Consumer Tips
WANT TO KNOW IDENTITY OF UNKNOW CALLER
A service from (www.trapcall.com) allows you to see who is calling even if the number is blocked from caller ID or the call is to a cell phone. This basic free verision allows you to blacklist callers to whom you do not wish to speak. Google is coming out a similar verison soon.
RATE ON RETURN CALCULATION (ROI)
To see how much money you'll save each year with more efficient
equip calculate your return on investment using this formula. (Say a Refrigerator) Find your first year savings at www.energystar.gov or access.com. Then take your first years savings divided by the installed cost.
ATTIC INSULATION
At minimum homes should have attic insulation between R-22 (6 to 13 in.) of loose fill or 7 to 19 in. of fiberglass batts. Not sure what is needed in your attic go to www.energy.gov/consumer/tips/insulation.html
WANT TO KNOW YOUR CREDIT WITHOUT GETTING REPORT?
Credit.com has a credit compass which estimates your credit score based on your answer to six questions about your credit use and history. You can then answer questions again, reflecting a change that you are considering such as canceling a credit card and see how your score changes. Do this as much as you like.
KEEP YOUR PAINT FRESH
Store your paint cans up side down and the paint itself will form an airtight seal around the rim. Make sure cover is on tight to prevent leakage. Hold the can upright and shake vigorously before you open it so the solids in the paint drop off the lid.
FILTER DIRTY PAINT
Most of have paint around the house that we want to use but can't because of junk in the paint. Filter it by pouring it through old nylons and in to a clean can.
TIRED OF PRYING BAGS OUT OF TRASH CAN
Release suction and make your job easier by drilling a 1/2 inch
hole about 6 inches from bottom.
TURN SHELF INTO HANGER RACK
Attach a 3/4 inch pvc pipe to the edge of shelve and you can hang your hangers with clothes on it.
REFRIGERATOR THE ENERGY GUZZLER
Your Refrig consumes roughly 13.7% of your household energy. If your refrigerator is 8 yrs old or older, buying a new one could save you up to 40% of its energy consumption. To calculate your exact savings go to "energystar.gov" and use the Refrig Retirement Savings Calculator.
DRYWALL PATCH MADE EASY
Next time you have to patch a hole in your wall, instead of squaring it up or struggling to get the exact measurements, just trace the hole on wax paper to use as a guide to cut the new piece. Tape the wax paper over the hole, then run a permanent marker around the edges of the hole. Cut out the shape, then tape it to the new drywall and cut it out.
KEEP THE GEEK SQUAD AWAY
Periodically turnoff and restart Computer, cell phone and other devices avoid problems. Turning off the device shutsdown applications that you are not using and clears out the memory of the device.
GARDEN HELPER:
Online guide to plant selection, site preparation, weed/pest
control and more. www.thegardenhelper.com
BETTER RECYCLING:
Enter your zip code to find nearby locations that recylce computer equip, inkjet cartridges, etc. http://earth911.com
SAVINGS WITH COUPONS
Ace Hardware (www.acehardware.com, click "Ace Rewards" at the bottom of screen). The Ace Rewards program offers 10 points for each $1 spent, with $5 off your next purchase for each 2500 pts and 1000 free bonus pts for signing up.
The Home Depot (www.homedepotmoving.com/moving).
Register a recent or upcoming move on the home center's Web site, and earn 10% off your next purchase up to $200 in savings
Lowe's (www.lowes.com, click "Lowes Moving Center" at bottom of the screen under "Partner Websites," then "Request Your Coupon"). Get a 10% coupon for your next purchase, worth up to $500.
True Value Hardware (www.truevalue.com click "True Value Rewards"). The True Value Rewards program provides one point per dollar spent, with $10 off for each 250 points. Program members receive other special offers as well.
Staples (www.staples.com). Staples often features office supplies priced below cost in its weekly circular or on its Website.
Bed Bath & Beyond (www.bedbathandbeyond.com, click "Our Mailing List"). Sign up for the company's mailing list online, and receive a continual stream of coupons.
CLEANING TIPS
Clean the air while you clean the house. Switch your forced air heating system to fan or fan on when you vacuum. This pushes the dust your vaccum kicked up into the filter on the furnace. Make sure to turn off fan when your done.
Cant reach that high place. Attach a pvc pipe to the vaccum hose for about $5. Now you can reach anywhere. Bye Bye dust bunnies.
Keep shower cleaner by using synthetic soaps. In liquid or gel soap is synthetic. Most bar soaps are true soap. But a few such as Zest & Ivory are synthetic and will not leave soap scum.
Cant get rust stains out of porcelain sink, tub or toilet, go to your local home improvement home center and get cleaners that have "hydrochloric acid," "hydrogen Chloride," or "muriatic acid" on the label. Read label and make sure product wont harm chrome or other finishes. Make sure you use gloves and mask when applying to surface.
CHECK YOUR AIR CONDITIONERS
Central-air systems should be serviced annually. Clean filters and coils on window units. Room air conditioners that are too large are inefficient. Determine approapriate size at www.energystar.gov
YARD HELPFUL HINTS
Before you buy a tree for your yard, look at the shade pattern it'll have when its grown. take into account plenty of clearance for your roof and gutters.
If your mulching a big area use cheaper hardwood mulch for most of it and then top dress the mulched area wih a cedar or cyprus mulch to give it the finished look.
When considering rocks for mulch keep in mind plants do not like rocks as mulch. The rocks reflect heat back into the plants and heats us shallow roots.
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