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Your garage may be your sanctuary when you need to get away from it all, but if it’s cold and dreary outside, it’s not fit for even the toughest constitutions. That’s when a little supplemental heat from a portable space heater can really make all the difference, especially for outdoor spaces that only get used occasionally. Unfortunately, space…
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The Benefits of Using a Solar Water Pump in Your Garden
Whether it’s the calming burble of a Zen-inspired water fountain or the showy spray of a three-tiered waterfall, a water feature adds a special touch to any garden or outdoor area. Water features can make cramped gardens seem lush and spacious—and cut back on mowing and trimming maintenance. Plus, adding a fountain to your pond…
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Insulation Types: Pros and Cons
When it comes to insulating your home, you’ve probably heard about plenty of different methods. But it can be overwhelming to know which type is the best for your home, so we’ve broken it down into your 5 available options, with pros and cons for each. Before You Begin: Choose the Right R-Value Before you…
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How and When to Hire a Chimney Sweep
Did you know that fireplace chimneys need to be cleaned and maintained just like any other piece of equipment in the home? Chimneys that aren’t properly maintained can malfunction in a variety of ways. After enough fire burning, creosote can build up on the inside of your chimney, and if it’s not cleaned, it can…
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How to Keep Animals Out of Your Home
Wildlife can be beautiful, and having animals near your home can be an enjoyable way to immerse yourself in nature as you relish the view. However, there are times when animals get too close for comfort — they stop being part of the scenery and start becoming a nuisance that causes damage to your home.…
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Best Tech Gifts to Enhance Any Home
With the ever-growing internet-of-things and constant flow of emerging technologies, there are plenty of tech gifts on the market for every homeowner. Browse this list for some unique ideas that are sure to satisfy anyone on your shopping list. Best Gift for the Home Chef There’s no shortage of high-tech and smart devices to be…
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How to Increase the Energy Efficiency of a Fireplace
How to Increase the Energy Efficiency of Your Fireplace Fireplaces generate a lot of heat — when you’re standing right in front of them. Unfortunately, when the fire is out, they can suck warm air from the room and send it up the chimney, which wastes energy and leaves the room feeling cold. But with…
Water treatment
Ask an Expert: How to Prevent Lead in Your Drinking Water
Edward G. Wenz, Jr. is a certified lead abatement expert working in the state of Michigan on the Flint drinking water crisis. As a principal in the Contractors Training Institute and the Lead Renovator Training company, he also trains contractors and helps homeowners address lead problems in their home water pipes. He has this advice…
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Energy-Efficient Outdoor Holiday Lights
Aren’t holiday lights the best? The way they can transform your home into a festive winter wonderland—nothing beats it when you’re looking for seasonal cheer. Still, it can be quite a challenge to hang them; plus, they use a lot of energy, and they’re expensive to keep lit. Here are some tips for outdoor holiday…