Maintenance & Repairs

In the refrigeration cycle, there are five basic components: fluid refrigerant; a compressor, which controls the flow of refrigerant; the condenser coils (on the outside of the fridge); the evaporator coils (on the inside of the fridge); and something called an expansion device. Here’s how they interact to cool your food.

Before you even think of working with a renovation pro, consider this insider intel from our panel of expert contractors.

No air conditioner required.

Four experts tell you everything you need to know to get growing—even if you don’t have a green thumb.

Your dream patio is just 48 hours away.

You might want to start buying toilet paper in bulk. 

Like real estate, cold storage is all about location. Shelf or drawer? High or low? Follow this expert fridge-packing plan to keep contents fresh.

Just because you cannot see the buildup from below, it doesn’t mean that it is not there. We recommend that you tackle this task twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall, when your yard gets the heaviest rain and leaf accumulation.

First come the warning signs: the water drains a little slower than normal and some puddles around the drain. Then, it just stops going down all together and you have a muddy and murky pool to deal with. Don’t let your cooking and dishwashing come to a halt because of your stopped up sink. Here, we will give you the tools and step-by-step instructions you need so you can clear a blockage on your own and don’t have to pick up the phone and wait for a visit from the plumber.

Do-it-yourself solutions for getting rid of ants. Plus, tricks for preventing them from invading your house in the first place.