Elstone Brothers Real Estate Team
152 Bayfield Street L4M 3B5 Barrie, ON, Canada

Salt on the surface of food tends to attract microwaves, which can dry out the outer layer. So if salt is desired, sprinkle it on the food after removing it from the microwave.

Shortening showers by just 30 seconds can save the average home up to $100 per year.

To save energy, instead of overhead room lighting, use lamps for task lighting in places of your home where you sit and read, work, etc.

Use a wireless freezer thermometer alarm to alert you to temperature variations. Especially for when power failures cause food to warm up into the "danger zone" and are then re-frozen.

Use a surge protector anywhere in your home where you have delicate, expensive equipment such as computers, printers, routers, televisions, etc.

Have you ever noticed your clothes dryer feeling cold in the winter and warm in the summer? If so, you are wasting energy, and here is a solution. READ ARTICLE >

Here is what you can do to protect your home WIFI network safe from hackers. READ ARTICLE >

If your washer still has rubber water supply hoses, you should consider replacing them with high-quality, reinforced stainless-steel braided hoses.

Everyone in your family who is able should learn how to turn off your home's main water valve, in case there is a major water leak in your home.

To improve the outside ambiance of your home, use backlighting, uplighting, and downlighting for dramatic effects. Experiment with different parts of your yard or garden, and select specific focal points to highlight.

You can save on your air-conditioning bills during the off-season by using an inflatable chimney flue plug, which seals air leaks significantly better than just a closed fireplace damper.

Consider installing sun-control window shadings or reflective films on your south or west facing windows.

To improve the effectiveness of your lawn treatments, have the pH level of your lawn tested. If your pH is out of balance it affects how well both fertilizers and grass seeding will work.

To help better match cooking times to your recipes, consider buying an oven thermometer to check the accuracy of your oven's thermostat.

Protect your marble floor by placing rugs in areas of high traffic.

Consider installing a bicycle hoist to increase useable space in your garage.

Consider installing a rainwater collection system for your existing gutters and downspouts.

You should have A-B-C type fire extinguishers everywhere in your home that there could be fire hazards, such as: kitchen; laundry with dryer; workshop; and garage.

Keep baking soda handy near your stove, as this can be used to smother a small fire. NEVER pour water on a grease fire, as it can cause an enormous fireball to erupt.

January is a great time to "detox" your kitchen, and here is a handy checklist that you can use to get your kitchen appliances back in shape. READ ARTICLE >

Consider installing energy-saving dimmer switches for the light switches in your home where you want to be able to adjust room lighting needs.

To save energy, use the cool-down cycle to allow the clothes to finish drying from the residual heat in the dryer.