Systems

Making sure you know everything there is to know about the electrical, heating and cooling systems in your home.

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    Testing a Circuit Breaker Panel for 240-Volt Electrical Service

    Before you add a 240-volt appliance, you need to make sure you've got what it takes.


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    What To Know About Smart Home Wiring

    Smart home wiring keeps your smart devices in touch with your home's data center, and it feeds data-hungry appliances the...


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    Homeowner’s Guide to Smart Electrical Panels

    A fully electrified home needs an intelligent control center to manage energy usage and maximize savings. A smart panel can...


    What to Know About Electrical Conduit Wiring

    There may be times when you need to install some electrical conduit as part of your project. The following tips...


    What Is a Disconnect Switch (aka Safety Switch) and Why They Are Important

    It's a good bet your home's electrical system has one or more disconnect switches. Here's what they are, what they...


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    A Guide for Soldering Electronics

    Got an appliance that's stopped working, or want to build something electronic? Learning how to solder electronics is an essential...


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    What Is Overcurrent Protection?

    Overcurrent protection is one of the most important concepts in electrical safety. This is what you need to know.


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    Homeowner’s Guide to Sump Pump Battery Backups

    A sump pump installation should include a backup system for breakdowns and power outages. Learn the pros and cons of...

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    How To Put Out an Electrical Fire

    Learn how to extinguish an electrical fire — but know your limits and stay safe.


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    Where Is a GFCI Protected Outlet Required?

    Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection is an affordable way of safeguarding your loved ones from lethal electrical shock hazards.


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    Air Conditioning Wiring 101: What You Need To Know

    Want to save on electrician's fees and wire your new air conditioner or mini-split yourself? A master electrician explains how...


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    Septic Tank vs. Holding Tank: What to Know About Each

    A rural home or cabin isn't connected to a municipal wastewater system, so it needs a septic or holding tank....


    6 Best Window Air Conditioners to Cool Every Room

    Find the coolest deals on the best window air conditioners before it gets too hot. We have picks for every...


    8 Ideas for Covering an Electrical Panel

    Don't let an ugly gray metal electrical panel ruin your decor! Check out these creative solutions for covering one in...


    A Guide to Electrical Load Calculation

    If you're planning to increase your electrical load by adding a new major appliance, make sure your panel can handle...


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    How to Use an Electrical Box Extender

    Don't put up with an unsafe, unsightly electrical box installation. You can easily fix the problem by installing an electrical...


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    How Upgrading Your Furnace Saves You Money on Your Power Bill

    Upgrading your furnace can boost efficiency and cut utility costs. But you don't need to update the entire thing! Here...

    Windmill Air Conditioner Review: Plus, Our Thoughts on the New Filters

    Ready to stop sweating? We might have just the solution.


    This Highly Rated At-Home Sauna Is 50% Off

    Turn any bathroom or porch into a spa with the easy-to-install Almost Heaven sauna—it's on sale!


    The 6 Best Floor Lamps on Amazon to Brighten Your Home Right Now

    Add some elevated shine to each room in the house with these Amazon floor lamps.


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    How To Clean a Tower Fan

    Tower fan keeping you cool, but looking a little grimy? Clean it — it's easy!


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    How To Conduct a Multimeter Continuity Test

    Need to check whether a wall switch is bad, a fuse has blown or an extension cord is damaged? Here's...


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    8 Tips for Wiring LED Lights

    Wiring LEDs on low-voltage circuits is safe and DIY-friendly. Here are some tips to get you started with your interior...

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    6 Types of Electrical Plugs and Their Uses

    Confused by all the plugs that bring electricity to your home's appliances? You're not alone. We explain what they are...


    Why the Blueair Air Purifier Is the Best: Our Honest Review!

    The newest lightweight and compact air purifier stands up against smoke, pet hair and odor!


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    How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Electrical Panel?

    Discover the factors that impact the cost, from amperage to labor. And learn how an upgrade can increase home efficiency.


    How To Clean a Window AC Filter

    Planning to keep your home cool this summer with a window air conditioner? Cleaning the AC air filter ensures the...


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    What Is the Emergency Heat Setting?

    In cold climates, homes with heat pumps often have an emergency heat setting on the thermostat. If the pump fails,...


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    What To Know About Portable Solar Power Systems

    Want to bring your coffeemaker camping or run your jigsaw off-grid? You can do that with a portable solar power...