energy
Seasonal cutbacks. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can keep summer energy bills and pollution output down by heeding this advice.
If your air conditioner is old, consider buying a new, energy-efficient model. You could save up to 50 percent on your utility bill for cooling.
Sealing air leaks will help keep cool air inside.
Plant trees or shrubs to shade air-conditioning units but not to block the airflow. Place your room air conditioner on the north side of the house. A unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10 percent less electricity than the same one in the sun.
Don’t place lamps or TV sets near your air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
space & time
Lawn-care for newbies. With record low mortgage rates, expanded FHA loans and tax credit incentives, many Americans have plunged into first-time home ownership. And for some, this also may be their first time caring for a lawn. Briggs & Stratton Corp., the lawn mower engine company, has these suggestions for even the most challenged green thumbs.
Choose a mower with a quality engine. Consider torque, emissions and ease in starting. Learn more at .
Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade during any one mowing. By following this rule, the remaining two-thirds of the plant will develop deep roots and spread out to create a dense, healthy turf.
Alternate your mowing pattern. Avoid following the same path each time you mow. This will keep the turf and soil from compacting and prevent wheel patterns in your lawn.
Water early in the day. Watering between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. keeps the sun from robbing moisture from your lawn. It also gives your lawn the best chance to dry in the morning. Wet grass at night can lead to disease.
