Debbie Dey

Today's appliances are so reliable that you rarely think about them until there's a problem. Of course, with summer fast approaching, lifestyle changes can impact how you use your appliances and may put them at risk for breakdowns.
The summer months bring more family gatherings which means opening the fridge more often. If you have kids, your washing machine and dryer will definitely see increased activity after a day at the beach or in the pool. Don't forget about your air conditioner—as tem...

Teleconferencing and virtual meetings have become the go-to solution to staying connected to everyone from family members to coworkers. Programs and apps like Zoom, FaceTime, and Google Meet have allowed even the most tech-challenged among us to jump on the video conferencing wagon and join remote face-to-face sessions like a pro.
Of course, even if you're ready to log on, your home office background may not be camera-ready. We’ve all had those embarrassing moments when as soon as we click “j...

Your dishwasher is probably your favorite kitchen appliance. Not only does it save time and energy, it also keeps everything clean and sanitary. It might seem as if your machine is invincible, but after multiple uses, your "super" appliance can stop working as expected or break down altogether.
Whether you have a newer dishwasher or an older model, there are a number of simple things you can do to keep it working at peak performance for years to come.
Scrape, Don't Pre-wash
Even though all di...

While there are many things in life that we consider our most prized possessions, our home is our most valuable physical possession. Real estate is an excellent investment as it almost always provides a positive return.
Whether you bought your home to enjoy for a few years or as a fixer-upper that you intend to "flip" for a fast profit, there are specific projects you can tackle that will provide the best return on investment and increase your home's resale value.
Measurable Value
Statistics ...

Moving to a new home? It can be both exciting and exhausting. Cleaning, purging, and packing are soon to be part of your daily routine as well as an endless number of tasks that need to get done before the moving truck arrives.
Before you panic, we've got some ideas for a less stressful, successful move.
To-Do List for Your Current Home
Whether you currently live in an apartment or home, there are a few things you need to accomplish before turning over the keys. As a tenant, you'll want to do...

If you're a homeowner, today's headlines are absolutely terrifying. When you hear that a "bomb cyclone" is headed your way, your first instinct might be to book the first flight out of town. There's no need to run. You can prepare your home now to survive a bomb cyclone and any other storms Mother Nature has in store.
What is a "Bomb Cyclone?"
In simple terms, it is a major weather event that undergoes "bombogenesis." Accuweather.com describes it as "explosive storm strengthening" that can pr...

With the change of seasons comes the time when those dreaded chores need to be done—closing up the pool, putting away the patio furniture, and making sure your home's heating system is ready to go. Of course, as you brace for that first cold night, you probably also worry about the high heating bills that are headed your way.
The good news is that there are several things you can do to reduce those energy costs while improving comfort. Let's start at the top and work our way down:
Roof
Before...

Whether you own a home or manage several of them, the challenges can be the same especially when it comes to home maintenance needs:
How can I correct the problem?
How long is it going to take?
How much is it going to cost?
Who can I trust to do the job right?
Today's families are spending more time at home—working from home, doing remote learning, or limiting outside activities—so it's more important than ever that they've got a comfortable living space with equipment and appliances that are...

We are happy to share our national appliance report to help consumers make the best appliance purchase decisions using our data on affordability, the best value for money, ease of use, and more.
In our second annual National Appliance Repair Report, we surveyed our nationwide network of appliance repair technicians and Puls+ members to identify the most reliable brands with the longest life-cycle and the best value. By analyzing proprietary data compiled from our own appliance repair jobs and...

The holidays are a magical time of year when everything seems lighter and brighter. You may have already started sorting through all the bins and boxes you've had tucked away since last year in preparation for a little home decoration.
Do you get a twinkle in your eye thinking about how beautiful your home will look once all the Christmas and holiday lights are installed, or do you get a little nervous thinking about climbing a ladder to the top of your roof?
House decorating requires a lot o...

It's no secret that summer in Houston is downright tropical.
With the average relative humidity exceeding 90-percent each summer morning, finding relief from the heat is a number one priority. While you may rely on your air conditioning to do the heavy lifting for cooling your home, it's going to cost you.
A simple solution to cutting those high energy costs while increasing your comfort level is to install a ceiling fan.
The Energy Impact
Central air conditioning is a must-have to combat Hou...