Around the house

VACUUM

Change the bag or clean the filter as needed.

Clean rotating-brush supports.

Avoid vacuuming up string and hard objects and running over the cord, which can fray and pose an electric-shock hazard.

Inspect the cord periodically and replace it if its cover is damaged.

For more on vacuum cleaners, see our Ratings for uprights and canisters, which are available to subscribers.

AIR CONDITIONER

Avoid overworking your air conditioner by purchasing the correct size unit for your room. A rule of thumb is that models of 5,000 to 6,000 Btu/hr. cool rooms 100 to 300 square feet, models of 7,000 to 8,200 Btu/hr. cool rooms 250 to 550 square feet, and models of 9,800 to 12,500 Btu/hr. cool rooms 350 to 950 square feet. Room construction, climate, and other factors will also affect your choice.

Consider window location. Most of the units Consumer Reports has tested did a better job directing air to the left.

Consider installation requirements. Many units are easy to install. But the GE models we tested were awkward. You must slide the unit out of its case to mount the side baffles. While that's a one-time issue, it might be enough to daunt you or make you pick another brand.

Clean it periodically. Clean the filter biweekly or as needed. Where possible, hose off the back of the unit if debris is clogging cooling coils.

Install electronic setback thermostats to automate heating and cooling settings. For every 3° F you raise your air conditioner, for instance, you can cut cooling bills by 3 percent.

Keep the outside unit of any heating or cooling system clear of obstructions to airflow.

If you have window units, remove them during the colder months. During the warmer months, run them at the lowest setting comfort allows.

If your heating/cooling setup uses ducts, ensure they are sealed throughout--as much as 30 to 40 percent of your heating/cooling energy can be lost through leaky ducts. Also, insulate any ducts that pass through unheated or uncooled parts of the house.

Keep all filters clean, checking them monthly during months of use and replacing disposable ones as necessary. Aside from spreading dirt throughout your home, buildup on filters makes the system work harder.

Generally, for appliances that don't run constantly, as do your refrigerator and heating/cooling system, check with your electrical-power supplier about what you are charged for various levels of the day. For instance, rates might be lower at night. Then adjust, when possible, the use of your dishwasher and washer/dryer to that time of day.

For more on air conditioners, see our Ratings (available to subscribers).

WATER HEATER

Set your water heater to 120° F (or "low"), a temperature that's high enough for most needs.

Drain and clean the tank once a year to remove sediment. Click here for how-to advice.

Learn how to insulate your water heater to prevent heat loss.

For more on water heaters, read our buying advice.

HUMIDIFIER

Change the water daily. Empty the tank, dry all interior surfaces, and refill with clean water. Remember, mold can grow within 48 hours on wet surfaces, and mold in the tank or in the water can then be transferred into the air, potentially causing itchy eyes and breathing troubles.

Clean your unit often. Even models with antimicrobial finishes on tanks and wicks will become scaly and moldy if not cleaned. Although some parts may be washable in the dishwasher, you still need to descale them with distilled vinegar and disinfect them with bleach. Completely dry all parts between descaling and disinfecting. And after disinfecting, carefully rinse the tank to avoid breathing harmful chemicals. Follow the manufacturer's directions and schedule for descaling and disinfecting parts and replacing filters, wicks, and the like.

Clean the humidifier before you store it. And clean it again when you take it out of storage for the heating season.

For more on humidifiers, see our October 2008 report.