Winter is coming. It's almost heating season and a good time to check and/or replace your thermostat batteries. If your thermostat batteries are dying or dead, your heat isn't going to come on during the next chilly morning.

Most electronic wall mounted thermostats (ones that have a LED screen) have batteries. It's not always obvious where these batteries are located. They can be in a compartment accessible from the front or they can be hidden behind. If you can't find an obvious place for a battery, try googling "thermostat name/model changing battery". 

Thermostat manufacturers recommend changing the batteries yearly. This is probably overkill if you have a heat only system as the thermostat is working for only part of the year. If you have a heat pump or A/C in addition to heat your thermostat is working throughout the year and may need yearly battery replacement due to the increased power demand.

You try to open your garage door one morning and hear a huge metallic bang. The door isn't opening but the opener still works. What happened? The most common reason for this to occur is that the torsion springs failed. Check out the video below for 3 signs to check to determine if your torsion springs are broken.

What is an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter? I often get this question at newer homes when we take a look at the circuit breakers in the service panel (fuse box). AFCI protection is a newer requirement of the National Electrical Code. Initial implementation for some new construction occurred in 1999. The 2017 NEC requires AFCI protection in almost all branch circuits in new construction and when replacing older receptacles/outlets during remodeling.

Most people are familiar with a GFCI protected circuit. GFCI outlets protect people from shock hazards. AFCI protected circuits protect the whole branch circuit from conditions that could result in a fire. The outlets in protected branch circuits look the same, the protection comes from the AFCI breaker in the service panel/fuse box. 

As the NEC continues to evolve, more rooms and branch circuits will be required to have AFCI protection. As of 1 SEP 2017, Washington State adopted the 2017 version of the NEC. Almost all circuits in a newly constructed house will be required to have AFCI protection. If you are remodeling a room or even changing a receptacle, the NEC requires that branch circuit to be upgraded to AFCI protection at the service panel. AFCI breakers need a specific type of installation, it's not as simple as swapping out an older style non AFCI breaker. AFCI breakers are best installed by an electrician to ensure proper operation and that they are actually protecting the circuit.

Great overview of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets. 

Sliding screen door not sliding well? Does it take more than one hand to open and shut? Follow these easy process to adjust and lubricate your sliding screen door. Most doors only require a screwdriver, a quality spray lubricant and about 10 minutes of your time.