Regular cleaning of the dryer vents will increase dryer efficiency and reduce fire risk.

Bob and Ryley install a Maytag Neptune washer-dryer set. Manufacturer's representative Jay Klosterman describes the product's energy saving features. The Neptune is a horizontal-axis (also called front-loading) washer that uses half the water of a conventional washer, saving energy and money. They also use less laundry detergent, and still get clothes cleaner with less wear. Consumers should save up to $100 per year. The Neptune Washer qualifies for Energy Star and cash rebates from many utilities. The cycles of the washer and dryer are synchronized so that you can move a load from the washer to the dryer without waiting.

Donald Brazie from D & B Plumbing demonstrates how to hook up a washer and dryer in a utility room that was formerly a bathroom on the Elm Court's second floor. Bob also reviews the high-efficiency Energy Star washer and dryer from Whirlpool. The washer uses one-third the amount of water necessary for a standard wash cycle. It also removes more water than standard washers during the spin cycle. As a result, the dryer runs for a shorter amount of time, using a reduced amount of energy compared to typical models.

Bob helps install a stacked energy efficient washer-dryer unit with Barry Driscol and Bob Ryley. The water lines are attached and tested.

Bob convenes with carpenter Bob Ryley and plumber Dave DuVerger who are installing the laundry appliances. Bob details a few of the features of the Energy Star rated washer and its accompanying dryer. The clothes washer, a He3t model from Kenmore's Elite series, has a spin cycle of 2100 RPMs that extracts more moisture than standard machines, resulting in less drying time. Ryley notes the non-standard sized enclosure needed to accommodate these front-loading machines and their required gas and ventilation hookups.

Bob meets plumber Charlie Delvecchio of Cape Plumbing at the ranch-style affordable home in Mashpee, Massachusetts. Delvecchio shows Bob the Moen single lever, pull-out spray faucet that he has installed. Bob then meets the homeowner, Kim Brown, and discusses her choice of layout and finishes. Brown chose the single-floor, open layout because it eliminates stairs and worries with a young child. The kitchen is complete and the black Kenmore appliances have been installed. They are a nice complement to the light, Maple beadboard cupboards and soapstone-look counters. Brown then shows Bob the laundry center complete with high-efficiency Whirlpool washer and dryer. They are elevated to make for easy loading and storage, and use up to 67 percent less water and energy than standard laundry appliances.

In the master bedroom Bob notes the soothing putty wall color and green-painted nook that houses the bathroom's glass block wall. He shows us the antique style Regency ceiling fan and how it fits the home's original time period. Outside the master bedroom, Bob opens up the laundry closet housing a new Energy Star compliant Kenmore Calypso washer and dryer. Down the hall, he peeks into the guest bathroom with its tumbled travertine tiles, and Kohler Memoirs water closet and vanity.

The huge space that is the kitchen of the Manhattan Brownstone has received its finishing details. Basaltina stone covers the counters, island, desk area, and built-in bar. There is a large double-door utility closet that houses the washer and dryer, as well as brooms and cleaning supplies. The custom cabinetry has a classic wainscoting profile and an off-white catalyzed finish. There is floor-to-ceiling storage that will need to be accessed, perhaps with a library ladder to traverse the space. Project manager Chris Vila shows Bob the built-in bar space that is designed to look like a butler's pantry, complete with glass-front cupboards and restoration-glass inserts from Bendheim. The Sub Zero 42-bottle capacity wine fridge is compatible with the home's security system to safeguard precious wine collections and block access.

Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. While you were having fun in the sun this summer, it was no vacation for your house. Sun, wind and rain can cause as much wear and tear as snow and ice. A fall checklist will tip you off to some problems before they become nasty mid-winter surprises. Check your house from top to bottom. Start by inspecting the roof with binoculars: Are your shingles worn or failing? Check the attic for signs of leaks around the skylights or vents, chimneys, and have your chimney cleaned once a year. Clear out your gutters and check for leaks there, too. Drain your outside hose spigots if you live where pipes can freeze. Switch your screens for storm windows, and seal any drafty windows and doors. The same goes for paint and siding: make sure you caulk or repair those gaps around windows, doors, trim and vents, and replace any siding that is failing. In the basement, check for dampness on the floor and walls, test your sump pump, flush your water heater and check for any signs of leakage. Clean your dryer vent regularly. Make sure that paints or any flammable materials are stored away from heat sources in a closed metal cabinet. And make that appointment to have your heating system serviced yearly. Do the top-to-bottom check this fall, and you ll avoid expensive surprises this winter! Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008

The open-plan family room of the Punta Gorda house overlooks the canal on one side and opens onto the living area and kitchen on the other. Cecile Hemphill of Oh Cecile in San Francisco shows Bob the cookware and accessories that now fill the cupboards. Starting with Chantal cookware in bright colors, a teapot with a whistle, a Lodge pre-seasoned cast iron skillet, and a Joyce Chen wok, Hemphill has completely outfitted the kitchen for cooking and entertaining. The drawers are filled with Oxo ergonomically designed cooking utensils. Ironwood Gourmet's Acacia wood cutting boards stand ready on the counters, as does bright-colored Chantal ceramic ware that goes from the freezer to the oven to the table. Bob also remarks on the Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator-freezer that measures and dispenses water. All of the appliances are from Whirlpool, including the dishwasher and front-loading washer and dryer. Bob and Hemphill remark on the overall design of the kitchen, the openess and the size of the elements, which are perfectly scaled and large enough for easy living and frequent entertaining.