Everyone knows that homes need maintenance but often window repair is overlooked. Rain, temperature variations, and dirt and debris can cause window wear and tear. Damage can lead to deterioration, energy loss and insect infestation. Proper maintenance will help your windows look and function their best extending their lifespan. To maintain your windows, perform these
Extension cords can be a convenient way to deliver power to a variety of electrical appliances and devices. However, when used without proper precautions, an extension cord can be a tripping hazard and cause harm through electrocution and fire. Each year extension cords are responsible for over 4,000 injuries and 3,300 house fires resulting in
Have you noticed cylindrical tubes made of mud attached to the eave or your house? If so, you may have dirt daubers, also called mud daubers. Dirt daubers are a type of non-aggressive wasp that usually do not sting unless threatened. They are black or blue metallic in color with thread-like waists. Their nests look
It may seem like just yesterday since your kids were young, but now you have a grandchild on the way. Perhaps you’ve forgotten some of the tricks of child-rearing, but childproofing your home is one task that you need to tackle right away. Unintentional household injuries such as suffocation, burns, drowning, falls, choking and poisoning
Refrigerators, one of the hardest working appliances in our homes, often have automatic ice makers. These ice makers have become so convenient that we forget the old days of making ice cubes from manual ice trays. So, when the ice maker has a problem, it’s an annoyance. Understanding how an ice maker works can help
Ceiling fans can reduce both cooling and heating expense. In the summer months, ceiling fans only use a fraction of the energy that a central air conditioning unit or even a window unit uses. By circulating air in a room, ceiling fans create a wind chill type effect. Moisture on your skin evaporates quicker allowing
Mowing the lawn is a routine summer activity, but can be one of the most dangerous chores that homeowners perform. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2010, more than 250,000 people suffered lawn-mower related injuries, some resulting in death. More than 600 children undergo amputations each year due to lawn mower injuries.
There are currently more than 41 million people aged 65 or older in the United States with the number expected to rise dramatically in the years to come. Many of us will be dealing with aging parents and with our own aging in the years to come. Seniors may have a variety of medical challenges
Have you notice the electrical receptacles in kitchens or bathroom that have “Test” and “Reset” buttons? These receptacles are ground fault circuit interrupters or GFCI. They are one of the most important safety features in homes protecting people from electrocution. What is the purpose of a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)? A ground fault occurs
Pulling up in the driveway and pushing the remote control to open the garage door is a convenience that most of us expect. Yet, we don’t often think about the safety and maintenance involved with our garage doors. In 2007, there were over 13,000 injuries resulting from garage doors. From 1982 through 2001, garage doors