Home Ownership

Your Home DIY Acronyms Guidebook

Do you love a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) home project? If so, there are tons of acronyms to learn! Experienced DIYers may take for granted what HVAC stands for because, well, IYKYK. But while experienced fix-it types may LOL, we don’t want anyone to suffer FOMO. So, FYI, let’s get newbies up to speed PDQ, without TMI. ...

DIY acronyms aren’t dead letters

Let’s plunge right into our dictionary of acronyms:...

In electricity, you may hear of AC and DC and think to yourself, IDK, isn’t that a band? AC stands for alternating current, which means the electricity rapidly changes direction in alternating cycles, forward and backward. This is the best way to deliver electricity over long distances. Thus, power companies deliver electricity over miles of power wires via AC. DC, or direct current, means power flows in only one direction, which works best over short distances. Electrical devices around your home use direct current.
HVAC, BTW, refers to your home’s heating and air system and stands for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning.
PVC pipes are made from a plastic called polyvinyl chloride. Virtually every house built in the U.S. in the last 50 years uses PVC pipes.
PEX is the new innovation in plumbing, and it stands for polyethylene, which has crosshatches embedded in it for strength, thus the X in the name. PEX is a huge improvement in plumbing because it is more flexible than PVC, doesn’t need gluing, and expands when water in the PEX line freezes, thus avoiding bursting in a freeze, as PVC is prone to do.
On virtually every electrical device, you will find a label that says UL. That stands for Underwriters Laboratories, the Illinois-based testing agency that sets the standards for the safe manufacturing of all things electrical in America.
PSI stands for pounds per square inch and is used to measure pressure in air and water hoses, tires, and other items where gases or liquids are pumped.

So now you’re on the DL with home-fix-it acronyms. TBH, there’s probably some we missed, but we’ll look into it and BRB....

Home Improvements, Ownership,

Your Washing Machine Has a Filter—Did You Know?

Did you know that your clothes washer has a filter that needs periodic cleaning? Most people are aware that their car has an oil filter that needs regular replacement; likewise, you have to change the air filters on your car and your HVAC intake vents. But most of us don’t think about a filter in the washing machine. Here’s what you need to know, as your machine’s efficient operation depends on it....

Where is the filter?

The location of the filter depends on your washing machine type. Front-loading machines usually have a small access panel located low on the face of the machine, below the loading door. Top-loading models can vary. Some have the filter inside the tub agitator, while others place it along the drum rim or at the back of the drum. Some machines do not have the filter in the machine housing, but they have a filter trap at the end of the drain hose. Your user manual is your guide if you cannot locate it....

Removal and cleaning

It’s recommended that you remove and clean the filter every one to three months, depending on how much you wash and whatever your user manual recommends. Symptoms of a clogged filter include longer wash cycles, water drainage issues, or unpleasant odors....

On machines with a front-facing access panel, place a thick towel on the floor below the panel. When you remove the filter, up to 1 cup of water may drain onto the floor. With the different placements on top loaders, follow the owner’s manual. ...

Some machines have a cylindrical filter that unscrews and backs out. Others have a small square- framed grid similar to an HVAC filter. You’ll see a pasty gray goop of wet fabric fibers on it, in addition to hair, pieces of grass, and assorted other small debris. Wash the filter in a bucket of warm, soapy water, then rinse and replace....

Insurance, Money,

When Your Dog Attacks – Legal and Financial Ramifications

Americans love their dogs like family members, but what happens if a dog attacks? Dog ownership brings joy, but it also carries responsibilities in the community around you. You must comply with laws and take steps to ensure the safety of people and other nearby pets. If your dog attacks another dog, cat, or person, the repercussions can be life-changing, with potential legal action, financial penalties, and emotional distress for all parties involved....

Dog Attacks on Other Animals

If your dog attacks another dog or a cat, several consequences may follow. To start, you may be held liable for veterinary bills for the other animal, not only in the immediate circumstances, but also for any long-term health problems for the victimized pet. ...

Most states, counties, and municipalities have ordinances known as “leash laws” that require dogs to be kept on a leash, in a fenced area, or otherwise controlled. Dogs cannot roam free-range. Violation of these laws can result in fines or citations. If your dog attacks another pet while you are in violation of these laws, your liability increases. ...

If your dog is deemed aggressive or dangerous, public health agencies may require you to submit your dog to behavioral training, impose restraint restrictions, or, in extreme cases, require your dog to be removed or euthanized....

Homeowners insurance policies frequently have a list of dog breeds deemed aggressive and for which the policy will not cover liability should an attack by your dog occur. Check your policy if you have any questions about your breed. Do not think you can withhold the information about your dog from your insurer if you have such a breed. The policy will automatically deny a claim in which the dog owner withheld such information, and the company may cancel your policy....

Dog Attacks on People

If your dog attacks a person, the ramifications escalate dramatically. There is a chance you may face a civil lawsuit to pay for medical costs, plus punitive damages for pain and suffering. State or county health laws may require your pet to be quarantined for rabies observation. If the authorities deem your dog to be a potential ongoing threat, it could lead to mandated euthanasia....

If the attack is deemed to have occurred because you failed to comply with local leash laws, it could result in fines, community service, or jail time, depending on the severity of the injury and the circumstances...

Prevention and Responsibility

Basic steps can be taken to avoid these nightmare scenarios. First, choose a breed that does not have aggressive tendencies. Many owners of such breeds become defensive and deny statistical data documenting attacks. The more responsible path is to acknowledge the risk and avoid owning such breeds. ...

Start early with your dog, if possible, with socialization and supervised interactions with other dogs. Adhere to leash laws by keeping your dog in a securely fenced yard and walking it on a strong leash and harness. By doing so, you protect your pet, yourself, and those around you, fostering a safer and more harmonious community....

Home Improvements, Ownership,

Water Softening Systems: What You Should Know

Does your home need a water softening system? Water is essential for life on Earth, but water quality varies from place to place. Some regions in the United States experience “hard water,” which contains high levels of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. These minerals are picked up by water as it filters through soil and rock such as limestone, chalk, and gypsum. The resulting hard water can slowly cause destructive problems in households....

How do you know if you have hard water?

How do you recognize hard water? First, you may notice a chalky residue, known as scale, clinging to faucets, glass shower doors, and corner tiles of bathtubs. Water test kits are available at home-improvement stores, but you can learn a lot by observation. Over time, your faucets will slowly become clogged with scale and eventually spray less water. Scale slowly builds up in pipes, damaging plumbing over time. Appliances such as water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines may become less efficient, and their heating elements may burn out due to scale buildup. ...

Hard water makes soaps and detergents less effective. You’ll notice your body wash and shampoos don’t produce much in the way of suds, and your hair will feel like it has a film on it after you’ve washed it. Laundry becomes dingy, and dishes have spots. For these reasons, many homeowners seek out water softening solutions to remove minerals from the water....

What a water softening system does

Water softening systems reduce or eliminate the minerals that cause hard water. The most common type uses a chemical transformation process called ion exchange. There are three types of softening systems. ...

With the first kind, hard water passes through a tank filled with resin beads charged with sodium ions. As it does so, the calcium and magnesium ions exchange places with sodium ions, “softening” the water. Periodically, the system must flush the beads with a brine solution to expel the accumulated minerals....

The second is a traditional salt-based ion exchange system, a highly effective and widely used method. Some homeowners don’t want the added sodium in softened water or the need to regularly refill the salt reservoir. ...

Finally, salt-free systems, sometimes called water conditioners, use template-assisted crystallization or electromagnetic processes. These systems don’t actually remove the minerals but alter them so they don’t form scale. While salt-free systems are low-maintenance and environmentally friendly, they may not be as effective for very hard water....

Some common brands, such as Culligan, Kinetico, and Fleck, offer a range of water softeners. Culligan is known for its professional installation and service, while Kinetico systems are praised for their efficiency and non-electric operation. Fleck softeners are popular for their customizable settings and reliability. ...

The criteria for choosing a system are water hardness level, household size, maintenance requirements, and initial cost....

Outdoor Living, Ownership,

Take Care: Working Outside in Extreme Temperatures

Working outside around your home combines your duty to maintain the property with the satisfaction of creating a gorgeous landscape. But at certain times of the year, during temperature extremes, that passion can endanger homeowners, leading to conditions like heat exhaustion or heat stroke on blazing-hot days, as well as hypothermia when it’s extremely cold. Watch out for these health threats. ...

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke when working outside

During hot weather, the primary concerns are dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. ...

Heat exhaustion is characterized by profuse sweating, dizziness; confusion or delirium; and cool, clammy skin. Moving to a cooler location, resting, and drinking a cool (not ice-cold) sports drink with less than 6% glucose helps restore the body to normal....

Heat stroke is a significant, life-threatening ratchet up from heat exhaustion. Heat stroke often follows untreated heat exhaustion. The victim may no longer be sweating due to dehydration, and the skin is flushed, nearly dry, and hot to the touch. The person may faint and hyperventilate. Move the person to a cooler location and call 911. Heat stroke can be fatal, and the person must receive medical attention immediately....

In hot weather, schedule activity early in the day, before temperatures climb. Wear lightweight cotton clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, and frequently apply sunscreen to exposed skin. Drink plenty of water and sports drinks. ...

Hypothermia and other cold-related ailments

In contrast, working outside in very cold weather can cause hypothermia and frostbite. It can also exacerbate other health issues....

Hypothermia is a medical emergency characterized by confusion, slurred speech, and lethargy. It is crucial to move the person to a warmer place and call 911. While waiting for help, remove any wet clothing and provide warm, dry cover to restore body heat. ...

Frostbite occurs when the skin freezes. Frostbite is characterized by stages that depend on the extent of skin damage. It starts with painfully cold skin, followed by a sensation of pins and needles, then numbness. In its final stages, frostbite causes the skin to become hard and black due to irreversible tissue damage that may require amputation. This level of danger is rare in modern times with ample supplies of warm clothing and indoor heat. If you are working outdoors around your home, take breaks and retreat indoors before frostbite can set in. ...

Another danger in cold weather is the risk of a heart attack while shoveling snow. It is recommended that people age 65 or older avoid shoveling snow if they are not in good physical shape and have conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. ...

To prevent cold-related dangers, schedule work activities midday when temperatures have warmed. Wear layers of warm clothing, cover your face with a ski mask or scarf, wear gloves, drink plenty of fluids, and, if possible, take breaks from prolonged exposure....

Related – Extreme Temperatures Affect Appliances...

Buying, Buying a Home,

Understanding Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction

Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) is a legal concept that allows a city or municipality to annex a geographic area. If you live either inside the ETJ or within the city limits next to it, the impact on your home’s value and development near you can be substantial....

Understanding municipal boundaries

Cities of any significant population are incorporated as officially governed municipal corporations. This empowers the city to form a government; establish ordinances and regulations; and provide city services, such as utility districts, fire and police protection, and more. All of these activities are legally permitted and within the city’s geographic limits. ...

Many states have laws granting cities the authority to exercise extraterritorial jurisdiction beyond their official city limits. This permits the city to regulate land use, planning, and development in areas that are adjacent to its corporate limits. With it, the city exercises control over the development of land immediately adjacent to the city, ensuring that growth near city borders is consistent with the city’s broader planning and zoning objectives....

As an example, this regulates the construction of structures or facilities, such as industrial complexes, outside the city limits but right next to a neighborhood just inside the city limits. The city can impose zoning, building code, and other regulations within the ETJ to protect citizens and assets within the adjacent city limits. ...

Living in legal limbo

Homeowners living outside the city limits, but within an ETJ, find themselves in a legal paradox. They are subject to zoning, building codes, and land-use restrictions imposed by the city, but they do not receive benefits such as municipal utilities, police, fire protection, or other services. For those services, they must rely on water wells, private utility co-ops, the county sheriff, and perhaps a nearby volunteer fire department. Residents in ETJs do not vote in city elections or pay city taxes. They will vote for county commissioners to manage infrastructure and pay county and school district taxes....

Pros and cons of Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction

Laws governing how ETJs are created and managed are set by state law. Cities must comply with these laws when annexing adjacent land for an ETJ....

People living within an ETJ may bristle at being regulated by a municipality without having the freedom to vote for its politicians and regulations, but they also do not pay taxes for those things. These homeowners generally benefit from planned, regulated development rather than, for example, having a meat processing plant built in their neighborhood. Likewise, residents within the city limits immediately adjacent to the ETJ benefit from growth regulated there, preventing the same calamity....

Overall, an ETJ is meant to protect citizens within the city limits, safeguarding their property values and environmental health from haphazard development outside the city limits....

Home Energy, Ownership,

Power Strip Safety – Avoid These Common Mistakes at Home

Power strips are a convenience we often take for granted, sometimes dangerously so. Practicing proper power strip safety is essential because these devices do not increase the amount of electricity available from a wall outlet. Overloading them can create a serious fire hazard....

Understanding the Limits of a Power Strip

A power strip plugs into a standard 120-volt wall receptacle, so the available voltage remains the same regardless of how many devices are connected. The important factor is the total amperage or wattage being used....

Most power strips are rated for up to 15 amperes. This makes them suitable for low-demand items such as lamps, televisions, gaming consoles, and phone chargers. Staying within these limits is a key part of safe use....

High-Demand Devices to Avoid

One of the most important aspects of power strip safety is knowing what not to plug in. Devices that use motors or heating elements draw significant power and should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet....

Avoid using a power strip for:...

Refrigerators
Hair dryers
Air conditioners
Space heaters
Toasters
Freezers
Power tools

These items can overload the strip, leading to overheating, tripped breakers, or even fire....

Everyday Electrical Safety Tips

Using power strips correctly goes beyond what you plug into them. A few simple habits can reduce risk and improve overall electrical safety:...

Do not plug one strip into another
Avoid placing a strip under rugs, furniture, or flammable materials
Be mindful not to exceed the total wattage, even if outlets are available
Turn off the strip when devices are not in use

These small adjustments can make a big difference in preventing hazards....

A Simple Way to Protect Your Home

Following basic power strip safety practices helps protect your home from unnecessary electrical risks. When used properly, power strips are a helpful tool, but when misused, they can quickly become dangerous....

Outdoor Living, Ownership,

What to Do If You See a Rabid Animal: Signs of Rabies and Safety Steps

Seeing an animal you suspect may have rabies is frightening. The animal may be acting erratically with several abnormal behaviors. What should you do? First, stay calm. Then take these steps....

What is rabies? Understanding the virus and how it spreads

Rabies is a viral infection affecting mammals, including humans. It is transmitted through saliva, typically via bites and scratches. It is virtually 100% fatal once symptoms begin. ...

How common is rabies in the United States?

The invention of the rabies vaccine in the 19th century began to reduce rabies cases. Over 90% of cases occur in wildlife; bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes are the most common “reservoir” species. ...

Although the number of cases is low nationwide, rabies has never been fully eradicated, and periodic cases will pop up, sometimes multiple cases in an area. ...

Signs of rabies in animals

An animal with rabies will act strangely. It may stagger and seem unsteady on its feet. It may growl for no apparent reason, spin in a circle, bite itself, or exhibit other erratic behavior. Sometimes it will drool, as its swallowing mechanism is paralyzed. ...

A particularly dangerous behavior occurs if a wild animal acts tame and approaches humans. Wild animals do not normally approach humans, so do not touch or approach wildlife....

What to do if you see a rabid animal

Do not approach the animal. Do not attempt to touch it, feed it, give it water, or capture it. Keep an eye on the animal from a safe distance to track its whereabouts. Alert neighbors and keep pets away from the suspect animal....

Call 911, which will dispatch the police, sheriff, and animal control departments to deal with it. Not only will animal control officers handle the situation professionally, but they will also alert county health officials. Rabies is a public health danger, and states have protocols for dropping oral vaccines in treats similar to dog biscuits for wildlife to consume and stop the spread of the disease....

What to do if you are bitten or scratched

If you or someone you know is bitten or scratched, wash the wound thoroughly with warm, soapy water for at least 15 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention. Rabies is almost always fatal, but if the patient receives the rabies vaccine shots within the disease’s incubation period, it can be prevented. Once symptoms present, it is inevitably fatal....

How to prevent rabies around your home

After spotting and reporting a suspected rabies case, monitor your area for additional signs and report any to the authorities. ...

Keep your dogs, cats, and other mammalian pets vaccinated against rabies. Discourage wildlife visits by securing garbage receptacles and not leaving pet food standing outside....

Outdoor Living, Ownership,

The Health Benefits of Sleeping Outdoors: Reset Your Sleep Naturally

Do you enjoy sleeping outdoors? Our pace of life, responsibilities, and electronic devices combine to make getting a good night’s sleep a challenge. Could the secret to a good night’s sleep be returning to nature? You might be surprised by the benefits of camping in nature or glamping in your backyard. Improved sleep and a sense of well-being await! ...

How good sleep improves your health

Poor sleep quality contributes to a host of consequential health problems. Chronic lack of quality sleep can lead to weight problems, heart problems, and cognitive deficits. Consistent good sleep refreshes the body, supports the brain’s natural repair, helps maintain healthy blood pressure, and offers other benefits....

Besides the pace of our obligations, exposure to artificial light, especially right before going to bed, disrupts our body’s circadian rhythm, making quality sleep difficult. ...

Sleeping outdoors, preferably with minimal to no artificial light and surrounded by natural sounds, supports your body’s rest and recovery. If your body’s clock sets properly, you’ll feel more rested and be more alert the next day....

Camping vs. glamping: choosing your comfort level

Your outdoor sleeping choices vary by accommodation level and duration. ...

Are you the type who enjoys roughing it? Is tent camping in the woods with a campfire your way to unwind? Camping may be a once-in-a-while adventure when you can get away to a state park. ...

Maybe you’d prefer the benefits of the fresh air combined with the comfort of a real bed with covers. You can try a backyard glamping setup, such as a yurt with a bed, an overhead canopy, and mosquito netting. You can even run a fan using an extension cord from the house. ...

Safety tips for sleeping outdoors

There are important considerations for your safety:...

Make sure a campfire is safely contained in a pit away from nearby brush or grass.
Use mosquito netting, protective clothing, and tick-repelling sprays.
If camping in a remote area, zip your tent flap at night or sleep elevated from the ground to prevent raccoons or snakes from entering your sleeping area.
Don’t set up camp in low areas near streams or creeks where upstream rains could send a flash flood your way.

Related – How to Get a Great Night’s Sleep...

Home Energy, Ownership,

Space Heater Safety Tips: How to Use a Space Heater Safely at Home

During the winter, you may use a space heater to supplement your home’s HVAC system and keep you warm. A space heater provides a versatile way to direct heat to specific areas of your home, but you must follow safety guidelines....

Why homeowners use space heaters in the winter

Sometimes we have rooms in our house that are harder to heat than others. In older homes, poor insulation and drafty windows may necessitate adding a space heater. ...

Today’s space heaters are far safer than older versions, with no exposed heating coils and a feature that automatically turns off the heater if it is tipped over or lifted off the floor....

Choosing the right-sized space heater for your room

Size is not indicative of heating prowess. Some larger space heaters may be less powerful than smaller ones. A better indicator is the wattage-to-space ratio. Look for a heater rated at 10 watts per square foot of heated space. So, for example, to heat a 150-square-foot space, purchase a 1,500-watt heater....

Space heater safety tips to prevent house fires

Statistics show that the vast majority of home fires and 88% of home fire deaths are caused by mishaps involving home heating equipment. ...

Therefore, for the safe operation of your space heater:...

Place it 3 feet away from any combustible source of fire fuel, such as curtains, upholstered furniture, or any bed.
Purchase newer-model space heaters with tip-over shutoff and a fan that blows heat, rather than older models without these features. Never use a model with exposed heating coils.
Do not plug a space heater into an extension cord. It should be plugged directly into the wall receptacle.
Do not leave space heaters unattended. Always be present when a space heater is in use in your home.

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