Are Gutter Guards Worth It? Costs, Pros, and Cons Explained
Gutter guards promise a maintenance-free future, but do they actually work? We break down the costs, types, and the truth about eliminating seasonal gutter cleaning.
Homeowner Knowledge Hub
Home maintenance blog
Real-world advice to keep your home safe, efficient, and easier to manage — checklists, seasonal guides, and straight answers from the I am Home team.
How to Add Rim Joist Insulation and Stop Basement Drafts
Stop cold basement drafts and lower your heating bills by properly air-sealing and insulating your rim joists with rigid foam.
How to Get Rid of Boxelder Bugs (And Stop the Swarm)
Tired of black and red bugs swarming your sunny siding? Learn how to safely remove boxelder bugs without staining your walls and stop them from coming inside this fall.
Furnace Not Turning On? Safe Checks Before Calling a Pro
Is your heater completely dead? Before paying for an emergency HVAC service call, walk through these simple, safe troubleshooting steps to get your heat back on.
How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter (And Fix Bad Smells)
Fix foul odors and gritty dishes by learning how to locate, remove, and clean your dishwasher filter in under 10 minutes.
Where to Put a Carbon Monoxide Detector in Your Home
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that requires specific detector placement to keep your family safe. Learn exactly where to install your alarms, what heights work best, and which areas of your home to avoid.
Do You Need a Chimney Cap? How to Stop Leaks and Animals
Hearing scratches in the flue or finding puddles in your firebox? A missing chimney cap causes thousands in damage. Here is how to measure, choose, and install the right one.
How to Get Rid of Spiders in House (And Keep Them Out)
Tired of eight-legged roommates? Learn why spiders become so active in the fall and how to naturally repel them using physical barriers and DIY peppermint sprays.
How to Winterize a Sprinkler System (And Blow Out Lines)
Don't let a hard freeze destroy your irrigation lines. Learn exactly how to blow out and winterize your sprinkler system before winter hits.
How to Clean Furnace Flame Sensor (And Fix Short Cycling)
Furnace turning on and shutting right back off? Before you call a pro, learn how to clean your furnace flame sensor—a simple 10-minute fix that stops short cycling.
How to Replace a Light Switch (The Safe and Simple Way)
Learn how to replace a standard single-pole light switch safely. This step-by-step guide covers troubleshooting, wiring basics, and essential safety checks.
How to Replace a Garage Door Bottom Seal (And Stop Drafts)
Stop drafts, water, and pests from entering your garage. Learn how to replace a worn garage door bottom seal and install a floor threshold for maximum protection.
How Often to Clean a Chimney (Plus Signs and Costs)
Wondering how often to clean a chimney? The rule of thumb is an annual inspection, but you should sweep whenever creosote buildup reaches 1/8 of an inch.
How Often to Change Furnace Filter (And Which Way It Goes)
Holding a dusty furnace filter and wondering if you waited too long? Learn exactly how often to replace it and which way the airflow arrow should point.
How to Get Rid of Drain Flies in Your Bathroom Fast
Spotting fuzzy, moth-like bugs in your bathroom? Learn exactly how to destroy their breeding ground and get rid of drain flies for good with this multi-step DIY guide.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Beeping? What to Do Right Now
Hearing a carbon monoxide detector beeping can cause instant panic. Learn how to tell the difference between a life-threatening emergency alarm and a simple low-battery chirp, and exactly what to do next.
Furnace Smells Like Burning? When to Worry and What to Do
Did you turn on your heat for the first time this fall only to be greeted by a burning odor? Learn when to wait it out and when to evacuate.
Water Heater Replacement Cost: The True 2026 Price Guide
A leaking water heater is stressful enough without overpaying for the fix. Here is your complete 2026 guide to water heater replacement costs, tankless upgrades, and hidden fees.
How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs (Without Making Them Stink)
Stink bugs are invading homes this fall to seek warmth. Learn how to trap and remove them safely without triggering their foul odor, plus essential tips to seal them out.
The Safe DIY Furnace Maintenance Checklist for Fall
Prepare your heating system for winter with this safe, step-by-step DIY furnace maintenance checklist. Learn exactly what you can clean yourself and when to call a pro.