Besides staying cool when the warm weather rolls in, not getting hot under the collar when the utility bills arrive can be a challenge. The goal is to find an air-conditioning system that looks nice, makes you feel good and operates efficiently.

How To Measure

Cooling Efficiency

Recently enacted federal legislation helps with the efficiency issue. All central air conditioners manufactured after January 23, 2006, must have a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of at least 13 SEER. This increase in the measure of cooling efficiency from 10 to 13 SEER means savings on your utility bills.

As manufacturers of air-conditioning systems work to meet this new efficiency standard, some are also incorporating improved comfort features in their designs. For example, the Acclimate™ Series of air conditioners from Luxaire® Heating and Cooling, a brand of the Unitary Products Group of York-a Johnson Controls company, meets or exceeds the efficiency challenge with 13 and 15 SEER units that also address important comfort issues.

These air conditioners are available with two-stage compressor technology to reduce operating cost without sacrificing comfort. On-off cycles are kept to a minimum for even, quiet, more comfortable cooling.

Cool And Quiet

The unit’s exclusive SilentDrive™ System further reduces sound. A swept-wing fan design enables air to flow smoothly off the blade, reducing air turbulence and significantly reducing noise. The system also incorporates an isolated compressor compartment and a composite base pan for more quiet operation. In fact, an Acclimate air conditioner records sound levels as low as 69 decibels (dB). This is quieter than competitive units and much quieter than a typical hair dryer, which operates in the range of 76 dB.

Acclimate’s quiet, comfortable, efficient operation is easy on the ears and easy on the pocketbook. The unit is also easy on the eyes, with a sleek contemporary look that brings style to home cooling.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Replacing windows and doors is the fourth most common home-remodeling project and experts say it can dramatically reduce utility bills. Yet when it comes to choosing more energy-efficient options, consumers might be overwhelmed by the whirlwind of technology, terminology and options on the market today.

Homeowners need to be armed with accurate information in order to make the best choices about the many available options. That’s especially true as energy costs continue to climb. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program estimates that the savings from replacing single-pane with Energy Star-qualified windows ranges from $125 to $340 a year for a typical home.

Since this is the time of year when many homeowners embark on remodeling projects, here are five basic tips for selecting the most energy efficient windows and doors for your home.

* Use Low-E glass. Select windows with Low-E glass, which controls the amount of heat transferred through the window and prevents heat loss in the winter. Jeld-Wen, a window and door manufacturer, now offers Low-E glass as a standard for its wood and clad wood windows and as an upgrade option for its vinyl windows.

* Update technology. Replace older single-pane windows with dual-pane units, which insulate the home from both cold and hot weather. Using both Low-E glass and insulating glass units will reduce home energy costs.

* Consider how they’re made. Choose doors with energy-efficient cores, sills and frames that provide a barrier to energy exchange. Dual-pane, Low-E glass helps ensure that they will be weathertight and energy efficient. For example, studies show that over time, steel doors made with polystyrene maintain energy ratings better than doors made with polyurethane.

* Understand the standards. Efficiency ratings are based on U-factor, which is the amount of heat flow through a product. The lower the U-factor, the more efficient the product. Efficiency also is measured by Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which indicates the ability to block heat generated by sunlight. The lower the SHGC, the better. Finally, experts evaluate Visible Light Transmission, which is the percentage of sunlight that is able to penetrate a window or door. Higher percentages mean more light will enter through the glass.

* Focus on efficiency, not bells and whistles. Manufacturers achieve efficiency in different ways. No matter what technology is employed, one of the easiest ways to identify the most energy-efficient products is to simply look for the Energy Star label.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Just because there aren’t thousands of dollars available for decorating doesn’t mean that a bath can’t be unique, dramatic and thoroughly satisfying. Here are a half dozen frugal ways to spice up any bathroom.

1. Collections of inexpensive mirrors add both light and space to any bathroom. They reflect colors, faces and other decorations and add character and interest. Mirrors are much more effective when grouped together rather than being a scattered mass simply hanging on a wall.

2. Pictures or prints can be massed on a wall. For maximum impact hang them closely together rather than separated. Pictures can be striking if they have a ‘theme’, such as:
The frames or photos have a uniqueness in common – oval shapes, women only, pets
This decorating tactic works best in a powder room, rather than a full bathroom, because of the high moisture.

3. Needlework makes a striking wall accent. For instance, sampler patterns from Colonial America are easily available and a few samplers grouped on a wall create a totally unique bathroom.

4. For color and charm, throw a rug on the floor. In a dull or drab bathroom, a rag rug or oriental carpet will add charm and beauty. Just be certain to use a non-skid pad underneath, especially if anyone will be stepping out of a tub or shower.

5. Collections can spark interest and admiration. Pottery is an unusual accent piece for any bathroom. Or you might consider old bottles, perfume atomizers, shaving mugs or other flea market collectibles.
6. Color is the quickest, cheapest and easiest ways to change any bathroom. Unusual colors on a bathroom wall, like melon, chocolate brown or peach, will add drama. Accents like brightly colored towels in a monochromatic bathroom will provide an outstanding accent. Add living color with plants or freshly cut flowers.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Most commercial air fresheners do not freshen the air at all. Instead, they mask one odor with another, coat your nasal passages with an undetectable oil film, or diminish your sense of smell with a nerve-deadening agent. For a safer alternative, you may wish to try one of the following; not only will your home smell as fresh and clean as it is, you will also find yourself feeling healthier.

*Distribute partially filled saucers of vinegar around the room or boil 1 tablespoon of white vinegar in 1 cup of water to eliminate unpleasant cooking odors.

*Boil cinnamon and cloves for a fragrant smell. For ease of cleaning, make a cheesecloth bag to contain these spices, and boil the cheesecloth bag. An excellent alternative when entertaining is to steep spiced tea or cider.

*Potpourri. Buy or make your own potpourri from your favorite herbs and spices. Place the potpourri in a small basket or jar or in small sachet bags.

*Place pure vanilla on a cotton ball in a small saucer and place the saucer in the car or refrigerator to remove odors. It is reported to remove even skunk odors. Keep the cotton ball out of reach of children; vanilla has high alcohol content.

*Place a partially filled saucer of baking soda on the refrigerator shelf. Replace every two
months and when you do, pour the contents of the used box down the drain to remove odors and keep the drain clean.

*To avoid or remove onion odors from your hands, rub white vinegar on your hands
before and after slicing. Rubbing hands with the end of a celery stalk will also remove the odor.

*Cover a fresh orange with whole cloves and hang anywhere you want a fresh smell.  This also helps keep many insects and other unwanted houseguests away.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Are you shocked when seeing your household expenditures every month? The expenses seem to increase every month. If you are in this situation, try these 5 recommendations before your extra paid money will accumulate to a significant amount!

1. Recycle those junk letters.
Each month, you will probably received a dozen or more letters from direct mailing companies in your mailbox. Some of these letters are printed on one side only. Collect these letters and combined them into a writing pad. You can also used them to print draft documents. Besides saving money, you are also saving a lot of trees.

2. Install water saving kit in your toilet cistern.
When flushing the toilet, the amount of water used is usually more than is required. By installing a water saving kit in the cistern, the amount of water saved can be as much as three gallons per month.

3. Use the fan
Whenever possible, use the fan. The air conditioner is a major contributor to your utility bill. By using the fan, not only are you saving on your utility bill, you are also building up your body’s tolerance to heat. Your chances of getting heat exhaustion or heat stroke during the hot summer season are greatly reduced.

4. Do not throw away that old bar of soap yet.
As your wash your hands with soap on a daily basis, the bar will become smaller and smaller until it is almost unusable. Instead of throwing it away, simply stick the old bar of soap onto the new one. Just make sure both of them are wet when sticking them together.

5. Cut the tube of toothpaste into half.
When you can no longer squeeze out any toothpaste from the tube, just cut it in-half. There is some more toothpaste left that can last you for a couple of days if you have a large family. If you live alone or with your spouse only, the extra toothpaste can last up to five days or even more.

Start cultivating these useful habits today and make them a part of your daily life. You will be pleasantly pleased when you notice your household expense start to decline bit by bit as time goes on.

Popularity: 10% [?]

One of the best places to save money is on cleaning products.  Here are a few recipes that are extremely economical, yet work fantastically!

Note: Make sure to label all your homemade cleaning products, and keep them away from pets and children.

WINDOW CLEANER
1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent
3 tablespoons vinegar
2 cups water
spray bottle

Put all the ingredients into a spray bottle, shake it up a bit, and use as you would a commercial brand. The soap in this recipe is important. It cuts the wax residue from the commercial brands you might have used in the past.

OVEN CLEANER
1 cup or more baking soda
water
a squirt or two of liquid detergent

Sprinkle water generously over the bottom of the oven, then cover the grime with enough baking soda that the surface it totally white. Sprinkle some more water over the top. Let the mixture set overnight. You can easily wipe up the grease the next morning because the grime will have loosened. When you have cleaned up the worst of the mess, dab a bit of liquid detergent or soap on a sponge, and wash the remaining residue from the oven. If this recipe doesn’t work for you it is probably because you didn’t use enough baking soda and/or water.

ALL-PURPOSE SPRAY CLEANER
1/2 tsp. washing soda
a dab of liquid soap
2 cups hot tap water
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until the washing soda has dissolved. Apply and wipe off with a sponge or rag.

FURNITURE POLISH
1/2 teaspoon oil, such as olive (or jojoba, a liquid wax)
1/4 cup vinegar or fresh lemon juice
Mix the ingredients in a glass jar. Dab a soft rag into the solution and wipe onto wood surfaces. Cover the glass jar and store indefinitely.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Save water and you not only save money but also conserve one of our planet’s most valuable natural resource.  It’s like getting paid twice.  Water conservation is one of the easiest things to do if you have a little discipline but it’s so easy to turn on the faucet and let the water run.

The first thing you know gallons of water have gone down the drain and with it your money.  You can actually save a third time because most sewer charges are based on the amount of water used.

Let’s take a look at the amount of water used daily for a family of four.  Bathing or showering uses the most at about 80 gallons.  Showering accounts for 30% of total water usage in the home.

Laundry uses about half that, dishwashing 15, cooking and drinking 12 and for the big surprise, four people can flush down over 100 gallons of water a day. Including miscellaneous use the total rounds out to 250 gallon a day or 7,500 gallons per month.  That’s a lot of water. What can you do to save?

Make sure your commode doesn’t leak.  Listen carefully for the tiniest dripping sound.
If it’s old you might want to buy a new water saving model.  Or, place something plastic inside the tank to displace the amount of water being flushed.

Use only as much water taking a bath as you need.  A full tub is fun but not necessary.  For showering use a low-flow showerhead.  Get wet; turn off the water and soap.  Turn water back on and rinse.  When shaving or brushing your teeth, don’t run water during the entire task.  Running water while brushing for two minutes can waste up to four gallons of water.

Most washers use up to 60 gallons per load so use load settings on the smallest possible.  Permanent press cycles use a third more water than the regular cycle so use that feature judiciously.

Run your dishwasher only when full.  The amount of water used is the same regardless of how many dishes you wash.  At the sink, use hot water only when needed.  You waste a lot of water waiting for the hot water to reach the faucet

Lawns are more resilient than you think so water lawns and gardens only when necessary.  Mulch around plants to hold moisture.  Water either early or late to prevent evaporation during the heat of the day.

A soaker hose conserves more water than a sprinkler and gets to the roots better.  Native grasses and plants require much less water. Use a broom or blower to clean your sidewalks.

Don’t wash them down with water. If you wash your car, don’t let the water run continuously.  Get a hose brush that has an on/off water switch. Wash your car on the grass to water it with runoff from your car.

Repair drippy faucets.  The smallest drip can waste over 300 gallons a month.  Check both inside and outside faucets.  If you can’t fix it right away, place a container to catch the drip water and use it to water plants or clean floors. Encourage your family to be water misers and your bank account will remain more liquid.

Popularity: 24% [?]

Flying is fun.  Well, maybe not as much fun as it used to be but it’s still exciting to board that big bird and jet to destinations beyond the horizon.  No doubt there are more hassles now with security and tickets cost more as airlines struggle to keep their heads above the clouds of rising costs.

Airlines are cutting back on giveaways and laying off personnel.  They’re also tacking on baggage fees and adding extra charges for atypical check throughs such as golf clubs and pets.  Children traveling alone now pay more because they have to be watched and cared for.  But, there are ways to fly smart and save if you’re creative.

Be flexible.  If you can fly any carrier, any time, and almost anywhere you’ll come out dollars ahead.  Don’t be choosy (assuming you have a choice) about which airline you fly.  Shop, compare and buy the cheapest ticket.  Airlines offer specials but check the restrictions and dates to fly.  Ask about taxes and fees that can inflate the base cost.

Fly off-peak days such as Saturday and Tuesday through Thursday.  Business travelers usually fill up the plane on the other days so don’t fly when they do.  Stay over a weekend if possible.  Don’t fly on a Monday or Friday.  That’s when people are either leaving or coming home.  Avoid flying on holidays for obvious reasons.

Buy your ticket in advance.  We’re talking two to four months in advance.  This gives the airline a chance to plan ahead on how many passengers they’ll have and how many to feed (if you’re lucky enough to get fed.)

Before you depart, check to see if there has been a reduction in the fare since you bought your ticket.  If so, call and ask if they’ll offer you a refund of the difference or a travel voucher for a later flight.

Depart before sunrise or after sunset and your savings will get brighter.  Sure you’d rather depart at 10AM perhaps, but get up a little earlier and catch the redeye that takes off at 3AM and pocket the savings.  Besides, you’ll get to your destination earlier.

Connecting flights with layovers are usually cheaper than direct flights.  Direct flights are more convenient and may get you there a little sooner but think of the fun of seeing new and different airports.  You may have a long enough layover to make a quick tour of the city.

Collect air miles especially if you’re a frequent flyer with various programs offered by the airline and credit card companies.  Some have partnership agreements allowing you a bigger choice on which airline to fly.

Keep track of your air miles with records and receipts as airlines have been known to lose miles.  And, remember you don’t have to just fly to build air miles.  Other purchases can work as well.

Pack efficiently and don’t check through luggage if possible.  Utilize your carry-ons and do without luxury items that take up space.  You must be decisive and make a few sacrifices but good deals are out there.  Flying is an adventure – enjoy it!

Popularity: 26% [?]