PAW-SOME ADVENTURES
A little TLC for your refrigerator can go a long way in keeping it running smoothly, saving you on energy bills and, ultimately, from buying a new one sooner than you have to. With just a few easy maintenance steps, your fridge will stay cool, efficient, and fit to do its job! Clean those coils. Did you know your fridge’s coils, usually behind a lower panel on the back, play a key role in cooling? These coils release heat as refrigerant passes through, but dust, pet hair, and debris can build up over time, making your fridge work harder. Slide your fridge out twice a year, open the lower panel, and use your vacuum cleaner’s hose attachment to clear out dust. Want to give it a final wipe? Use a dry towel, as moisture could damage the coils. Just be careful not to bend anything — blocked airflow could prevent your fridge from cooling properly. Don’t ignore the gasket. That rubber seal, or gasket, around your fridge door may look minor, but it’s essential for keeping cold air in and warm air out. If the gasket doesn’t seal tightly, your fridge has
to work harder to maintain its cool, costing you extra energy. Inspect it for cracks or wear occasionally, and wipe it with warm, soapy water to remove any crumbs or spills. If it’s looking cracked or brittle, head to your local hardware store for a replacement — it’s an easy fix that makes a big difference. Remember your filters. If your fridge has a water or ice dispenser, its filters need regular changing, too. Over time, old filters can clog and require repair, so a good rule of thumb is to swap out these filters every three months, around the same time you’d replace other filters in your home. Keep it fully stocked. An empty fridge isn’t as efficient as a full one! Refrigerators need thermal mass (i.e., cool items) to stabilize temperatures. When you open the door, cool items help absorb warm air, so your fridge doesn’t have to work as hard. These simple steps help your refrigerator stay energy-efficient and fully functioning to keep your food at the perfect temperature!
Simple Maintenance Tips for a Cooler, More Efficient Refrigerator KEEP IT COOL!
Your Guide to a Family-Friendly Valentine’s Day
Make some sweet treats. Valentine’s Day often includes desserts and candies; your event should be no different. Instead of taking the kids to the store to pick out their favorite chocolate bars or Valentine’s treats, consider baking something special. Make heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast, or bake sugar cookies and allow everyone to decorate their treats with sprinkles and frosting. You can even bake a red velvet cake or another Valentine’s favorite if you feel adventurous. Give gifts to each other.
Valentine’s Day can be a difficult holiday for many parents. While they’d love to go out for a romantic dinner and enjoy a date night with their spouse, they have to think about the kids, too! Finding a babysitter for Valentine’s Day can be incredibly challenging, so shift gears and spend the day as a family instead of a couple. You can find plenty to do to ensure your Valentine’s Day is fun and exciting for every family member. Here are three activities to try that will help make Valentine’s Day memorable. Write love letters. Valentine’s Day is a holiday all about love and romance, making it the perfect time for your family to share what they love about each other. Give
While Christmas and birthdays are often associated with gift- giving, you can also give your kids and spouse special gifts on Valentine’s Day to brighten their mood and ensure they feel loved. Flowers, stuffed animals, and
your kids and yourself time to write love letters to each family member, writing down what they love about that person and some of their favorite memories. It’s a great way to spread joy and show everyone how loved they are.
chocolates are the go-to Valentine’s gifts, but you don’t necessarily have to stick to the script. Your family will be thrilled by any gifts they receive!
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