The only downfall to having one of the new flat panel TVs is that they can be quite complex to attach to your wall.  If you follow these steps you can hang your flat panel TV in no time. 

1. Make sure that your TV comes with the correct supplies to hang it on your wall.  In most cases the TV will come with the wall mounting supplies, however sometimes you will have to buy it separate.  If you do have to buy it separate, you will want to make sure that the mount is compatible with your brand.

2. Before even touching the TV you should install the wall mount.  If you take the TV out of the box, or try to install it at the same time as the mount you may break it. 

3. After putting up the actual mount you can place the TV on the mount.  In most cases you will just slide the TV down onto the mount, but sometimes you will have to snap it into place.

4. Check the TV and make sure that it is sturdy and will not fall of the wall. 

You do not have to attach flat panel TVs to your wall, however it is one of the more popular ways to display it.  By following the steps above you can hang your TV with ease. Make sure once you place all this effort to hang your TV, you know how to clean your LCD TV.

Cleaning your LCD TV does not have to be difficult.  By following these simple steps your TV can look as good as new in just a few minutes.

1. Gather all the materials that you may need.  This will include a Q-tip, two soft towels, and a bottle of LCD TV cleaner or water, rubbing alcohol, and a measuring cup to form your own solution.
2. When you have all of the materials handy, dust the screen down with one of the dry cloths.
3. Use the other towel to clean the screen by applying your home-made mixture to it or use the LCD TV cleaner and gently wiping it across the screen.
4. Use the Q-tip if necessary to clean the crease where the screen meets the frame.
5. Gently wipe the dry towel once more over the screen to ensure it is completely dry. 

If you follow all of these steps you can have your LCD TV screen cleaned in no time.  It is important to remember that you cannot press too hard on the screen, because it may bust.  With that in mind, it should be easier than ever to clean your LCD TV.

When using the energy efficient light bulbs it does not have to be difficult.  By following these simple steps you can install and properly use the energy efficient light bulbs.

1. Choose the proper wattage for your light and place the bulb beside the light you choose to replace.  Make sure the area in which you place the new bulb is dry.

2. Unscrew the old light bulb carefully.  When doing so you want to use dry hands and then place the bulb in a clean dry place. 

3. Have the new energy efficient bulb within reaching distance and carefully screw it into the outlet.  By screwing in the light bulb you are letting electricity reach the bulb and allowing it to light. 

Using the energy efficient light bulbs does not have to be difficult.  In reality they are practically no different from using the old fashioned light bulbs.  The only difference between the old fashioned light bulbs and the new energy efficient light bulbs are that the new ones save on energy and will save you on your energy bill.  Saving energy is extremely important in the 21^st century and the new light bulbs are one of the best ways to do so.

Place a clean sheet on the floor under where you will be dropping things like tools, parts and screws. The sheet will protect the floor and let you find what you have dropped due to the white background the items that fell will be easy to find. The sheet will also prevent tiny screws from being lost within the carpet.

Here are some simple tips to help you install a ceiling fan:

1. Place a clean sheet on the floor under where you want to install the fan.

2.  Pull out all instructions and parts from the box and lay them out in organized fashion.

3. Enlist the help of a patient friend who has had experience with the installation procedure in the past.

4. Be certain that the power to the entire house is completely shut off before beginning the task.

5. Follow the installation instructions that came with the fan precisely.

A ceiling fan is a comfortable addition to any room. Once you have installed you ceiling fan make sure you know how to effectively clean your ceiling fan.

In addition to providing cool air during warm weather, reversible fans can help funnel heat which has risen to the top of the room. They also provide “white noise” which makes some people sleep better.  They add gracious charm to any room and can help reduce heating bills year round. Fans are affordable ways to decorate and provide comfort to all in the room. With the many models available today, they are an excellent DIY project for a rainy weekend!

The first thing that you can do would be to turn off the lights, televisions and computers when you are not using them.  This sounds easy but many people forget. In most homes today there are two or even three computers.  These really do pull a lot of electricity. Therefore, it is very important to remember to turn then off when you are not using them.

The next thing that you should do is spend some time looking around your home and identifying what is currently plugged in that is not being used.  Many people do not realize it but there are a lot of home appliances that will continue to draw power even if they are not being used.  Therefore, these things may need to be completely unplugged until you are ready to use them, for example your coffee maker.

Making simple changes like this can really benefit you in the long run.  Of course, there are simple things like turning the heat down at night or washing your laundry in cold water.  However, if you do these things along with the tips mentioned above, you will be sure to see an improvement in your monthly payments. Don’t forget you can also save money in the long run by purchasing energy efficient appliances.

• While mapping out your homes main water, gases and electric controls bring labels (or duck tape and a sharpie) to mark main valves/controls such as “Main Shutoff”.
• If you find most of your controls in a basement or closet, keep a flash light near the controls in case a blackout occurs in which you need to access the control panels.

Finding the Water Supply: You should find the water meter on the outside of your home near the water supply pipe the goes into the house. In new homes you will find a Gate Valve that works like a round handle faucet. Just like a faucet you will need to turn clockwise (left turn) to turn off the water flow. Counterclockwise (right turn) will restore the water flow.  Most water supply valves are hard to turn, so you may need to use a lubricant.

If you are in an older home, you may have a Ball Valve. Although they are more difficult to operate, they are sturdier and longer lasting. When the Ball Valve handle is parallel (in line with) to the pipe your valve is open and water is running. When you want to turn the water supply off to your home, make a quarter turn so that the handle and the pipe make a 90 degree angle. The Ball Valve only turns one way, so don’t force it if the handle will not turn.

Finding the Gas Supply: You know that meter outside your home that reads the amount natural gas your household uses, that is where you will find your shutoff valve for your gas. The shutoff valve is usually a small rectangular handle.  When the handle is parallel with the gas pipe, the gas is on. To turn the gas off, simply turn the handle perpendicular to the gas pipe.

 Finding the Electric Supply: Your electrical controls are usually located in a metal box that contains fuses, this box is called an Electric Service Panel or Breaker Box. The main electrical shut off can be found in the top portion of the Breaker Box, sometimes enclosed in a small access door within the Breaker Box, above all  other fuses or circuit breakers. Simply switch the main shut off switch to the off position to stop any flow of electricity to your home.

If you have an overloaded circuit, the circuit will go dead after an appliance has been in use for a short period of time. Move some of the appliances to another circuit and replace the blown fuse or reset the circuit breaker.

If none of these signs are visual, you’ll have to trace your way through the circuit following the steps below. If following these steps dose not solves the issue, your wiring may be fluty. Call an electrician to correct the wiring. Make sure to use safety tips when working with our homes electricity.

While working with tools make sure you are wearing safety shoes and you position yourself securely while handling the tool. Wear shoes with good ankle support so you won’t slip or fall if something unexpected happens.

Cutting Tool Safety: It is much safer to use a  sharpened cutting tool instead of a dull tool due to the fact that a sharpened tool is easier to control. A dull cutting edge can caused you to apply extra pressure which may result in a dangerous slip.

Safety Equipment: Wear special safety when working with certain tools:

• A dust mask keeps your lungs safe when you’re sanding or when working with fiberglass insulation.
• A cartridge respirator (which you may rent or purchase) should be used when working with paint and solvents to give you extra provides extra poisonous fumes.
• Protect your hands from chemicals, insulation, and other abrasive or sharp objects by wearing gloves.
• Wearing  ear protection is always a good safety idea when working with any noisy power tools. Ear protection will help prevent hearing loss. 

Power Tools Safety: Work cautiously when using a power tools. Make sure to always safely unplug the tool when you are not using it or while you are adjusting the power tool. To guard against electric shock, check cords for damage. Plug three pronged tools into three pronged outlets only and never use an adapter unless its properly grounded.

Turn off an overheated tool at once and let the tool cool off before reusing the tool. Always stand on a dry surface to avoid shock. Make sure not to touch a water pipe with any part of your body or with the power tool you’re using.

The parts for a typical doorbell system contain the push button, the chimes or buzzer, and the transformer. The transformer allows the doorbell to operate at a low voltage around 6-24 volts. Wired into the doorbell circuit at a junction box, the junction box steps down the voltage level form the regular 120 volt circuit to the 6-24 volt circuit.

The drawing at the top shows how a one-button doorbell system is wired. When your doorbell doesn’t ring, or worse, you have a  constantly ringing doorbell, the problem may lay in one of the wires shown in the picture to the top.

CAUTION: To figure out most doorbell problems, you’ll need to have the power source to the doorbell connected. But if you are going to work on the wires in the junction box of the doorbell, make sure to shut off the power to the circuit and test the circuit to be sure its off.

Hot Water Heating System

Forced Warm-Air Heating System

Evaporative Air Conditioner

Heat Pump

Refrigerated Air Conditioner Make sure extinguisher is fully charged and recharge if necessary.Test batteries with a lit cigarette or incense. Replace  batteries if necessary.Clean out debris, such as hair, from the sink and tub stoppers.Flush with hot water and baking soda to clear out the garbage disposal.Check safety valve and steam pressure gauge. Check water level gauge and add water if water level is to low. Drain water until water runs clear of deposits.

Test relief valve and replace if needed. Check pressure gauge and drain expansion tank if necessary.

Clean or replace air filter.

Check or replace blankets; check air flow; clean unit if necessary.

Clean or replace air filter. Clean condenser, evaporator coils and condensate drain. Remove any snow or debris form the unit.

Clean filter, condenser and evaporator coils and condensate drain or replace if necessary. Every 2 Months Oil BurnerWall FurnaceDishwasher Inspect and clean oil burner.Clean Grills from wall furnace.Clean grease filter in dishwasher. Every 3 Months FaucetTub Drain AssemblyFloor Drain StrainerDishwasher Clean aerator portion of the faucet.Clean out debris and see if rubber seal need to be replaced.Clean out debris and scrub strainer clean.Clean strainer, spray arm, and air gap within the dishwasher. Every 6 Months Basement and FoundationToiletInterior CaulkingWater HeaterGarbage Disposer

Clothes Washer

Clothes Dryer

Refrigerator

Wiring

Exhaust Fan

Range Hood Fan Check for cracks and moisture and repair if cracks or moisture is found.Check for leaks.Inspect caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks to see if any  are deteriorating.Drain and flush hot water heater tank until is clear of sediment. Inspect flue assembly.Tighten drain connections and fasteners from sink to disposer.

Clean water inlet filters and check hoses for leaking.

Vacuum lint from ducts and surrounding areas.

Clan drain hole and pan. Wash door gasket and vacuum off condenser coils.

Check for frayed cords and wires. Repair any damages at once.

Clean grill and fan blades from dust and debris.

Wash fan blades and housing off.

Preventive maintenance around your home is to keep your home in good  repair.  Such routine home maintenance will avoid major repairs in the future. Below is a list of the most common year round home maintenance work you should do around your home. The chart is simply a guide. If you notice a problem developing take action immediately.

CAUTION: Before inspecting or working on any electrical system or on any device connected to it, shut off the power to your home and check to make sure the circuit is dead with a circuit tester. Unplug any device you plan to work on. For maintenance or repairs to plumbing fixtures or water using appliances you should shut off the water before making any repairs.