Home Improvement

How we heat and cool the buildings we live and work in is important to cutting greenhouse gas emissions. The good news is the tech already exists: electric heat pumps that are three to four times more efficient than furnaces.

By Robert Brecha

You may find them annoying when they swarm an outside light during the summer months, but many other animals welcome them as a tasty treat.

By Alia Hoyt

You may have never cleaned out your dryer vent before but there are many reasons why you should. Plus, it's pretty easy to do. We'll show you how.

By Francisco Guzman

Soapstone countertops can be stunning in the right kitchen. But they do come with certain disadvantages. Are they the perfect fit for your dream kitchen?

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

Many homes in rural parts of the U.S. rely on well water rather than city water. But well water has pros and cons that city people may never have considered.

By Nathan Chandler

You may not even know what soffits are, but there's a good chance your house has them. So how can you tell, and more importantly, how can you be sure they stay in good shape?

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

Fitted sheets often look a mess when folded if you do it the wrong way. We've got step by step instructions to ensure that they come out looking neat.

By Alia Hoyt

Despite what you may have heard, it's pretty easy to clean a cast-iron skillet. We'll show you how.

By Jeremy Glass

Those tiny critters with a snout may be crawling around your pantry. But how do you get rid of them? And if you find them in your rice or flour, are they harmful?

By Alia Hoyt

Indoor air quality expert Shelly Miller tells you exactly how to recirculate fresh air through your home so you can add one more tool in your arsenal to protect your family from coronavirus.

By Shelly Miller

Pergolas add shade, space and panache to your home. Here's what to keep in mind before selecting one.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

You may have spotted these insects in your home. But are they bad to have around? And how do you get rid of them?

By Alia Hoyt

Whether it's getting rid of a wart, protecting your boots from the elements or crafting roses, duct tape is up to the challenge. Duct tape even played a supporting role on the Apollo 13 lunar mission.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

There are thousands of reported uses for WD-40, an aerosol lubricant that's as handy as duct tape. We look at 12 of the more creative ones we've found for this miracle product.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Those worn but loved sneaks can look almost new with a few cleaning tips we got from a pro.

By Alia Hoyt

Two of the most commonly used tape products on the market are painter's tape and masking tape, but they shouldn't be used interchangeably. We'll explain why.

By Katie Carman

You're being eco-friendly and eschewing plastic for reusable bags. But don't forget about your health, too, and toss those bags in the washing machine!

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

Old houses have an undeniable charm, but there are inherent issues that can turn an older property into an emotional and financial nightmare for an owner. Knowing what to watch for can be the key.

By Patrick J. Kiger

The comfort of the wide armrests, high back and slanted seat of the Adirondack chair have made it legendary since its invention in the early 1900s.

By Wendy Bowman

When temperatures drop below freezing, homeowners are advised to leave one tap dripping overnight. But does this advice hold up, or is it kind of leaky?

By Laurie L. Dove

The 'Close Before You Doze' campaign is on a mission to get you to sleep with your bedroom doors closed. Why? Fire safety.

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

There's just something about sitting in front of a fire that soothes the soul. And electric fireplaces make whiling the hours away in front of those flickering flames as simple as flipping a switch.

By Wendy Bowman

Meteorologists have hurricane prediction down to a science, so preparedness should be the same thing too. Find out how to be ready if the big one's coming.

By Alison Cooper & John Perritano

Pressure washing can be so satisfying on some primal level, but the right equipment makes all the difference. And remember, safety first.

By John Perritano

Between their survival skills and their natural intelligence, rats have been outsmarting us for centuries. But since they carry a lot of diseases, we'd really like to be rid of them. An expert tell us the best ways.

By Nathan Chandler