Here’s our guide to improving, maintaining, and enjoying your house. With information on everything from home technology and reducing energy costs to outdoor living and working from home, these articles will help you care for your house and get the most out of living there.
Electric vehicles now seem to be everywhere, but you might not realize there’s a quiet electric revolution going on in lawn care as well. Quiet is the optimal word: The roar of gas-powered engines is yielding to the purr of electric motors. Let’s look at the current quality of electric lawn care tools and how… Read more »
Creatures that crawl and slither give us the heebie-jeebies. We tend to assume anything with scales or eight legs is deadly. Yet most snakes, spiders and scorpions are mere nuisances, not reasons for terror. Very few of these creatures pose a real danger, so if we learn to identify the bad guys, we can take… Read more »
Despite today’s convenience-based culture, raising eco-friendly children is easier than you might think. Here are ten tips to help your kids become the next generation’s eco heroes. Start when they’re young. It’s never too soon to introduce the idea of treading more lightly on the planet. Begin by making eco-friendly choices for your baby. Breastfeeding,… Read more »
The newly painted walls in your living room look beautiful, but the drips of paint you’ve discovered you left behind on your hardwood floor? Not so much. Fortunately, dried paint drops or spills can generally be cleaned up. Here’s how to remove paint from finished wood. Act fast The most important step you can take… Read more »
Once upon a time, all televisions came in clunky wooden cabinets we set in our living rooms. Today’s thinner TVs offer much greater flexibility and can be placed in many locations throughout your home and its rooms. But where’s the best place? Here’s what you need to know about where to place your TV. Initial… Read more »
You’ve looked at paint chips till you are bleary-eyed, but you’ve finally found the perfect wall colors for your home’s interior. Unfortunately, your job’s not over. What color will you paint the trim? Here’s our primer on what to consider when choosing trim paint colors. Initial considerations Though we generally focus first on the color… Read more »
You probably use your dishwasher daily, so it seems counterintuitive that you must clean the appliance itself. But dirt and grime can build up in your dishwasher and keep it from working its best. Here’s our guide to cleaning your dishwasher. How to Clean Your Dishwasher Food waste and grime can build up in your… Read more »
Believe it or not, your washing machine can get dirty. You may be running loads several times a week, but particularly if you typically use cold water, live in a humid area, have hard water or wash heavily soiled clothes, you need to take affirmative steps to keep your washing machine pristine. Here’s how to… Read more »
Hear the words “vinyl flooring,” and you may think of the artificial-looking sheet vinyl of the 1970s, but think again. Today’s luxury vinyl flooring is a different, more durable product that is still cost-effective but successfully mimics the look of natural materials like wood or stone. Here’s our primer on luxury vinyl flooring. Two basic… Read more »
You’ve decided to buy your first fully electric vehicle (EV). But before you bring that technological wonder home, you must understand the charging process and the choices available to you. Here’s our tutorial. How much do you drive your EV each day? There are three classes of charging capacity: Level One, Level Two and Level… Read more »
If you’re considering a pool for your home, you’ll need to decide whether you want a traditional chlorine pool or a saltwater one. Each option offers its own advantages and disadvantages, so let’s look at what you need to know. How chlorine and saltwater work Both traditional chlorine pools and saltwater pools, also called saline… Read more »
A basement flood is a homeowner’s nightmare. You must remove the water and begin cleanup right away. Spring into action with these steps. Preparation for cleanup If your basement is flooded with only a few inches of water, you can likely handle the cleanup yourself. However, hire a professional water removal service for more water,… Read more »
So-called “junk fees” – also known as service charges, termination fees, convenience fees and administrative costs – can take you by surprise, turning a good deal into a ripoff. While the federal government has recently taken aim at such fees, it’s up to you, the consumer, to read the fine print and beware of hidden… Read more »
You may be loyal to your gas or electric stove, but induction cooking deserves a second look. The recent Consumer Product Safety Commission review of gas stove safety has highlighted alternative cooking methods – particularly the newer and lesser-known benefits of induction cooking. How induction cooking works An induction stove top looks almost identical to… Read more »
Whether you’re locked out of your house or vehicle or need to change the locks on your new home, a good locksmith is an invaluable resource. Here are a few tips on what to look for when hiring a pro. In most states, a locksmith must be licensed. Usually, states require the license number to… Read more »
When a child becomes mobile, it’s time for parents to spring into action to prevent accidents. Stairs, floor-level cabinets, and other potential dangers become accessible. Baby gates are a must for keeping little ones in a safely controlled setting. Here is what to consider when purchasing baby gates for your home. Safety gate locations Safety… Read more »
Microplastics are possibly the most universal pollutant on the planet. Many are so tiny they can’t be seen without magnification. So what exactly are they, how can they affect you, and how can you protect yourself? Progress or poison? Plastics have become a mainstay of modern living. And because plastics are so universal, so are… Read more »
Medical experts recommend cleaning out your medicine cabinet every six months and safely discarding expired medications. But what is considered proper medication disposal? Here’s a handy guide to safe and proper medication disposal. Find a drop-off location. It’s easier than ever to properly dispose of expired and unused medication. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency provides… Read more »
Gas stoves, which have long been a favorite of chefs and foodies, have recently come under scrutiny for potential environmental health hazards. Here’s what you need to know if you own a gas stove or are contemplating the purchase of one. Just the facts Earlier this year, an official from the U. S. Product Safety… Read more »
Finding the right veterinarian for the beloved pets in your family is a major decision for doting pet owners. Here’s a guide to help you find just the right vet to ensure your pet lives an optimum, healthy life. Recommendations required Start by asking friends and family for referrals to their favored veterinary clinics. Reputable… Read more »
