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Preventative Home Maintenance RSS

Home maintenance doesn't have to be a chore. We've got maintenance tips and home value advice to help you keep more money in your pocket. That should make you smile.

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5 MONEY-SMART TIPS TO MAKE YOU SMILE
Save Money by Repairing Windows
STOP THE BADDIES BEFORE THEY HAPPEN
De-Stress Your Plumbing Pipes to Prevent Leaks
EASY DIY HOME INSPECTIONS
Keep Your Garage in Tip-Top Shape
KEEPING THE DIRT OUT
Do You Really Need to Clean Your Air Ducts?
MORE IN PREVENTATIVE HOME MAINTENANCE
DIY Shutters Add Curb Appeal
Study: Newer Appliances More Efficient, Good Performers
Putting a Fresh Face on Your Old Tub
Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?
Trellis Tops Garage Door and Gives It Instant Interest
Fakes Worth a Second Look
Meijer Recalling Portable Baseboard Heaters
How to Prevent Wood Rot
10 Tips to Ensure Roof Reliability
Refrigerator a Top Germ Spot in Your Home
Funny Fail: I Got That Leak Whipped
Give Your Downspouts a Makeover
Funny Fail: Drains Into the Tub to Conserve Water
The Neglected Home Repair That Can Cost You $100 or More a Year
Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Maintenance Tips
Tips for Choosing the Right Water Heater
Funny Fail: They Said to Use Fans if the AC Went Out
How to Fix Drafty Windows
Funny Fail: We Used Asphalt Shingles on the Kitchen Floor
Cool (and Cute!) Tiny Appliances for Tight Spaces
Funny Fail: It Directs Traffic Flow ...
Home Heating and Cooling Systems to Get New Labels
Tax Credits for Solar Water Heaters
  • Saves: $160/yr (hot water bill)
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  • Added to Binder
How to Unclog a Gutter
What Home Improvement Projects Give the Most Value?
Funny Fail: We Really Don't Get Out Much
Keep Furnace Vents, Meters Free of Snow and Ice
Should the Energy Department Tell You What Kind of Furnace to Buy?
1920s Bungalow Goes From Tired to Stylish
Funny Fail: Stairway to Heaven
Tax Credits for Storm Windows and Storm Doors
  • Saves: $126-$465 (energy bills)
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Tax Credits for Insulation
Tax Credits for Installing Biomass Stoves
  • Saves: $64-$255/yr (heating bills)
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Tax Credits for Non-Solar Water Heaters
  • Saves: $115/yr (off energy bills)
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Tax Credits for Replacing Your Roof
  • Saves: Up to $45/mo (cooling bills)
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Tax Credits for Replacing Heating and Cooling Systems
  • Saves: $200/yr (energy bills)
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Tax Credits for Replacing Windows and Doors
Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Window Coverings
Understanding Energy Ratings for Windows and Doors
Funny Fail: DIY Home Electrocution!
Appliance Buying Guide: Water Heaters
  • Saves: $300/yr (off energy bills)
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Save Money With a Fireplace Insert
  • Saves: $64-$255/yr (using zoned heating)
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
4 Ways to Avoid Foundation Problems
Funny Fail: Shocking Revelation!
A Smart Toilet That Lets You Flush With an App
LG and Kenmore Elite Top-Loading Washers Recalled
Simple Tips to Avoid Winter Water Pipe Disasters
How to Replace a Toilet Handle
Congress Creates New Water Heater Energy Efficiency Ratings
Funny Fail: Time Management Tip
Fireplace Inserts Recall: Pose Shock and Burn Hazards
How To Insulate A Garage Door
How to Fix Freezing Water Pipes
Funny Fail: The Rooms are Small
Should Your Grass Clippings Go Up in Smoke?
Funny Fail: And You Thought Duct Tape Would Look Bad
Can I Use Appliances After a Flood or Hurricane?
LG Electric Ranges Recalled: Faulty Burners Pose Hazards
Fireplaces and Inserts Recalled: Flowing Gas Can Cause Fire
The Biggest Air Leak in Your House You Don’t Know About
How to Prevent Freezing Pipes
Gas Grills Recalled: Improper Assembly Can Burn Consumers
11 Ways to Create a Welcoming Front Entrance for Under $100
Way Cool Window Seats
Funny Fail: Don’t Window Wells Make Lovely Planters?
How to Organize Your Refrigerator
Pumpkin Pulp Will Scare Your Disposal to Death
How to Replace Weather Stripping
Funny Fail: They Say Mud Facials are Good for the Skin
Bifold Doors Recalled: Can Slip Off Tracks and Fall
Trouble Shooting Your Oil Furnace
Funny Fail: MacGyver: The Later Years
What Your Front Entryway Says About You
A Guide to Insulation Types
Funny Fail: If Congress Did Electrical Work
GE Profile Front-Load Washers Recalled: Injury Hazard
The Ultimate in Fireplace Bling
Funny Fail: This Heater Has 3 Speeds
Tips on How to Prepare your Fireplace for the Season
Funny Fail: Money Down the Drain
Fireplace Pictures That’ll Warm Your Heart
A DIY Solar Heater for Garages and Sheds
How to Make Sure Your Fireplace is Safe
How to Clean Your Fireplace
Funny Fail: Tomb of the Unknown Roofer
Legrand Power Strips Recalled: Shock Risk
How to Insulate Your Crawl Space
Who Needs a Refrigerator?
Do You Really Need to Clean Your Air Ducts?
Funny Fail: Someone Got Their Wires Crossed
Mr. Coffee Recalls 520,000 Units: Burn Hazard
Fed Tells Replacement Window Makers to Back Energy-Savings Claims With Evidence
Tips to Prepare Your Fridge for Power Outages
LG Electronics and Kenmore Elite Gas Dryers Recalled — Fire Hazard
How to Fix a Sweaty Toilet
Plumbing Pipe: Which is Safest, Easiest, Best?
Is Your House Sinking? Drought Could be the Cause
GE Recalls 1.3 Million Dishwashers Due to Fire Hazard
Kenmore Dehumidifiers Recalled: Fire Hazard Caused $7 Million in Property Damage
Using Duct and Register Booster Fans to Increase HVAC Circulation
Grills Gone Wild
Power Strips Recalled: Fire, Shock Hazard
Grilling Safety
Which Way Should Your Ceiling Fan Turn in Summer? The Cool Way!
Frigidaire Ranges Recalled Because of Fire Hazard
Green or Not? 10 Green Facts to Test Your Eco-Smarts
2 Million Flushmate Toilet Systems Recalled Because of Explosions
Window Film Gets the Recognition It Deserves for Saving Energy
Stay Cool Without Going Broke: Top 10 Summer Energy-Saving Tips
Pain-Free Guide to Choosing an HVAC System
Black & Decker Coffeemakers Recalled, Citing Cut, Burn Hazards
Think Your AC Won't Make it Through the Summer? We've Got the Fixes
IDing the Drafts in Our Drafty Old House + $100 Giveaway (Closed)
Who Wins the War Over Air Conditioning in Your Home?
Never Wash a Window Again
Safety 1st Toilet and Cabinet Locks Recalled Due to Lock Failure
New Appliance Standards Will Save Home Owners Hundreds on Utility Bills, DOE Says
Tips for Replacing a Sump Pump
CPSC Recalls 90,000 STOK Gas Grills
When’s the Best Time to Buy Appliances?
Cleaning Your Kitchen Appliances the Easy Way
It’s Gonna Cost You More to Recharge Your Air Conditioning
Street Paved With … Toilets?
Leak? This is the Week to Plug It
How to Fake a Fire and Put Some Spark in the Bedroom
Feds Say Window Marketers Exaggerated Energy Savings
Deceptively Easy Ways to Get the Stainless Steel Look
22 Steps to Clean a Range? Just Shoot Us Now!
How to Get the Look of Cedar Shakes and Never Paint Again
The 5 Coolest Space Heaters on the Planet
What’s to Love About Toilets?
Time to Shut Off Your Outdoor Spigots (Again)
Super (Toilet) Bowl Championship: Clog Busters Vie for Title
At Last! Window Film With a Touch of Pizzazz
Are Washing Machines Becoming Too Darn Smart?
13,000 Tankless Water Heaters Recalled
What to Do When the Heat Goes Out
Space Heater Safety: Make Sure Yours Hasn’t Been Recalled
On the 11th Day of Christmas ... Cleaning Out Behind the Fridge
On the 10th Day of Christmas ... Water Heater Maintenance
How to Help Your Appliances Last Longer
On the 7th Day of Christmas ... Seal Air Leaks at Windows and Doors
On the 6th Day of Christmas ... Repair Sagging Rain Gutters
On the First Day of Christmas ... New Filters for Their HVAC
Make Your Own ‘Star Trek’ Pocket Doors
Smart Ways to Make Windows More Energy-Savvy
Window Privacy: Solutions that Don’t Block Natural Light
When Snow Removal from Your Roof is Necessary, Plus Safety Tips
Why Lose Time Waiting for the Cable Guy? 5 Ways to Take Back That Time
A Solar Air Heater Can Save You $300 a Year or More
Skylight Installation and Costs — Plus Tips to Get the Job Done Right
10 Tips to Lower Your Winter Heating Costs
Higher Fuel Bills Ahead
Do You Know Where the Batteries for Your Smoke Detectors Are?
Natural Gas Prices Should Hold Steady This Winter
Skip These Minor Maintenance Chores Now and You’ll Spend More Later
5 Ways Your House Can Kill You — And How to Prevent It
Home Maintenance 101: 7 Things Every Home Owner Should Know
Hidden Dangers After Flood: Check Your Fireplace and HVAC
Now’s the Time to Batten Down Windows for Hurricane Irene
Child-Proof Doors & Windows to Keep Toddlers, Elderly from Wandering
9 Wacky Exterior Paint Jobs That Will Shock You
Digging Your Own French Drain: Save Money — and Your Back — With These Tips
How to Buy Energy-Saving Appliances
Father’s Day Gift Ideas for the Dad Who Loves to Putter
French Drain Installation: DIY or Professional?
French Drains: Basement Solutions
French Drain Design: What You Need to Know
French Drains: How to Build an Exterior French Drain System
Fixing Leaks Saves Water and Money
Whole-House Sound Hath Charms to Soothe the Savage in You
Sewage Cleanup: Waste No Time Waiting for Help
Vintage Appliances: Hot Stuff That’s Still Cool
No Sweat: Programmable Thermostats Reduce Your Energy Costs
Second Dishwashers Fast-Track Kitchen Cleanup
Ductless Mini-Split HVAC Systems: Ideal for Retrofits
Power-Assisted Roof Vents: Lose the Heat and Save the Money
Whole-House Fans: Maximum Cool, Minimum Cost
Passive Roof Vents: Helping Your House Breathe Easy
Ceiling Fans: Know the Spin Before You Install
Ceiling Fans: Keep Your Cool; Save Money, Too
Small Kitchen Space-Savers
How To Inspect Your HVAC
How to Inspect Windows, Doors to Stop Air and Water Leaks
How to Seal Out Drafts and Seal in Comfort
Attic Air Leaks: How to Find and Seal Them
Adding Wall Insulation Has Lengthy Payback Period
  • Saves: $170 off heating/cooling
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Basement Insulation Lowers Energy Costs
Air Leaks in Your Basement? How to Spot and Seal Them
Should You Replace Old Wiring?
Do You Need an Electrical Service Upgrade?
Green Cleaning Makes Showers and Baths Shine
Heating and Cooling Your Attic Remodel
Install an Attic Dormer Window
Steam Washers: A Dream Come True, Jetsons-Style
Biometric Locks: Even the Jetsons Would be In Awe
Programmable Showers: Low-Cost Luxury Suitable for the Jetsons
High-Tech Vacuum Cleaners that Rosie the Robot Would Love
High-Tech Toilets that Would Fit Right In at the Jetsons' 
Plumbing Leaks: Reduce Stress on Pipes to Prevent Them
Clearing Clogged Drains and Preventing Future Clogs
Types of Plumbing Pipes and Their Lifespans
Replacing Plumbing Pipes: Costs and Options
Are Your Plumbing Pipes Worn Out?
Plumbing Leaks: 8 Smart Tips to Stop Them
Water Heaters: 5 Tips for Saving Energy
When to Replace Your Water Heater
Heating and Cooling Your Basement
Emergency Egress Window: Costs and Installation
Low-Flow Shower Head Features
Ultra Low-Flow Shower Heads: More with Less
  • Saves: $150 yr off water heating
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
ATC Shower Valves and Low-Flow Shower Heads: Potential Problems
  • Saves: $150 yr off water heating
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Wood Fireplace: 9 Tips for Safety and Efficiency
Chimney Inspection Cost and Types
Hurricane-Proof Your Garage Doors
Protect Exterior Doors from Hurricane Damage
Tips for Preventing Hurricane Damage to Your Roof
How to Hurricane-Proof Windows
Green Clean Stovetop and Oven: You've Already Got What It Takes
Green Clean Your Refrigerator 3 Cool Ways
Radiant Heat Takes the Chill Out of Your Remodel
Radiant Heat: 5 Hot Reasons to Love It
  • Saves: $256/yr off heat bill
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Geothermal Heat Pumps Tap Energy Just Below the Earth’s Surface
  • Saves: $607/yr (60% heat/cool cost/yr)
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Convert to Gas Heat to Save Money and Mother Earth
Converting to a Gas Furnace from an Oil Furnace Costs a Bundle Up Front, Saves Money Each Month
Green Window Cleaning Makes Glass Pane-fully Clear
Replacing Rain Gutters and Downspouts
Cleaning Rain Gutters
Repair Sagging and Leaking Rain Gutters to Save Money
Rain Gutters that Trap Water: Easy Fixes
Storage Solutions: The Secret Life of Pocket Doors
Wood Stoves Burn Wood, Not Money
Gas Fireplace Inserts: Pros and Cons
Wood-Burning Fireplace Inserts Save Energy
Pellet-Burning Fireplace Inserts Use Renewable Energy and Provide Convenience
Adding a Fireplace: Return on Investment
The Costs of Adding a Fireplace
Energy-Efficient Fireplace Options
Attic Insulation Saves You Money
How to Care for Your Refrigerator
Hurricanes: Protect Your Roof
Hurricanes: Protect Your Windows and Doors
How to Care for Your Water Heater
How to Maintain Your HVAC
How to Read Your Gas Utility Bill
How to Care for Your Washer & Dryer
Adding Plumbing Service to Your Workshop or Studio
Outdoor Appliance Buying Guide: Specialty Items
Outdoor Appliance Guide: Sinks
Adding Electrical Service to Your Workshop or Studio
How to Buy an Outdoor Refrigerator
How to Buy a Gas Grill
How to Buy a Charcoal Grill
Should You Repair or Replace Your Septic System?
Understanding Your Septic System
Do You Need to Replace Your Plumbing?
Caring for Your Plumbing System
Caring for Your Septic System
Appliance Guide: Wall Ovens
Heating and Cooling a Two-Story Addition
  • Saves: $200/yr. (energy costs)
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Sunroom Additions: Top Features
Choosing Windows for a Sunroom Addition
Save Money by Repairing Windows
Inspecting and Maintaining Your Roof
Preventing Ice Dams
  • Saves: $100-$600 off heating/cooling
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Garage Doors: A Guide to the Options
Save Money with Energy-Efficient Window Coverings
  • Saves: $150/yr (energy cost)
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
What You Need to Know About Foundation Repairs
Earthquake Strengthening Your Foundation
Understanding Foundation Problems
How to Buy a Dryer
How to Buy a Range
Choosing an Exterior Door
States Offer Cash Rebates for Clunker Appliances
  • Saves: Up to $135/yr (energy bills)
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Add an Egress Window to Your Finished Basement
Tax Credits for Geothermal Heat Pumps
  • Saves: $715/yr (utility bills)
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Prolong the Lifespan of Your Roof
Fast Fixes for Common Gutter Problems
Air Conditioning Equipment: Repair or Replace?
  • Saves: $112/yr (30% of avg cooling co...
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
5 Questions and Answers About Adding a Fireplace
Buying and Storing Firewood
Ventless Fireplaces: What You Need to Know
Is Solar-thermal Hot Water for You?
  • Saves: $150/yr (50% avg hot water cost)
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Is Geothermal Home Heating for You?
  • Saves: $607/yr (60% heat/cool cost/yr)
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Green Roofs: A Guide to the Options
  • Saves: $56/yr (cool roof)
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Should You Convert from Oil to Gas Heating?
  • Saves: $625/yr (off heating oil cost)
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Is Your Heating System Ready for Winter's Nip?
Heating Equipment: Repair or Replace?
  • Saves: $200/yr off avg utility bill
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
French Drains: When You Need Them
Roofing: A Guide to the Options
  • Adds: $12,800-$21,100
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Roofing: Repair or Replace?
  • Adds: $12,800-$21,100
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
8 Easy Ways to Seal Air Leaks Around the House
  • Saves: $350 on heating/cooling costs
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Save Money by Beefing Up Your Insulation
  • Saves: $100-$660 off heating/cooling
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Add a Wood Stove for Energy Efficiency
  • Saves: $64-$255/yr (using zoned heating)
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Green Siding Options
Radiant Heat: When to Consider
  • Saves: $256 off avg heating bill
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
How to Buy a Dishwasher
  • Saves: Up to $40/yr (replace old unit)
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Chimney Maintenance for Warmth and Safety
Cleaning and Caring for Siding
Caring for Wood Siding
Siding: A Guide to the Options
The Value of Whole-House Surge Protectors
Find and Prevent Electrical Fire Dangers in Your Home
When It's Time for an Electrical Wiring Upgrade
Prioritize Tasks After an Energy Audit
  • Saves: $110-$660/yr
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Low-Flow Showerheads: How to Choose
  • Saves: $150/yr off water heating
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Is a Standby Generator Right for You?
10 Tips for Saving Energy in the Kitchen
  • Saves: Up to $123/yr
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
How to Buy a Refrigerator
When to Replace Your Appliance
7 Tips for Saving Energy in the Laundry Room
  • Saves: Up to $280/yr
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
How to Buy a Washer
  • Saves: $50-$135/yr (off utility bills)
  • Read More
  • Added to Binder
Is an Extended Warranty Right for You?
Replace Old Windows with Energy-Efficient Models
7 Signs You Have a Drainage Problem
IS YOUR LAWN WORTH IT?
Lawn mower cutting grass

They’re lush, green, and all-American. They’re also water-hogging, time-sucking nuisances. In fact, some are saying ‘no’ to turf. Should we get rid of our lawns?
 
What are lawn alternatives?

Turf grasses

Ground cover

Fake grass

And, yes, lawn paint!

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