DIY Skills Everyone Can Learn

Before you get that shiny new tool for Christmas or commit to building your new puppy an insulated dog house, go through our list of DIY skills that you'll surely put to use in the new year and beyond.

Master a Cordless Drill/Driver

The cordless drill/driver is the most reached for power tool among home DIYers. The 12-volt size are compact enough to store in kitchen drawers. Gain a better feel for the clutch, speed, and power of your cordless drill/driver and you'll finish projects in less time and with more confidence.Project: To build confidence, drill pilot holes and drive screws into scrap 2x4s. Then step up to hanging photos or even building a work bench.

The cordless drill/driver is the most reached for power tool among home DIYers. The 12-volt size are compact enough to store in kitchen drawers. Gain a better feel for the clutch, speed, and power of your cordless drill/driver and you'll finish projects in less time and with more confidence.

Project: To build confidence, drill pilot holes and drive screws into scrap 2x4s. Then step up to hanging photos or even building a work bench.

Maintain Your Heating and Cooling System

There's no need to call in an expert to give your furnace or air-conditioner a seasonal checkup. You can maintain your heating and cooling system yourself by following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, which will help prevent problems before they begin. Project: Depending on what type of furnace you have, you'll want to grab a flashlight and inspect the flue pipe for leaks, change the oil and air filters, and clean the floor and wall vents. Air-conditioner maintenance consists of cleaning or replacing air filters to keep the unit running at peak performance and clearing away any dirt and debris that may have accumulated around the air-conditioner coils which rely on clear airflow around the condenser.Here's a list of common heating and cooling problems to look out for, and how to fix them.

There's no need to call in an expert to give your furnace or air-conditioner a seasonal checkup. You can maintain your heating and cooling system yourself by following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, which will help prevent problems before they begin.

Caution: HVAC systems, especially oil and gas heaters, can be dangerous to work on. Carbon monoxide, fuel, and oil, are all toxic and should be treated with the utmost caution. It's best to hire a pro for a yearly checkup, who can point out areas of concern for you to look out for during the year.

Project: Depending on what type of furnace you have, you'll want to grab a flashlight and inspect the flue pipe for leaks, change air filters, and clean the floor and wall vents.

Air-conditioner maintenance consists of cleaning or replacing air filters to keep the unit running at peak performance and clearing away any dirt and debris that may have accumulated around the air-conditioner coils which rely on clear airflow around the condenser.

Patch Holes in Drywall

Your walls can show damage from door knobs and nail holes, but the repairs are easy with do-it-yourself drywall repair kits that are available at any home center. These kits include: spackle, mesh, sandpaper, and a putty knife.Project: Depending on the size of damage to your wall, there are a few different techniques for fixing them. Here are 5 fixes for damaged drywall that cover the most common sized holes.

Your walls can show damage from door knobs and nail holes, but the repairs are easy with do-it-yourself drywall repair kits that are available at any home center. These kits include: spackle, mesh, sandpaper, and a putty knife.

Build a Wood Toy with Your Kids

Young children are fascinated with how things work, and by building a toy from scratch their curiosity will hit an all-time high. The satisfaction of building something with your child is priceless and now more than ever there are ways to do this no matter what your DIY skill level is.Project: Home Depot and Lowe's have basic woodworking kits for building cars and boats. A small hammer is all that's needed to assemble them. Encourage children to paint them or decorate with stickers when they are complete. If your kids are older and you're ready to up your DIY game, our list of 9 backyard builds will keep your family busy having fun all year long. 

Young children are fascinated with how things work, and by building a toy from scratch their curiosity will hit an all-time high. The satisfaction of building something with your child is priceless and now more than ever there are ways to do this no matter what your DIY skill level is.

Project: Home Depot and Lowe's have basic woodworking kits for building cars and boats. A small hammer is all that's needed to assemble them. Encourage children to paint them or decorate with stickers when they are complete.

Paint a Room the Right Way

Painting might seem like the simplest of DIY tasks, but to do it right takes time and attention to detail. Don't skimp on cheap brushes for interior walls and take your time to prepare the area by clearing it of furniture and taping off windows and moldings.

Project: Prepping your wall surface is the key indicator of a successful paint job. Use soap and water to clean your walls before painting and patch and smooth out any drywall holes. Also remove any outlet or switch plates for best results and to spend less time taping. 

Simple Ways to Save Energy This Winter

Replace Worn Weather Stripping

Worn and torn weatherstripping around doors and windows creates drafts and lets in cold air. Seven to 12 percent of a home's heat loss occurs around windows and doors, according to Black Hills Energy, and these leaks often prompt homeowners to turn up their furnace to keep comfy. Even if they don't turn it up, they're losing warm air, causing the furnace to work harder. "Weatherstripping around doors, and caulking around doors and windows, can cut down on drafts," says Jeff Rogers, president of the Energy Audit Institute, an energy audit training and certification company in Springfield, N.J. Some weatherstripping needs to be replaced every few years because of wear. Replacing it is typically as simple as pulling off the old and tacking on the new. 

Adjust Door Thresholds

If you can see daylight under your front door, then you're losing the indoor air you've paid to heat. "If the door is not in contact with the threshold, the air is going right under the door," Rogers said. Some thresholds have four or five screws that let you adjust the height to eliminate a gap. Turn the screws counterclockwise to lift the threshold until daylight is mostly gone. A little light in the corners is okay, but don't raise the threshold so high that it interferes with opening and closing the door. And the door shouldn't drag on the threshold or it'll wear out the weatherstripping. 

Plug Holes In Exterior Walls

Pipes, gas lines, and electrical cables that enter your house often have gaps around them that have been haphazardly filled with some kind of caulk. But that caulk eventually cracks, peels, and falls off. These gaps let in outside air, plus they are ideal entry points for mice and insects. Seal the gaps with expanding foam. For water pipes under the sink, unscrew and pull back the escutcheon ring, then caulk around the pipe. "The ring is just decorative," Rogers says. "It's not going to block airflow." 

Keep Heating Registers Clear

The warm air blowing out of your registers needs a clear path into the room to provide even heating. So, if you place your favorite recliner or a sofa over the register, you're limiting the flow of heat. It's like leaving the vent partially or completely closed. To cut heating costs, arrange your room so that the register is as unobstructed as possible. 

Lock Doors and Windows

Notice how when you lock your windows, you can often feel them pushing together more tightly? It make a difference for your heating bill. Even when doors and windows are closed, they might not be pressed tight against the weatherstripping if they're not locked, which allows cold outside air to infiltrate the home. Lock your windows early, especially if you live up north. If they freeze in their current positions, then they won't move and you won't be able to lock them without a lot of work.

Keep Your Christmas Tree Fresh This Holiday Season

Bad news, folks: While you may want your fresh tree to last well into the New Year, it actually doesn't take more than a few days of heat and neglect to dry out a fresh one. With proper care, most trees can last five weeks or more. Here's how:

1. Choose a healthy, green tree with few brown needles.

If you buy your tree from a garden store or roadside lot, it has likely come from out-of-state and has been exposed to drying winds in transit. Run a few branches through your hands; the needles should feel pliable and not fall off. Then, raise the tree a few inches off the ground and drop it onto the trunk. Very few green needles should drop off, though it's fine for the tree to lose a few brown ones. And select a tree that has been displayed in a shady, not a sunny, location.

2. Trim the trunk (and then trim it again).

When you get home, make a fresh one-inch cut off the end of the trunk and place the tree in a bucket of warm water,if you're not putting it up right away. This cut rids any dried-over resin that might be blocking the tree from absorbing water.

Store it in an unheated garage or area that's protected from wind and freezing temperatures. When you do bring it inside, make another one-inch cut off the trunk and place it in a sturdy stand that holds at least one gallon of water. Fill the stand with one quart of water for every inch of the trunk's diameter.

3. Place it away from heat sources, like fireplaces, radiators, and air ducts.

There's nothing more Christmas-y than a beautifully decorated tree beside a fireplace, but if you use your fireplace regularly, it could contribute to drying out your tree quicker. If your home is prone to dryness in general, try running a humidifier.

4. Keep the water level above the base of the trunk.

Too little water causes resin to form over the cut end of the trunk. Once that happens, the tree stops absorbing water and dries out quickly. The jury is still out on whether or not additives in the water, like bleach, aspirin, and sugar, are really necessary to keep a tree fresh. They likely won't hurt, but most experts agree that plenty of plain water is really all you need to keep a tree fresh.

5. Take your tree down before it dries out.

If you wait too long, you'll have lots more dead pine needles covering your floor. The easiest way to clean up fallen needles is with your vacuum's hose. Skip the attachments and use just the end of the hose to draw needles directly into the bag or canister.

Lawn Maintenance Cheat Sheet

9 Things To Do Around Your House This Fall

Clean Your Gutters

Most homeowners know they need to clean leaves and other debris out of their gutters in the fall. It's to ensure that water flows correctly to the downspouts, and doesn't spill over, freeze, and turn your front steps and sidewalk into an ice rink. Overflowing gutters can also result in water running back toward the house, which can leak into the basement.

Tune Up Your Small engines

Make sure your snow thrower starts, the tires are inflated, and everything is in working order. If there's a problem, fix it now—before you have several inches of snow piling up in your driveway. Change the oil if you didn't change it at the end of last season. Otherwise, check the oil level to make sure it's good to go. Perform basic maintenance, such as lubricating the snow blower (the owner's manual will tell you which lubricant to use and where to apply it).

Feed Your Lawn

Even though your grass may not be growing right now, its roots are still active. Fertilizing in the fall promotes deep, healthy root growth before the grass goes dormant for the winter. Fertilizing now also helps the lawn turn green faster in the spring because of the nitrogen stored in the roots, and it makes the grass more resistant to disease and drought.

Lawn and garden stores and home improvement centers offer fertilizer that's specially formulated and specifically labeled for fall applications. It typically contains more nitrogen than fertilizers for other times of the year. Apply the fertilizer after your last mowing of the year, and choose a slow-release granular product that feeds the lawn over a long period of time.

Fix Concrete & Asphalt

Just as freezing water will expand and burst plumbing lines, H2O that gets into cracks in your sidewalk or driveway will also freeze, expand, and force the crack to open wider. Over the course of a winter, multiple freeze/thaw cycles can turn small spider cracks into large ones, which can eventually cause the concrete or asphalt to crumble or have pieces break off.

To fix a crack, you start by cleaning it out with a wire brush. For cracks wider than about 1/4-inch, insert a foam backer rod or pour in sand until it's no more 1/4-inch from the top. Then for concrete, fill the crack with a concrete crack sealer or concrete caulk. For asphalt, use an asphalt crack filler or, for larger holes, asphalt patch material. Use a putty knife to work the sealer or filler into the opening and smooth the surface.

Drain Outside Waterlines and Faucets

If you don't do this, you could have an expensive mess on your hands. Water lines exposed to outside temps, including underground irrigation lines and exterior faucets, can freeze. When water freezes, it expands, which can crack the pipes or hose bibs.

So start by turning off the water lines inside your house. The shutoff valves are usually located near the main plumbing line that brings water into the home. Then open the spigots to drain the water in the lines. (If you have to drain your irrigation lines, you'll need a pro.) Check the faucets on occasion to ensure that water isn't leaking out. If it is, the shutoff values either aren't closed all the way, or they're leaky and need to be replaced.

Prep Your Heating System

You need to change the furnace filter monthly to maximize the heating system's efficiency. The filters trap dust and other airborne particles, and some also catch bacteria and pollen. This can reduce utility bills while also extending the lifespan of the furnace. While replacing the filter is straightforward, a common problem is inserting the new one backwards. Make sure the arrow along the filter edge is pointing toward the furnace blower motor. Installing it backwards decreases the filter's effectiveness.

If you have an air to air exchanger, or a heat recovery ventilation (HVR) system, make sure it's turned on for the winter. The exchanger has a couple of fans that bring fresh outside air into the home, warming it up in the process. At the same time, stale indoor air is exhausted outside. The process improves air quality in the home.

Test Your Alarms & Detectors

Over the next couple months, you'll be decorating for the holidays, cooking big family meals, burning logs in your fireplace, probably lighting candles, and maybe setting up a Christmas tree. That means a lot of fun, but it also means increased safety hazards in the house. Be prepared by testing your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Also, make sure you have a functioning fire extinguisher. Look for an expiration date on the label and make sure it hasn't passed. In addition, ensure that the pressure dial is in the green, or charged, area.

Eliminate Air Leaks

Take a walk around your house and look for places where warm air can escape the house, or drafty air can come inside. Pay particular attention to areas around doors and windows. If the caulk is peeling away, scrape it off, clean the surface, and apply a new bead.

Also, look at areas where plumbing pipes, ducts, or electrical wires are sticking through the siding. Caulk or seal around any gaps you see. Even small gaps can cause noticeable air leaks, which results in higher energy bills. Sealing leaks is one of the most cost-effective projects you can do for your home.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

With a simple flip of a switch, you can cut your heating costs by up to 10 percent.

Most ceiling fans have a "reverse" mode that changes the blade direction. Switch from a counter-clockwise rotation, which you use in the summer to create a breeze, to clockwise, which pushes the warm air near the ceiling downward to the living space. You can further reduce your heating bill by turning down the thermostat a degree or two since the fan will be circulating warm air.

Lawn Tips for Fall

Keep on Mowing

Continue to water and mow your lawn, as needed, throughout the fall. Then as the season draws to a close, drop the mower's blade to its lowest setting for the last two cuttings of the year. That will allow more sunlight to reach the crown of the grass, and there will be less leaf to turn brown during the winter. 

*Note: As you lower the blade, just remember not to trim off more than one-third of the grass blades at any one time. If necessary, gradually lower the cutting height until the time of the final two cuttings. 

Aerate the Soil

Fall is also an ideal time to aerate your lawn so that oxygen, water, and fertilizer can easily reach the grass's roots. You can rent a gas-powered, walk-behind lawn aerator for about $70 per day. The self-propelled machine will quickly punch holes into the soil and extract plugs of dirt. If you've got a very large yard—say, more than 3 or 4 acres—and don't feel like aerating it yourself, hire a landscaping contractor. 

Rake the Leaves

I know raking leaves is no one's idea of fun, but it's important to remove fallen leaves from your lawn as soon as possible. Don't wait until all the leaves have fallen from the trees to start raking. If you do, the leaves will become wet from rain and morning dew, stick together, and form an impenetrable mat that if left unmoved will suffocate the grass and breed fungal diseases. 

An alternative to raking leaves is to use a lawnmower fitted with a collection bag or vacuum system. These methods are particularly effective if you have a very large yard with many deciduous trees. Regardless of whether you use a rake or a lawnmower, just be sure to remove the leaves before they turn into a soggy, suffocating mess. 

Fertilize for Future Growth

Most lawn experts agree: If you fertilize your lawn only once a year, do it in the fall. The reason? Grass leaves grow much more slowly as the weather turns cool, but the grass roots and rhizomes continue to grow quickly. (Rhizomes are the horizontal plant stems that lie just beneath the soil's surface; they produce the blades of grass above and the roots below.) A fall application of fertilizer delivers essential nutrients for the grass to grow deep roots now and to keep nutrients on reserve for a healthy start next spring. 

Wait until mid-to-late fall, then apply a dry lawn fertilizer to all grassy areas; be careful not to miss any spots. You could use a crank-style broadcast spreader, but for optimum coverage, consider using a walk-behind drop spreader. It takes a little longer, especially on hilly yards, but a drop spreader provides the best way to apply an even, consistent layer of fertilizer. 

Fill in Bald Spots

Autumn is also a great time of year to fix any bare, bald spots in your lawn. The quickest, easiest way to do this is with an all-in-one lawn repair mixture. Sold at most garden shops and home centers, this ready-to-use mixture contains grass seed, a special quick-starter lawn fertilizer, and organic mulch. 

Use a garden rake to scratch loose the soil at the bald spot in your lawn. Then spread a thick layer of the lawn repair mixture over the area. Lightly compact the mixture, then water thoroughly, and continue to water every other day for two weeks. 

Weed Control

If broadleaf weeds like dandelions have taken over your lawn, now's the time to fight back. Weeds, like most plants, are in the energy-absorbing mode during the fall. They're drinking in everything that comes their way, including weed killers. Apply an herbicide now and the weeds won't return in the spring. 

Read the package label before use. Most herbicide manufacturers recommend applying the weed killer during early-to-mid autumn, when daytime temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit

Get Your Lawn Fall Ready

Keep on Mowing

Continue to water and mow your lawn, as needed, throughout the fall. Then as the season draws to a close, drop the mower's blade to its lowest setting for the last two cuttings of the year. That will allow more sunlight to reach the crown of the grass, and there will be less leaf to turn brown during the winter. 

*Note: As you lower the blade, just remember not to trim off more than one-third of the grass blades at any one time. If necessary, gradually lower the cutting height until the time of the final two cuttings. 

Aerate the Soil

Fall is also an ideal time to aerate your lawn so that oxygen, water, and fertilizer can easily reach the grass's roots. You can rent a gas-powered, walk-behind lawn aerator for about $70 per day. The self-propelled machine will quickly punch holes into the soil and extract plugs of dirt. If you've got a very large yard—say, more than 3 or 4 acres—and don't feel like aerating it yourself, hire a landscaping contractor. 

Rake the Leaves

I know raking leaves is no one's idea of fun, but it's important to remove fallen leaves from your lawn as soon as possible. Don't wait until all the leaves have fallen from the trees to start raking. If you do, the leaves will become wet from rain and morning dew, stick together, and form an impenetrable mat that if left unmoved will suffocate the grass and breed fungal diseases. 

An alternative to raking leaves is to use a lawnmower fitted with a collection bag or vacuum system. These methods are particularly effective if you have a very large yard with many deciduous trees. Regardless of whether you use a rake or a lawnmower, just be sure to remove the leaves before they turn into a soggy, suffocating mess. 

Fertilize for Future Growth

Most lawn experts agree: If you fertilize your lawn only once a year, do it in the fall. The reason? Grass leaves grow much more slowly as the weather turns cool, but the grass roots and rhizomes continue to grow quickly. (Rhizomes are the horizontal plant stems that lie just beneath the soil's surface; they produce the blades of grass above and the roots below.) A fall application of fertilizer delivers essential nutrients for the grass to grow deep roots now and to keep nutrients on reserve for a healthy start next spring. 

Wait until mid-to-late fall, then apply a dry lawn fertilizer to all grassy areas; be careful not to miss any spots. You could use a crank-style broadcast spreader, but for optimum coverage, consider using a walk-behind drop spreader. It takes a little longer, especially on hilly yards, but a drop spreader provides the best way to apply an even, consistent layer of fertilizer. 

Fill in Bald Spots

Autumn is also a great time of year to fix any bare, bald spots in your lawn. The quickest, easiest way to do this is with an all-in-one lawn repair mixture. Sold at most garden shops and home centers, this ready-to-use mixture contains grass seed, a special quick-starter lawn fertilizer, and organic mulch. 

Use a garden rake to scratch loose the soil at the bald spot in your lawn. Then spread a thick layer of the lawn repair mixture over the area. Lightly compact the mixture, then water thoroughly, and continue to water every other day for two weeks. 

Weed Control

If broadleaf weeds like dandelions have taken over your lawn, now's the time to fight back. Weeds, like most plants, are in the energy-absorbing mode during the fall. They're drinking in everything that comes their way, including weed killers. Apply an herbicide now and the weeds won't return in the spring. 

Read the package label before use. Most herbicide manufacturers recommend applying the weed killer during early-to-mid autumn, when daytime temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit

Get Your Home Ready For Fall

Get your mind in the gutters. Your roof's drainage system annually diverts thousands of gallons of water from your house's exterior and foundation walls. That's why it is so important to keep this system flowing smoothly. Clogged gutters can lead to damaged exterior surfaces and to water in your basement. They are also more prone to rust and corrosion. Before the leaves fly this fall, have your gutters cleaned, then covered with mesh guards to keep debris from returning.

Button up your overcoat. A home with air leaks around windows and doors is like a coat left unbuttoned. Gaps in caulk and weather-stripping can account for a 10% of your heating bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Weather-stripping is easily the most cost-effective way to rein in heating and cooling costs. This humble material also reduces drafts and keeps your home more comfortable year-round. Because weather stripping can deteriorate over time, it is important to inspect it periodically.

If you suspect a problem with weather stripping, you have several options for checking. Close a door or window on a strip of paper; if the paper slides easily, your weatherstripping isn't doing its job. Or, close the door or window and hold a lighted candle near the frame. (Don't let the flame get near anything flammable!) If the flame flickers at any spot along the frame, you have an air leak.

While you're at it, also check for missing or damaged caulk around windows, doors, and entry points for electrical, cable, phone, gas, and so. Seal any gaps with a suitable caulk.

Get on top of roof problems. Few homeowner problems are more vexing than a leaky roof. Once the dripping starts, finding the source of the problem can be time-consuming. Stop problems this fall before ice and winter winds turn them from annoyances into disasters.

Here's how: Inspect your roof from top to bottom, using binoculars if necessary. Check ridge shingles for cracks and wind damage. Look for damage to metal flashing in valleys and around vents and chimneys. Scan the entire roof for missing, curled, or damaged shingles. Look in your gutters for large accumulations of granules, a sign that your roof is losing its coating; expect problems soon. Finally, make sure your gutters are flowing freely.

Note: Roof-mounted television antennas, even if they aren't in use, may have guy wires holding them in place. Look for loose or missing guy wires. If you see some, and your antenna is no longer being used, consider having it removed altogether.

Walk the walks (and drives). Damaged walkways, drives, and steps are a hazard year round, but their dangers are compounded when the weather turns icy. Fixing problems in the fall is also critical to preventing little problems from becoming expensive headaches.

Look for cracks more than 1/8-inch wide, uneven sections, and loose railings on steps. Check for disintegration of asphalt, or washed-out materials on loose-fill paths.

Most small jobs are well within the ability of a do-it-yourselver, but save major repairs for experienced hands.

Chill out. If you live in an area with freezing weather, take steps to ensure that outside faucets (also called sill cocks) and inground irrigation systems don't freeze and burst.

Here's how: Close any shut-off valves serving outside faucets, then open the outside faucet to drain the line. (There may be a small cap on the faucet you can loosen to facilitate this draining.) If you don't have shut-off valves, and your faucets are not "freezeproof " types, you may benefit from styrofoam faucet covers sold at home centers.

To freezeproof an inground irrigation system, follow the manufacturer's procedure for draining it and protecting it from winter damage.

Freshen your filter. Furnace filters trap dust that would otherwise be deposited on you furniture, woodwork, and so on. Clogged filters make it harded to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, and can serious increase your utility bills. A simple monthly cleaning is all it takes to keep these filters breathing free and clear.

Here's how: Disposable filters can be vaccumed once before replacement. Foam filters can also be vaccumed, but they don't need to be replaced unless they are damaged. Use a soft brush on a vacuum cleaner. If the filter is metal or electrostatic, remove and wash it with a firm water spray.

Give your furnace a physical. Once a year, it's a good idea to have your heating system inspected by a professional. To avoid the last-minute rush, consider scheduling this task in early fall, before the heating season begins.

Here are signs that you should have an inspection performed sooner:

Noisy belts. Unusual screeches or whines may be a signal that belts connected to the blower motor are worn or damaged.

Poor performance. A heating system that doesn't seem to work as well as it once did could be a sign of various problems. Your heating ducts might be blocked, the burners might be misadjusted, or the blower motor could be on its last legs. One check you should be sure to conduct: Make sure your furnace filter is clean.

Erratic behavior. This could be caused by a faulty thermostat or a misadjusted furnace.

Gather round the hearth. Even if you use your fireplace only occasionally, you should check it annually for damage and hazards.

Inspect your flue for creosote. Creosote is a flammable by-product of burning wood. If it accumulates in a flue or chimney, the result can be a devastating fire. Have your chimney inspected annually for creosote buildup. If you use a fireplace or wood stove frequently, have the flue inspected after each cord of wood burned.

For most people, the best option is to have your entire chimney system inspected by a chimney sweep. Once you know what to look for, you can perform the inspection by shining a bright flashlight up the flue, looking for any deposits approaching 1/8 inch thick. These deposits should be cleaned by an experienced chimney sweep.

Look for flue blockages. Birds love to nest at the top of an unprotected flue. A chimney cap can prevent this from happening. If you don't have a cap, look up the flu to ensure that there are no obstructions.

Exercise the damper. The damper is the metal plate that opens and closes the flu just above the firebox. Move it to the open and closed positions to ensure that it is working properly.

Check your chimney for damage. Make certain that the flue cap (the screen or baffle covering the top of the chimney) is in place. Inspect brick chimneys for loose or broken joints. If access is a problem, use binoculars.

Keep the humidifier humming. You may know that bone dry winter air is bad for your health, but did you also know it can make fine wood more prone to cracking? You and your home will feel more comfortable if you keep your central humidifier in tip-top shape during the months it is running.

Here's how: First, inspect the plates or pads, and if necessary, clean them in a strong laundry detergent solution. Rinse and scrape off mineral deposits with a wire brush or steel wool.

Head-off gas problems. Keeping a gas heater in good shape is both a safety and a cost issue. An improperly maintained heater can spew poisons into the air of your home, or it may simply be costing you more to operate. Have a professional check these devices annually. There are also some maintenance items you should address.

Here's how: First, shut off the heater. Then check the air-shutter openings and exhaust vents for dirt and dust. If they are dirty, vacuum the air passages to the burner and clean the burner of lint and dirt. Follow the manufacturer's advice for any other needed maintenance.

Keep the wood fires burning brightly. Woodburning stoves are a great way to add atmosphere and warmth to your home. But regular inspections are needed to ensure that these devices don't become a safety hazard. Here's how to check them.

Inspect stovepipes. Cracks in stovepipes attached to wood stoves can release toxic fumes into your home. Throughout the heating season, you should check for corrosion, holes, or loose joints. Clean the stovepipe, and then look for signs of deterioration or looseness. Replace stovepipe if necessary.

Look for corrosion and cracks. Check for signs of rust or cracking in the stove's body or legs.

Check safety features. Make sure that any required wall protection is installed according to the manufacturer's specifications and that the unit sits on an approved floor material. If you have young children, be sure to fence off the stove when it is in operation.

At least once a year, do a top-to-bottom review of your home's safety features. This is also a good time to get the family together for a review of your fire evacuation plan. Here's how to do this:

Smoke and CO detectors. Replace the batteries in each smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detector, then vacuum them with a soft brush attachment. Test the detectors by pressing the test button or holding a smoke source (like a blown-out candle) near the unit. If you haven't already, install a smoke detector on every floor of your home, including the basement.

Fire extinguishers. Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher rated for all fire types (look for an A-B-C rating on the label). At a minimum, keep one near the kitchen; having one per floor isn't a bad idea. Annually, check the indicator on the pressure gauge to make sure the extinguisher is charged. Make certain that the lock pin is intact and firmly in place, and check that the discharge nozzle is not clogged. Clean the extinguisher and check it for dents, scratches, and corrosion. Replace if the damage seems severe. Note: Fire extinguishers that are more than six years old should be replaced. Mark the date of purchase on the new unit with a permanent marker.

Fire escape plans. Every bedroom, including basement bedrooms, should have two exit paths. Make sure windows aren't blocked by furniture or other items. Ideally, each upper-floor bedroom should have a rope ladder near the window for emergency exits. Review what to do in case of fire, and arrange a safe meeting place for everyone away from the house.

General cleanup. Rid your home of accumulations of old newspapers and leftover hazardous household chemicals. (Check with your state or local Environmental Protection Agency about the proper way to discard dangerous chemicals.) Store flammable materials and poisons in approved, clearly labeled containers. Keep a clear space around heaters, furnaces, and other heat-producing appliances.

New Home Construction Continues to Rise Across the Country

Home construction remained on a hot streak last month in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas, according to a report Tuesday by the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department.

Here's a look at August's report, the reasons behind a recent surge in homebuilding and what some builders say will happen next:

The numbers: In August, the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department issued 265 building permits for the construction of single-family homes in El Paso County, a 44 percent increase over the same month in 2014. Building permits now have increased for seven straight months on a year-over-year basis. And through the first eight months of 2015, single-family permits totaled 1,902, up 12.5 percent over the same period last year.

What's going on: Historically low mortgage rates remain one of the housing market's biggest drivers. Last week, 30-year, fixed-rate loans averaged 3.84 percent nationally, dipping to their lowest level since late May.

Meanwhile, some builders have said an extremely tight resale inventory means there are fewer homes available for buyers to consider. As a result, they're instead looking to buy new homes.

Buyers also feel more confident because they've seen the housing market and economy improve.

As a result, they don't have as much trepidation about purchasing and believe property values will rise after they invest in a home, said John Bissett, owner of JM Weston Homes in Colorado Springs. His 6-year-old company is having its best year in terms of annual sales and closings - completed transactions. "We've seen a number of very good months and the public has seen it, as well," Bissett said. "The public is feeling more confident about making a home purchase."

Greeley-based Journey Homes, which caters to active and retired members of the military, is seeing strong demand in its Painted Sky at Waterview community south of the Colorado Springs Airport, and said Dan Worden, Journey's Springs general manager.

"There's been enough people moving in and out of Fort Carson that we've busy and our market is strong," Worden said.

Why homebuilding matters: The homebuilding industry employs thousands of people. So, when the economy is strong and homes are under construction, there's plenty of work for drywallers, electricians, roofers and members of various trades.

At the same time, sales taxes collected on the purchase of building materials pump millions into the coffers of the city and other local governments, which use the money to fund public safety, parks and other basic services. In July, for example, sales taxes collected on building material sales generated nearly $2 million in revenue for the city of Colorado Springs.

The outlook: Despite the recent stock market turmoil, Bissett expects the new home market to stay healthy; consumers and businesses remain confident and the nation's economic indicators continue to be positive, he said.

"I think we're going to continue to see steady, moderate growth (in homebuilding) over the next 12 to 18 months," Bissett said.

Home Depot Sales Higher Due To U.S. Housing Recovery

An improving U.S. housing market helped Home Depot Inc (HD.N) beat quarterly sales forecasts on Tuesday, and the world's No. 1 home-improvement retailer lifted its full-year earnings and revenue forecasts.

Shares of the Dow component rose 3.3 percent to a record $123.60 in morning trading. The stock has far outperformed the broader market this year with a 17-percent gain.

"The pace of growth was always bound to moderate as we came out of the exceptionally bad winter ... That the momentum has not slowed further is down to both a more confident consumer and greater activity in the housing market," said Stephen Ward, director at retail research firm Conlumino.

Sales of appliances, tools, plumbing materials and lighting products were strong in the quarter, Home Depot said.

Despite moderate 2015 U.S. GDP projections, housing data pointed to continued growth in the home-improvement industry, Chief Executive Craig Menear said on a conference call.

U.S. housing starts rose to a near eight-year high in July as builders ramped up construction of single-family homes, suggesting the economy was firing on almost all cylinders. That followed Monday's strong homebuilder sentiment data.

“Home Depot and the home-remodeling space remains one of the strong areas of U.S. consumer spending,” said Peter Keith, senior research analyst at Piper Jaffray in New York.

Net income rose to $2.23 billion, or $1.73 per share, in the quarter ended Aug. 2. Excluding items, the company earned $1.71 per share, in-line with the average analyst estimate.

Home Depot incurred $153 million in gross expenses in the quarter for a data breach last year when hackers stole about 56 million payment cards.

Net sales rose 4.3 percent to $24.83 billion, beating analysts' estimate of $24.69 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

Same-store sales rose 4.2 percent, also ahead of estimates, according to research firm Consensus Metrix. U.S. same-store sales rose at a faster clip.

(Reporting by Nandita Bose in Chicago and Sruthi Ramakrishnan in Bengaluru, additional reporting by Rodrigo Campos in New York; Editing by Kirti Pandey and Nick Zieminski)

How to Keep Your Lawn Looking Great

According to Audubon.org, the average homeowner spends roughly 40 hours mowing their lawn each year, and we Americans spend $8.5 billion on lawn care products and equipment. Lawns are a major part of the gardening scene, with millions of acres in this country alone.

Keeping a lawn in tip-top shape can be a big job, but here is an approach that is a little more relaxed than others.

Fertilizing your Lawn
I only fertilize my lawn a couple of times a year, once in the spring and then again in midsummer with a food specially blended for lawns. You'll find these blends higher in nitrogen than other elements (the first number in a series of numbers on the fertilizer bag). Nitrogen is what stimulates vigorous growth and deep green color.

I feed only a couple of times a year because I discovered that fertilizing more often meant too much growth — I was working myself to death trying to keep it mowed and watered. So, by reducing the amount of fertilizer, I've saved myself time and energy. Also, by allowing my grass to grow longer, just by an inch or so more in summer, I've reduced my watering a bit more. The taller blades of grass cut down on water evaporation from the soil.

Fertilizing can be confusing because there are so many different blends out there to choose from. For instance, there are some that actually have pre-emergent herbicide mixed with the fertilizer to keep weed seeds from germinating. Turf growers have told me that if you are going to use pre-emergents, it's better not to use the blends because they're not as effective as applying pre-emergents separately from the fertilizer.

Fertilizer Spreader
It's always best to fertilize your lawn after mowing and when the grass is dry. If the grass is wet, the fertilizer will stick to the blades and burn the lawn.
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I prefer using a spreader because it ensures equal distribution of the fertilizer across the lawn, and I always load the spreader on a sidewalk or a drive just in case I spill some, which I usually do.

To get even distribution, I set the gauge at a low setting and go over the area several times, making sure that each pass of the spreader overlaps the last. This will give the lawn a nice even color without dark streaks from over-fertilized areas.  After I have fed it, I just water it in.

Lawnmower Tips
The lawn mower can be one of the most neglected tools in the garden, and that's pretty ironic when you consider it's also one of the most expensive.

To keep your mower in tip-top shape, start by disengaging the spark plug. This should be done anytime you are working on your mower. Next, drain the gasoline and oil from your lawn mower.  Any gasoline that stays in the tank for over a year can gum up your carburetor. You can handle these jobs by using just a few things from around the house.

A turkey baster is great for extracting the gasoline from the tank. It works better and easier than turning the mower upside down. For collecting the oil, try using a disposable aluminum roasting pan. After you've collected it, you'll want to dispose of it responsibly. You'll find many automobile maintenance businesses take used motor oil for recycling, and this is the most environmentally safe way to discard it.

Next, you should replace the spark plug. It's the spark plug that ignites the engine. If it's worn or corroded, you'll have difficulty starting your mower. Spark plugs are inexpensive and easy to replace.

When preparing your lawnmower for spring you should also clean the air filter and remove any old grass or debris clogging the fins of the engine cover.

And one last tip, take your mower in and have the blade sharpened and balanced. This will keep the engine working more efficiently and you will get a smoother cut on your grass.

Watering
It's best to water in early morning, very early, like 5 a.m. This gives the lawn an opportunity to dry before nightfall, a time when many types of fungus are most active. This is also usually a non-peak time for most communities' water supply. It's also much better to water early only a couple of times a week than to water lightly more often. Deep soaking encourages deep root growth, whereas light watering encourages the roots to stay close to the surface of the soil, making your lawn more susceptible to heat and drought.

Another thing to keep in mind is that an actively growing lawn this time of year will require about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. This of course will depend on your soil type.  Lawns can be a source of pride — just don't let the summer heat get the most of it, and you.

Brown spot repair
According to several Web sources, more than 60 million Americans own dogs and that means that many of these pet owners are facing the challenge of brown spots on their lawns.

What causes the brown spot? It's just like over-fertilizing! There is a high nitrogen content in pet urine, which causes the urine to burn the grass.  The number one thing pet owners can do to avoid brown spots is to water the area well within eight hours to dilute the high nitrogen level. When these spots go untreated you'll need to reach for the repair kit to green the grass back up. Grass repair kits are sold commercially or you can make your own by mixing sand, seed and slow-release fertilizer.

Survey Says Americans View Real Estate as Best Investment Option

Is Real Estate Really the Best Investment? Americans Think So

Last decade's housing bubble is becoming a distant memory. Mortgage rates are near historic lows, interest-only loans are back and everyone loves real estate as an investment again.

More than 1 in 4 Americans (27 percent) said real estate was the best investment for money they would not need for at least a decade, according to a new Bankrate.com survey of 1,000 investors. Cash came in second with 23 percent of investors, only 17 percent said the stock market is their preferred place for long-term money and just 5 percent said they would put their long-term money in bonds.

It is the first time real estate has taken the top spot in the three years Bankrate has been conducting the survey. Cash was investors' favorite in 2013 and 2014. "It begs the questions if more Americans are once again viewing real estate as a golden ticket," said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst for Bankrate.

Credit is harder to come by than a decade ago and lenders face more regulations, but financial advisers say many clients are catching the real estate bug again.

"Just last week, a high-tech corporate boomer client with no experience in renovating and selling real estate told us he wanted to go into flipping a property with his friend, who does this for a living," said Jon Ulin, certified financial planner and managing principal of Ulin & Co. Wealth Management in Boca Raton, Florida. His client wanted to liquidate 25 percent of his IRA to invest in the project and told Ulin it would "diversify" his portfolio.

"I advised him that putting a quarter or more of his life savings into flipping and renovating one property with the hopes of making a possible 14 percent profit is not a good idea and a gamble," Ulin said.

But real estate has curb appeal that other financial assets can't match.

"For many investors, the tangible nature of real estate simply offers much more peace of mind than the intangible nature of stock and bonds," said Stephen Doucette, a certified financial planner and vice president of Proctor Financial in Sherborn, Massachusetts. "Real estate pricing also adds peace of mind to investors as pricing seems more stable because it is not updated daily by the media."

Investors should weigh the long-term return potential of real estate investing compared with other assets.

The S&P/Case-Shiller 20-City Composite Home Price Index, which measures the value of residential real estate in 20 major metropolitan areas, has generated a hearty annualized 9.2 percent return over the past three years through June 30, but produced an annualized 0.4 percent loss over the past decade. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 index, a broad measure of the U.S. stock market, grew an annualized 14.8 percent over the past three years and 5.87 percent over the past 10 years.

But investors with good credit can borrow to buy real estate, which can enhance returns — or magnify losses, depending on the market. "The singular and best reason to own real estate as an investment is to use leverage," said Stephen Lovell, a certified financial planner in Walnut Creek, California. "Without it, your return on investment tends to be about 2 percent to 3 percent."

Tips for Maintaining Your A/C System

An air conditioner's filters, coils, and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout its years of service. Neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in air conditioning performance while energy use steadily increases. Check out our Energy Saver 101 Infographic: Home Cooling for more ways to help improve your comfort and the efficiency of your air conditioner.

AIR CONDITIONER FILTERS

The most important maintenance task that will ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner is to routinely replace or clean its filters. Clogged, dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce a system's efficiency significantly. With normal airflow obstructed, air that bypasses the filter may carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil's heat-absorbing capacity. Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5% to 15%.

For central air conditioners, filters are generally located somewhere along the return duct's length. Common filter locations are in walls, ceilings, furnaces, or in the air conditioner itself. Room air conditioners have a filter mounted in the grill that faces into the room.

Some types of filters are reusable; others must be replaced. They are available in a variety of types and efficiencies. Clean or replace your air conditioning system's filter or filters every month or two during the cooling season. Filters may need more frequent attention if the air conditioner is in constant use, is subjected to dusty conditions, or you have fur-bearing pets in the house.

AIR CONDITIONER COILS

The air conditioner's evaporator coil and condenser coil collect dirt over their months and years of service. A clean filter prevents the evaporator coil from soiling quickly. In time, however, the evaporator coil will still collect dirt. This dirt reduces airflow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. To avoid this problem, check your evaporator coil every year and clean it as necessary.

Outdoor condenser coils can also become very dirty if the outdoor environment is dusty or if there is foliage nearby. You can easily see the condenser coil and notice if dirt is collecting on its fins.

You should minimize dirt and debris near the condenser unit. Your dryer vents, falling leaves, and lawn mower are all potential sources of dirt and debris. Cleaning the area around the coil, removing any debris, and trimming foliage back at least 2 feet (0.6 meters) allow for adequate airflow around the condenser.

COIL FINS

The aluminum fins on evaporator and condenser coils are easily bent and can block airflow through the coil. Air conditioning wholesalers sell a tool called a "fin comb" that will comb these fins back into nearly original condition.

CONDENSATE DRAINS

Occasionally pass a stiff wire through the unit's drain channels. Clogged drain channels prevent a unit from reducing humidity, and the resulting excess moisture may discolor walls or carpet.

PREPARING FOR WINTER

In the winter, either cover your room air conditioner or remove and store it. Covering the outdoor unit of a central air conditioner will protect the unit from winter weather and debris.

HIRING A PROFESSIONAL

When your air conditioner needs more than regular maintenance, hire a professional service technician. A well-trained technician will find and fix problems in your air conditioning system.

The technician should:

Check for correct amount of refrigerant

Test for refrigerant leaks using a leak detector

Capture any refrigerant that must be evacuated from the system, instead of illegally releasing it to the  atmosphere

Check for and seal duct leakage in central systems

Measure airflow through the evaporator coil

Verify the correct electric control sequence and make sure that the heating system and cooling system cannot operate simultaneously

Inspect electric terminals, clean and tighten connections, and apply a non-conductive coating if necessary

Oil motors and check belts for tightness and wear

Check the accuracy of the thermostat.