Updating your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system to cool your home in a smart and sustainable way involves several steps that not only improve energy efficiency but also reduce environmental impact. Consider these tips from the heating and cooling experts at Carrier to help make your cooling system more eco-friendly: 1. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient HVAC System. If your HVAC system is outdated, consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient model. Look for systems with an Energy Star or high SEER2 (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating, which indicates better energy efficiency. The higher the SEER2 rating, the more…
Chocolate chips are wonderful little bits of happiness that you love to eat. But chocolate chips are capable of bringing so much more joy to your life when combined with other foods in creative and unexpected ways. Here are some new ways to incorporate chocolate chips into your recipes. 1. Homemade Chocolate Croissants Pain au chocolat is a popular French pastry that is quite delicious when paired with a steaming cup of espresso. Pain au chocolat, also called chocolate croissants, are great as an after-dinner dessert, breakfast treat, or midday snack. Create your own homemade chocolate croissants at home. Take…
Your skin is your first line of defense against the outer world. As the body’s largest organ, it protects you from bacteria, viruses and other environmental hazards, including pollution, ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and more. It also helps regulate body temperature, recognizes pain sensations and alerts you to potential health problems, making it one of the body’s ultimate multitaskers. While some factors that impact your skin – like genetics, aging, hormones and certain health conditions – are out of your control, there are steps you can take to support and maintain your skin’s health. Protect Yourself from the…
Supporting small businesses is essential to help the local economy succeed and grow. Many small businesses create jobs, support local schools and services and contribute to the growth of the community. By shopping local you help local shops, restaurants, and other businesses in your community. Here are four easy ways you can help support small businesses in your community: 1. Leave a positive review Leaving a positive review helps potential customers determine if they want to give the business a try. Positive reviews can also boost the business’s search engine ranking, making it easier for others to find them. You…
A walk is not just good for your body, it’s also good for your soul. Physical activity, like walking, is one of the best ways to reduce stress and boost your mood. However, reports show walking rates are declining steadily in the United States. On average, 1 out of every 4 U.S. adults sits for longer than eight hours each day, per research from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, which can have negative consequences on physical and mental health. Regular exercise improves mood, boosts energy and can even help you sleep better. Staying active is one of the…
April 22nd is Earth Day, a day where we recognize Mother Earth for all she has done for us! Here are several ways to celebrate Earth Day and show your support for environmental protection: Reduce, reuse, and recycle: One of the simplest ways to help the environment is to reduce waste by recycling and reusing items. Make sure to properly dispose of hazardous materials such as batteries, light bulbs, and electronics. Conserve energy: Reduce your energy usage by turning off lights and electronics when they are not in use. Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. Plant trees: Planting trees can…
Winter may be long and brutal, but it won’t last forever. Before you know it, spring will be here and you’ll be able to spend some quality time on your boat in the water. You’ve probably been dreaming of this since you put your boat away. To make the most out of your time and ensure that you are ready as soon as the weather warms up, it’s a good idea to get your boat ready in the spring. Below are the steps you’ll need to take to accomplish that goal. 1. Inspect and Wash Your Boat The first thing…
When you’re eager to get back to the garden and begin planting, waiting for spring can feel endless. Luckily, there are several steps that can be taken during the colder months to prepare for spring. Not only will these tips keep gardeners busy while they wait for perfect planting weather but they will make gardening easier and more efficient while also providing a healthy foundation for plants. Clean and Repair Tools Cold weather is the perfect time to work on indoor tasks, and ensuring that gardening tools are in top shape is essential. Tools can be cleaned with soap or…
Spring is a good time to walk your family pets; strolls in the park are delightful this time of year. However, it’s important to be mindful; some poisonous plants can make animals quite sick. Follow the tips below to keep your pets safe and enjoy the spring weather. Garden Flowers That are Poisonous: Amaryllis Beautiful budding red ornamental flower, it’s sickening to dogs if they consume it so be careful to keep them from eating it. Gladiola If you suspect your dog has eaten this plant look for these common symptoms; drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and general sluggish attitude. American Holly…
Cooking a large Easter meal takes time, careful planning, and a lot of work in the kitchen. While you are in the planning stage, you may want to think of some downtime after the big meal. Often we think of leftovers as an afterthought, but what if we decide to plan for them. When cooking for the big holiday meal, purchase a ham larger than the portions needed for the dinner. Have on hand recipes that can make meals a breeze using the leftover cooked ham. That will make the next few days easier for you. Here are some recipes…