Maintenance & Repair

You don't have to wait until the end of the season to protect your tool investment. It's good practice to rinse your tools off after each use, dry them thoroughly and apply a light coat of oil to all metal parts. Use a stiff-bristle brush to clean stubborn,

String trimmers, also known as “weed whackers,” “weed eaters,” “weed whips” and a host of other names, are essential lawn tools and should be as big a part of a lawn care arsenal as a lawnmower. While the lawnmower usually does most of the heavy lifti

If you take care of your tools, they will return the favor. Proper care and routine maintenance of your hand tools and power tools makes any home improvement or repair project easier, safer and more successful. Proper tool care

Putting in a first-class mailbox is a simple way to add to your home's curb appeal and to put your personal stamp on your property.

Step 1: Choose a Mailbox

Before you begin, contact your local post office to check mailbox regulations.

Energy costs go up in winter as you try to keep out the seasonal chill. When you add holiday lighting displays to your electric bill, your energy spending can really add up. You can conserve energy and reduce costs by swapping out old light strings with

A chainsaw can save a lot of time and effort when working on a project that requires one. While they offer convenience and efficiency, they

Decorating your home for the holidays, both inside and out, is a fun and festive family activity. Do it with safety in mind to keep both your loved ones and your home safe from fire, electrical and other hazards this holiday season.

Pressure washers are ideal for thoroughly and powerfully cleaning almost any surface that is covered with caked-on dirt, grime and grease. They aren’t meant to be used like a garden hose — you have to know how and when to use one so that you get the job

Your roof was designed to protect your home from bad weather, not invite it in. But age, the elements and wear & tear can damage your roof, allowing water to seep inside. If your roof does spring a leak, you've got to spring into action — left unchecked, a

It’s time to get ready for cold weather! Before the first frost hits, prep your home's exterior with these simple projects. They’ll prevent damage to your home during the long winter months.

Step 1: Clean and Repair Gutters

In late fal

A driveway is a big homeowner investment in curb appeal, as well as dollars spent. When it’s stained, cracking or crumbling, it can really bring down the appeal of your home’s exterior. However, you can prolong a driveway’s lifespan and delay spending a for

The most important routine maintenance you can perform on your vehicle is to change the oil regularly. You don't have to rely on quick-lube shops or mechanics. You can do it yourself, save money and get it done right. Keep reading to find out how.

While the condition of your car’s exterior usually makes the first impression, you don’t want to neglect its interior. A good rule of thumb is to keep the inside of your car just as clean and tidy as the inside of your home. To do this, start making int

If you feel that your home heating and cooling costs are going through the roof, it could be that your attic needs to be better insulated. Proper attic insulation can make your home more cost- and energy-efficient by keeping warm and cool air where it

Once a year you should take some time to perform a checkup on your natural gas furnace. Routine maintenance and cleaning will help you ward off the cold, keep heating bills low and make your home more energy efficient. You can also save money by doing

Furnace filters help keep your HVAC system’s parts clean and running efficiently while also scrubbing the air that the system blows throughout your home. You can prolong the life of your heating and air conditioning components and breathe easy by periodically r

If your home doesn't have central air conditioning, you don't have to sweat it out all summer long. Window-mounted air conditioners cool, circulate and dehumidify the air to make your home

Winter is coming and it's time to prepare your home for the coming chill. There are a few things you can do to help take the bite out of what lies ahead. Sealing leaks in windows and doors and checking your furnace, water heater and chimney will help

A drafty home is also an inefficient home. To conserve energy and make your home more comfortable, it helps to keep cold and warm air where they belong by applying weather stripping

Wood trim around exterior windows and doors can begin to wear, warp and rot over time. This can not only look bad, but trim in disrepair can allow water to get underneath and create further damage. While the elements will take their toll, you can make

Ceiling fans are a great way to save money on energy costs by helping your air conditioner work less. In fact, they use 5% less energy than an air conditioner and about the same energy as a 100-watt light bulb. Not only do ceiling fans circulate the cool

A programmable thermostat is a great investment for your home. It allows your HVAC system to regulate temperature settings automatically, making adjustments for different times of the day or night. This can save you a great deal of money on utility bills.

Installing exterior flood lights is a great way to add security, safety and nighttime curb appeal to your home. Whether you need extra light in dark corners of your yard, or around walkways

Highlight your house and yard when the sun goes down while boosting home safety and security. Check out these ideas for adding landscape lighting and using energy-efficient, low-voltage outdoor fixtures. Everything you need for the project is available