Lutron’s Dimmer Switch Starter Kit Upgrades Lighting Without Draining Wi-Fi

Lutron’s Dimmer Switch Starter Kit Upgrades Lighting Without Draining Wi-Fi

Upgrade your home to smart lighting without slowing down other devices. With Lutron’s Caseta Wireless Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch Starter Kit, you can get the convenience of wireless light control without putting a strain on your Wi-Fi.


This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product from these links, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.


Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch
One Caseta switch can make bulbs or fixtures smart, even existing ones. (The Home Depot)

Smarter Lighting

Lutron’s smart dimmer switches and fan controls attach to existing rocker or paddle-style switches found in millions of homes today and allow you to build a system you can control with your smartphone, a remote or even your voice.

You can even mount the Pico remote control directly to the wall for multi-location dimming — no cutting holes or wiring required!

Lutron dimmer switches give you the ability to set the right light for any activity whether it’s reading, watching TV, entertaining, or having a casual dinner.

Manage your lighting schedule from your smartphone so you always come back to a well-lit home, or set a timer for extra security while you’re away.

One Caseta smart switch can control many bulbs at once, even your existing ones. So, you don’t have to buy individual smart bulbs for each light in your home!

Get smart control of multiple styles of dimmable LED, incandescent and halogen bulbs

The dimmer works up to 600 watts of incandescent or halogen and 150 watts of dimmable LED or dimmable CFL. 


Lutron Caseta Smart Dimmer Smart Bridge
The Lutron Caseta Wireless Dimmer Smart Bridge won’t compete for a signal with other devices on your Wi-Fi network. (The Home Depot)

Easy Installation

Caseta dimmers install in as little as 15-minutes with just two wires and there’s no neutral wire, so they work in homes of all ages.

Plug the smart bridge into your home’s internet router, and it ensures your wireless communication between devices will always work.

And, the Caseta products won’t compete for signal with all the other devices on your Wi-Fi network, and more importantly, your lights will still work if that signal drops.

Watch the video to learn all about this Best New Product! 

Find the Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch Starter Kit with Smart Bridge at The Home Depot.


Further Reading

Today’s Homeowner Radio Podcast | September 10, 2022

Today’s Homeowner Radio Podcast | September 10, 2022

This week, learn how to remove thorny goathead weed and free a window that’s been painted shut. (arousa, Getty Images/N8tureGrl, Getty Images)

Hour 1

In Hour 1, learn how to repair drywall cracks, eliminate funky front-loading washer odor and more.


Repairing Cracked Drywall

Hand using sanding block to sand drywall
Small drywall cracks can be repaired with some light sanding and a thin coat of joint compound. (Lunamaria via Canva)

Lisa Baker in Columbus, Mo., owns a two-story house with a fully finished basement, and she’s noticed horizontal cracks along a few drywall seams. 

“I understand that this is from the house settling. What’s the easiest way to fix these cracks?” she asks.

If your house is “settling,” it doesn’t necessarily mean the structure is dropping. This could just be some minor expansion and contraction. If you have uneven settling, it usually results in a vertical crack, and it may indicate structural damage. Call a foundation specialist if:

  • The crack has a 3/16-inch or wider gap.
  • One side of the wall is higher than the other.
  • Your doors no longer close in the frame.

In Lisa’s case, the drywall was most likely installed horizontally, so that’s why the cracks are forming in that direction.

Assuming the drywall tape is still in place, lightly sand the cracks, vacuum off all the dust and apply a thin coat of joint compound. Do this in a small area first to make sure this corrects the problem.

If the tape is peeling, adhere it back to the wall with some glue or joint compound. If that doesn’t work, you’ll have to remove the tape and apply new.

First, apply joint compound and cover the crack with paper drywall tape pressed into the wet compound. Then cover the tape with more joint compound, and allow it to dry before sanding.

Watch How to Repair Cracks and Dents in Drywall for more information.


Open Washing Machine
Keep the door and rubber gasket clean on a front-load dryer to prevent odors. (elleon/Getty Images)

Funky Washer Odor

Joanne Polley in Columbus, Ohio is fed up with the funky smell coming from her front-loading washer.

“Why did that happen and how can I clean it so it’s fresh-smelling again? I never had this problem with my old top loader,” she says.

Unlike a top loader, the door on a front loading washer stays wet. Mold, mildew and detergent build up and lead to that funky odor. 

Read: How to Remove Mold and Mildew From Front-Load Washing Machines

It’s an easy fix, but it’s can be tedious. After every load, use a towel to dry the inside of the door and the rubber gasket. This removes the moisture, preventing mold and mildew from growing and emitting that awful smell. 

Keep the door open for a while to let the air circulate inside the washer. Keep an eye on children and pets when you do this because they can easily climb inside. 

For good measure, run an empty load with a cup of bleach every three to four months to disinfect the entire washer drum. 


White grout on tan tile
It’s possible to restore the white color of grout without needing to be a specialized cleaning product. (3 Echoes Content Studio)

Restoring White Grout

Suzanne Lewis in Wilmington, N.C. says, “I have off-white tile in my bathroom with off-white grout. The grout is beginning to discolor to a more brown color. What do you suggest to clean the grout?”

If grout isn’t sealed properly when it’s installed, it will eventually become discolored. You can restore the grout to its original color and prevent the stains from returning. Here’s how: 

  • Mix a 50-50 solution of oxygen bleach and hot water. It’s important to use hot water for the oxygen bleach to dissolve.
  • Apply it to the grout joints with a sponge and wait 10 minutes.
  • Soak the grout one more time with more bleach solution and wait another 10 minutes.
  • Scrub the grout and rinse it with clean water.

Once the stains are gone, cover the grout with a clear silicone sealer. Use an artist’s brush to fill in every single grout joint.


Hour 2

In Hour 2, hear how to get rid of goathead weed stickers, open a window that’s painted shut and more.


Getting Rid of Goathead Weed

Goat's head or bullhead plant growing on dunes
Goathead weed is an invasive plant that has sharp stickers. (arousa, Getty Images)

Christie Svoger in Oregon has a sticky problem on her lawn. 

Her lawn is covered in goathead weed stickers. Goathead weed, or puncturevine, is an invasive toxic plant. The spines on its fruit are sharp enough to puncture bicycle tires and shoes, according to Washington State’s Noxious Weed Control Board.

“How do I get rid of them? I don’t want them on my lawn!” she asks. 

Hand-pulling goat’s head weed won’t be effective because they have such a strong root system and will grow right back. Use a tool like a weed puller to get down deep to remove the roots.

You’ll have to take some extra measures to ensure it won’t return. Use a strong pre-emergent weed herbicide or try this home remedy: dilute 1/2 cup each of Epsom salts and vinegar in a gallon of water and spray thoroughly.

Another effective method is to use a weed-burning propane torch. Just be sure to check your local laws regarding the use of these devices and have a fire extinguisher nearby.  

A one-time treatment won’t work, so be vigilant in killing it when more pop up.


Fixing a Window That’s Painted Shut

Paint dripping down from a window frame
If a window is painted shut, you need a thin-bladed putty knife to cut the layer of paint off. (Photo Illustration: StockSnap, Pixabay/N8tureGrl, Getty Images)

The windows in Bob Haskins’s home in Medford, Mass., appear to have been given the “landlord special” treatment. They’re painted shut and are impossible to open.

The term “landlord special” has become popular with renters who are referring to bad home improvement projects often done by landlords instead of professionals to save money.

Typical examples of the “landlord special” are painted-over electrical outlets and windows, shoddy plumbing or odd “fixes” that don’t really improve anything.    

“How can I break them loose without breaking the window?” Bob asks.

First, be very careful working around glass and take your time. Wear eye protection and gloves, and if you’re on a ladder, practice the recommended safety measures

Think about what’s holding the window shut: paint residue all around the perimeter. Use a thin-bladed putty knife to break the seal on the inside and the outside. Do it carefully and you’ll find the point where the window sash goes up against the molding or trim.

Slide the putty knife down the side, bottom and all the way around the window to where the two sashes meet together. Then, cut the paint out. Take your time and try to eliminate any contact points.

Next, take a flat bar and pry up the window. Don’t put too much pressure on one side or the other. Even pressure will lessen the chance of the window cracking.


In the Aisles of The Home Depot

finger pulling fire extinguisher
October is National Fire Prevention Month, so it’s the perfect time to brush up on fire safety practices with your family. (rattanakun, Canva)

Fire can strike anywhere, anytime, and can start in a variety of ways. Fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, are essential must-have products for any home. The Home Depot has all different types of fire safety equipment plus other important fire safety tips for protecting your family and home.

Fire Education   

Have a plan in place to keep you and your loved ones safe. Establishing a family fire escape plan will encourage everyone to remember a safe meeting spot outside of your home.

You and your family should practice a fire escape plan twice a year. Everyone should know how to get out and where to go in case of a fire.  

Practice fire drills together and make sure children know what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do when they hear one. 

Fire Extinguishers 

The first and most important thing to always have in the home, especially when cooking or gathering around a fire pit or enjoying a fireplace is a fire extinguisher like the Kidde Full Home Fire Extinguisher with Hose, Easy Mount Bracket & Strap, 3-A:40-B:C, Dry Chemical, One-Time Use

For smaller spaces, consider the Kidde Basic Use Fire Extinguisher with Easy Mount Bracket & Strap, 1-A:10-B:C, Dry Chemical, One-Time Use

A fire extinguisher can be lifesaving when water cannot put out a fire, as is the case with most kitchen fires. Having a fire extinguisher within reach can help put out small, contained fires and create a path to safety. 

Never rely solely on a fire extinguisher. This tool should be just one part of your home fire safety plan, alongside smoke alarms and an emergency evacuation plan. 

Fire extinguishers are classified by ratings of A, B, C and D. These ratings determine the size and type of fire that the extinguisher can put out. Do your research to determine which is best for your needs. Some fire extinguishers are multi-purpose and have two or more ratings, such as A-B or A-B-C. Generally, multi-purpose fire extinguishers are the best types of fire extinguishers for the home. 

  • Class A fires are a result of trash, wood, or paper.  
  • Class B fires are a result of liquids or gases.   
  • Class C fires are caused by energized electrical equipment 
  • Class D fires are caused by combustible metals – due to their severe nature, class D fires are best handled by professional firefighters. 

When using a fire extinguisher, remember the PASS method to operate the extinguisher properly:  

  • Pull the pin.   
  • Aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire.  
  • Squeeze the lever slowly.   
  • Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side, while moving toward the fire.   

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are a safety essential for every home. 

Exclusively available at The Home Depot, the Kidde 10-Year Worry Free Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector, Lithium Battery Powered with Photoelectric Sensor and Voice Alarm which detects both smoke and carbon monoxide with just one device. 

For new builds, check out the Kidde Hardwired Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector with Indoor Air Quality Monitor, 10-Year Lithium Backup Battery.

When placing your smoke alarm, it is important to have at least one smoke alarm on every level of the home (including basements), in every bedroom, and outside each sleeping area. 

Test monthly and use daylight savings time as a reminder to install new batteries in smoke detectors. 

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Monitors

Every home with at least one fuel-burning appliance, attached garage or fireplace should have carbon monoxide alarms.  

Having a fireplace with a gas valve or a potentially blocked chimney poses a risk for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, so include CO monitors in your fire safety equipment, especially since CO is undetectable via smell or sight.  

Just like a smoke detector, it is important to place the monitors in every level of the home, kitchen, and bedrooms, with the addition of placing them at least fifteen feet above a fireplace.  

The new Kidde HomeSafe suite of products includes the Kidde Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector, Hardwired with Smart Features and Voice Alert — an industry-first alarm that detects smoke, CO, adverse temperature, humidity levels and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), which include harmful particles in the air that can lead to health issues.  

Kidde HomeSafe Wi-Fi-enabled devices include smart features that can be connected to consumers’ Kidde app, providing instant notifications of home safety threats directly to your smart phone.  

Visit HomeDepot.com/FireSafety for more tips and tricks. 


Best New Products

Ryobi cordless tools included in the RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit Don’t stall a project just because you don’t have the right tool. This six-piece combo kit has all Ryobi cordless tools you need. Learn more >>

Simple Solutions

Wiping cement backer board with a damp sponge will help mesh tape adhere better. (Jupiterimages, PhotoImages/Lolostock)

Sure-Stick Mesh Tape — Seams in cement backer board must be covered with adhesive-backed mesh tape and then skim-coated with thin-set mortar. However, the tape doesn’t always adhere well to the backboard because it’s often covered with dust.

So, before applying the tape, wipe down the backer board along the seams with a damp sponge. Then, wait a few minutes for the surface to dry, then stick down the tape.

By the way, this Simple Solution also works well when using mesh tape to repair drywall damage.

mini paint roller
Use a hacksaw to cut a 9-inch paint roller into three 3-inch rollers. (Kikoncos, Getty Images)

Making Mini Paint Rollers — When rolling paint onto narrow spaces, it’s best to use a 3-inch paint roller. The problem is that 3-inch roller sleeves cost $2-3 apiece.

You can make your own by simply buying a standard 9-inch roller sleeve and then using a hacksaw to cut it in thirds to create three 3-inch-long using a hacksaw. Trim any rough edges of the nap with scissors.

A 4-pack of 9-inch roller sleeves costs about $9, so each custom-cut 3-in. sleeve will cost just 75 cents.


Products and Links Mentioned


Further Reading


Radio Show & Podcast: Send us your question!

If you have a comment, general question about home improvement, or something we’ve featured on Today’s Homeowner, please fill in this form:

All The Essential Ryobi Cordless Tools You Need in One Bag

All The Essential Ryobi Cordless Tools You Need in One Bag

This bundle of Ryobi cordless power tools is perfect for beginner DIYers. (3 Echoes Content Studio)

Ryobi cordless tools make do-it-yourself home improvement easier, but oftentimes, new homeowners don’t have the right ones when they need them.

And, buying a new tool for each new project can seriously cut into the savings of doing it yourself.

Here’s where the RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit can save the day (or project). It includes most of the power tools needed for repair and improvement projects around the house.

This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product from these links, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.


Ryobi cordless tools included in the RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit
This kit includes all the tools you need to start any home improvement project. (3 Echoes Content Studio)

What’s Included

The RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit has all the most-popular Ryobi cordless tools.

The kit includes a drill/driver with a powerful motor that provides up to 515 in./lbs. of torque.

Need a little extra torque? This kit’s got you covered with an impact driver with up to 1,800 in./lbs. of torque for tougher jobs. 

You also get two types of saws: A 5.5-inch circular saw is handy for making finished cuts and a reciprocating saw for rougher cuts.

In just one charge, the circular saw can make over 215 cuts, and the reciprocating saw can make over 145 cuts. Plus, the easy-release blade lever on the reciprocating saw makes for quick blade changes.

No combo tool kit is complete without one of the handiest tools you can have in your workshop: a multi-tool. This fast-cutting tool with 20,000 max OPM is perfect for cutting and sanding in tight spots. 

Rounding out this six-piece tool kit is an LED flashlight with over 280 lumens of light output.

All of these tools come with an 18V 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery, 18V 1.5 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery and 18V Charger.


Ryobi One Plus 18V battery
The kit comes with a Ryobi One+ 18V 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery. (3 Echoes Content Studio)

You don’t need to run up and down the aisles to find the extra parts you need to start using these Ryobi cordless tools. The RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit includes the accessories you need to get you started:

  • 18T carbide blade
  • Hex wrench
  • Reciprocating saw blade
  • Hex key
  • Flush cut blade
  • Plunge cut blade
  • 6-inch wood blade
  • Sanding pad
  • 5 pieces of sandpaper
  • Tool bag

Plus, all the tools included operate on the same battery system, and there are dozens more that are compatible. Any Ryobi 18V ONE+ product works with the batteries included.

Watch the video to learn all about this Best New Product! 

Find RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit at The Home Depot.


Further Reading

Ask Danny | Ep. 11: Keeping a Chimney in Tip-Top Shape

Ask Danny | Ep. 11: Keeping a Chimney in Tip-Top Shape

Mitchell Lovell and Danny Lipford chat about chimneys this week. (Coastal Chimney Sweeps/3 Echoes Content Studio)

This week, we’re talking about chimneys and fireplaces with Mitchell Lovell, a second-generation certified chimney sweep with Coastal Chimney Sweeps

In 2009, Mitchell started working at Coastal Chimney Sweeps, the company his father founded in 1979. Like his father, Thomas, he is dedicated to doing the best work to keep customers safe.


Chimney sweep cleaning a chimney
A special vacuum is used to clean soot from a fireplace and chimney. (Henfaes, Getty Images)

Cleaning and Inspection

What all’s involved in cleaning a chimney?

Mitchell: First, we move all the furniture out of the way and lay down a drop cloth around the chimney.

Then clean the chimney with a specially made vacuum with a three-stage filter and HEPA filter. This contains the soot and keeps the inside air clean.

We can get anywhere from five to 10 gallons of soot out of some chimneys!

At Coastal Chimney Sweeps, we perform a certified inspection for every scheduled cleaning. If needed, we’ll do an inspection with a Chim-Scan Video. This is a camera inspection system that scans every joint and connection to make sure everything is functioning properly.


Stainless steel chimney flue liner
Flexible stainless steel chimney lining is easier to maneuver than masonry liner. (PaulMaguire, Getty Images)

Relining a Chimney

What’s involved in relining a chimney?

Mitchell: A chimney liner prevents the transfer of heat to combustible parts that surround a chimney. Over time, the liner deteriorates, and this increases your risk of a house fire. 

Basically, there are two types of chimney lining: masonry and stainless steel. 

For a masonry liner, we use a bladder (chimney balloon) to block the bottom of the chimney, then spray firebrick cement inside to line it. Once the cement is dry, we deflate the bladder.

With a stainless steel liner, we run a flex-pipe metal liner through the chimney and connect it to block-off plates on the bottom and the top. 

Stainless steel liners work well in older houses with multiple chimneys or chimneys with a lot of offsets. 


wood burning in a brick fireplace
Always use dry wood in a fireplace. (Angelafoto, Getty Images Signature)

Preventative Maintenance

What are some general rules for preventative maintenance?

Mitchell: Most importantly, have your chimney inspected once or twice a year if you use it frequently.

Next, make sure your wood is dry and don’t use pressure-treated wood. Burning green wood, or wood that has a lot of moisture, creates a lot of smoke. Not only will it ruin your indoor air quality, but it will also clog up your chimney faster. 

Also, sparingly burn lighter knot wood, also known as fatwood. This type of firewood comes from the heartwood of pine trees and is saturated in sap, so it burns easily. However, it has a strong smell and will clog up your chimney with a creosote coating very quickly.


close-up of a gas fireplace
Gas fireplaces need to be inspected just like wood-burning fireplaces. (DavidPrahl, Getty Images)

Gas Fireplaces

What about gas fireplaces?

Mitchell: Gas fireplaces need to be inspected just like wood-burning fireplaces.

The embers and filter sand will burn up eventually and clog the gas lines and block the heat sensors.

If your gas fireplace isn’t lighting, the heat sensor is probably blocked.


View of a metal chimney cap
A metal chimney cap will keep critters out. (3 Echoes Content Studio)

Dealing With Animals

What about animals nesting in fireplaces?

Mitchell: Squirrels and birds will often build nests on top of a chimney if the screen is broken, which could then lead to a build-up of a lot of combustible material inside.

I’ve seen one chimney with eight feet of twigs built up inside it from squirrels.

Also, these nests can fall down on top of the damper and block the whole chimney.

Have your chimney inspected regularly to make sure nothing is hiding in it and the screen is still doing its job.


chimney sweep cleaning and inspecting a chimney
Don’t wait until a problem happens to have your chimney inspected. (Bill Oxford, Getty Images Signature)

Best Time for a Chimney Inspection

When’s the best time to have your chimney inspected?

Mitchell: Spring is the best time for a certified chimney sweep to inspect your chimney.

Business at Coastal Chimney Sweeps usually picks up at the end of summer, and by November, we book appointments three to four weeks out. So, by the time you notice the problem, you’re waiting for almost another month. 


Clogged dryer vents can not only start a fire, but they also keep your dryer from running efficiently. (JodiJacobson, Getty Images Signature)

Dryer Vent Cleaning

What about dryer vent cleaning?

Mitchell: If your clothes take longer than one cycle to dry, you need to clean your dryer vent most likely.

Some dryer vents run 20 or 30 feet underneath a home’s slab foundation, which makes it easier for the vents to clog with not only lint but also water.

Also, if you don’t clean your vent out for years, the lint can solidify and completely block the pipe.

We use air pressure and agitation tools along with a vacuum to clean the entire vent. Dryer vent cleaning cleans the line that travels through the walls and ceilings to the outside vent of your home.

Once cleaned, we will clean out the connection piece, re-attach your dryer and re-check the vent while your dryer is operating.

Cleaning out your dryer vent extends the life of your dryer, reduces operation costs and makes your home safer for your you and family.


Further Reading


Ask a Question! (Podcast)

Ask a question and we could answer it on the “Today’s Homeowner Podcast!” We also may use it on our nationally syndicated radio broadcast or on todayshomeowner.com.

End-of-Summer HVAC Maintenance Tips

End-of-Summer HVAC Maintenance Tips

Don’t forget to replace your heating and cooling system’s air filters every 30 to 90 days. (American Standard HVAC)

When the season transitions to the colder months, it’s important to maintain your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

Just as you want your HVAC system to keep you cool during the summer, you’ll need to make sure your unit is ready to heat your home during the winter, too.

A combination of the following do-it-yourself and professional maintenance tasks will ensure the system is ready for any season. Read on to learn more.

This post is sponsored by American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning.


AC drain line on a brick home exterior
Water dripping from an A/C drain line creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew. (3 Echoes Content Studio)

Remove Unwanted Moisture

Condensation can lead to unwanted moisture on your HVAC system’s ducts, coils, drain lines, and pans in the summer, especially if you live in a humid area.

If this moisture isn’t removed, it can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, not to mention damage to your home’s A/C unit. If left uncleaned, it can even lead to sickness from airborne bacteria.

To combat this:

  • Clean pans and drain lines from your A/C unit. Water collects in these areas, attracting mold and mildew as well as insects and animals. 
  • Inspect ducts. If your ducts are inadequately insulated, you may see condensation forming outside the ductwork during the summer when humidity is high and the air conditioner is running. Poor insulation cannot only increase your utility bill but also causes excess moisture that can lead to mold. Insulating ductwork is a little more complex, so you should definitely hire an HVAC technician for the job.   

Equipment charging the refrigerant on an AC unit
Call an HVAC professional to check the outdoor unit’s refrigerant levels. (JJ Gouin, Getty Images)

Monitor Refrigerant Levels

Your A/C unit has probably been working overtime during the summer, so it might be low on refrigerant.

This chemical changes from liquid to gas and back to liquid inside your A/C to cool your home. If you’re low on refrigerant, your unit will only circulate warm air.

Having the right amount of refrigerant makes air from your vents colder, reduces energy bills and makes your AC work better.

Call an HVAC professional, like an American Standard Customer Care specialist, to check it at the end of the season so you won’t be in for a rude awakening when summer rolls around next year.


installer wraps the air duct with mineral wool and foil
Use metallic foil tape that’s specifically made for ductwork repairs to seal leaks. (Adobe Stock)

Seal Any Leaks

As the heat of summer wears off, go into the attic and check your ductwork for leaks.

Feel along the ducts for air leaks while your air conditioner is running. Also, look for discolored insulation or rusty ducts that could indicate a leak.

Pay particular attention to the joints in pipes and where runs of ducts meet in case a pipe has become disconnected.

Repair any leaks using duct mastic or metallic duct tape rather than standard cloth tape. You can also have an HVAC professional run a pressurized test of the system to check for leaks.


Changing the filter on an AC unit
You should change your heating and cooling system’s filter about every 30 to 90 days. (mcphillips007, Getty Images Signature)

Change Air Filter

Your HVAC system’s air filter needs to be changed about every 30 to 90 days, so the start of fall is the perfect time to do it.

Regularly changing the air filter is critical for its longevity, but it also helps your system work more efficiently. The purpose of the air filter is to trap unwanted allergens, dust and particles and prevent them from getting into the air you breathe in your home, so when the filter is dirty, your air will also become dirty.

Changing the filter on your air cleaner may also help save on energy costs.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Buy a new filter. Check your owner’s manual before buying a filter — using the right filter is essential; otherwise, you run the risk of potentially damaging your system.
  • Turn off the unit. Be sure the unit is completely off before attempting to change the filter. If you’re unsure of how to turn it off, turn the breaker off in your electric breaker box.
  • Remove the old filter. Most filters are located on the right side of the system and are easy to slide out. However, some filters may be found internally in your home’s vents. Call an HVAC professional if you think may have these internal vents as they need to be replaced by a professional.
  • Insert new filter. Once you’ve removed the old filter, simply slide the new filter into place. Use the arrows on the filter as an indicator for which side should face in or out.

Small pilot flame for gas furnace heater. Constant blue flame for igniting main burners, behind safety grill. Room for copy.
Make sure your furnace’s pilot light works before winter arrives. (Adobe Stock)

Prepare Your HVAC Unit for the Cold Season

Now that your A/C unit is ready for next summer, take these steps to ensure you stay warm during cooler months:

  • Clean the area around your outdoor unit and place a vinyl cover over it.
  • Conduct a sound and visual inspection. Turn on your furnace and/or heating system, and check for anything unusual. This may include sounds like rattling or bumping, as well as anything that looks out of place.
  • Program/calibrate your thermostat. This will ensure that your heating system runs accurately and correctly. 
  • Inspect your blower assembly. Fans and motors can gunk up after not being touched or used for a while. You may have to clean these parts off or even replace them if necessary. 
  • Check insulation. Insulation in your home’s walls or attic may need some attention, which will help keep your home warm in the winter and reduce energy costs. Also, you may want to check duct insulation as well.
  • Check your pilot light. This is a continuously burning flame in gas-powered heating systems that is used as an ignition source for heat. If your pilot light has been extinguished, your heating system will not work properly.

American Standard technician smiling as she stands next to a Platinum 20 Heat Pump and Air Conditioning unit
An HVAC professional can ensure your system is in good working order during any season. (American Standard)

When in Doubt, Call an HVAC Tech

A trained professional should inspect your home’s heating and cooling systems at least once a year. HVAC technicians have a much deeper understanding of these systems’ inner workings than the typical DIY homeowner. 

Homeowners can do minor A/C unit maintenance, but only HVAC technicians can run tests and check for poisonous gases, such as carbon monoxide, inside a home.

To find your local American Standard Customer Care Dealer, visit americanstandardair.com.


Further Reading

Updating an ’80s Kitchen, Part 1

Updating an ’80s Kitchen, Part 1

We’re bringing an ’80s-style kitchen into this decade with a special two-part episode.

Homeowners Lloyd and Aimee Meyers and their two kids love their home, but they want to make some updates to their kitchen.

We’re happy to help this family with a renovation that’s inexpensive, at just $1,200 in materials, but will leave a big impact!

This article covers part one of the project.


Homeowner's Lloyd and Amy Meyers 80s style kitchen.
Lloyd and Aimee are looking to make several updates to their 80s style kitchen.

Preparing the Space

We begin by removing the galley rail above the windows in the dining area. It currently serves as a display shelf for decorative china, but modern homes don’t include this feature and it makes the room feel crowded.

The ceramic backsplash only protects the area behind the sink, so we will replace it with a subway tile backsplash that covers everything behind all the countertops. This consistent look will enhance the kitchen’s overall design.

We will replace the unsightly chandelier above the dining table, move the ceiling fan to a more functional location because Aimee cooks a lot, and remove the long fluorescent light above the work area.

Even the ceiling gets an update because this one has “popcorn,” or texture, that’s no longer in style. (Lloyd already removed some of the popcorn before we arrived.)

When removing a popcorn ceiling, I prefer using a metal scraper. The pros often sand off the scraper’s corners so the edges are rounded, which prevents damage.

Homeowner's Lloyd and Amy Meyers kitchen during demo
After removing the galley rail and chair rail, we begin patching any holes with the joint compound.

Once we’ve removed everything, we use joint compound to cover any holes we found and install new drywall in place of the sink’s backsplash.


Kitchen cabinets without the face.
We removed the kitchen cabinets’ doors to give them an upgrade.

Touching Up the Cabinets

Painting wood cabinets is on-trend, but Lloyd and Aimee like their cabinets — they just want to freshen them up.

So, instead of replacing or painting the cabinets, we’re giving them a facelift. That just means taking the doors off the boxes, cleaning them, repairing any scratches and applying a fresh coat of polyurethane before installing new hardware.

Touching up the kitchen cabinets.
Many homeowners paint their wood cabinets white, but if you want to keep the grain, just refinish them.

We will complete this project in episode two, but when all is said and done, the cabinets will look new and the hardware will complement them nicely!


A hole in the drywall ceiling to install recessed lighting.
With a little know-how, canless recessed lights are easy to install.

Installing Canless Recessed Lighting

This kitchen had massive light fixtures that were dated, unattractive, and didn’t fit the space. We’re adding new light fixtures, including canless recessed lighting that will accent the room and add ambiance.

The LED lights we will install, from Commercial Electric, are small and don’t put out much heat, so they’re energy-efficient and attractive (a win-win).


This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product from these links, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.


Installation is easy — all you have to do is cut a small hole in the ceiling with a hole saw, attach the wires to the junction box and push them up into the ceiling!

Watch our video, How to Install Canless Recessed Lights, for more information.

Canless LED recessed lights
These new canless recessed lights make the space warmer and inviting.

The design of these lights makes them easy to install and the lights are just as bright — if not brighter — than the room’s original can lights!


Danny Lipford and Chelsea Lipford Wolf with homeowner's Lloyd and Amy Meyers

Production Thoughts

With these projects complete, we’re well underway with the Meyers’ family’s kitchen makeover.

The refinished kitchen cabinets will look new once they are back in place and the new light fixtures are much more of the Meyers’ style.

But we’re far from over with this renovation! Part two is coming soon with more projects to tackle.

Check back here so you don’t miss a thing!



Other Tips from this Episode


Further Reading