5. conserve energy

Besides saving the planet, you’ll also save money—one painless step at a time.

• Minimize drafts—a huge drain on heating costs. Move a lighted candle slowly along edges of windows, doors, and moldings; a flickering flame usually means there’s a draft. Mark areas with painters’ tape, then return to replace weather-stripping seals as needed. Do the same in the basement and attic.
• Water heaters are often set to 140°F, but 120°F is plenty hot; wrap any tanks that are leaking heat in a precut insulating blanket, sold at home-improvement stores.
• Switch to LEDs, which use at least 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs (many versions are available now that cast a soft, flattering light).
• Vacuum the refrigerator unit’s coils at least twice a year, more like once a season if you have pets that shed. This one appliance runs nonstop and can hog electricity; cleaning the coils helps keep it running as efficiently as possible.
• Only charge phones and other devices when and for as long as they need it—not overnight. Keep the charger unplugged, too, or in a power strip that you can turn on and off.
• Use warm or cold water whenever possible to get clothes clean—just heating the water accounts for about 90 percent of the machine’s energy use. And choose the high-spin cycle to cut down on dryer time.
• Disable the “quick start” feature on your TV and consoles, which uses more standby power, and turn on the automatic brightness control (ABC) sensor.
• When you are ready to replace your appliances, look for the Energy Star label; also, opt for low-flow faucets and showerheads (bearing the EPA’s WaterSense label).
• Optimize your heating and cooling system (HVAC) by installing a programmable smart thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature at night or when you are away.
• On that note, during the winter, lower the thermostat by just two degrees to conserve energy without sacrificing comfort. Set it ten degrees lower when you’re not home.

tip

Change the direction of your ceiling fan with the seasons. Run it in a counterclockwise direction to provide a pleasant breeze in summer; switch to clockwise in cold weather to create an upward draft, helping to redistribute warm air and heat your home more efficiently.

MAINTENANCE MINI KITS

As essential as your well-stocked primary toolkit is, sometimes you need something smaller. Specifically, a small box or bin with just the tools you’ll need for a particular type of project. It’s easy to grab and carry with you, and helps you keep track of even the littlest supplies. Here are three ideas.

Picture Hanging

One hanger style definitely does not fit all. Keep a variety of hooks and hardware—plus what you need to mount them—for everything from a heavy mirror to a tiny canvas.

• Painters’ tape
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Level
• Picture wire and assorted hangers and D rings (sorted in a small bin with compartments)
• Mounting hardware (nails, anchors, screws, also sorted in a bin)
• Nonskid plastic bumpers and Velcro dots (for backs of frames)
• Wire cutters
• Awl

Drywall Repair

Use these to patch holes or cover seams.

• Taping knife
• Joint compound
• Spackling paste
• Putty knife
• Fiber-mesh tape
• Sponge
• 5-in-1 tool
• Sanding block
• Assorted medium-grit sandpaper

Furniture Repair

Great for quick fixes on wood.

• Plastic scrapers, to remove hardened wax
• Wax sticks and wood-stain markers in assorted wood tones and finishes
• Paste shoe polish
• Fine sandpaper
• Extra-fine steel wool or abrasive pads