Our Blog

You should replace your HVAC system’s air filter every 90 days or so, but what kind should you buy? Many people mistakenly think that all air filters are made equal and it’s just a matter of finding the right size. In reality, there are three main categories of air filters available, and each one poses its own unique advantages.   Throwaway Air Filters Cheap, disposable air filters are handy if you’re tight on money, but they won’t do much for your indoor air quality. These throwaway air filters wear out fast, which means you’ll need to replace them every one to two months. They do protect your hardware if you’re on a budget, but they shouldn’t be considered your gold standard if you can afford something better. Solid Media Air Filters Solid media air filters are also disposable, but they offer a significant upgrade from throwaway filters. Most solid media filters last up to six months, but some may even endure an entire year, which means you won’t have to replace them until your next annual AC tune-up! Electronic Air Filters Reusable electronic air filters last for years, meaning you’ll save the most money in the long run and enjoy

Do you like to spend money? Enjoy having very little free time? Find pleasure in being frustrated? If you do, then you can simply let yourself fall into these traps, because you’ll like experience all of the above. But if you’d rather save some money, have additional time to do the things you like and don’t want to be frustrated, avoid the following common home mistakes at all costs:   Forgetting To Change HVAC Filters When was the last time you changed your hvac filter? Can’t remember, that’s means it’s definitely time. Clogged filters can lead to lack of performance or even system breakdowns. What does that mean for you? Costly repairs and possible replacements. Neglecting Thermostats Forget to switch your thermostat from the “heat” setting to the “cool” setting when the seasons changed? Maybe you have the temperature set way lower than the temperature inside the house. Both of these issues can lead to higher energy bills. Not Testing The A/C If you wait until the first hot day of the year to turn your air conditioning system, you could be in for a rude awakening. Be sure to at least test the system before that happens so you

Whether it’s a hobby or a begrudging task around the house, homeowners will often come face to face with DIY projects each year. If you have years of experience, you may be able to tackle projects more quickly than your inexperienced neighbor or counterpart, but in either situation it helps if you’re familiar with some common tool terms. So, whether you’re taking care of a small leak or redesigning an entire bathroom or kitchen, you should be familiar with the five terms, below:   1 – Amperage (Amps) You may not be rewiring your house or even working on the electrical panel, but chances are you’re going to be using some sort of tool that requires electricity. For this reason, it’s vital to understand that amperage is a measure of how strong an electrical current is. Be sure to match the amperage rating of any extension cords you might be using to the power tool required for the task at hand. Same goes for electrical outlets, if you’re plugging something directly into the wall. 2 – Lithium Ion If you’ve ditched the corded power tools in place of cordless options, you’ve probably heard the term “lithium ion” at some point.

Are you the type of person who can’t start their morning without a hot cup of joe? Coffee is a beverage consumed by millions of people across the globe, but most people discard the grinds after the drink is brewed. In honor of Caffeine Awareness Month, we’re sharing some unconventional ways to use coffee, below!   1 – Deodorize That Smelly Fridge Can’t seem to get rid of that stench in the fridge? Let used coffee grounds dry out and then place them inside of a panty hose that has been removed from the stocking. Tie it at the end and leave it in the refrigerator for a few days. 2 – DIY Natural Cleaner Looking for a natural cleaning solution that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals? Coffee grounds are abrasive and can remove buildup on surfaces like the stove or oven. 3 – Scrub Pots & Pans The coarse texture of coffee grinds make it great for getting rid of caked-on food stains whether its on dishes, silverware or pots and pans. Just be sure to rinse them clean afterwards to avoid leaving them with coffee residue. 4 – Remove Ash From The Fireplace Ever try cleaning out a fireplace

With spring in the air, people across the country will be in “spring cleaning” mode in no time. While lots of folks tend to focus on the outdoors as soon as temperatures begin to warm up, let’s not forget about some of those dreaded areas inside — like the bathroom. This year, it may be a good idea to hire a cleaning service and here’s why:   1 – Save On Supply Costs Cleaning solutions aren’t always cheap and you really don’t want to sacrifice quality products in order to save a few bucks. Lots of cleaning companies actually bring their own supplies, including microfiber cloths, mops, brooms and vacuum cleaners which can save you a lot of time, effort and money. Not to mention different areas of the house require different cleaners so that spray you use on the kitchen countertops probably won’t cut it when it comes to cleaning the inside of the toilet bowl. 2 – The Nitty Gritty Did you know that you should really be cleaning the toilet bowl and the shower at least once every two weeks? Well, if you’re not currently on this type of schedule there’s a good chance mold and soap

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and what better day is there to go green? Whether you proudly celebrate your Irish heritage or just want to get in on the fun, let March 17th serve as an opportunity to go green and adopt a more eco-friendly approach to your home’s plumbing with these simple tips.   Switch Your Shower Head to Save Water Invest in a low-flow shower head, which uses significantly less water. Although water is a renewable resource, it’s never a bad thing to cut back on your consumption, especially when it translates to big savings on your bills! Insulate Your Pipes Pipe insulation is easy, affordable and offers a host of benefits including freeze prevention and temperature stability. When you have good plumbing insulation, hot water won’t falter and you’ll enjoy a more consistent flow throughout your home. Get Water Filters Water purification systems will treat your home’s hard water. Hard water can cause dry skin, brittle hair and even leave permanent damage on your clothes and other machine-washable items. Not only can a water purifier make water higher quality, but you can also eliminate the use of plastic bottles from your home and drink

A broken toilet is a no-go for any household, and when your toilet won’t flush you need a solution ASAP. Fear not. Sometimes, a weak flush on a toilet is able to be fixed with a screwdriver and a ladder.   Check Your Toilet’s Vent Pipe You’ll have to climb up on the roof for this solution, so if you’re afraid of heights, this may not be the DIY trick for you. If you’re okay with scaling above your house, then read on. Master bathrooms have their own venting pipes to direct waste away from the rest of the home’s plumbing. A weak or stuck flush that doesn’t have any noticeable clogs could be the result of a forgotten plug. In new construction, plumbers install a plug in the main bathroom vent pipes to pressure test the plumbing. Sometimes, they leave this plug behind, which results in reduced water pressure when you flush your toilet. After you locate the vent pipe on the roof, you should be able to see a rubber cap on top. Using a screwdriver, break the plastic and pry out the pieces. Afterward, your toilet should flush normally with no problem. How to Fix a Clogged

DIY projects can be quite tempting, especially when you want to save money. While they may save you a few bucks, you should always check your ideas to make sure they’re safe to do, first. Planning on adding some fresh coats of paint around the house? Avoid taking your artistic ability to these items:   1 – Faucets Because faucets frequently come into contact with water, paint can chip and contaminate your water. Just think about a small piece of paint landing on your toothbrush without you knowing as you stick it into your mouth. When you want the faucet to look different, it’s best to replace it. 2 – Kitchen Appliances You should never paint kitchen appliances because most paint isn’t heat-resistant. Paint isn’t food-safe either. The only things that can be painted in the kitchen are the walls and cabinets. Some furniture can be painted as well, but you need to know how to correctly paint that type of furniture. We suggest avoiding anything fabric-based. 3 – Shower Door Frames Moisture from the shower will quickly cause paint to corrode and chip if you were to paint the shower door frames. You can use shower decals if you

A toilet is just one of those items you can’t seem to live without. So when yours isn’t working properly, it’s not uncommon to feel like you need to replace it right away. With that said, there are certain issues that only require a minor repair, while in other situations it makes more sense to replace the entire thing. So, when it is it time for a new toilet? Find out below!   Frequent Repairs As we mentioned above, there are lots of minor fixes that can get your toilet back up and running in no time. However, if you find yourself needing frequent repairs, it’s probably more cost-efficient to replace the old one. Regularly Running Have a toilet that sounds like it’s running constantly or one that tends to refill spontaneously? There could be a crack in the bowl or the tank and this could become a major issue if left unattended. If you notice a crack, no matter how small, it’s a good idea to replace the toilet. Constant Clogging A clogged toilet here and there is normal — after all, they’re only designed to handle so much at once. But if yours tends to clog just about

Think of the top 5 things you want to upgrade about your home. We’re going to guess that “insulation” wasn’t on that list. While it may not be the most appealing area of home improvement, it can certainly make some major differences around your home. However, there are lots of misconceptions and flat out false information out there when it comes to home insulation, so we’re here to clear some things up!   Myth: Insulation Isn’t Worth The Cost Fact: Sure, it’s going to cost you a bit of money up-front, but trust us when we tell you it’s worth it in the long run. With the right insulation, you should start to see monthly energy bills drop right away. When you compare how much you’ll start to save each month to the cost of the insulation, you’ll find, in most cases, that it’s totally worth it! Myth: The More Insulation The Better Fact: Bigger isn’t always better and that’s certainly the case with insulation. There are lots of factors that determine how much you need, but one thing’s for certain, if you don’t have enough it could be costing you a fortune. With that said, it’s vital to understand R-Value

It’s the one appliance in your kitchen that works hard and takes a beating multiple times a week and most of us don’t pay it any mind when it needs to be cleaned. In fact, it’s usually never on the to-do list when it comes time to scrub the kitchen and trust us when we tell you a clean oven can make a world of difference. Take this as a reminder to show it some love this weekend and whatever you do, refrain from using traditional, chemical-filled oven cleaners.   A Safer Way To Clean The Oven While lots of homeowners are tempted to find and purchase a commercial oven cleaning solution at the local supermarket or home improvement store, these types of cleaners can actually do more harm than good. So, what’s another, safer alternative? We suggest using steam! All you need to do is place an oven-safe bowl or pot on the rack inside the oven, set it to 450° and allow it to run for approximately 30-60 minutes. While the oven fills with steam, dirt and grease will begin to loosen up. When the oven cools down and you wipe the inside with a paper towel or

Ever been a victim of a flooded basement or a clogged drain? The former sounds much worse, and it can easily lead to hundreds or even thousands of dollars worth of damage, but a clogged drain isn’t too far behind. In either scenario, a clogged main sewer line could be to blame and if the problem isn’t corrected fast it can lead to unsanitary conditions.   So, what’s the best solution for unclogging a main sewer line? No, in this case a plunger won’t do the trick and neither will a wire hanger or a drain snake. You’re better off going the electric cabling route for a fast, efficient solution. What is Electric Cabling and How Does it Work? Electric cabling uses a rotating cutter head attached to a stiff cable to punch a hole directly through blockage in your drain, helping to unclog it. The technician operating the equipment will push the cable through your main sewer line, usually through a clean out in the basement, until a hole is made in the clog where the water can be drained. Then, once some water is flowing through the system, other methods are used to ensure your drain will stay