Putting an air conditioner in the attic seems to make perfect sense. There are no ugly window units. There is no bulky central A/C unit in the utility area. There is just cool dry air gently flowing down from ceiling vents. Unfortunately, that’s not all that’s flowing. In the process of conditioning your air, you’re…
One aspect of easy home maintenance is building a fire in the fireplace – a luxury today, where it was a necessity in the past. When you’re building your fire, make sure that the chimney flue is open to ensure airflow in your unit. Next, stack your logs on top of the metal holder, adding…
You won’t find aluminum wiring in modern residential branch-circuit wiring, but in the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum was common. During the 60s and 70s copper prices led homebuilders to use single strand aluminum in homes to cut costs. At the time, aluminum seemed like a reasonable replacement. It kept the costs low and did the…
Frequently, a burned out light bulb may not be the bulb’s fault. The electrical wiring may not have a strong connection, causing the bulb to burn out faster. Other common issues include poor air circulation around the bulb, overtightened bulbs or high voltage such as caused by an electrical pulse. Light bulbs are fairly easy…
Home maintenance doesn’t have to be expensive, and when you put these home maintenance tips to use, it won’t be. One simple yet crucial chore you should tackle this weekend involves extending your downspouts, so they direct water away from the base of your home and not to it. Factory downspouts end at the foundation…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
