How Often Should a Furnace Be Serviced
How often should a furnace be serviced? For most homes, arrange professional service once a year, preferably before the heating season. ENERGY STAR recommends […]
Browse answers
Home and Everyday Life
Clear guidance for household tasks, routines and everyday decisions.
Should You Drain Lawn Mower Gas Before Winter
Do not leave untreated old gasoline in a lawn mower over winter, but do not automatically drain every mower. The right method depends on […]
Do Outdoor Faucet Covers Work in Freezing Weather
Yes, outdoor faucet covers can reduce the risk of freezing, but they are supplemental protection rather than a complete solution. A foam shell or […]
When to Clean Gutters After Fall Leaves Drop
For most U.S. homes, schedule the main fall gutter cleaning after most nearby deciduous trees have dropped their leaves, but before freezing weather, snow […]
Should You Rake Leaves or Mulch Them Into Your Lawn
For most established lawns, mulch a light layer of dry leaves with a mower and collect the excess. Finely chopped leaves can decompose in […]
Why Your Furnace Smells When You First Turn It On
A light dusty or burnt-toast smell when you first turn on the furnace for the heating season is usually normal. Dust and debris can […]
Ceiling Fan Direction in Winter and How to Set It Correctly
The correct ceiling fan direction in winter is clockwise when you are standing beneath the fan and looking up. Run a reversible fan at […]
What Should Indoor Humidity Be in Winter in a U.S. Home?
What should indoor humidity be in winter? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency generally advises keeping indoor relative humidity between 30% and 50%, but winter […]
Should You Close Vents in Unused Rooms to Save Energy
For most homes with central forced-air heating or cooling, you should not fully close vents in unused rooms to save energy. Closing several supply […]
Where to Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors and How Many You Need
Install a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location on every livable level of your home, near or inside every separate sleeping area, and […]
Can You Use Tap Water in a Humidifier
Yes, you can use tap water in many portable room humidifiers, but it is not always the best choice. Ultrasonic and impeller humidifiers can […]
At What Temperature Should You Drip Faucets in Freezing Weather
Drip faucets that serve vulnerable indoor pipes when a hard freeze is expected, especially if temperatures will fall below about 20°F or remain below […]