For homeowners and renters in the U.S.
Understand the systems that run your house.
Furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, sump pumps and outlets, explained in plain English. What to check yourself, what to maintain, and when it's time to call a pro.
Start with the seasonal checklistHeating & Cooling
Furnaces, air conditioners, filters and thermostats.
- Heating & Cooling
How often should you change your furnace filter?
The honest answer depends on filter thickness, pets and how hard your system runs. Here is a schedule you can actually follow.
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Furnace short cycling: common causes and what to check
A furnace that starts and stops every few minutes is wasting energy and wearing itself out. Start with these checks.
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AC running but not cooling? What to check first
Before booking a summer service call, rule out the simple causes. Several take less than five minutes.
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Water Heaters
Sizing, maintenance and the noises tanks make.
- Water Heaters
How to flush a tank water heater
Sediment shortens a tank's life and makes it noisy. Flushing it once a year takes about an hour and a garden hose.
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What size water heater do I need?
Gallons on the label tell only half the story. Here is how to size a tank or tankless unit for your actual mornings.
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Why is my water heater making popping noises?
Popping is almost always sediment. Hissing, screeching and ticking mean different things. Here is how to tell them apart.
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Plumbing & Electrical
Sump pumps, GFCI outlets and the safety devices you rarely think about.
- Plumbing & Electrical
How to test a sump pump
A bucket of water and five minutes will tell you whether your pump will work during the next storm.
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Why does my GFCI outlet keep tripping?
A dead bathroom outlet is often controlled by a GFCI in another room. Here is how to find it and why it keeps tripping.
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Planning & Upkeep
Checklists, lifespans and when to budget for replacements.
- Planning & Upkeep
How long do home systems last?
Know roughly when each system will need replacing so it becomes a planned expense instead of an emergency.
Read guide → - Planning & Upkeep
Seasonal home maintenance checklist
Twenty minutes a month and a few bigger jobs each season keep the systems in your house running for years.
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