Q: How do I keep the corners of my comforter inside the corners of my duvet cover?

A: Duvet covers are designed to protect comforters from wear. But over the course of the night, the comforter can migrate to one end of the cover, causing you to wake up shivering. To avoid this annoying problem, turn the duvet cover inside out and sew a 5-inch-long piece of fabric tape to each corner of the cover: Stitch in the middle of the fabric tape, leaving an even length of tape on either side of the stitch to use as ties. Next, align the comforter on top of the inside-out duvet. Tie the fabric tape around the corners of the comforter. Finally, turn the duvet cover right side out. Shake the whole thing to even out the filling, close the bottom of the duvet cover and sleep tight.

Becoming familiar with chili peppers

Q: Is there a way to tell if a pepper is hot before biting into it?

A: Both sweet and hot peppers range in color and shape, making it difficult to tell just how spicy a pepper is by looking at it. Learning to identify different types of peppers and their characteristics is the best way to make sure you don’t bite into a hot one accidentally. The glossary below outlines the spiciness of seven common varieties.

In general, to make sure you get the pick of the peck, choose peppers that are firm, have richly colored, shiny skin and are heavy for their size. Avoid peppers that are limp or shriveled, or that have soft spots or bruises. Store peppers in a bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.

• Hot or not? Being able to distinguish between spicy and mild peppers could save you from a fiery mouthful. Here are seven common varieties you might encounter:

Anaheim: mild

Poblano: mild/medium

Cherry: medium

Jalapeno: medium/hot

Serrano: hot

Thai chili: very hot

Habanero: extremely hot

Maintaining a septic system

Q: We’re buying a house with a septic system. What are the basics of maintaining it?

A: Homes like the one you’re purchasing aren’t connected to a municipal sewage system. Instead the property treats wastewater through a septic system, and the homeowner is responsible for its upkeep.

These systems include an underground tank where solids settle and break down, and a drain field where wastewater is slowly released into the ground. The septic tank must be emptied regularly (generally every three to five years), or pumped, by a service company that you hire. As for the wastewater, microbes in the soil remove most of the contaminants from the water before it reaches the groundwater supply. As you can imagine, proper maintenance is essential to protect both the environment and your family’s health.

If you haven’t already done so, ask the current owner for records or receipts from the last pumping or inspection, as well as the original permit (the county’s health department should also have a copy). This information will help you determine the condition of the system and whether it’s the correct size for the residence. If an addition has been put on the house, the system may not have the capacity necessary to operate properly.

Once you move in, take the precautions that you would to protect any plumbing: Don’t flush anything that won’t break down easily. Repair any leaky fixtures, and choose high-efficiency toilets and flow restrictors or aerators for shower heads and faucets. It’s also important to avoid harsh chemical cleaners such as bleach and antibacterial products, which can kill the system’s beneficial flora. Keep in mind that doing all your laundry in one day and frequently using the garbage disposal can tax the system. For more information, go to epa.gov and search for the Homeowner’s Guide to Septic Systems.