Modern thermostats for heating or air conditioning systems rarely break down. The only maintenance required is an occasional light cleaning. Don’t attempt to repair a defective thermostat; instead, replace the entire unit with a new one. Be sure the replacement is the correct voltage and type for your system. How Thermostats Work Thermostats are […]
Replace batteries twice a year. If you choose the times that you have to change the clocks, you won’t forget. Make it a family affair so the kids will remember how important the smoke detectors are. Make sure that your smoke detector is still in working order. Some need to be replaced every 7 to […]
About 58 million homes heat their water with gas, while 42 million use electricity. But electric systems account for about 50 percent more carbon emissions, because so much power is lost in generation and transmission. About 58 million homes heat their water with gas, while 42 million use electricity. But electric systems account for about […]
Valuable tips and general information are revealed for checking, flushing and maintaining a home’s water heater. Give the water shut-off valve a twist to keep it from seizing. If it is a gas water heater, set the gas valve to “Pilot” to prevent the burners from coming on throughout the flushing process. If electric, turn […]
Skip those caustic chemicals and get your oven sparkling with these natural, homemade cleaning tricks Aluminum Foil Are you baking a bubbly lasagna or casserole? Keep messy drips off the bottom of the oven by laying a sheet or two of aluminum foil over the rack below. Do not line the bottom of the oven […]
Your vacuum cleaner works hard to keep your home looking great and smelling good. For most homeowners, vacuum cleaners are often an investment into their home. And like any investment, ensuring it gets the proper care is the best way to protect it. There are a number of things you can do to help make […]
Is hydrogen peroxide a non-toxic weapon in your green cleaning arsenal? It should be! When it’s time to clean, have your trusty green cleaners at the ready — baking soda, vinegar, castile soap — plus another ultra-cheap gem: hydrogen peroxide. You can use it anywhere, and can’t beat the price: A 16-oz. bottle only costs […]
You’re immune to the dirtiest places in your home. But your guests aren’t. Here’s what to do. Admit it: It’s easy to get a little “Judge Judy” inside someone else’s home. We notice gunk on the floor, cobwebs in the corners, and dust on the overhead fan. But guess what? Unless you’re Adrian Monk, you’ve […]
How deep do you go when cleaning for holiday guests? There are some who take it to the extreme — but you can have a clean home without going overboard. If you think wiping down countertops and fluffing a few pillows in advance of the guest onslaught will land you on Santa’s “nice” list this […]
This week’s challenge is to organize pantry, spices, and other food storage areas so you can easily find what you need, and keep things fresh and safe from pests. You will need to do this challenge whether your home has a dedicated pantry space or not, because although I’m using the term “pantry” the challenge […]
