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Patio shopping smarts. With an eye toward outdoor living and especially the party- hearty July Fourth holiday, the patio furniture experts at Christy Sports compiled these tips for selecting high-quality outdoor furniture.
Lift a piece of outdoor furniture to see how heavy it is. More weight indicates it is quality- built.
Check for weld marks and joints. The smaller the marks and tighter the joints, the better the quality.
Don’t forget the accessories. Fire pits, cushy outdoor pillows, weather-tough rugs and lamps all are hot for this year’s outdoor rooms.
energy
Hot and getting hotter. The only thing rising faster than your thermometer lately might be your utility bill. These tips from The Home Depot can help curb summertime energy use.
Plug tiny leaks to keep the hot air outside where it belongs. Caulk and weatherstrip all seams, cracks and openings to the outside. Consider using a weather-resistant foam sealant if sealing in a visible place. It resists moisture and can be sanded, painted and stained for a more appealing look.
Clean or replace air filters. Dirty air filters cause an air conditioning unit to work harder than necessary.
Install ceiling fans to help spread cool air quickly through the house.
Turn off lights when you leave a room. In low-use areas, such as closets and the outdoors, install motion sensors that turn the lights on only when activated and turn them off automatically.
money
Bang for your detergent buck. Buying a high-priced laundry detergent doesn’t guarantee cleaner clothes, according to the July issue of Consumer Reports magazine. While Tide brands topped many of the testing categories, discounts brands such as Gain offered comparable results. For the full report, which includes six tips for achieving cleaner clothes and laundry-detergent-buying advice, visit .
Elana Ashanti Jefferson
