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AC Energy Ratios
When shopping or air conditioners, look for seasonal energy ratios (SEER) over 12 for central air conditioners and energy ... |
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AC Rating
Air conditioners are rated by the number of British Thermal Units (Btu) of heat they can remove per hour. Another common ... |
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AC Settings
Don't set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home ... |
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Air Conditioner Size
Two major decisions should guide your purchase of a room air conditioner. Buy a correctly sized unit. Buy an energy-efficient ... |
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Air Leakage
Select windows with air leakage ratings of 0.3 cubic feet per minute or less. |
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As Is Homes
A home for sale "as is" often means repairs will be necessary. Don't write these properties off, the work may not be as bad as ... |
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Back-Up Offer
If you're bid for a house comes in second, be sure to make a backup offer. This puts you next in line if the first offer falls ... |
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Baths vs Showers
Take more showers than baths. Bathing uses the most hot water in the average household. You use 15-25 gallons of hot water for ... |
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Bench Vises & Clamps
It's essential to outfit your workbench with an assortment of vises and clamps. They free your hands by holding your work ... |
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Biscuit Joints
Using thin wood wafers called biscuits can strengthen wood joints by providing more glue bonding area. You can use a biscuit ... |
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Brass Shopping
When shopping for brass, take along a magnet. If the magnet sticks to the item such as a lamp base, it is not real brass. If ... |
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Budget Decorating
Here's how to get the most from your home decorating efforts without breaking the bank. Look for good quality furniture with ... |
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Buy In Bulk
When buying quantities of standard fasteners, such as screws or bolts, buy a full box anytime you will need close to a half ... |
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Buying Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is a natural material, and some types of tile are made from recycled glass (including the products listed below). ... |
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Buying Compromises
If you find that today's home prices require you to make compromises (as is probably the case for most first-time buyers) look ... |
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Buying Firewood
Although there are a variety of measuring units, firewood is normally sold by the cord, or a fraction of a cord. The ... |
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Buying Issues
Always check to see if the house is in a low-lying area, in a high-risk area for natural disasters (like earthquakes, ... |
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Buying Paint
Most exterior paints will cover about 400 square feet per gallon for one coat. But adjust for waste factors like the type of ... |
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Buying Tool Sets
Buying tools in sets dramatically reduces the cost, and you'll have a more complete selection when you need it. |
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Buying Tools
When it comes to buying tools, don't compromise on quality. Inexpensive tools may seem like a bargain at the store, but will ... |
