Clear Answers for Common Questions

One of the saddest stories that inevitably comes out of a house fire is that of the sentimental items lost: pictures, mementos, souvenirs -- not necessarily valuable, but all irreplaceable. To help diminish these kinds of losses, many companies offer fire safes, locked cabinets or boxes that keep valuables safe in ...

Dust mites are microscopic arachnids that live in abundance in people’s homes. They are ideally suited to home life because they consume the skin particles shed by humans and animals. These tiny bugs also tend to make their home in places like pillows and mattresses and, in fact, a ...

An air ionizer is a device that is intended to purify the air in a room by electrically charging the air molecules. Instead of using fans and filters to purify the air, an air ionizer uses ions to remove microscopic particles from the air. An air ionizer makes the air ...

Water quality within the United States is highly regulated, involving strict guidelines and water quality testing. As a result, drinking water in the United States is among the safest to drink in the world. Although the quality in the United States is high, there are still some underlying problems. Therefore ...

A dehumidifier takes moisture out of the air by condensing it onto a cold surface. Have you ever poured a cold glass of water on a hot, humid summer day? If you have, you have seen the moisture condense on the glass. This is because when air cools, it can ...

An air cleaner, also known as an air purifier, is an appliance that cleans the air by removing impurities. An air cleaner can clean the air in a single room, a whole house or an industrial workspace. Air cleaners are employed in situations where the air typically becomes unhealthy due ...

A furnace filter is a removable filter that fits somewhere in the furnace unit between the location of air intake and the motor, fan, and heating coil. It was originally designed to protect the motor and internal components from airborne particles and dust that may damage the furnace. Manufacturers use ...

One can practice both safety and economy by keeping water temperature at doctor approved levels. Very hot water temperature can cause burns with great rapidity, and as such, care in setting your hot water heater is required. Setting the hot water temperature lower also means a savings in energy bills ...

People who own or operate woodburning stoves and fireplaces face several responsibilities, one of which is to keep burning embers from escaping into the neighborhood. It only takes a few sparks in a dry area to trigger serious brush or forest fires. This is why many communities require the use ...

Storm windows are engineered to withstand the effects of extreme weather conditions, whether they be high winds, hail, or driving rain. Some manufacturers use tempered glass to provide protection from debris, while others may use polycarbonate plastics instead of glass. Many also feature the same design features as the standard ...

A radon detector is a device used to detect the presence and amount of radon gas. A radon detector can be used in a private home, institution or place of business. The detector is designed to test the air inside a building and provide a readout of radon levels. Radon ...

Harmful particles that originate inside and tend to stay inside become indoor air pollution. The most common culprits are dust, which is 70% percent dead skin, pet dander, mold spores, bacteria, microscopic organisms, smoke, and chemicals from cleaning products. Certain rooms contain higher amounts of certain allergens, but even offices ...

A home inspection is a thorough walk-through of a home conducted by a professional inspector. While inspections can be conducted for many reasons, they are most often conducted when buying a home, to reveal any issues that might become problems. A home inspection is typically a walk-through tour ...

Sometimes, when you plug an electrical appliance into an outlet, you may notice a small blue spark. In most situations, this is a normal event as the electrons begin to flow into the appliance's power cord. At other times, however, a spark from an electrical outlet could start a ...

Most spiders found in the house are not dangerous, but many people still prefer to keep them outside. These arachnids are a great asset to the garden, after all, and without them, people would be overrun by flies, various garden-eating insects, and other pests. Getting rid of them in ...

If you have a computer in your home, there are many things you can do to child-proof it in order to keep both your computer and your children safe. This includes preventing your children from becoming physically injured, as well as preventing your children from gaining access to images ...

As more people become concerned about health, water filters are becoming an essential component of the home. Delivering the convenience of instant pure water without having to buy it in the bottle, under counter water filters offer the greatest level of convenience. As opposed to some portable water filters that ...

Mildew is a grayish growth that resembles mold, and it can be found growing on almost any organic matter, including leaves, leather, clothing, paper, tile, and walls. The mildew most commonly seen around the home is powdery mildew, caused by Ascomycota fungi. These fungi tend to produce pouches and cysts ...

Lint filters are devices used with clothes dryers. Their primary purpose is to capture lint as it exits through the dryer vent. This lint is comprised of fibers found on the clothes that become loosened and fall off during the drying process. The filters can be easily removed in order ...

It often seems that we've no sooner finished cleaning dust from our homes when it starts to settle once again. No one wants a house full of dust. In addition to being unsightly, it also contributes to uncomfortable situations such as asthma and allergies. So, what are the best ...

Fleas are a bothersome pest if they appear in your home. They are parasitic insects that affect people and animals alike, and removing them from your home can be a tedious and difficult process. The only way to eliminate fleas from your home is first to eliminate them from your ...

Buying a toddler pool is a great way to introduce little ones to water, but there are some things to keep in mind when shopping for one. A toddler pool should obviously be shallow, not only to limit the depth of water, but also so you can easily reach your ...

Home security is an important factor for many homeowners, and there are many security measures a homeowner can take. From trimming bushes back to installing deadbolt locks and motion sensing lights, there are numerous things homeowners can do to protect their home from would-be intruders. One of the most ...

A smoke detector is an early warning device used to signal residents of a home in case of smoke or fire. If smoke is detected, the smoke detector emits loud, high pitched beeps, alerting residents and, if need be, allowing them to evacuate before the home is consumed by fire ...

Paint thinner, specifically the mineral-based substitute for turpentine, is a highly volatile and hazardous substance that must be used with care. Certain precautions should be taken to use it safely and without incident. The fumes from paint thinner are not only harmful if inhaled; they are also flammable. In ...

Installing a home security system on personal property is the first line of defense to keep a person’s family and personal possessions safe. Installation of a home security system can be costly if a professional company is hired. For those who are comfortable doing so, however, there are numerous ...

Moth balls are small chemical products used when storing clothing or other items that may be damaged by mold or moths. They are typically made from naphthalene, a hydrocarbon derived from coal tar, that easily exudes gas, thus acting as a fumigant. Moth balls often look like gumballs or candy ...

Killer bees earned their name by the characteristics of easily agitating and aggressively swarming, killing a victim by overpowering them with sheer numbers and hundreds of stings. Unlike the common honey bee, it is not unusual for something as simple as a vibration, noise, or even the smell of fresh ...

The primary reason to install door alarms is for security. Door alarms protect your property and goods while also increasing the safety of you and your loved ones; they provide a warning that someone is making entry into your home or business. When people think of door alarms, they generally ...

HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air, and a true HEPA filter is widely regarded as the ultimate filter. It was invented during World War II, when the Atomic Energy Commission needed a filter to protect researchers from radioactive dust particles that might present a health hazard to them. It ...

Those hearty souls who live in northerly climates undoubtedly already know what storm doors are, but those people who live in more temperate regions may not. A storm door is an additional exterior door that is installed over the door built into the house. The purpose of a storm door ...

A bug vacuum is a device designed to capture insects. Marketed as an alternative to using toxic sprays, a bug vacuum can be used to suck insects in and trap them, preventing their escape. Bug vacuums are not only safe and toxin-free, but also effective. A bug vacuum may ...

Dust mites are tiny eight-legged arthropods invisible to the naked eye; a single gram of dust can contain as many as 100,000 dust mites. While other types of mites do bite, the common house dust mite does not. They survive by feeding off dander shed from the skin ...

Carpet shampoo is a specially-formulated liquid detergent compound used to clean carpets and rugs. It is often used in conjunction with a rotary-style carpet cleaning machine or a cylindrical model which uses compressed air to generate foam before agitation. The general idea of using this product is to ...

For those who still enjoy the charms of glass or ceramic fuses, there's rarely a good time to blow a fuse. It usually happens at the end of an exciting football game or just before the killer in a mystery is revealed. When you blow a fuse, the search ...

A surge protector is an electrical device commonly used to protect computers and related computer components from power surges. To fully understand what a surge protector does, you must first understand what a surge is. The typical electrical wiring found in homes (in the United States) and offices carries a ...

Of all the flying pests, gnats might be the most annoying. Though they're harmless, they hover and buzz around our heads, driving us crazy. Gnats are also known as vinegar flies or fruit flies because of their attraction to the smell of rotten food. This explains why they particularly ...

Snakes are beneficial creatures, but most people have no desire to have one living near them. The best way to get rid of snakes depends on where you live, but eliminating areas that attract them can help. If you find a snake, you may want to call an expert to ...

Aphids are tiny insects that feed on the buds of roses during early spring, and also have a taste for other flowers like hibiscus. An infestation can lead to quite ugly first blooms at the beginning of the rose season, and most people would like to see their roses free ...

An insecticide is a natural or man-made preparation that is used to kill or otherwise control insects. Instead of killing insects, an insecticide may work to prevent them from reproducing. Widely used in agricultural, insecticides are also commonly applied in the homes and workplaces of humans. Insecticides are classified ...

Electricity is an invaluable resource. However, it is also very dangerous. Often, individuals take care when handling electricity indoors, yet fail to take the necessary precautions outdoors. To enjoy the use of outdoor electricity, it is necessary to pay special attention to safety. First and foremost, it is important to ...

Pest control has been a concern for humans for as long as they have been on the Earth. From biting insects to mice in the pantry, humans are not always on good terms with the other denizens of the planet. A homeowner has many options available if he wants to ...

If you have a mouse in your house, you have two major options for trapping it. Mouse traps can be classified as kill traps or live traps. The most common of all mouse traps, a snap trap, may be familiar to you from movies or Tom and Jerry cartoons. This ...

The best way to keep a rug clean is to vacuum it daily and clean up spills immediately. When it's time to do a deep cleaning, however, you will need a rug cleaner. It's important to determine which of the rug cleaners out there will provide you with ...

Night lights are small sources of light intended to remain on during the night or in dark places, either to help people see their way or to comfort those who may have a fear of the dark. Night lights are usually electric, either mounted directly in a wall socket or ...

An ultraviolet purifier kills microorganisms in water using strong light waves. Instead of chlorine or other harsh chemicals, an ultraviolet purifier can eliminate bacteria, viruses, and mold from well water for residential properties that aren't on a municipal supply. These provide an inexpensive yet effective way to prevent your ...

The term "dust" is really a generic name for any type of small particle. Outdoors, the atmosphere is filled with various kinds of particles, from windblown soil to pollutants. In a house, it is largely made up of dead skin cells, fibers from clothing and other materials, pollen and dander ...

Even the best neighborhoods can fall victim to criminals, and most homeowners find that it's better to be safe than sorry when considering their families' safety. Installing high security doors may be a good deterrent to the would-be home or business intruder. Many look like any other door ...

Water heater straps are made to hold a water heater in place, preventing as much movement as possible during emergency situations such as earthquakes. In California, for example, water heater straps are required by law. Every unit must be effectively secured with water heater straps in the manner prescribed by ...

Having a baby around is one of the most exciting privileges one can have. Watching a baby learn how to use his or her hands and begin to explore the environment is amazing, but it can also be dangerous. It is extremely important to baby-proof every room. The easiest ...

Cedar-lined storage chests and closets have long been used for long-term storage of out-of-season clothing, in the belief that the cedar will deter moths from destroying the clothing. The damage moths cause to natural fibers is caused not by the moth itself, but by the larvae ...

After a long day, a nice long soak in a hot bath is just the ticket. Adding bath salts can enhance the experience greatly. Whether you have sore, tired feet from standing all day, or a stiff back from working at your desk, these salts can help improve the way ...

While a house fire can happen by accident to unsuspecting homeowners, many are completely preventable. You can protect your home by giving special attention to a few simple matters. The number one cause of total loss and death by fire is the lack of working smoke detectors in the home ...

Most basements have an unmistakable odor. Damp air, Mold, mildew and poor ventilation are just some of the factors contributing to this unattractive, yet familiar odor. If you use your basement for storage, this odor can permeate into clothes, books and other items. Instead of living with the smell, why ...

Cloth diapers were once the only option parents had for diapering their babies until the disposable diaper hit the market. At that point, cloth diapers became a choice instead of a necessity. Upon the advent of disposable diapers, most people elected to use them over cloth diapers for their convenience ...

Lice infestations are very common in families that have young children attending daycare, preschool, and grade school. After treating every family member who may have contracted head lice, it is important to remove them from your home by thoroughly cleaning everything so they cannot reinfest anyone. These bugs can live ...

Padlocks are an affordable, portable way to secure private or valuable items, at home or away, or even in your place of business. They are handy and simple to use. There are different designs and styles to choose from depending upon the type of security you need. Made from solid ...

Water and electricity do not mix. Therefore, waterproof electrical connectors are essential when electricity is needed in a moist or wet area. They are particularly important at water filtration plants, which often use electrical equipment such as water pumps, bottling machines, and purification machines. In this setting, it is necessary ...

Every year, thousands of households must dispose of live evergreen trees used as part of the Christmas holiday tradition. Some experts suggest that a live tree should be kept indoors no longer than three weeks, since it could become a fire hazard after that time. There are actually several different ...

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that forms when radium decays. Occurring as naturally as oxygen, radon is common, but harmful to your health and potentially deadly. Radon is found all over the United States, but some areas have higher levels than others. Radon, like many other elements, occurs ...

Home generators bring gas-powered electricity to your home in case of emergency power outages. They can be temporarily connected to a few critical appliances whenever required; alternatively, they can be permanently attached to your home's electrical system and automatically triggered by a blackout. Depending on their capacity, home ...

A chain link fence is a fence "woven" from galvanized steel wire into a mesh or net-type configuration that forms a series of interlocking squares. This woven mesh is referred as the "fabric" of the fence. It is secured to steel posts embedded in the ground, often used to ...

No one likes when lingering moisture causes mildew, mold, or encourages musty odors. A humidity absorber is a chemical, usually enclosed in a packet or bucket, which can be placed indoors to lower humidity. It reduces the water vapor in the air by turning a crystallized substance into a liquid ...

A refrigerator purifier can be one of two types of purifiers designed for use in the refrigerator. A refrigerator purifier, depending on the type, is either installed directly into the refrigerator or simply set inside it. One type of refrigerator purifier is for the air inside the refrigerator, while the ...

A cool mist vaporizer is essentially a room-sized air humidifier. It is a small electronic machine that consists of a water reservoir, a disk or drum, and a spout that emits the water vapor created by the spinning disk into the room. Unlike a steam vaporizer, the water is ...

Our water supply has been supplemented with fluoride for years, despite the fact that controversy still rages about its safety. Countless studies point to evidence that it is not only unnecessary, but can also be dangerous to your health. Fortunately, there is a simple solution. A fluoride water filter will ...

To remove mold stains from clothing, it's important to catch them as soon as possible. Mold stained clothes should be taken outside to prevent the spores from spreading, and the area where the clothing was stored should be cleaned and dried thoroughly. Leaving stained clothes outside in the heat ...

A chainsaw can be a very helpful tool, if used properly. If you are not familiar with a chainsaw or with how you should operate one, read the manufacturer's instructions. If you are still uncertain, it is a good idea to seek help from someone with a little more ...

Household accidents happen all the time. As with many things in life, preventing household accidents is largely a matter of common sense. Burns are common around the house — usually in the kitchen. Steam burns are very common, especially from microwaved foods. To prevent these kinds of steam burns, pull the ...

A home mold inspection can be performed either with a do-it-yourself kit, or through a professional service. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, start with a visual inspection for both mold and moisture around windows, sinks, and water lines. You can also purchase an inexpensive moisture pin ...

Securing one’s home is one of a homeowner’s top priorities. There are many ways a homeowner can ensure his or her family is safe, with one of the simplest methods being to invest in a home alarm system. These days, a home alarm is more than just a ...

The best way to remove mold from a home depends on the type of mold, but removal should be thorough in any case. Surface mold can grow in nearly any damp, dark, or cool location and is very common in bathtubs and shower walls, bathroom tiles, and the laundry areas ...

When buying a fire extinguisher for your home or apartment, it is important to understand the alphabetized coding system which describes the four main types of fires. These codes correspond with the type of fire extinguisher you'll need to fight them. Using the wrong type of fire extinguisher can ...