Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 196)

AC Unit Fan Not Spinning
Heating & Cooling

Solved! Why Is My AC Unit Fan Not Spinning?

Keeping cool when it’s hot outside requires a properly working AC unit. If your AC unit fan isn’t spinning, here are some ways to troubleshoot this common issue.

Potted plant with yellow and red flowers.
Gardening

Beyond Poinsettias: 23 Houseplants That Bloom in Winter

It may be getting cold outside, but wintertime is showtime for some houseplants. These indoor winter plants are sure to invigorate your interior—and your soul—with beautiful blooms while you hibernate until spring.

The Best Carpet Cleaning Companies Options
Home Services

The Best Carpet Cleaning Companies, Vetted

Are your carpets dirty and need to be refreshed? The best carpet cleaning companies remove dirt, allergens, and stains while sanitizing and deodorizing.

A group of the best sharpening stone options laid out together on a dark surface.
Appliances & Cookware

Testing the Best Sharpening Stones for Knives and Tools

Bring a fine edge to that set of dull blades with one of these top sharpening stones.

The package of the North Spore Mushroom Kit on a kitchen counter.
Reviews

We Tested the North Spore Mushroom Kit To See if We Could Grow Mushrooms At Home

I tested this mushroom growing kit to see if its ease of use and cost make it worth the purchase.

A person cutting the root ball of a plant using the Truly Gardnen hori hori knife.
Reviews

One Tool to Do It All: Truly Garden Hori Hori Knife Review

This knife is the digging tool of choice for gardeners who value versatility.

The Bisseell SpinWave floor scrubber on a wood floor with included scrubbing pads and cleaning solution.
Reviews

Bissell SpinWave Review: The Best of the 15 Floor Scrubbers We Tested

The Bissell SpinWave promises to clean hard floors without hands-and-knees scrubbing, so we put it to the test. Here’s what we loved—and what could be better.

The Chilipad Sleep System and remote sitting on a carpeted floor next to a bed.
Reviews

Reviewing the Chilipad Sleep System: Great When Hot, Otherwise Not?

The Chilipad Cube uses temperature-controlled water to help you chill or heat your way to better sleep. But how well does it work?

A person removing the battery from the Ego Power+ 650.
Reviews

Tested: Is the Ego 765 Leaf Blower Really the World’s Most Powerful?

When it comes to battery blower performance, this is one of the toughest competitors.

Painting Tools
Painting & Finishing

Brush vs. Roller vs. Sprayer: How to Choose the Right Painting Tool

It takes the right paint applicators to get the biggest payback from your investment in high-quality paint.

Woman kneeling on the floor of a living room holding a paint brush and preparing to paint the walls.
Paints & Finishes

How Long Does It Take to Paint a Room?

One day? Two? How many coats? We answer all these questions and more in this guide on how long it takes to paint a room.

Christmas lights in trash
Holidays & Celebrations

Don’t Throw Your Old Christmas Lights in the Trash—Do This Instead

Have you bought new string lights for the holidays, and don’t know what to do with the tangled-up old strings you have? Learn how to recycle Christmas lights the right way—and give them a chance at a new life.

This is What No One Tells You About Downsizing
Buying

This is What No One Tells You About Downsizing

When it comes to downsizing your home, less can be more. Less debt, less maintenance, and less to clean translates into more cash flow and more free time. If you're planning to downsize, whether now or in the future, there are a few things you should know.

How to Help Your Houseplants Survive the Winter
House Plants

How to Help Your Houseplants Survive the Winter

Though houseplants are kept indoors, they are still affected by changes in temperature and season. Learn how tweaks to your care routine can help your indoor plants weather the cold.

14 Things You Never Thought to Keep in Your Car
Home Safety

14 Things You Never Thought to Keep in Your Car

We all know to carry jumper cables, some extra blankets, and a few bottles of water in our cars in case of an emergency, but what are some other items that can help us be prepared on the road?

15 Ways to Warm Up to Outdoor Living in Fall
Deck, Patio & Porch

15 Ways to Warm Up to Outdoor Living in Fall

Leaves are falling and there's a chill in the air: For many of us, autumn is the most glorious time of year to spend outside. Grab this gear for your coziest outdoor space ever.

8 Ways to Mildew-Proof Your Bathroom
Cleaning & Organizing

8 Ways to Mildew-Proof Your Bathroom

Plagued by excess moisture and lack of ventilation, bathrooms are especially susceptible to mildew. The fungus typically appears on walls, tile, or grout, and it can trigger a slew of health problems, including allergies and other respiratory issues. The best method for combating mildew is preventing it from growing in the first place. To stop this scourge in its tracks, check out these 8 ways to mildew-proof your bathroom.

21 Things People Get Wrong About Decorating Small Spaces
Interior Design

21 Things People Get Wrong About Decorating Small Spaces

We’ve all been told the “rules” for decorating small spaces. It's time to rethink those rules.

Go Dark and Dramatic with Black Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinets

Go Dark and Dramatic with Black Kitchen Cabinets

Black is back, and bolder than ever in a variety of stylish kitchens. Get inspired to use black with these 10 design ideas.

do security signs deter crime
Exterior

Solved! Do Security Signs Really Deter Crime?

Many people who have security systems post signs to warn off criminals, and they can be surprisingly effective.