Smart Thermostats Set Too Aggressively Smart Thermostats Set Too Aggressively (Image Credits: Unsplash) Smart thermostats promise to learn your habits and save energy automatically. However, environmental data shows they often achieve the opposite when programmed incorrectly. Many homeowners set overly aggressive temperature schedules, believing more dramatic swings will save more money. While programmable thermostats can …
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Installing Electrical Outlets Without GFCI Protection Installing Electrical Outlets Without GFCI Protection (Image Credits: Unsplash) The most dangerous mistake DIYers make involves electrical work, particularly around water sources. The NEC instated the requirement for GFCI outlets in bathrooms in 1975, expanding to garages in 1978, yet many homeowners still install regular outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, …
The Trash Can Time Trap The Trash Can Time Trap (Image Credits: Pixabay) Here’s one that catches almost everyone. It might be against the rules to put trash cans out too early or not bring them in by a certain time, since they can attract pests and detract from the community’s appearance. Most homeowners think …
Saying “No Problem” Instead of “You’re Welcome” Saying “No Problem” Instead of “You’re Welcome” (Image Credits: Unsplash) While saying “no problem,” “no big deal,” or “no worries” isn’t technically rude, these phrases can leave people feeling bad because they imply the person was inconveniencing you or that you saw their request as a problem. Etiquette …
The Handshake: From Universal Greeting to Cultural Minefield The Handshake: From Universal Greeting to Cultural Minefield (Image Credits: Unsplash) The handshake, once considered the gold standard of international greetings, has become surprisingly complex. Research has shown significant cultural differences in how Americans and people from various Asian cultures interpret and perform gestures. What Americans consider …
The housing market feels different every year. Yet some myths persist like ghosts in abandoned houses, haunting buyers and keeping them from making smart decisions. These misconceptions can add unnecessary complications or hesitancy to get the home buying process started. Real estate professionals are tired of watching qualified buyers fall for the same outdated beliefs …