HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR HELOISE: I’d like to suggest a weekend project for your readers. This one will take only a short time: replacing your incandescent light bulbs with LED ones.
LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs have a bright-white light. They are more expensive than traditional incandescent bulbs, if you can even find incandescents — they are being phased out.
LED lights, while initially inducing sticker shock at upward of $5 to $20 or more per bulb, will save you money on your energy bill. One study reported that 30 incandescent bulbs in a home costs about $220 per year to operate, while 30 LED lights costs less than $25 per year.
Traditional incandescent light bulbs generate a lot of heat in the course of producing light, and the bulbs get HOT — this heat generated is a big chunk of what you’re paying for. LED bulbs stay more or less cool. And they last a lot longer: An incandescent light bulb can last 1,000 hours; an LED bulb can last 50,000 hours! — Dan T., Wheeling, W.Va.
DEAR HELOISE: I’d like to share two hints for using a push mower to mow a lawn or mulch a yard full of leaves.
Wear shoes that provide traction. A pair of soccer cleats work great, and usually can be found at thrift stores in good condition, and they are inexpensive.
Always wear ear protection. Soft-foam earplugs can be found in most big-box stores, and can help prevent hearing problems.
— Marjorie B., Stephens City, Va. DEAR READER: Wear a mask over your mouth and nose to avoid inhaling clippings and allergens.
DEAR HELOISE: You asked for hints for traveling with pets. If you’re on a road trip and stopping at a different site every night, attach a pill bottle to your dog’s collar, and insert a slip with your new address and all cellphone numbers in the tube each time you move on.
This way, you can be contacted right away if your dog gets lost.
— Chris H. in Maine
DEAR HELOISE: I have several tunic tops with drawstrings around the neck or waist, all with tassels. I put them in a lingerie bag first before washing; this prevents tangling! — Julie S., via email