Your air conditioning may feel like a miracle in the summer months, but in reality, it's simply a machine. This means that it has its limitations and can only do so much. Proper and thoughtful use of your cooling machine — namely, finding the right thermostat settings — saves wear and tear on the system and saves you money on your energy bill. The United States Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit for the best mix of comfort and energy saving. Thi

Struggling with sleep? It may be because you have unfinished projects and to-do lists floating through your mind. Of course, loud neighbors could also be to blame as well as bright lights shining through the bedroom window. Whatever the issue, these easy DIY tasks can help you sleep better at night. First, unscrew the end of the faucet to remove and replace the aerator. If your faucet uses cartridges, remove the setscrew on each handle, pull out the cartridge (the plastic piece that controls wa

If you've noticed a reduction in your bathroom faucet's water flow, it may be time for a new aerator. Bathroom sink aerators wear over time and can also become clogged, especially if you have hard water. Replacing the aerator is as simple as twisting off the old one from the end of the faucet spout and screwing on a new one on, but you'll need to know what you're seeking. Aerator sizes vary, and there are several different types from which to choose.

Buying a new home is exciting, but it can also be confusing. Once fairly simple, mortgages today come in all shapes and sizes, and your lender may throw a lot of options at you. One of the options you may hear about is the 5/1 ARM. The 5/1 ARM's meaning is that your loan will have a fixed interest rate for the first five years and an adjustable rate that can change every year after that. Like all mortgages, this one has pros and cons to consider before signing on the dotted line. There are esse

When it's time to change what's in your wallet, you'll need to sign in to your Capital One® online card account, click on "more account services" and choose the "close your account" option. Directions for closing your account will then appear on the screen; follow them to get your account closed. You can also call the customer service number on the back of the credit card and ask the customer service representative to close your account. Keep in mind, though, that a closed account doesn't automa

The fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is a popular outdoor plant in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10B and 11. In other regions, enthusiasts grow the fig indoors and admire its large, coarse leaves which can grow up to 12 inches long. However, unlike some other houseplants, the fiddle-leaf fig is very difficult to propagate from cuttings. Attempts to do so routinely end in frustration and failure. The best way to propagate this particular fig is through a process known as air layering. During this interesting process, you will wound the plant stem and then encourage root growth at the injury site.

You know that ill-fitting dentures make it very difficult to eat and, if the fit is poor enough, can cause mouth sores and discomfort. But what you may not know is why a denture that fit yesterday doesn't today. There are several reasons why the fit of your denture may change.

Writing a college admission essay is a daunting task. You are one of the most difficult topics to write about, especially when you have only a few words in which to convey who you are. If you keep a few tips and tricks in mind, however, you can create an eye-catching essay that will set you apart. Step Away from the Thesaurus Your admission essay is not a vocabulary test. There is no need to go through it and add as many fancy words as you can. Miriam Webster has already written a thesaurus so you don't have to. Instead, use a natural and personable voice when you write. Admission officers are interested in learning more about the genuine you. Don't wrap your essay in a fancy tuxedo if you're a jeans and tee-shirt kind of person.

If you have geckos (Hemidactylus spp.) hanging out in your lawn or garden, think twice before driving them away. Geckos eat insects, so their presence might spare you from bigger pests like mosquitoes, wasps and ants. If these little lizards disgust you and simply must go, you can repel them naturally by limiting their food supply and removing hiding places. It's best to avoid pesticides and poisons because they rarely affect the geckos directly and may inadvertently harm pets, honeybees and other beneficial species. Glue traps are also potentially dangerous and inhumane.

Safe Ways to Get Rid of Fleas on Puppies No dog enjoys having fleas, but fleas on puppies can be fatal. Fleas bite an animal and then drink its blood. Puppies do not have that much blood in their bodies because they are so small. This means a flea infestation can cause a puppy to develop anemia and die if left untreated. Although most commercial flea control products contain chemicals that can be harmful to a puppy and cannot be used on young animals, there are some things that you can do to re

Once your hair has broken into a split end, there is no way to truly fix the damage. The only way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off. Heading back to the salon for a trim every six to eight weeks keeps your hair healthy and reduces the number of split ends you have. Proper home hair care will help you avoid split ends, even if it can’t vanquish the ones you already have. When styling your hair at home, avoid vent brushes with plastic bristles and never brush your hair when it is wet. A

High-heeled shoes often look amazing but feel awful. To ease the discomfort of new heels, break them in at home before wearing them out and about. At home, you can sit down frequently and give your feet a rest when needed without having to endure a long, painful day of blisters and sore spots. It may take several sessions to break your heels in and make them comfortable; but it will be well worth the effort when you can go out dancing without rushing home to soak your tired feet. Stand in the s

Done properly, landscaping is the perfect finishing touch for your new pool. Choose the wrong plants, however, and you'll be regretting your choices for years to come. Putting the wrong plants too close to your pool can cause plumbing problems and filtration issues and could even damage the pool itself or the concrete around it. Some plants could stain your pool deck and pool surface as well. Be sure to avoid problem plants when landscaping around your pool.