To remove wax from carpeting or other fabric, try this trick.   First scrape any excess off, then place a brown paper bag over the wax and run a warm iron over it. The wax will melt right into the bag!  Continue moving the bag around as you pick up the wax so you are always using a clean section.  If a little grease stain remains on the carpet, sprinkle with baking soda and allow to sit overnight before vacuuming, which will remove the grease resid

Don’t let Electrical Cords Create Danger in Your House.

Overloaded outlets and undersized electrical extension cords can cause a fire or electrocution danger.

Use Electrical Cords Safely:

Never overload electrical cords or power strips. Electrical cords and power strips have a designated load capacity. Be sure the total amount of energy used by appliances and lights plugged into the strip does not exceed that capacity.

Use only listed power strips that have integral overload protection and have been tested by a product safety laboratory.

Don’t use appliances that have damaged cords.

Extension cords should not be used as a substitute  for permanently wired outlets.

Electrical cords must be the proper wire size for the load they serve. Overloaded cords will become hot and can start a fire.  Permanent  use of extension cords appliance cords and extension cords are susceptible to physical damage from foot traffic, furniture, house pets, swinging doors, and many other causes so protect them from damage

In the mist of summer we are always looking for idea’s to save on your electric bill, and save energy.   Here are some suggestions to do both this summer:

• Set thermostats a little higher during the peak hours of noon-8 p.m.  or when you are not home. Recommended setting : 78 degrees.
• Have your  HVAC system professionally serviced; clean or replace filters.
• Keep doors and windows closed when operating air conditioner. Close blinds or drapes of windows facing the sun; or use outdoor solar screens screen’s on patios and windows.
• Reduce use of appliances that produce heat, such as ovens, ranges, and clothes dryers.
• Use portable fans to help cool your home.  Moving air provides a 5 degree cooling effect on your skin.
• Consider upgrading old, inefficient air conditioners.
• Shut down your computer or change settings to “hibernate” when not in use.

Home Remedy Drain Cleaner:

Put ½ cup baking soda with ¼ cup salt into drain.  Follow by ½ cup vinegar.  Wait 15-20 minutes, then run hot water down drain for approximately 1 minute followed by cold water for 1 minute.

This remedy is a lot more environmentally friendly than chemicals and won’t rot out your pipes

Refrigerators and freezers consume considerable electricity.  In fact, next to an air conditioner or pool pump, a refrigerator is often a home’s heaviest electricity user.  Manufacturers of refrigerators have tackled this issue head-on in recent years.  As a result, modern Energy Star-rated refrigerators tend to be much more efficient than their predecessors.  A new model will often pay for itself in a few years through energy savings.

Whether or not you have an energy-efficient refrigerator, you can take advantage of some of the following tips and tricks to boost efficiency:

Don’t keep your refrigerator or freezer too cold.  Recommended temperatures are 37-40 degrees for the fresh food compartment and 5 degrees for the freezer section.  To check temperature, place an appliance thermometer in a glass of water in the center of the refrigerator.  Read if after 24 hours.  To check the freezer temps, place a thermometer between frozen packages.  Read it after 24 hours.

Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.  Of course, the “don’t stand with the refrigerator door open” rule has been around since your dad was yelling it from the living room, but now it is more important than ever.  The cold air that escapes when the door is opened is replaced by warm air that must be cooled all over again.

Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight.  Test them by closing the door over a piece of paper or a dollar bill so it is half in and half out.  Is you can pull the paper or bill out easily, the latch may need adjustment, the seal may need replacing, or you might consider buying a new unit.

Keep the freezer stocked.  Frozen items in the freezer help keep neighboring items frozen.  You can also add containers or bags of ice if you are unable to keep your freezer full of food.

Cover liquids and wrap foods stored in the refrigerator.  Uncovered foods release moisture and make the compressor work harder.

Check your dryer vent.

Remember to inspect your dryer vent quarterly for strong air flow when dryer is running.  Check to ensure the vent flapper hinges work smoothly and that the area under the hood is clean.  Examine dryer vent hose for water accumulation from condensation.  Pay particular attention to low spots and sagging ducts.

Just a reminder to test your GFCI’s.

To do so, press the Test Button briefly until the Reset Button “pops”.  If the Reset Button does not respond to the testing, press the Rest Button and start the test over.  If the GFCI is working properly, the Reset Button should “pop” each time the Test Button is pressed. After the testing procedure has been completed, be sure to depress the Reset Button  and leave it in this position.

If your resetting a tripped GFCI, push the Reset Button on the GFCI outlet to restore power. If power is not restored, determine if there is a tripped circuit breaker.