasive scrubbing and follow up with boiling water. #5 Food Containers Containers that once held strong-smelling foods can retain those odors. To rejuvenate them, wash them with a solution of water and baking soda. Let the containers air dry, and voila — a fresh start for your leftovers. #6 Microwave Does your microwave still smell like last weekend’s bacon? Clean and deodorize it with a solution of two tablespoons of baking soda mixed with a cup of water. Put the solution into an uncovered, microwave-safe container and zap on high for three minutes. Then, simply wipe down the interior. #7 Refrigerator A little fridge baking soda box isn’t just an old wives’ tale — it helps keep your refrigerator smelling crisp. Place a full box in there with the top tab open to let air flow into the bicarbonate powder. The soda eliminates strong smells from foods like onions, cheeses, and yesterday’s leftovers. Pro Tips: Removing Odors With Baking Soda
Baking Soda: A Multi-Purpose Cleaner and Deodorizer The best thing about the cheap, odor-zapping wonder of baking soda is you can use it guilt-free. “You’re not going to harm humans or animals or ruin anything using baking soda,” Leverette says. “Plus, after you’re done deodorizing, mix it up with vinegar or lemon juice and some red dye, and make a cool volcano. The kids will love it.” So, the next time you reach for that box of baking soda, remember that you’re not just adding a pinch of freshness to your baking —– you’re unleashing a cleaning superhero into your home!
0 Comments
By: Douglas Trattner Most families do more than 400 loads of laundry a year, costing upwards of $600. Trim those costs with these energy-saving tricks.
Here’s a fun laundry room fact: The average American family washes 300 loads of laundry a year, spending as much as $1.08 per load, for a yearly total of $324. Most laundry room expenses come from heating water for washing and heating air for drying. But these costs aren’t set in stone, and you can save money by following these energy-reducing tips. Get the Most from Your Washer Ninety-percent of the cost of running a washer goes to heating water. Here’s how to save money while getting your clothes clean. 1. Use cold water. You can save a bundle by washing your clothes in cold water, which is a perfectly efficient way to clean most clothes. Washing a load in cold water costs only about $0.04, compared to washing in hot/warm water for $0.68. 2. Run full loads. It takes as much electricity to wash a small load as it does a full one, so you’ll save money by washing only full loads. 3. Update your machine. If you don’t already have an Energy Star-certified washer, it’s time to get one. These energy-efficient machines use about 25% less energy and 33% less water than for a standard machine. 4. Buy a front-loading machine. Energy Star-certified front load washers use about 45% less energy and 50% less water than top load agitator washers. Compared to a top load impeller washer, front load washers are still 25% more energy and water efficient. Get the Most from Your Dryer 5. Spin faster. The faster you spin clothes in the washer, the less time they’ll need in the dryer. If you have the option, chose a faster spin cycle. 6. Clean lint filters. Remove lint after every load, and clean ducts annually. Your clothes will dry faster, using less energy. 7. Warm it up. If possible, locate your dryer in a warm laundry room rather than in a cold basement. The warmer the air coming into the dryer, the less energy your machine will use to heat it up. 8. Go gas. Drying a load of laundry in a gas dryer generally costs less per load than an electric dryer. 9. Keep it full. Dry only full loads and try not to mix fast- and slow-drying clothes — a practice that wastes energy by continuing to dry clothes that are no longer wet. 10. Let nature help out. When the weather is warm, cut your energy costs by drying clothes outside on a clothesline. If homeowners association regulations don’t allow you to set up a clothesline outside, use a standalone drying rack inside. By: Douglas Trattner Most families do more than 400 loads of laundry a year, costing upwards of $600. Trim those costs with these energy-saving tricks.
Here’s a fun laundry room fact: The average American family washes 300 loads of laundry a year, spending as much as $1.08 per load, for a yearly total of $324. Most laundry room expenses come from heating water for washing and heating air for drying. But these costs aren’t set in stone, and you can save money by following these energy-reducing tips. Get the Most from Your Washer Ninety-percent of the cost of running a washer goes to heating water. Here’s how to save money while getting your clothes clean. 1. Use cold water. You can save a bundle by washing your clothes in cold water, which is a perfectly efficient way to clean most clothes. Washing a load in cold water costs only about $0.04, compared to washing in hot/warm water for $0.68. 2. Run full loads. It takes as much electricity to wash a small load as it does a full one, so you’ll save money by washing only full loads. 3. Update your machine. If you don’t already have an Energy Star-certified washer, it’s time to get one. These energy-efficient machines use about 25% less energy and 33% less water than for a standard machine. 4. Buy a front-loading machine. Energy Star-certified front load washers use about 45% less energy and 50% less water than top load agitator washers. Compared to a top load impeller washer, front load washers are still 25% more energy and water efficient. Get the Most from Your Dryer5. Spin faster. The faster you spin clothes in the washer, the less time they’ll need in the dryer. If you have the option, chose a faster spin cycle. 6. Clean lint filters. Remove lint after every load, and clean ducts annually. Your clothes will dry faster, using less energy. 7. Warm it up. If possible, locate your dryer in a warm laundry room rather than in a cold basement. The warmer the air coming into the dryer, the less energy your machine will use to heat it up. 8. Go gas. Drying a load of laundry in a gas dryer generally costs less per load than an electric dryer. 9. Keep it full. Dry only full loads and try not to mix fast- and slow-drying clothes — a practice that wastes energy by continuing to dry clothes that are no longer wet. 10. Let nature help out. When the weather is warm, cut your energy costs by drying clothes outside on a clothesline. If homeowners association regulations don’t allow you to set up a clothesline outside, use a standalone drying rack inside. By: Amy Howell Hirt Adopt a few of these home tips to find a bit more cash each month.
Your house gives you so much: security, pride, shelter. With all that on the line, it’s easy to assume the costs of keeping it up just are what they are. But wait. There are plenty of expenses that are simply a waste. Here’s how to save money each month without putting a dime of home value at risk. #1 Clean Your Lightbulbs What? Who does that? Well, smart people (those who know shrewd, easy ways to save money). A dirty bulb emits 30% less light than a clean one. Dust off both the bulb and fixture, and you might be able to cut back on the number or brightness of lights in each room without noticing any difference. #2 Keep Your Fridge Full Solid items snuggled together retain the cold better than air and help keep one another cold — requiring less energy overall. Leaving town for awhile and fridge is empty? Fill voids in the fridge or freezer with water bottles. #3 Switch Your Bulbs to LEDs The average light-emitting diode, LED, light bulb used five hours a day can save $10 to $20 in energy costs vs. an incandescent bulb. If you replace just five of your most-used incandescent bulbs, your savings will add up. And LEDs last 15 to 20 times longer than incandescents, so you won’t have to replace them nearly as often. #4 Use Power Strips Here’s how to save money — a lot of it — on bills. Appliances like coffee makers, TVs, and computers continue to suck power even when they’re off, which can add 20% to your monthly utility bill and increase the average household’s annual electric bill by $100 to $200. And did you know the AC adapter for your laptop keeps drawing power even if the laptop isn’t plugged in? Stop this slow money burn by connecting them to an easy-to-switch-off power strip. #5 Use a Toaster Oven When Possible Toaster ovens use roughly one-third the electricity used by a full-size electric oven. #6 Set Your Water Heater to 120 Degrees Hot water heaters often come with a factory setting that’s higher than you need. You’ll cool your water heating costs by 3% to 5% every time you lower the temperature setting by 10 degrees. #7 Insulate Your Water Heater For about $30, an insulating jacket or blanket can shave 7% to 16% off your water heating costs for the year. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions to avoid creating a fire hazard. #8 Wash Clothes in Cold Water Just switching from hot to warm water will cut every load’s energy use in half, and you’ll reap even more savings taking the temp down to cold. And don’t worry: Your clothes will get just as clean from cold water, thanks to the efficiency of today’s detergents (except in the case of sickness, when you’ll want hot water and bleach). #9 Use the Right Dryer Cycle If you’re using a high heat setting for each load, you could be using more energy than you need. Almost all fabrics can be dried with a lower heat setting, such as the permanent press setting. It uses less energy and has the bonus of extending the life of your fabrics. Save the higher heat for items such as sheets and towels. #10 Use Homemade Cleaners Many commercial products rely on baking soda or vinegar for their cleaning power, so why not make your own? Odds are, you likely have a lot of the ingredients sitting in your cabinets or pantry right now. #11 Cut Back on Laundry Detergent Never mind the barely visible measurement lines in the cap: You typically need only a tablespoon of detergent. And, clothes actually get cleaner when you use less, because there’s no soap residue left behind. #12 Ditch Disposable Sweeper and Mop Head Stop throwing money away every time you clean! Refill your Swiffer Sweeper with microfiber cloths. Just cut to size and use them dry for dusting or with a little water and floor cleaner for mopping. Or switch to a microfiber mop with a washable head. #13 Stop Buying Dryer Sheets Another easy swap? Give up your dryer-sheet habit (about $10 for 240 loads) in favor of wool dryer balls (about $11 for four, which can last for up to 1,000 loads each). Of course, depending on your laundry preferences, you can always just go without either. #14 Cut Scouring Pads in Half Most clean-ups don’t require a full one. #15 Don’t Rinse Dishes Two minutes of rinsing with the faucet on full-power will consume five gallons of water — the same amount efficient dishwashers use during an entire cycle. Shocking, right? And it’s an unnecessary step, since most newer models are equipped to remove even stubborn food debris. Just be sure to clean the dishwasher trap regularly to keep your dishwasher running efficiently. #16 Keep a Pitcher of Water in the Fridge You won’t have to waste time and money running the faucet, waiting for it to get cold enough for a refreshing sip. #17 Set a Timer for the Shower The average American takes an eight-minute shower and uses about 16 gallons of water. It’s easy to linger, so set a timer for five minutes. Or try this more entertaining idea: Time your shower to a song or podcast segment. #18 Install Low-Flow Fixtures By installing a just one low-flow showerhead, the average U.S. household can save about 2,700 gallons of water every year and decrease home water consumption by 40% or more. #19 Replace Your Old Water-Hogging Toilet The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says that by replacing old, inefficient toilets with WaterSense-labeled models, the average family can reduce water used for toilets by 20% to 60% — nearly 13,000 gallons of water savings per year. (WaterSense-labeled toilets are independently certified to meet criteria for both performance and efficiency, according to the EPA.) They could also save more than $140 per year in water costs. #20 Close Closet Doors Each closet and pantry may hold a paltry amount of square footage, but you’re still heating and cooling it. Add up all the storage space, and you’ve got the equivalent of a small room. Shut the doors to keep the conditioned air out. #21 Program the Thermostat You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back seven degrees to 10 degrees Fahrenheit from its normal setting for eight hours a day. You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68 degrees while you’re awake and setting it lower while you’re asleep. #22 Don’t Crank the Thermostat Up or Down Too Far A common misconception is that a furnace works harder than normal to warm a space back to a comfortable temperature after the thermostat has been set back, resulting in little or no savings, says Energy.gov. In fact, as soon as your house drops below its normal temperature, it will lose energy to the surrounding environment more slowly. Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It won’t cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense. #23 Use Fans Year-Round Ceiling fans can reduce your summer cooling costs and even reduce winter heating bills — but only if used correctly. Flip the switch on the base to make the blades rotate counterclockwise for a cooling effect or clockwise to help distribute heat in the winter. And in the warmer months, an attic or whole-house fan can suck hot air out and help distribute cooler air so you can give the AC a little break. #24 Caulk or Weatherstrip Around Doors and Windows Caulk may not have the charisma of something like solar panels, but using it to seal air leaks around doors and windows will deliver immediate savings. You’ll spend $3 to $30 and save 10% to 20% on energy bills. For gaps between moving parts that can’t be caulked, add weatherstripping. #25 Add Insulation By sealing air leaks and installing the right insulation in places like attics, crawl spaces, and basements, homeowners can save an average of 10% on heating and cooling. #26 Plant Shade Trees Block the summer sun to lower cooling costs. Planting one shade tree on the west side and one on the east side of your home can shield your home from the sun during the summer months (but avoid south-side trees, which block winter sun). Carefully positioned trees can save up to 25% of the energy a typical household uses, according to Energy.gov. Plus, healthy, mature trees add an average 10% to a property’s value, says the Arbor Day Foundation. #27 Use Curtains as Insulation Another way to practice energy-saving passive heating and cooling? Open curtains on sunny windows in the winter and close them in the summer. #28 Cool With a Cross Breeze On a breezy day, open a window on the side of your house that’s receiving the breeze, then open another on the opposite side of the house. Make sure the window on the receiving side is open a little less than the exhaust side to accelerate the breeze. You can also use a fan if there’s no breeze outside. #29 Check Your Mortgage PMI You’ll generally pay between $30 and $70 per month for every $100,000 borrowed, according to Freddie Mac. Keep in mind this amount can vary based on your credit score and your loan-to-value ratio — the amount you borrowed on your mortgage compared to the home’s value. once you’ve built 20% equity in your home, you can ask your lender to cancel your PMI and remove that expense from your monthly payment. If the value of your home appreciates before then, you might be able to cancel sooner. #30 Check Your Home Insurance for Savings Your homeowners insurance should change as your life changes. Installing home security devices — including smoke detectors, burglar and fire alarm systems or dead-bolt locks — could reduce your premiums, says the Insurance Information Institute. Bundling your home and auto coverage could also save money on both policies. To be sure you’re getting the best price, check that any combined price from one insurer is lower than buying the coverage separately from different companies, according to the III. A “Consumer Reports” survey found that of the 21% of consumers who had changed home insurance carriers in the past five years, 62% were motivated by better rates or because their current carrier had raised rates. So, you could save by going with a new company. #31 Borrow Tools Instead of Buying How often are you going to use that expensive demolition hammer once you remove your bathroom tile? Not so much? Rent it from a home-improvement store for a fraction of the cost. Be sure to do the math for each tool and project, though. Sometimes the rental price is high enough to justify buying it. Or join a tool lending library or cooperative to borrow tools for free or much less than retail stores. #32 Cut Back on Paper Towels Households average about $115 per year, or $2.20 per week, on paper towels. Over 10 years that’s $1,150. Instead, try machine-washable cotton shop towels. They clean up messes just as fast and cost a few dollars for five. Save paper towels for messes that need to go straight into the trash, like oil and grease. #33 Stop Buying Plants for Curb Appeal Every Year A pop of color in your landscaping perks up your curb appeal. But instead of wasting household funds on short-lived annuals, invest in perennials that will keep giving for years to come. #34 Water Grass in the Morning to Save on Your Water Bill Turning the sprinkler on at midday is kinda like watering the air — especially when the mercury soars. Lose less to evaporation by watering during cooler hours (but avoid overnight watering, when too-slow evaporation can invite fungus growth). #35 Make Your Yard Drought-Tolerant According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a traditional lawn can use up to 10,000 gallons of water per year, while a xeriscape yard can use as little as 2,500 gallons of water per year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This can result in a savings of 7,500 gallons of water per year. By: Douglas Trattner Consider age, repair cost, pricing, energy efficiency, and whether to modify your kitchen to accommodate a new unit.
When an appliance is old and isn’t working efficiently, it may seem natural to decide to replace it rather than repair it — may it rest in peace. But appliances often break before their time, making the repair-or-replace decision harder. Also, the replacement cost may give you second thoughts. If money is tight, you may have to repair the appliance and hope for the best. But if you’ve got some coin, replacing with a new, energy-efficient model may be the better way to go. Those are a lot of ifs, and the repair-or-replace dilemma is often hard to resolve. Here are some guidelines to help you decide. Is It Really Broken? When appliances stop working, we get so rattled that the obvious escapes us. Before you panic, make sure:
Is It Still Under Warranty? Check your owner’s manual or records to see if the sick appliance is still under warranty. Most appliances come with a manufacturer warranty that will cover the cost of repairs anywhere from one to three years after the initial date of purchase. If it’s still covered, schedule a service call. Is It Truly at the End of Its Useful Life? Appliances have an average useful life — the typical lifespan after which the machine is running on borrowed time. The closer your appliance is to its hypothetical past-due date, the wiser it is to replace rather than repair. Here are the typical lifespans of major appliances. Appliance Average Lifespan (Years) Compactor 6 Dishwasher 9 Disposal 12 Dryer 13 Exhaust Fan 10 Freezer 10-20 Microwave 9 Range, electric 13-15 Range, gas 15-17 Range/oven hood 14 Refrigerator 9-13 Washer 5-15 How to Follow the 50% Rule In 2021, the cost to repair an appliance ranged from $100 to $300. Should you pay it? If an appliance is more than 50% through its lifespan and if the cost of one repair is more than 50% of the cost of buying new, you should replace rather than repair. To do the math, you’ll have to know the typical lifespan (see above) and get a repair estimate. Most service companies charge a “trip charge” to diagnose the problem. These charges vary widely, so be sure to ask when you arrange the appointment. If the company repairs the appliance, it usually waives the trip charge. DIY Whenever Possible If you know your way around a socket wrench, you may be able to make simple appliance repairs yourself and save labor fees. YouTube has lots of DIY repair videos, and user manuals can help you troubleshoot. Can’t find your manual? Search online for “manual” along with your appliance brand and model number. Most manufacturers provide free downloadable PDFs of appliance manuals, and several websites specialize in nothing but manuals. However, there is a downside to repairing appliances yourself.
New water-saving and energy-efficient appliances can be cost effective: An old refrigerator uses about 33% more energy than a new model with ENERGY STAR certification, according to Energy Star. But replacing energy clunkers that still have miles left on them may not be a money-wise move. You might spend thousands on an appliance in order to save hundreds (if you’re lucky) on your energy bill. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers says if you’re planning to stay in your home for 10 to 15 years, upgrading appliances is a good idea. However, if you’re planning on moving soon, you’ll save money by keeping your older appliances and letting the new owners upgrade to energy-efficient models. What Are the Hidden Costs When Replacing Old Appliances? The cost of replacing an appliance may include more than just the price of the machine. In fact, the price tag could be the least of the money you’ll spend to upgrade an appliance.
By: Jennifer Nelson
See what a bundle you can save if you declutter your home. If you’ve ever had to pay a late fee after losing a bill, thrown away spoiled peaches you forgot to eat, or bought another pair of sunglasses because you couldn’t find yours, you know firsthand that being disorganized costs you money. And conversely, organizing your home saves you money. At best, clutter in the home causes mistakes, late fees, overdue payments, and missed deadlines. At worst, a house in chaos can eat away at your finances, mar your credit, and reduce your productivity. That’s a whopping price to pay. Financial and Mental Health Benefits of Organizing Your Home “Do you think organizing is just for appearances?” asks Lisa Gessert, president of Organizing.buzz, a professional organizing service in Staten Island, N.Y. “Organizing your home is financially beneficial.” Gessert stresses to clients the need to sort, purge, assign things a home, and “containerize.” She says, “This process saves people tons of money.” There’s also a mental health gain from organizing your home. More people want to create simpler, more organized spaces in their homes, According to a 2021 Ikea “Life at Home” survey. Many respondents associated clean, decluttered spaces with a greater sense of calm. Clutter-free equals being in control, which is important for our mental wellbeing, the survey says. Here’s why being organized saves you money and how you can get your home into shape: Disorganization in the Home Office Costs You:
If any of these sound familiar, you need a home office system for dealing with important papers, bills, and personal correspondence. Wall-mounted bill organizers can help you stay organized. Look for ones with two or more compartments to categorize by due date. Mount shelving and create a file system for important papers, such as insurance policies and tax receipts. Work with underutilized space, such as converting a standard closet into built-in storage with shelves and cabinets for your papers, files, and office equipment. If you need to use stackable bins, don’t stack them around equipment that needs air ventilation, such as scanners and Wi-Fi receivers, since the equipment could overheat and malfunction — costing you money. “Having your papers organized will save time, help you pay bills on time, and allow you to be more productive,” says Alison Kero, owner of Alison Kero Organizing, based in New York City. Disorganization in Your Closets Costs You:
“Organizing often reduces duplication of possessions,” says Lauren Williams, owner of Casual Uncluttering LLC, in Woodinville, Wash. “No more buying an item for a second, third, or fourth time because someone can’t find it.” If closets are crammed, paring down is a must. First, take everything out. Rid yourself of multiples and anything you no longer wear, and assess your shoe collection. Create piles: purge, throw out, or donate. For what’s left, you’ll need a better closet system. You can choose a ready-made system that simply needs installation, or create your own. You can use PVC pipe to create additional hanging rods, and you may also want to add shelving to store folded clothes, hats, and bulky items. Look for wire mesh shelving, solid wood shelves, or an all-in-one closet shelving system depending on space. Large and small hooks can be wall-mounted to hold belts, accessories, and scarves. Disorganization in the Kitchen Costs You:
To avoid buying your third jar of oregano or second potato ricer, buy or build an organizational system for your pantry. Built-in lazy Susans work great. Use pullout mini shelving to corral items like dressings, hot sauces, and vinegars. Tackle cabinets and counters by mounting behind-the-cabinet-door racks to hold items like pot lids or cutting boards. Add pull-out drawers in your bottom cupboards to make everything easily accessible and easy to see. You’ll thank yourself when you get older, too. Disorganization in Your Living Areas Costs You:
Your living space is where you want to enjoy your home the most. If you can’t do that there, you’ll constantly be seeking out other places to find solace and fun — and that can add up to a lot of money spent on entertainment and recreational venues. Meanwhile, you could be paying more than you should for the living space you’re not enjoying. “I run into people whose homes are unorganized to the point of papers, boxes and stuff blocking air vents that supply heat and air conditioning to their homes,” says Gessert. This costs a fortune in utility bills. Likewise, a jumble of electrical wires around TVs and home entertainment systems can be sucking energy from always being plugged in. Connect them all to smart power strips that can turn everything off with one switch. Once you’ve organized your home, you’ll start to see the benefits everywhere. No more dealing with late fees on bills, buying replacement earrings or bread knives when items go missing, and — perhaps best of all — no more having to leave home to relax and be entertained. After all, saving on bills can boost your monthly budget, but there’s no greater value than enjoying your home more. |
AuthorJason Gelios, SRES-Senior Real Estate Specialist, Author, Public Speaker, and Expert Media Contributor of real estate expertise across the globe. Archives
October 2024
Categories |
RSS Feed