Home Services
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Living Near Power Lines?
With all of our devices, power lines are essential in our electricity-driven world. This is apparent every time there’s a power outage, and we can’t use our microwave, cell phones, and TVs. But you may not have considered what it’s like to live near, or even under, power lines.
What Is A Thermocouple & How Does It Work? (Find Out Now!)
In order to heat your home properly, your furnace has several components that work in tandem with one another. When those components do their jobs, the air that gets sucked into your furnace is heated and then blown back out into the home.
Goodman Vs. Bryant: Which Central AC Brand Is Better?
Can a Landlord Charge For Garbage?
Garbage is a part of life. Even the most environmentally-conscious individuals produce garbage! It’s how one disposes of their garbage that’s important.
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Move?
During the fall, winter, and early spring are the best times of the year to move. That is the “off-season” for moving companies, as fewer people schedule professional movers during this time. This is one of the best ways to save money on movers.
Can A Condo Board Reject A Renter? (Find Out Now!)
In places like New York City and San Francisco, people who own condos often make a killing by renting it out. This is true for both short-term and long-term rentals. However, if you are in a condo, things always have to pass muster with the HOA. Can your condo board retain the right to reject a renter?
High Velocity Air Conditioning Vs. Mini Split: What Are The Differences?
Depending on where you live, air conditioning may be a necessity rather than a luxury. Oppressive temperatures year-round could be impossible to bear with no air conditioner helping you out.
Can You Put A Power Vent On Any Water Heater? (Find Out Now!)
When people think about water heater upgrades, they tend to want all the bells and whistles. A well-running water heater means lower bills, better safety standards as well as piping hot water. What could be better than a well-ventilated water heater, right? If you are a home improvement fan, you probably are wondering what you can do. Is it possible to put a power vent on any water heater you could have?
Facts You Must Know About Heat Pumps & Emergency Heat
Heat pumps are amazingly efficient for heating your home under most normal conditions. However, when conditions aren’t right, your heat pump depends on its emergency heating capability to keep the temperature in your house comfortable and stable. If you own a heat pump, there are some facts about emergency heating you should know.
Should I Spray My House If It Has Bugs?
Nobody wants to deal with bugs in their house, and that’s why so many people call pest control services. However, people have become increasingly aware of the side effects associated with pesticides and insecticides. So, should I spray my house for bugs?
SimpliSafe Siren Beeping? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
Protecting our homes and valuables is one of our highest priorities in life. That is also why so many people have turned to alarm systems for help. Popular security systems like SimpliSafe, for example, are one of those types of security systems. And with so many people now using security systems like SimpliSafe, there have come many questions. That includes questions like why is my SimpliSafe siren beeping and others.
How Much Can A Landlord Charge For A Hole In The Wall?
Your landlord should make every effort to provide you with a clean and safe home. However, some of the responsibility is yours. So, do you get charged for damaging the property? And how much can a landlord charge for a hole in the wall?
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Security System?
A burglar alarm is essential to basic home security. Statistics show that 60% of burglars avoid homes with a burglar alarm, indicating they are effective. Today, burglar alarms are quite affordable, especially if you buy a basic system without smart features.
2022 Mound Septic System Cost
Installing your own septic system may be a necessity depending on where you live. If there are no centralized sewer systems in your area, you must install a septic system on your property.
How To Keep Furnace Condensate Line From Freezing (Do This!)
Your HVAC system is a complicated piece of equipment. When it is functioning properly, delivering warm or cold air throughout your home, you likely won’t even recognize it. But when issues creep up, it is hard to notice anything but.
SharkBite Vs. Compression Fittings (Here Are The Differences)
Leaks are a way of life when it comes to plumbing. Anywhere there is liquid, there will eventually be a leak. Even the best plumbing construction will eventually breakdown in some way and need to be repaired.
Should The Seller Be Present At A Home Inspection?
Home inspections are serious business which makes it such an important event for people to attend. However, there are only a few parties who are expected to show. That being said, should the seller attend the home inspection?
How To Bat-Proof Your House
The average bat has a strong sense of smell, and you can use that to your advantage when you bat-proof your house. Natural scents with strong odors, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and garlic naturally repel bats. You can apply oils and extracts of these scents around your home’s perimeter to keep bats away.
How To Increase Airflow To The Second Floor
Having a second level in your home is a bonus for most people who want more room and privacy. But what about heating and cooling your upstairs? Heating seems to be no problem since heat rises. The problem is, during the summer, how do you increase airflow to the second floor?
Common HVAC Mistakes To Avoid In The Winter
Winter is the time of year when people rely on their HVAC systems the most. That’s especially true in the Midwest and on the East Coast, where winters can be brutal. However, many people make some serious winter HVAC mistakes that cause nothing but trouble.
How Long After A Bed Bug Treatment Can I Put My Stuff Back?
True story: I’ve dealt with bed bugs at my apartment once. They were a nightmare, especially since I am allergic to them. Obviously, treatment was a major focal point of my life at that period of time. Bed bug infestations are brutal, but so is having to live without your stuff. How long does a treatment take before you can “move” back in?
How To Get Rid Of A Couch
Maybe your sofa is old and tattered or maybe you just don’t like the color anymore. Whatever the reason, if you’re wondering how to get rid of a couch, there are plenty of ways to do it.
Why Is My Furnace Not Keeping Up With The Thermostat?
If you are like most people, you occasionally will want to turn your thermostat up or down a notch. When you do, you probably are going to expect your furnace to react to the switch fairly quickly. Sometimes, though, you might notice that your furnace isn’t as quick to react as it once was. Did you ever wonder what’s going on with that issue?
Hot Water Heater Not Getting Hot Enough? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
Few things are more inconvenient than a water heater that can’t heat water properly. When your water heater is acting in this way, you won’t have access to hot water for showers, nor will there be hot water to clean dishes with. And if you live in a home where demand for hot water is high, a water heater’s inability to produce hot water can be especially inconvenient.
Can A Landlord Put A Lock Box On My Door? (Find Out Now!)
You come home after a hard day only to find some strange device hanging on your door. After a few minutes, you realize that it’s a lock box. Can your landlord put a lock box on your door for showings?
Still Have Fleas After Bombing? (Here's What To Do)
No one wants to discover pests in the home, let alone an infestation. What began as one or two flying bugs can quickly turn into a giant colony of unwanted guests. Flea infestations can be particularly terrible, as flea bites can be painful and long lasting. But what should you do what you bomb your house for fleas but you notice the fleas are still there?
How To Get A Bee Out Of Your House (Quickly & Easily!)
Unfortunately, it is often more challenging to get a bee out of your house than it is for them to get in. Bees can infiltrate your home by crawling into spaces that are less than half their entire size. Having a bee in your house can be a major cause for concern, especially if you have small children pets, or inhabitants that are allergic to bees.
Does Borax Kill Mice? (Find Out Now!)
There is nothing worth than discovering signs that you have mice in your home. Not only are these tiny guests unwelcome and unpleasant, they can also be pretty difficult to get rid of. If the idea of placing and cleaning up traditional mousetraps does not appeal to you, you may consider turning to some form of homemade mouse poison.
8 Heat Pump Brands To Avoid (Based on Actual Recall Data)
A great heat pump can boost your home’s HVAC system. However, some brands such as Nordyne and Rheem are worth avoiding. Whether it be Ameristar or Lennox International, let’s take a look at the 6 worst heat pump brands.
No Water Pressure After Turning Water Back On? (We Have A Fix)
You had a small plumbing repair to make, such as a broken supply valve under a sink. You followed all the guides and turned off the main water supply valve. With the repair complete, you opened the main valve. Now there is no water pressure at the sink where the site of the repair.
Furnace Flame Goes Out When The Blower Comes On? (We Have A Fix)
When it is working properly, your furnace is capable of making your home comfortable in even the coldest of temperatures. The process requires several components coming together at once to produce warm air that blows throughout your home.
How Do You Know If Your Furnace Heat Exchanger Is Bad?
The heat exchanger in your furnace is a group of tubes and coils. These tubes and coils heat the air that then shoots out into your home or workplace. There are many reasons why your furnace heat exchanger can go bad, and if this happens you need to act quickly.
What Is A Condensing Tankless Water Heater? (Find Out Now!)
All homes and most businesses can’t do without a water heater, and this is because hot water is needed in homes and businesses for a variety of reasons. There are different kinds of water heaters available in 2021, as the days of 50-gallon-tank heaters being the norm are long over.
Water Heater Keeps Tripping Breaker? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
Very few people volunteer to take cold showers. So when the water goes cold AND your power goes, that’s a double whammy. You reset your circuit breaker, but it goes out again, and you’re not sure what to do about it.
How To Tell If You Need A New Thermostat
It’s easy to neglect your thermostat and think that it’ll last forever. However, like every other part of an HVAC system, the thermostat will eventually wear out. You’re not alone if you’ve ever struggled with how to tell if you need a new thermostat.
Best Ways To Save Money On Movers
Hiring professional movers is an expensive prospect, but it doesn’t have to be. A little preparation and research can make all the difference in how much you spend while moving. Here are some simple tips to save money when you hire movers:
Can You Contact The Seller Of A House Directly?
Involving a third party in any sort of deal can seem overwhelming and almost like it’s an unnecessary step. While some people prefer to have an agent, some would love to forgo that whole process. So, if you decide to forgo an agent, are you able to contact the seller of a house directly?
Is Cast Iron Plumbing Worth It?
Cast iron plumbing is known for its durability, but it’s also quite expensive. This makes some people think twice about whether it’s worthwhile, especially when building a new house. So, is cast iron plumbing worth it?
Can You Sell A Home With Furniture?
It’s typically better to sell an empty house than one with furniture in it. That’s because many buyers view furnished homes as an inconvenience. This is especially true when moving from a house or apartment they’ve lived in for years.
14 California Bugs That Bite And Sting Hard
California is arguably the most desirable place to live in the United States. With its scenic beaches, sweeping vistas and iconic cities, California is truly a one of a kind location. While there are many reasons to live in California, it is important to know some of the less desirable qualities of this state.
Do Coffee Grounds Keep Mice Away? (Find Out Now!)
The sight of mice in the home is enough to leave any homeowner with an uneasy feeling. It feels like an invasion of privacy and a health hazard, so it only makes sense to repel them however possible. So, do coffee grounds keep mice away?
What Do Mice Sound Like At Night? (Find Out Now!)
If you’ve ever heard the idiom ‘as quiet as a mouse,’ just know that this is a complete lie. Contrary to popular belief, mice are not in the least bit quiet. Though, while mice can be very noisy creatures, their sounds can be somewhat difficult to decipher.
How To Get Rid Of Silverfish In The House
Silverfish are not cute by any means, and they are quite unnerving to look at. The way they scuttle around the house seemingly out of nowhere is enough to scare anyone. That’s why you may be among the many people who wonder how to get rid of silverfish in the house.
How To Protect PEX Pipe From UV Light (Here Are the Details)
Copper pipe has been the go-to for plumbing because of its many great qualities. Then about 25 years ago PEX pipe started to become more popular in the US, thanks to its ability to withstand pressures and temperature changes in domestic hot and cold systems.
Will Bed Bug Spray Kill Roaches? (Find Out Now!)
Roaches can be pesky little creatures that invite themselves over and then never leave. They will come out at night to steal your food and don’t give back anything in return except extra germs. Most homes have a cabinet that is full of cleaning supplies and various insecticides. So, if we have a bed bug spray on hand, will this spray also kill roaches?
How To Prepare For A Home Appraisal
If you’re purchasing a new home or planning to refinance, then you’ll need to get a home appraisal. Your lender requires a home appraisal to ensure they aren’t lending you more money than the house is worth. You want the number to be accurate and not too low, so how do you prepare for a home appraisal?
Can A Landlord Check My Mail? (Find Out Now!)
When it comes to national protections, few things are as sacred as mail. It’s considered to be a federal offense to deface a mailbox. In fact, even opening another person’s mail can be a reason to get arrested. Mail is super private. That’s why many people tend to be worried about a landlord’s right to peek in your mailbox.
Why Does Your Central Air Have Two Filters?
Without central air, homeowners across the world would be out of luck during the spring and summer. Proper central air maintenance is necessary for it to run properly, and that includes maintaining the filters. So, why does your central air have two filters?
How Much Can A Landlord Charge For Damages?
The rights between landlords and tenants with regards to rental properties has been constantly evolving over time. The changing attitudes towards tenant and landlord responsibility make determining who pays for what particularly challenging.
How Long Does A Landlord Have To Replace A Refrigerator?
Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, a broken refrigerator can be a source of confusion and frustration in many cases. For tenants and landlords alike, it can be quite difficult to know when the landlord should replace a refrigerator when the need arises.
Why Do I Have Ants In The Winter? (And How To Get Rid Of Them)
One popular reason why ants find their way into homes in the winter is because it’s much more desirable than living outside. Your home offers a climate-controlled environment for these little bugs, which allows them to stay active throughout the year.
Hybrid Vs. Tankless Water Heater: What Are The Major Differences?
Water heaters are fixtures that homeowners can’t live without. The days of bulky, cumbersome water heaters being the norm are long over, and now hybrid and tankless heaters have taken their place.
How Can I Hide A Furnace And Water Heater? (4 Ways To Do It!)
Your water heater and furnace are essential components of your home. Having hot water and the ability to heat your home on even the chilliest of days are crucial to the comfort of any home. Keeping both running strong takes regular maintenance and care.
What Do I Do If A Groundhog Keeps Eating My Plants
You don’t have to spend a fortune to keep groundhogs out of your garden, especially if you have castor oil at home. Castor oil is one of the best natural repellents to stop groundhogs from eating your plants. Simply mix 1 part castor oil with 3 parts water in a spray bottle and stir it gently.
Where To Buy Bubble Wrap (For Moving and Shipping)
Bubble wrap is one of those things that people tend to think of as a fun popping time, but not much else. Well, until they actually need it anyway. When people need it for wrapping up goods prior to a move or cushioning stuff during a major project, it quickly turns into a race to find a place that carries this stuff. Wondering where you can get enough bubble wrap for your next project? We did the research…
Why Is My Water Heater Overheating? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
If the water from your faucet is too hot, this is not only uncomfortable but also unsafe. Extremely hot water is dangerous for all members of the family, especially if you have kids. Therefore, address this problem quickly to prevent further damage as the water heater could leak or burst.
Is A Termite Inspection Required For A Conventional Loan?
Getting all of your ducks in a row as a homeowner involves lots of inspections, particularly if you are seeking a conventional loan. Conventional loans sometimes have different stipulations than government-issued loans, leaving renovators and homeowners confused about what inspections are required.
Pest Control Vs. Exterminator: What Are The Major Differences?
Whether you’re a renter, homeowner, or business owner, pests are a nuisance that you must eliminate. Pests can include anything from bed bugs to snakes to rodents and everything in between. The two most common ways of getting rid of pests are either by doing it yourself or by hiring a professional. If you opt for the professional method, you’ll likely hire a pest control company or an exterminator.
Do Mice Hibernate In The Winter? (Find Out Now!)
Do mice hibernate in the winter? This is a completely valid question if you’ve ever experienced any sort of rodent activity in or around your home, or you’re concerned that mice may move into your living areas in search of warmth during the winter months. Humans aren’t the only ones that want to stay warm in cold weather, as most mammals share the same instinct of hunkering down and staying cozy indoors.