Don’t Waste Your Money

Another tip: Years ago, my husband and I installed heating in our ranch house’s basement. Everyone thought we were crazy, but the power company said the basement would warm the floor upstairs and our bill would hardly rise. They were right! It went up only $3 per month. —Barbara D’augostine Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

You warn against buying unrefrigerated grocery store bouquets that are displayed near the fruits and vegetables because some produce naturally gives off ethylene gas, which can shorten flower life. While the gas can impact the longevity of some cut flowers, studies indicate that fresh produce in a ventilated grocery store will not have that effect.

—Max Teplitski, Phd Newark, Delaware