Can You Afford the Rent?

Your dream apartment won’t seem so dreamy if you struggle to pay the rent each month. Before signing a lease that may be difficult and expensive to get out of, Barone suggests considering your current income-to-expense ratio. “Experts say a good rule of thumb for renters is to set aside about 30% of their income for rent,” he says.

Let’s say you make $60,000 per year. Using the 30% rule means $19,800 — about $1,650 per month — can go toward rent.

The “30% rule” dates back decades, before ballooning student loan debt and other modern expenses, so take a good hard look at your obligations. “You know your priorities and spending best,” Barone says. “You may spend more or less than 30% based on your values.”

Sometimes landlords, management companies and cities have income requirements for renters. To apply for a New York City apartment, Barone says, your yearly salary must be 40 times the monthly rent.

Garden Dome Three-Pack

Walmart’s greenhouse kit sale section has tons of different types of greenhouses to choose from. If you’re shopping for just a few plants, it’s worth checking out this garden dome three-pack. These plant covers work similarly to a greenhouse—they seal in heat and protect small plants from the elements while they germinate.

The best part? You can snag three of them for only $10 after a discount of 38%.

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But are you stuck? Do you have to take what comes, or can you negotiate?

“When it comes to negotiating rent, every landlord and property is different,” says Ryan Barone, co-founder and CEO of RentRedi property management software. Stacy Brown, director of training at Real Property Management, a Neighborly company, agrees. “It really depends on the relationship between the tenant and the property owner,” she says.

Below, Brown and Barone explain the best way to approach your landlord regarding this dicey issue.

Can You Negotiate Rent?

Yes, but Brown says you might have more luck with private parties vs. property management companies. Barone says independently-owned properties are typically managed by the people who own them, while apartment complexes may be owned by larger corporations.

If you’re a current tenant, it’s important to start talking before the lease term starts, Barone says. “This way, the landlord can appropriately budget for the property expenses if they decide on different rent terms with you,” he says. You have a better shot if you’re a good tenant who pays the rent on time.

What if you’re looking for a new place? Can you negotiate rent before signing the initial lease? “Actually, yes, a new prospective renter can negotiate,” Brown says.

Most rental property is managed by licensed real estate agents, Brown says, and they have a fiduciary duty to present all offers to the owner. If you’re looking to rent from an individual property owner, absolutely give negotiating a try. All they can do is say no.

To hammer home this point, Brown quotes Wayne Gretzky: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

How To Negotiate Rent

Negotiating is a delicate process, Brown says, so do your homework and have a plan. You’ll need to convince the landlord a rent decrease will be worth their while. Depending on your landlord’s circumstances, they might accommodate a unique arrangement for you, Barone says.

“This setup could mean discounted rent in exchange for maintenance duties like sweeping the walkways, cleaning the pool or mowing the lawn,” he says. “This could be especially helpful to landlords with multiple properties, if a renter is willing to help with these chores at all of their units.”

If you’re ready to negotiate, remember these tips:

• Know the market rate for the property type and area. Use Zillow or other rental search engines to make comparisons.
• Be ready to prove you’re a reliable renter who pays bills on time and takes care of the unit.
• Look for amenities or features that could improve the property, or be updated with a little work.
• Offer your services to the landlord in exchange for a rent decrease.
• Be realistic. Most landlords have high property expenses to maintain, so don’t expect a discount that’s below market value.

How To Negotiate Rent Increases

Property owners have cost increases every year too and may raise your rent for the next lease term. If the increase will put a strain on your budget, look for ways you can help offset those costs. If you’re not the handy type, or you’re living in an apartment with fewer DIY opportunities, maybe you can get a perk to offset the increase.

“If your landlord is unable to lower your rent, there are other things you might be able to ask about,” Barone says. “For example, if you’re a longstanding tenant who is trusted by your landlord, they might be willing to offer you a parking space at no cost, or forgo your pet’s monthly rent.”

It can’t hurt to ask. Do your homework, and be prepared to advocate for yourself as a valuable tenant with a good rental history.

Backup Solar Generator

People losing power from snowstorms well into March is a good reminder to pick up a solar generator. Choosing the right solar generator can be hard, but Walmart’s deals section has tons of high-quality finds at ultra-low prices. This portable power station, available at a whopping $1,300 off, powers up to 11 devices at one time and fully charges in a single hour.

Plus, this generator uses an app to control it, so it’s easy to operate from close by or up to 10 meters away.

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“Security deposits exist as a safety net for unplanned damages to rental properties,” says Ryan Barone, CEO and co-founder of RentRedi, a property management software for landlords and tenants. “In the event that a renter causes damage to a unit beyond typical wear and tear, security deposits ensure that property owners are not paying out of pocket when fixing up the space.”

How Much Is a Security Deposit?

“Security deposits vary depending on the cost of the rent,” Barone says. “Most standard security deposits equate to one month of rent.”

If your monthly rent is $2,000, you’ll likely pay the same amount for the security deposit. Some states limit the amount required for a security deposit, usually from one to two months rent. That’s not universal, though. Several states, including Texas, have no statutory requirements concerning security deposits. Check your state’s tenancy laws to learn your rights and responsibilities.

Do You Pay a Security Deposit Before Signing a Lease?

No. Barone says renters usually pay the security deposit when they sign the lease. Because the security deposit protects the property owner from paying for damages out of pocket, they want this protection in place before handing over the keys.

You’ll want protection, too. “Many landlords allow renters to note any property damages and flaws present upon move-in so that they are not at fault when the lease period ends,” Barone says. Do a thorough walkthrough to alert the owner of damages already present so you’re not on the hook later. Take photos as well.

Where Is Your Security Deposit Kept?

Depending on your state, “most landlords create a separate payment account for security deposits they’ve received,” Barone says.

States often spell out where security deposits go while you rent your place. Minnesota, for instance, requires deposits be kept in an interest-bearing account, while in Florida they must be held in a Florida-based financial institution.

When Do You Get a Security Deposit Back?

Again, this varies by state.

In Texas and many other states, property owners (or management companies) must return your security deposit within 30 days. In New York, it’s two weeks. Other states, it depends on whether the landlord will be deducting damage costs from the deposit. Unfortunately, if damages exceed the security deposit or you missed any rent payments, you may not get it back.

Barone says if you treat the space with respect, you needn’t worry. States generally dictate acceptable reasons landlords may keep part or all of your security deposit. “Rest assured, if you are a responsible tenant and communicative with your landlord, you can get your security deposit back,” Barone says.

Unfortunately, painting quickly leaves walls and furniture susceptible to nicks and scratches. Luckily, touch-up paint pens save the day–and my peeling paint. One of the most popular options on the market, the Slobproof Paint Pen, is available on Amazon. This means I easily got my paws on it to test for the general population.

Best of all? Since I’m not an expert painter, my thoughts and recommendations are applicable to the average person. If I like this paint pen and think it’s simple to use, it probably is. Let’s get into it, shall we?

What is the Slobproof Touch-Up Paint Pen? 

The Slobproof Touch-Up Paint Pen is a pen-like receptacle for touching up dings and scratches around your home. The upper part of the pen is made of see-through plastic, which is where your desired paint is inserted using the included syringe. On the bottom, you’ll find a small tip where the paint comes out, which is similar to that of a paint brush. To disperse paint, twist the upper part of the pen.

Besides being able to easily touch-up paint on places like walls and ceilings, the Slobproof can also be used for general arts and crafts. Need to entertain your nephew for an hour? Hand him one of these (and a piece of blank paper). If you’re lucky, you may have a masterpiece to hang on the fridge.

Slobproof Touch-Up Paint Pen Features

Although Slobproof Touch-Up Paint Pens aren’t exactly feature-rich, like the latest smart home devices, these pens still have a lot going for them. For starters, you’re able to refill these. Yes, contrary to the belief of some reviewers, you can clean, dry and reuse each of these pens. To do so, simply turn the end piece until it pops out. You’ll also need to pull the brush out of the pen (and wash it) in order to prevent unwanted color mixing.

The pens come with a plastic cap, which is designed to fit easily over the brush. This is useful for those who want to keep their paint fresh for easy touch-ups. And since the brand claims the paint stays fresh for up to seven years when properly used, you can store these with your other painting supplies.

How We Tested It 

As someone who can’t bring items up the stairs without dinging them on the wall, I had countless opportunities to use the Slobproof Touch-Up Paint Pens. A headboard, chair rail, wall and even my ceiling were subject to my intense scrutiny and subsequent painting. In fact, I walked around my home for weeks with my eyes peeled for opportunities to use this handy painting tool. Truth be told, using this pen was so easy that I wanted to do each nook and cranny in my home, leaving no stone unpainted (er, unturned).

My excitement aside, here are the main pros and cons to be aware of prior to purchasing these touch-up pens:

Pros 

• Reasonably priced
• Keeps paint fresh for up to seven years
• Available in a two- or five-pack
• Simple to use
• Works with latex- and water-based paints
• Useable on a variety of surfaces
• Refillable

Cons 

• Small brush tip may not work for larger dings

FAQ 

How do I fill the touch-up paint pens with paint?

Luckily, you won’t have to have the talent of a circus Houdini to fill the pen. Simply use the included syringe to dispense your desired paint into the plastic end. (Remember to hang onto any leftover paint you used to paint your home for when touch-ups are needed!)

How long will my paint stay fresh inside the pen?

According to Slobproof, paint stays fresh inside of the pen for up to seven years. However, I cannot personally speak to that, as I’ve only used the pens for a few months.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say 

Still not sold on touch-up paint pens? You don’t have to take my word for it. Check out what other verified purchasers from Amazon really think.

“Highly recommend these touch-up pens,” writes five-star reviewer, Sarah Lynn. “Easy to use. I’ve been using them in my new construction home for around eight months now on the drywall and trim. With dogs and young children, these are a must-have to fix little spots. Love these pens.”

Amazon reviewer, Samantha W., writes, “I am IN LOVE with this product. It made touching up my house so easy before I listed it for sale. It was super easy to use and the paint blended seamlessly, it looks like there was absolutely never anything stuck into my walls. Love it, definitely a gem.”

“These are the coolest little things,” explains purchaser, L. Grimes. “The paint stays ‘fresh’ and the brush doesn’t dry out in between uses. This is literally the perfect paint pen for everyday touch-ups and scratches. You get two in a package, so you can fill them with two different paint colors to have on hand for the higher traffic rooms of the house.”

Final Verdict 

Whether you own or rent your home, the Slobproof Touch-Up Paint Pens are a staple I recommend. Keep them alongside your primer, roller and paint brushes. They’re about to become your handy best friend.

Where to Buy Slobproof Touch-Up Paint Pens

Budget-conscious individuals: It’s our time to shine. The Slobproof Touch-Up Paint Pens won’t leave a gaping hole in your pocket as many retailers sell them for around $20. Pick up a two pack from Amazon to fix your own paint dings and scrapes today.

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The North Face City Breeze Rain Parka

By the time you see your neighbors putting out rain barrels, you’ve probably missed the rain jacket sale boat. Shop now and save a whopping $55 on the City Breeze rain parka in the shade “antelope tan” from The North Face. The longer fit covers the thighs, making this water-resistant jacket perfect for legging wearers.

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Air Source Heat Pumps for HVAC/AC

Electric heat pumps can qualify for 30% of costs, up to $2,000, through 25C. The total cost of a heat pump system can range from about $1,500 to more than $10,000.

According to Angi, the average U.S. homeowner spends around $6,000 to install a heat pump. If yours costs $6,000, than means you’ll save $1,800 and still have another $1,200 in incentives left over for another project in the same year, like a heat-pump water heater. Through the Home Electrification Rebate Program, if you qualify as an LMI household, you can get a rebate of up to $8,000.

In addition, non heat-pump HVAC that meets or exceeds the highest efficiency tier established by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) is also eligible for the 30% tax credit, up to $600.

The Best Amazon Presidents Day Sales

Ergonomic Drafting Chair

Is it time to ditch that bar stool for something with a little more substance? Swap it out with this Ergonomic Works drafting chair, available at a savings of 39% off during the Amazon Presidents Day sale. Say goodbye to back pain—this spinning work chair offers back and seat support for even the most sensitive derrieres. Customize it by removing the armrests for better range of motion.

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Greg and Kirsty Vitarelli, Airbnb owners of this mountain getaway in Monroe, Massachusetts, bought the property as a family ski retreat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because the house sat empty for much of the year, the Vitarellis started thinking about passive income. They decided to put the property on Airbnb.

Their first year hosting netted $9,000, and that didn’t include ski season when the Vitarelli family used the property.

“We were astonished, really, at the amount of income it generated for us,” Greg Vitarelli says.

Individual revenues depend on many factors, but a typical Airbnb host makes almost $14,000 per year according to 2021 data released by Airbnb. That’s up a whopping 85% from 2019, and the vacation rental market shows no signs of slowing down.

Have you considered starting an Airbnb business? Here’s what you need to know:

Buying an Airbnb

Before you can start your Airbnb business, you need a property. Russell Brandon, a real estate investor and Airbnb owner, says renovating an older property gives the most return on investment if you can do the rehabbing yourself — a DIYer’s dream.

“This is maximum profit,” Brandon says. “If you don’t know how to do the construction yourself, you need good, knowledgeable contractors that you can trust and depend upon that won’t take you to the bank.”

If renovation isn’t an option, prepare to pay a little more for a move-in ready property. Look for up-and-coming neighborhoods with lots of potential, and check out amenities within easy driving distance. Vitarelli’s Airbnb is near the tourist-friendly Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, and the weekend of a nearby music festival books up a year in advance.

“It’s really good to know what’s going on in other communities, so you can bring that into your income,” Vitarelli says. Brandon puts it this way: “Location. Location. Location.” His fourplex near downtown Houston sits two blocks from a university campus, and the arts-and-culture filled neighborhood boasts a walkability score of 97.

Before signing on the dotted line, check local laws and ordinances to make sure short-term rentals are allowed. Airbnb offers information about some city regulations on their Responsible Hosting page, but research the specifics of your location yourself. Check local and county websites, be aware of any city council proposals regarding short-term rentals and don’t forget about HOA bylaws.

Airbnb Owner Considerations

So you have the property and you’re ready to give hosting a try. Airbnb offers lots of resources to get you started, and it’s free to list your property.

Don’t jump in too fast, though. Do your research before listing so you’re not surprised by regulatory requirements or requests from guests.

Local or state regulations

If you’re buying a property to use as an Airbnb, research local laws before signing. If you’re converting a home you already own, verify you can use the property as an Airbnb before hanging up your shingle.

Many municipalities require a rental inspection, and you may have to register your small business with the state. For the inspection, you might need to show blueprints of the home, prove the wiring is up to code or demonstrate that the property is safe for children. Railing height is a common safety issue.

Taxes and incorporating

Brandon operates his properties as limited-liability corporations (LLC), which protect his personal assets in the event something happens to the business or property. Incorporating also has tax implications, so check with your financial advisor or attorney if you’re not confident navigating that world yourself.

Hosting choices

What kind of host do you want to be? Will you be hands-off but always available, operating mostly through email or text? Do you want to meet the guests at check in? What perks will you offer? Will you have requirements of your guests, like doing the dishes or picking up after their dogs?

Communicate with your guests up front to avoid misunderstandings or confrontations later.

Pricing an Airbnb

Figuring out how much to charge for your property can be trial and error, according to Vitarelli.

Airbnb’s website features an earnings estimator that analyzes the past 12 months of booking data for similar properties in your area, giving you a rough idea of what you could charge. Vitarelli started there, but ended up adjusting the rate based on the nuances of the property and area amenities.

AirDNA is another website that offers data and analytics on the short-term rental market. Create a free account to explore properties on the map, compare average daily rates and general market trends. Other features, like revenues of individual properties and seasonal trends, are available with an upgrade.

Be fair, says Brandon. “You have to be reasonable in your rents,” he says.

Then there’s the question of offering long-term or short-term rentals. Brandon likes them both. Vitarelli prefers short-term guests. You can generally get higher rates for short-term rentals, but there’s more upkeep and turnaround.

Airbnb Upkeep and Maintenance

All properties require maintenance, but Airbnb properties need special attention. Guests will not be shy about writing a review if the place isn’t up to snuff.

“You kind of live and die by the customer review,” Vitarelli says. “We wait with bated breath for those reviews, and you’re only as good as the latest one.”

Here’s how to keep things running smoothly:

Hire a cleaner

“Get a good cleaner that you can trust and count on,” Vitarelli says.

The first couple of times Vitarelli and his family hosted, they cleaned the place themselves, with mixed results. The first guests were perfectly happy. But the next review was a little more pointed, and it stung. They decided to hire a professional on referral from another property owner in the area. It’s been smooth sailing ever since.

Fix things when they break

Vitarelli says always be prepared for things to break, and plan to constantly fix things. Brandon says typical upkeep includes appliance repair, plumbing problems and maintaining curb appeal.

Whether you’re an experienced DIYer or you don’t know a hammer from a hacksaw, maintain a fund to pull from if the water heater breaks or one of your renters throws a party and trashes the place.

Most important: Be available. Vitarelli says this isn’t the kind of gig where you can jet off to the Bahamas and hope for the best. If your house floods and the renter can’t reach you, count on a bad review. Not to mention, the damage your property incurs will increase the longer you’re unreachable.

Plan for the future

You don’t have a crystal ball, but plan for capital improvements like a new roof, Brandon says. Put costly kitchen and bath renovations on that planning list, too.

How much to save depends on the condition of your property, and your DIY inclinations and abilities. The average cost of a kitchen remodel is $45,000, according to the 2022 Remodeling Impact Report, a joint study released by the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. So plan ahead.

The Best Presidents Day TV Sales

The Frame 55-inch TV by Samsung

Take advantage of Presidents Day TV sales and secure your own Samsung Frame TV at a jaw-dropping $550 off. The anti-reflection matte display, integrated Alexa assistant and QLED dot technology make this the best-looking (and most popular) TV on the market.

Not only does it outperform most other 55-inch TVs, but it comes with a customizable bevel frame that displays your television like a work of art next to your posh bar cart. And, let’s be honest, The Frame is a work of art.

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Our Top Picks

Microdini Hooded Jacket in Plume Gray

If you love Carhartt deals, you’ll love this Microdini hooded jacket, on sale for $45 off during Backcountry’s Patagonia sale. Unlike traditional fleece, this lightweight fleece jacket features quick-dry material and zippered hand-warming pockets for chill-free walks.

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As Sales Editor of Family Handyman and a self-identified DIY fanatic, I’m always looking for the best paint roller deals. If you’re like me and love to change up the colors in your home on a seasonal basis (yes, I’m a little obsessed with redecorating), you’ll appreciate the savings from these paint-related DIY deals.

How To Choose the Best Paint Rollers for the Job

As outlined in Family Handyman’s guide to paint rollers, paint roller frames and covers come in a wide variety of sizes. Some of the most common sizes include two-inch rollers for small projects and detailing, four-inch rollers for tight corners and the classic nine-inch rollers for painting wide strokes on a wall.

Covers are available in several different materials, ranging from woven or knitted synthetic—best for most projects—to lambswool and lambskin, which work well for oil-based paints. Foam rollers, thanks to the minimized laps lines, are ideal for natural substances like wood.

If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, these deals make it possible to stock up on a range of options so you’re prepared for anything—without brushing off your bank balance.

The Best Paint Roller Deals

Wood Grip Professional Roller Frame

Cage rollers are an essential painting tool, and this wood grip roller frame saves you a few bucks at a markdown of 30%. Compatible with almost any nine-inch roller cover, this roller frame offers a heavy-duty metal frame and end caps to prevent slips and dings that are detrimental to smooth finishes.

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Two-Pack Polyester Roller Covers

As mentioned earlier, polyester and other synthetic materials make great multipurpose paint rollers. This two-pack of polyester roller covers offers a set of disposable covers, compatible with almost any paint (including the editor-approved Restore Coat Flex Paint). Save $6 when you take home this twofer today.

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Corner Paint Roller Kit

Flawlessly navigate outer corners with ease using this corner paint roller kit. Reminiscent of an edger for outer corners, each roller comes with a roller handle and two mini covers that glide along the outer edge of rooms and trim, coating everything in one swipe. Snag the set for 34% off thanks to Walmart’s paint roller deals.

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Wood Pattern Roller

Love the look of woodgrain, but not ready to install paneling? This wood pattern roller mimics the look of wood without the use of texture paints! Simply pick one up at 50% off and swipe, roll or stamp onto surfaces to take any space from blah to boo-yah in seconds.

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Wall Pattern Tool

If the last roller made you excited, you’ll love this one. Pick up this wall pattern roller at a savings of 53% and get creative with four different roller patterns. Overlay the patterns on a base color, or try something wild. This innovative painting tool makes it easy to experiment with textures for less.

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Exterior Paint Roller Kit

This exterior paint roller kit has everything you need to start switching up the look of your home. Pop it open for easy access to a paint tray, paint stick, masking tape, brush and rollers in two different sizes and materials. Score the set at a savings of $10 while the deal is live.

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Interior Paint Roller Kit

Save a generous 39% on one of the best-rated painting tools on Amazon for a limited time. This interior painting kit comes with a nine-inch roller and a four-inch roller, both with two covers ideal for interior painting. A bonus brush and sponge are also included. Use the sponge for varnishes, texture or feathering edges.

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Painter’s Mitt

While this isn’t technically a paint roller, we’d be remiss in neglecting one of the best painting tool hacks: the painter’s mitt. Made from the same nap as a roller cover, this mitt offers a way to get into tight corners and around pipes without fussing with special equipment. For a limited time, score one at 35% off—making the price only $5!

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FAQ

How do you clean paint rollers?

Cleaning paint rollers efficiently requires the assistance of paint thinner when you’re working with oil-based paint, or water when working with latex. As with most paint-related projects, safety is key when cleaning supplies—always use gloves, a respirator and safety goggles when cleaning rollers and brushes.

Can you reuse paint rollers?

You can absolutely reuse paint rollers—to a point. When properly cleaned, paint rollers last for several applications. After a while, though, the fuzzy materials often deteriorate, leading to uneven coats. If you plan to reuse a paint roller multiple times for one project, keep the roller moist after removing the paint by covering it with plastic wrap to prevent dried-on flakes.

Otherwise, we recommend using a new roller cover for every project. Stock up on painting essentials with these paint roller deals for a flawless finish every time!

Shop smarter with our expert recommendations for tools, gear and money-saving deals on can’t miss DIY and home products. Sign up for the Stuff We Love newsletter.

As Family Handyman’s Sales Editor, it’s my full-time job to report the best savings available on all things do-it-yourself. Thanks to these deep discounts, you can pick up where you left off and get ready for new opportunities without sacrificing your wallet.

Our Top Picks

Gardener’s Canvas Arm Protectors

It’s never too early to prepare for spring—Garrett Wade’s warehouse sale has some of the best DIY deals available in January. Trim pesky, thorny plants without getting nicked with a pair of gardener’s arm protectors, available for only $15. These sleeves are puncture-resistant, heavy-duty and on sale for 33% off, making them the perfect gift for gardeners.

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Arborist Long Reach Cutter

Here’s something you won’t find in a gardening subscription box: These long-reach cutters are ideal for snipping tree limbs without leaving the ground. The rotating head and giraffe-style telescoping feature make slipping in between branches simple. Start trimming with these shears for over 30% off while supplies last.

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Electric Paint Sprayer

Painting supplies are an essential addition to your DIY arsenal, and it pays to own a well-reviewed paint sprayer. This inexpensive paint sprayer is perfect for those new to the tool. It includes several nozzles in varying sizes for a precise job and comes with a cleaning brush, cleaning pin and viscosity measuring cup.

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Power Rotary Tool Kit

For under $40, sand, cut and polish your way to a perfect result with this power rotary tool kit. An essential portable tool for woodworking projects, this rotary kit includes 140 attachments that assist with everything from household tasks to specialty projects. Pick up the entire kit on sale for $20 off!

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DeWalt 20V Battery Set

Check out Amazon’s deals page for DIY deals and enjoy huge savings on tools and accessories. Power up professional power tools with two 20-volt batteries from DeWalt, priced at 42% off. Each battery weighs less than two pounds for maximum portability but still delivers up to 60% more capacity than standard battery packs.

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Cross-Line Laser Level

For a staggering 48% off, it’s difficult to find another deal as good as this cross-line laser level. Whether you’re installing shelving to maximize garage storage or hanging Christmas family photos, this inexpensive leveler ensures that everything looks and functions at its best.

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Rechargeable Handheld Flashlight

Say goodbye to battery hunting and hello to one of the best flashlights in your toolbox. This waterproof flashlight comes with a rechargeable battery and USB charger for convenient charging on-the-go. It includes a bike mount for nighttime riding and comes with a carrying case—all for 35% off.

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Folding Step Ladder

Wayfair has an extensive DIY deals section that many folks don’t know about. This lightweight ladder, available for $100 off, comes in handy for switching out color-changing lightbulbs and reaching hard-to-get items in your home workshop. When finished, simply fold it up for easy storage.

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But the festive decorations come at a cost, and many holiday enthusiasts may be dreading their January electric bill. Read on to learn, on average, how much you can expect to pay for running your Christmas lights.

How Much Electricity Is Used for Christmas?

In a stunning 2008 study from the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA), seasonal light displays were discovered to account for 6.6 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity consumption each year. To put that in perspective, that is over 1 billion kWh more than the entire country of El Salvador uses in a year, or enough to power approximately 14 million refrigerators.

What’s the Average Cost of Lighting Christmas Lights?

Predictably, the cost of Christmas lights per household will vary according to several factors, including where the family resides, what type of lights they’re using, and how long they are keeping the lights on, according to HouseMethod.

HouseMethod first gathered data on each state’s average square footage and electricity rate. Then, they found the most popular Christmas decorations purchased from The Home Depot to use as a median sample. That sample included four sets of 13.25-foot-long icicle lights, two sets of 28.8-foot string lights and two 6-foot-tall inflatable yard decorations. HM calculated the total cost to power these lights for six hours a day, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, in each of the 50 states.

Costs ranged from $10.51 in Washington state to $38.46 in Hawaii, with an expected average of $16.48. To find your specific state, check the interactive map here.

How to Save Money Powering Your Christmas Lights

Now that you know what costs to expect this Christmas, it’s worth learning a few key ways to save money for future Christmases. Pay attention to these four tricks:

Use LED Lights

It’s no secret: LED lights are the most cost-effective. In 2017, the Washington Post determined that running one strand of LED lights costs just 1.4% of the price to run a similar string of incandescent bulbs. Yes, they are more expensive at the initial purchase, but the electric savings handily make up for the downpayment.

Store Lights Properly

Safe, clean storage leads to fewer broken bulbs. In turn, fewer broken bulbs mean that you can keep your lights for longer and bypass the need to buy more strands each year.

Set Timers with Smart Lights

Smart lights conveniently allow you to set them on a timer. This handy feature helps you eliminate extra charges, as you’ll never forget to turn off your lights.

Fix Fuses to Get More Use Out of Your Lights

Those tangled lights at the bottom of the box may still have more life in them yet. Before you throw them away, try repairing the fuses yourself to avoid the cost of replacing the strand.

Other Thrifty Tips

No matter where you’re celebrating Christmas this year, we hope these tips help eliminate some of the financial stress of the season. To save more money on decorations, try finding fun pieces at your local dollar store or making them yourself. After all, no handyman holiday is complete without a festive DIY!

I looked through hundreds of items to find the best deals available. The criteria: Low prices, top savings and high-quality picks sure to delight the DIYer, home decorator or anyone else who enjoys a steep bargain. Shop soon—the best deals are already selling out!

Best Home Improvement Deals

Pull Down Kitchen Faucet

A faucet with an extendable reach makes post-cooking cleanup simple. This pull down faucet set comes in nine different colors and finishes of varying markdowns (most around 50% off!). Hardware and simple instructions come along with it, so installation is a breeze.

Update boring sinks with a faucet that does more for up to 55% off!

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Metal Penny Mosaic Tile

The Wayfair sale is packed full of home improvement discounts, and one of our favorites is this metal penny mosaic tile—63% off and available in an array of different colors. Each 3/4-inch square sheet is easy to install and suits a range of uses including kitchen backsplashes, shower tiles and fireplace surroundings. Jazz up any room with this shiny accent before it’s gone.

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Freestanding Soaking Bathtub

Upgrade bath time with a spacious, freestanding soaking tub that’s easy to install and retains heat for maximum relaxation. The glossy acrylic is reinforced with fiberglass, making it non-porous for easy cleaning. Soak away the work day without breaking the bank—this luxurious tub in classic white is marked down by $520!

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Best Furniture Deals

Melita Sideboard

Finger-pull doors and a dark walnut finish elevate this multipurpose sideboard, and adjustable shelving allows customization to abound. Use it to organize dinnerware, as an entertainment center or wherever a little extra storage is needed. Score the dark walnut option for 65% off (that’s a markdown of $535!) before the sale ends to enjoy an elegant—and inexpensive—home addition.

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Best Decor Deals

Santa Believes Canvas

Add a touch of whimsy this season with this Santa Believes canvas print, featuring the big guy himself enjoying the magic of a nativity scene within a shimmering snow globe. Susan Comish’s nostalgic print is easy to hang with the included hardware, and the print is made of UV-resistant inks, so it will look just as vibrant for years to come.

Add it to your cart before the sale ends—this pretty holiday scene is 71% off.

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Lanphear Rectangle Mirror

Mimicking the style of popular farmhouse sliding doors, this exposed hardware wall mirror effectively adds dimension and vintage flair to any decor. The full-length size makes this mirror—on sale for an incredible $725 off—ideal for bedrooms, living rooms or hallways.

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Best Appliance Deals

Cricut EasyPress Machine

One of the best finds available during the Wayfair sale is this Cricut EasyPress machine, available for $50 off. This DIYer’s tool makes heat transfer for t-shirts or other materials foolproof—the perfect gift for crafty folks! Load in the transfer, set the time and temperature and let the Cricut EasyPress do the rest.

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Best Game and Spa Deals

Coleman Inflatable Hot Tub

Get rid of winter chill with this Coleman inflatable hot tub, now a hot $810 off! Inflatable hot tubs are perfect for space saving, and Coleman tubs boast hundreds of positive ratings online, so we expect this one to sell out quickly. Simply fill the tub and turn on the heating system. Within minutes, enjoy comforted muscles and deep relaxation.

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Indoor Infrared Sauna

The soothing power of steam is possible at home with this indoor infrared sauna. Sweat out stress, pop on a playlist using the sauna’s auxiliary connection with speakers and enjoy built-in color therapy lighting. Score this luxury for 39% off during the limited time Wayfair sale.

The best part? Everything on Wayfair ships free, so this sauna arrives on your doorstep without the hassle of hauling it home.

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Viper Dartboard Cabinet Set

Viper is a leader in dartboards, and this cabinet set doesn’t disappoint. The set includes a bristle dartboard, two dry-erase scoreboards, a score line and six starter darts. Whether a newbie or darts champion, this set is sure to scratch your gaming itch at a discount of $38.

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An influx of college graduates who need a place to live, the financial fallout from COVID-19 and climbing inflation rates preventing many from qualifying for a home loan all lead to one thing: more people are renting than ever before. That’s according to Nicole Ryan, spokesperson for the National Apartment Association.

“The rental housing market is strained right now,” Ryan says. “We’ve seen it in the news headlines, but when looking at rentals the No Vacancy sign is really on. We’re facing a 97.6 percent occupancy rate, which is historically high.”

“And there’s very little unit turnover. So you have a lot of folks opting to stay in place and renew their leases, simply because there just isn’t inventory available.”

Online rental sites can help prospective renters improve their odds of finding the right apartment.

Most sites offer basic, built-in search options with filters to narrow by location, apartment size and type, lease terms and property amenities. Many also provide map views and virtual tours. Some even offer mobile apps to make apartment searching more convenient while on the go.

To boost your search, here are the best places to find an apartment online, with signature features and tools of each:

Best Site To Cast the Biggest Search and Sign a Lease: Zillow

Website: zillow.com.
Launched: 2006.
Fee: Free to search. A $29 application fee includes an unlimited number of participating rental applications for 30 days. The fee includes a background report and credit check that’s informational-only and doesn’t affect your credit score.

Zillow is recognized as the most comprehensive property search engine in the industry, with the highest web traffic. Its user-friendly and graphic-rich features allow renters to cast a wide net and search across multiple real estate listing sites and data sources.

Plus, renters can make it a one-stop shop by using the Zillow Rental Manager tool to complete the entire rental process — search, apply, sign a lease and pay rent — all within one, convenient resource hub. Tenants pay a 2.95 percent processing fee if using a credit card, and $9.95 debit card convenience fee when paying rent through the rental portal.

Best Site To Find Your Dream Neighborhood: Trulia

Website: trulia.com.
Launched: 2005.
Fee: Free to search. A $29 application fee includes an unlimited number of participating rental applications for 30 days, and a soft pull on credit and background reports.

Trulia, a Zillow subsidiary, is another powerful site that pulls from multiple rental sources. Unlike other sites, it gives potential renters insight into what it’s really like to live in a specific area. It offers neighborhood guides, resident reviews and stories, and local feedback about where to eat and shop.

The robust map overlay function helps renters dig even deeper into the neighborhood story to reveal such things as market trends, top schools and best transportation modes.

Best Site To Gather the Most Details: Apartments.com

Website: apartments.com.
Launched: 1992.
Fee: Free to search. Some listings allow you to apply through Apartments.com. Fee is $29 to submit your application and screening reports, which can be applied to other participating rentals for up to 30 days.

One million-plus listings and 35 search filters make Apartments.com a go-to resource for renters who want plenty of data and choices to make an informed rental decision.

A signature feature: The built-in drawing tool to define geographic borders around where renters want to live. A Travel Time tool also creates map distance between addresses like work and home. That’s especially helpful for renters making a cross-country move who aren’t familiar with daily nuances of a particular location.

Best Site To Conduct a Simple Search: Craigslist

Website: craigslist.org.
Launched: 1995.
Fee: Free.

While it’s an open-marketplace site that reads like a classified newspaper ad, Craigslist is a useful, no-frills online search tool to find an apartment or condo.

Listings aren’t screened, so beware of fake ads. But it’s a great place to uncover apartment gems and off-the-beaten path rentals, like a guest house.

Rental opportunities are sectioned by city worldwide, with listings that include photos, basic property details and property contact information. Plus, it features a “housing wanted” category so you can post a rental request that meets your exact needs.

Best Site To Discover a Walkable Apartment: Walk Score

Website: walkscore.com.
Launched: 2007.
Fee: Free.

You can search for an apartment on Walk Score, but it stands out from other online rental sites because it tells renters whether nearby amenities are walkable.

Renters select an area on a map that’s assigned a 0 to 100 “walkability” score from any address in the United States and Canada, based on proximity to grocery stores, coffee shops, hospitals and parks. Users also can chart commute times for bus, car, foot and bicycle transportation.

Best Site for Rental Newcomers: Rent.com

Website: rent.com.
Launched: 1999.
Fee: Free.

First-time renters can be unsure of themselves, so Rent.com is geared toward rental newbies with simple browsing functions. It’s loaded with beginner tips and resources, including a first-time apartment checklist to help with budgeting and the rental process, and free moving quotes.

The site’s hospitable nature extends to those looking for pet-friendly rentals, off-campus student housing and apartments for seniors and military personnel.

Best Site for Renters on a Budget: Zumper

Website: zumper.com.
Launched: 2011.
Fee: Free.

Zumper distinguishes itself by offering cost-conscious apartment seekers a chance to select neighborhoods, filter dwellings by minimum and maximum price, then view listings next to a detailed map that compares sample prices of similar rentals in the area.

Besides a budget affordability calculator, the site lets renters see how their dollars stack up through median price alerts and data reports published for select cities.

These two scenarios have different costs and installation complexities. But the good news is, both are DIYable if you have some electrical knowledge. And now, there are also tax incentives available that can significantly reduce the cost of installing solar power systems in your home that were approved as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Here’s what we’ve learned about what to expect in each situation.

What Is a Solar Panel?

A solar panel collects energy (photons) from sunlight, which can be converted into electricity. Each solar panel contains multiple photovoltaic cells, usually set under glass and contained within a metal frame.

Solar panels create direct electrical current (DC), which an inverter converts into alternating electrical current (AC) that systems in your house can use. Solar panels are only one part of a solar energy system, along with inverters, charge controllers, electrical panels and meters, racking and storage batteries.

Types of Solar Energy Systems

There are three kinds of residential solar energy systems:

• Grid tie: The most affordable type. This collects solar energy and puts it back into the grid. You’ll save money on power bills, but your power will still go out if the grid goes down because there’s no battery storage.
• Off-grid: This means your house is not tied into any utility company electric lines, but instead works as its own power generation plant. “These are more costly, plus need to be oversized in order to give the homeowner reliable power in the worst-case scenarios,” says Carson Toews, general manager of Solarset in Center, Colorado.
• Hybrid: This system ties into the grid but also has backup batteries. It’s priced like an off-grid system, except it doesn’t need to be oversized like a full off-grid system.

Types of Solar Panels

There are five types of panels you’re likely to find in residential solar setups.

• Monocrystalline: The most common, because they produce more power in a smaller space than polycrystalline panels.
• Polycrystalline: These are less efficient and require more space. “However, the difference in size and efficiency does not impact power,” says Yi Li, CEO of Renogy. “A 100-watt monocrystalline panel and a 100-watt polycrystalline panel will both output 100 watts.”
• Passive emitter and rear cell: Also known as PERC panels, these are a relatively new improvement on monocrystalline cell technology.
• Thin-film: Flexible, lighter and easier to install, but less efficient and long-lasting. They’re more typically used in mobile applications, like RVs.
• Bi-facial: These are monocrystallines that produce power from both sides of the panel. They’re more expensive and most often found on large-scale solar projects, but are trickling into the residential market. “They look really neat, so sometimes they are used in applications like patios and carports, where sunlight leaking through is preferred,” says Toews.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?

It varies, but generally panels cost around $0.75 to $1.60 per watt for rigid microcrystalline and $1.50 to $2 per watt for flexible thin-film panels. If you’re willing to buy products with no warranty, you can find panels on the surplus market for as low as $0.50 per watt.

While there’s a loose standard for the physical size of a solar panel, there’s no standard for solar panel wattage. That’s why price per watt is used, so people can quickly know how economically a panel is priced.

“One needs to remember, though, that the cost of the panel isn’t always what matters,” says Toews. “Even though twenty 225-watt panels might be quite a bit cheaper all together then ten 450-watt panels, you need nearly twice the amount of space to mount them, and nearly twice the cost in racking too.”

Also, rooftop panels need something called a rapid shutdown device to protect firefighters. When that’s built into the panel, it raises the price. Most of the time, though, it’s an add-on, costing about $30 per panel.

Keep in mind, these costs are only for the panels.

“Many are surprised to find out that the panels make up less than 20 percent of the cost in a normal grid-tie system, and less than 10 percent of the cost in an off-grid system,” says Toews. “This can be frustrating to homeowners who feel like they got a really good deal on panels, then realize that isn’t really what counts.”

The cost of a full system for a house can range between $2 and $4 per watt for tie-in and $3 to $5 per watt for off-grid, plus installation. So to power a 1,500-square-foot house off-grid style will likely cost between $20,000 and $35,000, plus installation.

“But I hate to see system size tied to the square footage of the house,” says Toews. “The type and quantity of appliances has a far larger bearing on system size than the size of the house.

“I’ve seen small houses with all electric appliances that require a large solar system, and I’ve seen large houses with a lot of propane appliances that only require a small system.”

Find out if solar power makes financial sense in your individual situation.

Solar Panel Installation Cost

Installing solar panels is a relatively easy DIY job. Installing the rest of the system is more challenging, requiring some electrical experience and patience for research. But both Renogy’s and Solarset’s systems were designed with DIYers in mind.

If you plan on tying your system into the grid, check with your local building and utility codes. You may be required to use a certified installer and inspector. If it must be professionally installed, plan on roughly $2.50 to $3 per watt.

What Tax Credits Are Available for Solar Power?

The Inflation Reduction Act created a 30 percent tax credit to help homeowners and businesses cover the cost of installing solar energy systems. That tax credit is available as of January 1, 2023, so if you’ve been thinking about adding solar power to your home, it’s a good time to do it.

What Factors Affect Solar Panel Cost?

Lots of things. Power generation capacity. Their electrical configuration — say, if you have extras like a bypass diode network to improve panel performance. Where they’re built, domestically or overseas. Freight costs. The type of alloys used to construct the panel frame. And supply and demand.

Overall, the cost of solar panels is going down as the technology becomes more mainstream and government incentives grow. However, prices did increase a little in 2021.

“It was a special year due to inflation,” says Toews. “So it could be the trend is still down, but we are nearing the bottom of solar prices in my opinion, and it will now level off.”

How To Save Money on Solar Panels

The best way to save money is to do your homework. “It’s imperative to have a good understanding of how much power you are looking to supply with solar to help you select the correct panels, controller, inverter and batteries, as well as panel and battery quality,” says Li.

It’s also good to understand technical aspects. Things like the difference between series and parallel panel battery configurations; the difference between DC and AC electrical flow; the role of a charge controller; and safety concerns with battery banks. “This will enable you to install a solar system without the need for professional assistance,” says Li.

For help understanding these and other how-to resources, Renogy offers this advice.

Are Solar Panels Worth the Cost?

Sometimes. If you’re tying into the grid, it’ll likely take between eight and 18 years to pay off, says Toews. If you’re paying typical residential energy costs of $0.12 per kilowatt-hour, the payoff will be faster. It also depends on how complex and costly your system needs to be.

“If adding solar requires a homeowner to spend a lot extra on related costs such as clearing trees for a ground mount system or getting the roof re-engineered for a rooftop system,” Toews says, “this can significantly impact the solar payoff in a negative way.”

For off-grid systems, the payoff is a little different.

“Many times, a person wants to be off grid because they don’t want to deal with the power company and get power hooked up,” says Toews. “We commonly see our customers get quotes from power companies that are $20,000 or even $40,000 for a fairly simple grid connection. In these cases, the solar system can be halfway, or even entirely, paid off already on the first day or use.”

There are considerations beyond cost as well. “A system with battery storage can help insulate you from rolling blackouts, grid pricing fluctuations and natural disasters,” says Li. It can also help you reduce your carbon emissions.

If cost isn’t a factor, it’s probably a sound environmental decision to switch to solar. But if you can’t afford it just yet, don’t fret too much. Within a decade or two, it’s likely your power grid will also be powered by renewables.

If you’re a homeowner, you’ve probably noticed that your homeowner’s insurance rate has climbed consistently over the last several years. According to The Washington Post, since 2017 homeowner’s insurance rates have risen 11.4 percent, which is faster than the rate of inflation.

These increases are mostly based on two factors:

• Climate change: The greater frequency and severity of natural disasters raises the likelihood insurance companies will have to pay to repair or replace damaged property. The cost of that greater risk is passed on to homeowners.
• Supply chain issues: These pandemic-related problems have significantly increased the cost of construction materials, especially lumber. This shortage and price hikes increase the “cost to replace” — the amount the insurance company would have to pay out to rebuild your home. Those costs also get passed on to the homeowner.

Homeowner’s insurance rates vary by state depending on several factors, including the prevalence of natural disasters, the availability of building materials and the current housing market.

Five States With the Highest Homeowner’s Insurance Rates

It’s clear that a lower cost of living overall doesn’t correlate to lower homeowner’s coverage. Of the top five states with the most costly annual rates, three rank among the top 10 cheapest states to live in.

#1 Highest Homeowner’s Insurance: Oklahoma

Oklahoma has one of the lowest costs of living of any state in the U.S., but it’s also smack in the middle of Tornado Alley, the twister-prone heart of the Plains states. The risk of devastating tornadoes, hail damage from violent storms and, increasingly, earthquakes, means Oklahomans pay an average of $3,482 a year for homeowner’s coverage.

#2 Highest Homeowner’s Insurance: Kansas

Oklahoma’s neighbor to the north, Kansas is also part of Tornado Alley — with the homeowner’s insurance prices to prove it. According to Bankrate, the Sunflower State is subject to major hail events, flooding and wind damage from tornadoes. Homeowners here pay an average of $3,288 per year for coverage.

#3 Highest Homeowner’s Insurance: Nebraska

Its below-the-national-average cost of living doesn’t have much impact on homeowner’s insurance rates in Nebraska, another state in Tornado Alley. Wind damage, flooding (including a devastating 2019 Mississippi River flood) and violent storms all keep the rates high. Nebraskans pay an average of $3,234 per year for homeowner’s coverage.

#4 Highest Homeowner’s Insurance: Arkansas

Arkansas has the third-lowest cost of living in the U.S., but don’t expect that to impact homeowner’s insurance rates, which average $2,291 per year. Its position in the lower Mississippi Valley makes it susceptible to all sorts of climatic events, including violent thunderstorms and hail, hurricanes that move up from the Gulf of Mexico, and even earthquakes. The state’s high crime rate also increases insurance costs.

#5 Highest Homeowner’s Insurance: Kentucky

Kentuckians pay an average of $2,174 per year for homeowner’s insurance, despite a cost of living that’s below the national average. Blame the lousy weather. Kentucky is subject to severe winter storms that bring freezing temperatures and ice damage; flooding when that ice and snow start to melt; and, in summer and fall, the remnants of Gulf Coast hurricanes.

Five States With the Lowest Homeowner’s Insurance Rates

Remember, it’s all about risk aversion. The five U.S. states with the lowest rates aren’t necessarily the cheapest places to live, but they’re among the least at risk of natural disaster.

#1 Lowest Homeowner’s Insurance: Hawaii

We admit, this one is a mystery. Hawaii is the most expensive U.S. state to live, with housing costs far above the national average. This is due in part to the scarcity of building materials, many of which must be imported. But the Aloha State’s safety from costly natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes helps keep homeowner’s insurance rates low — an average of just $383 per year!

#2 Lowest Homeowner’s Insurance: Vermont

The cost of living in Vermont is above the national average. But quality of life indicators are also high, including for education, natural environment and low crime rates. Geography contributes to that quality of life, which lowers homeowner’s insurance rates. Thanks to low risk for flooding, storm surge and hurricane damage, Vermonters pay $665 per year for their homeowner’s insurance policies.

#3 Lowest Homeowner’s Insurance: Utah

Utah’s cost of living is below the national average and its quality of life ranks fourth in the nation — a pretty good combo! It’s considered low-risk for damaging weather, with homeowner’s insurance policies averaging about $706 per year. Homeowners who live near seismic fault lines might need to purchase separate earthquake insurance, because that’s not covered by most policies sold in Utah.

#4 Lowest Homeowner’s Insurance: Delaware

Homeowners in Delaware pay an average of $732 per year for homeowner’s insurance. This is lower than the national average of $1,312 per year — and an anomaly given the state’s coastal location. Yet hurricanes rarely make direct hits on the Delmarva Peninsula, the mid-Atlantic land mass that includes Delaware, Maryland and a small part of Virginia.

#5 Lowest Homeowner’s Insurance: New Hampshire

You’ll pay an average of $739 per year for homeowner’s insurance in New Hampshire, which consistently ranks as one of the best U.S. states to live. Winter storms are common here that lead to burst pipes and roof collapses, and the Granite State does get hit by the occasional hurricane. Still, these events are rare enough to keep rates low. Plus, New Englanders know how to prep their homes for winter weather.

What Are Property Taxes?

Property taxes are taxes on real estate levied by state and sometimes local governments. They’re a major source of revenue for these government entities, and go to pay for services that most state residents need, such as schools, public transportation, emergency services, parks and recreation, and public health services.

Property taxes are determined by the assessed value of your property, including land value. So even in a state with low tax rates, the owner of a $600,000 home will pay more in property taxes than the owner of a $250,000 home. In states and municipalities where there are state, local, and sometimes even hyper-local property taxes — say, for example, a school district tax — the tax rates are combined as a single rate. WalletHub’s most recent analysis of property tax rates is based on figures from the 2019 census, and calculates the per-state tax rate on a home valued at $217,500. Rates range from 0.28 percent of home value, or $606 in Hawaii, to 2.49 percent, or $5,419, for a $217,500 home in New Jersey, the state with the highest property tax rates.

Below, we take a look at the states with the highest and lowest property tax rates and evaluate median home prices and some quality of life indicators.

Choose custom-made doors and drawers options from The Home Depot that are tailored to your specific needs and budget. Learn more.

Although there are many motivations for window replacement, one of the most important is energy savings. Contemporary windows feature double- and triple-pane glass and thermally insulated frames, things that weren’t available when older homes were built and energy costs were lower.

Because of the energy-saving benefit, window replacement can increase home value. Homelight estimates an 81 percent return on investment. And with energy prices unlikely to drop, upgrading your windows could save you money in the long run.

A new window generally costs between $600 and $800. What you’ll pay depends on several factors, including labor. The latter can run from $400 to $500 per window, according to Wayne Owczarzak, owner of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company.

Some homeowners may have the DIY skills to install their own windows, depending window type and placement. Experts like Owczarzak say most shouldn’t attempt it. More on that later.

On average, it costs about $7,500 to professional replace 10 double-hung windows in a typical 2,500 square foot home. High end wooden windows will cost more. But there are ways to lower your window replacement costs.

Factors Affecting Window Replacement Cost

Unlike new windows, window replacements fit inside the existing window frame. Owczarzak calls these “pocket windows.”

Some of the factors that influence window replacement cost are:

• Window frame material: The most common are vinyl, fiberglass and wood. Less common options include composites and metal (primarily aluminum).
• Window type: All have different price tags and installation requirements (details below).
• Size of window opening: Larger windows cost more than smaller ones.
• Condition of the window opening: Severe rot and deterioration drive up labor costs.
• Window placement: Upper-story windows may call for extra skill and equipment.
• Age of home: Older homes often have non-standard window openings that require custom-made replacements.
• Type of glass: Most contemporary windows have double-pane glass, but triple-pane is available for extra insulation. You can also order windows with tempered or laminated (safety) glass and UV-resistant coatings.

Replacement Costs of Different Types of Windows

For cost estimation, you can classify windows by frame material and window type.

Frame Material

• Aluminum: Aluminum frames are cheap, but they don’t insulate well. They’re usually reserved for utility and commercial windows, although they can be an option for budget-conscious homeowners. Each window unit costs from $100 to $400.
• Vinyl: After aluminum, this is the least expensive frame material. It runs between $200 and $500 for a standard double-hung window.
• Wood: This traditional material never falls out of favor. A double-hung wood window costs between $300 and $600.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass can be molded to look like wood and offers the best durability and energy efficiency. A double-hung window costs $800 to $2,000.

Window Type

• Single-hung: Found in older homes, these feature a lower sash that slides up and down and a fixed upper sash. A replacement single-hung window costs between $100 and $400.
• Double-hung: These have two sliding sashes that tilt inward, making it safe and easy to clean the outside glass. They cost between $300 and $600. Here’s how to fix a double hung window.
• Casement: The sash on a casement window pivots on a vertical axis, operated by a crank. An awning window is similar but pivots from the top on a horizontal axis. Replacement costs are between $300 and $600.
• Sliding: These open and close along a horizontal track. Quality varies widely, and so does cost — from $200 to $2,000.
• Picture: These are fixed but often non-standard sizes. Costs range from $300 to $800.

DIY vs. Pro Window Replacement

Window replacement isn’t all that complicated, and in many cases it requires minimal exterior work. You can often remove old sashes from indoors after prying off the molding, pop in pocket windows and replace the molding.

It takes a contractor from two to four hours, on average, to install a replacement window. But unless you’re skilled, it will likely take you longer. Consider the following before you decide to DIY:

• Contractors get a discount on replacement windows unavailable to homeowners.
• Contractors are better equipped to handle problems, such as windows that don’t fit exactly and crumbling or out-of-square window frames. Owczarzak says window replacement won’t improve efficiency if air is coming through the gap between the window and the framing. It often takes professional skill to resolve issues like this.
• Replacement windows can be heavy, and it often takes two people to lift one and set it in the window opening. If you drop the window, you pay for a replacement. A contractor who drops one is the person who pays, not you.
• Poor installation practices, like improper sealing or omitting weatherproof frame lining, shorten the life of the window and negate the insulation benefits. A contractor guarantees work against such defects. If you do the job yourself, you assume the liability.
• DIY installation may void the product warranty.

Additional Cost Considerations

The list of materials for even a simple window replacement is longer than many homeowners expect. It includes waterproofing tape, silicone caulk and foam insulation.

Besides the window itself, you usually also have to replace stops and parting strips that keep the window in place. Depending on the condition of the casing and windowsill, you may also want to replace them.

Upgrading to a larger window means widening the opening. Besides the framing work involved, that necessitates a complete interior and exterior trim makeover.

Tips for Saving Money

Over and above doing the installation yourself, you can control window replacement cost in these ways:

• Install windows with a simpler design than the ones you’re replacing, such as solid panes instead of panes with grids.
• Stick with standard colors and sizes.
• Replace several windows at once so you can buy them in bulk.
• Pay by cash or check. A window supplier who incurs a three percent swipe fee for a credit card usually passes on that fee to the consumer.
• Look around for seconds. Builders often sell unused windows on CraigsList.com or recycle them through Habitat for Humanity’s Restore.
• Choose Energy Star windows, which qualify for any applicable energy efficiency tax credits. The federal Residential Energy Efficiency tax credit expired in 2021, but some state and local governments still offer incentives for energy efficient windows.

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According to this chart from the U.S. Energy Information Agency (EIA), consumers in New England pay an average of 22 cents per kilowatt-hour of electricity, almost twice as much as those in Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. Regional electricity costs depend factors like the type of fuel used, the integrity of the regional power grid, weather conditions and state regulations.

But here’s something else that affects your electric bill — when you use it. In some states and with some power companies, the average amount you pay per kilowatt-hour fluctuates during the day. In what’s known as “time of use” billing, or peak hour/off-peak billing, power companies charge according to demand.

Knowing how electricity peak hours work can save you some money, as well as take some of the strain off your community’s power grid.

What Are Peak Electricity Hours?

These are the times of day when electricity consumption is highest. It varies by season and region.

For residential dwellings, think about the times of day you and your family are most active — watching TV, blow-drying your hair, making coffee, running the dishwasher or tossing in a load of laundry. If everyone else in your community follows the same usage pattern, there’s much higher demand for electricity during those periods. And here’s a new wrinkle affecting peak hours — people charging their electric cars.

The time of year determines peak hours, too. In most parts of the country, when summertime temperatures soar, electricity consumption peaks during the hottest hours of the day as businesses, schools and malls crank the air conditioning.

In contrast, winter months see lower household daytime consumption when homes are more likely to be empty, but peak consumption at night when families return and fire up household appliances.

What Are Time of Use Rates?

Time of use rates (abbreviated as TOU) fluctuate based on peak hours. Power companies charge more for electricity during peak hours and less in off-peak times.

These rates exist for understandable reasons. When there is more pressure on the power grid, it costs more to produce the additional electricity to meet the demand. Higher rates theoretically give consumers incentive to decrease their usage during peak times, lessening pressure on the grid.

Some power companies offer TOU rate plans, guaranteeing a fixed kilowatt-hour rate when you consume electricity during off-peak hours. The difference between peak and off-peak TOU rates varies from company to company, but may be as much as 15 to 20 cents per kilowatt-hour.

What’s the Cheapest Time of Day To Use Electricity?

The formula for finding the cheapest time of day to use electricity is pretty simple — don’t use it when everyone else is!

In practical terms, in most parts of the country, these are considered peak hours:

• In summer, typically between noon and 6 p.m. when air conditioners are on full-throttle.
• In winter, typically between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., and again between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. — before and after work.

Off-peak hours line up like this:

• In summer, from about 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., after the hottest part of the day.
• In winter, from about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., when houses are empty and daytime temps are higher

In virtually all seasons and regions, nighttime hours from 9 p.m. or until 5 a.m. are off-peak.

Electricity Money Saving Tips

While it might make financial sense to avoid peak hours, the rhythms of daily life often dictate our electricity use. But there are some ways to take advantage of off-peak rates:

• Before leaving the house for the day, be sure to raise the thermostat in the summer and lower it in the winter.
• Program smart appliances like washers, dryers and dishwashers to run at night during off-peak hours.
• On winter evenings, set the thermostat a little lower, light a fire in the fireplace, wear extra layers or snuggle under a cozy throw blanket.
• Weather-proofing your home and weather stripping windows and doors will keep cold or warm air in, depending on the season.

We’ll go into detail for the most well-known federal first-time home buyer programs here, but there are plenty of local, state and private options as well. Check with your real estate agent or your state housing authority to learn more about those smaller programs.

Many of these programs can be used more than once or by second- or third-time home owners, while some are for first-timers only.

FHA Loan

FHA loans are the most popular first-time home buyer programs. These loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, a part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Since they are backed by the government, there is less risk to the lender, and the lender can accept lower credit scores and down payments, which is ideal for young or first-time buyers.

In order to qualify for an FHA loan, the property must be your primary residence, not a vacation home. David Bitton, Co-Founder and CMO of DoorLoop, explains some of the other eligibility requirements: “Home buyers with credit scores of 580 or above may be eligible for an FHA loan with as little as a 3.5 percent down payment. With a 10 percent down payment, the home buyer’s credit score can range from 500 to 579. However, the interest rate rises as the credit score falls.”

FHA Section 203(k)

FHA Section 203(k) is great for DIYers looking for a fixer-upper. It helps buyers finance the purchase and the rehabilitation of a home, as long as the renovations cost $5,000 or more, according to the HUD. Instead of taking separate loans for the purchase and the renovations, this home buyer program folds it all into the original mortgage.

This is another loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration. “The 203(k) is mostly targeted toward homebuyers looking to purchase older properties with some repairs needed instead of newer ones,” explains Jeff Johnson, a real estate agent and acquisition manager of Simple Homebuyers. The HUD also backs loans intended exclusively for property improvements, not purchases. These help buyers finance home improvements they might not otherwise be able to afford.

USDA Loan

USDA loans are unique in that they have location requirements. “Issued by the USDA Rural Development Guaranteed Housing Loan Program, these loans are zero down payment mortgage loans for rural buyers,” explains Johnson. It’s a good option for people who want to move to a small town. If you’re looking for a primary residence in an eligible rural area, look into this first-time home buyer program.

“The USDA loans are specifically catered to low-income households, and thus, they require no down payment for qualification,” says Johnson. “But if you do put little or no down payment, you will have to get mortgage insurance.” The USDA provides an online tool to check income eligibility.

VA Loan

VA loans are “mortgages targeted toward active and veteran service personnel and their surviving spouses,” says Johnson. Like FHA loans, they’re provided by private lenders and backed by the government, but they’re backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs instead of the FHA. They’re generous loans, but VA loans are known for being less desirable to sellers in a competitive real estate market. The extra restrictions and regulations are consistent across government-backed loans.

There are many benefits of VA loans, though. “These benefits include no down payment, no mortgage insurance, and no prepayment penalties,” says Johnson. And while this is a popular first-time home buyer program, it’s a benefit that can be used multiple times. A military family can use a VA loan for their first home and their downsized retirement home.

Good Neighbor Next Door

The HUD’s Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program helps public servants — law enforcement officers, teachers, EMTs and firefighters — buy affordable homes. “They can purchase properties for 50 percent off the retail price and finance them with down payments as low as $100,” says Bitton.

To be eligible for the program, the home must be in a HUD revitalization area, and it must be the buyer’s primary residence for at least three years, Bitton adds.

National Homebuyers Fund Down Payment Assistance

Some first-time home buyer programs provide grants, rather than assistance securing a mortgage. The National Homebuyers Fund (NHF) Down Payment Assistance (DPA) is one example. “The NHF is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that provides grants to qualified borrowers for closing and/or down payment costs, including first-time home buyers and repeat buyers,” says Bitton.

The assistance is up to five percent of the mortgage loan amount, and it can be used for down payment or closing costs. The program isn’t one-size-fits-all, so the assistance could be forgiven or there could be repayment options, depending on the buyer’s situation.

Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are long-standing mortgage programs created by Congress. The Federal Housing Finance Agency states that Fannie Mae was created in 1938 and Freddie Mac was created in 1970.

“They don’t have their own mortgage but buy mortgages from other lenders in the secondary market,” explains Johnson. But what’s the difference? “Fannie Mae buys and guarantees mortgages from bigger banks, while Freddie Mac does so from smaller lenders.”

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac both offer multiple programs, such as mortgage, refinancing and renovation assistance. The Freddie Mac Home Possible mortgage is one example. “With a three percent minimum down payment, this is a lifesaver for first time buyers,” says Ben Fisher, a real estate agent with The Fisher Group in the Park City, Utah, area. A similar mortgage from Fannie Mae, called the HomeReady Mortgage, also has a three percent down payment. These programs have lower down payments but require better credit scores — at least 620 — than FHA loans.

Fannie Mae HomePath Ready Buyer

Fannie Mae also offers a program specifically for first-timers called the HomePath Ready Buyer Program. This first-time home buyer program is part education and part financial assistance. Buyers who complete the homeownership education by Framework and purchase a HomePath home “may receive up to three percent in closing cost assistance,” according to Fannie Mae. This program can be combined with the HomeReady Mortgage mentioned above.

Energy-Efficient Mortgage (EEM)

The Energy Efficient Mortgage program (EEM) is another FHA program. The EEM program “is designed to help homeowners save money on their utility bills and help them finance energy-efficient improvements,” explains Johnson, which makes “more of their income available for mortgage payments.” The program can also be used to purchase homes that are already energy efficient, such as Energy Star certified homes, according to Energy Star.

Fannie Mae also offers an energy efficient mortgage program: HomeStyle Energy Mortgage.

Native American Direct Loan

Native American Direct Loans (NADL) are for Native American buyers who are veterans or who are married to veterans. NADLs can be used to buy, build or improve homes on federal trust lands. Like other VA loans, this is a reusable benefit, but it’s popular among first-time home buyers.

NADLs offer low interest rates without a private mortgage insurance requirement. They also don’t require a down payment. For questions regarding eligibility for this and other VA loans, contact your Regional Loan Center.

What To Know About the First-Time Homebuyer Act of 2021

You may have heard of a new first-time home buyer program in 2021. It’s officially called the First-Time Homebuyer Act of 2021, but you may also hear something like “Biden’s homebuyer tax credit.” Instead of a mortgage program that prospective buyers must apply for, this is a tax credit from the federal government. And it’s not really new; it’s a modification to an existing tax credit.

To put it simply, this program would raise the maximum first-time home buyer tax credit from $8,000 to $15,000. But not everyone qualifies.

To qualify for the credit, Bitton explains that the following conditions must be met:

• Eligible home buyers must not have been co-signed on a mortgage loan or owned a property in the previous 36 months;
• Must not exceed 60 percent of the area’s median income;
• Must be at least 18 years old or married to someone who is at least 18 years old on the date of purchase;
• Most not purchase the home from a relative;
• Must acquire the home on or after January 1, 2021.

What To Know About the Downpayment Toward Equity Act of 2021

Here’s another first-time home buyer program newly introduced in 2021: the Downpayment Toward Equity Act of 2021. This is a program intended to help low-income buyers cover down payment and closing costs with up to $25,000 in grant money.

According to Bitton, these are the current eligibility requirements:

• Eligible homebuyers must make no more than 20 percent higher than the area’s median income;
• Must use a government-backed mortgage, such as those mentioned above;
• Must be a primary residence.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis provides median income information by county and metropolitan area.

First-Time Home Buyer Programs through Banks

Conventional mortgages through banks are hard to get for many people, so some banks offer their own grants and mortgage programs. One example is Bank of America’s Community Homeowner Commitment. This program offers eligible buyers up to $10,000 toward a down payment and up to $7,500 toward closing costs. Check with mortgage providers in your area to see if they offer their own first-time home buyer programs.

Local Grants and Programs

In addition to the national programs mentioned here, there are many state and local first-time home buyer programs. The National Council of State Housing Agencies provides resources for finding programs in your state. You can also check with the HUD to find local programs by state.

Winterizing your irrigation system will keep it running better and longer. Take these steps to prepare your sprinklers for the cold season. Your yard will thank you when you can still water the lawn next spring.

Compressor Set-Up

With a basic quick-connect coupling, you can use your air compressor to clear water from your sprinkler system for the winter. But, there are many different ways to connect to your system.  Just be aware that even the largest home compressor isn’t powerful enough to blow out the entire system at once. But you can probably blow it out zone by zone, which is how I do it.

If you’re into number crunching and you have the original irrigation layout showing the gallons per minute (GPM) of each sprinkler head, divide the total GPM of each zone by 7.5. That’ll give you the cubic feet per minute (CFM) you need to blow it out. Otherwise, just rent a 10-CFM compressor and hose from your local tool rental center.

Set the compressor air pressure regulator to a maximum of 80 psi for rigid PVC pipe systems, or 50 psi for flexible black polyethylene pipe. Now, each system is different, but I’ve had no problems running my compressor at full volume through my black polyethylene pipe. Then turn off the water supply.

Permits are required for many projects, and not all building departments require permits for the same ones. But here’s a good rule of thumb: If you’re working underground or behind a wall, you’ll probably need to pull a permit. Because permit costs vary from location to location (and even from neighborhood to neighborhood), we’ll cover a range of expected costs for common projects. Contact your local Building Department to get the specifics.

Here is a sampling of projects, from relatively simple to complex, and what you can expect to pay for the necessary building permits:

Fence Installation

Fence permits generally cost between $50 and $100. Some cities simply collect the fee, while others require an inspection.

If your city does perform an inspection, check to see if they need to inspect the post holes. Some municipalities want to see the depth and stability of the post hole. You don’t want to redo any of your work because you forgot to have them come out to the jobsite.

Window/Door Replacement

Window and door replacements are perfect examples of building permits that vary wildly in cost. Some municipalities don’t require permits at all if the replacement windows or doors are the same size as the original.

If your local building department does require a permit, expect to pay about $50 to $100 to replace a single door or one or two windows. If you’re replacing more than that, the cost can vary more dramatically. Many locations top out costs around $250 no matter how many units are being replaced, but other cities don’t have that limit, so replacing a dozen windows could run $600 in permit fees.

If your local building department requires a permit, it may be a so-called “drive by” permit, where the inspector simply drives past and verifies that the work has been done. This may make the permit seem less important. But remember: Because window and door work is so visible from the street, skipping the permit will likely result in a fine or stop-work order from the city.

New Window/Door Installation

A window or door installation that requires a new opening (or an opening expansion) will almost always need a permit, and may require a stamped engineer’s drawing.

The permit fee is also likely to be more expensive than a straight replacement. Figure a minimum of $75 to $125 for the base project, with some municipalities charging up to $250. It’s rare to put in multiple new windows and doors, but if your project will involve cutting in more than three or four openings, expect to scale the permit cost accordingly.

Deck Installation

A new deck installation usually requires a permit, with a fee in the range of $150 to $350. Inspections will likely occur for the footer holes and at completion, although that will also vary from department to department. Note that if you’re replacing an existing deck, most municipalities won’t require a permit as long as the footprint of the deck remains unchanged.

Roof Replacement

Most roof replacements require a permit, but it’s rare to find a city that charges outside the $200 to $500 range. Much like a window or door installation, a roof job is highly visible and likely to be spotted by local building authorities, so it’s well worth the time and money to get your permit pulled ahead of time.

Bathroom Remodel

In general, expect to pay between $400 and $750 in permits for a full bathroom remodel. That may seem expensive, but consider that these projects often involve electric, plumbing and HVAC, as well as a general construction permit. That means even a small bathroom remodel requires the same number of permits and inspections as a much larger job. Luckily, many municipal Building Departments have costs that scale to match the square footage of the project.

Also, remember our rule of thumb about work behind the wall needing a permit. In general, if you want to replace your bathroom sink, lights or vent fan, you do not need a permit. But if you move that sink two feet to the right, and need to adjust the supply and drain lines, that most likely will require a permit.

New Garage

An unfinished garage with no plumbing or HVAC will likely only require an electric permit for the garage door opener and overhead lights, and a general construction permit. Your specific municipality may also require a roofing permit. As always, these costs will vary, but $450 to $1,000 is a reasonable range.

Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen remodel requires the same inspections as a bathroom remodel, but on a larger scale. Check with your Building Department, but once you factor in electric, plumbing, HVAC and a general construction permit, you’ll likely be in the $750 to $1,500 range.

Two-Story Addition

A two-story addition is about as complex as a project gets, short of building an entirely new home. This type of project requires multiple permits and inspections throughout the process. Expect to pay somewhere between $1,250 and $2,500 to cover electric, plumbing, HVAC, framing, drywall, insulation and roofing.

The exact permit cost will depend on the size of the addition as well as whether your Building Department gives a price break for having multiple permits on a single project. Also worth considering is whether your neighborhood or homeowners association (HOA) has a review board, and whether they charge a fee. As always, this due diligence should be done before you firm up the details of your project plan.

Note: No one seems to know for sure, but it is generally accepted that the term “pulling a permit” comes from a time when someone had to physically pull the paperwork for the permit out of a filing cabinet!

Homeowners insurance to the rescue? Maybe. But homeowners insurance policies vary, so don’t make any assumptions. Depending on the fine print, your policy may not provide coverage for all the damage your home sustains in a catastrophic event, weather-related or not.

“Each policy (is) a little different,” says Terra Gross, an Illinois-based attorney who helps clients understand their homeowners policies. She emphasizes it’s always wise to ask good questions and read policy documents thoroughly before signing on the dotted line.

Here are some important things to know about homeowners insurance as you shop for a policy, or try to decipher the one you have.

What is Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowners insurance, Gross says, is a package of protection for property and people, tied to a particular residence. It protects you from financial loss if:

• Your home or the belongings in it are damaged by a destructive event, like a fire or windstorm;
• You, a member of your household (including your pets) or an event your home injures a third party who happens to be in your home or on your property.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

The definition sounds simple enough, but in reality it’s nuanced. Gross suggests learning the things you should expect to see in all standard policies  — and some things that might surprise you.

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), policies should cover:

• The structures on the property, including the home itself and unattached buildings like garages and sheds.
• Personal belongs in those structures lost to theft or destruction. The destruction must be related to an insured disaster, like a fire.
• Trees, plants and shrubs that are stolen or damaged by fire, lightning, falling aircraft, explosions and vandalism. If you noticed wind and disease aren’t on the list, that isn’t an oversight. Unfortunately, if a diseased tree falls over in a windstorm and damages your roof, there’s no coverage for that.
• Other people. Called liability protection, this part of the policy applies to an occurrence at your home that causes injury to a third party. Things like your dog biting a guest, or a visitor falling down the stairs and breaking their leg. The liability portion of your policy protects you anywhere in the world as well, in case you accidentally injure someone when you are not at home.
• Living expenses if you need to temporarily relocate. If your house is deemed uninhabitable after a catastrophe, your homeowners insurance will cover the cost of a hotel or rental home, depending on how long you need to live elsewhere. Food and other living expenses are sometimes covered as well.

What Additional Coverage is Available?

Unfortunately, though the list of standards sounds comprehensive, the typical policy excludes lots of things people tend to have around the house. These include jewelry, musical instruments, business equipment and watercraft, Gross says.

Does this mean you’re out of luck if someone breaks into your home and steals your grandmother’s wedding ring, or if your wedding ring accidentally gets washed down the drain? Possibly.

The good news is, you can avoid this by adding additional coverage to your policy. Often referred to as a rider, this is sometimes called a floater or even an “add-on.” Essentially, it is an amendment to your policy.

Common rider options include coverage for:

• Personal property, including valuable items like jewelry or fine art;
• Musical instruments;
• Identity theft restoration;
• Sporting equipment;
• Business-related items if you store business equipment or products at your home.

What is NOT Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

While homeowners insurance certainly covers a lot, it doesn’t cover everything. And Gross says you absolutely must understand this before signing up for a policy so there are no surprises.

Earthquakes and floods are never covered in a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. If you live in an earthquake- or flood-prone area, you’ll need to purchase separate earthquake and/or flood insurance policies, Gross says.

Who Needs Homeowners Insurance?

OK, but what if you’re not worried about fires or other calamities? What if you are willing to risk it and go without homeowners insurance? According to the III, only five percent of homeowners file a claim each year.

That’s fine as long as you own your home outright, Gross says. But if you have a mortgage, that probably isn’t an option. “Most of the time it is required by your lender,” Gross says. And if you fail to obtain homeowners insurance, your lender will secure a policy for you, then send you the bill.

Pay special attention, too, if you rent out a room in your home. While your homeowners policy covers the space itself for things like fire, your tenant will need renters insurance for their personal belongings.

How Much Does Homeowners Insurance Cost?

If all of this sounds expensive, well, it can be. But it probably isn’t as expensive as going without and then wishing you hadn’t.

Average costs vary, of course, based on where you live, the value of your home, how your home is constructed, your personal credit history and whether you have a history of claims. According to Insurify Insights, the national average is $1,211 per year. Homeowners insurance is the most expensive in Oklahoma, and the least expensive in Oregon.

Can I Get a Home Warranty Instead of Homeowners Insurance?

Finally, it is important to understand the distinction between a home warranty and homeowners insurance. They are not one and the same. Purchasing a home warranty does not get you off the hook with your lender.

What’s the difference? Instead of protecting you from financial loss due to a catastrophic event as homeowners insurance does, a home warranty pays for service, repair or replacement of certain systems in your home if they fail unexpectedly. Things like appliances, plumbing or electrical.

While sellers often offer warranties as incentives during real estate transactions, they are in no way, shape or form required. They can come in handy, yes. But they don’t protect you from anything, other than paying your plumber’s entire fee out of pocket if and when the pipes burst.

The cost of these warranties vary widely. Some run as little as $225 annual, while others go for $1,700 or more.

If you enjoyed this content, sign up for our new homeowner newsletter where we’ll guide you through the exciting journey of what to do before you purchase your dream house as well as give you expert tips and projects to help you make that new house a true home.

Tires are one of your vehicle’s most critical systems, and they take a lot of abuse. Good tires are important to your car’s overall safety and driving comfort. Driving on bald tires will negatively impact braking and steering control. Here are a few tips to help you buy the best tires for your needs without breaking the bank.

Be Sure You’re Comparing Apples to Apples

When comparison shopping for tires, consider these seven factors. Make sure you’re combining all costs of all sets of tires you’re comparing. One set may look like a great deal, but actually isn’t once you add in all the upcharges.

The factors are:

• Cost of the tires;
• Sales tax;
• Shipping;
• Mounting and balancing;
• New valve stems;
• Disposal of old tires;
• Relearning or resetting the tire pressure monitoring system, or rebuilding the monitoring system sensors.

Add Tires To Your Black Friday List

You’ll save money if you buy during Black Friday sales. Other seasonal sale periods include April (before the summer driving season) and October (before winter weather sets in).

Even if you don’t think you need tires during these sales, buying tires when you have to may force you to spend more than you should, or leave you with a brand or model you really don’t want.

Don’t Pay for Things You Don’t Need

Some tires cost more because they come with a “free” road hazard warranty. This is separate from the manufacturer’s warranty. It covers accidental damage, such as a glass puncture or pothole blowout. If you already have this coverage through an auto club or supplemental wheel and tire protection plan, this added coverage doesn’t benefit you and you shouldn’t pay for it.

Take Advantage of Coupons, Rebates, Codes and Price-Matching

Brick-and-mortar tire retailers, as well as those online, often offer coupons, coupon codes, mail-in rebates and buy-three-get-one-free deals. These promotions can save you money. But be sure to examine the details to ensure the deal is on the tires you want and there are no hidden fees.

Another money-saver: Taking advantage of a 30-day low-price guarantee. Many retailers will honor competitors lower advertised price on the same exact make and model tire for up to 30 days after your purchase. If that retailer charges less for some of the upcharges, such as tire mounting, balancing and disposal, you will come out ahead.

Never Underestimate the Power of Negotiation

While the big box retailers won’t budge on price, dedicated tire retailers can often work with you to lower the cost of your tires to a price you know is a good deal.

Money-Saving Tire-Buying Wisdom

• Don’t waste money buying the wrong tires. Check the owner’s manual or the sticker on the driver’s door to find the correct tire size for your vehicle. Because many vehicle components are designed for a specific size tire, vehicle manufacturers strongly recommended replacing your car or truck’s tires with the same size tires that came from the factory.
• Extending the life of your tires is the best way to save money. Buy an air pressure gauge and use it monthly to keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Inspect your tires for abnormal wear or damage. And getting your tires rotated and balanced and wheels aligned following your vehicle manufacturer’s maintenance schedule greatly increases tire life.
• Look for online tire retailers who will ship your tires directly to your mechanic or one of their approved independent installers, and who will mount and balance the tires at no extra charge. Many online tire retailers ship for free and offer low or no-cost road hazard warranties.

Blowing the water out of the irrigation lines is a crucial part of home maintenance. Once the temperatures start falling, water left in the lines can freeze and burst, costing you a lot of money in repairs. Every landscape service company has different charges which vary by location. In Minnesota, prices average around $80 to have your sprinkler system blown out each fall. That can add up.

Winterizing Your Own System

It’s possible to blow out your system if you have the right equipment. First, you’ll need an air compressor. And it has to have enough volume to do it right.

In my situation, I had the air compressor, but no easy way to hook it up to the system. Some systems have air compressor fittings or blow out ports to hook up directly. Mine does not. I purchased the following parts to create my own blow out port:

1. 1-in. x 3/4-in. PVC Schedule 40 Reducer Bushing ($1.97);
2. 1/2-in. x 4-in. PVC riser (64 cents);
3. 1/2-in. x 1/4-in. Galvanized Malleable Iron FPT x FPT Reducing Coupling ($2.28);
4. 1/4-in Full Port Ball Valve ($8.38);
5. 1/4-in. x 1/4-in. Male to Male Industrial Plug quick coupler ($1.41).

Connecting the Parts

Connect the above parts in order, securing them with thread seal tape. My system has a one-inch plug hole that connects to the device.

To blow out the water, charge up the air compressor and hook it up to the quick coupler end (make sure to close the ball valve). Once charged, open the valve and blow out each zone, one at a time until mist comes from the sprinkler heads. Close the valve in between each zone to charge up the compressor.

Several companies make devices for this purpose, but the ones I found only had 3/4-in. hookups. These devices are made for blowing out the water lines in RVs. I couldn’t find a device that would work at my local home store, so I assembled the above parts.

More homeowners are opting for solar panels to supplement or replace their grid-based energy needs. Whether you aspire to be energy neutral, prefer a back-up plan in the case of power failure or simply want to save a little on your monthly electric bill, the benefits of solar panels are numerous.

What Are Solar Panels?

Solar panels capture and convert the energy of sunlight to power your home. They can store excess energy in batteries or feed it back into the electrical grid, resulting in credits to your utility account. Most residential solar panels are roof-mounted, although they may also be set up in a field or other area that gets direct sunlight.

Panels come in an array of sizes and power levels. Most residential rooftop solar panels are about 3-1/2 feet by 5-1/2 feet, and produce about 250 to 300 watts per hour of sunlight. A 300-watt panel exposed to five hours of sunlight would produce 1,500 watts, or 1.5 kilowatts (kW). Solar panel systems are described by their total hourly production, so an array of ten 300-watt panels is known as 3 kW.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Residential solar energy usually features an array of solar panels. These lightweight rectangles rest on a supporting rack, facing the optimal direction to capture the sun’s rays.

Solar panels are photovoltaic (photo meaning light, voltaic meaning electric). When light strikes the solar cells in the panel, it excites the electrons in the cells and generates direct current electricity (DC). An inverter transforms DC into alternating current (AC), allowing it to be used in the home.

Most residential systems lack a large enough battery system to keep the house running overnight, so your electric bill features a net power drawn/given to the energy grid. Known as “net metering,” this technology has made solar more financially sensible for homeowners.

Do Solar Panels Save Money?

In the long run, solar panels definitely save money for most homeowners. Like other investments such as Energy Star appliances, the question is how long it takes for the savings to surpass the added initial cost.

Most professionally-installed solar panel systems pay for themselves after about eight years, with DIY systems faster than that.

This timeline will due to a number of factors, including:

• The amount of sunlight in your area.
• The cost of electricity in your area.
• Energy tax or rebate incentives.
• Whether your home was pre-wired for solar.
• The condition of your roof prior to installation.

As you’ve probably noticed, many of those factors depend on the weather and policies where you live. Net metering isn’t available in all areas. An investment in solar will quickly pay off in a region with high electrical costs and net metering, even if it’s more overcast than other parts of the country.

Find out if solar power makes financial sense in your individual situation.

Pros and Cons of Solar Panels

Like any technology, solar panels come with pros and cons.

Pros

• Great for the environment.
• Relatively DIY friendly.
• Frequently comes with tax or utility incentives.
• Increases home value by about $14,000 according to a Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory study.

Cons

• High up-front cost.
• Makes roofing repairs and replacement more difficult.
• Becomes less effective as the panels age and technology improves.

That last point is an interesting one. If you love having the latest and greatest technology, know your solar panels will only be cutting edge for a year or two after you install them. After that, the latest models will likely be less obtrusive and more effective.

Solar Panel Installation

Consider these factors to determine if installing solar panels is the right choice for your home.

DIY vs. Pro Installation

The actual rack and solar panel installation is straightforward. Most DIYers who are comfortable working on a roof can handle the job. It’s possible to install panels solo. But given their size and the nature of roof work, it’s far easier with a helper or two.

Many areas require a licensed electrician to hook up the panels to your home. Even if it’s not technically required where you live, it’s wise to bring in an electrician.

If you opt to go with a solar installation pro, you’ll have expert eyes looking over your project from start to finish. You won’t need to worry about making a small mistake in your usage calculation, resulting in an underpowered array.

How Much Does a Solar Energy System Cost?

A residential solar system has three main components: the panels; the rack that supports them; and the wiring and power inverters that deliver power from the panels to your home.

There’s plenty of variation in each of these components (size and power of the panels, fixed or adjustable racks, string or micro-inverter), allowing you to find the perfect fit for your needs and budget. These components can all be bought separately, but are most often purchased as kits that include everything you need.

Installation costs vary, but for a two-story home with a 5 kW panel array, expect to pay between $14,000 and $20,000 for a professional installation (labor and materials). A DIY 5 kW kit costs between $7,000 to $10,000 for materials only. Those numbers don’t include tax or utility incentives.

Newly available tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act, passed in the Fall of 2022, will cover 30 percent of the cost of installing a solar power system in your home.

Depending on your tax situation and local incentives, you may find the DIY savings smaller than it first appears.

Where to Buy?

For DIY kits, shop specialty providers online. Look for manufacturers that provide plenty of video instruction and support options. If you prefer to go with a pro, most home improvement stores have a solar installation option. Or you can go straight to the installation companies and ask about custom packages.

Solar Panel Maintenance

With no moving parts, the only real solar panel maintenance involves cleaning and inspections.

Cleaning

Naturally, any obstructions that block sunlight will lower the efficiency of the panels. Leaves or pine needles will often clear away from wind or rain in a matter of days. But if you get consistent debris or dirt accumulation, you should plan on the occasional cleaning. And if you live in a snow-heavy environment, you may need snow removal, although most homeowners simply wait for it to melt off.

A professional cleaning costs between $150 and $500, depending on the roof height, slope and number of panels. But if you’re comfortable with roof work, you can easily do it yourself. Whether done by you or a pro, cleaning is the perfect time to inspect the panels and roof.

Inspection

Solar panels should be inspected annually to ensure there’s no damage from falling limbs or hail, and that the roof remains intact beneath the panels. Chances are you won’t have an issue; solar panels are surprisingly durable. But if you do, you’re much better off knowing about it as soon as possible.