Flood from the Washer Hose!
Preventing Water Damage from Washing Machine Hoses Washer hookup with hot (red) and cold (blue) water valves and a drain hose in a laundry room wall box. Surprisingly, the number one source of water damage inside homes isn’t major weather events but rather broken washing machine hoses. Undetected leaks from these hoses can quickly flood […]
Your Nose Knows It’s Time to Clean the Disposal
Eliminating Foul Odors from Your Kitchen Sink That unpleasant sewage or rotten food smell emanating from your kitchen sink, despite appearing clean, can be a common issue. Flushing water or running the garbage disposal might not always solve the problem. Here’s how to tackle the odor at its source: Identifying the Cause Clearing the kitchen […]
Soot on the Walls
How to Deal with Soot Stains on Walls and Ceilings Abstract texture of weathered, cracked concrete in black and white. Those ghostly gray stains on the corners of your ceilings and walls, especially along stud framing, are often caused by soot. Understanding why they appear and how to address them can help you maintain a […]
What’s Your Outlet IQ?
How to Test Your Electrical Outlets Plugging in for power, one connection at a time. Before purchasing a home, you likely had a home inspection that included testing the electrical outlets. However, if you haven’t addressed those issues or want to do regular checks, here’s how you can perform some basic testing using a simple […]
Can Lights? Make Them Green
How to Make Can Lights Green and Energy Efficient Sleek, modern recessed ceiling lights casting a soft, ambient glow. Can lights, also known as recessed ceiling lights, offer a sleek, glare-free lighting option popular in modern homes. However, they can also be energy wasters if not properly fitted with the correct bulbs (lamps). Here’s how […]
Tune Your Refrigerator for High Performance
How to Tune Your Refrigerator for Optimal Performance Fresh, modern kitchen with green cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Refrigerators are reliable workhorses that require minimal attention, yet they often rank among the top electricity consumers in your home. With a little maintenance, you can boost your refrigerator’s efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and extend its lifespan. […]
A Ton of Cooling
What Does a “Ton” of Cooling Mean in Air Conditioning? A sleek, modern air conditioner unit installed above a window. You may have heard of a two- or three-ton air conditioner, but rest assured, it doesn’t mean it weighs thousands of pounds! Instead, “ton” is a term that relates to a unit of cooling capacity […]
Fix That Wobbling Ceiling Fan
How to Fix a Wobbling Ceiling Fan Modern ceiling fan with geometric design. Is your front doorbell working intermittently, leaving you unsure if someone is at the door? You don’t need to call an electrician for this minor issue. Often, a quick and easy fix involves replacing the exterior button. Doorbell systems operate at low […]
Squeak, Squeak in the Hardwood Floor
How to Fix Squeaky Floors Modern minimalist dining space bathed in sunlight. Squeaky floors can occur with all types of flooring but are especially common with hardwood. As flooring dries and shrinks, fasteners loosen, and movement in the subfloor and framing causes those irritating sounds. Fortunately, there are both temporary and permanent solutions to stop […]
Water Heater Drip Needs Attention
What to Do When Your Water Heater’s T&P Valve Leaks Leaking water heater calls for urgent repairs If you find water dripping from the tube on the side of your water heater, it’s a sign something isn’t right. That tube is connected to the temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve, a critical safety component. Ignoring this […]