No Heat? Try This Before Calling for Service
As autumn settles in, there’s no heat in your house, and it’s getting cold. The furnace worked fine in the spring. Why is it stubborn now when you need it? You don’t want to spend money on a service call if you don’t have to, so check these things first. All heating appliances have an […]
What’s Your Home’s Largest Energy-Waster?
Sealing Your Attic Hatch to Save Energy Retractable attic ladder partially extended from a ceiling hatch in a modern hallway. An unsealed attic hatch is one of the biggest energy-wasters in a home. Without proper weatherstripping or insulation, warm air escapes through the gaps, increasing heating and cooling costs. Fortunately, there’s an easy two-step solution […]
When Your Kitchen Faucet Slows Down
Fixing Low Water Flow at Your Kitchen Sink Crystal-clear water flows from a sleek chrome faucet, bringing life to a serene bathroom setting. If the water in your home flows fine everywhere except the kitchen sink, you may not need to call a plumber right away. A common culprit is a clogged aerator or screen in […]
Use the Right Plug…or Else
Understanding Electrical Plug and Outlet Safety Powering up: A hand plugs an appliance into a kitchen outlet. Electrical plugs and outlets are designed to protect you from electrical shock and ensure the safety of the devices you’re using. By correctly matching plugs to the appropriate outlets, you can avoid unnecessary risks and hazards. Polarized Two-Prong Plugs: What […]
Pop-Up Stopper Sticks
How to Adjust and Maintain a Pop-Up Sink Stopper Close-up of a shiny chrome sink drain stopper with water droplets. A pop-up sink stopper is a convenient feature built into most bathroom sinks. It opens and closes with a knob or lever on the faucet—push it down to drain the sink or lift it to close the […]
Turn That Gas Off
How to Locate and Operate Gas Valves in Your Home Technician adjusting pressure valve on a modern heating system with copper piping. If your home uses natural gas or propane appliances, it’s important to know where the gas valves are and how to turn them off in case of emergencies or maintenance. Here’s a guide […]
Compact Fluorescents
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs): Are They Worth It? Switching to efficiency—replacing an old incandescent bulb with a modern LED. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) have come a long way since their early years. If you’ve avoided CFLs because of past issues like poor color quality, slow warm-up times, or failures in cold temperatures, it might be […]
The Rain May Drain, But It’s Not a Pain
Where Does Rainwater Go? Understanding Gutter and Sewer Systems Rainwater gushes from a downspout onto a sunlit sidewalk. Rain gutters and downspouts are designed to channel water away from your home, often discharging it into underground piping. While it may look like that water is going into the sanitary sewer, it’s not. Instead, rainwater flows into a storm […]
GFCI? What? Why?
Maintaining Your Hose Bib: Tips for Smooth Operation and Water Safety A modern GFCI electrical outlet with reset and test buttons, ensuring safety in your home. A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a safety device designed to make your home safer by protecting you from electrical shocks. It’s a seemingly simple component but functions using complex […]
Extension Cord Safety
Extension Cords: Safety Rules You Must Follow Overloaded power strips on a hardwood floor. Extension cords may be convenient in some situations, but they should be seen as a last resort rather than a routine solution for powering devices. Misusing extension cords can lead to overheating, electric shocks, and even fires. Here’s how to use them safely […]