Archive for June, 2008

How to Install a Programmable Thermostat

Okay- what costs about $50, is easy to  install, and pays for itself in energy savings?  Well, I guess a dozen compact fluorescent light bulbs, a couple of programmable light timers, and some window tinting all fit the bill.  However, I'm talking about a programmable thermostat.
 

This is something that you [...]

How to Lower Your Home’s Real Estate Tax Assessment

Have you ever gone into your jurisdiction's real estate assessment database?  (If not, Google "[Your City/County] Real Estate Tax Assessment".)  When you compare you home to other similar homes in your neighborhood, does your assessment seem a little high?  If it doesn't, congratulations.  If it does, there may be some things you [...]

How to Replace a Garbage Disposal

Since I was unsuccessful at removing the odor in my disposal, I decided to replace the disposal.  I went to Home Depot- they had three sub-$100 models in stock.  I chose one of those.  I don't know what I would do with a $300 disposal unless it turned my food waste into [...]

Getting Rid of Garbage Disposal Odors

A couple of months ago, I started to notice an odor coming from the kitchen sink drain.  Eventually, I determined that the garbage disposal was causing the problem.  I decided to research a method to eradicate the odor- here's what I did.

First, I tried vinegar and baking soda.  No luck.  Then [...]

How to Lubricate a Squeaky Door Hinge

Every homeowner will experience the joy of a squeaky door hinge every now and then.  Here are two methods to fix the problem- an easy method that usually works and a slightly more difficult method that should always work.
The Easy Method
Get a can of lubricant or WD-40 (WD-40 stands for Water Displacement- 40th Formula) that [...]