Category Archives: Maintenance

Keeping your home safe and in good shape.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Where to Put Them and How to Test Them

By Home Improvement Need Staff

Where to install smoke and CO alarms, how often to test them and when to replace batteries or the whole unit, based on USFA and CPSC advice. Continue reading →

Posted in Maintenance

HVAC Air Filters: Sizes, MERV Ratings and When to Change Them

By Home Improvement Need Staff

Find your furnace filter’s size, choose a sensible MERV rating and know when to change it, with ENERGY STAR and EPA guidance in plain English. Continue reading →

Posted in Maintenance

A Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

By Home Improvement Need Staff

Prepare your home for colder weather: gutters, heating, filters, alarms, outdoor faucets and drafts, with safety tips from official sources. Continue reading →

Posted in Maintenance

How to Clean a Dryer Vent and Lower Your Fire Risk

By Home Improvement Need Staff

Clean the lint filter, check the duct and the outside vent, and know the warning signs of a clogged dryer vent, with fire safety advice from USFA and NFPA. Continue reading →

Posted in Maintenance