Shares facts about essential home maintenance that can reduce repair costs over the lifetime of a home, from reinforcing structures against natural disasters to preventing break-ins and safeguarding against pests.

Includes index.

Understand your plumbing system -- Understand your heating syster -- Understand your water heater -- Push a button, save $100 -- Make appliances last -- Keep your water softener healthy -- Save water -- Prevent burst pipes -- Dry up a wet basement -- Save on home imsurance -- Make your carpet last -- Improve your insulation -- Cut heating costs -- Clean your air conditioner -- Cut cooling costs -- Protect your electronics -- Understand your electrical system -- Eliminate ants -- Get rid of mice -- Defeat termites -- Protect against pet damage -- Don't kill your lawn mower -- Bonus section: Our favorite storage tips -- Guard against carbon monoxide -- Radon kills -- Test for lead paint -- Stop mold and mildew -- Prevent home fires -- Replace smoke alarms -- Be ready for fire -- Clean your dryer vent -- Keep crooks out -- Burglar-proof your garage -- Hide your valuables -- Be ready for blackouts -- Can you count on your sump pump? -- Find your shutoff valves -- Work safely -- Stay safe in a storm -- Be prepared for roof damage -- Bonus section: Best home hints -- Remodel without regrets -- Cut remodeling costs -- Decorate smart -- Choose the best flooring -- Choose the best faucet -- Move furniture the smart way -- Hang pictures straight and level -- Hang a heavy mirror -- Pick a paint color you'll love -- Pick the best paint for the job -- Prep for a neater paint job -- Paint like a pro -- Roll paint right -- Spray paint perfectly -- Hire the best roofer -- Hire the best painting contractor -- Find your property lines -- Bonus section: Greatest goofs -- Master your drill -- Drive screws like a pro -- Master the jigsaw -- Measure accurately -- Master the hammer -- Find a stud -- Be ready for anything -- Finish wood flawlessly -- Caulk like a pro -- Install wire shelving -- Connect coax cable right -- Replace a light fixture -- Make home chores easier -- Wash windows like a pro -- Clean faster, clean better -- Make yard chores easier -- Grow a great lawn -- Mow smarted -- Sharpen a mower blade -- Win against weeds -- Plant a tree -- Prune like a pro -- Bonus section: Besst problem solvers -- Fix a toilet -- Unplug a toilet -- Stop leaks under the sink -- Unclog a sink -- Fix an outdoor faucet -- Clean a clogged faucet -- Fix a loose towel bar--forever! -- Tune up your cabinets -- Renew grungy grout -- Fix a door -- Tune up closet shelves -- Patch walls perfectly -- Fix furniture fast -- Repair concrete -- Fix appliances yourself--and save -- Fix your furnace -- Lube it right -- Warm up a cold room -- Cool a hot room -- Cure condensation -- Defeat odors -- Quiet your home.