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#Summer Prep
25 guides
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Heating & Cooling
How to Clean an AC Condensate Drain Line (60-Second Fix With a Wet/Dry Vac)
A clogged AC condensate line is the #1 summer AC failure. Sixty seconds with a shop vac at the outdoor exit pulls the clog out. Once-a-month vinegar flush prevents it.
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Garage Doors
How to Fix a Garage Door That Won't Close (Sensor + Alignment Fixes)
A garage door that won't close has 5 common causes, and 9 times out of 10 it's the safety sensors. Sensor realignment, lens cleaning, track adjustment, and when to call a pro.
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Doors & Windows
How to Patch a Screen Door (Fiberglass or Aluminum)
Screen door patch kits fix holes up to 3 inches for $7 in 10 minutes. Here's how to patch a screen door: start with rubbing alcohol, then press from center out.
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Garage Doors
How to Seal Garage Door Gaps on the Sides (Stop Heat, Bugs, and Mice)
Visible daylight along the sides of a closed garage door means the side weatherseal has failed. A $20 vinyl T-channel and an hour of work puts the gap back to zero. Step-by-step install.
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Heating & Cooling
Why Is My AC Not Blowing Cold Air? (8 Causes & Fixes)
AC blowing warm or room-temp air? The 8 most common causes, most fixable yourself in under an hour, and the 2 that need a pro.
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Heating & Cooling
How to Clean a Dryer Vent (Fire Prevention + Faster Drying)
Clogged dryer vents cause nearly 3,000 home fires a year. Clean yours in 30 minutes with a $25 brush kit. Step-by-step for both wall and roof vents, plus signs you waited too long.
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Heating & Cooling
Why Your AC Float Switch Keeps Tripping (and How to Fix It Yourself)
An AC float switch tripping is almost always a clogged condensate drain, a 20-minute DIY fix using vinegar and a shop vac instead of a $200 HVAC service call.
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Doors & Windows
How to Weatherstrip Windows for Summer AC Efficiency
Drafty windows make your AC work overtime in summer. How to weatherstrip windows for AC efficiency, 4 methods matched to common window types, plus what saves the most on bills.
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Heating & Cooling
Mini-Split vs Window AC: Which Is Right for Your Room?
Mini-split vs window AC: window units cost $300-750 and install in 30 minutes. Mini-splits cost $3,000-6,500 installed but use 35% less energy and last twice as long.
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Heating & Cooling
Why Is My House Humid With AC Running? (6 Causes & Fixes)
House feels humid with AC running? Fan set to ON instead of AUTO is the most common free fix. Work through these 6 causes, most under $30, to find yours.
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Exterior & Masonry
How to Clean Gutters (Step-by-Step Guide)
How to clean gutters safely: scoop debris, flush from the high end, and clear clogged downspouts. Takes 30-60 minutes and costs $0-20 in supplies.
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Heating & Cooling
Why Is My AC Not Turning On (5 Things to Check Before Calling a Pro)
AC won't start at all is a power problem, not a refrigerant problem. Four free things to check before calling an HVAC tech. Two of them solve it most of the time.
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Electrical
Why Is My Outdoor Outlet Not Working? (5 Causes & Fixes)
An outdoor outlet that suddenly stopped working has 5 common causes, most are 5-minute fixes you can do yourself. Press the GFCI reset first, then work through the rest.
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Exterior & Masonry
How to Repair Concrete Patio Cracks (DIY Guide)
Concrete patio cracks let water in, freeze in winter, and get worse fast. Step-by-step fix for hairline cracks, wide cracks, and crumbling edges, using $10 in materials.
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Electrical
Best Ceiling Fan for High Ceilings (12 Feet and Up)
Best ceiling fans for high ceilings in 2026. Monte Carlo Maverick 60-inch wins for most 12-foot rooms at $250. The downrod math, DC motor benefits, 4 picks.
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Doors & Windows
How to Fix a Sliding Screen Door That Won't Roll Smoothly
A sliding screen door that drags, sticks, or jumps off the track is usually a roller issue, fixable in 15 minutes without replacing the door. Step-by-step.
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Plumbing
How to Fix an Outdoor Faucet Leaking From the Handle
A leak around the handle (not the spout) is a packing or O-ring problem, a $1 fix once you know which part to replace. Step-by-step.
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Heating & Cooling
How to Install a Window AC Unit (Without Wrecking the Frame)
Installing a window AC unit takes about 20 minutes with one helper. Level it, seal the gaps, and secure the sash before you plug it in for real summer cooling.
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Doors & Windows
How to Clean Window Screens Without Damaging Them
Window screens get dirty fast in spring and summer. The right way to clean them without stretching the mesh or warping the frame, about 5 minutes per screen.
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Plumbing
How to Fix a Leaky Garden Hose (In 10 Minutes)
A leaky garden hose wastes water and is annoying. Step-by-step fix for the 4 common leak points, connector, body, sprayer, and reel, using parts under $5.
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Plumbing
How to Fix a Leaky Outdoor Faucet (Spigot Repair Guide)
A leaky outdoor faucet wastes water and can damage your foundation. The step-by-step fix for the four most common causes, washer, packing nut, valve seat, and frost damage.
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Heating & Cooling
How to Clean AC Condenser Fins (Different From Coils)
Bent or clogged AC condenser fins cut airflow and spike your electric bill. Clean them yourself in 20 minutes with a $7 fin comb and a garden hose.
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Exterior & Masonry
How to Fix a Sprinkler Head That Won't Pop Up (Step-by-Step)
Sprinkler head won't pop up? Debris, low pressure, and soil creep are the top causes. Most fixes take under 20 minutes and cost $3-8 in parts, or nothing at all.
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Heating & Cooling
How to Clean AC Condenser Coils (And Why It Matters)
Dirty outdoor AC coils make your AC work harder and cool worse. Step-by-step to clean them safely yourself in 30 minutes, and what NOT to do.
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Heating & Cooling
Complete Guide to HVAC Troubleshooting (Every Common Problem)
HVAC troubleshooting starts with three quick checks before calling anyone. The 12 most common AC, furnace, and duct problems with $5-40 DIY fixes vs $100-250 tech-call costs.