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Properly insulating a home is one of the most efficient ways to lower your energy costs. According to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) review of the average U.S. household, a knowledgeable homeowner can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs simply by properly sealing and insulating their home. The trick, of course, is being knowledgeable! Insulation is a full trade in itself, and it takes time and practice to master the skills involved....

Almost all homes built in the U.S. have air conditioning of some type. Whether you’re considering central air for a new build, replacing an existing unit or retrofitting an existing home for the first time, here is some background and insight to help you understand the process. Definitions Before we start, let’s go over a few terms you need to know. On This Page Central air conditioner A central air conditioner cools air in one location, then uses the air handling capabilities of the furnace to distribute that cool air throughout the home....

Taking to the skies for what is often referred to as their “nuptial flight,” a flying ant (AKA winged or swarming ant) is a reproducing member of the species, or what entomologists call an “alate.” What Is a Flying Ant? A flying ant is essentially a regular ant that’s sprouted wings. On This Page At certain times each year, most of the 1,000 known species of ants found in the U....

Despite the fact that you purchased a vehicle with a factory-installed towing package, you now learn that the vehicle still needs a brake controller unit to operate the brakes on your trailer. How do you determine the best one to install? What is a Trailer Brake Controller? Trailer brake controllers send power to a trailer’s braking system when a driver applies the brakes in a tow vehicle. The dawn of anti-lock braking systems (ABS) permanently changed the nature of these devices....

Did you know granite comes in different densities? Some stones are more porous than others. Because granite is a porous material, some manufacturers apply a tough resin seal that fills the pores and prevents staining. Others only seal the most porous granite slabs and simply polish granite that isn’t as porous. The polishing process involves sanding that produces a glass-like finish. Whichever way your granite was finished, you don’t want to ruin the shine....

In my more than 30 years as an appliance repair pro, the number one call I get for ovens is to make them work again after the caller used the self-cleaning feature. An oven that self-cleans is certainly appealing, but when considering the risk-to-benefit ratio, it’s analogous to swimming in shark infested waters. There’s no guarantee that you’ll be bitten by a shark, but it’s highly likely. Using the self-clean feature of your oven doesn’t guarantee an expensive repair, but, based on my experience, it’s probable....

Every serious DIYer understands the value of investing in the right tools for the job. Many self-styled DIYers struggle along for years with cobbled-together equipment and tools inadequate for the jobs they take on. This approach might work for a while, but ultimately it’s a recipe for frustration. Investing in proper tools will ultimately increase efficiency. One important tool often overlooked is the tamper. What Is a Tamper Tool? Tampers are manually operated or power compaction tools....

This FH series introduces readers to a few of the women who make up 11 percent of the construction workforce in the U.S., spotlighting stories of their careers in the field. Know someone we should feature? Email us here. Thea Alvin has been working as a stonemason for nearly four decades, starting when she was 16, helping her father mix mortar and carry bricks. “I was free labor for him, so it was an easy ask,” she says....

It may be a winter wonderland outside, but those of us who commute know the pain of waking up to a freezing cold car covered in snow and ice. And getting stuck in a snowdrift is frustrating and dangerous—especially when you’re not prepared. That’s why it’s important to keep the trunk stocked with winter car essentials. The inconvenience of the chilly season aside, there are several ways the cold can wreak havoc on your car....

Family Handyman Test Your Car Battery Clean Your Battery Terminals Corrosion buildup on battery posts and terminals can cause hard starting problems in cold weather and prevent your charging system from fully recharging your battery. Disconnect the negative cable first, then the positive cable. Clean the battery terminal posts using a battery cleaning tool or wire brush. Then clean the cable terminals. Clean off all grease and acid residue from the top of the battery with a paper towel....

Even if you’ve never heard of bindweed, you’ve probably seen it plenty of times — maybe even in your backyard. It’s a prolific weed, native to Europe, now common throughout much of the U.S. and around the world, according to the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board. The only places in the U.S. where you’re unlikely to find it are the Southeast and certain parts of Texas, Arizona and New Mexico....

Decks are kind of a California thing. One of my first jobs after arriving in the Golden State in 1985 was helping a friend, a professional builder, construct a wrap-around deck behind his newly renovated home tucked away in the redwoods. Lumber was cheaper back then, and the deck featured top-grade redwood boards and pressure-treated fir. It was a beautiful structure, the site of many memorable social gatherings. It even supported a large hot tub for more than 20 years....

In August 2022, the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and the High Efficiency-Electric Home Rebate Program became law, both part of the landmark Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). While the titles are a mouthful, the programs contain a serious set of incentives to green up your home. “There has never been a better time to make energy-efficient improvements to your home,” says Christian Mathers, co-founder of Epic Generators. “Much of the law is directed toward combating climate change through tax credits, and you win with ongoing savings on energy bills....

If you own a boat or are thinking about getting one, you likely associate it with fun-filled days on the water in the company of family and friends. But your boat is also an investment and a liability. You need to protect it — and yourself — from damage, theft and accidents. That’s where boat insurance comes in. Boat insurance, often referred to as a marine insurance policy, provides peace of mind, knowing you’re covered should the unfortunate or unforeseen occur....

The spring and summer is a prime time for ticks, which means you’ll need to do anything you can to protect your home from a tick explosion. To keep ticks out of your home, we turned to the helpful guide released by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES). Here’s what they recommend. Create a Lawn Edge Deer ticks are found in wooded areas, particularly where humidity levels are high. They enjoy cooler places rather than sunny, manicured lawns....

Circular saws are an essential tool for professional tradesmen and serious DIYers alike. Depending on the blade, you can use a circular saw to cut through wood, metal and even concrete. However, a dull blade can dramatically hinder the quality of your saw cuts. Read on to learn how to tell if your circular saw blade is dull, and what you should do if it is. What Are the Different Types of Circular Saw Blades?...

Jodie Johnson/Shutterstock If you’re a collector of original, teak mid-century modern furniture, congratulations! This furniture has timeless design and is built to last. When properly cared for, teak furniture can look like new for generations. Here are some expert tips on caring for your indoor teak furniture. Daily Care According to the teak masters at Dane Decor, teak is durable, easy to clean and naturally stain resistant. “Teak can withstand water spilled on it for 12 hours without showing any signs of finish damage....

The location of your internet router plays a big role in the quality of your WiFi. If you’re experiencing dead zones or slow connections, you might consider repositioning this key piece of equipment. Here are some things to think about as you select the best location for your router. Do: Pick a Central Location If your router is tucked away in a corner of your home, you may experience dead zones on the opposite end....

Those new to gardening may occasionally confuse annuals and perennials. After all, wouldn’t it seem logical that an annual comes back, er, annually? But that’s only if seed is dispersed — annually, as it were — to get a replacement plant in the works. It is actually the perennial that comes back year after year and an easy way to remember that is to think of it as a perennial guest in the garden....

Mark Derse/Country Woman What You’ll Need to Turn a Gourd into a Birdhouse Dried birdhouse gourd Wooden dowel Pumpkin carving tool 220- and 400-grit sandpaper Rag Drill Paint pen Spray Varnish Twine How to Turn a Gourd into a Birdhouse Directions Use pumpkin carving tool and cut a circle into belly of gourd. (See note below on suggested hole sizes, depending on the type of bird you are looking to attract....