The HomeMedic - Help for Homeowners

The HomeMedic #168 Winter prep - swamp coolers & central air

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:20:08 +0000

Winter prep also includes battening down the hatches for the stuff you use in the summer. In this case, the swamp cooler or central air units. What should you do for those systems? Glad you asked. Here's how to protect your home and family.

The HomeMedic #168 Winterizing - furnace

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:18:21 +0000

So even your furnace needs to be prepped for winter? Sure does, but only if you want it to work well. Here's what you need to know to protect your family and keep your bills down.

The HomeMedic #167 Winterizing - the hose bib

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:15:33 +0000

The lowly hose bib - that valve on the outside of the house? Chances are you'd like to avoid having that thing freeze up in the winter and flood your home in the spring. Here's how to protect your home and family.

The HomeMedic #166 Winterizing - doors and windows

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:13:53 +0000

Nothing is more soothing in January than having a nice cold draft oozing from around your doors and windows, right? Or perhaps not. Here's what you need to do in September to avoid the ugh in January.

The HomeMedic #165 Winterizing - ice dams & gutters

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:12:07 +0000

If winter happens where you live, then fall is the time to prepare. Are your gutters ready to carry the water safely away? Will you have ice dams? Here's what you need to know to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #164 windows

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:09:08 +0000

Your windows are the eyes of the home. Without them, darkness, gloom and despair, right? But the windows are also security and protection against the ravages of mama nature. Here's what you need to know about your windows in a nutshell.

The HomeMedic #163 Water purification - water treatment

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:07:17 +0000

Want to treat your water? Many of us do, but it's good to know before you go. There are bacteria you can treat for, coliform, metals, solids, and a laundry list. Here's what you need to know

The HomeMedic #162 Water purification - water softeners

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:05:07 +0000

So you'd like a water softener system. It's got lots of benefits, right? But did you know it just trades calcium and magnesium (water hardness, but it's good for you if you drink it) to sodium? Yeah. Sodium is salt, and it's not that great for you. Here's what you need to know about softeners before you make that purchase.

The HomeMedic #161 Water purification - filters

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:02:43 +0000

So you'd like your water to be filtered. That's great, but from what? Metals? Dissolved solids? Germs? There a number of different kinds of filters. Here's what you need to know to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #160 Water heaters - maintenance

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 21:05:15 +0000

So you look at the water heater, and it pretty much just looks like a chunk of steel. What are you supposed to do with it? Does it last forever? How do you know when it's going bad? Here are the answers you need.

The HomeMedic #159 Water heaters - solar

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 21:03:47 +0000

Solar water heaters are a thing too. After all, if you're camping, who needs a cold shower? That's definitely not glamping. Here's what you need to know about solar water heaters

The HomeMedic #158 Water heaters - types & sizes

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 21:02:00 +0000

So just like everything else in life, there are way more choices than there should be. At least water heater varieties aren't as dizzying as carpet choices. Here's a description of different water heater types, any why each might be the right choice for your family

The HomeMedic #157 Water heaters - safety part 2

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 21:00:03 +0000

There's enough safety issues that we couldn't do all water heater issues in one segment. Here's part 2

The HomeMedic #156 Water heaters - safety part 1

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 20:58:22 +0000

Your water heater is one of those systems we'd all like to forget about. But if you forget about them too long, or don't know what to do, they get dangerous. Here's what you should know so you can protect your family.

The HomeMedic #155 Unwelcome bugs - wasps

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 20:56:15 +0000

Wasps are the bane of the picnic, as well as the back yard. Little Johnny gets stung, and the party is over. Now as the mom, you just went from happy to ER mode. What should you be doing to protect your family from wasps? Here you go.

The HomeMedic #154 Unwelcome bugs - snails & slugs

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 20:54:47 +0000

Of all the gross and slimy whatevers, snails and slugs are right at the top of the list! They slime and they ooze, and did we mention that they're gross? Here's what you can do about them

The HomeMedic #153 Unwelcome bugs - roaches

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 20:52:39 +0000

Roaches! They're gross, they're dirty, they're embarrassing and they survive nuclear holocausts. And they come by the thousands. Is there a lower creature on the planet? Here's how to mitigate roach issues and protect your family.

The HomeMedic #152 Unwelcome bugs - bedbugs

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 20:50:26 +0000

Bedbugs. They're gross. They're stealthy, they bite. They eat your flesh. They might as well be zombies. But where do they hide? How much of a problem are they? Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #151 Tubs - tub fails

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 20:48:50 +0000

Got a jetted tub, would you like to avoid all of the fails that are happening to your neighbors? How do you avoid the black corn flakes and the leaks? Here's how to protect yourself and your family.

The HomeMedic #150 Tubs - cleaning

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 20:47:35 +0000

Got a specialty tub? One of the jetted tubs maybe? You can't just clean it with Clorox - it can damage the tub. So what do you do? Here's how to clean it without putting your family at risk.

The HomeMedic #149 Tubs - jetted tubs

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 20:46:01 +0000

Got a jetted tub? They're awesome - until that black nasty stuff comes out. Does yours do that? How much of a problem is it? How do you get rid of it? Here's what you need to know to protect your family

The HomeMedic #148 Trees - tree risks

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 16:19:28 +0000

So trees are generally awesome. But in the wrong place, trees can cause a lot of grief. Fires, roof damage, structural damage, clogging, even flooding and molds. What do you need to know so you can protect your home and family? Here you go.

The HomeMedic #147 Trees - quakies (quaking aspen)

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 16:17:27 +0000

Gotta love a quakie. Their leaves shimmer in the wind, and they turn a summer day into pure bliss. Everyone should have a quakie, and they should be everywhere, right? Well, perhaps not. Here's what you need to know about quakies so they can be placed properly in your yard.

The HomeMedic #146 Trees - pines and poplars

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 16:16:05 +0000

Trees are beautiful. They make oxygen. They're green. They never poop. What can go wrong? Well - lots of things. Here's what you need to know about pines and poplars so you can protect your home and family.

The HomeMedic #145 Termites - war stories

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 16:14:07 +0000

Don't you wish that someone who has been there and seen the termites would just speak up? Tell the stories about what happened and why they got in? How did they get them out? Well, here you go. This is what you need to know to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #144 Termites - mitigation

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 16:12:49 +0000

So you think you might have termites, or you just want to keep them out of your home. What do you need to know? Where should you look? If you poison them, will they just be back tomorrow? Here's what you need to know to protect your family.

The Home Medic #143 Termites - termite types

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 16:11:36 +0000

You mean there's more than one type of termite? One is gross enough! Yes, there's a variety, and some of them do better in different climates. Here's what you need to know to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #142 Termites - introduction

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 16:09:57 +0000

Termites are here on earth for one good reason: to turn wood into soil. That may be great, but when they turn your home into soil, that's very much a problem. Here's what you should know about termites so you can protect your family

The HomeMedic #141 Swamps & central air - war stories

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 16:08:37 +0000

What are the differences between swamp coolers and central air? How do they affect your family and your home? Which is better? Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #140 swamps & central air - swamp coolers

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 16:07:28 +0000

Swamp coolers do work in some parts of the country, but there are costs that don't show up on your power bill. Here's what you need to know about swampers

The HomeMedic #139 swamp coolers & central air - AC unit

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 16:05:35 +0000

Swamp coolers and central air: One is less expensive to run and to buy, the other causes fewer allergens. Which is right for your family? Here's a background for you in central air

The HomeMedic #138 Summer prep - drainage

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 14:34:13 +0000

Few things are more ignored and more important than your home's drainage system. If it's not doing what it should, rot, mold, termites, spiders and structural settlement may be in your future. Here's how to protect your family from drainage issues in the springtime.

The HomeMedic #137 Summer prep - sprinklers

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 14:33:26 +0000

How to prepare your sprinkler system for summer

The HomeMedic #136 Summer prep - roof part 2

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 14:31:14 +0000

Here's part 2 about prepping your home (specifically the roof) for summer

The HomeMedic #135 Summer prep - the attic

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 14:29:08 +0000

As you prepare for summer, few things will affect your power bills and comfort level more than the attic. But what should you know about it? You know you can't get up there safely if you don't know what you're doing, that's true, but what should you look for from a head-in inspection? Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #134 Summer prep - the roof part 1

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 14:27:27 +0000

Preparing for summer. It's a good time of the year, but the sun is about to come out in earnest, and your home is going to get baked. How do you know what to do about the roof? How long will it last? What should you look for? Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #133 Sprinklers - timers & sizing

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 14:24:34 +0000

Most of us look at the sprinkler timer box like we'd look at a martian ship controller. What are these buttons and bells all about? And when you're designing a new sprinkler zone, how big should you go and what materials should you use? Here are the answers.

The HomeMedic #132 Sprinklers - sprinkler heads

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 14:22:05 +0000

Most of us have a love/hate relationship with our sprinkler system. We have to have it, but maintenance is a pain in the hiney. How do you know which of the sprinkler head types is best for your home? Where should you place them? How far apart should they be? Here you go.

The HomeMedic #131 Spiders - other spiders

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 14:20:29 +0000

So what if that spider in your home isn't a black widow, a brown recluse or a funnel web. Is it still dangerous? What does the presence of spiders in your home tell you? How do you keep your family safe? Here you go.

The HomeMedic #130 Spiders - brown recluse

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 14:19:03 +0000

Most of us have heard of the brown recluse - their bite can certainly send you to the hospital. But where do they live? How do you avoid them? And how do you keep them out of your home? Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #129 Spiders - funnel web

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 14:17:17 +0000

The funnel web spider doesn't have the name recognition as the black widow, but its bite still packs a big punch. What does a funnel web spider look like? Where do you find it? How can you keep little Johnny away from them and how do you keep them out of the house? Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #128 Spiders - black widow

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 14:15:04 +0000

We all know what the black widow is, and the spider looks scary enough. But where do you expect a black widow to live? How do you avoid them? How do you prevent them? What should you do if you've been bitten? Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #127 Snakes - snake bite prevention

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 23:41:00 +0000

What's better than knowing what to do when you get bit? Well, how about never getting bit at all? Would you like to know what to do to avoid snake bites? Here's how to protect your family

The HomeMedic #126 Snakes - medical treatment

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 23:39:34 +0000

So you're not a doctor. And you don't often pretend to be one. Still, what if you're hiking and you or someone near you gets bit? What is the first aid? Here's how to protect yourself and your family.

The HomeMedic #125 Snakes - venomous snakes

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 23:38:03 +0000

There are a lot more snakes out there than venomous ones. But how do you know the difference? And what do you do if you or little Johnny is bitten by one? What if you're well away from home? Here's how to protect your family

The HomeMedic #124 Snakes - snake bites

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 23:36:53 +0000

Did little Johnny come in with a snake? A snake bite? Are you concerned about him getting a bite? How poisonous is it going to be? What do you need to know? Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #123 Snakes - a snake point of view

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 23:34:39 +0000

Let's be honest: most of us don't want to cross paths with a snake. They're - slithery. But if you stop and look at things from a snake's point of view then things can be more reassuring. Here's what you need to know about keeping your family safe.

The HomeMedic #122 Smoke & fire protection - alarms

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 23:32:56 +0000

You would think there's just one kind of smoke alarm. Not so. There are different kinds, and they vary depending on your needs and conditions. Here's a review of the types of alarms available, and why they might be a better choice for you.

The HomeMedic #121 Smoke & fire protection - prevention

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 23:31:27 +0000

Most of us prefer our home to be there tomorrow. Burned to ashes? Preferably not. So what do you need to know to prevent fire problems? Glad you asked. Here's how to protect your family

The HomeMedic #120 Septic systems - do's and don'ts

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 23:29:15 +0000

So you're starting to be a little bit up on the learning curve. You know you've got a septic system to take care of before it bites you. Do you want to know what to do - and not do - to take care of the thing? Here's what you need to know.

The HomeMedic #119 Septic systems - maintenance

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 23:27:37 +0000

So you have a septic system. You know that sewage leaves your home and goes "there". But how do you make sure that "there" is OK? Last thing you need is for the stuff to back up into your home, right? Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #118 Septic systems - tanks and fields

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 23:25:36 +0000

Maybe you must moved into a more rural part of the country, and there's not a sewer system. Instead, you have a septic system. What is that and what do you need to know? Here's the basic about the major part of systems - tanks and fields

The HomeMedic #117 Security Systems - options

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 23:24:08 +0000

Part 2 of the security systems podcast. The number of options is almost endless. Here's how you can make a better informed decision of what you need to protect your family

The HomeMedic #116 Security systems - overview

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 23:22:50 +0000

Need a security system? You might think there's just one kind of system, but the options are endless. Here are a few choices you have, and how you can use them to protect your family

The HomeMedic #115 Roofs - metal & tile

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:56:13 +0000

So asphalt shingles are the norm in many areas of the country, but metal and tile roofs can be cool, and a very good choice depending on conditions. How do you know which to go with? Here you go.

The HomeMedic #114 Roofs - flat roofs

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:53:32 +0000

Flat roofs. Tar and gravel. HDPE. TPO. It's a confusing alphabet soup and everyone has an opinion. Are they reliable? What should you look for? Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #113 Roofs - asphalt

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:50:45 +0000

Got an asphalt shingle roof? How long is it good? How many years left do you have? You need to know how to make the decision yourself. Here's how to protect your family, and keep them dry.

The HomeMedic #112 Radon - wisdom

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:47:43 +0000

Radon. There's so much information out there, and it's all repeated by people who have an agenda. Wouldn't it be nice if you could speak to someone who has been in the radon and radiation engineering business? Someone who has been in thousands of homes and evaluated radon risk? Yeah. This is that podcast.

The HomeMedic #111 Radon - tips and tricks

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:45:50 +0000

Radon. Nobody wants it in their home. So what are the tips you can take into your home right now to reduce your risks? What can you do for $10? What are the options if you have a spare $2000? Here's how to protect your family

The HomeMedic #110 Radon - risk increasers

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:44:25 +0000

So let's say you have a family, and know radon's in your home, and you're hoping that you can reduce the risks from radon. What can you do? Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #109 Radon - potential risks

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:43:08 +0000

So what does radon do? Why is is a problem? How does it affect the body? When does it strike? Here are a few answers to those questions.

The HomeMedic #108 Radon - geologic factors

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:40:44 +0000

Everybody has heard of radon. It sneaks into your home and makes your children glow, then kills them, right? Well, you're doing your homework and want to know the real story. Like how does the local geology affect radon in your area? Here's what you need to know.

The HomeMedic #107 Water wells - types and sampling

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:39:13 +0000

Got your own water well for your own home? Chances are that if you moved there recently, this is a whole new game. Here are some basics about private wells, and how to make sure that the water is fine.

The HomeMedic #106 Water wells - maintenance

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:37:25 +0000

So you just moved to the country and find you're on your own drinking water well. This is - different. What do you need to know about it, what kind of maintenance is there, and how do you know if something is wrong? Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #105 Swimming pools - types of pools

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:35:29 +0000

Thinking about getting a pool? Gunnite? Liner? Which option fits best for your family? Here's what you need to know to make a better decision.

The HomeMedic #104 Swimming pools - disinfecting

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:34:01 +0000

New in the swimming pool thing? How can you get it disinfected without making it dangerous? Here's a few tips.

The HomeMedic #103 Swimming pools - cleaning the green

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:30:58 +0000

So you got a pool or swim spa, and you fill it up, and in no time flat it's green? Here's why and what to do about it

The HomeMedic #102 Swimming pools - treatment

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:29:07 +0000

So you have a swimming pool and you want to know how to treat the thing with chems? Here's a few things to know before you go.

The HomeMedic #101 Swimming pools - legal stuff

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:26:36 +0000

Got a swimming pool? Hot tub? Swim spa? Thinking about one? What are your liabilities? What do you need to protect yourself? To be clear, the HomeMedic is no lawyer, but he did some research and will share it with you. If you'd like to protect your family, listen to this - then go talk to a lawyer.

The HomeMedic #100 Plumbing - metal vs "plastic"

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:21:18 +0000

OK, so the "plastic" plumbing is not really plastic, but we all get the idea when the term is used. Which is better? Some of us just want to do copper forever. Is that OK? What do you need to know about all of the above?

The HomeMedic #99 Plumbing - PEX, PVC & manablocs

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:19:09 +0000

Gotta love plumbing alphabet soups. Yes, PEX is an acronym for a name we don't want to know about. PVC? Same. Are they safe? When are they safe for indoor use? When are they not? Why is a manabloc a thing? Here's what you need to know

The HomeMedic #98 Plumbing - polybutylene

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:16:37 +0000

Polybutylene plumbing was used for a while during the late 1970's, and they stopped using in the 90's. It was great - until it was found to be problematic. If your home was built during this time, you could have polybutylene plumbing - here's what you need to know to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #97 Plumbing - other plumbing materials

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:14:32 +0000

So many kinds of plumbing materials. Besides copper and galvanized, there are other kinds of metal plumbing. What do you need to know to protect your family? Here you go

The HomeMedic #96 Plumbing - galvanized

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:12:55 +0000

Is your home built around the 1950's? Chances are good (but not certain) that you have galvanized plumbing. What do you need to know about galvanized? Is it safe? How do you know when there's a problem? Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #95 Plumbing - copper

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:10:45 +0000

If your home was built only a few decades ago, chances are that you have copper plumbing. How do you know? Is copper good? What do you need to know about copper? Here you go

The HomeMedic #94 Paint - types of paint

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:08:53 +0000

What kind of paint do you need? There's so much more to it than just the color you want, and depending on where you go, you may either get a short explanation of your choices - or none. Here's how to be a paint picking pro.

The HomeMedic #93 Paint - sheens

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 22:20:33 +0000

You go to the paint store and you want a particular color. That's all you need to know, right? No. Here's what the store clerk will ask you, and why it makes a difference on your walls

The HomeMedic #92 Paint - war stories

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 22:17:55 +0000

Paint. You wouldn't think it would come in so many colors, styles, materials, methods and choices. It takes a guru just to know what options are out there. But - at least we can help you narrow it down a bit. Here are a few war stories

The HomeMedic #91 Mold - stories and sampling

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 22:13:03 +0000

As a home inspector and former mold remediator, The HomeMedic has plenty of experience dealing with mold. Want to hear how to sample for mold? How about a few war stories and some experience gained? Here's how to protect your family

The HomeMedic #90 Mold - remediation

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 22:11:39 +0000

So you've got mold. That does suck. But what to do now? How do you get rid of it or should you just light the house on fire? Do you have to spend $20k on a professional remediator? Here's how to protect your family and your wallet.

The HomeMedic #89 Mold - causes and prevention

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 22:10:10 +0000

Taking your kids to the doctor for mold issues is one thing, but making sure your home is mold free - that's a better option. Here's how to get your home as mold free as possible.

The HomeMedic #88 Mold - mold habitat

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 22:08:51 +0000

You can learn much about how to protect your family from mold when you know how mold likes to operate. Where is it found? What does it look like? How do you kill it? Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #87 Mold - medical info

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 22:06:50 +0000

So you have mold in your home. That's not awesome. But what does it do to a person and how do you know if your family is being affected? Here's how to protect your family from mold issues.

The HomeMedic #86 Mold - mold types

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 22:04:46 +0000

Got mold? You do. It's everywhere, and it's in your home. But how much is OK? What do you need to know to protect your family? Here you go

The HomeMedic #85 Meth - meth stories part 2

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 22:03:58 +0000

As a former meth decontamination specialist, Garth Haslem (The HomeMedic) has been in hundreds of meth homes - and cleaned them up. He has stories. He tells some of them in this second part of 2.

The HomeMedic #84 Meth - meth stories part 1

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 22:02:28 +0000

As a former meth decontamination specialist, Garth Haslem (The HomeMedic) has been in hundreds of meth homes - and cleaned them up. He has stories. He tells some of them in this part 1 of 2.

The HomeMedic #83 Meth - how to spot a meth house part 2

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 22:00:53 +0000

You've been in meth houses and probably didn't know it. There are red flags that you can learn though. Interested in knowing what they are? Here's part 2

The HomeMedic #82 Meth - how to spot a meth house part 1

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 21:59:13 +0000

So to begin with, you only really know if a house is contaminated by testing - or by walking into a home with a meth head smoking. But there are red flags. Interested in knowing what they are? Here's part 1

The HomeMedic #81 Lead - risk reduction

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 21:57:43 +0000

Lead is great in pencils. It's not great in your body. It causes health effects that nobody wants. But how do you reduce your risk of lead poisoning? Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #80 Lead - lead in the plumbing

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 21:56:27 +0000

Lead isn't just in the paint, it's also in the plumbing - or it can be. It can be lead plumbing or it can be lead solder. Either way, nobody wants to take a big drink of lead in the morning. Here's what you need to know to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #79 Lead - introduction

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 21:54:52 +0000

You have probably heard the horror stories. Lead can come for your family's health. It can even come for their brains and development. But what do you need to know? It's in these podcasts

The HomeMedic #78 Kitchen - kitchen safety part 2

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 21:53:09 +0000

Many of the injuries that happen in the home will happen in the kitchen. You might think knives, but that's only just the beginning. This is the second of a two part episode to help you protect your family

The HomeMedic #77 Kitchen - kitchen safety part 1

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 21:51:13 +0000

Many of the injuries that happen in the home will happen in the kitchen. You might think knives, but that's only just the beginning. This is the first of a two part episode to help you protect your family

The HomeMedic #76 Hazmat - poisons in your home

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 21:48:25 +0000

Did you know your home is a hazmat zone? It does have items that are considered to be hazmat. But which ones are they and what do you do about that? Here's how to protect your family

The HomeMedic #77 Hazmat - tips and tricks

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 21:47:13 +0000

Concerned about how to manage the hazardous materials in your home? Here are a few tips and tricks to help you protect your family.

The HomeMedic #75 Garage - electrical

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 21:44:50 +0000

The electrical system in your garage is a whole different thing than in the home. Chances are that there are extenders, surge strips, extension cords and whatever dad can rig up. If there's an overload, it could easily be here. Here's what you need to know about garage electrical so you can keep your family safe

The HomeMedic #74 Garage - door openers

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 21:41:53 +0000

The garage door opener system provides a convenient and secure way to open up your home. For many of us it really is the front door. But there are some safety systems you need to know about. If they get ignored, you or a family member could be crushed. Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #73 Garage - do's and don'ts

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 21:38:24 +0000

The garage is one of the primary locations where house fires start. Why? because stuff. Most of us prefer to have our homes upright, our children safe, and our walls whatever color we painted them - not black. If you're inclined that way, here are a few do's and don'ts for your garage.

The HomeMedic #72 Garage - car karma

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 20:37:36 +0000

Garages are the dumping grounds of the house. They get the cars, the tools, the bicycles, the lawn mower and wheelbarrow, not to mention the four wheeler, the boat and the 8 foot statue of a giraffe. So how do you fit it all in there - safely? Here are a few tips

The HomeMedic #71 Furnaces - servicing

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 20:03:50 +0000

Servicing the furnace? Chances are you might never have heard of such a thing, but it needs to be done every year or two. What does it mean to service the furnace? Why does it need to be done? Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #70 Furnaces - flues & carbon monoxide

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 19:52:43 +0000

Your furnace flue is a humble but extremely important part of your heating system. If something goes wrong there, you and your family may die. Here's what you should know so you can protect your family.

The HomeMedic #69 Furnaces - filters

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 19:38:21 +0000

Let's face it. Most of us want to put a cheap filter in the furnace and change it 10 years later - whether it needs it or not. That may not be a good idea. Good filters and good maintenance pay rich rewards. Here's how to take care of your family

TheHomeMedic #68 Furnaces - cold air returns

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 19:34:22 +0000

The lowly cold air return. Nobody thinks of it and nobody wants to deal with it. It's even lower than mufflers on cars. But if your air flow is great, you feel great. If it's weak, there will be cursing. Here's how to take care of your family

The HomeMedic #67 Furnaces - central air & swampers

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 19:12:48 +0000

Your heating, venting and air conditioning (HVAC) system is pretty important - most of us prefer to live within some distance of 70 degrees or so. But how do you know what to do with it? What maintenance does it need and how often? How do you avoid carbon monoxide poisoning? Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #66 Furnaces - asbestos

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 19:10:13 +0000

Got a furnace room in an older home? Chances are good that you might have asbestos in there. How would you know? And what should you do if it's there? This podcast will help. Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #65 Flooring - tips and tricks

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 17:59:16 +0000

Got flooring? Yes you do. Here's how to take care of it

The HomeMedic #65 Carpet - poly

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 17:51:34 +0000

Carpet can be a brain numbing constellation of options. If you are considering a poly material, that may be a good choice - depending on a number of factors. Here's what you need to know.

The HomeMedic #64 Carpets - loop

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 17:48:22 +0000

Somewhere in the universal vastness of different kinds of carpet, you'll find loop carpeting. What's the difference? Glad you asked. Here's why loop carpeting may or may not be right for you.

The HomeMedic #63 Carpet - cut pile

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 17:45:44 +0000

You would think carpet is carpet, right? No way. It's like the night sky - yeah there's that many different kinds of carpets. In this episode we talk about what cut pile carpet is, and why you may want to buy it - or not.

The HomeMedic #62 Carpet - fibers

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 17:14:04 +0000

Shopping for carpet? Any idea why carpet that looks the same has very different pricing? Here's what you need to know about carpet fibers

The HomeMedic #61 Fires - smoke alarms

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 17:11:06 +0000

Smoke alarms have come a long way. The guidelines and codes have done that too. Do you know if your home is properly protected for smoke alarms? Do you know what kind of alarms you should be using? Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #60 Fires - prevention

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 17:07:07 +0000

Fires are great in a fireplace. Fires in your home are much less great. Here's how to prevent them.

The HomeMedic #59 Fireplaces - flues

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 17:04:30 +0000

If your fireplace is full of awesomeness, warmth and memories, your fireplace flue can be full of creosote, carbon monoxide, wasps and raccoons. Here's what you need to know about your fireplace flue before you stoke up that next fire.

The HomeMedic #58 Fireplaces - alternatives

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 17:00:38 +0000

If you don't love the idea of gas or wood burning fireplaces, there are alternatives. Everything has its strengths - and its weaknesses. Here's what you need to know about other kinds of fireplaces, and how to protect your family if you go alternative

The HomeMedic #57 Fireplaces - wood

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 16:57:43 +0000

Wood fireplaces are awesome. They're real, the heat is real and the glow is real. They also can cause carbon monoxide issues, creosote fires, spit sparks into your home, and let little Johnny burn the house down. Here's how to protect your family when you have a wood burning fireplace.

The HomeMedic #56 Fireplaces - gas

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 16:54:53 +0000

Your gas fireplace is a source of joy and warmth, happiness and family time. But - it can also be a way to burn down your home or kill your family with carbon monoxide poisoning. If you would prefer door number 1 over door number 2, here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #55 Electrical systems - outlets

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 16:52:31 +0000

The electrical outlets in your home are where the power magic happens, but the magic starts to turn sinister if things aren't proper. Here's what you need to know to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #54 Electrical systems - the electrical main

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 16:45:47 +0000

The electrical main is the gateway to your home's electrical system. It provides power to everything, and it's where you go to shut the system off. You need to know if yours is sized adequately, and if you can get to it. Here's what else you need to know to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #53 Electrical systems - electrical fires

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 16:02:24 +0000

The electrical system in your home is a common source of both comfort and dangers. It's a pretty common source of home fires. Here's what you need to know to protect your family and keep your home from burning to the ground.

The HomeMedic #52 Electrical systems - breaker box

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 15:59:20 +0000

The breaker box is the center of your home's electrical system, and the one place where you can best see the health of your home's electrical system. But if you get in there and don't know what you're doing, you'll be dead. Here's what you should know to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #51 Drainage - slopes and window wells

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 15:55:53 +0000

Your home's drainage system is your line of defense against rot, mold, termites, spiders, and even structural settlement. If it's right, you live better. If it's wrong, things will suck. Here's what you need to know about surface slopes and window wells near your home

The HomeMedic #50 Drainage - downspouts

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 15:52:11 +0000

Drainage is the most common source of problems in your home. Flooding, rot, mold, termites, even structural settlement can occur because of poor drainage. Here's what you should know about the downspouts so you can protect your family and your wallet

The HomeMedic #49 Drainage - dams & flashing

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 15:48:17 +0000

Your home's drainage system is one of the least noticed systems in your home, and definitely the most likely to cause problems. This episode discusses ice damming and flashing. Without it, your home gets soggy.

The HomeMedic #47 Windows

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 15:17:44 +0000

Windows are the sunshine letter inners, but sometimes they also let in cold air, bugs and other sucky stuff. And sometimes they fog up. And sometimes they don't move, or don't lock. Before you give up on them, here's a podcast.

The HomeMedic #46 Skylights

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 15:14:21 +0000

Skylights are awesome, but when they fail they can be a huge pain in the hiney. Water dripping down the walls and ceiling, mold, rot and termites for starters. But other than that it's great, right? Here's what to know so you can have more light and less blight.

The HomeMedic #45 Doors - tips and tricks part 2

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 15:11:24 +0000

I couldn't fit it all into one episode. Here's the second of two podcasts about tips and tricks for keeping your doors secure and not drafty.

The HomeMedic #44 Doors - tips & tricks part 1

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 15:08:04 +0000

Doors can be annoying. How do you get them to lock and seal, especially when they don't do that anymore? Nailing the door shut is not the answer, and neither is leaving it unlocked. Here are some tips and tricks for getting your doors secure again.

The HomeMedic #43 Doors - door safety

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 15:05:50 +0000

Doors are one of the most forgotten components of the home, but they can also be the source of injuries. Here's what you need to know to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #42 Crawl spaces

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 14:55:38 +0000

Crawl spaces are the creepy crawly spaces in your home. You'd like to ignore them and forget they exist. But if you do, things get creepy and crawly inside your home too. Here's how to protect your family from crawl space issues.

The HomeMedic #41 Conserving water

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 14:51:03 +0000

Conserving water is huge, especially when we're in a drought. And it seems like we're always in a drought. There are the standard set of tips you hear about conserving water, and then there are the much more effective things you can do. Here's the latter set.

The HomeMedic #40 Conserving gas - tips

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 14:49:12 +0000

How to conserve gas in your home, keep your heating bill down and benefit the planet all at the same time? Here are a few tips

The HomeMedic #39 Conserving gas - walls

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 14:45:46 +0000

Sometimes when we think of conserving gas and better insulation, we think of the attic. It's not just the attic that needs better insulation. Here are a few tips for how to lower your heating and cooling bills, and benefit the planet at the same time

The HomeMedic #38 Conserving gas - heat loss

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 14:43:08 +0000

What's more annoying than knowing that you're paying to heat your home and immediately losing it to the outside? Pretty much nothing. Huge heat bills suck, and the planet doesn't need your heat. Here are a few simple steps for how to avoid heat loss in your home.

The HomeMedic #37 Conserving gas - seals

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 14:39:19 +0000

Whether natural gas or propane, gas is the heat source for nearly all of us. But conserving natural gas can have benefits for the family and for the planet. Here are a few simple things you can do to seal your home up and make it more efficient

The HomeMedic #36 Conserving electricity - insulation

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 14:35:50 +0000

Do you have bigger power bills than you'd like? Does your home feel drafty? Would you like to reduce your electrical usage? Insulation may be a key part of the answer. Here's how to take care of your family and your planet at home.

The HomeMedic #35 Conserving electricity - furnace

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 14:32:38 +0000

You know that motor thingy in the furnace? It's going for much of the day, both summer and winter. How much power does that take? Here's how to reduce your power bills and electrical demand, and keep your money in your pocket

The HomeMedic #34 Conserving electricity - your AC

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 14:28:42 +0000

Your AC unit is definitely the biggest user of electricity in your home, and the first target to look at when conservation is the goal. Here's what you need to know to conserve power, even without sacrificing comfort.

The HomeMedic #33 Carbon monoxide - detectors

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 14:25:36 +0000

There are any number of carbon monoxide sources in your home. How do you know if any of them are poisoning your family? Carbon monoxide detectors are the first best step. Here's what you need to know to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #32 Carbon monoxide - furnace

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 14:22:33 +0000

When there are carbon monoxide issues in the furnace, it can blow poisonous air all through your home. You already know that can be deadly. Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #31 Carbon monoxide - gas appliances

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 14:18:32 +0000

Where does carbon monoxide come from? If you have a gas range or oven, that's one potential source and it's right there in your kitchen. Here's what you need to know to protect your family

The HomeMedic #30 Carbon monoxide - furnace & water heater

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 14:14:29 +0000

Where does carbon monoxide come from? From places where combustion, or fire, happens. The major source in most homes is the furnace and water heater. Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #29 Carbon Monoxide - health risks

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 00:57:28 +0000

Here it is in a nutshell: carbon monoxide can kill you. It can come from a variety of places in your home, and then you or a member of your family can be gone. Here's how to protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning.

The HomeMedic #28 Exterior cladding - brick, rock etc

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 00:52:06 +0000

The exterior of your home matters much. Does it keep the elements out? Does it keep the critters out? What do you need to know about it? Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #27 Exterior cladding - stucco

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 00:49:37 +0000

Got stucco? That can be a good thing, but you have to know when to know if you have a problem. Here's how to protect your family if you have stucco

The HomeMedic #26 Birdish critters - swallows

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 00:45:25 +0000

Swallows are great, right? They eat bugs. Then they build nests near your home, and if they stay there, you're not welcome anymore. And let's not forget about the poop piles, or the chicks that get pushed out. It's all quite gross and can be very unhealthy. Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #25 Birdish critters - pigeons

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 00:42:53 +0000

Pigeons are cute, right? Perhaps, until they get into your attic and poop and die. Then things start to suck - a lot. Here's what you need to know to keep pigeons out of your home.

The HomeMedic #24 - Birdish critters - bats

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 00:40:18 +0000

Bats are an enigma. Some of us think they're cool cuz they eat bugs. But they're much less cool when they're in your home or attic and they're pooping on your ceiling. Here's what you need to know.

The HomeMedic #23 Attic - water entry

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 00:37:39 +0000

Attics are like barns: you build them and want to forget about them until they fall down. But water in the attic? That's a problem. You don't need the mold. Or the rot. Or the termites. Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #22 Attic - ventilation

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 00:34:55 +0000

Attic ventilation is like that muffler commercial - nobody wants to hear about it and nobody wants to pay for it. But with inadequate attic ventilation, you're definitely paying for it. Here's how to protect your family's bank account with good ventilation.

The HomeMedic #21 Attic - insulation

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 00:28:03 +0000

The insulation in the attic can go from being just pile of fluffy allergens to a bunch of pelletized cancer bullets. There are a number of insulation materials that have been used over the years, and they all have their strengths and weaknesses. Here's how to protect your family when you venture into insulation

The HomeMedic #20 Attic - hatch & hazards

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 00:23:50 +0000

Getting into the attic will be the most risky thing you do that day. There's any number of dangers up there, and one wrong step can result in a visit to the ER. Here's what you need to know before you go up there

The HomeMedic #19 Attic - critters

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 00:17:54 +0000

Few things are more uncomfortable than knowing that you've got guests in the house that you didn't invite. When they have four legs and snarl at you, and poop on your ceiling, they become even less welcome than your mother in law. Here's what to do about that (the critters, not the MIL)

The HomeMedic #18 Asbestos - what and where

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 18:53:44 +0000

Asbestos: the fear of homeowners everywhere. How do you know if you have asbestos in your home? What does it look like? Where should you look? Here's how to protect your family

The HomeMedic #17 Asbestos - sampling

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 18:32:28 +0000

How do you know if you have asbestos? Here's a hint: it has nothing to do with those sparkly things. You have to sample it and send it to a lab. You can pay a guy to do this or you can do it yourself for much less. Here's what you need to know

The HomeMedic #16 Asbestos - removal

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 18:25:11 +0000

So you have asbestos, and you know that just scraping it off or knocking it down can cause some very serious lung issues. You probably also know that hiring somebody will cost you roughly your entire net worth. So what do you do? Start with this episode.

The HomeMedic #15 Asbestos - what and where

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 18:22:11 +0000

Asbestos can be a great thing - in a war ship. In your home? Not so much. But what does asbestos look like? Where would it be? What does it do? And how can you protect your family? Here's how to do that.

The HomeMedic #14 Ants - prevention

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 18:10:09 +0000

Ever had ants in your house? You probably do right now. They're embarrassing and annoying. And persistent. Here's how to keep those six legged suckers in their own living space and out of yours.

The HomeMedic #13 Ants - kinds and locations

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 17:50:15 +0000

Not every ant is created equal. Some eat your house, some bite your children, some poop in your food, and some just die in it. And they don't share in the house payment. Here's what you need to know about the kinds of ants around your home so you can protect the family.

The HomeMedic #12 ant management

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 17:48:20 +0000

Ants in your home are annoying and embarrassing. We all have them, and we'd all like to get rid of them. Here's what you need to know to get them out and keep them out.

The HomeMedic #11 Bugs - wasps

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 17:39:36 +0000

Wasps are not only annoying, but they sting. When you or little Johnny disturbs their nest, they have a very unkind way of sending a message. Here's how to keep them at bay - or send a message back. Learn how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #10 Bugs - slugs

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 17:37:14 +0000

Why did mother nature invent slugs? They're slimy and gross, and they make you feel really bad when you add salt to their diet. Here's what to know about slugs and how to deal with slugs the right way.

The HomeMedic #9 Bugs - roaches

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 17:34:13 +0000

Roaches, cockroaches, infernal beasts from hell - they're all the same thing. Disease, grossness, and humiliation. Here's how to protect your family from roaches and all their flaming glory

The HomeMedic #8 Bugs - bedbugs

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 17:30:46 +0000

Everything about bedbugs is gross. They hide in your mattress all day and eat your flesh all night. Sounds like something out of a bad horror movie. Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #7 Critters - raccoons & squirrels

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 17:27:35 +0000

Raccoons are mean suckers, and they don't take kindly to you being in their house. And squirrels? Cute - but they poop. The urine and feces from both will affect your family's health. Here's how to protect your family.

The HomeMedic #6 Critters - rats

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 17:24:53 +0000

Mice are one thing. Rats are another. Getting rid of rats takes different equipment and materials - here's how to deal with the rotten creatures

The HomeMedic #5 Critters - stories

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 17:22:17 +0000

War stories from a home inspector on critters that get into homes and what they do. Here's how to prevent your home from becoming infested

The HomeMedic #4 Critters - mouse prevention

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 17:20:14 +0000

A major part of getting mice out of your home is preventing them from getting in. Here's what to look for, and what to do about it

The HomeMedic #3 Critters - feces

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 17:18:03 +0000

What to know and what to do when you spot critter feces in your home. Here's a hint: if you do it wrong you could die - or just catch a disease that made you wish you were dead.

The HomeMedic #2 Critters - mouse safety part 2

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 17:16:24 +0000

Part 2 of how to keep mice and their diseases out of your home.

The HomeMedic #1 Critters - mouse safety part 1

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 16:46:36 +0000

Keeping your home safe from mice is fairly easy - but you have to know what to do. Here's how to keep your family safe from hantavirus and general mouse grossness