Homeowner Resources

It’s tough enough to keep the New Year’s Resolutions we make for ourselves, let alone our appliances. However, a little maintenance can go a long way to saving you money this year. To help get you motivated, here's our list of  5 Appliance Maintenance Resolutions for the New Year! Heating System Filters should be cleaned once a month and replaced every three months. Make sure the furnace is turned off. Remove the access panel and slide out the screen. Clean dirt buildup and dry filter before replacing it. The Home Depot offers great tips on changing your air filters regularly. Oven Keep it as clean as possible. As grease and spills build-up, the oven has to work harder to do its job, especially heating elements, which uses more energy consumption. Dishwasher Clean … [Read more...] about Appliance Maintenance Resolutions for the New Year!

January 10, we celebrate National Cut Your Energy Costs Day. Maybe this is the first you've heard of this, but no worries. We've got some great tips to get you involved in this important day. National Cut Your Energy Costs Day encourages us to find ways to reduce energy costs and save on our energy bills. There are always plenty of significant things you can do around your home to cut your energy costs. Let's get your family thinking about the small ones first. Baby Steps to Cut Your Energy Costs Take shorter showersLower the water temp of your water heaterRun the dishwasher only when it's fullUse energy-efficient light bulbsUnplug unused appliancesCarpool whenever possible or use public transportationTurn down the thermostat - or as your mom always said - put on a sweater!Just … [Read more...] about Celebrate National Cut Your Energy Costs Day

We know it's all about the party on New Year's Eve. But do you know how many years we've been celebrating this day? It turns out - a while. This New Year's Eve, should you find yourself hunkered in the corner of a kitchen trying to spark up a little convo with a stranger you'd like to kiss at midnight, we've got a tip. Let them know you're more than just a pretty face. You're dialed into the roots of the celebration. You've got the Inside Scoop on New Year's Eve. How Long Have We Celebrated NYE? The earliest known New Year celebration was in Mesopotamia around 2000 B.C. In case anyone poses the follow-up question, Mesopotamia was a region covering the area now, mostly known as Iraq and Kuwait. Has NYE Always Been Celebrated on December 31? No, it has not — the … [Read more...] about The Inside Scoop on New Year’s Eve

What is it about this powerful plant, that moves us to plant kisses on others? This holiday season, should you find yourself standing awkwardly beneath the mistletoe with someone you barely know, change the subject and fascinate your suitor with the Lowdown on Mysterious Mistletoe. 1. According to livescience.com, the tradition of kissing beneath mistletoe started in ancient Greece. It was used in marriage ceremonies because of its association with fertility. 2. Although capable of growing on its own, Mistletoe is a parasite. The plant attaches itself to the host (usually a tree) and grows out from the branches. 3. Mistletoe is poisonous to humans but is an excellent source of food for birds, while butterflies use the nectar, and bees gather pollen from it. 4. During … [Read more...] about The Lowdown on Mysterious Mistletoe

At some point, many of us have felt the holidays are sometimes too "commercialized." We may think we lose sight of what gift-giving should be. Wouldn't it be great to give gifts these holidays that your friends and family really want, and at the same time, give back to a worthwhile cause? We found 5 Great Websites for Gifts That Give Back to charitable causes around the world. Here are ideas for every personality on your list. The Environmentalist - worldwildlife.org We all have those friends or family members that love animals and their habitats. The World Wildlife Federation (WWF) is committed to protecting wildlife and nature around the world. This year why not give the gift of "species adoption," and choose whatever species best suits your friend. Each "adoption" comes with a … [Read more...] about 5 Great Websites for Gifts that Give Back