Articles Index

Choosing the Right Sized Air Conditioner

The heat is back across most of the country and now is a great time to get out there and purchase an air conditioner just right for your home's rooms or for the entire home. But how does one know what size is right for the space it will be required to cool? Let's take a look at how to determine just that!

Spring Cleaning Your Central Air Conditioner

Central air conditioners need a good spring cleaning so that they are ready to cool your home effectively and efficiently.

What Causes Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer, but where does it come from? Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal as it suffocates a person without warning, being tasteless, odorless and oxygen-depleting. Find out the specifics on carbon monoxide and how to keep from becoming a victim in this informative article.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal as it suffocates a person without warning, being tasteless, odorless and oxygen-depleting. Find out the specifics on carbon monoxide and how to keep from becoming a victim in this informative article.

How Does Carbon Monoxide Kill?

Carbon monoxide is a real threat to life as we know it. It can disable and even kill you in the comfort of your home. It is known as the silent killer and here is how it does just that!

What Are The Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a real threat to each of us every day. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that sneaks up on you and can cause death or disabling conditions. Here's a look at how different levels of exposure affect your body.

Seasonal Heating Needs and Options

As we roll into the fall and winter months, heating our home comes to be our #1 concern. Many of you have gone green by adding a wood burning boiler or a geothermal heating system. Then there's the conventional heating methods like gas furnaces or electric heaters. The most common are baseboard and portable heaters. Some are 120-volt models, while baseboard heaters come in both 120- and 240-volt varieties. Let's consider your seasonal heating needs and options.

Color Coding of Electric Wires and Terminal Screws and Their Function

Learn what color wire goes where on switch and outlets terminals and why.

Appliance Ratings of Major Appliances

Learn the mathematical breakdown of how energy-ratings are established on appliances via the bright yellow stickes attached to them.

The Great Ceiling Fan Debate...Summer Cooling, Winter Heating

Since the 1800's, the great debate has been on about which way a ceiling fan should turn to either cool in the summer or warm in the winter. I've heard many people argue until they are blue in the face over who is right and who is wrong. Before we have anymore Hatfields and McCoys battles, let me set the records straight.

The Burning Question...Electric Elements Smoking

If you've ever started up an electric heater, toaster, or electric range for the first time or the first time of the year, you may notice smoke rolling out of them. Could this mean trouble? Is there something wrong with the appliance?

Hydromassage Bathtub Electrical Codes

Here's a look at safety and code requirements for hydromassage tubs.

Wire Size

My readers often ask what the proper sized wire is for installations in a home. Here's a look at the common sizes.

How Do You Make the Holes in Electrical Boxes Bigger

A common problem with standard boxes is that they commonly use knockout holes of the same size. But what if you need a larger sized hole to accommodate cabling?

What Are Large Hole Saws Used For?

An easy and accurate way of cutting just the right sized hole for can light installation is by using a large hole saw. Learn why it's beneficial in this article.

Receptacle Wire Connections

If you've ever wondered why one connection method to a receptacle, often called an outlet, is better than another, this is the article for you.

Cheap Outlets and/or Receptacles...What's the Difference?

When shopping for outlets, often called receptacles, is there really a difference between the cheaper models and the more expensive ones? Here's a few things you need to consider before making the purchase.

Power Strips and Saving Energy

Power strips and surge protectors can allow you to plug multiple devices into one combination plug-in assembly. It has a switch that can turn on and off the entire connected load, thus saving you money when the devices are not in use. Find out how!

Electrical Safety Tidbits

Here's a look at safety when working with electricity.

Where Can I Find an Electrical Contractor or Electrician?

Here's a list of electrical contractors listed state by state.

What Is a Rotary Cutout Tool?

A rotary cutout tool is often used to cut holes in walls for junction boxes and other obstructions.

Why Are My Switches Making Buzzing Sounds?

I'm often asked why switches make sizzling, popping, or crackling sounds when they are turned on and off. The answer is they are probably defective and/or worn out.

3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Receptacles

If you need to know how to wire a dryer outlet, or convert the wiring from a three-wire system to a four wire system, or just the opposite, here's a great source for information.

Solar Water Heaters - Solar Water Heating Systems

Find out how to have the sun heat your water for free!

Why Do My Fuses Blow Or My Circuit Breakers Trip?

Fuses and circuit breakers are used to protect electrical circuits. But when fuses blow or circuit breakers trip, do you know why? Do you know what to do to get the circuit working again? One you can reset while the other needs replacing. Find out why and how to make the circuit work again.