energy
Living history. The July issue of Consumer Reports, on sale this week, offers these tips for staying cool during the summer months and at the same time saving energy.
A/C isn’t always the answer. Save money on your electricity bill by using fans first, along with drawing the blinds to keep out the heat.
Switch out light bulbs. Incandescent bulbs produce 75 percent more heat than Energy Star-qualified compact fluorescent lights.
Maximize A/C when you use it. Installing an air conditioner in a shady spot could increase its efficiency by 10 percent. And people with central air can save up to 10 percent on their energy bill with a programmable thermostat.
Just chill. Lowering the temperature on the air conditioner as soon as you turn it on won’t cool the room any faster. It will, however, use more energy.
Remember regular maintenance. Unclog your A/C filters to decrease energy usage.
money
Safeguard your paint. Fresh-looking paint is key to protecting and rejuvenating your home’s exterior. Leave passers-by with a positive impression of your home by following these paint protection tips from the household-goods manufacturer Rohm and Haas.
Check early for problems. Spring and early summer can be the best time to spot and repaint blemishes.
Blistering is caused by loss of adhesion and the lifting of the paint from the underlying surface. If the blisters go down to the substrate, you can get rid of them by removing the source of moisture. If they don’t go down to the substrate, then try scraping, sanding and a touch-up.
Cracking and flaking occur when the paint has been overthinned, the paint has inadequate flexibility, or the paint was applied during extreme hot or cold weather. Dispose of the cracks and flakes by lightly feathering the edges, priming and painting over the bad patch. If the cracking goes all the way down to the surface, the paint should be removed.
time
Volunteer deadline. Habitat for Humanity and Whirlpool are looking for volunteers for the third annual Whirlpool Building Blocks program in Dallas. Each year, Whirlpool recognizes an outstanding Habitat for Humanity affiliate by organizing a weeklong building extravaganza. Anyone interesting in helping a needy family secure simple, decent housing can apply to join the team at blocks through July 11.
