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Table of Contents Top 5 Home Generators Best Power Station: Jackery Portable Power Station Easiest To Start: Westinghouse Portable Generator Best Inverter Generator: Champion Power Equipment Open-Frame Inverter Most Powerful: DuroMax Electric-Start Generator Best Design: DuroStar Gas-Powered Portable Generator Jackery’s portable power station can support small devices, such as space heaters, coffee makers, and cell phones, making it useful for on-the-go power. Additionally, it can run these devices while it’s being recharged to give you continuous power....

Most Thorough: Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner This washing machine cleaner has a two-step process. You pour the packet of powder into the machine before running a normal cycle with hot water. Afterward, you wipe any remaining grime with the included wipe. Its biodegradable formula uses citric acid to eliminate odors and break down grime. Key Features Eight packets and wipes Lemon scent Ammonia-, bleach-, quat-, and formaldehyde-free ingredients What Customers Are Saying Though it included more steps than other washing machine cleaners, customers said that this product was easy to use....

Homeowners don’t have to take this on alone. Professional pest control companies are equipped with the knowledge, products, and experience to remediate any pest issue Dallas homeowners may come across. The This Old House Reviews Team believes the best pest control companies servicing Dallas are Orkin, Terminix, and Aptive. These top pest control providers each offer decades of experience and guard Dallas homes against a wide variety of common household pests....

What to Know About Choosing Insulation Fiberglass insulation is sold by wall thickness and that should be adhered to so the insulation doesn’t get compressed and lose effectiveness. Open cell spray foam has the same R-factor as fiberglass, but it goes around any penetrations and acts as an air infiltration barrier. Closed cell spray foam has a higher R-factor per inch, but it is more expensive. When retrofitting, cellulose, made from recycled newspaper, can be densely packed into the stud bays....

Many states and utilities have spent the last 20 years moving to a deregulated model, which allows for competition at all stages in the electrical process and could lead to lower rates for consumers. But it can also lead to more confusing billing structures. Watch this video and read on to learn more about common electrical billing structures. What is a Fixed Rate Electrical Plan? The most common bill is called a fixed rate usage per kilowatt hour, which means that you pay a certain rate for all the electricity you use in the house....

Tips for Shoveling Snow Choose the right tool An ergonomic shovel encourages proper form. The aluminum shaft of the 51-inch Fiskars snow shovel is lightweight, and its nonslip grips reduce hand fatigue. How to Shovel and Salt Snow and Ice Think small A heavy load can cause you to lose your balance or pull a muscle. And be wary of snow that’s wet, Dr. Forrest says, as heavy lifting can push blood pressure levels up too high....

EGO Power+ GS001 Anti-scratch Safety Glasses Shop the Sale Now Safety glasses are a vital tool for any handyperson to ensure they keep their eyes protected while they work. These glasses are made from high-quality polycarbonate coated to resist scratching and impact. These glasses have a sporty design that’s available with multiple lens colors to fit your needs. NEIKO 01378A Magnetic Screwdriver Set Shop the Sale Now Screwdriver sets are essential tools for anyone to own to ensure you’re prepared with the proper screwdriver when needed....

10 Best Pumpkin Carving Tools 1. Dremel Pumpkin Carving Kit Dremel brings its rotary tool technology to the tradition of pumpkin carving. This battery-operated cordless tool runs at 6,000 and 12,000 rpm, allowing you to carve intricate designs quickly and safely. The tool—meant to etch glowing designs into the surface of the pumpkin, not slice through it—comes with 10 carving templates and has a two-year warranty. 2. Dremel Flex Shaft Attachment If you already own a full-powered Dremel and want to try your hand at pumpkin carving this year, this accessory may come in handy....

Keep Your Lawn Lush A picture-perfect lawn takes ongoing maintenance. This time of year, weeds aren’t the only thing standing between you and the turf of your dreams. You’ve also got to watch for pests, fungal diseases—and even Fido. Here are symptoms and remedies to help you troubleshoot common lawn problems. 12 Flowers That Bloom All Summer Consider bookmarking the TOH lawn care timeline to keep track of what you should be doing and when you should be doing it, year-round....

Painted Furniture Ideas to Try Here you’ll find DIY ideas for furniture made of wood, metal, and plastic, so before you grab that brush (or spray can), click through for inspiration, helpful how-tos, and links to complete tutorials. Stripping Painted Furniture Use Chalk Paint A big part of the DIY painted furniture craze has to do with chalk paint. It’s easy to use, adheres well to a host of surfaces with an appealing matte finish, and works great with other mediums (such as glaze and stain) as well as stencils and transfers for truly unique looks....

Mesh-screen caps How they work: A vinyl, plastic, or metal grid sits atop the gutter, letting water in while keeping leaves out. Your job: Brushing aside any accumulated debris from time to time to prevent runoff from cascading over the face of the gutter. The cost: Seamless, pro-installed systems start near $5 per linear foot, while snap-on DIY options, which are more visible, start at about 33 cents per foot....

For the price of a monthly premium and a small service fee, a home warranty will pay the cost of repairing or replacing the items that it covers. This can include big-ticket items like refrigerators, air conditioners, and plumbing systems. We’ve taken a look at the best home warranties in Los Angeles, California and ranked the top companies below. Top 4 Home Warranty Companies in Los Angeles The highest-rated home warranty companies in Los Angeles include:...

What is beadboard paneling made of? This brings us to panels made of medium-density fiberboard, or MDF—wood fiber and resin, in various proportions, melded under pressure. These sturdy, ready-to-paint sheets, typically 4 feet high and 8 feet wide, can be milled to look like the real thing. Before you gather your tools and order beadboard, here are six things to consider. 1. Choose a Style For a traditional farmhouse look, try 2½-inch V-bead (far left) or 1⅝-inch V-bead (top)....