Home Services
Are Air Purifiers A Waste Of Money?
With airborne viruses and hidden chemicals on the rise in modern times, purified air has never felt more important. Home HVAC systems with quality filters can help increase a home’s value, and certain areas with better air quality have even become more desirable. Air purifiers have also become quite popular in recent years. But with an average price tag between $200 and $500, you might wonder if air purifiers work or if they are a waste of money.
Why Is HVAC So Expensive?
Installing HVAC is essential, especially if you live in an area where it gets extremely hot or cold. You need to be able to regulate the indoor temperature to live comfortably. However, it’s no secret that installing HVAC can be very expensive. But why is that?
Small Black Flying Bugs In House That Are Not Fruit Flies?
Having a stray fly come into your house is one thing, but a full-on insect infestation is another. Insects have all kinds of cunning methods of finding their way into your home. Then they repopulate like wildfire. Fruit flies are notorious for sprouting up out of nowhere and completely taking over your kitchen. But what if you have a sudden infestation of small black flying insects in your home, but they aren’t behaving like fruit flies?
How To Tell If You Have A Dead Animal In Your House
No matter how secure you think your home is, there’s still a good chance that there are some gaps and cracks. Unfortunately, rodents and other animals can sneak through these gaps, get stuck in your house, and eventually die. You’re not alone if you suspect there’s a dead animal in your house, but you aren’t sure.
Landlord Not Paying Mortgage? (Here's What You Can Do)
When you pay your landlord rent every month you probably don’t think about where that money goes. You may assume your landlord owns the home and the rent is just income. Maybe you think that your rent is what pays the mortgage. Either way it surely must come as a shock when you find out that your landlord has stopped paying the mortgage on the property where you pay rent.
How To Connect A 1 -Inch Tailpiece To A 1 -Inch Drain
If you are trying to connect a 1 ¼-inch tailpiece to a 1 ½- inch drain, you are most likely doing so because you need a longer tailpiece. The standard tailpieces that come with the drains sold at most hardware and big-box stores tend to be shorter than you may need. That being said, making the switch is not a difficult thing to do.
Can Fleas Travel Between Apartments?
Dealing with fleas is a nightmare, especially if you aren’t sure where they came from. You can find fleas in your apartment even if you don’t have pets, which can be quite confusing. So, can fleas travel between apartments?
Cost To Drill A Well [Pricing Per Foot & Cost By State]
Whether you’re wanting to save money on your water bill or keep your lawn watered without breaking the bank—drilling a well is an excellent option for you. While you will incur some costs, you will save a lot in the long run. So, how much does it cost to drill a well?
What Size Boiler Do I Need For A 2000 Sq Ft House?
Heating your home with water and a boiler is not all that common in the United States. However, this type of heating, called hydronic heating, is quite common in other areas. In some cases, hydronic heating can be an efficient means of heating your home. If you have a 2000 square foot home, what size boiler do you need?
Can A Landlord Refuse To Accept Rent? (Find Out Now!)
No one loves to pay rent. Often many of life’s stresses stem from a monthly rent payment. When you gather the money and finally get the payment to your landlord out on time you may feel a rush of relief. That relief may be short-lived, however, once you see that your landlord has refused to accept your rent payment.
How To Quiet A Noisy Air Conditioner
Your air conditioner is a real savior in the hottest months. One AC unit can turn a completely unbearable sunrise into a pleasant morning in bed under the covers. There is so much to be thankful for when it comes to having the modern convenience of temperature and humidity control. But sometimes air conditioners are very loud. In fact, an AC unit can get so loud, it is hard to concentrate on anything else. But how do you quiet a noisy air conditioner?
Why Do I Have To Pay HOA Fees?
When you’re looking for a new home, you might come across a place you love that is part of a Homeowner Association (HOA). Maybe it features impressive amenities, like a fitness center or a pool. You know you can afford the mortgage, but don’t forget, if you buy the property, you have to pay HOA fees, too.
What Attracts Centipedes In The House?
The average person will likely tell you that they don’t like centipedes. The arthropod's weird head, scary pincers, and many legs can seem creepy. So, what attracts centipedes into the house?
Should You Replace A Compressor Or The Whole AC Unit?
You are currently dealing with one of the worst problems an air conditioning unit can have: a bad compressor. It’s been diagnosed, your repairman confirmed it, and you are upset. You should be. It’s a pricey repair, no matter what type of AC unit you own! Right now, you have to figure out the answer to a pressing finance question. Should you replace your compressor, or just buy a new unit altogether?
Is Inch PEX Pipe Big Enough For A Shower? (Find Out Now!)
Whether renovating a current shower or building a new one entirely, it is important to ensure that the water wiping is up to proper standards. That means using the right materials for piping water into your bathroom.
Is Moving Insurance Worth It?
Moving insurance is a worthy investment, as you must trust strangers to handle your belongings. Luckily, moving companies provide complementary insurance that covers a small portion of your items’ value. However, many people are wonder whether or not premium insurance is worth it.
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.
Can A Bad Water Heater Raise Your Water Bill? (Find Out Now!)
In this crazy modern day, it seems like almost every single necessity is skyrocketing in price. This includes water. With water beginning to get scarce in certain parts of the country, it makes sense to take a look at ways to trim your water bill. One of the most common rumors mentioned among home improvement circles is that a bad water heater can cause a spike in your water bill. Are you wondering if the rumor is true? We got some news for you…
Can My Landlord See My Internet History? (Find Out Now!)
The internet is a wealth of knowledge. It is not uncommon to find yourself going down a blackhole of internet searching. There is no secret that online privacy is often a thing of the past. Spyware and web browsers often hold on to information without you even knowing.
How Much Can A Landlord Charge For Nail Holes? (Find Out Now!)
As someone who has over 100 posters in their apartment, I understand the need to nail up a new painting to a wall. However, landlords don’t like seeing their walls look like Swiss cheese. That’s why most landlords have a policy of charging for nail holes or fining tenants for excessive holes. Ever wonder what those fees can be?
Can I Quit My Job After Closing On A House?
The majority of individuals use a mortgage to purchase a home because it is a costly investment. However, obtaining a mortgage is a lengthy process that necessitates the existence of a source of income. So, that begs the question: Can you quit your job after closing?
What Is A Home Inspection Contingency?
Buying a home is likely the most significant purchase you’ll make in your lifetime. It’s also a considerable investment and, for many, the place they want to set down roots and start a family. For these reasons, it makes sense to want a home inspection contingency in your home-buying contract.
Can You Get A Mortgage On A House With Asbestos Siding?
Asbestos is the last thing that a new homeowner wants to have to worry about. The word alone evokes the fear of health risks, limiting home value, and expensive removal. So, can you get a mortgage on a house with asbestos siding?
How To Tee Off An Existing Gas Line
Many homes use gas, such as natural gas, for stoves, water heaters, and more. If your home uses gas, you may wonder how to tee off an existing gas line. This guide will show you exactly how to do that!
How Does A Bladderless Pressure Tank Work?
Water supply is not always plentiful in all parts of the country. In some places, service is unreliable and there’s a chance you’ll be greeted by a lack of running water in the morning.
What Can You Do If Your Neighbor Is Watching You?
Do you feel like your neighbor has asked you increasingly personal questions? That’s enough to make anyone uncomfortable, and it could be a sign that your neighbor is watching you. Of course, they may simply be friendly and curious, so there’s no need to jump to conclusions.
Does Cedar Repel Mice? (Find Out Now!)
Not only can mice be a nuisance when found in the home, but they also present a significant health hazard. Their eating habits can quickly result in the spread of disease, contaminating your food. Some individuals may also develop harmful allergic reactions to mice infestations. Identifying the best repellent method is crucial to achieving a mice-free home.
What Do Mice Sound Like In Walls? (Find Out Now!)
While mice may not be as intimidating as large black or brown rates, they are still perfectly capable of bringing with them the same destruction and diseases as these larger rodents. If you are able to recognize the sounds that mice may in your home, you have a higher chance of eliminating them before they cause serious damage.
Can My Landlord Tow My Car For Expired Tags? (Find Out Now!)
At the apartment complex that I lived in, there is one little rule that no one wants to ignore: the parking rule. It’s common knowledge (and heavily advertised) that you do not park in a certain lot without prior permission. Having an expired tag is a bad move, too. When I first moved in, I wondered whether this is legal.
What Is A Sewer Tap? (Find Out Now!)
Connecting to the main sewage line from your house is a convenient and modern way to handle wastewater. Not only is it convenient, but it requires very little maintenance to keep a secure connection from your house to the city’s wastewater treatment plant. To secure a strong connection, a common plumbing component called a sewer tap is used.
Furnace Blower Motor Hums But Won't Start? (We Have A Fix)
A good functioning furnace is essential, especially in the colder months when you want to warm up your home to keep cozy. However, it can be frustrating if your furnace won’t cooperate. It’s pretty standard for furnace blower motors to have issues, but what if the blower motor hums but won’t start?
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.
Rheem Vs. AO Smith (Which One Is The Better Water Heater?)
In finding the best water heater company, both Rheem and AO Smith are easy contenders for the top. Both of them have a couple of hundred years of experience under their belts. They have also produced an impressive line of products. But when comparing the two, which of these water heater companies is the best?
2-Stage Furnace Disadvantages? (Ultimate Furnace Guide)
During certain times of the year, relying on your furnace is a must if you want to remain comfortable. If your old furnace breaks down, replacing it is a priority. While looking for a replacement, you may eventually stumble upon 2-stage furnaces.
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.
Why Is My House Full Of Gnats? How To Get Rid Of Them
Fungus gnats love moisture, and that’s why you often find them in and around drains and plumbing leaks. That’s especially true in kitchens where gnats can smell decaying food remnants. The mixture of food and moisture can provide gnats with a steady source of food and water.
How To Deal With Scorpions In The Home
There are around 1,200 known scorpion species on the planet, and they exist on every continent except Antarctica. There are 70 identified species of scorpion in the United States. If you live somewhere with scorpions, you’ll want to know how to safely and effectively deal with these venomous arachnids.
What To Expect When Repiping A House (We Have The Answer)
Your home is comprised of many different components, all of which play an essential role in how it functions. One of the most critical parts of your home that often goes unnoticed is the plumbing system. The pipes that make up a plumbing system go bad and need to be repiped from time to time.
Can A Landlord Refuse Rent Payments? (Find Out Now!)
We have all heard about people who have paid rent just one day too late and gotten evicted. Other times, we’ve heard about people who have also tried to pay in part. Once in a blue moon, you might hear about a landlord who says no to a rent check. Is that actually legally possible? Moreover, why would they do that?
Red Light Is Blinking On York Furnace? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
When your York furnace’s red light starts blinking, it’s time for a proper POA. The problem may be as easy to fix as a blown fuse or something more complex that requires professional help.
Condenser Fan Motor Runs Backward? (Here's What You Can Do)
Most motors are designed to run only one way, clockwise or counterclockwise. They are not made to run both ways unless it is a multidirectional motor. Any kind of motor that runs the opposite way than what is intended will not produce the effects they are supposed to. In other words, your AC will not blow cold air.
How To Burglar-Proof A Greenhouse
People build greenhouses for many reasons, such as supporting their hobby, extending the growing season, and earning extra income. No matter what your reason is, you most likely would do whatever you can to protect your greenhouse from burglars. You’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered how to burglar-proof a greenhouse.
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.
How Much Does A Well Pump Cost?
Wells are a convenience and a staple in American homes for centuries now. The difference between the wells of days past and wells of today is the sophisticated simplicity of great well pumps. If you have a working well, you need a well pump, but what will it cost you?
What Size Mattress Fits in a Truck Bed?
With the new trend of DIY campers, many truck owners are starting to convert their truck beds into a bed. While blankets and a mat usually suffice for a few days, you may want to look into something longer term, like a mattress. But, what size of mattress should you get?
Can I Sue My Landlord For Raw Sewage? (Find Out Now!)
The smell of raw sewage is nasty. Plus, the fumes can be toxic for you and your family to breathe. But who’s responsible for fixing it, and what happens if you ignore the problem? Here’s what you need to know.
Pros And Cons Of A Heat Recovery Ventilation System
When it comes to your home, there are few things that are as important as having a good HVAC system. It’s what will keep your home warm and also regulate your home’s temperature. In recent years, heat recovery ventilation systems have become very popular. As one of the newest “hot features” of homes, it’s worth taking a look at what they can and cannot do for your home.
How To Ask A Landlord If My Boyfriend Can Move In
Moving in together is an exciting opportunity to take your relationship to the next level. You get to spend more time together and learn about each other. You certainly don’t want anything to cause unnecessary issues, especially not issues with your landlord. But you aren’t sure how to ask your landlord if your boyfriend can move in.
Heat Pump Evaporator Coil Freezing Up? (We Have A Fix)
Like it or not, your heat pump is going to run into common issues from time to time. They can be easy to fix depending on the issue or they can be a precursor to larger issues. Being able to identify those issues is of the utmost importance.
Is There A Substitute For Plumbers Grease? (Find Out Now!)
Plumbers grease is used in lubricating and protecting plumbing fixtures. Also referred to as faucet grease, since this is its most common application, it helps to lubricate O-rings and swivel points.
Heat Pump Blower Runs Continuously? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
Our furnaces are quite the piece of equipment. There are a number of components within that allow it to deliver heat into our homes, keeping us warm even when the temperatures are subzero. And just like any other type of equipment, things can go wrong.
Can A Window AC Unit Get Wet?
In the summertime, when it can get quite hot both indoors and outdoors, having an air conditioning system is critical. But not all homes and businesses can accommodate massive HVAC systems, and those that can’t tend to rely on the classic window AC units.
Replacing Galvanized Pipes With PEX. Is It Worth It?
Galvanized pipes have many ways of telling you they need replacing. Perhaps they make weird noises, or maybe you notice decreased water pressure due to plaque buildup. You might even notice a slight discoloration in the water.
Can You Snake An AC Drain Line? (Find Out Now!)
When your A/C drain line becomes clogged, a plumber’s snake may be the most cost-effective option. With the right type of snake, snaking a drain line is a straightforward task.
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?
Should You Get A Home Inspection On New Construction?
Buying a new home is a huge investment, and for most people, it’s the largest purchase they’ll ever make. When you put an offer on a new house, it’s wise advice to get a home inspection to protect yourself from unexpected problems and costs. But when you’re buying a new construction property, is it necessary to get a home inspection?
Do I Need A Permit To Install A Mini-Split? (Find Out Now!)
You need a permit to install a mini-split or replace one. The installation process of a mini-split is complex and requires working with wires, piping materials, and chemicals. Replacing a mini-split can be a dangerous job, but a professional can handle it safely.
Bed Bugs Vs. Roaches: How to Tell the Difference
There are few things more frustrating in the world than bed bugs and roach infestations. If not addressed properly, a cockroach problem can lead to serious health concerns, hygiene issues, and even the spread of diseases. Whereas, neglecting a bed bug infestation can result in major allergies, skin infections, costly remediation, and even a negative impact on your mental health.
How Many Amps Does An Air Conditioner Use?
It’s hard to imagine a world without air conditioning, even if air conditioners can be a mystery themselves. The average homeowner doesn’t have professional-grade knowledge when it comes to air conditioner amperage, voltage, and wattage. So, how many amps does an air conditioner use?