The Fix-It Club offers simple instructions for common household repairs. Following are ten practical maintenance and troubleshooting tips that can help you keep repairs to a minimum. If you'd like the latest Fix-It Tips, give us your e-mail address (top of this page) and Join the Fix-It Club! It's free!

Fix-It Tip #1

Can't fix it? Recycle or re-use it! We've partnered with Earth911.org to provide you with a recycling or re-use search tool. At the end of each Fix-It Guide, indicate What you want to recycle or re-use and Where you are. They will tell you where to do it. It's free! And it's cool!

Fix-It Tip #2

Change or clean the filter regularly for maximum efficiency from your furnace. 

Fix-It Tip #3

Temporarily stop a draft from under a front door with a rolled up towel or small blanket snugged up to the bottom of the door.

Fix-It Tip #4

Learn where your home's main water shut off is located so you can turn water off quickly in case of an emergency. Show it to kids who are old enough to be home alone.

Fix-It Tip #5

Save energy by closing forced-air distribution vents in rooms that don't need to be toasty warm.