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.
Homeowner Knowledge Hub
#fall
Articles tagged #fall.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
How to Winterize Outdoor Faucets Before the First Freeze
Prevent burst pipes and expensive water damage with this 15-minute guide to winterizing your outdoor faucets before the first hard freeze hits.
Winter Ceiling Fan Direction: How to Lower Heating Bills
Don't turn off your ceiling fans this fall. Learn how changing your winter ceiling fan direction can push trapped heat down and lower your heating bills for free.
When to Pump Your Septic Tank (Before It Backs Up)
Stop guessing about your septic tank. Learn how to calculate your pumping schedule based on tank size and household size before a winter freeze causes a costly backup.
Home Power Outage Preparation: The Essential Guide
Prepare your home for unexpected grid failures with our comprehensive mid-fall guide. Learn how to build an emergency kit, compare generator options, and keep your house warm safely.
Wildfire Home Hardening: Steps to a Fireproof House
Protect your home from the biggest wildfire threat—wind-blown embers. Learn how to create a 0-5 foot defensible space and upgrade your exterior.
Hurricane Insurance Adjuster: Claim Tips for Homeowners
Navigating a hurricane claim can be overwhelming. Learn how to prepare for the adjuster's visit, document storm damage, and maximize your repair payout.
Your Complete Winterizing a Home Checklist for Fall
Don't wait for the first hard freeze. Use this comprehensive early-fall checklist to winterize your home, prevent burst pipes, and lower your heating bills.
How Deep Should Mulch Be? A Simple Bed and Garden Guide
Mulch suppresses weeds and retains moisture, but getting the depth wrong can suffocate your plants. Learn the exact measurements and materials for flower beds and raised gardens.
Basement Water Leak: How to Find the Source and Fix It
Discovering water in your basement is terrifying, but it rarely means your foundation is ruined. Learn how to diagnose the source, fix poor exterior drainage, and seal minor cracks before the heavy fall storms arrive.