One of the easiest home maintenance tips you can find is checking and replacing caulk around windows and doors. Air stays inside and critters stay outside when the caulk blocks their path. Caulk breaks down over time, leaving spaces for insects to come in and air to escape. The process is fairly inexpensive and can…

Having a backup generator protects you from the consequences of a blackout. Whether you live in an area prone to power outages or have any necessary equipment that relies on electricity, a backup generator provides you power when you need it the most. Should You Have a Backup Generator? If you like having peace of…

Do you have an outdoor electrical receptacle you like to use? It’s probably where you plug in the stereo while hanging out, outside. It may also be the source of electricity for your outdoor lights, especially during the holidays. Protect the Receptacles To protect these receptacles, it’s important to install a cover in any area…

Underwriters Laboratory dedicates its organization to guaranteeing products meet stringent safety standards. Smoke detectors, extension cords and many products in between have a UL sticker. This means that the manufacturing facility and the device passed the inspection. Now, some manufacturers try to bypass the inspection by creating fake UL labels. If you buy a device,…

What is a shower with low water pressure but a standing sponge bath? It may take longer to wash, use up the warm water and leave you with a cold rinse. The culprit may be a clogged showerhead. Here are a couple of easy ways you can remedy that. If your showerhead has rubber around…

The presence of mold in any home or business is always a cause for concern. Urban legends may insist that getting rid of mold is either impossible or shockingly expensive. In reality, each situation is unique. In some cases it makes sense to call in an experienced mold remediation company, while other cases may be…

Heating and cooling costs go up when HVAC filters get clogged with dust, dirt and lint. When the HVAC filter is dirty the blower and motor have to work harder to keep your house comfortable. This is a common problem that is easily avoided. During the months when your HVAC unit is running consistently, make…

Limescale buildup on pipes is a great example of easy home maintenance you can take care of in your sleep—really! Limescale is a chalky, hard deposit that is often found inside pipes, especially those for hot water, as well as kettles and water boilers. Sometimes it forms on the outside of older pipes. Chances are…

Are your refrigerator coils clean? Are they working properly? Perhaps these are questions you’ve never asked but knowing the answers can save you money on your electric bill. The answers to these questions can also ensure one of your most expensive appliances is running smoothly and keeping your food fresh. If you’ve never looked at…

You know how important it is to keep up with home maintenance. Not only does this commitment keep your house looking nicer, but it also saves you money in the long run. When you keep up on appliances and systems in your home, you won’t have to pay a lot for bigger repairs. Plus, doing…

For many homeowners, checking the sump pump is far down the to-do list, if it even makes the list at all. However, checking the sump pump frequently is an essential home maintenance chore. Though it only takes a few minutes to ensure the pump and all its components are in good working order, the task…

One sneaky problem in your shingles that could be causing leaks is a tiny hole. Here are some of the problems this can cause over time. Rotten Wood The constant dampness on wood can cause it to rot. This could lead to structural damage over time, depending on the location of the dampened wood. Development…

Are your clippers too short to reach the branches of your tree? No need to worry. We’ve got a trick to add some height to your reach, making it easier to prune the trees in your yard. Skip the ladder and extend the clippers with PVC piping. Cut a piece of PVC pipe to attach…

Are you looking for a new home? Have you found a couple of options and don’t know which one to choose? A home inspection can help you make your final decision with confidence. An essential step of the buying process is having a professional, third-party inspector look over the home you’re considering. If you are…

Some roof problems will require a bit more creative thinking and elbow grease to fix than others. These tips can help. The Cause One of the main causes of hard-to-fix leaks is failure to properly waterproof the area where the roof joins with the soffit. The Fix Here’s how to repair poor flashing. Remove the…

When the weather turns cooler, it’s time to turn up the heat to keep your home cozy. Part of your fall home maintenance checklist should include checking doors and windows for drafts. Finding the Fix If you can see cracks of light or feel air moving, it only takes a moment to fix. By applying…

One way to alleviate persistent allergies is to look high and low for accumulated dirt and dust that may irritate your airways. Where should you start? One area that often gets overlooked during your regular cleaning is ceiling fans. Beautiful ceiling fans add beauty to a room’s decor and create air circulation, but they also…

There are some packaging options made to be more durable than others. If you purchase the smaller bags of fancy coffee, you may have noticed that they come with a thick twist tie at the opening edge to reseal the bag. Take them off the bag and reuse them to organize coils of rope or…

After mowing, trimming trees and hedges, or clearing away weeds and overgrowth you may find yourself with a pile of lawn rubbish. While you can use a wheelbarrow or other tools to clear away the mess, did you know that a simple plastic tarp can be a great option for lawn cleanup? A large plastic…

Whether it’s an old family heirloom or a fabulous thrift store find, upcycling an old chair is a great way to add a unique piece to your room for a lower cost. Depending on the design, you may find that you can actually do the work yourself. Even if you need some help from a…