As an avid bargain hunter, I love Costco. I’ve used Costco as a go-to to get my favorite bulk items, and also as a place to find cheap deals on things like shampoo. As most people know, Costco has an appliance center that makes it popular with bargain-hunters. But, is it a really good place to buy appliances?

When you are feeling chilly and turn to your heating system, you expect warmth and comfort. The last thing anyone wants to experience when the heat kicks on is a terrible smell. Unfortunately, it is not that uncommon for a sewer smell to invade your home with your heating system.

Everyone has used them at one time or another.  We are talking about the ubiquitous green propane cylinders that are popular for fueling camp stoves, lanterns, and tent heaters.  The problem is how to dispose of these 1lb propane cylinders when they are empty.

When water is backing up out of your basement floor drain, it could be the result of many different issues. However, it usually isn’t the fault of the floor drain itself. A common time for back-ups is during heavy rain, but why is your basement floor drain backing up when it rains?

No home is complete without a refrigerator. While modern refrigerators are impressive, they are not infallible and are prone to many problems. We all want our refrigerators to be cold, but not cold enough to freeze the food. Many homeowners have asked themselves the question: why is my refrigerator freezing my food?

Has this happened to you? You drop the coffee grounds all over the floor when trying to make your morning cup of Joe. No problem, you think, you’ll just grab your trusty Shark vacuum. The only problem, it won’t turn on, and you’re forced to reach for the broom and dustpan.

More and more homeowners these days are choosing gas fireplaces over traditional wood fireplaces due to their convenience. The truth is both types can make for a great focal point to any room. Unfortunately, gas fireplaces still come with their downfalls. One of the most common issues people deal with is when their gas fireplace won’t start but the pilot light is on.

Mushrooms are underappreciated ingredients that deserve to be included in more dishes. The earthy flavor they feature pairs well with so many other ingredients. Mushrooms work great in sauces, soups, and you can sauté them with garlic and butter to create a delicious appetizer.

Adding a fireplace to your house is a great idea whether you want to raise the aesthetics of the living room or just want to get through those daunting winters with comfort.

Filtered water is not only healthier for you, pulling out dangerous contaminants from tap water, but it is a convenient and easy way always to have water at your fingertips. Brita is a popular brand that makes several water filtration devices to help bring you safe and delicious tap water. While having filtered water is a modern convenience, it does require a little upkeep to ensure that your Brita water filter is regularly changed to allow the filter to work to its intended ability.

Did you know that the biggest importer of kale was, at one point, Ruby Tuesday’s? It’s true. Kale was once just a garnish for the Ruby Tuesday’s salad bar. Oh, how times have changed. Kale is now a major superfood and people are adding this bitter leaf to just about every dish from soups to wraps. Now that the heat is turned on for kale’s demand, it’s a good time to learn how to make this green last.

Thanks to appliances like the rice cooker, we’re able to make what used to be a frustrating process into an easy one. There are so many different rice cookers on the market; it can be hard to choose which one to buy. While they all work relatively the same, some come with unique and special features. 

Brownies are a delicious treat that is easy to make and loved by everyone. Brownies are the perfect snack to have around the house when you need to satisfy your sweet tooth. But, keeping brownies fresh can be a challenge, especially if you are trying to keep the soft, moistness intact, so what’s the best way to store brownies?

The heat pump, which is part of your heating and cooling system, is generally installed outside the home. It is similar to an air conditioner in that it can actually cool your home. The main difference is that it can heat, and a heat pump should cycle on and off.

When you have a dog or a cat, letting them roam around your yard just makes sense. They need fresh air, after all. Unfortunately, if you have a gap under your fence gate, the safety you are trying to offer them through your fence just won’t be there. A gap under a gate doesn’t have to be a major issue, though. All you need to do is know how to fix it.

Sliding glass doors are a wonderful addition to any home. Sliding glass doors are typically characterized as a large glass window opening that provides door access. This door leads to the outdoors, it provides fresh air and natural light. Sliding glass doors are typically made as one single unit with two panels, and a screen running along one side. 

If there’s one thing that took me by surprise, it was the sheer variety of fuels that are used to heat up a regular home and provide power to it. Two of the more common fuels that you can use are home heating oil and kerosene. Both are used to bring up heat in a home, so some people might feel the need to pool the two together. But, is this really a good idea?

The products produced by Thermos are excellent for keeping food and beverages hot or cold all day long. But, how do you properly care for a Thermos tumbler, mug, or water bottle? Are Thermos products dishwasher safe?  

Pumpkin is usually associated with the fall season, but it remains a delicious treat all throughout the year. Even if fresh pumpkins aren’t available in your area currently, you can still get your fix by purchasing some canned puree. But what should you do if you have leftovers; how long does canned pumpkin last in the fridge?

Have you ever had mice activity in your home? If so, you know that their urine can leave an unpleasant odor behind. Mice can set up shop in just a few days, and they leave their droppings wherever they go. Not only can the smell be offensive, but their urine can also pose a health hazard to humans.

Have you ever walked into your house and noticed there’s a distinct, sugary, and almost overwhelming stink?

You’ve been thinking about this for a while now: Eventually, you would love to have two adorable babies with your partner. But first thing first, you need a house that will allow you to build a happy family. So, you’ve probably wondered how many bedrooms would you need if you have a family of four.

Leaking water can cause serious damage to your home. If you have it, you could have to replace possessions, repaint, or even replace your drywall. Leaks can be especially troublesome when they take place in out-of-the-way areas like your basement.

Whether your goal is to learn a cool party trick or you can’t find your corkscrew, knowing how to open a wine bottle with a lighter is a neat way to handle it. Some people doubt that you can do this, but science says otherwise. If you want to open your wine bottle with a lighter, we have a few simple steps to follow.

If you’ve just moved into a new home, there might be a homeowners association to join. Homeowners associations are known for beautifying neighborhoods and raising property value. However, not all communities come equipped with one from the outset.

In the age of cellphones and the Internet, we’ve become unaccustomed to the idea of a knock at the door. From the other side, is it weird to just go up and knock on someone’s door anymore? Is it Illegal? Are you trespassing?

Keeping the chimney clean is not something that every homeowner considers. It might seem like a pain but keeping your chimney clean not only results in a cleaner, more sanitary chimney, it will also help to keep your home safer as well.

While it can be relatively simple to strip paint from wood, ceramic, or metal, plastic requires a little more careful attention to ensure that the material stays undamaged. The more conventional stripping methods that involve harsh chemicals will not work, as they can easily melt or damage the plastic. Lucky for you, since plastic is non-porous and smooth, it’s actually exceptionally rare for paint to form a permanent bond to it.

As technology advances, more and more people are starting to use apps rather than traditional cable TV. Entertainment can be found on Netflix, YouTube, and even Hulu. Due to this, many media consumers prefer to digest their media through multiple devices.

To any welders in the world, having your igniter fail can be a pretty major headache. Because of this, we have a quick guide that will help you with steps on figuring out how to fix your igniter on your propane torch. With this guide, you will be able to handle this situation should it come up again.

Freezing leftovers and any perishable food item you don’t plan on using immediately is a great way to preserve freshness. Food lasts longer in the freezer than it does in the refrigerator, and often tastes just as good once it is properly thawed. While food might last for upwards of months in the freezer, it doesn’t last forever. How long should you store food in the freezer before it goes bad?

Having a canopy porch swing can be a game-changer when it comes to social gatherings like dinners, barbeques, and cocktail hours. They also add additional comfort to your personal leisure time. Canopy porch swings are cozy, casual, and a great way to relax and comfortably enjoy the fresh outdoor air while covered by the shade of the canopy.

Propane makes for an effective way to heat your home and is often times found in service areas that are out of reach of traditional natural gas companies. There are issues that can arise with a propane tank, though, and you should be aware of their causes and fixes.

Wallpaper from the late 70s might make you nostalgic for grandma’s house, but it can make your home feel seriously outdated. If you’re looking to update your home, it might be time to remove that old wallpaper. But what is the best way to remove the wallpaper? You don’t have to buy expensive equipment. You can use vinegar and fabric softener!

If you are looking to hang something on your walls, you probably already know that you need to find the studs. But if you have plaster walls, you, unfortunately, cannot use a standard stud finder to do the job. This is because stud finders work by detecting differences in densities behind your wall.

Your home irrigation system consists of a controller which waters your lawn in cycles and sprinklers with adjustable heads. Rain Bird is one of the most trusted and reliable underground sprinkler system brands on the market. More specifically, the Rain Bird 5000 series are rotary sprinkler heads that are ideal for both residential and commercial applications.

Ants are not a big deal when you see them outside but having them crawling around in your house is not so great. Nobody wants to open up a box of cereal and see ants in their breakfast. And if you have fire ants, their bite is painful, so you want to get rid of them fast.

Working with screws is a must for numerous home improvement or workshop projects. You work with them so often that you may sometimes neglect proper technique while removing or inserting them. That carelessness can lead to the screw being stripped.

Hail can cause a significant amount of damage to your home and your property. It may look relatively unharmful, but it can pack some power upon landing.

If you’re looking for the ideal drinkware for daily use, acrylic glasses are an excellent choice. Not only are they inexpensive, they are also incredibly durable and versatile. This makes them perfect for home, commercial, and even industrial situations. But, how do you clean acrylic glasses? Or, more specifically, “Is acrylic dishwasher safe?”

Hard water: An oxymoron or the cause of cleaning nightmares around the nation? While the term seems contradictory, hard water buildup is a real problem plaguing many households. It also poses the question of how exactly one would clean water stains without using more water.

Continuous coils mattresses are supported by one continuous coil/wire that runs from top to bottom. The helical lacing/wiring in this system also runs from top to bottom, adding support. Continuous coils are considered standard mattresses and are constructed using coils in a variety of sizes, shapes, and designs.

Mud daubers are similar to wasps except that they build their nests in the mud. They vary in appearance, but most are around ½” to 1″ in length. Even though they are docile, their nest can cause damage to your home. It’s a good idea that you try your best to keep them away.

Termites are the worst pest that you can come across in your home, and treatment is a must. It can be overwhelming when you see termites, or even worse, the damage they caused. Builder-owners that stumble across termites must call an exterminator and pay for treatment.

There are over 51,000 residential electrical fires every year. This results in around 500 deaths, over 1,400 injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage. One question people often ask is, can an outlet catch fire with nothing plugged in?

High-efficiency washers are a great choice if you’re looking to conserve water and energy. The water level sensor will determine the amount of water you need based on your load weight. Sometimes, the amount of water is not adequate for an excellent washing of your clothes.

A condemned house is one that the government has decided is unfit for any occupants. The government will seize any condemned property and all occupants must then vacate the property.

Whether it is the moldy smell or that feeling of stickiness in the air, humidity is annoying and can even be unhealthy. The choice of whether to use DampRid or a dehumidifier depends on what the situation is. It’s not a case of one being better than the other, but rather knowing when to use what product.

Interior door trim can be adapted to complement any décor and will give the rooms in your home a very classic look. In order to install trim correctly, it’ll take some precision and skill to match professional carpenters.

The mini fridge is a useful invention, whether you simply don’t have space for an actual refrigerator or need to transport cold products.

Return air vents keep your home’s air fresh and circulated. If you’re remodeling a room, or even just rearranging some furniture, you may wonder: can I block that vent? It doesn’t seem to be doing anything. Those return vents are a vital component of your home’s air circulatory system.

A subpanel is a panel that is a secondary circuit breaker. This panel feeds off the main panel. If you are looking to create subpanels in your home, it is crucial to know how many you can have on your service. That way, you don’t overload it and everything will work as it needs to.

America’s top-selling cookware brand, Copper Chef is known for their Cerami-Tech nonstick coating that makes sautéing and pan-frying fast and simple. Believe it or not, nothing will stick to the surface of a Copper Chef pan, which eliminates the need for cooking with added fats and oils. Since nothing sticks, Copper Chef pans are incredibly easy to clean. Oftentimes, all you’ll need is one pass with a soapy sponge and cleanup is done in a matter of minutes.

Painting your concrete basement can present you with multiple puzzles to solve. After you’ve decided to paint your basement, you are probably wondering which type of paint to use.

I love the look of a microfiber couch, and really, who doesn’t? Microfiber is the modern alternative to suede and is regularly ranked as one of the easiest to clean materials for sofas. It’s even pet-friendly! Cleaning it, though, can be a bit of a hassle. Is it possible to wash microfiber couch cushions, and if so, how?

We all heard Elvis Presley’s “Blue Suede Shoes,” but what about your blue suede couch? Suede is one of the hottest options for couches as well as couch covers. It’s satiny, leather, and absolutely gorgeous. It’s a good choice for matte looks. But, how do you wash suede couch covers, or at the very least, keep it clean?

Many digital safes have a key that allows you to manually unlock them if you forget your passcode. However, what happens if you forget your passcode and lose the key to your safe? If this describes your current situation, you’ve come to the right place. There’s no need to worry, as this is a very common issue and you have several solutions to choose from in order to get your safe open.

Mobile homes can make for a more cost-effective investment for homebuyers and investors alike. While they may offer smaller spaces to work with, they can be brought up to current, luxurious standards and be made into a smaller, space-effective home.

A faucet aerator is a great way to conserve water usage and save a bit of money on your water bill. Faucet aerators mix air in with the water stream, saving up to an extra 16 gallons of water per day! It’s essential to clean your faucet aerator regularly and replace it every year to ensure continued efficiency.

If you’re in the situation of struggling to be comfortable at your bathroom vanity, you may be wondering if it is possible to raise it. While raising a vanity might sound difficult, it can actually be quite simple. Raising a bathroom vanity can make your vanity more functional and easy to use.