The windowsills in my kitchen often have items lined up on them, especially our empty glass milk bottles. But fire safety experts warn that storing glass in this spot can pose an alarming fire risk.

Especially in the summer months when the sun’s power is more keenly felt, light entering your bottle and exiting concentrated on fabric such as curtains, upholstery or even paper towels could spark a fire in your home.

Here, our experts explain the fire risks and what to do instead with glass jars and bottles to keep your home's windowsills from sparking an inferno any time of year.

Keeping glass and reflective kitchen items stored in a cabinet or a chic countertop storage bin from Wayfair will stop sunlight from traveling through and posing a risk.

Former firefighter and managing director of Fire & Evacuation Services, John Duthart, explains, ‘Incidents involving sunlight passing through glass objects are not as rare as people might think, with many fires in the past decade caused by the sun's rays.

‘A simple glass item like a condiment jar left on a windowsill can focus sunlight onto nearby surfaces like blinds or fabrics and lead to a devastating fire under certain conditions.’

Why Glass Objects Can Easily Cause Fires Fast

Glass objects and reflective surfaces can act like a magnifying glass, concentrating the sun’s rays into a focused hot spot. If that heat is directed onto flammable materials for long enough, it can cause smouldering, which may then develop into a full fire.

John adds, ‘In strong direct sunlight, nearby materials can begin to heat up within minutes. The exact timing depends on the strength of the sunlight, the type of glass involved and how close combustible items are to the focused light.’

The Household Materials That Pose the Most Risk

Curtains, bedding, paper, cardboard, clothing and soft furnishings are among the most vulnerable because they can heat up and ignite more easily once sunlight is concentrated onto one small area.

John explains that proximity plays a part. He says, ‘A mirror, glass ornament or jar placed on a windowsill may only need to focus sunlight a short distance onto nearby curtains or furniture to create dangerous heat build-up.’

Reduce this common fire risk by placing glass items, whether empty or full, out of sunlight year-round.

Where Else This Can Happen Inside Your Home

Safety and environmental expert, Brian Dunagan, is Chief Investigator for fire, electrical, and explosion cases at IFO Group.

He adds that in investigations of these sorts of infernos, they usually come about ‘because sunlight passed through curved glass, acted as a lens, and the energy focused on combustible materials like paper, cardboard, fabrics or dry wood.’

Brian warns that it’s not just glass on windowsills that can cause a spark. He explains, ‘Countertops, shelves, sunrooms and patios, garages, and vehicle interiors can cause similar incidents when direct sunlight hits a transparent container.

‘The thickness of the glass alone is usually of minor importance compared to the shape of the container, clarity and contents. Ignition is not based on outdoor temperature. The intensity of the direct sunlight, angle of the sun, exposure duration and type of material being heated are all critical.’

Keeping these items out of the direct path of sunlight anywhere in your home, and having a fire extinguisher available from Amazon in the house, is vital for your household's safety.

How to Safely Store Reflective Objects Instead

‘Mirrors, crystals, glass ornaments, bottles and similar reflective items should be kept away from direct sunlight,’ former firefighter John adds, ‘and ideally stored in shaded areas, drawers or against walls where sunlight cannot hit them directly.’

If you don’t have storage space in cabinets, consider a chic fluted wall-mounted recycling bin from IKEA or hanging storage baskets from Williams Sonoma, which you can place on a wall or behind a door in a permanently shady spot.

I now have a spacious and sleek recycling bin from Caraway for used jars and bottles, and have recently expanded my kitchen storage with an IKEA Kallax Unit so no glass has to be left out in our sunny, south-facing kitchen.

What to Shop

Meet the Experts

Next, reduce the fire risk around your home by never putting particular items items on your porch.

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If stepping onto your rug often feels like a ride on a magic carpet, then it’s time to easily and quickly secure it to the floor without damage or fuss.

I have a mix of carpeted and hard floors and love adding a cozy rug to easily change up the look of my rooms and add texture to the space. However, that annoying slippage underfoot is not just a nuisance; it’s a hazard, as I have a condition that means my joints dislocate at the tiniest slip.

That’s why I always use the Gorilla Strip Rug Gripper, available at Amazon for fast delivery. Simply lay it under your rug and trim to size. It’s non-sticky, but beautifully grippy. It also makes it easier to clean with your best vacuum's high suction, and not have your floor coverings sliding around mid-clean.

I have been using these since I moved into my first home in 2012. They last for years and have survived three house moves and countless rug swaps in my home, which I share with my husband, young daughter, and pets.

Having the rugs underfoot is a big bonus for us to avoid falls and injuries, and because we have to vacuum our home daily to keep it clean with pets, we need floor coverings to stay firmly put.

Even with the most powerful vacuum, my trusted Miele C3, which we have reviewed and love, the grippers do not budge.

To install, simply clean the floor and make sure it is free of dust and debris. Arrange it in the position you need and lay your rug on top. I trim any extra that is sticking out in view with a pair of sharp everyday scissors, available at Walmart.

I use the offcuts under the slippery doormat I have in the kitchen. And the best thing is, when you no longer need it, or change your living room layout, simply peel it off the floor – there is no adhesive to leave a mark behind – and reposition it elsewhere for more years of use.

What Shoppers Say

More than 50,000 Amazon shoppers have purchased and reviewed this affordable item on site, garnering an average rating of 4.4 stars out of 5.

Marquette D Evans recently added her thoughts, giving the 'great product' the full star rating. She explains, ‘I have never been disappointed by anything from Gorilla, and these pads are no exception. Easily trimmed to fit with scissors.

'Provides a nice light padding without raising the level of the rugs so that doors don't drag. Keeps rugs in place very well. Bought them for three runners, and they work so well that I got a small one for the rug at our entry door. Finally, the price is very reasonable. Great purchase.’

Another five-star write-up comes from Angela Robinson, who says, ‘This works well under a small wool rug that had been sliding all over my bedroom. It keeps the rug in place. I end up straightening the rug about once a week as the rug shifts a bit off the gripper (though the gripper stays in one place on the floor). So far, no marks on the floor or rug, but we've only had it about a month.’

I have found that sort of shifting happens minimally when the gripper is in place on top of a carpet, and not at all on top of hard floors.

Other shoppers are using it around the home, including keeping chef mats in place in the kitchen, memory foam bath mats that have lost their grip after washing, and to aid elderly pets that were slipping on rugs that moved underpaw.

Many note how useful it is to be able to trim it with scissors to fit exactly. The Gorilla Grip Strong Pad Grippers from Amazon are available in rectangular and round versions with multiple sizing options to keep manual trimming to a minimum.

What to Shop

Keeping your floors clean during the busy spring and summer seasons is no mean feat. Here is a selection of the best products and tools to keep yours fresh with minimal daily effort.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

To refresh rugs without harsh chemicals, we tried a baking soda and essential oil mix and were impressed with the results.

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As the weather warms and our attention turns to outdoor hosting, it can be tempting to skip the maintenance and head straight for the grill.

However, before you start serving friends and family in the sunshine, experts recommend performing a simple water-beading test on any outdoor kitchen with wooden countertops. It’s a quick check that can reveal a lot about the condition of your surfaces before prep begins.

Here’s how the water test works to tell if your counters need re-oiling, and the other subtle warning signs to look for before hosting a crowd this summer.

How to Use The Water Bead Test on Wooden Countertops

While you should consider oiling wooden countertops yearly anyway, the waterdrop test can help you determine if your counters are in dire need of maintenance before hosting. Allow them to dry out too much, and you will start to see structural damage such as cracks, splinters, and warping, and the surface will be more prone to stains.

Tasmin Holland, kitchen product development manager at Paula Rosa Kitchens, explains, 'Outdoor timber has to deal with direct sunlight, rain, changing temperatures, and moisture in the air, so the protective finish can break down faster.

'A good habit to get into is to check wooden worktops before the warmer months, especially if it’s an outdoor kitchen that is about to be used for those weekend BBQs.'

To this properly, she recommends:

• Clean the kitchen and countertops thoroughly, then let them dry completely.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water across the surface.
• If the droplets bead on the surface, the protective finish is still intact. If the moisture lies flat or soaks in quickly, it’s a clear sign that the wood needs re-oiling before heavy use begins.
• Different timbers will vary slightly, but the same general rule applies, she notes.

Tasmin adds, 'It’s much easier to keep on top of it little and often than to rescue a worktop once the wood has dried out or started to stain.'

What Else to Look For

While the water test is a helpful first step in determining whether your outdoor kitchen counters need re-oiling, Tasmin recommends pairing it with a quick visual check.

'While beading water is a sign of a healthy seal, I always advise homeowners to look for subtle changes in texture,' she explains. 'If the timber starts to feel dry or rough, or appears patchy in high-use prep zones, the finish is likely wearing thin, regardless of how the water reacts.'

How you clean your outdoor kitchen can also affect it. Avoid overly astringent or harsh cleaning products, as these can strip away the protective oil coating and leave the wood dry and vulnerable over time.

What to Shop

Meet the Expert

Need some extra inspiration? We have rounded up the best outdoor evening party ideas to suit you all summer long.

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If cool air is leaking out of gaps in your attic, then the AC has to work harder, resulting in a higher energy bill. But HVAC pros have revealed a simple trick for better insulation as the weather continues to warm up: Weatherstripping your attic hatch.

This $7 Topiverse Weather Stripping Door Seal at Amazon is all you need to shave 15% off your cooling (and heating) costs year-round. It's a simple application that even inexperienced DIYers will be able to achieve at home, in minutes.

Here, HVAC and maintenance professionals reveal how to weatherstrip your attic hatch to reduce your energy bills.

Don't Let Cooled Air Escape Through Your Attic Hatch This Summer

According to Energy Star and EPA estimates, insulating areas of the home where treated air can leak, such as attics, can save on average 15% off your cooling costs over summer, and heating costs come winter. It's an inexpensive solution to keep energy bills low this spring and summer.

'According to the US Department of Energy, 25-40% of the energy consumed in cooling a typical home is due to air leaks, and the attic hatch is a notorious culprit,' shares Devin Henry, president of Nomadic Real Estate.

'In the summer, the hot air in the attic, reaching up to 150°F on a bad day, forces its way down into your living room and causes your air conditioner to run longer than it needs to,' he continues.

Effectively, a hatch with gaps around allows hot air to spread downward into the house, while cool air from your AC escapes upward. And in winter, it's one of the many attic tweaks you can make to spend less on heating.

'One of the largest sources of air leakage in a home is the attic, and an unsealed hatch is simply an opening in your ceiling,' says Devin, emphasizing the importance of this step before the weather heats up.

How to Do It

Daniel Cabrera, owner of Roof Direct San Antonio, explains how to weatherstrip the hatch, using minimal DIY skills and time. A simple $7.49 weatherstrip kit at Amazon will include everything you need for installation.

'First, clean the edges of the hatch frame to allow proper bonding of the adhesive tape. Then, apply self-adhesive weather stripping foam tape on the entire circumference of the hatch frame where it comes into contact,' he says.

To clean the hatch frame, you'll need to vacuum up any dust, wipe it with a damp, soapy cloth, and treat any mold if present. With this $8.90 microfiber cloth set at Walmart and this $3.88 Zep Mold & Mildew Remover at Walmart, you'll be fully set. Make sure the surface is fully dry before applying the tape.

Failing to seal the gaps around your attic hatch is a common HVAC summer mistake that will unnecessarily drive up your energy bills while the weather is warmer. If you have done this task in the past, check the existing sealant, as temperature and humidity changes can cause seal failure over time, and need to be replaced.

What to Shop

To reduce the air seepage between your attic and the rest of your home, you'll be fully set with a weatherstripping kit and a few basic cleaning tools.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Next, learn clever ways to reuse AC water, and the five signs it's time to replace your AC unit.

Did you know that winter water pressure changes may have caused micro-cracks in your washer hose and water heater valves? This can escalate into hidden egress or sudden leaks if left unfixed. With winter weather truly over and ground pressure increasing in April, this month is the perfect time for a quick DIY test to check for weak points.

This spring maintenance risk can be easily diagnosed using a paper towel. Simply wrap a sheet around your connection points, and if any become damp over the next 24 hours, you have sprung a silent leak over recent months.

Failing to fix it could lead to avoidable but expensive repairs, especially as seasonal April showers already increase the pressure on your drainage systems. In fact, a washer leak is one of the top five causes of insurance claims in US homes, and if it happens while you're at work or away, you could be faced with a complete floor replacement, costing upwards of $10,000. Get ahead of hidden problems now with our quick DIY diagnostic.

The 'Paper Towel' Test to Check for Hidden Leaks

Hidden leaks can lead to expensive repairs, as slow ones cause damage out of sight, and it's not till you spot your floors warping, or find mold, that you realize the issue has been going on for a while. Micro-cracks can also suddenly give, leading to extensive flooding that is costly to repair. Having to replace a floor, for example, might set you back up to $10,000.

Josh Mitchell, seasoned HVAC professional and plumbing technician at Plumbing Lab, shares how the paper towel diagnostic works, so you can spot problems before they escalate.

1. Take a dry paper towel and wrap it tightly around the connection points on washing machine hoses, under-sink shutoff valves, dishwasher lines, and around the base of the water heater valve.
2. Make sure the towel is in direct contact with the metal or fitting.
3. Leave it in place for 12-24 hours. If any part of that towel feels damp or shows discoloration, you’ve got a leak.

This is a quick, yet highly effective solution that could avoid costly repairs, without requiring any particular DIY skills.

'I use this method often because it turns an invisible problem into something obvious,' explains Josh. 'A lot of winter damage doesn’t show up as a visible drip but as moisture that forms and dries repeatedly on supply lines and valves. Paper towels absorb that moisture right away, so even a tiny leak becomes visible within hours.'

These leaks start during winter, when water pressure fluctuates more than usual. The pipes contract in cold weather and expand again as temperatures rise.

'That movement weakens rubber seals and fittings,' adds Josh. 'By April, when groundwater pressure increases and systems start cycling more often, those small weaknesses turn into steady drips or full failures. That’s when small winter damage starts turning into real leaks.'

Josh emphasizes the urgency of preventive measures, locating leaks before they can cause significant water damage.

The Fix for Micro-Cracks in Your Washer Connection Points

'Fixing the issue early is cheap. Replacing a standard rubber hose with a stainless steel braided one costs about $15 to $20,' Josh advises.

This $17.98 Everbilt stainless steel supply line at Home Depot is resistant to corrosion and easy to install.

Josh adds, 'Adding a leak alarm costs around $10 to $15 and alerts you within seconds if water starts pooling.' This simple $14.54 leak alarm at Home Depot will trigger if water is detected around hoses, valves, and supply lines.

'Compare that to what happens if it fails while you’re out. A burst hose can release 500 to 700 gallons in a few hours. That’s enough to ruin flooring, baseboards, drywall, and sometimes cabinetry. Repairs often run from $5,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on how long the water runs,' Josh adds.

What to Shop

To locate, identify, and fix leaks in your supply lines, here are a few inexpensive tools that will leave you protected against pressure changes come April showers.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Next, learn the two-minute DIY rule to keep home maintenance under control, and how to find and fix common household leaks.

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As temperatures rise, so too do air conditioning bills. And, if your windows and doors aren't sealed correctly, you might find them doing so more than usual.

While these costs are an inevitable part of warmer weather, there is one easy and affordable trick you can use to check that your AC is working as efficiently as possible – and all you need is an incense stick.

It's a simple yet effective method that can effortlessly help you to cut energy bills.

Why Drafts Are More Noticeable In Spring, and How to Spot Them

The incense stick trick is simple: Slowly pass a lit stick around window frames on a windy day. If the smoke flickers, you're losing money from failing seals. If you have one of these as part of your home fragrance favorites, then it's easy to get testing. If you don't, you can pick incense sticks very affordably from Amazon, with same-day or next-day delivery.

Josh Mitchell, HVAC Expert and Founder of AirConditionerLab, details that the main reason for new spring drafts stems from winter freeze-thaw cycles.

'Freeze-thaw cycles wear down seals faster than people expect,' he explains. 'During winter, caulk and rubber seals expand during warmer daytime temperatures and contract overnight when temperatures drop below freezing. That repeated movement creates hairline cracks that grow over time. UV exposure from winter sun also dries out sealants, making them brittle.'

'In many homes, especially those over 10 years old, I see seal breakdown within two to four seasons. By early spring, those gaps are already letting conditioned air escape.

'Even small openings around windows can increase cooling load by five to 15 percent, which is why people notice higher AC bills as soon as temperatures start rising,' or struggle to even keep a home cool in the first place.

And, as Patrick Gambel, Owner of General Heating & Air Conditioning, adds, the main issue is, 'Most homeowners don’t catch it right away, but those little openings are what lead to drafts and higher energy bills.'

How to Use the 'Incense Stick' Trick to Identify Drafts

'The incense trick works because smoke reacts to even slight air movement,' continues Josh. 'I tell homeowners to turn off ceiling fans and hold a lit incense stick about an inch away from window frames, corners, and trim. Move slowly along the edges.

'If the smoke drifts sideways or gets pulled in a direction, that’s a leak. You can also test on a calm day with the AC running, since pressure differences will still pull air through gaps. It takes about five to 10 minutes to check an entire room and gives a visual result that’s easier to spot than using your hand.'

Most importantly, catching these failed seals early prevents costly repairs, as air leaks spell moisture, mold, and mildew.

'Warm indoor air hitting a cooler window frame can condense inside the wall or around the frame,' adds Josh. 'Over time, that leads to soft wood, peeling paint, and mold.

'Once the frame starts to break down, you’re no longer looking at a seal fix. You’re looking to replace parts of the window or the entire unit, which can cost $500 to $1,200 per window. Fixing the gap early with a $10 to $20 material avoids that progression.'

Jordan Benjamin, HVAC, Plumbing Expert, and the President of Done Rite Services, agrees. 'Catching a failing seal early prevents serious damage from occurring,' he says. 'Gaps in the seal lead to moisture intrusion, which causes wood to rot, insulation to deteriorate, and frames to warp.

'These kinds of issues can be expensive to repair, and if the damage is severe, a full replacement may be needed. It’s much easier and less expensive to replace failing seals as you notice them.'

How to Eliminate Drafts

Once identified, DIY draft proofing is easy.

'For quick fixes, I recommend removable weatherstripping for windows that open and close often,' suggests Josh. Rope caulk [such as the Frost King Fingertip Rope Caulk, available at Amazon] works well for seasonal sealing and costs under $10 per pack.'

If you're not so confident with DIY, you could also go for what Scott Levene, Vice President of Levco, refers to as the 'faster, uglier way' – shrink wrap.

'Shrink-wrap works on not-so-beat-up windows, and it doesn’t require as much precision or near-craftsmanship to install as caulk sometimes can,' he explains. 'It works like a cheaper, temporary storm window, stopping leaks and creating an air pocket with an insulating effect.'

Then, for windows, a door sweep or draft stopper, available at Amazon, blocks airflow at the bottom, where most leaks happen.

'If you find wider gaps, use low-expansion foam labeled for windows and doors,' continues Josh. 'It fills the space without pushing on the frame. A single can can seal multiple windows and costs around $6 to $10.' For this, we recommend the GE Big Gaps & Cracks Insulating Foam, available at Walmart.

'For smaller cracks, acrylic latex caulk is a good option and is easier to control than foam,' he adds. And importantly, Josh warns, don't overlook your outlets and switch plates on exterior walls, or all your attempts to weatherproof your windows will be in vain.

'I’ve tested homes where those spots alone accounted for noticeable airflow,' he says. 'Foam outlet gaskets cost a few dollars and take only a few minutes to install.

'Attic access points and baseboards along exterior walls are also common leak points. When you seal several small gaps, the combined effect reduces how often your system runs and helps maintain stable indoor temperatures.'

What to Shop

Below, you can shop from a selection of expert-approved draft proofing essentials – including caulk, expanding foam, and incense sticks, which you can also use as a quick way to make your home smell nice.

Each is suitable for differing factors, such as the size gap you need to fill, so make sure to assess yours individually before deciding on which will work best for you. Some, like the shrink-to-fit window kit and door sweep, are also conveniently removable, but will work just as well to keep your home warm and trap heat in winter as they will to keep it cool and trap air conditioning this spring and summer.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

Have you considered eco cooling? Discover the greenest ways to stop your home from overheating.

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Almost every appliance uses power when in standby mode. Particularly electronics with clocks, timers, remotes, and chargers – leaving them on drives up your energy bill, but unplugging them one by one is a time-consuming task that many of us realistically wouldn't do every night.

Smart plugs, like this pack of four $6 Kasa plugs at Amazon, can be programmed to turn off at a certain time every night, eliminating the standby power that can cost households up to $100 a year, according to the US Department of Energy.

It takes a few minutes to set up a smart plug's routine to reduce your energy bills.

$6 Smart Plugs Can Save Up To $100 a Year

Despite the name, smart plugs don't require any specialized tech knowledge to use. There's no installation, all that's required is to plug your devices into the smart plug, then plug that into the outlet.

Download the app, and you'll be able to set timers for the plugs. This can be for the same times every day, or different throughout the week to account for changes in your weekly routine.

Simply set your appliances to turn off at bedtime, then on again before everybody wakes up, and your home will be using significantly less standby energy, reducing bills.

TVs, AC units, consoles, chargers, and small appliances with digital clocks are some of the biggest 'vampire appliances', secretly costing money by using what's referred to as 'phantom power'. Prioritising these devices with smart plugs will result in the most significant reduction in bills.

The Kasa plugs will be part of your smart home setup, too, as they're Matter-compatible, meaning you can control them using your existing voice assistant or smart hub, whether Amazon Alexa or Google Home.

The Kasa Smart Plugs are available as a pack of four for $25.49 at Amazon.

More to Shop

Smart plugs will instantly reduce the amount your household is spending on energy bills by eliminating the power that your devices are pulling overnight, while on standby.

Here are six more solutions to reduce your bills around the house.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Next, learn where to put motion sensor lights in your home to reduce your bills.

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As we all contend with recent gas and oil price hikes, finding ways to save money on our day-to-day spend becomes all the more important. And according to experts, many of us are literally throwing money away on 'phantom energy' – energy consumed by household devices left on standby when not in use.

But, thankfully, the experts have one very easy and affordable fix – a smart power strip. It looks just like a regular multi-outlet power strip but has one big difference. They detect when your devices are not in use and auto shut them down, which can help you slash energy bills.

Read on for the experts' advice on how to save costs on energy you didn't even know you were wasting, and find a selection of power strips and energy-saving buys to help you get started right now.

Whilst we'd all like to think we're doing everything we can to save energy and money in our homes, many people may be put off from delving into the issue more deeply for fear of having to make a big, expensive upfront upgrade, such as replacing windows with energy-efficient ones. Adam Cain, the VP of Marketing for Electricityrates.com, dismisses that notion. 'It can be a common misconception that trying to reduce your energy bills means making big upgrades. But what is actually true is that smaller changes around the home are what can have the biggest impact over time.'

Small changes can be anything from draft proofing to turning down the thermostat a couple of degrees or investing in a smart power strip.

Adam explains: 'One of these simple solutions is to use a smart power strip for main entertainment or workspaces in the home. Large electronic devices like televisions, gaming consoles, home computers, routers, and even fancy coffee machines are always pulling energy, even when off or not in use. This 'phantom energy', as we call it in the industry, can use up to 10% of a house’s energy bill.'

So, in effect, you could be paying 10% more on your energy bill than you need to be, for absolutely nothing. Alex Thompson, Tech Expert at TheComputerPortal.com puts that into real terms. 'Most people don't realize their computer and home-office setup can add $20-40 monthly to energy bills. I've helped hundreds of clients slash this by 60% with smart power strips that cut phantom loads.' Alex adds that the small investment in switching from regular power strips to smart ones will pay for itself within a couple of months, helping you to make big savings over the long term.

But how do they actually work? 'Smart power strips detect when computers, printers, and peripherals aren't actively used and shut them down completely. My client, Sarah, a remote worker, saved $32 monthly just by replacing her regular power strips with smart ones,' explains Alex. 'You can just set it and forget it as the built-in sensors handle everything automatically while protecting your equipment from surges, too.'

Adam adds that if you're using these in a media room 'All you need to do is plug your primary device (like a TV) into the control outlet, and then connect any accessories (like the speakers or sound bar) into the secondary outlet. When you turn the TV off, then everything else will shut down too.'

And, it's not just your computers and TVs that are draining unnecessary energy, says Adam. There are other 'vampire appliances' that are secretly costing you money, too. 'You can further reap the benefits by plugging chargers and smaller appliances into the same strip. Even these smaller devices can pull a bit of energy, so it’s helpful to make these changes in multiple places in your home.'

So, stop putting it off – you don't need to spend a lot to save on your energy bills right now. 'Small, more behavior-driven changes are those that tend to last the longest. Therefore, you want to have easier things to change around your home, so you continue to reap the benefits,' agrees Adam. 'These smaller changes are those you will stick with because they are low effort and low cost, and with energy prices changing due to oil and gas markets right now, anywhere you can save money is a plus.'

Shop These Energy Saving Buys

As well as replacing your power strips with smart ones, it's well worth considering these small maintenance tasks that can reduce your energy bills, too – these will ensure that your equipment and appliance are all working as efficiently as possible and not losing 'phantom energy' and costing you money.

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If you've been dealing with extreme weather over recent weeks, you'd be well advised to check your home for damage now so you can tackle any issues before they worsen and become more expensive to fix.

Sometimes these potential issues aren't immediately obvious, though, like covertly blocked drains. The leaves and debris from winter's storms may have washed into your drains causing back-up and ultimately, flooding. Once you notice the effects, chances are it will be too late to fix on your own, which might mean an expensive bill.

It's important to avoid drainage mistakes if you don't want to be out of pocket, so I've asked the experts for their advice on tackling this issue head-on with an ingredient found in most households – white vinegar (from Walmart) – as well as some other products to help keep your pipes flowing as they should.

What Causes Drains to Block?

'After heavy storms, drains tend to take a bit of a battering. When you get sudden downpours, a lot more debris gets washed into the drainage system than it normally would so things like soil, small leaves, grit and so on can build up in gullies and pipe bends and start restricting the flow,' explains Ian Wood, Drainage and Plumbing Specialist at Reactive Plumbing and Drainage Ltd. 'Inside the home you get a knock-on effect because outdoor drains and sewers are already under pressure, so grease, soap residue and food waste inside the pipework has an easier time sticking and forming a blockage.'

What Can I Use to Keep My Drains Clear?

You may already have a bottle of this common household product in your cupboard, and it's one of the best DIY drain cleaning methods when it comes to preventing bigger problems with your drain later on. Robert Schwachenwald, Owner at Bizzy Bee Plumbing Inc in North Carolina says: 'White Vinegar can help as it is acidic, so it breaks down light buildup like soap residue, grease, and mineral deposits inside the pipes, keeping them cleaner and reducing any odor.' He suggests pouring about half a cup of white vinegar down the drain, letting it sit for 30 min, then flushing with hot water.

If your water is already draining slowly, you could try mixing another ingredient, Dean Christian, Plumbing Manager at Awesome Home Services in Colorado Springs, says, 'the key is mixing vinegar with baking soda to naturally dissolve mineral deposits while removing odors as well. It is best used as a preventative measure for maintenance, though it can help with minor, slow-draining clogs.'

Dean recommends adding half a cup of baking soda (Amazon) to white distilled vinegar, pouring it down the drain, then letting it fizz for up to 30 minutes, before flushing it through with boiling water.

How Often Should I Pour Vinegar Down the Drain?

When it comes to pouring vinegar down the drain, Ian advises 'As a preventative, doing this once every couple of weeks is usually enough for most households.'

For his vinegar and baking soda mix, Dean recommends repeating this around once a month, overnight, to allow the mixture time to settle in. 'You can apply this method to your indoor and outdoor sinks before a heavy rain, too,' he advises.

And when it comes to the best time of day to try this method, Ian suggests 'Evening tends to be the best time, simply because the sink is used less overnight. That gives the vinegar time to sit in the pipe and do its job without being immediately washed away by someone running the tap.'

What Should I be Aware of When Trying This Method?

Ian explains: 'This is mainly a preventative measure, but it can help if you’re just starting to notice slow drainage. Vinegar can break down light grease buildup and soap scum, which sometimes clears minor restrictions.'

However, using vinegar to clean your drain won't be enough to deal with a full blockage. 'If the drain is already properly blocked, you’ll usually need something stronger like mechanical clearing, plunging, or professional equipment to get things moving again,' adds Ian.

And, if you live in an older property you might want to check what your pipes are made of. 'A quick caveat is that most PVC pipes will work fine with this technique, but excessive use of acidic vinegar can potentially wear down older metal pipes.' This can lead to damage and potential leakages in your pipework, which you'll want to avoid.

Ian also adds that this method is only effective for indoor drains. 'Outdoor drains are dealing with bigger debris like leaves and mud, so vinegar won’t really solve those issues on its own – it is far more effective to keep the grates clear and remove debris physically.'

What to Buy to Keep Your Drains Clear

Once you've sorted your indoor drains, make sure you know how to unclog your yard drains to keep the whole system clear of blockages.

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As the Northeast coast begins to dig out from one of the most punishing winter storms in years, it’s tempting to experiment with viral hacks to make the process somewhat less tedious. However, experts have warned against turning to that one essential that’s likely hiding in your kitchen cupboard: Cooking oil.

At an initial glance, the idea behind the ‘non-stick driveway’ trick is simple. By coating the surface of a driveway or the blade of a snow shovel with cooking oil or non-stick spray, some claim snow and ice won’t bond as easily to the ground, making shovelling quicker and less physically demanding.

On paper, the science makes sense, as oil can create a temporary hydrophobic barrier between snow and the surface beneath it. However, following suit could be a dangerous fear. If you want to know how to safely remove snow from a driveway, the experts recommend more-tried-and-tested techniques.

Does the Non-Stick Driveway Snow Trick Work?

'In terms of creating a physical, hydrophobic barrier between the ground and the snow, this hack would indeed work. The oil / non-stick spray will not allow the snow or ice to stick to the ground as easily,' comments Chrissie Handley, a De-Icing Solutions Expert at Online Rock Salt. However, this is where the benefits tend to end.

'You may find that, in periods of heavy snowfall, this doesn’t necessarily make shovelling an easier job – it will only really make a difference when you get to the bottom of the snow pile near the ground, as ice won’t have formed on the ground. However, you likely will have created a slippery surface with the oil, so it will not prevent slips, trips, or falls; it’s sort of a moot point,' Chrissie explains.

Gene Caballero, the co-founder of GreenPal, agrees. 'I have certainly seen the nonstick shovel hack used in the field. Spraying cooking oil or nonstick spray can actually temporarily reduce snow sticking to a shovel, especially if that snow is heavy and wet,' he says. 'That said, I don't highly recommend it. The reason I don't recommend it is that the oils can drip into the driveway, create more of a slip hazard, and stain concrete.'

What should you use instead?

According to the experts, knowing how to de-ice garden paths and driveways the time-honored way is the perfect start.

'My recommendation would be to stick to traditional de-icing methods, like de-icing salt [such as this one at Amazon], as it lowers the freezing point of water, so will physically not allow ice and snow to stick to the ground if applied in advance, instead melting it into a slush-like texture instead of slippery ice that’s difficult to remove,' she says.

'If you’re hesitant to use de-icing salt on concrete, etc., you can look at substitutions that offer the same chemical effect, like baking soda (though it is significantly less effective) or using an ice-melt urea-based product, which is less damaging to sensitive surfaces.'

Meanwhile, Gene recommends using a silicone base spray specifically for tools, like this one at Amazon. 'These are less messy and more durable. What is more important is to use a high-quality shovel with a smooth blade and apply ice melt properly,' he says.

Shop the Essentials

In the end, while the non-stick driveway trick may work in theory, experts caution it rarely makes shovelling significantly easier and can create a slippery, hazardous surface. For a safer, more effective approach, stick with tried-and-true de-icing methods, like salt and urea-based melt. When it comes to clearing snow, preparation and proper materials remain far more reliable than viral shortcuts.

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While I don't want to understate the value of a security system, there are ways to secure your home while you're out that don't cost $100s or require specialist installation.

It's also incredibly simple. All you need is two smart plugs, like this $9.97 iHome smart plug at Walmart, to make it seem as if you're home by connecting them to your existing lamps.

Security professionals are praising how effective this simple trick is, while being easier and much more affordable than many of the best home security tips.

The 'Two Smart Plugs' Trick

Plug a lamp into a smart plug, and you can control it with your phone, setting schedules and routines for each day. If you time it right, you can make it look as if you're moving through your home, even while you're out say Gene Petrino, lead advisor for Security.org. 'For example: Living room lamp on 6:30-9:30 pm, then bedroom lamp on 8:30-10:30 pm,' he reccomends.

Here's the step-by-step:

1. Plug lamp A and lamp B into smart plugs.
2. Set up a schedule for each plug (like the one Gene suggested above).
3. For more realism, set up a few different schedules for different days.
4. Test for a few evenings while you are home to make sure the timings look natural.

Setting up these routines isn't difficult, nor does it require any specialist tech know-how. Just download the free iHome app and you can set timers and routines. And as the iHome smart plugs at Walmart have Wi-Fi built into them, you don't need an expensive hub to control them.

But they're also compatible with Google and Alexa devices, so if you already have a hub, like a Google Nest Mini (also at Walmart), you can bring it into your current smart home setup and control everything from the same device.

Setting different routines for different days is key if you're going on vacation or you work late every night, and you're worried about potential intruders knowing this trick and scoping out your place for multiple days to detect a pattern.

This technique can take as little as five minutes to set up. It's more affordable than almost all other home security options (the best video doorbells we've tested are great, but can cost anywhere between $50 and $250, often with monthly subscriptions).

'Two decent smart plugs and two table lamps cost a fraction of a camera, alarm system, or monitored service. It is not a replacement for alarms or cameras, but it is one of the highest return, lowest-effort deterrents you can buy. If you want extra realism, a cheap plug behind a TV that turns on for a while makes a big difference,' Gene shares. Alternatively, this energy-saving fake TV light from Amazon does a similar job.

Why It's Effective

While doorbells, cameras, and outdoor lights all help to deter potential intruders, these are devices that can be overcome by those with the right tools or experience. But the feeling that somebody is home can't be ignored.

'Most break-ins are opportunistic and happen when the intruder thinks a home looks empty and easy to access. A home with no activity for extended periods of time while homeowners are away can send a clear signal that no one is home, giving them the confidence to attempt to break in,' says Laura Finson, director of product and strategy at Brinks Home Security.

Gene agrees, 'Burglars look for easy targets and predictable patterns. An empty, dark house is an invitation. Lights that turn on at realistic times increase perceived occupancy and raise the cost and risk for someone casing the home. That alone will stop many opportunistic intruders who want a quick, low-risk score.'

If you're looking for reasons to invest in home security in 2026 but don't want to splash out, this is the affordable solution.

What to Shop

Really, all you need are the $9.97 iHome smart plugs at Walmart, but there is always more to be added to your home security setup.

Meet the Experts

Next, learn how to secure your home if you're a renter.

When a cold snap looms, the question rears its head: will your pipes freeze?

It's a disastrous thought, but a crucial consideration – since frozen pipes mean no functioning faucets, no hot showers, and the prospect of some costly repairs if your pipes end up cracking or splitting entirely.

So, to make sure you're prepared for the worst, it's helpful to know at what temperature pipes will freeze (and to brush up on the key ways to stop pipes from freezing, too). According to experts, it all starts with keeping a careful eye on the weather forecast and ensuring that your home is warm enough to withstand the chilly temperatures.

At What Temperature Do Pipes Freeze?

Experts agree that pipes are at risk of freezing when temperatures drop below 32°F. (This is the freezing point of water, after all).

However, it's important to note that pipes aren't guaranteed to freeze at 32°F – but if temperatures plummet further, the issue becomes urgent. And if the temperature remains this low for hours at a time, it's critical.

'The danger zone for pipes freezing is 32°F, but real action happens at around 22°F,' confirms Robert Schwachenwald, Owner of Bizzy Bee Plumbing in North Carolina.

With this in mind, accurately monitoring temperatures is your secret weapon – so specialists say that it's worth investing in devices like leak detectors. (The Eufy Security water and freeze sensor is a reliable choice.)

'Consider installing smart leak detectors or temperature sensors in vulnerable areas,' advises Steven Morgan, Master Plumber, Certified HVAC Technician, and Head of Technical Training & Development at 24hr Supply. 'These devices can alert you to a drop in temperature before a pipe freezes, turning a potential catastrophe into a minor, preventable event.'

It's also handy to know the perfect temperature to run your heating in order to avoid frozen pipes – which is about 60°F during cold snaps.

How Long Will it Take For Pipes to Freeze Completely?

Naturally, there are plenty of factors affecting the exact length of time it will take your pipes to freeze, and every situation is different.

The duration of the cold spell is usually the biggest indicator, along with the location and condition of your pipes. If your pipes are in an exposed area, for example, or they happen to be poorly insulated, they're far more likely to freeze.

'It can take 6-12 hours for pipes to freeze during longer cold snaps,' says Robert. 'However, it's sometimes faster if there's no water movement.'

If you're feeling concerned, look out for the signs your pipes are frozen. It's easy to tell once your water stops running, but slow drainage, unpleasant odors and loud creaking sounds can all indicate a freeze.

Once you've established that a freeze is underway, you'll need to act quickly to avoid burst pipes. This means carefully thawing out your pipes by shutting off the water supply and gradually raising the temperature in your home to heat them up.

'Acting early is critical because frozen pipes are most dangerous when they thaw and burst,' says David de la Roca, Plumbing Specialist at Rhino Rooter, a plumbing service based in Belmont, Massachusetts.

'To prevent frozen pipes, I recommend insulating exposed piping, keeping cabinet doors open under sinks, and letting faucets drip slightly during extreme cold,' he adds. 'If a pipe does freeze, it’s important not to use open flames to thaw it. Gentle heat like a space heater or warm towels, is much safer.'

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Once you're clued up on these handy tips and you know exactly how to insulate pipes, your home will be far better equipped to weather even the harshest storms – and any costly plumbing disasters can be avoided.

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I have a knack for romanticizing plenty of ordinary things, and I've always loved the snow – but it's hard to romanticize glacial temperatures and frozen pipes.

With more snowstorms looming, I'm determined to arm myself with some plumbing knowledge so that I can avoid any nasty emergencies. If I can spot the signs that pipes have frozen, I know I can act fast to ensure my home remains safe, warm, and leak-free.

Naturally, it can be difficult to stop pipes from freezing when the temperature drops and snow piles up. Insulating your pipes is crucial (I'm stocking up on foam tube pipe insulation from Walmart), and it's always wise to keep your home as warm as you can to prevent ice from forming in your pipes.

In extreme conditions, however, frozen pipes can become an unfortunate reality, no matter how prepared you are. And while it's vital to know what to do if a pipe bursts, recognizing the signs of a frozen pipe will help you avoid any worst-case-scenarios.

The Biggest Signs Your Pipes Have Frozen

1. Problems With Water Flow

This is the biggest indicator that your pipes have frozen – and fortunately, it's the easiest to spot.

If only a trickle of water is leaving your faucet in cold temperatures, it's likely that your pipes are in the process of freezing up. And, unsurprisingly, if there's no water at all – from just once faucet, even if the rest are working – your pipes may have already frozen (unless your water utility is doing maintenance nearby, or you've simply run out of hot water).

'Frozen pipes do not always freeze overnight or affect the entire home,' explains Tim Alagushov, co-founder and CEO of IRBIS Air, Plumbing & Electrical. 'In many cases, freezing happens locally, especially inside exterior walls, near fixtures, or at shower cartridges where hot and cold water mix. So, you may still have water in most of your house while one faucet suddenly loses pressure or stops working.'

Since low temperatures can lead pipes to split after they freeze, avoiding burst pipes is all about spotting signs like this – and knowing how to react.

'If pipes freeze, shut off the main water supply and thaw gently using warm air only,' advises Tim.

2. Slow Drainage

When temperatures plummet, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your drainage.

According to experts, slow drainage in both your sink and your toilet could be a sign that your pipes are freezing. Check if water is taking a while to drain from your sink, or if your toilet bowl is struggling to refill – this could mean that water can't travel through your pipes.

3. Sewage Smells

No one likes a questionable drain smell, and if you've noticed any sewage odors, you could be dealing with a blockage or a frozen pipe.

This one hadn't occurred to me before, but ice can, in fact, trap odors – leading them to come right back up your drain. If you're dealing with an unpleasant smell but no water, the chances are that your pipes have frozen.

4. Frost and Condensation on Your Pipes

Often, checking for frozen pipes means venturing outside to inspect any exposed pipes you can find.

When it comes to appearance, you'll want to look for changes including frost and condensation. If you've been battling a heavy storm, your pipes may be under threat – and even a touch of frost can be a bad sign.

'Check pipes in unheated spaces,' advises Steven Morgan, Master Plumber, Certified HVAC Technician, and Head of Technical Training & Development at 24hr Supply. 'A visible frost line on the pipe or slight bulging is critical red flag.'

5. Loud Noises

As the resident of an apartment block that isn't exactly modern, I've become familiar with all the idiosyncrasies of an old plumbing system – including sudden whirring and clicking noises. It's worth remembering, however, that loud sounds coming from your pipes are never usually a good sign.

'Before a pipe ruptures, you might hear unusual clanking, bubbling, or creaking noises from within the walls as ice forms and expands,' explains Steven. In this scenario, it's always worth consulting a licensed plumber in case of a serious freeze or build-up.

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Recognizing these simple signs can help you prevent freezes and leaks and avoid costly emergencies.

'Prevention is always cheaper than disaster repair,' adds Steven. 'For at-risk pipes in basements, crawlspaces, or exterior walls, proper insulation is non-negotiable. Before a hard freeze, drip your faucets – since a small, steady stream relieves pressure in the system – and keep cabinet doors open to let warm air circulate around the pipes under sinks. For the long term, know where your main water shut-off valve is.'

When winter storms, high winds, or unexpected grid maintenance knock out electricity, being able to hook up a backup generator can be a real lifeline. It keeps critical systems running so you can stay warm, cook safely, and maintain lighting during outages that can last hours or even days across many parts of the US this time of year.

As a master electrician, I know that installing a generator is not always straightforward. Understanding how to safely and efficiently hook up a generator to your home is essential to prevent equipment damage, fire hazards, or serious injury. In this guide, I will walk you through the process step by step so you can approach the installation with confidence and avoid common mistakes.

Whether you are preparing your home for a power cut or simply want the reassurance that comes with backup power during storm season, learning how to connect an external power supply can help keep your household running when the grid goes down.

An Electrician's Guidance on How to Hook a Generator Up to Your Home Safely

With increasingly volatile and lengthy weather patterns across the US – studies show that extreme weather is becoming more common across the US – it's more important than ever to prepare your home, be it for a thunderstorm or snowstorm.

Part of this plan for your household may be to install a generator so you can continue to have vital electrical utilities and heating during in outages.

How you hook up a generator to your home will depend on the type of generator you choose:

• Portable generators: These are often suitable for DIY use in the US, provided you follow proper safety guidelines and local recommendations. Many portable models are designed to run appliances directly using heavy-duty extension cords, available at The Home Depot, rather than being tied into your home’s electrical system. This approach avoids backfeeding risks and eliminates the need to work inside a panel, which is typically safer for homeowners without an electrician background and especially useful during short-term outages caused by storms or utility repairs.
• A standby generator is a household project you should not DIY or handle yourself, as it requires permits, code-compliant wiring, and a professionally installed transfer switch. A licensed electrician will ensure the system is safely connected, fueled, and regularly tested so it can reliably power essential circuits and heat a home when the power is out during US outages.

Here are the simple steps I advise you to follow.

1. Prepare the Space Properly

Before installation, prepare the area where the generator will run. Portable generators that use gasoline or other fuels should be placed at least 20 feet away from your home, with the exhaust facing away from doors, windows, and vents to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide exposure.

Never operate a generator in a garage, basement, or near open windows, even if doors are open. Proper placement and airflow are key steps to make your home emergency-ready, especially during storm-related outages.

Next, shut off the power at the main breaker before connecting any equipment. This prevents dangerous backfeeding into the utility grid, which can damage appliances and put people at serious risk during restoration efforts.

2. Use a Transfer Switch

A transfer switch allows your home to safely shift from utility power to generator power during an outage, directing electricity only to selected circuits such as heating or lighting. This prevents backfeeding and protects both your home and utility workers, making it a critical safety component during extended outages.

A manual transfer switch is the safest and most common option for US homeowners and should be installed by a licensed electrician. Installation typically costs between $1,200 and $1,600, depending on local labor rates and materials.

While generators usually power only a limited number of circuits, this is often sufficient to keep essential systems running and winterize your house during cold-weather emergencies.

If you are using a portable generator, you will also need an adequate fuel supply and heavy-duty extension cords rated for generator use.

Generator power cords, often called 'gen cords' (available at The Home Depot), are built for outdoor conditions and safely connect appliances or an inlet box to the generator.

Always confirm your generator’s load capacity before use, as overloading reduces efficiency and is a common fire risk. Having the right kind of fire extinguisher at home is a smart step in installation.

Reading the manufacturer’s manual in full helps prevent easily avoidable hazards.

3. Connect the Generator

Regardless of the portable generator you choose, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly, as setup and operating steps can vary by make and model. This is especially important during emergency use, when rushed decisions can lead to unsafe connections or equipment damage.

When a transfer switch is installed, setup typically involves connecting a generator-rated power cord from the switch outlet to the generator before starting the unit.

Making this connection first helps ensure a controlled startup and reduces the risk of electrical faults when power is applied.

4. Allow the Generator to Run Before Plugging Anything In

Start the generator and allow it to run for several minutes so the engine can stabilize before adding any electrical load. This warm-up period helps protect internal components and ensures consistent power output, which is especially important during cold or wet weather conditions common during US outages.

Next, connect a small appliance to confirm the generator is producing power. Listen for steady operation, watch for warning lights, and confirm there are no unusual sounds that could indicate a problem.

If you are using a transfer switch, energize selected circuits one at a time and plug in appliances gradually. This step-by-step approach helps prevent overloading and reduces the risk of tripped breakers or damage to sensitive electronics.

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Meet the Expert

FAQs

Should you turn off your main breaker when using a generator?

For safety, always turn off your main breaker before operating a generator. This prevents overloading your home’s wiring, which can start a fire, and stops backfeeding, where electricity flows back into utility lines and puts both you and power workers at serious risk.

What size portable generator is needed to power a house?

The size of the portable generator you need depends on your home’s square footage and essential power requirements. For most US households, a generator producing 5,000 to 8,000 watts is sufficient to run critical systems like heating and lighting, keeping your home safe and functional during an outage.

Whilst a generator can get your power back up and running, there are certain things you should unplug in a power outage to avoid costly damage. You should also fill up the bathtub in a storm in case utilities are disrupted.

Having a backup battery can also be vital in a power outage.

With large parts of the US battling an extreme winter storm, many are rightfully staying indoors to avoid the dangerous conditions outside. But while it might seem like a good time to get chores done, using your washing machine could pose a huge risk to your home.

In fact, when temperatures drop below freezing, doing your laundry during a winter storm could cause major water damage and potential flooding due to frozen pipes, pros warn.

So, one of the key steps to take as extreme cold weather hits is to stop before using your washer and assess whether you can sort out your pipes. Otherwise, handwashing your clothes is your safest bet.

Should You Do Laundry During a Winter Storm?

Being stuck indoors can seem like the best time to tick off your chore list, but plumbers and appliance specialists are urging homeowners to first be aware of the risks.

'When the temperature drops below freezing, supply or drain lines can freeze mid-cycle, leading to flooding,' cautions Brooke Stafford, appliance repair expert and senior service manager at Domestic & General, and advises everyone to avoid doing laundry during winter storms.

'If pipes freeze, water expands, which can crack or even burst the pipes, leading to major water damage,' she adds.

Water damage during an icy storm will only exacerbate those home weak spots that extreme weather can already put at risk, potentially causing costly leaks and repairs, and not to mention the exhausting task of cleaning up flooding in your home mid-storm.

This appliance caution applies not just to doing laundry during extreme winter storms, but whenever the temperature is steadily below freezing.

'If your washer is in a garage, an unheated basement, or against an exterior wall, you start to risk ice forming in the pipes and hoses,' explains Ryan Osterkamp, owner of Quality Home Services. 'If that happens, your water intake valve can break and cause a flood.'

Yoni Benimetzky, co-owner of Sunshine Services, adds that, 'If you’ve already noticed signs like slow drains, low water pressure, or fixtures freezing elsewhere in the house,' then you should take extra care as the potential risk for water damage is greater.

Power outages are another major concern. 'More issues could arise if the power were to go out or the pressure were to change with a washer full of water, such as an increased risk of leaks or pump malfunctions,' Brooke explains.

'If you lose power, absolutely don’t try to run your laundry, as the aerator and pump won’t be working,' urges Caleb Caviness, general manager at AryCo.

'Do not run your laundry if the power is out, you hear gurgling sounds from the pipes, you see standing water or ice over the septic lids or drainfield, or if drains are running slower than usual. These are all potential signs of a system running worse than usual, and if that’s the case, putting any extra strain on the system should be avoided,' he adds.

What To Do Instead During a Winter Storm

If you have some time to prepare, knowing how to insulate pipes can prevent them from freezing in the first place. Heat tape, such as the Cupphus Heat Tape at Amazon, can prevent freezing and help to thaw frozen pipes.

If it's too late, and to avoid the risk of water damage, flooding, or overloading your drainage system, handwashing clothes is your safest move. While it isn't as effective as a washer, it's much less complicated or time-consuming than you might expect.

All you need is a bathtub, warm water, laundry detergent, and some spot-treating solution, if needed, like the Tide Stain Remover at Amazon. Your clothes can be gently washed and ready to dry in as little as 20 minutes.

But if your clothes need a more thorough clean and a delicate handwash won't cut it, there are steps you can take so that using your washing machine poses less of a risk.

Remember: If your pipes are already visibly frozen, do not use your washer.

'If homeowners have to wash laundry, they should do it in small loads with cold water,' Brooke recommends. 'This uses less water, which decreases the risk of pipes freezing.'

Ryan agrees, adding, 'If it's bad winter weather outside and you need to do laundry, stay home while running your washer so you can respond quickly in case something does happen. Make sure you know where your water shutoff valve is before you start your washer, just in case.'

'If draining is slow or completely stops, or if the washer is making unfamiliar sounds, stop the machine immediately, and in some cases, call a professional to check the system,' Brooke urges.

It is possible to thaw frozen pipes, but it's a dangerous and potentially costly procedure, so only do so with extreme caution. The trick is to gently warm the pipes by using a warm towel or by increasing your home's heating by two degrees every hour. Do not point a heat source at the frozen pipes. Rushing the process may cause thermal shock and lead to pipe damage.

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Meet the Experts

Next, learn how to dry out your home after extreme snow, and why you should always fill up a bathtub during a storm.

If you've been wondering, 'Should you shovel snow during a storm,' or 'How often should you shovel during a snowstorm,' it's likely that you've been affected by the recent winter storm that has more than 250 million people* in the US still under cold alerts.

And, even if you do know the best way to shovel snow, the frequency matters more than you may think. Here, our landscaping experts reveal exactly how often you should be shoveling, and why.

How Often Should You Shovel During a Snowstorm?

According to Gene Caballero, co-founder of GreenPal, who has over 25 years of experience in general landscaping maintenance and snow removal, the best practice, once you've prepared your home for a snowstorm and the storm has hit, is to shovel snow every two to four inches of accumulation.

'Do not wait until the storm is over,' he warns. 'This will prevent the snow from compacting into ice, and it makes the job so much harder when it's already compacted.

In turn, this means that whether you use a snow blower or a snow shovel, shovelling snow off gravel, or removing snow from a driveway, will be far easier and far less time-consuming. To get the job done efficiently, the Snow Joe Shovelution Snow Shovel, available at Amazon, is a number one bestseller and features a spring-assisted design to minimize strain during use.

Gene's advice is also applicable if you're looking to remove snow from trees, too, where it's crucial to act quickly to lighten the weight of snow sitting on the branches.

In particular, Gene advises that waiting too long to shovel snow will increase the strain on your back and body while shoveling, especially when the snow gets wet and heavy.

Therefore, he says, 'Older homeowners or anyone with health concerns should absolutely avoid shoveling anything heavy, especially when the increased risk of slipping is apparent. I would always consider calling in a professional to do this for you.

'One tip I can give is to always push snow instead of lifting it when possible, take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, and stop immediately if you feel dizzy or short of breath.'

Of course, also, in terms of whether you should shovel snow during a storm, don't attempt to go out shovelling snow if doing so poses any danger to yourself. While allowing snow to compact will make the task far harder, it's still certainly preferable to putting yourself at risk of any danger posed by extreme cold weather and high winds.

Then, once the worst of the weather has passed and it's safe to do so, acting quickly will help you to avoid any home maintenance mistakes never to make in winter.

What to Shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

Investing in the winter garden tools you'll actually use is one of the best ways to ensure you have what you need, when you need it, whether clearing snow, gardening in the wet and cold, or shifting heavy loads around your yard with a reliable wheelbarrow.

*According to data collected by CNN.

Your home is a firm barrier between you and freezing winter weather, but as the extreme snow currently sweeping across the US begins to recede and melt, moisture can start to secretly seep indoors, often without any obvious signs.

Left unchecked, that hidden dampness can lead to mold, odors, and long-term structural damage to your home.

Here, professionals in home maintenance reveal the essential spots around your home to check post-snowstorm, as well as share their expert tips for drying out your home after an extreme winter weather event. This will help prevent mold and keep your home and family healthy in the long run.

How to Dry Out Your Home After Extreme Winter Snow Storms

With at least one foot of snow falling in over 20 states across the US, in recent days, over 85 million people are currently living under an extreme cold warning. According to the National Weather Service, these extreme cold temperatures could cause burst water pipes, risking havoc to homes and utilities, but leaks aren't the only type of damage your home is at risk from before and after adverse weather.

If your home feels damp or smells musty after the recent spate of severe winter storms, heavy rain, ice, and snow have likely found a way to seep into your home. Some spots are more prone to this type of damage than others, says Michael Rubino, council-certified Mold Remediator by IICRC and ACAC, air quality expert, and founder of HomeCleanse.

To narrow your search, he suggests checking the following after snow and ice:

• Your attic and roofline
• Basements
• Around windowsills and doorframes
• Around all pipes (in case of freeze-related cracking)
• Ceilings and walls on upper-level floors
• Floors, including baseboards, carpeting, etc.
• Around the HVAC system

'When you’re looking around, assess for visible moisture like pooled water, condensation, damp materials like drywall, etc.,' Michael urges. 'Use a flashlight [from Amazon] and thoroughly go through each space, including behind furniture, to check for mold. A small issue can turn into a big problem down the road, so make sure to cover every square inch.'

When searching, you are looking specifically for any physical signs of damage, such as staining, warping, bubbling paint, cracks, or rust. Wet surfaces are also a key sign.

Michael adds, 'Don’t just rely on a visual assessment, either. If there are musty odors or the area seems humid, that can also point to problems, like mold, that need to be addressed. A great option is to assess the home with a hygrometer [available from Target] to check for high humidity.

'Finally, it’s a good idea to use an at-home mold test [also from Amazon] as a final check down the road to ensure there wasn’t a hidden issue that allowed for microbial growth somewhere in the home that requires calling a professional.'

Drying Out Your Home

Before drying out your home to prevent lasting damage after a storm, you have to fix the areas allowing moisture in in the first place, Michael warns. Without doing so, you will be fighting an uphill battle in the long term.

This can range from refreshing the waterproofing silicone caulking (such as Gorilla Silicone Sealant, from Amazon) around your window and door frames, to hiring a professional to waterproof and damp course your home.

Once you have prevented further microbial growth, Michael urges efficiency. 'Dry the area thoroughly and dry it fast. Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours if water is present, so remove any moisture quickly. Your goal should be to keep indoor humidity below 50%. This helps materials release absorbed water. A dehumidifier is a great resource to help keep these spaces dry.'

The Insignia 35-pint Dehumidifier, from Best Buy, is ideal for this, with quiet operation covering up to 2000 square feet. Michael stresses the importance of wearing protective gear, such as work gloves from Amazon and a protective N95 Respirator face mask from Lowe's, to protect your health when dealing with damp spots, too.

'After it’s dry, clean surfaces using tools like HEPA vacuums, microfiber cloths and mops, and botanical cleaners to remove spores, bacteria, and organic matter that can be food for microscopic growth.' You can also clean with vinegar to remove mold, but you must pay attention to dwell times to kill all the spores.

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If you are concerned about further damage, Michael suggests, 'Contact a mold inspector 72-96 hours after the space has dried just to make sure there aren’t any hidden issues.' Then, consider some different ways to winterize a house to prevent the issue again in the future.

For many, 2025 served as a wake-up call for homeowners across the US as extreme weather exposed common weak spots in their homes. The Hurricanes, floods, and winter storms brought hidden weaknesses under the spotlight, and often resulted in the costliest damage.

Many of these vulnerabilities go unnoticed until it’s too late. To help you avoid similar damage in 2026, experts have identified the three most common weak spots that cause serious problems. Left unaddressed, these issues can lead to major and costly repairs.

These are the three areas to reinforce now and prepare your home for extreme weather.

3 Extreme Weather Weak Spots Every Homeowner Should Fix Right Now

While it might sound like a waste of time preparing for something that might not happen, extreme weather events have been ramping up in recent years.

According to FOX News, there were 14 billion-dollar weather disasters in 2025 alone, totalling over $101.4 billion dollars of damage, with many of them occurring in the first six months of the year.

It makes quick and impactful home maintenance at the start of 2026 that much more important.

1. Check the State of Your Roof Now

When futureproofing your home against extreme weather, the first place you should start is your roof, according to Fran Majidi, insurance expert with Modotech.

She explains, 'Aging or poorly maintained shingles can dislodge in high winds, so it's very important to check your roof before the rainy period. It's important to have a licensed roofer inspect your roof annually and after major storms to identify loose shingles, flapping edges, or compromised flashing.'

Beyond preventing damage, having your roof professionally maintained can help with insurance claims should the worst happen, Fran adds. 'Insurance will not cover a roof replacement or related storms if the roof is older than 12 or 15 years, while a roof over 10 years old may only be partially covered for damage. Older roofs often don’t meet modern wind or hail standards, but ordinance or law coverage may help rebuild the roof to current standards.'

When looking to save money on these upgrades, Fran also points out that some insurers offer premium discounts for documented roof upgrades or replacements.

Beyond regular maintenance and expert repairs, there are a few things you can do to bolster protection and prepare for a storm. 'For hurricane-prone areas, hurricane straps tie the roof structure to walls to resist uplift,' Fran explains.

These steel rafter ties from Lowe's are a good place to start. 'Stronger roofs often reduce the risk of non-renewal due to age or condition, too,' Fran adds.

2. Check and Clear Gutters and Drainage

Protecting your home from flooding should be your next priority after securing your roof. Addressing drainage and guttering is a must to avoid common leaks, the risk of mold, and having to get water out of a carpet or dry waterlogged items.

Fran warns, 'Improper grading around the house can cause water intrusion toward the home's foundation, and clogged drainage systems are consistently linked to expensive repair bills. To counter this, ensure the land slopes away from the home to direct water outward. Similarly, neglected sump pumps and French drains may fail during heavy rains. Always test the sump pump before the storm season.

'On top of this, have an expert assess your drainage systems. Poor drainage can undermine foundations, lead to basement flooding, and affect the structural integrity of the dwelling. Installing check valves and flood shields can prevent water backflow into basements.'

Finally, Fran urges vigilance when it comes to cleaning gutters, allowing for proper drainage to prevent roof leaks. 'Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year,' she says. 'Gutter guards can help reduce debris build-up.' You can find handy gutter cleaning tools at Amazon, which allow you to clean gutters safely from the ground.

In terms of paperwork, Fran also suggests checking your insurance policy for flood coverage. 'Having a separate flood insurance policy may be needed, depending on flood risk in the area. Flooding is never covered by standard home insurance.'

3. Seal Windows and Doors Securely

Windows and doors might not be much of a consideration when it comes to storms, but they can cause serious structural weaknesses if left unchecked.

Sian Rhodes, real estate expert at Clever Offers, explains, 'The third compromise is the windows and doors. Because of inadequate sealing, wind-driven rain can enter during storms, causing interior damage, mold, and loss of structural support.

'High-impact windows cost approximately $800-$1,200 each and provide important protection in storm-prone areas. Homeowners can caulk all gaps around window and door frames, replace glass in hurricane- and tornado-prone areas with impact-resistant glass, and reinforce door frames with appropriate bracing.' You can also find storm doors, at Lowe's to add extra protection against the elements.

Securing these areas also has the added benefit of helping to burglar-proof a front door, too, to aid in securing a home without a security system.

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With your house secured, brush up on how to prepare your home for a power cut to keep you and your family comfortable in extreme weather.

Last year, our readers found this advice on improving home heating incredibly useful, so we’re bringing it back just in time for the coldest months of the season and inbound snowstorms hitting the US.

Our team has already been hit with a spate of broken boilers this month, and so have many people we know, highlighting just how hard heating systems have been working during these stretches of increasingly cold and extreme weather. When temperatures drop and winter storms put extra strain on boilers, the risk of breakdown rises, leaving families scrambling in a frozen house if small issues go unchecked.

If you’ve noticed that your utility bills have skyrocketed or that it’s taking longer than usual to warm your home, your heating system may be working harder than it needs to. From dirty filters to inadequate draft proofing, HVAC professionals say these are just a few of the most common oversights that can push your system into overdrive.

The Most Common Things Making Your Heating System Work Harder in Cold Snaps

To help you how to make your heating more efficient before problems escalate, we spoke to industry experts who shared the big and little factors that could be causing your system to work harder than necessary, along with quick fixes to keep your home warm and your energy bills under control.

1. Not Having the Right-Sized System for Your Home

It’s no secret that the cost of heating a home has jumped sharply in 2025. But if you’ve been wondering why your heating is so expensive, there may be another factor at play: A heating system that’s the wrong size for your home.

One that's too large will heat rooms too quickly, making your home uncomfortably hot while wasting energy. A system that’s too small will run constantly to try to warm your space, driving up bills and shortening the life of your equipment.

With winter temperatures dipping lower than usual across much of the US right now, these mismatched systems are working harder than ever, putting extra strain on homes and heating budgets.

There are many types of home heating, and the cost of replacing an HVAC unit depends on the system you remove and the one you install. In general, furnace prices can range from $4,000 to $7,000.

While there’s no escaping the cost of a replacement if your system is undersized, Simon Bernath, CEO and founder of FurnacePrices.ca, points out a more budget-friendly option. 'It’s difficult to address an undersized unit without replacing it,' he says. 'But improving your home’s insulation can help reduce the strain and make your system more efficient.'

2. Inadequate Insulation Leads to Extra Stress on Heating Systems

As temperatures drop and winter storms put extra strain on homes across the US, poor insulation through windows, doors, or roofs can force your heating system to work overtime.

Simon Bernath explains, 'Having inadequate air sealing, insulation, and windows can make an undersized unit even less effective,' which is why triple-pane windows are worth the investment.

This isn’t just expert opinion. A Research study by the US Department of Energy shows that 'heat gain and heat loss through windows account for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.'

Upgrading to energy-efficient windows is one of the smart home improvements you can make this season to keep your home warmer, reduce energy bills, and avoid unnecessary strain on your heating system. The same goes for doors that prevent cold air from seeping in and trap heat inside.

While replacing windows can cost $300 or more per unit, there are smaller, budget-friendly options too. 'For older homes, DIY kits can improve air sealing, and plastic window kits can make a noticeable difference in winter,' Simon notes. Acting now can help prevent heating emergencies and keep your home comfortable throughout the cold months.

We have several expert guides on DIY draft-proofing that you may find helpful:

• Draft-proofing doors without ugly strips.
• Draft-proofing a living room.
• Draft-proofing a garage.
• Draft-proofing a kitchen.
• Draft-proofing a basement.
• Draft-proofing a bathroom.
• Draft-proofing a sunroom in winter.
• Draft-proofing an entryway.
• Weather-proofing windows.
• Places sneaky drafts hide in homes.

3. Poor Placement of Your Thermostat

One of the most common thermostat mistakes homeowners make is installing it in the wrong spot. This is especially apparent during the colder months. Placing your thermostat near drafty windows, garages, exterior walls, directly under heating vents, or in direct sunlight can throw off your system’s efficiency.

I learned this the hardway, as our newly built home came loaded with a thermostat on an interior wall, but right next to the door that opened from our drafty entryway to the living room. I draft-proofed the doors with stick-on foam draft stoppers, available at Amazon, and also upgraded to a smart thermostat, which shaved 100s off my winter energy bills.

If your thermostat is near a cold draft, it may cause your heating to run longer than necessary, leaving your home uncomfortably hot in some areas and driving up energy bills. On the other hand, if it’s in direct sunlight, it can misread the temperature and leave your home cooler than you want. Eliminating these hot and cold spots starts with thermostat placement.

To keep your heating running efficiently this winter, experts recommend installing thermostats on an interior wall and away from any heat sources or drafts. This simple adjustment can help your home stay comfortably warm while reducing unnecessary energy use.

You can also leave behind outdated heating standards, which I tested in my home, for more comfort and lower bills, as well as stop enacting the heating myth of cranking your thermostat when the temperature drops outside. This will not heat your home any faster, and only puts pressure on your system.

4. Overlooking, Delaying or Forgetting Filter Changes

When was the last time you checked and cleaned your air filter? With heating systems working overtime during colder-than-usual winter months across much of the US, keeping filters clean is more important than ever.

The good news is that filter maintenance is quick and simple, and it’s one of the most effective ways to keep your heating system running smoothly. The bad news is that neglecting it can increase your energy consumption and cause unnecessary wear and tear on your system.

‘Not changing your filter often enough forces your system to work harder to circulate air,' says Simon Bernath. How often you should check filters depends on your household, your heating and cooling usage, and manufacturer recommendations. Simon suggests checking every three months and replacing as needed. ‘This could be more frequent if you have pets or a particularly dusty home,’ he adds.

Marco Radocaj, owner of Balance HVAC, recommends checking filters every time you pay your electric bill. ‘If the filter looks more brown or black than white, it’s time for a replacement,' Marco notes.

With winter storms putting extra strain on heating systems, staying on top of your filters can help your home stay warm, energy bills manageable, and prevent breakdowns when you need heat the most. Neglecting your filters may also be why your home gets dusty so quickly.

5. Failing to Implement and Stick to a Maintenance Plan

Just like kitchen appliances, plumbing, and outdoor spaces, your heating system needs regular upkeep, especially during the winter months when it’s working hardest. Without routine maintenance, an HVAC system can lose efficiency over time, leading to higher energy bills and the need for replacement sooner than expected.

In most homes, a furnace lasting 10-20 years is considered standard, while the typical lifespan of a boiler is closer to 10-15 years. Rather than facing a costly replacement too early, paying for a professional tune-up once a year, or even twice if possible, can help your system run more efficiently and lower heating costs over time.

If your system is still in a warranty period (heat pumps, for example, often come with a robust seven-year warranty after installation), skipping annual servicing will likely invalidate that policy, meaning if something does go wrong, you'll have to pocket the cost.

‘Having a professional perform annual maintenance is a smart move, even for newer furnaces,’ Simon Bernath explains. ‘Extended warranties often require regular servicing to maintain full coverage, making maintenance an important step in protecting your investment.’

6. Blocking the Supply Registers

If you’ve invested in one of the best home heating types, one of the simplest ways to protect that investment during the colder months is to keep vents and supply registers clear. When heating systems are running more frequently in winter, even small airflow issues can affect comfort and efficiency.

It's a heating myth that closing vents reduces energy bills, and it is not typically applicable to modern heating systems. It's a hangover from when homes had gravity-fed furnaces.

Marco adds, ‘In most heating-dominant climate zones, floor registers are used to deliver warm air into a space. These registers are typically placed on interior walls to encourage proper air mixing, since warm air naturally moves toward cooler areas.’

However, he notes that it’s very common for furniture like sofas, chairs, or tables to be placed too close to or directly over these registers, which is a heating mistake best avoided. ‘Blocking airflow warms the furniture instead of the room, leaving the rest of the space uncomfortably cold,’ Marco says.

Leaving moisture channels around large furniture also reduces the risk of mold.

7. Blocking Out the Sun

If you live in an area with cold winters and warm summers, you might be overlooking a major source of heat – the sun.

'In the warmer months, it’s common to close curtains or blinds to block the sun’s glare and heat, especially from west-facing windows,' Marco notes. 'However, during the colder months, these same windows can become a valuable source of free heat.'

Therefore, a quick tip to stop your heating from working so hard is to open your window treatments during the day and allow sunlight to flood into your space. 'This will add a significant amount of warmth to your home naturally,' Marco notes. Which in turn will prevent your heating system from picking up all the slack.

If your boiler breaks down, however, once the sun has moved from the room, draw curtains and shutters to keep the ambient heat in.

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FAQs

Is it best to keep bedroom doors open or closed during winter?

When it comes to learning how to keep your house warm during the winter, the question of whether to keep your interior doors open or shut has long been debated. But according to experts, if you're trying to allow for balanced air flow and heat distribution throughout your home, leaving them open is key.

'Air mixing is essential for maintaining comfort,' says HVAC pro Marco. 'Keeping doors open allows heated air to circulate more freely throughout your home, reducing temperature and pressure imbalances. Open doors also help your HVAC system's return air process by making it easier for air to flow back into the system without obstructions, ensuring efficient operation and consistent comfort.'

That said, if you're using a space heater to stay warm during an outage, or for a boost where you're sitting, then keeping the door to that room closed while using it is a good idea to help retain heat.

Meet the Experts

Now you’ve learned about all of the things making your heating work harder, learn how to prepare your house for cold weather and how many hours a day your heating should be on for maximum efficiency.

With a winter storm and heavy snow set to sweep across the US this weekend, you might be asking yourself, 'Why fill up a bathtub during a storm?'

According to our plumbing and survival experts, it’s all about being prepared – the water provides a backup for sanitation, flushing toilets, and basic cleaning. They do stress, however, that this water should never be used for drinking.

Here, they explain why this simple step is so vital when preparing your home for a snowstorm.

Why You Should Always Fill Up a Bathtub During a Storm

As Philip Farina, chief security and safety advisor for Risky Business, specializing in disaster response and preparedness, stresses, 'The first and real goal is to have a supply of water on hand for several uses.

'If it's a winter storm and the pipes freeze or break, or if the power goes out or there is a problem at your municipal water station, you won't have access to water for even the most basic necessities.'

Therefore, says Megan Doser, owner of Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, filling a tub of water offers you emergency back-up should you need it.

'A storm is rarely just a storm; a storm is 10 problems in one,' she warns. 'While it's an outdoor condition, it quickly moves inside the house – usually, no heating due to the power outage, and frozen pipes due to the heat loss.

'As pipes freeze, you lose water, and it's crucial to stock up on water for drinking and cooking, and daily needs like flushing toilets, and basic hand washing.'

Megan adds that your typical bath ideas will hold 40 to 60 gallons of water, which is more than enough for toilet flushing, hand washing, sponge baths, and basic cleaning for two to three days in a family of two adults, and about one day in a family of four people.

And, as Joseph Wade, vice president of operations for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, adds, this usage extends to any pets you may have, too.

'If you have furry family members in the house, this water can also be used to clean up muddy paws or litter boxes,' he explains.

Why You Shouldn't Drink the Water

If you don't have access to fresh, running water, you might think that your backup supply in your bathtub is safe for drinking, too.

But, warns Josh Mitchell, HVAC expert and founder of AirConditionerLab, 'That water should never be used for drinking, even if it's boiled.'

He explains, 'A tub isn't built for food-safe storage. Even if it looks clean, a bathtub usually contains soap film, bacteria around the drain and overflow, and possibly old caulk that can break down or carry mold.

'The faucet may backflow or leak small contaminants. Boiling kills bacteria, but it doesn't remove chemical residue, metals, or anything leached from the tub. It's fine for washing or flushing, but not for anything that goes into your mouth.'

If drinking water is a concern, Josh advises that one of his home rules for snowy weather is filling pitchers, jugs, or cooking pots with clean water before the storm hits.

'Keep that water away from garages, bathrooms, or laundry areas where cleaners, fuel, or other contaminants are often stored,' he adds. 'Even a sealed container can pick up fumes or spills from nearby products, especially in tight spaces with limited airflow.

'That kind of exposure isn't always obvious, but it can make drinking water unsafe without any visible signs. The bathtub is for backup use only and is not a safe substitute for drinking water.'

Alternatively, adds Philip, you can simply purchase emergency water storage from Amazon, and make sure you stock up ahead of time.

As Joseph concludes, 'If frozen pipes are a concern, it's best to stock up on drinking water before a storm hits.' You can also insulate pipes and drip faucets to stave off any freeze-ups, as well as maintain the perfect temperature to run your heating to avoid frozen pipes.

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All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

It's also important to know how to pack a DIY hurricane preparedness kit, and how to stay warm if your boiler breaks.

With a major winter storm rolling in, homeowners are being warned to act fast. Freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and pressure on pipes dramatically increase the risk of sudden leaks and burst plumbing – often striking with little to no warning.

That's why experts say these $35 Govee smart leak sensors, from Amazon, are more than worth the investment. These small devices detect moisture the moment it appears and send instant alerts to your phone, allowing you to intervene before a frozen pipe or hidden leak turns into a five-figure disaster.

If you make one last-minute move to protect your home before the storm hits, let it be this. Here's why they make such a difference, and how to use them correctly to winterize your home.

Why Every Home Needs Leak Sensors

With the worst storm of the season heading into cover half of the US in the coming weekend, according to CNN, preparing a home for extreme weather has never been more important. And, say experts, smart leak sensors are a key part of this.

While it is always best to stop pipes from freezing in the first place, accidents happen, and severe weather can bring unpredictable temperatures, making it far harder to keep a home warm all day and maintain the perfect temperature to stop pipes from freezing over.

Smart water sensors, such as the Govee sensors from Amazon, help to detect small water leaks before they become a more serious problem, so you are never left floundering trying to work out what to do if a pipe bursts as water gushes all over your home.

Paul Vacquier, CEO of Beagle Services, warns, 'Frozen-pipe failures are one of the most expensive cold-weather losses, and they usually start in places people don’t think about: Crawl spaces, exterior walls, unheated utility rooms and mechanical closets,' proposing smart leak sensors as your best option against thousands of dollars of damage.

Simply locate them in any high-risk areas of your home, such as those less insulated or those where you use the water the most. They will send a quick alert to help you find and fix household leaks far more easily than having to hunt for them manually, wait for mold, or wonder why your home smells musty.

They're not just good for pipes, either; they are great for your attic in winter, too. Garrett Maxwell of Brown’s Roofing explains, 'Ice dams are one of the biggest causes of winter leaks. They happen when snow melts and refreezes along the roof edge, trapping water behind it. Once that water has nowhere to go, it usually finds its way under shingles or flashing.

'This is something we see a lot after cold snaps, even on roofs that didn’t have obvious issues beforehand. Snow buildup itself can also be an issue. Heavy snow adds weight and creates more meltwater sitting on the roof.

'A little preparation ahead of time can save homeowners from dealing with leaks and interior damage later.'

Fitting Smart Leak Sensors Correctly

In order for these smart home must-haves to work correctly, you need to install them in the right spots and, importantly, remember to check on them.

Paul warns, 'A smart valve only protects a home if it’s installed in the right place, fully connected and correctly provisioned, and that requires someone who understands plumbing layouts and knows how to assess a home's weak points.

'We’ve seen sensors stuck where they’ll never detect actual risk.' To mitigate this, it can be a good idea to call a pro to help you find the best spots.

Otherwise, Paul advises, 'Check that smart leak sensors are powered on, connected, and sending alerts. Up to half of the devices are offline during insurance claims. A lot of people don’t realize their devices went offline after a Wi-Fi change or a tripped breaker. Five minutes of checking can prevent a five-figure mess.

'We’ve seen quick action turn what could’ve been a $15,000 claim into a minor cleanup and a plumber visit. Installation is everything.'

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Alongside installing sensors, it is also wise to identify your mains water valve at home and learn how to operate it, so you can quickly turn off the water supply and spot a leak getting worse.

With the threat of the worst storm of the season rolling into nearly half of the US this weekend, there has never been more of a need for last-minute home winterizing.

Expected to hit more than two dozen states from the Plains, across the South, and into the Northeast, freezing weather and the risk of power outages will be hard to avoid.

That's why the experts are urging homeowners to check these three vital spots before the worst of the weather hits, with some quick winterizing tips you can follow last-minute before hunkering down to ride out the storm

Where You Need to Check Before The Storm

While it is usually best to get your home emergency ready in good time before bad weather, it's always better late than never.

According to CNN, this 'extensive' incoming storm could possibly leave people without power for days, and make travel nigh on impossible. Meaning prepping ahead to prepare your home for a snowstorm is a must.

Beyond securing access to extra power and heating, be it as small as portable solar-charge power banks crossed with emergency radios, from Amazon (with next day delivery), or a Mr Heater Buddy indoor propane heater, also from Amazon, for the best odds and to prepare a house for extreme weather this weekend, the experts are urging you to check these three spots and secure them now to keep your family safe.

1. Your Furnace Instake and Exhaust Lines

Russ Teaca, director and lead technician at Reliable Heating and Air, urges, 'Find and clear your furnace's outside intake and exhaust lines. That's the one thing I would tell people to do before the snow starts.'

While working on the internal components and cleaning HVAC filters is also essential, this is a furnace maintenance check that people often forget.

Russ continues, 'Many new, high-efficiency heaters and heat pumps don't use chimneys to vent. Instead, they "breathe" through white PVC lines that stick out of the side of your house, usually only a foot or two above the ground. One pipe pulls in fresh air to fuel the fire, and the other pipe blows out the waste fumes. During a big storm, the pipes are most likely to break when falling snow or ice piles up against the side of the house and buries them.'

Left to block up, sensitive sensors in your furnace can switch the system off, he warns, forcing you to find ways to keep warm without heating in the middle of a serious storm.

'And it gets even worse,' he adds. 'If the exhaust pipe gets partly clogged, Carbon Monoxide (CO) could back up into the house because it can't get out. It's a huge problem for life safety.' This is why it is so important to have a battery-powered CO detector from Target in your home.

Russ urges, 'Before the storm, go outside and find those white lines. A three-foot area needs to be cleared around them. Shovel the snow away to the ground [this heavy-duty snow shovel from Lowe's is great for this]. If heavy rains are in the forecast, you should plan to go out every so often during the storm to keep the area clear. You shouldn't stack snow from your driveway against that wall. A house that can "exhale" is the only way to keep the heat on safely when you need it the most.'

2. Protect your Pipework

Frozen pipes are more than just a nuisance. Kevin Vander Hyde, VP of Vander Hyde Services, says, 'Frozen pipes are the most common and costly home emergencies in the winter, as they can burst quickly and cause extensive water damage during a time when weather conditions make emergency repairs extremely difficult to address.

'A single broken pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water in a short period of time, leading to flooding, structural damage, mold growth, and costly repairs. So, taking a few minutes to protect any exposed or vulnerable plumbing to stop pipes freezing, before a severe winter storm, can significantly reduce the likelihood of a major emergency situation that could cause lasting damage to a home.'

The quickest way to insulate pipes is to use foam pipe covers from Amazon, which are available with next-day delivery, slotting over the exposed sections. Maintaining the perfect temperature to avoid frozen pipes is also essential. If you have time, heating cables, also from Amazon, are great for this, offering longer-lasting protection.

Kevin adds, 'It’s also important to disconnect outdoor hoses and shut off and drain exterior water lines. Opening cabinet doors under sinks can also help warm air circulate around pipes located on exterior walls. Knowing where to find your main water valve is also essential to stop water in the event of a burst.

3. Sump Pump Discharge Lines

Your basement drainage solutions will be tested by the weight of snow and rain after the storm.

Rodrigo Duenas, contractor and CEO of FCS Foundation Repair and Concrete Services, warns, 'One thing you absolutely need to check now is your discharge line on your sump pump or the grading of your foundation. Most people think winter is all about the cold, but when the storm arrives, it's all about the massive freeze/thaw cycle. If your discharge line on your sump pump is sitting in your yard or covered with snow, it will freeze solid.

'Then, with the melting snow on your warm foundation, your sump pump is going to kick on. If it's frozen, it won’t have anything but water flowing through it. The motor will seize, and your basement is going to be flooded while you are trying to stay warm upstairs.'

To counter this, Rodrigo says a bit of DIY is essential. 'Go outside to where your pipe is leaving your house. If your pipe goes straight into the ground or a buried pipe, you have to. disconnect it. You then connect a temporary flexible corrugated hose [from Lowe's] to your exit pipe. The hose must be positioned at least ten feet away from your house, slanted downward. The reason why you have to do this is to ensure that, if your hose freezes, your water can flow out of your house through your connection point.

'A burst pipe is a mess, but a malfunctioning sump pump is an absolute disaster,' he presses. 'When you have flooding in your basement during a freeze, you can’t just open up the house to improve ventilation. Water sits in there, freezes, and will even break your foundation walls because it expands. Replacing a pump and drying out a basement is an expensive proposition, thousands of dollars, and takes months.

'Spending ten minutes checking to make sure you can breathe is the lowest-cost insurance you can buy before the sky falls.'

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Meet the Experts

No matter where you live, it pays to have a hurricane preparedness kit in your home. These survivial essentials are perfect for any extreme weather to keep you and your family safe.

With the cold grip of winter still affecting the majority of the US, it's crucial to know the best way to shovel a driveway – and how to do so properly and efficiently.

For this, the Ego Snow Shovel, available at Amazon, is ideal, and offers enough power in a single charge to clear a three-car driveway with six inches of snow. Here's why we recommend it for removing snow from a driveway.

This Ego Snow Shovel Is Ideal for Shoveling Driveways

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

While there are plenty of places you shouldn't clear snow, your driveway certainly isn't one of them. It's not just a question of convenience either – it's also crucial for your safety, so you can leave and return home without sliding and skidding, whether you're simply heading out, or have to leave in a hurry.

While expensive, we recommend using the Ego Snow Shovel, available at Amazon, for this, which is consistently recommended by experts for ease of use, efficiency, and its lightweight design.

With a 12-inch clearing surface, this snow shovel throws snow up to 25 feet with a 60-degree directional control dial. Additionally, the high-efficiency brushless motor delivers long run times, with enough battery to clear a three-car driveway in a single charge, low vibrations, and an extended motor life, so you can be sure that this purchase will make it easy to clean your driveway year after year.

It has the added benefit of quickly revealing any cracks in your driveway for quick repairs, as you should never wait until spring for this critical driveway maintenance task.

This particular model also features a hinged shaft for convenient, compact storage, even if your home is lacking in storage ideas, or you don't have a garage or any shed storage ideas for outdoor stowage.

One five-star review from Barbara Zulkeski, dubs the Ego Snow Shovel, available at Amazon, 'Powerful, Lightweight, and a Huge Time Saver.'

'I’ve been really impressed with the EGO Power+ 12" Cordless Electric Snow Shovel,' they write. 'It’s lightweight, powerful, and incredibly easy to use, perfect for clearing snow quickly without the hassle of gas or cords. It handles my walkway and back decks with ease, even after a decent snowfall, and saves my back compared to a traditional shovel.

'The included 56V battery delivers solid performance and charges quickly. I can usually clear everything on one charge, but I’m planning to purchase an extra battery just in case, especially for longer sessions or heavier snow.

'Overall, this is an excellent tool for small to medium areas and a great addition to my winter setup. Highly recommend for anyone looking to make snow removal easier.'

Another, from Barrootz, adds that it 'Tosses snow so much farther than [they] thought.'

'I got this because I have the Ego lawnmower and leaf blower, and adding this into the mix was a no-brainer as I have the battery platform,' they write. 'I live in Colorado, and we get some snow here. I am in a community and don’t have much to shovel, but I wanted to supplement my manual shovel with something I could use electrically.

'The first snow I used it on, we had seven inches, and then it got a little wet and compacted down to about four inches. I didn’t think this thing would be able to handle it at all, but I was wrong.

'It threw the snow much farther than I thought it would, and at one point, I was actually splattering the side of my neighbor’s house. Oops! It’s very easy to assemble. The weight is just right. For a relatively inexpensive product, the design is pretty darn good.

'The quality is what you would expect from this brand – no surprises here. It’s good stuff. Battery life was much better than I thought it was going to be, and having extra Ego batteries should mean I never run out. If I’m out there and I’ve run my two batteries out, it’s time to come in for coffee!'

So, if you've been struggling to tick off this home maintenance task to complete in January, and are keen to avoid any home maintenance mistakes never to make in winter, don't delay snapping up the Ego Snow Shovel, available at Amazon. If the raving reviews are anything to go by, we're sure you won't regret making the investment for years to come.

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You can also add reusable sand to your icy driveway for instant safety.

When it comes to icy driveways, most homeowners focus on what to use – but when you apply it matters just as much.

Salting at the wrong time can be ineffective, waste product, and still leave dangerous slick spots behind. That's why experts say timing is the key to safe, ice-free results.

Here's exactly when the pros apply salt to driveways when winterizing a home for a safer winter.

The Ideal Time to Salt a Driveway

While deciding between ice melt vs rock salt is part of winterizing your home, whichever you pick, applying it at the right time ultimately makes more of a difference to the results. Generally speaking, to make removing snow from a driveway easier and safer, you need to apply the salt before ice arrives, and not after.

Applying salt before ice bonds to the surface helps prevent buildup, while waiting too long can make ice harder to break and less responsive to treatment – especially in extreme cold.

Aaron Strickland, lawn care and gardening expert at Mr. Trim Lawn & Garden Services, explains, 'The best time to salt a driveway is before snow (less than two cm), or ice begins, provided there isn't excessive rain with ice pellets, which will wash away the salt.

'Pre-treating prevents snow and ice from bonding to the pavement, making shovelling much easier and reducing ice formation. This works best when the driveway is dry or only slightly wet.'

Christopher Spinieo, president at Spinieo Inc, agrees, explaining that this happens because, 'When you pre‑salt, a thin salt layer converts the first moisture into brine, creating a barrier under incoming snow and ice that keeps it from sticking to the driveway. You also benefit from using less salt when pre-salting is performed.'

Not only does this help you to save money at home, but it can also have a reduced impact on your yard and its surrounding environment.

The conditions outside can also have an impact on what you choose to apply to your driveway for the best results, Aaron continues. 'Temperature is very important role in how effective the salt will be. Rock salt works best above 14 °F (-10 °C), but in colder conditions, treated salt (such as the pet-friendly ice melt Natural Rapport from Amazon) is more effective.'

What to Do if You Salt Too Late

If the snow has already arrived and it's too late for pre-salt, all is not lost, Aaron assures.

'After snow has already started to build up (greater than four cm), it is better to shovel the snow safely first and then apply the salt, spreading it evenly rather than piling it on. Over-salting can damage concrete, so using it sparingly is key on walkways and patios.'

When shoveling snow on potentially icy ground, consider wearing shoe cleats from Amazon to add extra grip and prevent slipping. Then, use the right technique for shoveling snow to avoid injury.

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Understanding how to apply ice melt is just as important as when to apply it. Luckily, the experts have spilled their secrets for that, too.

If you're looking to save money in 2026, you've probably considered turning down the heating, reducing your water consumption, and adopting more thoughtful shopping habits.

But, say our energy experts, there's one very small and simple change you can make that takes seconds, and could save you hundreds.

Here, they explain why experts urge homeowners to unplug chargers daily, and exactly what the risks are.

This Common Charging Habit Could Spark a Fire

You may have heard that unplugging idle or 'phantom' devices is an effective way to cut energy bills, and it is. But, importantly, high energy bills don't pose a danger to your home in the same way that common fire risks in your home do. And one of the most common of all, as our experts explain, is plugged-in, unused chargers.

Ben Kolo, owner of Mr. Electric of Central Iowa, a Neighborly company, advises, 'Chargers can overheat or short out. Keeping them unplugged reduces this risk entirely.'

He explains, 'Having the chargers plugged in all the time can reduce the lifespan of the charger. Unplugging chargers can also help protect against damage to the chargers caused by power surges. Chargers are a small transformer that changes one type of power to another. As long as power is applied, transformers use some electricity to complete the transformation.

'We have seen burned-up chargers that also burned the receptacle outlet they were plugged into, that were supposedly not in use.'

This is a repeated lesson from our experts. Lo Choe, owner of Aura Fire Safety, adds, 'Chargers generate heat even when they’re idle, and this heat prematurely wears internal components out. After enough time, the cord insulation degrades, and the cord itself becomes rigid.

'This presents a fire hazard, especially if the charger is draped over carpet, curtains, or underneath a piece of furniture with poor ventilation. Barely visible to the naked eye, most outlet fires begin with heat accumulation years before any actual flames are seen.'

How to Avoid This Common Fire Risk

The fix is simple – and takes just seconds to do. 'Unplugging chargers gives them a chance to cool down completely, which leads to a longer life for the charger and more safety for the system,' shares Ben.

Scott Harden, senior vice president and chief technology officer for Software, Home Solutions at Schneider Electric, agrees. 'Though modern chargers are generally safe, leaving them unattended while plugged in slightly increases potential risks from malfunctions or power surges,' he says. 'Unplugging helps protect both your home and devices from such hazards.'

Additionally, unplugging your chargers will also extend the lifespan of your devices, as disconnecting chargers reduces wear and tear, and may even extend their operational life,' adds Scott.

And, as a huge added bonus, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that unplugging unused electronics and reducing your standby power loads in general can save the average household 100 dollars a year.

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'Simply by unplugging the charger, you’re eliminating that source of heat,' adds Lo.

You should also pay attention to the six items you should always unplug before leaving the house to banish phantom power usage.

Lighting a fire to cozy up in front of in winter is a true, simple luxury, but as our HVAC pros warn, it's not without its risks.

In fact, they stress, it's crucial to take the necessary safety steps and precautions to protect your health and your home. Luckily, it's neither difficult nor time-consuming to complete, and it won't cost you much, either.

Here, our experts share why it's so crucial to clean your fireplace with a creosote remover, such as the Rutland Creosote Remover, available at Amazon, this January.

This $10 Maintenance Trick Will Increase Safety All Winter

It's no surprise that starting a fire in a fireplace is a sure-fire way to amplify the common fire risks in your home. And, without taking the time to prep your chimney for winter, you're only increasing these risks tenfold. That's where the Rutland Creosote Remover, available at Amazon, comes in handy.

As Tamer Sayed, an HVAC expert and the owner-operator of Tamas Mechanical, explains, 'Creosote remover is a chemical product created to break down and dry out creosote in a chimney. Creosote is a highly flammable substance that builds up from unburnt gases condensing in the chimney. It's like charcoal or charcoal dust. Removing it reduces the risk of dangerous fires.

'Creosote removers work by chemically altering the creosote. In the process, the creosote becomes less sticky and more likely to flake off and fall into the firebox. It can be easily swept off from the chimney and firebox afterwards,' using a fireplace brush, available at Amazon, and Deluxe Galvanized Ash Bucket, available at Plow & Hearth.

Tamer adds that creosote removers come in the forms of liquid, powder, and canisters. 'To use the liquid type, simply spray onto the existing fire or add to pre-treated fuel,' he advises. 'Powder creosote removers are added to hot coals. As for canisters, some can be tossed into the fire. Refer to the packaging for proper use. Just apply once a week when using the fireplace,' if you're wondering how often you should clean your chimney.

Eli Zimmer, CEO of Luxaire HVAC Services, agrees that removing creosote is essential for the safety of your home. 'Creosote remover essentially helps change the makeup of creosote so that you can easily remove it,' he adds. 'In its tar-like form, it’s very hard to remove from the walls of your chimney. Creosote remover, when applied to it, turns it instead into a powdery consistency, which breaks it free from the walls and makes it easy to brush away and discard.'

In particular, the Rutland Creosote Remover, available at Amazon, is safe for everyday use, and removes that sticky, tar-like creosote that Tamer and Eli both mentioned, and turns it into a loose, powdery, non-adhering ash that can easily be brushed away. The one-pound container has enough for up to 16 applications, and there's a handy one-ounce scoop included. The Rutland Creosote Remover is also available at Amazon in a two-pound tub.

One five-star review titled 'Bye bye creosote', by E. Hudachek on Amazon, stresses how easy it is to use. 'I have always had a problem with creosote from my woodstove,' they say. 'Cleaning my chimney was a monthly job during the heating season. After using this Rutland product, the creosote build-up almost disappeared. I ordered my second tub because I am so satisfied with how well it works. Very easy to use and highly effective.'

So, to avoid any home maintenance mistakes never to make in winter, don't delay taking this vital winter deep-cleaning step now.

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For added safety, you can also use baking soda as an effective and environmentally friendly fire extinguisher.

The biting winter weather is taking its toll on our homes, and that means extra steps and precautions have to be taken to keep them protected. Nowhere is this more important than preventing freeze-ups in pipes, so you don't end up with a costly leak on your hands.

That's why our HVAC and plumbing experts recommend using the $12 Frost King Foam Faucet Cover available at Amazon to insulate outdoor faucets cheaply, effectively, and save yourself a plumbing nightmare later.

Covering your outside faucet takes only minutes and is one of the most protective steps you can take for your home in the winter.

Why HVAC and Plumbing Experts Recommend the Frost King Foam Faucet Cover

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

One of the main household concerns across the board in winter is stopping pipes from freezing. Therefore, it's imperative to protect outside faucets from freezing, too, and the easiest way to do so is by using a faucet cover – pros suggest the Frost King Foam Faucet Cover, available at Amazon.

As Travis Hargrave from Hargrave Plumbing advises, it's strongly recommended to use hose bib covers during cold weather times of year. 'Hose bibs are often the only plumbing on a building that is directly in contact with outside air,' he explains. 'This, in turn, makes them the first item attacked by cold weather. A hose bib cover helps to trap the warm air from the building and uses it to defend the spigot while at the same time keeping cold air away from it.

'Another thing about iced pipes is that the longer they are frozen, the more pressure can build up inside them. So even if your pipes do freeze, having them freeze more slowly can be very helpful when staving off damage to your lines.'

Jason Troutman, certified master plumber at Northlake Plumbing Repair, agrees, adding, 'The danger of frozen faucets isn’t necessarily a blockage or the freeze itself, it’s the pressure that the freeze creates. When water freezes in an outside faucet, it expands back into the home’s interior pipes, which can lead to cracks, leaks, and even bursting.

'Thermal protectors like foam covers for faucets trap heat that radiates from inside the house, and prevent wind chill from flash-freezing the metal spigot.

'Additionally, they help keep ice and snow out of the valve, preventing damage to the rubber gaskets and washers that become evident in the spring. While they don’t technically heat anything, they are still essential thermal barriers for plumbing systems.

'So, long story short: Foam spigot covers are a very cheap solution to a potentially very expensive problem for homeowners.'

For this, pros use the Frost King Foam Faucet Cover, available at Amazon.

'Our verdict on the Frost King Foam Faucet Covers is that they’re a plumbing staple,' says Jason. 'We see them all the time in the plumbing industry, and for good reason. They’re simple and easy to use, cheap, and durable.

'Our pro tip is to always check the seal of the cover against the home to make sure it’s flush. If the foam doesn’t sit flush against the side of the home, it’s no longer doing its job.'

Travis echoes that, at Hargrave's Plumbing, they also use the Frost King Foam Faucet Covers, and he uses them in his own home.

'They are easy to use and work very well,' he says. 'They take at most 20 seconds to install, and can typically be installed by people of all ages.'

Importantly, advises Josh Mitchell, HVAC expert and founder of AirConditionerLab, it's best recommended to use foam faucet covers once temperatures start dipping below freezing.

'A simple foam cover traps a pocket of warmer air around the faucet, keeping it 10 to 20 degrees warmer than the outside air. That small difference can prevent burst pipes,' he says, while helping you to successfully swerve any home maintenance mistakes never to make in winter.

When to Remove Your Frost King Foam Faucet Cover

So, once installed, when do you no longer need to worry about stopping outdoor spigots from freezing?

'I don’t take them off until daytime highs consistently stay above 50°F and overnight temps don’t dip below freezing for at least two weeks, usually in April,' depending on the region, advises Josh. 'Even then, I leave them nearby in case we get a surprise cold snap. It’s a cheap layer of protection that works better than people expect.'

Additionally, and conveniently, they can also be reused for years without needing to be replaced, adds Shelley Nytes, manager at Valentine Plumbing and Heating – just make sure the cover is fully dry before you store it to prevent any mold.

'As a side note, it is often best to also shut off water to the outside faucet, if that is an option with your home's indoor plumbing,' she shares.

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Meet the Experts

Do you know when to drip faucets to avoid frozen and burst pipes?

Several smaller home maintenance tasks fall victim to the 'I'll do it later' problem. Whilst that saves you time right now, those little niggles can often lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the road. Not to mention that most of those tasks you leave undone leave your home looking or functioning worse.

That is where the two-minute DIY rule comes in – if a home maintenance task will take you around two minutes to complete, you get it done ASAP. From changing out a cracked lightswitch plate to refreshing your HVAC filter, completing these sooner rather than later will help to prevent buildup, reduce mental clutter, and keep your home functioning smoothly without the feeling of constant or lengthy upkeep.

Here, contractors have shared their three favorite quick-fix tasks to tackle in under two minutes to inspire your low-lift weekend DIY home projects.

What Is the Two-Minute DIY Home Maintenance Rule?

If you can fix a small home issue in two minutes or less, do it now, rather than letting the problem linger and lead to a harder or more costly fix. Here are three commonly-needed tweaks to try in your home.

1. Fix Holes and Dents in Walls

Holes in walls are unsightly to say the least, bringing down even the most well-designed rooms. Luckily, patching holes in walls is simple and takes just minutes to do.

For small holes and dents caused by nails or accidental knocks, all you need is a putty knife (available on Amazon, or even a butter knife you no longer use for food) and some spackling, which can be purchased from Lowe's.

Jonathan Palley, CEO at Clever Tiny Homes, says, 'Spackle is your best friend. Especially if you get pre-mixed stuff, you can easily apply it to dents, nail holes, and other damage on your drywall in virtually no time.'

To do this, Brian Meussner, VP of operations at Mr. Handyman, adds, 'Use a putty knife to press spackle or pre-mixed joint compound into the hole, smearing it so that it’s flush with the wall. Allow the filler to air dry, then lightly sand the area with sandpaper. Apply a second coat if needed, air drying and sanding once more.'

Finally, Jonathan concludes, 'When you have another two minutes sometime after that, you can touch up the paint to cover the spackle itself.' I find that having some of these refillable paint pens from Amazon on hand is best for this. You can keep exact samples of each of your wall paints in a handy container for quick touch-ups, so you don't need to dig out the tin and brushes for every quick fix.

2. Lubricate Squeaky Door Hinges

Squeaky door hinges might not be an aesthetic problem in your home, but they can be irritating. A squeaking door is also a sign that there is friction in the hinge, which, left unchecked, could result in damage over time.

Rather than allow it to get worse and eventually have to remove the whole door to replace the hinges, Brian recommends taking less than two minutes to lubricate them now instead.

'Apply a lubricant like WD-40 [available at Amazon] to the hinge and swing the door a few times to work it in. If the noise persists, it can mean paint chips or debris are trapped, or the door is slightly out of alignment. At that point, it’s smart to pause and call a pro rather than forcing a fix that could worsen the alignment.'

You can also use WD-40 to clean rusty tools, clean outdoor furniture, and remove rust from bathtubs and other metal surfaces, making it a great quick-fix DIY tool to keep in your arsenal.

3. Tighten Loose Handles and Knobs

Loose cabinet knobs and door handles can make your home look worse-for-wear while also impeding functionality, says Brian. There's little excuse to put this task off, however, given that it takes less than two minutes to fix with a multi-head screwdriver from Amazon.

'Grab a screwdriver and tighten the screw, being careful not to over-tighten and strip the hole,' he warns. 'If the hole is worn and the screw won’t hold, an easy DIY fix is to glue the knob. To do this, apply a small amount of thread-locking adhesive to the screw, slide the knob back onto the screw, and let it dry.' LOCTITE Threadlocker from Lowe's is ideal for this.

While fixing cabinets, don't forget loose pan handles, too. While very loose or damaged handles are a sign it's time to replace your pots and pans, most handles can be quickly tightened up with the same screwdriver to avoid a cooking nightmare.

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These are just a few of the essential DIY skills every homeowner should know. Brushing up on the basics can help to maintain your home and save you money at home.

Clearing snow from your driveway can feel straightforward until hidden edges, curbs, and landscaping create a risky guessing game. One wrong pass with a shovel or plow can lead to damaged driveways, broken sprinklers, injury, or other costly mistakes.

That's where driveway markers for snow come in. These underrated winter tools might not be the most aesthetic addition for your curb appeal, but they are an important safety feature that can make removing snow safer and easier.

Here's why the experts recommend them as part of your essential winterizing a house checklist, and how to use them correctly.

Using Driveway Markers for Easier Snow Clearing This Winter

Removing snow from driveways can be a tedious task at best, made worse when you can't work out exactly where your yard begins and your driveway ends.

While you could remove snow from all of it, it is a dire waste of time and energy, not to mention that removing snow from grass and plants can damage them. That's where markers come in to show you exactly where you need to clear without wasting time or energy.

Gene Caballero, co-founder of GreenPal, explains, 'Driveway markers are one of the easiest tools to make snow removal faster and safer for anyone. The purpose of these is to help you see the edges of the driveway under deep snow, protect lawn edges from a snowblower or plow, and to make sure that vehicles don't drift off the pavers during plowing.'

These simple additions can also make parking in light snow easier, too, avoiding any accidental straying onto your lawn, especially if you have guests parking on your property.

'Products that I have used in the past that have worked well are flexible polyethylene snow stakes with reflective tops,' Gene says. 'These make the stakes visible at day and night.' The Hillman 48-inch driveway markers from Lowe's are a good example of this, offering enough flexibility to withstand strong weather and minor collisions without falling or breaking.

How to Install Driveway Markers for Maximum Benefit

A common home maintenance mistake to never make in winter is installing your snow markers incorrectly. Putting them in the wrong places or not securing them well will render them almost useless when heavy snow arrives.

Gene says, 'I recommend installing them every six to eight feet along both sides of the driveway. Make sure to firmly push them into the ground before the first snowfall. But make sure you're not pushing them in too deep and that they remain 18 to 36 inches above the typical snow depths in the area.'

Within the marked area, you can then decide on the best method for removing snow, be it skipping ice melt and using sand, or opting for a quality, top-rated snow shovel from Amazon to remove snow quickly and precisely.

You can, of course, fit snow markers after clearing the snow on your driveway, to help you on the next shoveling mission, but bear in mind the ground will be harder, and getting them in might prove to be quite hard work. You might choose to wait until there is some let-up in the cold, but preparing ahead for the next snowstorm will serve you well.

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Markers are just one of the ways you can prepare your home for a snowstorm. When expecting very bad weather, consider hooking up a generator to your house and stocking up on essentials before it hits, too.

With snow weather warnings sweeping across the US, it's estimated that over 22,000,000* people are currently under winter weather alerts. So, how do home experts prepare for snowy weather?

Here, they share their top tips on preparing your home for a snowstorm, from draining and disconnecting outdoor hoses to opening cabinets and attic doors.

The 3 Rules Home Experts Always Follow During Snow Weather Warnings

*According to the CNN Winter Weather Warnings Advisories Tracker.

1. Drain and Disconnect Any Outdoor Hoses

The one rule that Josh Mitchell, HVAC expert and founder of AirConditionerLab, always follows when snow is in the forecast has to do with maintaining a garden hose and stopping pipes from freezing.

'I drain and disconnect any outdoor hoses,' he shares. 'If you leave a garden hose attached, the water in the pipe can freeze right behind the spigot, causing it to burst.

'You won’t notice until it thaws, and by then, you might have water running down the inside of your wall. It takes less than a minute to do and avoids hundreds of dollars in drywall and plumbing repairs.'

To do so yourself, Josh recommends using a solid brass hose splitter with shutoff valves, such as a Garden Hose Splitter available at Amazon, which lets you turn off water easily, without having to crawl behind anything or reach through landscaping.

2. Open Cabinets and Attic Doors to Allow Pipes to Stay Warm

Next, Travis Hargrave from Hargrave's Plumbing says that the one rule he always follows during snow weather warnings is opening cabinets – a clever way to keep kitchens warm without heating – and attic doors.

'Letting warm air into cabinets and attics offers more thermal protection to at-risk plumbing piping,' he explains. 'To follow yourself, first we have homeowners open their cabinets to allow warm interior air to heat their pipes.

'Once completed, we suggest opening your attic access slightly. This helps to protect any piping in your attic.'

For further protection, you should also insulate pipes in your attic space. Using foam pipe covers, available at Amazon, is the quickest and easiest way to do so. It's also advisable to insulate any crawl spaces, too.

3. Check Vents for Obstructions

Finally, says Eli Zimmer, CEO of Luxaire HVAC Services, the one rule he always follows when there are snowy weather warnings is checking all of his vents, as neglecting to do so is a home maintenance mistake never to make in winter.

'I literally just go around to all of my vents in each room and check each one,' he advises. 'I want to make sure that every single vent in my home is open and not obstructed.

'Even if you don’t mean to, sometimes things like shoes, or blankets, or pillows can accidentally get pushed or somehow find their way over to the top of a floor vent, blocking that warm air flow.

'Making sure that every single vent is open and nothing is blocking the warm air coming out is crucial for not just keeping the home comfortable but also making sure your heating system doesn’t have to work extra hard to keep things at the temperature you’ve set since there’s an obstruction.'

Therefore, this simple task will also help to cut energy bills, by avoiding any heating system mistakes.

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Meet the Experts

'These are five-minute tasks that stop way bigger problems,' says Josh. 'People skip them because they don’t seem urgent, but they quickly become expensive when ignored.'

It's also vital to avoid these heating mistakes making your house colder, and know how often you should shovel during a snow storm.

In winter, there's nothing better than cosying up in front of the fireplace with a good book, hot drink, or your favorite film. But, while a lit fire may look and feel beautiful, you should never forgo safety measures.

That includes having a pot of sand next to the fireplace to quickly put out a fire if needed. Our fire safety pros say it's a must-have, and we love the stylish but practical stainless steel Canister available at Amazon that you can fill with sand.

Here, our experts explain why it's one of the best ways to tackle any common fire risks in your home.

You Need This Fire-Side Addition in Your Home This Winter

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

While you may know how to start a fire in a fireplace, it's equally important, if not more so, to know how to put one out fast, too.

For this, Tamer Sayed, lead HVAC and furnace expert at Tamas Mechanical, advises, 'Having a nearby fire-smothering sand is a great safety practice when using the furnace. Sand is non-combustible, and unlike water, it won't freeze [or expire] when left idly in winter.

'While the sand is the one with practical use, its bucket or container can be stylish and add to the aesthetics or ambiance of the room,' which is why we recommend the DYNAMI 304 Stainless Steel Canister available at Amazon.

In terms of how this works, Tamer explains that sand smothers fire by blocking oxygen in the air from getting to the fire, which is essential for combustion. 'Sand works almost instantly, which reduces the risk of the fire from spreading,' he says.

Importantly, adds Eli Zimmer, CEO at Luxaire HVAC Services, with gas-burning fireplaces, you'll need a special kind of fire-smothering sand, silica sand, available at Amazon, which he also recommends for wood-burning fireplaces.

As for the volume, Eli adds that it's best to have at least five gallons of sand on hand for the average fireplace, as that tends to be enough to cover everything with a few inches. But if you have a bigger furnace, you may need more.

It's also advisable, says Brandon Torres, an HVAC installer with ACFurnaceShop.com, to keep another four-gallon bucket elsewhere on the same floor of your home, 'just in case you need it.'

How to Use Fire-Smothering Sand

Luckily, using sand as a kind of fire extinguisher is easy.

Sunaree Ko, a fire safety expert at Fire Marshal Training, advises, 'In real life, it is done by slowly pouring the sand directly on the fire or hot embers until they are completely covered.' You may also want to use a large metal scoop, such as the Fire Beauty Fireplace Shovel available at Amazon, to spread the sand gently over the base of the fire.

'The container should be light enough for anyone to lift, stable, and kept in close proximity to the fireplace so that one can reach it without going through the hazardous area,' continues Sunaree, without any blocks or furniture in the way.

In particular, says Kelly Russum, owner of KC's 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning, sand works faster than an extinguisher and is safer than water, as both water and extinguishers can damage the firebox and masonry.

'Water and fire extinguishers work very differently from sand,' he explains. 'Water and extinguishers shut down fire through physical and chemical mechanisms, not by blocking oxygen. Water works mostly because of a thermal shock – water just lowers the temperature of a fire, and a fire can't stay alive without the heat.

'That thermal shock can help the fire go out, but can also crack firebricks and the flue liner because they are made of brittle masonry materials that are sensitive to such sudden temperature changes. Extinguishers work on a chemical level and interrupt the oxygen-fuel reaction that is necessary for a fire to keep burning.'

And, of course, stresses Brandon, 'If the fire is hard to manage, call emergency services right away.' This is extremely important to avoid any irreparable damage to your home or danger to your health.

At this time of year, we also recommend keeping these Christmas mistakes that increase the risk of home fires in mind, like using faulty tree lights, space heaters, overloading outlets, and more.

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You can also use baking soda as an effective and environmentally-friendly fire extinguisher, and should take the time to clean your fireplace to keep it looking its best without the risk of spreading fire.

When extreme cold weather hits, staying warm is only part of the challenge. Freezing temperatures can damage your home, drive up energy bills, and even leave you without power.

Luckily, a little planning ahead of the polar vortex with Arctic air billed as 'dangerous' currently heading into the eastern US can make all the difference when winter weather turns nasty in your region.

These are the five expert ways you can quickly prepare your home for a freeze to stay ahead of it, rather than react to it, as well as stay warm and avoid costly repair bills.

5 Quick Ways to Prepare Your Home for Extreme Cold

1. Protect Pipes from Freezing

Stopping frozen pipes should be your first concern when extreme cold is on the way, and is one of the most important home rules for snow weather warnings to avoid damage. The quickest way to do this is to drip faucets. It isn't the most robust solution, but it can prevent burst pipes when extreme cold hits as there won't be water in there to expand into ice and wreak havoc.

If you have more time, Jake Johnson, COO and co-founder at home, emergency and cyber security experts, Batten Safe, says, 'Disconnecting outdoor hoses, covering exterior faucets with outdoor faucet covers from Amazon, and insulating exposed pipes can stop a cold-weather issue from turning into major water damage and an inhospitable living environment.'

Beyond this, bolster your cold-weather prep by learning what to do if a pipe bursts, and how to find your main water valve to protect from severe damage should the worst happen.

Prepping your outside pipes and spigots will also stop the freeze from spreading to indoor pipes and causing a slow or unexpected leak.

2. Consider Backup Power

Extreme cold weather is often accompanied by storms, meaning it is essential to prepare a home for a power cut, which often impacts local infrastructure and can take time to be sorted out.

The quickest and simplest way to do this is to have a few pre-charged power banks available at Walmart to hand. These can help to power phones and smaller essential devices should the power go out. Consider also having a hand-crank weather radio from Amazon that doubles as a power bank and light, too, allowing you to stay connected and navigate a dark home safely.

For a longer-lasting solution, Jake suggests hooking up a generator to a house. 'Extreme cold often brings power outages, and having a redundant power source can make the difference between inconvenience and an emergency. A portable power station can keep critical devices running; phones, medical equipment, or space heaters (only electric) so families can stay warm, informed, and connected when the grid goes down.'

The Generac Gas-Powered Portable Generator from Lowe's has hundreds of five-star ratings, and is described by shoppers as powerful, reliable, and able to power a variety of household appliances if your utility services fail.

3. Bump Your Thermostat

Extreme cold will make your heating system work harder; however, keeping your home warm is essential for preventing mold and keeping you and your family comfortable.

Because of this, Eli Zimmer, CEO of Luxaire HVAC Services, advises, 'Set your thermostat a little bit higher. You may not need to set it higher during the day, but if you have it at a lower temperature at night, you might want to bump it up a few degrees so that it’s no less than 65 ° Fahrenheit. This will help prevent your pipes from freezing and will help your home stay at a more comfortable temperature.

'Also, make sure the vents in your home are not obstructed by anything so that you can get the best possible warm airflow in your house,' he adds. This helps to make your heating more efficient. 'Move any furniture that may be blocking them, for example, and make sure all of your doors inside remain open so that warm air can flow throughout your home evenly.'

Investing in a smart thermostat, such as the Honeywell from Best Buy, is the best way to monitor the temperature in your home during extreme weather. They allow you to tailor your heating schedule to suit sudden changes, even when you are away from home.

If you're operating by dated heating standards, it might be helpful to know the old 66°F rule is out.

4. Check Your Insurance

While no one wants to think about severe damage to their home, it is always worth being prepared for it. A key part of this is checking over your insurance policy documents.

Construction and mold remediation pro Russell Vent, VP at Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Rochester, NY, says, 'Most importantly, you will want to understand your insurance policy and what is and is not covered by your insurer. Do not enter a freeze event assuming that every type of damage will be covered.'

To be thorough, Russell suggests the following:

• Call your insurance company or agent and review coverage for some of the types of issues listed above and others.
• Make sure you are keeping your home heated properly, and you can prove it. Some insurance companies will require proof from your energy supplier that your home was being heated properly before coverage of a claim.
• If you are away from home, make sure you are checking on the property regularly. A good rule of thumb is every two weeks, but it is best to clarify that with your insurance company. Failure to monitor your property, in my experience, has also led to insurance claim denials.

5. Protect Against Ice Dams

Russell explains, 'Ice damming is the build-up of ice on the eaves of pitched roofs. Air temperatures need to be freezing for a sustained amount of time following or in conjunction with snowfall. These two things, along with the heat from the home, cause a large buildup of snow and ice that begins to melt and cannot escape anywhere except back into the home, damaging walls, ceilings, and attic spaces.

'Excessive freezing and buildup are caused by insufficient insulation and/or ventilation into the attic space. A key sign of ice dams is excessive icicles forming or big mounds of snow and ice building up at the eaves. You are likely to also experience some water damage to your home.'

Here are some things you can do to prevent this damage:

• Ensure your roof is in good condition, and wear and tear areas are something to be aware of for an upcoming storm. Clean gutters to ensure water flows smoothly.
• Ensure your attic space is well insulated. Different levels of attic insulation, “R-Value,” is required based on where you live, and a contractor will be able to help you ensure you have the right one. Similarly, ensure you have proper ventilation in your attic space. Air should be making its way into the eaves (soffits) of the attic space and be exiting through roof vents or a continuous ridge vent for example. Make sure your soffit areas are not clogged with insulation and have “baffle vents” [available at Lowe's] installed to promote proper air flow.
• Install heat cables [available from Walmart] to help keep the eaves from developing a buildup of snow and ice (only relevant if you maintain power), or use a “roof rake” to keep the eaves clear of build-up throughout snowfall
• Use “ice melt socks” (stockings filled with rock salt, from Walmart) specifically designed to be placed on the areas of concern to promote melt and create channels for water to exit the roof, not through the home.
• Find out who in your local area provides ice dam removal and keep their number handy. However, during an event, these companies become inundated with requests, and even the largest companies can become backed up for days and weeks.

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Taking steps to winterize your house inside and out before extreme cold hits will give you peace of mind that your home can weather the storm. Plus, it can save you money in the long run by preventing damage rather than responding to it.

After a heavy snowfall, most homeowners focus on shoveling driveways and clearing paths, but what’s happening on your roof can be far more important.

Ice dams often form quietly and result in interior leaks. Spotting it early can help you catch ice dam formation before meltwater backs up under shingles, leading to warped ceilings, damaged insulation, and costly repairs.

Knowing what to watch for – and acting quickly to empty and clean gutters – can make all the difference. This is what the pros need you to know.

3 Key Warning Signs of Ice Dams

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the edge of a roof, blocking melting snow from draining correctly, causing water to back up and seep into your roof. This can then leak into your attic, resulting in costly damage to your attic insulation and ceilings.

There are a few key ice dam warning signs to check for, both inside and outside of your home, that reveal your roof might have developed an ice dam after heavy snow or freezing weather:

• A visible ice ridge: Mike Feazel, CEO of Roof Maxx, points out that the most obvious sign of an ice dam is ice along the edge of your roof and icicles hanging from the guttering. It is best to avoid climbing to your roof to look for these, especially in cold and slippery conditions. If you struggle to see, a set of binoculars from Walmart can help you check your roof safely from the ground.
• Moisture inside your roof: Ice dams can quickly lead to moisture inside your home. Thomas Borcherding, owner and lead designer at Homestar Design Remodel, suggests, 'Moisture meters are your best friend when diagnosing ice dams. A moisture meter [available at Walmart] features prongs that you simply touch to a material that you suspect has come into contact with water, giving you an approximation of the material's moisture level. This moisture level will indicate whether or not water is running through or around the material in question, whether it be drywall, a stud, joist, or truss.'
• Wet walls or peeling paint: This is an alarming sign and signals that the ice dam has allowed a large volume of water into your home. Arthur Kulchitskiy, designer and founder of JDI Construction, warns, 'If your drywall in the top floor of your house appears damp or you notice your paint bubbling or peeling on top of your walls, this means that the water has reached beyond your ceiling and is working its way down your walls. This poses a huge threat to your expensive finishes and, most importantly, your wood structure. Check for stains with a yellow, brown, and ring-like configuration, usually around walls on the top floor ceilings.' Left unchecked, this will lead to otherwise preventable mold.

Treating Damage from Ice Dams

If you have spotted any of these ice dam warning signs in your home, it is essential to act quickly. How you approach the situation will depend on the stage of the damage.

An ice dam that has not yet let water into your home, for instance, is easier to manage than one that has. Removing snow with a roof rake, from Amazon, can help to prevent a backup of water and mitigate internal leaks.

If you have spotted water damage in your home, it is time to call a pro, who can help to stop the leak and remediate the damage, stepping in to help prevent and get rid of mold and mildew in your home.

Arthur explains, 'A professional must use a low-pressure steam tool to cut channels in the ice dam so that the water can flow from behind it through the gutter. One never wants to try to break up ice with a hammer and shovel, as this will certainly cause shingle damage, which means even more leaks.

'Then, if you are experiencing an interior leak, a contractor may be needed to make a small hole in the staining on your ceiling to encourage this water to flow down into a bucket rather than spreading throughout the drywall.'

Preventing Ice Dams

Prevention is always better than a cure. Avoiding gutter cleaning mistakes and staying on top of your seasonal home maintenance tasks is a must, as clearing leaves and debris can ensure water flows, making blocks and dams less likely. A gutter cleaning tool from Amazon is perfect for cleaning safely from the ground.

Beyond that, Mike recommends improving home insulation. 'This will ensure heat doesn't escape and melt snow unevenly,' he explains. 'For homes in colder climates, adding heating cables [available at Walmart] or using a roof rake [also from Walmart] after storms can also make a big difference.'

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Your roof is not your only concern when it comes to water damage, especially in winter when pipes are at risk of freezing too. Knowing how to find and fix common household leaks is a skill every homeowner should prioritize, even if it is just patchwork until a contractor can arrive.

As temperatures drop, many of us focus on the obvious home maintenance tasks, such as cleaning gutters and insulating pipes, but overlook the importance of finding our main water valve.

It might sound inconsequential, but knowing where the shut-off point is and how to operate it can save you thousands on potential flood damage repairs, even if your pipes are protected.

This is where to find yours, and why plumbing experts mark this as one of the top DIY skills every homeowner should know, regardless of their skill level.

This is the Crucial Valve Homeowners Must Find Before This Winter

A desperate scramble to find and fix common household leaks is a very real risk in winter, especially if you live somewhere that regularly drops and stays below freezing. Even if you have taken the time to insulate pipes, unheated parts of your home, or old or worn insulation can allow for freezing pipework.

The result? Bursts that can cause thousands of dollars of damage if you do not stop the water flow quickly. To do this, you have to know where your main water valve is and how to use it. It is the essential first step in knowing what to do when a pipe bursts.

The easiest way to locate your main water valve to get your home emergency ready is by looking at the plans for your home. However, if you do not have access to them, Kevin Vander Hyde, vice president at Vander Hyde Services, advises, 'Start by checking the perimeter of your home where the water line enters, which is typically in a basement, crawl space, utility room, or along an exterior wall facing the street.

'In warmer climates, it may be located outside near a hose bib or under a ground-level access panel. The valve itself is typically a wheel-style gate valve or a lever-style ball valve. Once you find it, practice turning it off and on to make sure it moves freely.

'When you’ve found your main water valve, it’s always a good idea to label it clearly and ensure that every member of the household knows where it is,' he adds. Even children should be educated on its function to assist in an emergency if the valve is in a safe and accessible location. Working out the right age for children to start chores can help you decide if your child is ready for this.

Should a leak occur, you can then quickly turn off the water flow to prevent the problem from getting worse. With that handled, you can then call a pro for repairs.

Repairs can range in cost depending on the scale of the leak, the water damage, and the location. A small leak that is turned off quickly may only cost a few hundred dollars to repair. However, a bigger leak, or a leak that is left running for too long, can climb into the $1-2,000 mark, including call-out fees. This price can increase should you need drywall repairs, or professional mold remediation. This is why acting quickly to turn off your water is essential.

Of course, water leaks can happen in inconvenient spots. That is why it is worth investing in some smart water leak detectors from Amazon. These sensors fit perfectly in awkward spots where pipes are most likely to freeze and burst, such as in basements, crawlspaces, and attics, and send an immediate alert to your phone when water is detected. This promotes fast action to stop the flow and protect your home from further damage.

Setting up a smart home does more than just offer convenience; it can be part of a great protection strategy, too. Smart home thermostats, from Walmart, are also great tools, alerting you to potentially freezing conditions around pipes, so you can drip faucets as needed to prevent freezing and leaks. They are also great additions to your attic storage to protect your home from ceiling leaks resulting from ice dams.

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If your home suffered frozen pipes but they have not yet burst, follow the steps to thaw frozen pipes safely and prevent a leak.

There are some things you can’t control or predict, but getting ahead of preventable home maintenance issues as the deep cold of winter arrives can save you from a massive headache down the line.

That’s why plumbing pros are urging you to disconnect your hose now to stop the spigot in your yard from freezing and the icy temperatures from cascading into pipes indoors and causing a burst there.

Taking this simple step now to remove your hose will prevent the ice and cold of any frozen water inside it from spreading through pipes inside your house.

Why You Must Disconnect Hoses from Spigots Now

If you haven’t ticked this off your list yet, Kolby Barnes, Plumber and Training Director at Service Force Plumbing, says removing hoses from backyard spigot is the one thing to always do.

He explains, 'The vast majority of calls we get for frozen, burst pipes are due to hoses full of water being left connected to spigots.

‘If a spigot cannot drain, the water in it is vulnerable to freezing, and that freeze can move all the way up into your indoor pipe, burst the pipe inside the home, and cause major water damage.'

Experienced plumber Koldy warns that even if you have 'frost-proof' hose bibbs, if it can't drain properly, it's as vulnerable as a traditional spigot.

Outside faucets freezing in winter can come with their own challenges, but it's easily prevented if you act now.

Kolby adds, ‘We tell homeowners to remove their hoses from the spigots because that's an easy way to ensure that the danger is eliminated.’

It’s worth knowing that the problem isn't the hose itself, as an empty, drained hose is fine.

Kolby explains what to look out for, adding, ‘The problem is when the hose has a spray head or something else on the end that has locked the hose full of water, which means that the hose bibb is full of water. And when water freezes, it expands, sometimes with enough force to crack a pipe.’

How Frozen Outdoor Pipes Can Spread Problems Indoors

The problems won’t always be isolated to the outside of your home.

‘If the water in the spigot freezes,’ Kolby explains, ‘it can transfer that freezing to the water in the pipe connected to it, and the pipe material is much thinner than the spigot itself. So the weak point is the pipe, which is inside the home, where the damage will be much worse, and that's where the break and leak will likely happen.’

That’s why it’s so important to winterize your home inside and out, and be extra mindful of any hoses that are currently still attached. The last thing you want over the festive period is an avoidable leak inside the house, which can be tricky to track down, will likely mean a call to the pros, and will prove costly to repair.

The cost can rise exponentially if you end up with a slow leak that goes undetected for a while, leading to otherwise preventable mold and more extensive damage and repair work.

Homes are particularly prone to mold in the winter when there is less ventilation daily, higher humidity levels from drying laundry indoors and extra cooking or guests.

Watch out for key signs of a slow leak, including inexplicable low water pressure, wet patches on walls, warped flooring, or blooms of mold. If you spot condensation on an indoor pipe, this can be an early sign of a frozen pipe.

Spigot Misconceptions

Plumbing expert Kolby also has a warning about spigots touted as being frostproof. He says, ‘Even frostproof spigots will freeze if water can't drain from them.’

Below is a pipe from one of Kolby’s call-outs that burst despite being connected to a ‘frostproof’ hose bibb. He says, 'It was the pipe that burst, not the spigot itself.’

The good news is that a pipe that is empty of water is very unlikely to crack and burst in the cold. It's only if there is water inside the hose that the spread of freezing and bursting is likely, which is why it's so important to check and unclip yours.

To test if your outdoor tap has frozen, Kolby advises that if water will not come out of the fixtures connected to it, the problem is already underway and your home is at risk of a common leak.

If your spigot has frozen, do not pour boiling water down drains, pipes, or fixtures, as this sudden thermal shock will make it more likely to burst or crack them. Instead, slowly thaw pipes. Rushing it will worsen problems. If it's an indoor pipe, increase the room temperature by two degrees an hour until the pipe thaws.

Kolby also recommends using a heating cable, available on Amazon, as a preventative measure for those prone to icing up. He adds, ‘This electric heating wrap is handy if you have pipes that you cannot drain of water, but are at risk of freezing.'

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There are extra measures you can take to get your home emergency ready, or prepare your home for a snowstorm or a big freeze.

Every holiday season, I save dozens of dreamy holiday home ideas that no doubt use countless Christmas light hooks – twinkling lights perfectly draped along mantels, doorways, and stair rails – only to feel stuck once it’s time to actually hang them. Nails and tape can damage walls, while flimsy hooks never seem to stay put, making the whole process more frustrating than festive.

That’s why these Command Round Cord Clips from Amazon felt like a minor miracle. They held my lights securely without leaving marks, let me adjust the layout easily, and made even tricky spots feel completely doable. For the first time, decorating felt simple instead of stressful.

They are so simple to use that I was also able to finally decorate for Christmas without getting overwhelmed, too. Here's exactly why I love them, and all the ways I use them across my home.

These Rental-Safe Hooks Make Christmas Lighting Simple

Hanging Christmas lights is one of the best ways to make a home feel cozier for Christmas, but it can often be one of the most stressful aspects of decorating. Between tangled wires and finding a way to mount them, they almost feel like more hassle than they are worth.

However, Command Hook Light Clips, available at Walmart, offer the perfect solution. Not only are they completely damage-free when applied and removed correctly, meaning that they are safe for renters like me and those of us who do not want a constant reminder of Christmas on our walls, but they also blend seamlessly into your Christmas decorating ideas.

As someone who has spent hours saving hundreds of Christmas lighting ideas on Pinterest, the fact that these clips virtually disappear when the lights are added and can be used on several surfaces, including painted walls, has secured them as an essential part of my Christmas first aid kit. This year alone, they have been used to secure lights when styling a mantlepiece for Christmas and when replicating a beautiful Pinterest Christmas window decor idea, where the creator used a garland and lights to frame the window above her kitchen sink.

I also used some larger 5lb Command Hooks from Amazon to hang the Christmas garland idea securely, without having to add permanent nails into the window frame that would ruin the look of the kitchen for the rest of the year.

I am not the only one who loves this damage-free approach to decorating, either. Even professional holiday decorator Patricia Derpinksi, owner of Hudson Holiday Decor, says, 'I like to use non-invasive methods like adhesive clips, hooks, and gutter clips designed specifically for holiday lighting. For interiors, I usually opt for clear, removable adhesive hooks (Command indoor hooks are great because they are nearly invisible against most surfaces) that won’t damage walls or paint.

'You can also find options for outdoor use, too,' she adds. ' I avoid using nails or screws and instead attach lights with clips that won’t leave marks or require any drilling or power tools. I like to use are Command outdoor light clips [available at Amazon] as well as all-in-one clips [also from Amazon].'

My space finally looked like the Pinterest board I’d been building for years – proof that sometimes it’s not the decorations themselves, but the right little tools that make all the difference.

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For doors, consider skipping permanent hooks and opting for a damage-free wreath hanging hack instead. It is the perfect way – renter or not – to protect your surfaces while getting in the festive mood.

There is nothing worse than switching on your heating on a freezing winter's day and realising that your furnace is not heating as it should. A struggling system can leave rooms chilly, energy bills high, and your patience wearing thin.

You don't have to call a pro right away, however. There are some small things you can check first to fix the problem yourself.

These are the most common reasons your furnace isn't heating correctly, and what you can do about it to make heating more efficient and restore your comfort.

3 Common Reasons Your Furnace Isn’t Heating

1. Blocked Filters

Eli Zimmer, CEO at Luxaire HVAC Services, begins, 'One thing I would definitely check is the filter – if it hasn’t been cleaned or replaced in a while, there could be significant buildup which could then be prohibiting the furnace from working at its normal capacity.'

This is the simplest furnace maintenance check you can do as a homeowner to avoid breakdowns. You can find furnace replacement filters on Amazon in several sizes to suit any furnace, with next-day delivery, so you do not have to struggle to heat a home if the power is out for too long.

'You could also check and clean vents around your home,' he adds, 'to see if those need to be cleaned too, so that air is flowing out easily.'

2. A Dead Thermostat

There are several common thermostat problems that could be the cause of a furnace not heating properly, especially if the filters are clean.

Dan Cronen, HVAC expert at SupplyHouse, asks, 'Does it need new batteries? It will tell you if it does. What has changed around it? The thermostat has a built-in thermometer, and when it “feels” colder than the temperature you’ve set it at, it switches the heat on.

'If it’s picking up heat from all the Thanksgiving cooking, it will think all is warm and well. If a space heater is plugged in right next to it, that will throw off its reading. Even TVs and electronics put out enough heat to throw off a temperature reading, so if the kids just plugged in that new TV and Xbox they got from Santa next to the thermostat, it could be messing with your thermostat.

'If you do find that something is throwing your thermostat reading, just turn the temperature setting up. People get unreasonably attached to their number on the thermostat, forgetting that the point is to keep them comfortable. If it’s cold where you are but not at the thermostat, turn it up!'

Knowing where to put a thermostat and relocating it (especially if it's close to a built-in vent or radiator) can also help long-term. It is a simple thermostat mistake to avoid for a warmer home.

If you have a smart thermostat, such as the Google Nest thermostat from Amazon or the Honeywell thermostat from Best Buy, check that it is connected to your boiler and sending the correct signals to turn on and off. The brand troubleshooting page should be able to help you with this, depending on which model you have.

3. The Sensor is Dirty

Matt Gorbacz, founder and indoor air quality specialist at Clean Air Technologies, explains, 'Another common issue is a dirty flame sensor or dirty burners. When they get covered in dust, the furnace keeps shutting off early, and the heat doesn’t stay on long enough to warm the house properly.'

This is the result of a safety mechanism designed to shut the furnace off and prevent a gas buildup when it cannot detect a lit flame.

'Now, you can try cleaning a flame sensor if you know where it is,' Dan says. You can do this by removing the sensor and cleaning it with steel wool or a scouring pad from Amazon. 'However, if the furnace keeps short-cycling even after cleaning, do call in a professional, as you don’t want to mess with gas parts.'

When to Call an Expert

Dan warns, 'Beyond this, you get into more technical waters. Maybe the furnace is having problems coming on or staying on. Older units may have a pilot light that needs to be relit, but they stopped making them decades ago at this point, so that’s less and less common.

'Modern units will likely have a control board that will actively give you an error code if you know where to look and how to decipher it.'

If the three basic checks haven't solved the issue, it is always safer to call a professional and have your HVAC system serviced. This keeps both you and your home safe from potentially catastrophic damage.

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If your furnace is working, but your home feels cool, check your insulation and draft proofing to make the heat go further. Beyond that, try the free trick to make radiators heat up faster and unblock vents to keep your home warm without turning up the heat.

Garbage disposals are handy, but plumbing pros warn there is one vegetable peel to avoid putting down yours in December if you want to avoid pesky drain clogs over the Holidays: Potato skins.

If you’re busy peeling and prepping potatoes to freeze ahead of Christmas, making a big batch of mashed potatoes, or cooking en masse for your festive dinner parties, and potatoes are on the menu, putting the peels down the sink is the worst culprit for causing drain clogs, pros reveal.

Our plumbing expert says it’s the number one cause for call-outs in the Holidays and so easily avoided with a planet-friendly alternative way to dispose of it.

Why You Should Never Put Potato Peel in Your Sink's Garbage Disposal

Tyler Pittenger, service plumber, drain and sewer specialist at Service Force Plumbing, explains, ’My number one rule for the winter holidays is: No potato peels in the garbage disposal! Over the years, I have been called to a lot of homes in the days and weeks after Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners to unclog drains and sewers, and the number one cause is a sticky mass of ground-up potato peel paste.

‘Homeowners make a big batch of mashed potatoes for the holiday meals and send the peels through the garbage disposal, expecting them to just wash away. Instead, they are ground up into a sticky paste that gets stuck and causes a backup, especially if you already have some buildup or other issues in the pipes.’

In fact, Tyler urges homeowners to ‘absolutely minimize’ what goes down the drain to avoid problems during the festive period and beyond. He adds, ‘Theoretically, a garbage disposal grinds things up and they easily wash away, but in reality, grinding things up – especially starches like pasta and potatoes – makes them sticky or clumpy and more likely to latch on the grease in your pipes or get caught in flaws in the pipe, especially if you have older cast iron or clay ones.’

Tyler instead recommends using a strainer in your sink drain and putting what they catch in the trash.

He says, ‘I've found that plastic and silicone versions get gross over time, but these stainless steel ones from Amazon clean up great. You can also throw them in the dishwasher, and they should last pretty much forever.’

That being said, Tyler stresses that it is the volume of potato peels all at once that makes them such a common cause of backups after big holiday events.

He adds, ‘Many people will actually peel all their potatoes right over the sink because that's the easiest place to gather and then stuff them down the garbage disposal when they’re finished. I've been clearing backed-up drains and sewers day in and day out for twelve years – it's all I do - and I have seen countless holiday backups over the years caused by masses of potato peel paste.'

What To Do Instead with Your Potato Peels

Experienced Gardener and content editor at Homes & Gardens , Drew Swainston, has a simple, planet-friendly way to get rid of your peels.

He says, ‘Potato peelings make a great natural addition to a compost heap, and they will add essential plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as they break down to benefit the rest of your garden plants.’

It is not advisable to add whole potatoes to the compost, as they can sprout and start growing into plants, but kitchen waste like peelings is a safe ingredient.

Drew adds, ‘But never add peeling that shows signs of disease, such as potato blight (which can show itself as brown or purple patches). Both homegrown and store-bought potatoes can show such symptoms, so keep an eye out for signs.’

It is not just potato peels that you should use to make compost, as the peels from carrots, bananas, and cucumbers, as well as the outer skin of onions, all break down quickly to add nutrients to the compost.

‘Cutting any kitchen waste into smaller pieces will speed up the process of breaking down, but never add cooked foods, animal products, or oil to compost as they can attract pests,’ Drew says.

For healthy compost, mix kitchen waste (which is classified as green material, along with garden or lawn clippings) with brown material, such as leaves, paper, cardboard, or sawdust.

‘A simple kitchen countertop compost bin from Walmart won’t take up much space and is an ideal way to store vegetable peeling and scraps before taking them outside and adding them to your compost pile,’ Drew adds.

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For more expert advice to keep your drains clear and free of leaks, never pour salt down your drains, and avoid boiling water too.

If you're not sure of the reason it's not draining, these are the key causes for a sink that won't drain.

The furnace is the hero of a house in winter. But there’s one tiny part inside it that most homeowners don’t even know exists, let alone realize they’re supposed to clean – the flame sensor.

Left unchecked, this small but crucial component could shut off your furnace when you need it most, leaving you shivering and with a potentially eye-watering emergency call-out bill.

The good news? You can clean it yourself and prevent winter stress. Here's how to complete this annual furnace maintenance check safely to keep your home cozy this Christmas.

How To Clean a Furnace Flame Sensor

A flame sensor in a furnace is a thin metal rod that detects if the burner is lit after gas flows, preventing dangerous build-up if it cannot sense the flame. If the sensor becomes too dirty, it can shut off prematurely, turning off your furnace at the most critical time of the year. Luckily, it is a common heating problem that you can repair yourself with cleaning.

Before you can start with the cleaning tips, however, the first step is to turn off the power and the gas valve, advises Tamer Sayed, a licensed HVAC technician and the owner-operator of Tamas Mechanical.'

'Never attempt to clean the furnace (or any other electrical equipment for that matter) while the power is on,' he urges. It is one of the worst cleaning mistakes that risks your safety and your appliances. 'Aside from switching off the unit, turn off the circuit breaker for further safety.'

With the power shut off, you will need the following tools:

• A screwdriver with the appropriate head for your furnace. This Screwdriver set from Walmart comes with 59 heads, so you always have the right tool to hand.
• Fine steel wool, such as a Brillo pad from Amazon.
• A clean microfiber cloth, also from Walmart.
• Optional: Work gloves from Lowe's to protect your skin.

1. Locate and Remove the Sensor

Before setting your winter heating schedule, locate the sensor and remove it for cleaning.

To do this, Tamer explains, 'Remove the panel on your furnace and look inside the compartment. The flame sensor is typically located near the burner and resembles a small metal rod with a ceramic base. Once you've located the sensor, remove the screw that secures it in place. Then carefully pull it out.

'One tip when doing this: Take a picture of the location before removing the flame sensor,' he adds. 'Make sure you don't misplace the screw.' A magnetic parts tray from Walmart makes these types of delicate DIY tasks less risky, holding your parts in place.

2. Clean the Sensor

The flame sensor is one of the few things you should clean with steel wool around your home.

Tamer suggests, 'A steel wool works just fine for cleaning the flame sensor. I highly recommend a Brillo pad from Amazon.'

However, Matt Gorbacz, owner of Clean Air Technologies, advises, 'Use a fine-grit emery cloth, something like 400 or 600 grit, or a Scotch-Brite pad [also from Amazon]. I suggest you don’t use sandpaper as it is too rough and can ruin the coating.

'Lightly rub the rod to remove the carbon buildup. You don’t have to rub it roughly, just clean the soot off so it’s shiny again. To finish, polish the sensor with a soft microfiber cloth, removing any debris so that it shines.'

3. Replace the Sensor and Power

With the sensor clean, replace it and the screw before reattaching the panel front and turning the electricity and gas back on.

If the sensor is not in the right position, the furnace will not light again. Try replacing the sensor again to get the correct placement.

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In the worst-case scenario, there are some ways to heat a house when the furnace goes out, should the flame sensor not be at fault. If this is the case, it is time to call a pro, advises Matt. 'The furnace might have dirty burners or a gas issue,' he warns.

Traditional ice melt works quickly, but these harsh chemical formulas can be incredibly damaging for decks, driveways, plants, and pets, even indoor floors, once residue is tracked inside.

That's why so many experts are switching this season to a DIY non-toxic ice melt solution instead.

It works just as quickly but without the harmful side effects. Here's how one pro makes the mix to help prepare a home for a freeze.

DIY Non-Toxic Ice Melt

No matter how you apply ice melt, those packed with harsh chemicals will almost always cause some form of damage to the environment, if not to your home. Not to mention that it is very dangerous for wildlife and pets, who may lick it off their paws and coat. The same applies to corrosive rock salt, which is why experts urge that you skip the salt each winter.

When winterizing a house and preparing your front porch ideas for festive guest arrivals, it is far safer to make your own ice melt. Better still, this quick DIY job before hosting Christmas only needs three ingredients that you likely already have at home:

• 1/2 gallon of warm water (not boiling)
• 6 drops of neutral dish soap. Dawn dish soap from Walmart is a good option, as is the EWG-certified non-toxic Attitude dish soap from Amazon
• 1oz of rubbing alcohol, also available from Walmart

Steve Corcoran, CEO of Lawn Love, swears by this mixture, calling it one of the few 'reliably safe' options.

'This DIY ice melt works surprisingly well, and it’s not harmful. It’s not going to harm any animals that come in contact with it, or cause skin irritation to humans,' he explains. 'It’s also not going to be much of an issue for nearby plants or grass.'

You simply combine the ingredients in a container and apply them to the icy spots. This might be easiest in a bucket, or even a watering can with a sprinkle head attachment from Walmart, for more even, direct application.

This ice melt alternative works because rubbing alcohol has a lower freezing point than water, meaning it not only melts existing ice but also limits refreezing.

It is also safe for use on various surfaces, including glass (such as your car's windscreen), wood, stone, and paving.

While pure rubbing alcohol can dry out plant leaves, heavily diluted, as in this mixture, the damage is minimal, and far less than that of harsh chemical ice melts and rock salt.

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While de-icing your entryway, consider some smart ways to remove snow from a driveway that won't risk injury. Plus, check the places you shouldn't clear snow to prevent unnecessary and potentially damaging work.

When we think of deep cleaning our homes, many of us think of spring cleaning. Throwing open windows and doors in the newly balmy weather and taking advantage of the breeze.

However, there are some things professional cleaners deep clean in winter, too. While we might be busy with hosting, the experts never miss these five spots, and for good reason.

Following this expert checklist doesn’t just make your house look clean; it gives you peace of mind, a healthier environment, and a sense of accomplishment before hosting. These are the cleaning tips professional cleaners never neglect in December.

Winter Deep Cleaning Checklist

If you are bogged down with hosting or seasonal blues, it is tempting to leave deep cleaning for your spring cleaning checklist.

However, Neel Parekh, founder and cleaning expert at MaidThis, explains, 'Your home takes the most damage from the inside during the winter. You are tracking in dirt, salt, and mud while keeping the windows closed, which keeps dust and allergens that would normally escape inside. If you wait until spring, you will be breathing dirty, stale air for months while dirt gets ground deeper into surfaces.'

So, this is the ideal deep cleaning schedule you should follow in winter to balance tasks with the rest of your seasonal commitments.

1. Start With Entryway Flooring

Cleaning floors regularly is a must in winter, when we are tracking in moisture, dirt, and grit/salt from sidewalks and driveways.

Neel says, 'If you leave salt and moisture on carpet for too long, they will break down the fibers permanently. To get rid of salt residue, use a cleaning solution with a pH between eight and 10 and the hot water extraction method.

'Bissell and Hoover make good home units,' he recommends. We love the Bissell Little Green Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, from Amazon, with reviewers claiming it helped to remove even old stains from flooring. Neem adds, however, 'if you need commercial power, rent a Rug Doctor.' You can do this at Lowe's.

2. Spruce Up Baseboards

Neel warns, 'In the winter, heating systems and lack of airflow make baseboards and door frames greasy. This dirt attracts more dirt and gets harder to clean as time goes on.

'The Pink Stuff paste cleaner from Walmart works great for cleaning baseboards because it gets rid of the oily residue without hurting the paint. Use a damp cloth [such as a microfiber cloth, from Walmart] to apply it, wait 30 seconds, and then wipe it off.'

3. Check for Mold

We should all be cleaning our bathrooms weekly, but it is especially important to add mold deep cleaning to your winter checklist, Neel says.

'When there is nowhere for humidity to go, the bathroom is a great place for mold to grow,' he explains.

Beyond improving bathroom ventilation, Neel suggests checking the grout lines, the liner on your shower curtain, and the seal around the base of your toilet.

To get rid of mold, he suggests, 'Mix oxygen bleach powder, such as OxiClean from Walmart, with water to make a paste, and then scrub the grout with it. You can also use the Pink Stuff Bathroom Foam Cleaner, from Amazon,' he adds.

'If you see any black spots, you should completely replace your shower liner. While in the spring getting rid of mold costs thousands, in the winter, prevention costs 20 bucks.'

4. Check Heat Vents

While tacking the baseboards, take a moment to check over and clean vents around your home.

Petya Holevich, house cleaning expert at Fantastic Services, advises, 'Cleaning the vents, wiping the radiators and replacing or washing the filters will provide your home with better air quality and improve the heating efficiency.'

Tackling this task now not only makes heating more efficient, reducing heating costs over the colder months, but also improves indoor air quality, too, Petya explains. It is far more beneficial than leaving it for spring.

5. Deep Clean Soft Furnishings

One thing people with clean upholstery always do is refresh it throughout the year, not just in spring and summer.

While it is beneficial to have warm weather to speed up drying times, Petya warns, 'Fabric surfaces trap dust, pet dander and odours more quickly in winter because the windows stay closed and the moisture levels indoors rise. Deep cleaning them during this season prevents indoor air from becoming heavy or musty. If you wait until spring, you’ll be spending the entire winter sitting and breathing in that buildup.'

You can clean a sofa without a vacuum, but having the best vacuums for pet hair makes the task ten times easier, even in petless homes, with specialised upholstery attachments to get into the nooks and crannies.

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Meet the Experts

It can be hard to balance chores with social plans in winter. Luckily, professional cleaners have shared their best tips for cleaning when feeling overwhelmed to tackle your tasks without burning out.

When dealing with clogged drains, be it from fat, food, or anything else, pouring boiling water straight down them might sound like a good idea, right? Well, warn our plumbing experts – wrong, very wrong, particularly in winter.

The reason is simple. Pour boiling water onto anything cold, and you risk thermal shock and breakages, and the same applies to your pipes, too.

Here, our pros explain why you should never pour boiling water down the drains during the colder months, and exactly what to do instead to avoid expensive call-outs and even pricier repairs.

Why You Should Never Pour Boiling Water Down Drains in Winter

If you haven't yet found an effective ways to stop pipes freezing, Devin Conley, founder and CEO at Mountain Standard Plumbing warns against turning to sudden heat. He says, 'Boiling water and winter pipes is a disaster in slow motion. What most homeowners don't realize is how brittle their pipes get in the winter.

'This is what I see all winter, every winter. That shot of 212-degree water down the drain hits pipes that may be only a degree or two above freezing, depending on insulation and exposure. With PVC, which has become the norm since about the 1980s, that's bad news.

'PVC starts to soften at 140 degrees. At 212, it can sag and develop hairline cracks at joints and bends. Plus, if the glue bond at joints is compromised, or the rubber gaskets soften, you may not notice until water starts leaking out from under the sink or through the wall.'

Devin reveals that in winter, this amounts to a double danger as cold pipes sag away from glue joints or gasket seals, and thermal shock from boiling water closes the gap with jagged edges.

'The net result,' Devin explains, 'is a drip that often goes unnoticed for weeks or months, soaking and rotting woodwork.'

So, not only will pouring boiling water down the drain leave you wondering what to do if a pipe bursts, but it can also secretly increase the risk of mold and mildew in hidden spots with a slow leak, and you won't know about it until it's too late.

Josh Mitchell, HVAC pro and founder of AirConditionerLab, agrees, warning that, though PVC pipes are most at risk, copper and cast iron are not immune, either.

'They last longer, but repeated boiling water over cold pipes in winter can create stress fractures or small leaks at the joints,' he advises. 'Many of these cracks only appear once the weather warms. A slow drip can turn into a full break a few weeks later. ABS and PVC are even more vulnerable, and the repairs can get expensive once cabinets, walls, or flooring need to be opened.

'The other issue in winter is grease. Boiling water moves the grease only a short distance before it hits a cold section of pipe and hardens again. If food waste is in the mix, the grease acts like glue, trapping it in place. The clog becomes tighter and harder to clear,' only adding to the reasons your sink won't drain, rather than clearing any blockages.

What to Do Instead

This winter, skip the chemicals and skip the kettle if you need to fix a clogged kitchen sink, says Devin.

Instead, he shares:

• 'FOG (fats, oils, and grease) is the enemy. Don't put it down the drain in the first place. Wipe pans with paper towels, compost scraps.' We recommend using the bestselling ENLOY Compost Bin available at Walmart for this, which features an odor-proof design
• 'Use a plunger for minor clogs. Every homeowner should have a drain plunger with a flexible flange to seat around pipe openings. The Korky BeehiveMAX Heavy Duty Toilet Plunger on Amazon seems to work well and costs less than $16.'
• 'Try a hand-crank drain snake for bathroom sink and tub clogs. Hand crankers are available from most plumbing companies, and the Drainsoon Drain Auger 25 Ft available at Amazon is a good generic snake you can buy yourself.'
• 'If you get to a certain point in the winter and you have gurgling drains or slow drains everywhere, the correct solution is to get the house hydro-jetted, using cold water.' You may need to call in a pro for this. 'Hydro-jetting uses high-pressure cold water to clear grease and roots out of main house sewer lines,' continues Devin. 'It costs about as much as a snake but is much more effective and less likely to cause damage to pipes than the thermal shock of pouring boiling water down them.'

Additionally, says Josh, 'Use dish soap and hot tap water, not boiling water, right after cooking. Let it run for 30 to 60 seconds to help keep grease suspended.' For this, we recommend using Dawn Ultra Liquid Dish Soap, available at Walmart.

'If the clog still will not move, call a plumber. It costs less than repairing a cracked drain line inside a wall. If the pipe froze and thawed recently, avoid hot water for a while. Let it warm up with room heat, or pour warm water slowly over time.'

And finally, knowing the perfect temperature to run your heating to avoid frozen pipes and when to drip faucets will prevent frozen pipes, and therefore negate the risk of bursts.

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'Boiling water works on glass and metal, but it is not safe for plastic pipes in a cold house,' adds Josh. 'It sounds like a good idea, but winter temperatures change how the plumbing reacts,' which is why it's also vital to insulate your pipes properly.

Snowstorm warnings are rolling in across the US, making it more important than ever to prepare your home for freezing temperatures.

One of the most important yet overlooked essentials to check before the snow settles is your gutters. Excess weight, sudden downpours, and sustained freezing temperatures can quickly break guttering and lead to ice dams.

The result? Leaks and water pooling that could damage everything from your roof to your foundations. That's why plumbing and roofing pros are urging you to install heat cables now as part of your essential winter home maintenance before it's too late.

Why You Need Heat Cables for Gutters

Cleaning gutters is the first and most important step in winterizing a house, removing leaves and debris that could slow and trap water. In heavy snow, however, even clean guttering can fall victim to blockages, with snow piles freezing overnight and creating ice dams.

When the snow melts, or it rains, these thick ice blocks cause overflow (or even break guttering, resulting in leaks) that spills water over onto your roofing and siding. The result is water damage to your roof and home that is costly and intrusive to repair.

To prevent gutters from clogging during extreme snow warnings and throughout the biting cold of winter, Michael Casolaro, president and CEO at MCAS Roofing and Contracting, suggests installing heat cables, such as the EasyHeat ADKS Roof De‑icing Cable Kit from Walmart, to prevent ice dams from forming in the first place.

What Are Heat Cables?

You have two options in terms of 'heat cables', Michael explains. 'Heated roof cables and de-icing roof strips both help regulate temperature in areas prone to freezing. The right choice depends on your home and your budget.'

Michael details each:

• Heated roof cables are flexible wires that cut a path through ice and snow, helping water drain properly. They're useful to target specific problem areas. For example, a section of your gutter that keeps freezing, or your downspout. They can usually be tucked away for a clean look and work well in gutters, downspouts, and valleys.
• De-icing roof strips are similar to heated cables except they're flatter and distribute heat across a wider surface area. They're helpful when you have full sections of your roof that are prone to freezing. For example, Michael might recommend de-icing strips for a roof that has a large overhang, or sections with a very low slope.'

If you have the budget, 'You also can’t go wrong with the HeatTapePro line from Radiant Solutions [available at Amazon],' Michael adds. 'Both their cables and strips are durable, operate efficiently, and come with fantastic warranties.'

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You should always be prepared to find and fix common household leaks, even with preventative measures in place, just in case of a worst-case scenario.

When the temperature drops, either suddenly or slowly over a matter of weeks, it can be very easy to overlook the biggest leak danger of your house: Frozen pipes.

This is more likely to happen on water lines indoors that are set on external walls, in hallways or rooms without radiators and vents, or if they’re running externally around your property. If the water in the pipe freezes, it will expand, causing damage and leaks.

There is an easy fix, though, and Walmart shoppers are loving the Frost King electric heating cable to insulate your pipes, and it’s now just $29. Simply wrap your pipe, plug it in, and you’re set for added winter protection for your home. Its sensors will do the rest.

Why Electric Heating Cables for Frozen Pipes are So Effective

Joseph Wade, VP of Operations at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, says, ‘If you have outdoor pipes that will be exposed to these freezing temperatures and you know you won’t have to use them all winter, shut off the water supply in them and drain. Disconnect hoses from the pipes and leave the outside valve open in case there’s water left in the lines.

‘For those lines you can’t shut off, you’ll have to insulate them. Check out your local hardware store and invest in pipe sleeves, heat tape or heat cables [jump to our picks for home delivery]. These items will be your best option for insulating pipes that run outside your house or in unheated areas like an attic or basement. Newspapers might work if temperatures don’t drop far below freezing, but specific products like pipe sleeves, heat tape, and heat cable are more reliable.’

Walmart Shoppers rave about the Frost King cable, which is 12-feet long, and has an average rating of 4.8/5. One verified purchaser left a five-star review, explaining, ‘It was exactly what I needed. We have been having long extended periods of temperatures between 20° and 0° so the drain for the water from the furnace has been freezing.

'Heating up the garage was not enough to keep it from freezing over. I put this on the drain pipe, and it hasn't frozen since. It isn't much heat, but just enough. I have been using it for a few weeks now, and it seems to be working just great even with the snow and wind.’

You can use the kit on plastic or metal cold water lines, and it accommodates two-inch pipes well, offering excellent pipe freezing prevention down to -40° Fahrenheit. This is an essential move for adequately winterizing your home, and time and money well spent.

If your pipe has already frozen, the product will help gently thaw it at a rate that won’t lead to leaks or further problems, as defrosting too rapidly can cause bursts .

Walmart's Frost King kit also has built-in self-regulation mechanisms, meaning it will draw power and start doing its magic to stop pipes from freezing automatically. It will activate at 38°F and deactivate at 45°F. This will ensure it doesn’t run up bills unnecessarily, which, with energy costs being what they are in 2025, every little saving to slash your bills in the winter is worth knowing about.

You don’t have to do any guesswork for the operation either, as there is a light that switches on (it’s located in the plug), which will tell you whether it’s on or not.

Pro Pipe Tips in Winter

Here are some extra tips from plumbing pro Joseph, to help you prevent and deal with pipes that have frozen up.

• Value location: Be sure you know where the main water shutoff valve is in your house. If, despite your best efforts, a pipe freezes and bursts, turn off the water immediately to limit the damage, then work on thawing the affected pipes.
• Install sensors and automatic shut-off valves: Today, you have the option of installing sensors that detect water, and in some cases, temperature change. If the sensors detect a problem, it will notify you through the app and shut off the water to prevent water damage. Amazon sells a three-pack of sensors for water leaks affordably, and they come with app functionality, which shoppers praise for its 'seamless' and easy setup.
• Don’t turn off the heat: When you leave your house during winter, don’t turn off the thermostat – that’s a heating mistake to avoid. That drop in temperature inside the home can lead to frozen pipes. Make sure to also check out your water shut-off valve is working correctly in case of an emergency where you have to shut off the water supply to your home.

If you haven’t been able to prevent a frozen pipe this winter:

• Warm it up slowly: Once you’ve identified a problematic pipe, gently warm the air around the frozen section using a space heater (be careful to check manufacturer information on yours, as they are not all suitable for outdoor use), a warm towel, or a heat lamp. Do not turn to flames or torches, or hairdryers on high heat settings, as that can warm the pipe up too quickly and lead to other issues.
• Run the faucet: Experts also recommend that you turn the faucet on so that you allow water to flow as the ice melts away. Frozen pipes are not to be taken lightly, and if you’re in any doubt about how to deal with yours, call the pros.

Plumbing pro Joseph adds that if the troublesome pipe is in your ceiling, he recommends homeowners call a licensed plumber. He says, ‘This is difficult to thaw yourself. Most times, the wall or ceiling will have to be cut to access the frozen pipe.’

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If you've been battling a frozen or snowy driveway, ditch the expensive salt, which can damage your lawn and plants, and instead use sand to add instant grip and traction to walk and drive on the surface without backbreaking shovelling.

Once it has melted away, scoop up the sand and save it in a lidded bucket for reuse later. It's a great way to be more sustainable at home whilst coping with preparing your home for a freeze.

Hanging a Christmas wreath on the front door is like putting the icing on a cake – it is the perfect finishing touch for the festive season.

If you are renting, however, or don't want a giant hook on your door year-round, it can be a little tricky to get it installed. Luckily, for just $10, this simple adjustable wreath hook from Walmart lets you hang yours safely, securely, and without a single dent or chip to your door.

It’s chic enough to complement any Christmas porch decor and reusable year after year. So you can go big on holiday style without worrying about the clean up or your deposit.

The Quick $10 Walmart Fix For Hanging Wreaths Without Damage

One of the most serious mistakes to avoid when hanging Christmas decorations is opting for permanent hanging solutions that you will have to live with year-round. Damage-free, semi-permanent solutions are always the best option.

However, when it comes to hanging wreaths to elevate your Christmas door decor ideas, you want some added security so that it is not blown off by the wind or knocked off by delivery drivers and guests. The solution is sturdy hooks, says Sarah Klingman, CEO and founder of Mostest.

She shares, 'As an event designer, we're challenged in decorating for events at venues with strict no-damage policies. 'Use damage-free hooks and hanging strips designed to hold varying weights. These are ideal for hanging wreaths, stockings, and lightweight ornaments. If using adhesive options, ensure the wall surface is clean and dry before applying.'

The over-the-door hook from Walmart is a great option for external doors that face the elements, as it can withstand the elements without relying on adhesive that may fail in wet weather. What's more, you don't have to worry as much about weight restrictions.

It is the adjustable feature that reviewers love the most about this handy renter-friendly hack. Verified shopper Yiayia gave the hook five stars, commenting, 'This is an easy and effective way to hang a wreath from any height on your door. I have a long door, and it fits perfectly!! It is so easy to adjust.'

Fellow shopper Michelle agreed, adding that the impressive weight capacity was perfect for her luxury wreath; 'It does the job well and easily held my new, heavy Christmas wreath that I was given as a gift. [...] I was unsure if this would be adequate, but I am pleased to say that it was perfect. For the price, you can't go wrong. Also, it fits the top of the door perfectly and doesn't interfere with it closing. Again, I am very pleased.'

If you want some added security to prevent your wreath from falling from the hook or being stolen, Emily Piepenbrink, Christmas enthusiast and owner of Christmas blog Merrie, suggests adding zip ties to your essential Christmas first-aid kit along with the door hook.

She urges, 'If you need to hang anything anywhere at Christmastime, use a zip tie! Garlands on a railing, large ornaments or tree toppers to the tree, wreaths on the back of chairs, and a zip tie is your best friend. They're easier and faster to use than floral wire, and removing them just takes a quick snip.' These clear zip ties from Walmart are ideal for blending into your decor.

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Next, if your driveway is covered in snow or frost, did you know sand is a quick, easy and reusable item you can use for instant traction? No more costly and one-use salt.

We're now less than a week away from the start of December, but there's still time to get some essential winter home maintenance jobs done before the end of November, which experts say are vital to avoid costly Spring repairs.

Luckily, nothing that needs doing is too difficult or time-consuming – from winterizing outdoor faucets to cleaning your chimney – and there's no time like the present to tick off these tasks and avoid the all-important home maintenance mistakes never to make in winter.

We've spoken to the pros, and here's what they had to say.

5 Essential Winter Home Maintenance Jobs to Do Before 30th November

1. Clean and Inspect Your Heating System

First things first, and perhaps most importantly, begin by inspecting and cleaning your HVAC system.

'Before November 30, before winter really sets in, homeowners should schedule a professional cleaning and inspection of their heating systems,' advises Rob Gabriele, a home security and safety expert at SafeHome.org.

'I’ve personally woken up in the middle of the night to the smell of electrical smoke in my home. Scary stuff, especially considering we have young children in the home. The culprit? Our furnace shorted out, as the motor was working overtime.

'So I can say from personal experience that the best way to avoid a heating fire is to get annual inspections and maintenance on your furnace or heat pump. A simple inspection now can catch dangerous issues early and give you peace of mind all winter.'

In fact, key findings from research conducted by SafeHome.org found that nearly a third (32 per cent) of people with central heating systems at home have them inspected or cleaned annually, which is the recommended frequency. On average, home heating systems cause 14,883 home fires and over 400 deaths each year in the US, so the significance of this simple November maintenance job shouldn't be overlooked.

For that reason, it's essential to avoid these common fire risks in your home, which also includes refreshing any batteries in your carbon monoxide alarm. If you don't already have one, we recommend picking up the Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector available at Amazon immediately. You can learn where to install carbon monoxide alarms in our dedicated guide.

2. Clean Chimneys

Similarly, it's also vital to prep your chimney for winter and clean your fireplace.

Ron Shimek, president of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company, says, 'If you have a fireplace, it is important to inspect and clean your chimney of any debris to avoid fire hazards and minimize drafts. Both wood-burning and gas fireplaces need seasonal checks to operate safely.

'Remove leftover ashes and check the flue for obstructions. Open and close the damper to ensure it seals properly. For gas fireplaces, inspect pilot lights, hoses, and valves for any wear or damage. We recommend scheduling a thorough cleaning to check for damage, fire hazards, and more.'

Ron advises that you can clear ashes into the ash trap or into a metal ash bucket, with a fireplace shovel and brush, available at Amazon.

And, if you're wondering how often you should clean your chimney, aim for every 50 to 70 fires for wood-burning fireplaces and stoves, and annually for gas fireplaces – November is the perfect time for checking either.

3. Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Disconnect Hoses

Robert Schwachenwald, owner at Bizzy Bee Plumbing, warns, 'Just one night in the 20s is enough to freeze a faucet and burst a pipe inside the wall – a repair that can cost over $1,000. Early preparation prevents damage during the first unexpected cold snap.'

So, to cover your outside faucet and stop outdoor spigots from freezing, he suggests that you:

• Disconnect all the hoses and splitters.
• Shut off the interior supply valve.
• Open the outdoor spigot to drain water.
• Open the interior bleeder valve, if present.
• Install an insulated faucet cover. Ron recommends the Frost King Foam Faucet Cover, available at Amazon.

4. Weatherproof Windows and Doors

Next, it's also important to weatherproof your windows and fix drafty doors.

'Drafts significantly increase heat loss and energy costs, so it’s vital to check for and seal any gaps around your windows and doors before the cold weather sets in,' explains Ron. 'Start by sealing cracks or gaps around the window frames with a high-quality caulk, like silicone, then apply or replace the weatherstripping around the frame to create a tight seal.

'To replace weather stripping, choose the right type of weather stripping for your needs, such as adhesive-based foam tape, available at Amazon, V-strip or door sweeps. Remove the old weather stripping, clean the surface, and install the new strip according to the manufacturer’s instructions.'

Homes & Gardens' Head of Solved, Punteha van Terheyden, recently dealt with a drafty front door, as it kept tripping the thermostat nearby, causing hot and cold spots in her house. She fixed it with an affordable under-door fix, and over time, this will also reduce energy costs.

5. Treat Driveways and Walkways for Cracks Before Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Finally, repair cracks in driveways and walkways before the 30th of November.

'Water seeps into tiny cracks,' explains Robert. 'Once temperatures drop below freezing, water expands and splits concrete further – creating large cracks, trip hazards, and costly spring repairs.'

To do so, he advises, clean debris from the cracks, apply a concrete crack filler, such as the Red Devil Concrete Repair Patch Cement Crack Filler available at Amazon, or LATEX-ITE Metal Black Asphalt Driveway Filler and Sealer available at Walmart, and use a squeegee to smooth.

Then, simply avoid driving on it for 24 hours.

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If your driveway has started freezing over, adding sand instead of salt is a planet-friendly and reusable tip for instantly adding traction without backbreaking ice-breaking or shovelling.

This is a great time to get into a winter deep cleaning schedule, too.

Window condensation may be, unfortunately, a given in fall and winter – but what's the best way to keep windows dry, sparkling, and streak-free?

Well, the Kärcher WV 6 Electric Window Vacuum available at Amazon is our top recommendation, and it's now reduced by $39.

Here's why we think a window vacuum is a miracle product to curb condensation, and why now's the perfect time to pick one up at a reduced price.

This Cordless Window Vacuum Banishes Condensation

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

After trying ways to stop condensation on windows and putting together an expert guide on how to stop condensation on windows overnight, we've found that one of the simplest yet most effective ways of all is to use a window vacuum, such as the Kärcher WV 6 Electric Window Vacuum available at Amazon.

In particular, this model is effortlessly easy to use, with a built-in vacuum, 11-inch flexible blade, power button, battery indicator, ergonomic handle, and an easily removable dirt container.

When it comes to getting rid of condensation inside windows, it's also lightweight and portable, with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides an extended battery time of 100 minutes between charges, and a strong suction to suck up any excess water, like condensation, from smooth surfaces.

After learning that condensation inside windows is bad, as it can lead to significant mold and mildew, Chiana Dickson, content editor on Solved, started using a window vacuum herself each morning.

'I've sworn by my window vac to beat condensation for years,' she says. 'It's the quickest, easiest way to significantly reduce damp, which tends to be a little more prevalent in my home than most, as I live near the coast.

'I like to use mine with my best homemade window cleaner, which is a mix of warm water and Castile soap, available at Amazon, but it's great that this Karcher model comes with a concentrated glass cleaner, too. I've also found that using mine is an excellent way to increase natural light in my home, which is ever more important over these darker winter days and nights.'

While Chiana's a fan of this great window vacuum, so too are thousands of shoppers, highlighted by the almost 16,000 five-star reviews amassed on Amazon.

'Where has this been all my life?' writes one reviewer, Stephanie. 'Who likes washing the windows? This is a game-changer. Half the time and twice as clean.'

Another, Phoebe, humorously adds, 'My windows are so clean, birds are filing complaints. I didn’t know glass could sparkle this hard. Mixed this magic potion with water, and suddenly my windows looked like portals to another dimension. No streaks, no foggy residue – just chef’s kiss clarity. Bonus: it smells fresh, not like a science lab exploded.

'Paired with my Kärcher WV 6 Electric Window Vacuum available at Amazon, cleaning windows now feels vaguely luxurious. If you’ve ever wanted to see your reflection in a window and question your own existence, this is the cleaner for you.'

A third, C. Barber, echoes that it delivers 'sparkling windows in no time.

'I’m in love with easy window cleaning,' they explain. 'I have kids and pets, and keeping the windows clean was always such a chore, until now. This turns hours-long jobs into minutes, and it’s fun! Indoors and outdoors, it works great,' so you can use it for tackling condensation outside windows, too.

They note the window condensation vacuum is even handy for cleaning other flat surfaces around the home, such as cooktops and counters, which is handy when prepping your home for Thanksgiving guests.

So, avoid condensation and frost on the inside of windows this winter with the Kärcher WV 6 Electric Window Vacuum available at Amazon, now reduced by $39, just in time for December temperatures.

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In a pinch, you can also use a cheap salt trick to get rid of condensation.

Last November, when the bitter winter cold hit, I plugged the large gap under my front door with weatherstripping. It felt like a success at the time because the draft under it had been so severe. But a year on, I’ve realised the weatherstripping bristles are not working well enough, and my entryway is still cold and drafty, leading to a colder living room.

After speaking with experts, including HVAC professionals, I’ve increased my draftproofing this winter with an easy-to-install, stick-on $6 draft blocker from Amazon, for my living room door. I've paired it with a simple $6 Amazon door sweep on the bottom of my front door to double up my draft defenses.

It's only been in play for four days, but already, this pair has helped regulate my home's temperature and stopped drafts that were kicking on my smart thermostat unnecessarily, leading to a hot upstairs and cold downstairs. Plus, I'm now more comfortable in the early mornings and evenings when it is particularly cold, which is the biggest win of all.

The 2 Cheap Fixes I’ve Installed This Winter to Stop Annoying Cold Drafts

Firstly, the solid door sweep on the front door has instantly blocked drafts where my weatherstripping has failed to work sufficiently well.

Josh Michell, HVAC pro and owner of Air Conditioner Lab says, ‘I've come across many homes where a draft like that can cause more damage than people realize. If you're seeing a one-inch or larger gap under the front door, those stick-on brush seals are not going to cut it, especially if the door faces wind or connects to a smaller space like an entryway.’

My house is in a cul-de-sac, but the front door faces the direction of wind movement through our street, and the gap was around an inch, hence the weatherstripping failing.

Josh adds, ‘Those brush-type seals tend to fail because air still pushes through the bristles, especially when wind pressure or stack effect kicks in. They’re better for light drafts but not for gaps over half an inch. A solid neoprene seal physically blocks airflow and holds up better over time.’

He recommends a ‘door shoe’ with a built-in drip cap and adjustable bottom seal. Amazon has one that fits the bill, from Jelostone. Josh says, ‘These typically mount directly onto the bottom of the door and create a mechanical seal against the threshold. You can fine-tune the height depending on how uneven the floor is. Most units can be installed in 20 to 30 minutes with just a drill.’

It's a great option for sure, but as I didn’t want to drill into my door or spend that long installing, I went for a self-adhesive Amazon door sweep. This is also suitable for rentals as it does not make a permanent change or involve any drilling.

Aluminium door shoes are helpful, too, Josh says. ‘They perform better in homes where wind hits the door directly. I’ve installed these in entryways where the indoor temperature dropped by 3 to 5 degrees overnight from air seeping in. After sealing, the space maintained a more even temperature, and thermostats stopped cycling on as often.’

This was exactly my scenario, as my small entryway has an internal door that opens directly into our living room, and is adjacent to our thermostat. Since installing these new fixes, I've been able to turn my thermostat down from 21.5°C (71°F) to 19.5°C (67°F), saving energy usage and bills, while still feeling cozy.

Josh adds, ‘If you want something simpler and don’t mind a visible fix, a weighted fabric draft stopper can help as a secondary backup. These are around $15 to $20 and work best when paired with a mechanical seal. I usually recommend washable ones with non-slip backing if the door gets regular use.’

The Sunolga 38-inch stopper from Amazon has a removable, washable cover and fits gaps up to three inches. It can be used to block heat or cold, making it useful year-round.

I Tried It

Since installing my cold-busting duo to draft-proof my entryway, my house is much more comfortable, and the heating is cycling well. Josh explains, ‘Since your thermostat is nearby, sealing that gap should keep it from misreading the temperature and kicking on more than necessary. I’ve also seen homeowners move the thermostat a few feet away or block air flow to it slightly using an open-top plastic cover. That helps reduce false triggers without affecting room temp readings.’

That's exactly what I've found. Previously, the drafty entryway and therefore the cold adjacent area in my living room, where my thermostat lives, meant the heating kept kicking on, making the upper floor of my home too hot, which impacted how well we could sleep. Meanwhile, downstairs was too chilly to be comfortable.

Now with the draft blocked, the smart thermostat isn't kicking on unnecessarily, and the temperature across both floors of my home is much more even and comfortable.

If, after these fixes, you’re still feeling a draft under your front door, Josh suggests checking the threshold itself. ‘If the door sweep still doesn’t seal tightly after installation,' he says, 'you may need an adjustable threshold plate to raise the contact point. It takes a bit more effort, but it's a good option if the gap is uneven or over an inch. The bonus is that when the bottom seal is done right, it also cuts down on noise from outside, which helps in entryways near roads or shared walls.’

What to Shop

Experts in draft resolution share their top picks for sorting this annoying winter draft problem.

Editor's Picks

Alongside blocking drafts, here are three winter essentials our editors love for keeping warm in cold snaps, extreme weather, and being prepared for big freezes without running up an enormous energy bill.

Having the comfort and affordability of a small portable heater doesn't mean having to compromise on aesthetic.

With the start of December now exactly a week away and the holidays just around the corner, attention in homes has well and truly turned to keeping cozy and comfortable.

And, with heating more important than ever at this time of year, it's imperative to avoid a furnace breakdown when you need it most. But how can homeowners ensure a warm winter?

As an HVAC expert, my best advice is to test your system before you need it, switching the heat on and letting it run for 15 to 20 minutes, without waiting for the forecast to drop to 30°F if you can avoid it. Here's why it's essential when keeping keep a home warm all day.

Why Homeowners Should Test Their Furnace Now

Most importantly, testing furnaces now gives homeowners time to notice things like strange startup noises, the smell of burning dust coming off the heat exchanger, or a blower motor that's slow to heat up.

As the founder of AirConditionerLab, I know that early-season problems often stem from dust buildup or parts that stick after months of inactivity, while keeping a home cool over summer, which a simple test run would reveal. Then, if there are any issues, you'll have time to call in a pro before the cold weather really sets in.

Once that's been tested, these are the next steps I suggest:

1. Inspect the Air Filter

Next, I visually inspect the air filter, rather than checking the date. Hold it up to a bright light; if you cannot see through it, please replace it. A clogged filter reduces airflow, causing the heat exchanger to overheat and shut off. That trips the high limit switch, and the furnace keeps turning on and off every few minutes, doing the opposite of making heating more efficient. You’ll feel warm air at first, then nothing.

I usually recommend the Filtrete Air Filter, available in a pack of two at Amazon. It traps dust and pet dander without blocking airflow, unlike some higher-MERV filters. It comes in several size options, and the one-inch version works for most systems unless yours was designed for a thicker filter.

2. Vacuum Vents

Additionally, homeowners often forget about return vents and supply registers. Use your best handheld vacuum [our top pick is the BLACK+DECKER dust buster Handheld Vacuum available at Amazon] to go over the vents, especially the cold-air returns. Dust buildup forces the blower to work harder, and, if you're in a home with pets or kids, that dust adds up fast. Even wiping the outside of the furnace helps.

Fine dust can clog pressure tubes, leading to a pressure switch failure. I've replaced more of those than I can count, and they're usually $150 to $300 parts with labor.

3. Check the Condensate Drain

With high-efficiency furnaces, I always check the condensate drain, which is crucial when winterizing a house inside and out. These models produce water when they run. If the drain trap is dry or blocked, the furnace won't run.

Pour a cup of warm water into the drain to keep the trap primed. Some people also use condensate tablets [such as the QwikTreat Condensate Pan Treatment Tablets available at Amazon] to keep the line clean, especially if there's any slime or buildup.

4. Change Thermostat Batteries

A small but common issue is the thermostat. If it runs on batteries, swap them out to avoid any thermostat mistakes this winter.

Low batteries don’t always show a warning. What you usually see instead is the furnace turning on and off, the screen going blank, or the system not calling for heat at all.

This problem causes dozens of service calls every year, and most are fixed in seconds with fresh AA batteries, available at Amazon, or AAA batteries, available at Walmart.

5. Check the Flame Sensor

I also check the flame sensor if the furnace is five years or older. If the furnace starts but shuts off after a few seconds, the sensor is likely dirty, which is likely to make your heating system work harder.

You can clean it with a Scotch-Brite pad, available at Amazon. Don't use sandpaper – that ruins the coating.

6. Keep a Spare Hot-Surface Igniter on Hand

If your furnace is over 10 years old, it’s a good idea to keep a spare hot-surface igniter on hand. It’s the little part that lights the burners. When it goes out, the furnace won’t fire up at all. If that happens on a weekend or holiday, you’re stuck heating your house with the furnace out until someone can get to you.

The Emerson Hot Surface Ignitor on Amazon works with many models, but always check the number on your existing part first. Swapping it out is usually quick if you’re comfortable with basic tools. Just make sure the power is completely off before you touch anything.

7. Keep the Area Around the Furnace Clear

Last, keep the area around the furnace clear. I need at least 30 inches of working space. Don't store cardboard, leftover paint cans, or laundry next to it.

I've seen filter doors blocked by storage baskets and bins, and even a Christmas tree jammed between the unit and the wall. That space isn't optional. It affects safety and service access.

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All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

Wondering how long a furnace lasts? Our experts say anywhere between 10 and twenty years, but there are a number of things you can do to make yours last longer.

As an HVAC professional, I see the same heat-loss mistakes in homes all over America, leaving people shivering, frustrated, and paying far more than they should.

From unsealed crawlspaces to leaky HVAC ducts, small oversights can add up to energy wastage.

Luckily, each of the five most common heat-loss mistakes is easy to fix, will make your heating more efficient, and save you some money throughout cold winters.

5 Heat-loss Mistakes I Always Spot in American Homes

1. Unsealed Crawlspaces

I've seen a lot of HVAC units and associated elements across US homes as the founder of Air Conditioner Lab, and crawl spaces are one of the worst offenders for problems in a cold home.

In winter, vents and uninsulated crawl spaces act like a cold sponge under the house. Air seeps in and chills the floor above. If there’s exposed dirt, that moisture pulls even more heat from the air.

Insulating a crawl space is your best bet. Sealing vents with foam panels (available at Lowe's) and laying down plastic sheeting (6-mil, also from Lowe's, works well) helps block airflow and reduce heat loss. Some homeowners see a 15% difference in their heating bills after sealing their crawlspaces alone.

2. Leaky HVAC Ducts

You need to do more than just clean your HVAC system to keep it in good condition. Regular HVAC servicing is also a must if you want to cut energy bills. This can point out any leaky ducts that could be causing heat loss.

Ducts that run through attics, crawlspaces, or garages tend to leak the most. Warm air escapes through those small seams and never reaches the rooms it’s supposed to. I’ve seen cases where 20-30% of the heated air is lost this way.

Luckily, in most cases, you don’t need to replace the ducts. Just seal them with foil-backed tape from Amazon and mastic, from Lowe's. The biggest improvement usually shows up in rooms farthest from the furnace.

3. Attic Hatches

Many people focus on attic insulation but often overlook the attic hatch. If it’s unsealed or not insulated, it becomes a vent for rising warm air. I recommend adding foam weather stripping from Amazon around the edges and placing rigid insulation directly on the back of the door. This minor fix can prevent 20-25% of heat loss in that spot.

If you have pull-down attic stairs, adding an insulated zippered attic tent from Walmart makes a difference. These create a sealed envelope around the opening to stop warm air from drifting upward. They’re especially useful in homes where the attic access is near the main living space.

4. Worn-Out Weather Stripping

It is all well and good to draft-proof your home once, but these additions need maintenance to remain effective and continue to prevent heat loss.

Exterior doors and windows can become drafty quickly, especially in older homes. One simple test is to hold a stick of incense by the edges. If the smoke pulls inward, there’s a leak. Replacing the old strips with new rubber or foam weather seals takes under 30 minutes and stops heat from leaking out around the frame.

You can find self-adhesive rubber weather stripping at Walmart.

5. Recessed Lighting

Who knew that your lighting ideas could play such a large part in heat loss?

Recessed can lights, especially older ones, leak a surprising amount of heat into the attic. However, if they’re not rated for contact with insulation (IC-rated), you can’t safely insulate around them. Swapping them for modern LED retrofit kits from Amazon helps seal the opening and also reduces electricity usage. Some homeowners also install attic covers over them for extra insulation.

If you are not sure what type of lights you have or how to replace them, you can call a pro who can assess and complete any electrical work safely for you.

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