A ceiling fan will help you save money by not running the air-conditioner on those days when all you need is air motion. To maintain your family comfortable and vitality prices low, set your fan to spin counterclockwise in the summer and clockwise within the winter. The clockwise movement in the winter makes cool air rise and redistributes warm air.

If your showerhead move is already low (and should not be), check to see if hard-water deposits are clogging the holes. Many new showerheads provide extra choices for control—multiple spray styles, pivoting angles, temperature settings—and they’re extra efficient. Try changing …