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Author Profiles

Douglas Trattner

Douglas Trattner has covered household appliances and home improvement for HGTV.com, DIYNetworks, and the Cleveland Plain Dealer. During the 10-year stewardship of his 1925 Colonial, he's upgraded almost every household appliance. After lengthy deliberation, he recently replaced an aging top-load washing machine with an energy-efficient front-load unit.

Articles by this author

Man placing baking soda inside of a refrigerator

(New!)

Appliance Maintenance: Refrigerators

Keep your refrigerator running efficiently and reliably with this simple maintenance routine. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 1-3 hrs/yr
Investment Low $4 (box of baking soda/3 mos.)
Added to Binder
Man maintaining a home water heater

(New!)

Appliance Maintenance: Water Heaters

Keep your water heater running efficiently and reliably with this simple maintenance routine. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Low 1-3 hrs/yr
Investment Low $20 (new sacrificial anode rod)
Added to Binder
Serviceman checking HVAC system

(New!)

Appliance Maintenance: Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Keep your HVAC systems running efficiently and reliably with this simple maintenance routine. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Low 1-3 hrs/yr
Investment Low $40-$100 (new filter every 3 mos.)
Added to Binder
Inspecting washing machine hoses for tight fittings

Appliance Maintenance: Clothes Washer & Dryer

Keep your clothes washer and dryer running efficiently and reliably with this simple maintenance routine. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Low 1-3 hrs/yr
Investment Low $8 (new braided metal hose)
Added to Binder
Pizza oven in outdoor kitchen

Outdoor Appliance Buying Guide: Specialty Items

Specialty appliances for outdoor kitchens are hot items, but you’ll spend thousands of dollars for the added convenience. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 5 hrs. (research, purchase)
Investment Med $700-$6,000 (pizza oven)
Added to Binder
Sink in outdoor kitchen

Outdoor Appliance Guide: Sinks

Outdoor sinks are similar to their indoor counterparts; the real difference is the cost of running outdoor plumbing. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 5 hrs (research, purchase)
Investment Low $100-$500 and up
Added to Binder
Refrigerator in an outdoor kitchen

Outdoor Appliance Guide: Refrigerators

Refrigerators work harder outdoors than in, so it’s important to seek out models designed specifically for the task. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Low 5 hrs (research; purchase)
Investment Med $550-$1,800 and up
Added to Binder
Family 4th of July cookout

Outdoor Appliance Guide: Gas Grills

With models priced from $29 to $5,000 and up, outdoor gas grills offer convenience and ease-of-use to fit any budget. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 5 hrs-1 day (research, shop)
Investment Med $29-$5,000
Added to Binder
This unit is both a smoker and a charcoal grill

Outdoor Appliance Guide: Charcoal Grills and Smokers

With models priced from $35 to $1,000, there are charcoal grills to fit the budget of anyone who’s a fan of traditional barbecue. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 5 hours (research and shop)
Investment Med $35-$1,000
Added to Binder
Wall-mounted convection oven

Appliance Guide: Wall Ovens

When deciding on a new wall oven, here’s what you’ll need to know about features, style, price, and performance. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Med 5 hrs to one wknd
Investment Med $700-$4,000 and up
Added to Binder
Pumping out a home septic tank

Your Guide to Outdoor Maintenance — South

If you live in the South, prevent problems and preserve the value of your property with proactive outdoor maintenance. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 3–5 days (inspect & repair)
Investment Low $15-$300 (tools, materials)
Added to Binder
Man cutting the lawn at a house

Lawn Maintenance Calendar

Regular lawn maintenance gives your home maximum curb appeal and preserves the value of your property. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Low 2 hrs./wk (mow, weed, rake)
Investment Low $100-$300/yr
Added to Binder
Man steaming away ice dam from roof

Preventing Ice Dams

During the colder months, preventing ice dams should be a primary concern. Here’s how to protect your home from damage. Read More

Progress $ K
Save Money Med $100-$600 off heating/cooling
Effort Low 1-2 days
Investment Med $1,100-$2,100 (insulation pro)
Added to Binder
Red front-loading clothes dryer

Appliance Buying Guide: Clothes Dryers

When deciding on a new clothes dryer, here’s what you’ll need to know about features, style, price, and performance. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Low 5 hrs-1 wknd
Investment Med $280-$1,200
Added to Binder
Commercial-style range

Appliance Buying Guide: Ranges

When deciding on a new range, here’s what you’ll need to know about features, style, price, and performance. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Low 5 hrs-1 wknd
Investment Med $350-$2,000 and up
Added to Binder
Metal firewood rack outside house

Buying and Storing Firewood

Knowing how to evaluate, buy, and store firewood is key to the safe, efficient operation of your fireplace, wood stove, or fireplace insert. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 4 hrs (stacking)
Investment Med $150-$1,750/yr (half-5 cords)
Added to Binder
Hidden controls are a popular aesthetic upgrade

Appliance Buying Guide: Dishwashers

When you buy a dishwasher, hone in on the model that’s right for you by considering your needs: size, fit, features, and performance. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Low Up to $40/yr (replace old unit)
Effort Low 5 hrs-1 wknd
Investment Low $250-$1,000 and up
Added to Binder
Modern kitchen in neutral colors

10 Tips for Saving Energy in the Kitchen

Maintain your large kitchen appliances is part of a smart home energy efficiency plan. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Low Up to $123/yr
Effort Low Up 30 min/yr (maintenance)
Investment Low $3-$20 (1 thermometer)
Added to Binder
Kenmore washer and dryer

7 Tips for Saving Energy in the Laundry Room

Understanding your laundry room appliances is part of a smart plan to help you save energy in your home. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Med Up to $280/yr
Effort Low 30 min/yr (maintenance)
Investment Low $25-$90 (drying rack)
Added to Binder
Red refrigerator in red kitchen

Appliance Buying Guide: Refrigerators

When you buy a new refrigerator, arm yourself with the facts, so you’ll be sure to make the right decision for your budget and space needs. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Low $9-$12/yr (off utility bills)
Effort Low 5 hrs-1 wknd
Investment Med $450-$2,000 and up
Added to Binder
Front-loading washer in laundry room

Appliance Buying Guide: Washing Machines

Confidently purchase a new washing machine that makes sense for your particular budget and level of green-mindedness. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Low $50-$135/yr (off utility bills)
Effort Low 5 hrs-1 wknd
Investment Low $300-$1,000 and up
Added to Binder
Man looking at broken washing machine

Is an Extended Warranty Right for You?

Since extended warranties often cost as much as an appliance repair, you might be better served saving that $100-$300 for when you need it. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 20 min (read warranty)
Investment Low $100-$300+
Added to Binder
household appliances in a junkyard

When to Repair or Replace Large Appliances

When deciding to repair or replace appliances, consider age, repair cost, pricing, energy efficiency, and whether to modify your kitchen to accommodate a new unit. Read More

Progress K
Added to Binder