Icicles hanging from your roof may be a beautiful, nostalgic winter memory, but they can also be a sign of trouble to come. The freeze-thaw cycle is what gives us icicles, and they have their charm, but when that ice buildup creates ice dams on roofs and gutters,…

Backup generators are great insurance to keep the power on when the grid goes down. They add protection against food loss, keep sump pumps running, plumbing safe, security systems active, appliances on, and can even save lives. That’s why it’s important to be sure your generator is in…

It’s a rare home office or entertainment center that doesn’t have cables and power cords running in all directions. Since many modern electronic devices draw very little current, it’s not uncommon to see power strips or multiplex outlets loaded with everything from battery chargers to television monitors. Sometimes,…

Home heating and air conditioning haven’t changed their basics much since we stopped relying on manually-stoked fireplaces or boilers and hand-held fans. The widespread availability of electricity made automation of furnaces and coolers practical, and electricity continues to be what powers improvements in modern HVAC systems, whether they…

Whether you use a water heater for showers and dishes or for heating your whole home, having it underperform or quit working altogether can range from a nuisance to a major problem. Following its manufacturer's maintenance procedures is the best way to ensure good performance and a long…

Whether you’re moving into a fixer-upper, getting your place ready to sell, or updating the old homestead, there are things you need to do before the first tool comes out of the box. Some of these help the project to stay on time and on budget. Others can…