Home Sweet Solutions

Quick Tips

• In a compact kitchen, choose a range or stove, rather than a cooktop, to save space.
  
• Consider a refrigerator with extra freezer space if you bake a lot or like to cook ahead and freeze portions for later use.
  
• To save electricity, install dimmer switches on your light fixtures and keep lights dimmed when you don’t need bright light.
  
• For energy savings, be sure your attic is adequately insulated with the type of insulation that is appropriate for your climate, as per the Department of Energy’s ZIP-Code Insulation Calculator
  
• Increase the value of your kitchen by replacing laminate kitchen countertops with durable, eco-friendly counters made of engineered stone.
  
• Add value and architectural detail to your home by installing crown molding and larger baseboards in rooms.
  
• Install water-saving showerheads and low-flow faucet aerators to reduce water consumption by up to 500 gallons per year.
  
• Check for air leaks around window frames, doors, electrical outlets and air conditioners and seal them with caulk, foam or weather stripping to enhance comfort and reduce energy costs.
  
• Lift the insulation near the hatch in your attic to be sure there’s a vapor barrier, such as plastic sheeting or kraft paper, beneath it to limit moisture permeation in interior spaces.
  
• Save energy in the winter months by installing a pre-programmed thermostat. Or, set the thermostat to 68 F while you are awake and to 60 F while you are asleep (or away).
  
• Switch to a tankless demand water heater, which eliminates standby energy losses associated with storage water heaters and saves you money on energy bills.
  
• To make a room feel spacious, install window treatments as close to the ceiling as possible. Curtains placed close to the window frame make a room feel cramped and small.
  
• Hang a mirror to reflect a beautiful view and make a small room appear larger.
  
• Mount art at eye level for a person of average height by centering the middle of the piece along a horizon line about 60 inches from the floor.
  
• Have your heating system annually inspected and cleaned by a professional to ensure it is operating at top efficiency.
  
• Improve energy efficiency and comfort by installing shades or curtains with napped lining, which add a layer of insulation over windows.
  
• Clean or replace your heating system filters every month or two during periods of heavy usage, when dust-clogged filters can decrease efficiency.
  
• Maximize storage space by installing shelves in the area of your closet that’s easiest to access and make use of: the vertical space between your shoulders and knees.
  
• After using a standing electric mixer, wipe it down with a damp sponge or cloth to prevent crusty debris.
  
• To prevent discoloration, wash your electric mixer’s aluminum beaters by hand. Stainless beaters may be cleaned in the dishwasher.
  
• Remove crusty food splatters from your microwave by heating a bowl of water for three to five minutes. Let it stand for two minutes before removing, then wipe the insides with a moist, warm cloth.
  
• Use a toothpick to clear the vent-clogging debris in an electric mixer.
  
• To clean a coffee grinder, fill it with chunks of bread or uncooked white rice and pulverize to pick up leftover coffee grounds.
  
• Clean a drip coffeemaker by brewing an entire carafe full of equal parts water and white vinegar. Then run clean water through the machine two to three times.
  
• Opt for a bottom mount refrigerator for easier access to fresh food; choose a top mount refrigerator to minimize bending for frozen food.
  
• To establish independent cooking zones for two cooks in the kitchen at the same time, include a cooktop and wall oven, rather than a range.
  
• Choose an AC with proper cooling capacity for your room: A very large one will be expensive to operate and will overcool without dehumidifying properly, making the room cold and clammy.
  
• Choose a combination refrigerator/freezer to save space in a small kitchen.
  
• Consider a refrigerator with extra freezer space if you bake a lot or like to cook ahead and freeze portions for later use.
  
• Consider installing independent dishwasher drawers that allow you to efficiently wash small or big loads or use different cycles at the same time.
  
• Clean the brew group of an espresso machine once a week or so by rinsing it in hot water and using a group brush or pastry brush to remove any remaining coffee or residue.
  
• Check the label of an air conditioner for its Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) or compute it by dividing the cooling output by the energy input. The higher the EER value, the more efficient the unit.
  
• Slash your energy bills by replacing an old refrigerator with an Energy Star-qualified new one. You’ll save up to $200 a year.
  
• Be sure the floor beneath your washing machine is completely level so the machine remains stable while operating and lasts longer.
  
• To avoid electrical safety issues, use a three-pronged outlet (which should be grounded) to plug in an air conditioner.
  
• To keep the burner grates of your gas range clean and working properly, wash once a week by hand with dishwashing liquid. Use a sponge on coated grates and a scouring pad on non-coated ones.
  
• Use only high-efficiency detergent with a high-efficiency washer to keep the machine from creating too many suds and confusing the programmable functions of the washer.
  
• Deep clean your oven every few months. Remove the racks from self-cleaning units, switch on the cleaning mode, and after the cycle is complete, wipe away residue with a damp cloth.
  
• Reduce energy consumption by using an Energy Star-qualified dehumidifier, which has more efficient compressors and fans and uses 10 to 20 percent less energy than conventional models.
  
• Keep your toaster away from water to prevent a short circuit.
  
• Aim for 24 to 36 inches between countertop kitchen appliances to allow plenty of counter space for prep, serving and cleanup.
  
• Put small appliances in one central space for efficiency, but stow them off the counter if you don’t use them every day.
  
• To save money and energy, turn off your air conditioner and open the windows when it’s cooler outside.
  
• Wipe down the stove after each use -- greasy spills are difficult to remove once they harden.
  
• Avoid etching your glassware with a cloudy appearance by using less detergent in your dishwasher and by not using the pre-wash cycle.
  
• To include family and friends in the cooking process in an open-plan kitchen, position a cooktop or range in an island so you face the seating areas while you work.
  
• To prolong the life of your dryer, clean the lint filter with each new load.
  
• Use a warmer thermostat setting on your air conditioner during peak energy-use periods or when the room is unoccupied; a 75 F to 80 F (versus 70 F) setting will cut power consumption by 15 percent.
  
• To include family and friends in the cooking process in an open-plan kitchen, position a cooktop or range in an island so you face the seating areas while you work.
  
• Wipe down the stove after each use -- greasy spills are difficult to remove once they harden.
  
• To include family and friends in the cooking process in an open-plan kitchen, position a cooktop or range in an island so you face the seating areas while you work.
  
• To prolong the life of your dryer, clean the lint filter with each new load.
  
• Avoid etching your glassware with a cloudy appearance by using less detergent in your dishwasher and by not using the pre-wash cycle.
  
• Use a warmer thermostat setting on your air conditioner during peak energy-use periods or when the room is unoccupied; a 75 F to 80 F (versus 70 F) setting will cut power consumption by 15 percent.
  
• If you use your kitchen to entertain or cook as a hobby, consider high-end appliances, such as an oversized professional range or wine refrigerator.
  
• Save money and energy by using a front load washing machine, which requires nearly 50 percent less energy to operate than top loading washers.
  
• If you entertain in your kitchen, choose quiet dishwashers and stove hoods that operate below 56 decibels so as not to interfere with a normal volume of conversation.
  
• Upgrade your auxiliary appliances, such as a toaster oven or blender, if you use your kitchen for entertaining.
  
• Leave the door of a front load washer slightly ajar after each load: It will allow water to evaporate from the rubber rim and prevent foul odors caused by bacteria buildup.
  
• In a small, busy kitchen, consider placing one refrigerator for the cook in the kitchen and a smaller fridge for snacks and drinks in a nearby pantry, den or auxiliary space for easy access by kids.
  
• Choose an oven with variable self-cleaning settings to save time and energy.
  
• Periodically check for frost on your air conditioner’s evaporator coil or for blockage of the airflow; raise the temperature or remove debris to keep an air conditioner operating smoothly.
  
• In a large family kitchen, consider installing a second compact dishwasher to ease cleanup.
  
• Free up counter space by installing a built-in coffeemaker.
  
• Consider including refrigerator drawers in a kitchen island to provide easy access to prepared ingredients.
  
• To cut down on energy consumption by an air conditioner, avoid activities that generate heat and humidity (cooking, bathing or laundering) during the hottest times of the day.
  
• If you’re a gourmet cook, choose a range with precise burner control.
  
• Do not overstuff your washer; doing so can damage the machine, keep clothes from cleaning adequately and prevent detergent from properly dissolving.
  
• Choose an air conditioner with proper cooling capacity for your room: A smaller AC may cost less, but it won’t do an adequate job.