Turn down the thermostat especially when leaving your house and at night. Consider installing a timer so you don't have to remember to do it yourself. Set the temperature as low in the winter and as high in the summer as your comfort allows. Replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs which are up to four times more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs and provide the same light levels. They also last up to nine times longer than standard incandescent bulbs. Turn off lights in any room you're not using, or consider installing timers, photo cells or occupancy sensors to reduce the amount of time your lights are on. Clean or replace filters on your furnace, air conditioner and heat pump regularly. Wash full loads of laundry using cold water when possible.

ABQ remodelers honored at banquet

The Remodelers Council of the Home Builders Association of Central New Mexico gave out 27 awards to Albuquerque metro area remodelers on Thursday.

"These remodelers are among the best of what central New Mexico has to offer," said Jim Folkman, executive vice president of the Home Builders Association.

Fighting kids' colds

Get rid of any children's cold medicines you may have on hand.
• Make sure you have acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve the fever and muscle aches.
• Drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest.
• Watch for warning signs that this could be more than a cold -- high fever, wheezing or a rash.
• If he' sick for more than three or four days, call the doctor.