Hot Home & Garden How-Tos

How To: Make a wind turbine using a ceiling fan

Scott Brown teaches us how to make a wind turbine using a ceiling fan in this video. First, place steel banding around the middle of the ceiling fan base. Now, cross all the combinations of the wires and keep them close together so you don't confuse them. Hook these up to DC terminals so you get around 50 volts on both of them. Hook them parallel so you keep the voltage down to around 50 volts together. Then place the wires into a connector that has a pipe connected to the bottom. This will c...

How To: Use microgeneration to generate power

In this video, we learn how to use microgeneration to generate power. You can start by placing solar panels on your roof which is very easy to get installed. It's not a huge job, it just takes some workers and a meter that is in the house. This will tell you how much power you are getting through the solar panels. Another edition you can have is a panel that will give you hot water, which can save you money on your monthly bills. This will give you confidence in your energy because you are pr...

How To: Build your own hydroponics system

In this tutorial, we learn how to build your own hydroponics system. To do this, you will need: square line rain gutter, 6x end caps, 3x gutter running outlet, 1x small pond pump, 2 meters pond pump tubing, timber for framework, large plastic container, and gutter leaf guard. When you start, you will need to measure out how tall your pump will need to be, then build the framework to surround it. Then, grab all your gutter parts and put them together. Once you do this, start to set up all the ...

How To: Drywall partition with Fermacell

In this tutorial, we learn how to drywall partition with Fermacell. This is a great alternative to plasterboard and is environmentally friendly with no plastering required. First, measure out the floor and mark it using chalk. After this, make sure the walls are level, then measure them out. Mark out doorways and any other special requirements after this. Now, layer a resilient layer between the slats. Then, these are placed into the floors using drills and nails. The rest of the studs will b...

How To: Do color washing when you paint your room

Walls looking a little drab and dreary? Try color washing your walls, a two-step process that'll give your walls a vibrant look. Pick out your color, prep your walls, do a base coat of the walls, and then apply glaze. It's very simple, and at the end of it, you'll have amazing looking walls that look vibrant and cheerful.

How To: Build a DIY wooden kitchen wine rack

Wine racks are one of the easiest and best-looking DIY pieces you can add to your kitchen. They're sort of the adult equivalent of making a birdhouse or a spice rack in shop class. This video will show you how to build a really nice wooden one yourself that goes over your refrigerator and will hold about 30 bottles of wine or liquor.

How To: Make a DIY magic wooden paddle in 5 minutes

If you love both woodworking and magic, then you have come to the right place! This video will show you how to make a cool DIY magic paddle with stars on it. For the trick, you can appear to remove the stars from one side and have them disappear from the other side as well. It has some other good magic tricks as well that don't require any carpentry skills.

How To: Install dry acoustic flooring with Fermacell

In this video, we learn how to install dry acoustic flooring with Fermacell. To start, you will level the floor and apply compound if you need. Next, you will lay the Fermacell around the room on top of the leveling compound. Push the flooring tightly together so there are no spaces in between them. You may need to cut the flooring to make sure it's the correct shape for the wall. After this, apply flooring adhesive to the seams to make sure they are secure as they are laid down. After this, ...

How To: Install a bath fan

In this tutorial, we learn how to install a bath fan. When you take a shower and don't have a bath fan, you are more likely to have mold or mildew in your bathroom. First, you need to determine the correct CFM for your bathroom, then you need to find a fan that is as loud or quiet as you want it to be. Choose if you want a quiet or loud one. After this, you will need to find out where to put the bath fan or check your current one to see if a new fan will fit inside!

How To: Save time & money at the grocery store

In this video, we learn how to save time and money at the grocery store. At holiday time, grocery shopping can be extra tough. First, make sure you bring your own reusable bags. Then, place in your soda and water in the cart first so you don't have to re-arrange. Make a list before you go to the grocery store so you don't wander around the store. Also, see if you can place your deli order ahead of time so you don't have to wait around. Have your grocery clerk group like items together so unpa...

How To: Fertilize your lawn

In this video, we learn how to fertilize your lawn. First, you need to pick out what kind of fertilizer you need. You need to know how to read the numbers that are on the bag, so you can choose the right kind for you. After this, go to the store and look at the different fertilizers that are in stock. Look at the back of the bag and read to see if it's the correct type for your project. After this, look up the right time to apply the fertilizer to your project. When spreading it, make sure it...

How To: Use solar thermal microgeneration

Solar Thermal Microgeneration may be used to reduce your hot water bill, fossil fuel use, and lower your carbon footprint. For water heating, water is collected from solar panels. It is used to heat the water, as it filters through the water heater. Some areas require all new homes to provide an energy rating to buyers. Solar thermal panels harness the suns energy and reducing the need for fossil fuels to heat water. You will need the combination of solar panels, a traditional water heater, a...

How To: Replace the line on a STIHL trimmer Head

In this video, we learn how to replace the line on a STIHL trimmer head. First, remove the spool from the head by stopping the engine and cutting attachment first. Then, grasp the body and insert your thumb into the tab on the head, then rotate around and press on the second tab. After this, press down on the spool and release it from the housing. Now, remove the star nut to remove the head completely. Now, you can replace it with a new one. After this, replace the parts that you took out and...

How To: Kill bed bugs in the workplace

Bed bugs appearing in the office space is becoming more and more common. Often, someone brings a bed bug to the office on their clothes, and the bed bug roams away from the garment. These don't normally turn into reproducing infestation.

How To: Cut a bolt and save the threads

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to cut a bolt and save the threads. The materials required for this task are: a hacksaw, steel bristle brush, bolt cutters, wrench, oil and a filer. Begin by putting some oil onto the threads of the bolt. Then place the saw on the desired groove and cut across through the thread. Now brush it with the steel bristle brush to remove the debris. Finish by removing the excess metal with the filer and unscrew the bolt(s). This video will benefit those view...

How To: Decorate for the holidays fast & easy

In this video, the editors at Good Housekeeping Magazine teach us how to decorate for the holidays quickly and easily. The first decoration you can do is to make a Minora. To do this, you will first take a glass candle holder and fill it up with green rocks until it's 1/3 of the way full. After this, place a tapered candle in it and keep filling with rocks until the candle stands straight. You can also purchase clear bulbs and fill them with a sprig of greenery and red beads. After this, clos...

How To: Repair a defective ceiling fan light switch

In this video, we learn how to repair a defective ceiling fan light switch with Richard Wright. There are two types of switches: two wire and three wire, grab the one you need and tools to help you replace your light switch. Now, disconnect the power at the breaker panel and get started by removing the weighted poles on the chain. Next, remove the globes and bulbs, then set aside. Get inside the light by inserting your screwdriver into it and pulling the light kit apart. The inner workings wi...

How To: Install tile in your home using SimpleMat

In this video, we learn how to install tile in your home using SimpleMat. SimpleMat is a double sided adhesive mat that is designed to set tile on an existing counter top. Adding tile is a very easy way to add value to your home or give it a quick face lift. To apply, first remove the back of the adhesive, then apply it to the surface. Next, you will remove the protective tile and you can start to lay down your tile to the adhesive. Press it down where you want them and adjust them if needed....

How To: Treat bed bugs with inspections & follow-up

In this video, we learn how to treat bed bugs with inspections and follow-up. First, you want to take off all your bedding and sheets, then place it into a bag. After this, you need to clean it in burning hot water to make sure the bugs are all killed. After you have removed this, you need to search the mattress to find where the rest of the bed bugs are at. Check around the headboard to see if the bugs are hiding there. Once you find these, you need to use either professional chemicals or a ...

How To: Update your living room

In this video, we learn how to update your living room. First, you can paint your living room with premium colors to give it a richer look. Crown molding will also change the look of the room after you paint. Window treatments will also give your home a nicer look, adding in dimension. Invest in table lamps, which will encourage your guests to sit down and relax. Also, changing the door to your dining room will add a classy touch as well! If you can afford it, upgrading the carpet will add a ...

How To: Make your bed super cozy with the proper mattress, sheets & comforter

The foundation of a bed is really the mattress itself. So, that means that money should not matter when dealing with mattresses. You should invest in the best and highest quality mattress you can find. If you can spring for the ultimate mattress, a good option is the featherbed, or a memory foam. Then, to make your bed even more comfortable, there's the sheets and the comforters. To learn more about the blankets and other goodies to make the perfect bed, watch this Chatelaine video. Oh… and d...