Guides
Plain-English guides to electrical, heating and cooling, and DIY projects — written to help you plan and know when to call a pro.
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Window AC vs. Portable AC vs. Mini-Split: Which Should You Choose?
How window units, portable air conditioners and ductless mini-splits compare on efficiency, noise, installation and cost, and which fits your room.
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GFCI vs. AFCI: What’s the Difference and Where You Need Them
GFCI protects people from shocks; AFCI protects homes from electrical fires. What each one does, where they’re typically required and how to test them.
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How Much Concrete Do I Need for a Slab?
Calculate concrete for a patio, shed base or pad in cubic yards and bags, with a worked example and tips for deciding between bags…
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How Many Tiles Do I Need? Measuring a Floor or Wall
Measure your floor or wall, convert tile size to square feet, add the right waste allowance and work out how many boxes to buy.
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How Much Does It Cost to Run a Space Heater?
How to calculate what a space heater costs per hour, day and month, why real use is often lower, and how to use one…