Top articles for Home Repair & Improvement

How to Service an Evaporative Cooler

How to Service an Evaporative Cooler

An evaporative cooler must receive regular maintenance so it can continue to work properly during the summer months. The bottom of the cooler if filled with water, which contains a float valve that keeps water near the circulation pump in the system. This pump is what pushes the water upwards into a wet cell that cools the air that passes over it. ...read more

How to Cover Duct Work

How to Cover Duct Work

Throughout your home are ducts that carry heat and/or cool air to help maintain a comfortable temperature in your house. While you have the option to leave the aesthetically unpleasing ducts exposed in your basement or attic, covering them using drywall takes relatively little time or experience, and creates a more appealing feel to a room. ...read more

How to Troubleshoot an Amana Furnace

How to Troubleshoot an Amana Furnace

An Amana furnace is a highly efficient furnace used in households to heat the place. It uses gas and it is a good choice. However, after a few years you may feel it isn’t working as properly as before or it doesn’t heat like it used to. This is because it needs to be serviced from time to time.  ...read more

About Kitchen Sink Drain Installation

About Kitchen Sink Drain Installation

A kitchen sink drain allows water to drain from the sink while collecting solid waste. The installation of this drain is simple and is often performed by the homeowner. The essential materials for this task include sealant, a kitchen sink drain, and threading compound. ...read more

How to Change the Thermostat on an Electric Furnace

How to Change the Thermostat on an Electric Furnace

An electric furnace uses a thermostat to keep the temperature in the house within a specific range. The thermostat turns the furnace on when the temperature drops below the range and turns it off when the temperature rises above the range. The replacement of a thermostat is a common repair procedure for an electric furnace. ...read more

How to Sewer Lines in a Bathroom Installation

How to Sewer Lines in a Bathroom Installation

Sewer lines need to be installed in a new bathroom whether a homeowner has city water or a septic tank. This is definitely not a job for the average handyman to take on. It requires someone with extensive plumbing knowledge to get the job done right. ...read more

How to Evaluate Different Architectural Designs

How to Evaluate Different Architectural Designs

The architectural designs of homes and buildings is fascinating. Oftentimes, you can learn a lot about the architect by studying the design of the space. Evaluating an architectural design includes studying the space, symmetry, scale and proportion of the design to determine whether or not it suits the intended use of the space. ...read more

Function of Custom Kitchen Islands

Function of Custom Kitchen Islands

Because the kitchen is often the place for entertainment and socialization, it is important that it meets the needs of the homeowner. If you are given the opportunity to design your own kitchen or remodel your existing kitchen, you may want to consider including an island in the design. A kitchen island can serve many functions and can be customized to meet your needs. ...read more

How to Fix a Frozen Air Conditioner

How to Fix a Frozen Air Conditioner

During hot months it is common for the air conditioner to freeze. This occurs when the coils become frozen leading to diminished performance. The cold air in the tubes freezes the AC. This can lead to damage to the air conditioner. ...read more

How to Have Better Air Flow with a Central Air Unit

How to Have Better Air Flow with a Central Air Unit

Air conditioners work by taking warm air inside or outside and cooling it with a refrigerant to cool the air inside the room. This function is very important to a central air unit. This is why it is important to check the unit so it can give out a good airflow. ...read more

How to Replace the Electrical Breaker Box Switch

How to Replace the Electrical Breaker Box Switch

The main circuit panel on your home has electrical breakers in them. These breakers control the flow of electricity out of outlets as well as other devices in your home. They must stay in good working condition so fires or electrical hazards do not occur. ...read more

How to Troubleshoot a Central Air Conditioning Problem

How to Troubleshoot a Central Air Conditioning Problem

Troubleshooting an air-conditioning problem gives you an idea of what type of repair may be needed. Depending on the problem, a major repair will most likely require a professional, unless you have heating and air conditioning experience. There are some minor items you can do yourself before opening your wallet to the pro. ...read more

How to Decorate Your Closet

How to Decorate Your Closet

Just like any other room in the home, a closet can be a great place to decorate. It is not hard to take a boring or disorganized closet and turn into something unique and fun. Decorating a closet can become an entertaining project that shows of the homeowner’s creativity and style. ...read more

Electric Heat Pump Facts

Electric Heat Pump Facts

Electric heat pumps are mechanical systems that extract heat from one place and move it to another place. Heat is generally pulled from the air or ground and used to heat the inside of an area. Since heat pumps are able to provide both heat and cool air, it can replace both a furnace and air conditioner. ...read more

How to Repair an Asphalt Roof

How to Repair an Asphalt Roof

Asphalt is used on many homes because it is one of the least expensive materials, but the price may be conterproductive as it does need frequent repairs. Asphalt roof repair should always be done during the warmer months because it easily cracks in the colder weather.   Repair simply consists of removing the damaged shingle, gluing a new one in its place and then using a roofing nail to secure it. ...read more