Helpful home-improvement advice from Ron Hazelton and Brian Kelsey.
HouseCalls News
An Unexpected Benefit of Cleaning Your Dryer Lint Trap
Most homeowners know they should clean their dryer lint trap, but few realize just how important it is—or how simple it can be. A clean lint trap helps your dryer run better, reduces energy use, and dramatically lowers the risk of dryer fires. And as a bonus, that fluffy grey lint you collect can actually be put to good use.
The 10-cent Trick for “Gliding” Windows
This Spring, instead of wrestling with windows that seem “painted shut” or grit-locked from winter, you can save a few of those precious hours with a 10-cent secret that professional restorers have used for decades: The Window Wax Hack.
Choosing the Right Sheen for your Spring 2026 Palette
A Guide to Paint Sheens One thing most people don’t realize is that sheen actually changes the color of the paint, even if it’s from the exact same can.
The $2 Tool You Didn’t Know You Needed
When you think of a pool noodle, you probably picture summer afternoons and lazy days at the pool. But for the savvy homeowner, that neon foam tube is actually one of the most versatile tools in the shed.
Erase Scratches with Furniture Touch-Up Markers
Have you ever heard the saying, “Life Happens”? Whether it’s a moving day mishap, a vacuum cleaner collision, or a very excited puppy running around your home, nicks and scratches are inevitable in daily household life.
A Winter Mudroom Hack
Anyone who has endured a Northeast winter—or frankly, any February worth its salt—knows the ritual. You step inside, peel off your slush‑soaked boots, and drop them into a plastic tray only to find a few hours later that the soles are still wet, cold, and sitting in a shallow pool of murky meltwater. So, how do you avoid the “Mudroom Puddle”?
What Temperature Should I Set My Thermostat at Night to Save Money?
Recently, the HouseCalls team has been buzzing with questions about managing thermostats and what temperature is best to balance comfort and cost. Here are the questions we have been asked most often recently—and the surprising facts every homeowner should know.
Have you tried the ‘Lemon Steam’ trick yet?
Did you know that over 90% of American households still rely on a microwave every single day? As the temperatures drop, our microwaves officially enter their peak season.
Do You Know How To Save 10% on Heating?
Well regarded among energy companies and the Marion Institute, running your ceiling fan in reverse “can actually save you up to 10% on heating costs this winter” by recirculating pooled warm air.
A Clever Drywall Trick Every DIYer Should Know
Drywall has a surprisingly cool origin story: it was invented as a fire‑resistant alternative to traditional lath‑and‑plaster walls.
Two Unique Ways to Prevent Door Drafts in Winter
When winter rolls in, door drafts can quickly turn a cozy home into a chilly space. Air leaks can account for 25%-40% of your home’s energy use. While weather stripping can help seal entryways and help with heat loss, there are lesser-known DIY methods that can be both fun and functional.
Make Your Home Safe As You Age: Simple Upgrades for Your Forever Home
For many homeowners, the dream isn't just to find a great house, it's to find a “forever home” —a place where they can live comfortably and safely for years to come. With a significant portion of the population choosing to stay in their homes as they get older, the concept of “aging in place” has moved from a specialized topic to a central part of home ownership.
3 Essential Tips for Cleaning Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings, with their textured finish, can be tricky to clean and maintain. While gentle vacuuming with a brush attachment, using a lint roller or microfiber duster for stubborn debris, and spot-treating stains with mild solutions are effective ways to refresh their look, some homeowners prefer alternatives.
A Simple DIY Tip for Overhead Garage Storage
Garages are meant to be functional spaces, but they often become cluttered catch-alls for everything from sports gear and holiday decorations to tools and camping equipment. When floor space starts to vanish, the solution isn’t always to purge—it’s to look up.
5 Smart and Surprising Uses for Vinegar in Your Home
We’ve rounded up the opinions from our HouseCalls team to bring you five of our favorite uses for vinegar that will fundamentally change how you clean, deodorize, and maintain your living space.
