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Every homeowner can benefit from a home energy audit – whether you're looking to combat an uptick in your utility bills or you're simply curious about improving your home's safety and energy efficiency. And if you're in the market for a new home, it's worth considering an energy audit as part of your pre-purchase inspection as well.

WHAT IS A HOME ENERGY AUDIT?

A home energy audit is an in-depth investigation into the overall energy efficiency of your home's interior and ...

Much like a car, a furnace needs tuning to keep it in good working order. And regular maintenance will prevent it from breaking down when you need it most. Poor furnace maintenance is to blame for most of the emergency calls heating, venting and air conditioning (HVAC) experts receive in the winter, they say. So, it's a good idea to have a professional inspect and service your furnace before the cold weather hits.

WHEN SHOULD YOU HIRE A FURNACE INSPECTOR? AND WHY?

A good ...

A fireplace improves the atmosphere of your home, but fireplace installation can be costly and require a great deal of maintenance. If you don't have a chimney or simply want to avoid the hassle of a wood-burning or gas fireplace, electric fireplaces provide an alternative to traditional systems.

They come in many different styles, but generally, electric fireplaces use mirrors, Mylar and LED lights to mimic the look of flame. An electric fireplace log might be metal, wood or rock. ...

Knowing the symptoms of an electrical problem can help you make repairs to prevent a dangerous situation that might lead to electrocution or property damage. Although many problems should be diagnosed and repaired by a professional electrician, you may be able to troubleshoot some issues yourself.

Here are some common warning signs of home electrical problems, what they mean and what you can do about them. Always be cautious working with electricity, and always shut off the power before ...

Drying the late summer leaves and flowers for winter use was a skill used by rural women all over America. Before refrigerated florists, getting any flowers in winter was impossible. The way they got around it was to dry all they could in late summer. Knowing what to pick and what colors share greatest longevity were time-learned skills passed down from mother to daughter. Your herbs, both perennial and annual, have lots of growth, so there are opportunities to add fragrance and flavoring to your ...

Putting up a new deck can improve the function and look of your home, and its future resale value. Costs can vary, depending on square footage, the type of materials used and whether you hire a contractor or do it yourself. So, what can you expect to pay for a deck?

DECK TYPE AND SIZE

The most important cost consideration is the size and type you want. The bigger it is, the more you pay. The type of deck boards also factor into overall cost. ...