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This article from Consumer Reports offers tips on how to lower energy bills. It highlights that despite increased appliance and air conditioning usage, energy consumption has decreased due to improved efficiency. However, the average cost of electricity has risen. The article suggests various ways to save money, including scheduling an energy audit, shopping for better electricity rates, using a smart thermostat, monitoring energy usage, utilizing ceiling fans, switching to LED lightbulbs, timing appliance use to avoid peak rates, using countertop appliances instead of a full-sized oven, using rechargeable batteries, and participating in community solar projects. It also provides suggestions for improving window efficiency and sealing air leaks. The article concludes by mentioning that major energy improvements like heat pumps and solar panels can offer long-term savings but require a larger upfront investment. Heat pumps are an efficient option for heating and cooling homes, particularly for those currently using oil, propane, or electric-resistance baseboard heat. Solar panels should be carefully researched and compared before making a decision, considering upfront costs, potential energy bill savings, and home value increase. Lastly, replacing an old roof with a "cool roof" and lowering the water heater setting can also lead to significant energy savings. [Extracted from the article]

The article evaluates several humidifiers including the CVS Health GUL540V1, Honeywell HUL520 and Amazon Basics With Night Light and Aroma Diffuser.

The article offers ways to prepare for natural disasters, and cascading crisis of electrical outages with advice on building disaster resilience. Topics include metal hurricane clips to strengthen junctures in exposed roof rafters; and safety technology, which turns off the unit and detects elevated carbon monoxide; and estimates from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), an organization that tests building materials.

The article offers numerous paid services to buy an appliance during the coronavirus crisis facing with shortages which include services on washing machine, refrigerators, and dryers.

The article offers information on vinyl siding. Topics discussed include information on use of Vinyl for increasingly creating new textured and overlapping styles to create a more woodlike appearance; chart of several companies which offer vinyl siding including Polar Wall Plus! D4 Clapboard from Norandex and Charter Oak Clapboard vinyl siding from Alside; and use of sidings for resistance to damage related to winter weather.

The article discusses testing of asphalt roofing products by periodical CR's labs. Topics include launch of an update of its solar panels by Tesla that double as roofing shingles, asking roofer to cart away old asphalt shingles to a recycler where they will be ground up and used for road paving, and asking contractors about the quantity of shingles needed, labor charges, a description of the work to be done.

The article focuses on a car insurance survey conducted by this journal in the U.S. Topics include the increase in car insurance premiums, reasons for the hike including severe weather events that damage cars and cause accidents, liability insurance and customer satisfaction. It also presents ratings for the auto insurance industry in the U.S. and the top three include the USAA Group, NJM Insurance Group and Amica Mutual Group.

The article offers tips for savings and planning for retirement. Topics of discussion includes scrutinizing the finances to understand the to understand the income and expenditure of the funds, then is to evaluate the expenses and cutting on the waste and unused expenses like subscriptions. The is to paying back the credit card balances as soon as possible.

The article provides suggestions for appropriate homeowners insurance. Topics discussed include recommendation for boosting liability protection; need for considering flood coverage, even in a low-risk area by homeowners policies; and an information that making multiple claims in a short period will probably trigger a rate increase or even cause your insurer not to renew policy.

The article offers tips to become a savvier shopper in grocery shopping. Topics discussed include changing in Americans behaviors related to shop for groceries; use of comprehensive ratings of grocery delivery services; and views of Phil Lempert, chief executive of Consumer Insight, on design of future grocery stores.

FOR SMELLY CARPETS Arm & Hammer Cat Litter Deodorizer $5 "Nothing is perfect for containing cat-pee odor, but this Arm & Hammer powder, made for litter boxes, does a better job of it than other products I've tried. Massage it into the pan with a scrubber and, voila, the pan is clean again. DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS TOP PICKS FOR HARD-SURFACE CLEANING Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Soap $10 Utopia Towels Cotton Washcloths (60-pack) $30 "To clean counters, walls, and other hard surfaces, I dilute and dab Dr. Bronner's on washable cloths like Utopia Towels. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the emergence of new designs, formats, products, and services at U.S. supermarkets. According to a survey conducted by the periodical "Consumer Reports," most consumers opt for supermarkets that offer a sensory experience like Wegman's. With rising competition from online grocers, supermarket chains also offer home delivery service. Online retailer Amazon plans to open a new grocery store prototype in Seattle, Washington without check-out lanes.

The article focuses on advocating a good financial planner for solving money related family disputes. Topics discussed include views of Jennifer Dawber, director of the Days of Wonder Child Care Program on having an impartial mediator for the wealth management; views of psychotherapist, Eileen Gallo who focuses on the issues of financial problems facing young adults; and views of Jennifer Safian, family and divorce mediator, who focuses on the importance of alternate financing.

The article offers information on the automobile insurance and its premiums. Topics discussed include role of age, driving record, and car type on deciding premium base, lack of driving experience on auto insurance rates, and an increase in the insurance rates. It also mentions raising collision and comprehensive deductibles.

The article reports on advancements in realities of retirement planning. It highlights pitfalls of 401(k) such as confusing or duplicative investment options, high-cost actively managed funds and poorly performing funds. It also offers information on websites strategizing on retirement planning providing information on topics like social security administration and determining monthly retirement income.

The article focuses on tips for saving money and avoiding scams for wedding which include taking a discount for a wedding gown, choosing a low-demand season for wedding, and getting a catering with a minimum guest count. Topics include a data from the Wedding Report on how Americans spend for their wedding, a survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center on consumers who do not bargain with wedding service vendors, and the pricing inflation offered by some wedding photographers.

Consumer Reports has released a comprehensive guide to home cleanup, offering advice on the best tools and equipment for various cleaning tasks. The guide covers a range of topics, including vacuums, carpet cleaners, steam mops, and robotic mops. It provides recommendations based on testing and performance ratings, while also highlighting the importance of considering factors such as power, battery life, and convenience. Additionally, the document includes information on other household cleaning products and tools, such as laundry and dishwasher detergents, lawn mowers, string trimmers, pressure washers, deck stains, and exterior paints. The guide aims to assist library patrons in making informed decisions about their cleaning and maintenance needs, presenting the information in a neutral and informative manner. [Extracted from the article]

The article informs on the various public and not-for-profit programs that aims to mitigate financial burden. Topics discussed include enactment of Programs of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly for providing nursing facilities to older people; taking tax exemption by claiming a parent as a dependent for tax returns; and using employee benefits for Medicaid care.

The article presents several tips on how to save money. Topics discussed include installing rooftop solar panels and solar water heaters to reduce electricity costs, prerinse dishes before loading them in dishwasher so the machine runs a shortened cycle, and hosting a yard sale to get rid of all useless items at home.

The article offers tips for paying a caregiver including avoid using untaxed cash payments with no records; incorporating in insurance plan which includes umbrella liability; and making a formal arrangement with the caregiver.

The article discusses stocks as a Christmas gift for children in the U.S., deaing with tpics include ways to acquire stocks and its advantages.

The article presents questions and answers related to student debt including how does interest in student loans set, can one discharge loan in bankruptcy and is there a possibility against bad loan servicing.

The article offers tips for online shopping during holiday season. Topics discussed include ensuring safety and privacy in electronic commerce; use of Invisible-Hand application for tracking the prices at online stores; use of browser extension Honey for automatic searching of discount coupons; and gift sinning up to Amazon Prime for getting free two-day delivery.

How I Compost in My Apartment PERRY SANTANACHOTE CR sustainability editor Composting breaks down fruits and veggies into a nutrient-rich fertilizer - and keeps food scraps out of landfills. 30% of Americans have installed a more water-efficient appliance, such as a dishwasher or washer, in the past year 26% installed a low-flow showerhead or faucet // 25% installed a low-flow toilet // 5% installed a rain-collection barrel* Make your own sparkling water. The biggest investment of all of this, of course, is an EV - but it costs less to maintain than a conventional car, and you'll save thousands of dollars on fuel costs. I have zero outdoor space and can drop off food scraps for composting at my local farmers market, but I wanted to see if I could compost in my apartment. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents suggestions to prepare home made meal. It includes recommendations to go shopping for some of the food at least a couple of weeks ahead so that you don't run into shortages of popular items; to skip the formal soup course and serve soup shooters in espresso cups or shot glasses instead; and to consider reheatable takeout meals including Harry & David's complete turkey dinner.

The article provides insights on repairing or replacing a major household appliance in the U.S. Topics discussed include the factors that contribute to product supply shortages such as home buying and building cost-cutting inventories, factors to consider in buying new refrigerators, ranges and dishwashers, and importance of buying an appliance from a reliable brand.

The article reports on ensuring care for older assisted living facility residents in the U.S. It is said that assisted living offers a compelling promise for older people. Oversight of assisted living facilities is said to be uneven at best. A good one can be an excellent choice for someone, whereas bad one could put one's loved one at risk.