February 2010 HOME GUIDE 11 Tips for hanging pictures and shelves NAPSI — Whether you consider yourself handy or less than mechanically inclined, one key tool could make a number of household projects more secure. A simple stud finder can eliminate the guesswork involved when hanging pictures and shelves or securing heavy bookcases or furniture to the wall. Just slide the device across the surface of the wall, and when it detects a change in wall density it signals that it has located a stud. If your stud finder is what's known as an "edge finder," it will pinpoint the edges of a stud. You then simply determine the center and drill or nail. If you have a "center finder," the center of the stud will be automatically identified for you. Choosing tools Not every stud finder is the same, so it's important to do a little homework before buying. You might check out a company called Zircon Corporation that offers center-finding stud finders that are also capable of scanning for metal and electrical, in addition to the edgefinding line consisting of the entry-level StudSensor™ EDGE, e30, e40 and e50. This line features an ergonomic design meant to make them comfortable and easy to use. Their concave grips help homeowners keep the tool flush against the wall as they sweep for studs, and intuitive user interfaces can help users quickly calibrate the tool. The relatively inexpensive e30 offers a "WireWarning" detection feature, which warns users of live unshielded wires. The e40, a more powerful version of the e30, is capable of scanning walls up to 10 inches deep. The e50 adds a user-friendly LCD screen. Hanging hints After you've located a wall's studs, hanging items can be simple. Try these tips: sider tracing a template on cardboard and taping it on the wall. Then use the template to gauge bracket placement. place small, adhesive-backed rubber feet on its back corners. The feet will grip the wall and help keep the picture level. NAPSI — With the Obama administration's anticipated "Cash for Caulkers" program gaining momentum, now is a great time to put your home on an energy diet. Much like eating right and exercise can help you shed pounds, making smart investments and small adjustments in your home energy use can make a big difference on your utility bill. While some home energy monitoring tools (or diet programs, for that matter) require consumers to shell out hundreds of dollars, Microsoft offers a free service called Hohm that can help you quickly get started on losing those excess watts. To get started, visit www.microsoft-hohm.com and answer a handful of questions about your home, such as your zip code and square footage. Hohm will create a personalized energy report for you, complete with tips on how to save energy, home improvement suggestions, project pricing and even estimates for how long it will take to earn back your investment. Hohm will also show you how your home's energy use compares to other homes in your area. The more information you provide, the more ac- curate the recommendations you'll receive. Think of these tips as your home energy improvement to-do list. Homeowner Barry Fuchs jumped at the chance to put his home to the test. "It was great to receive a personalized report with items that we can check off as home improvement projects are completed. I've noticed that I'm more aware of my energy consumption habits after completing the survey," said Fuchs. "I would recommend this Web site to anyone who is looking to gain more insight into their home energy use." You'll quickly see that easy changes such as replacing regular lightbulbs with compact fluorescent ones (tip: If you don't like the lighting they provide, use them in rooms you don't spend much time in, such as closets, attics and laundry rooms), combining laundry loads and running more cycles on cold water can make a big difference in your energy usage and monthly bill. Simply by being aware of your energy consumption habits, you will likely make smarter decisions about energy use. Give it a try and see your energy use slim down, while helping the environment and your wallet. Trends: From Page 2 kitchen and bath for 2010 look. By adding a sink into an antique dresser or chest, designers are creating one-of-a-kind vanities for nearly 30 percent of all clients. Polished chrome finishes are another bathroom design trend for 2010. Look to incorporate this chic metal accent into all your hardware by updating the accessories in your bath, as well. You'll be able to make a big impact with small updates like new towel bars and robe hooks, for a Roman baths with its regal, refined detail that exudes a sense of luxury. Plus, marble countertops provide a stain-resistant, water-resistant, rugged and durable surface — ideal for child-friendly bathrooms or homes with just one bathroom that see a lot of traffic throughout the day. NKBA also forecasts that integrated sink tops will be a popular choice this year, as you can easily use existing items to achieve this