Solar generators are an up-and-coming portable energy technology that lets you make modest amounts of electricity without connection to the utility grid and without burning any fuel or making any noise. Build one yourself plus two other solar energy projects. Plans, videos, instructions and fun
Continue ReadingASBESTOS SIDING: Is It Safe or Dangerous?
UPDATED 13Jun2019: Every so often I get a homeowner asking me an asbestos siding question that goes something like this. It’s a good question and lots of people have to deal with issues like this one: “What can I do […]
Continue ReadingOLD HOUSE INSULATION: Four Ways to Spend Less Heating (and Cooling) Your Old Home
If you live in a vintage home, chances are good that you have a love-hate relationship with the place. Many older houses have a charm that makes you feel good just being inside them. Newer architecture rarely delivers the same […]
Continue ReadingWATER HEATER MAINTENANCE: Have You Done the Annual Job?
The stuff you see here is mineral sediment from the bottom of a water heater. Annual flushing of tank-style heaters is essential for getting rid of this building up and extending water heater life. Click to see how.
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SANDPAPERS GET BETTER: Why Leading-Edge Abrasives Are Worth It
If you’re into woodworking or home improvement, your life will be better if you understand how innovation has made sandpapers and abrasives better. Alongside cheap, old-school sandpapers you’ll now find advanced abrasives that boost productivity and improve results beyond their […]
Continue ReadingQ&A OF THE WEEK: “Should I Change My Tank-Style Heater for Tankless?”
Q: Should I replace my large, gas-fired tank-style water heater with a tankless model? My wife and I are seniors living in our 2 storey, 4 bedroom home and we intend to stay here for at least another 10 years. […]
Continue ReadingCAST IRON RADIATORS: Why They Still Make Sense Today
It’s easy to love the look and feel of a Refurbished Cast Iron Radiator, what’s even better is that they are not only beautiful but efficient. Art work that gives off heat.
Continue ReadingHOW TO REFINISH HARDWOOD FLOORS: Step-by-Step Do It Yourself Guide
If you’ve got worn wooden floors and not enough money for professional refinishing, I’ve got an encouraging story to tell you about how to refinish hardwood floors yourself . . . Back in the spring of 1967, my dad worked […]
Continue ReadingQ&A OF THE WEEK: “How Can I Insulate My Cottage For Year-Round Living?”
Q: What’s the best way to insulate a cottage? I’m converting the place into a four-season home, but I want to preserve the interior wooden wall finishes. Paper-covered batt insulation is in the 2×4 wall frames now, but I’m concerned […]
Continue ReadingCHOOSING PAINT COLORS: Three Steps for Making Better Choices
Choosing paint colors is probably the number#1 challenge faced by people looking to paint their homes. There are so many choices and so many opinions about what looks good that it often leads to indecision and second guessing. Colour issues […]
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