Skip to main content

Home Maintenance

Follow Home Maintenance in the Factlen app and get an alert when there is news. Get the app

More in Home Maintenance

ExplainerHydronic Heating

Trapped Nitrogen Pockets in Radiator Circuits Starve Upper Floors by Blocking Hydronic Circulation

Hydronic Engineers 45%Plumbing Technicians 35%DIYers and System Owners 20%

6 sources · 2d ago

ExplainerElectrical Safety

Why Bathroom GFCIs Trip When Nothing Is Plugged In: The Physics of Siphon Voltage

Electrical Device Manufacturers 40%Building Science Researchers 35%Consumer Safety Advocates 25%

5 sources · 4d ago

ExplainerPaint Chemistry

Why Oil-Based Paint Turns Yellow in the Dark: The Science of Chromophore Trapping

Paint Chemists 40%Heritage Conservators 30%Residential Contractors 30%

4 sources · 9d ago

ExplainerWater Chemistry

Retrograde Solubility Drives Calcium Carbonate Out of Solution as Temperatures Rise

Plumbing Engineers 40%Public Health Officials 35%Water Quality Scientists 25%

3 sources · 14d ago

ExplainerFluid Dynamics

Why Radiators Stay Cold at the Bottom: How Magnetite Sludge Chokes Convection

Heating Engineers 40%Homeowners 30%Boiler Manufacturers 30%

5 sources · 16d ago

ExplainerWindow Maintenance

Solar Pumping Drives Moisture Past Breached Window Seals, Saturating Desiccant and Permanently Etching Double-Glazed Panes

Window Manufacturers 40%Energy Efficiency Advocates 30%Repair Technicians 30%

4 sources · 18d ago

ExplainerPlumbing Physics

Why Drain Pipes Require a 2-Feet-Per-Second Flow to Prevent Solid Waste Blockages

Hydraulic Engineers 40%Municipal Regulators 30%Residential Plumbers 30%

10 sources · 32d ago

ExplainerPlumbing Standards

The 50-Year Hydrostatic Design Basis: The Standard That Dictates PEX and CPVC Plumbing Lifespan

Standards Regulators 45%Rigid Thermoplastic Advocates 35%Independent Analysts 20%

5 sources · 34d ago

ExplainerWater Chemistry

The -1.93 Volt Differential: How the Sacrificial Anode Rod Actually Prevents Water Heater Failure

Magnesium Proponents 40%Aluminum & Alloy Advocates 40%Electrochemical Purists 20%

5 sources · 38d ago

ExplainerPatio Flooring

Modular Deck Tiles vs. Traditional Wood Decking: Cost, Labor, and Longevity Trade-Offs

Renter & DIY Advocates 45%Traditional Builders 40%Material Reviewers 15%

4 sources · 40d ago

ExplainerHVAC Filtration

MERV 8 vs. MERV 13: The Air Quality and Static Pressure Trade-Offs in Residential HVAC

HVAC System Designers 40%Indoor Air Quality Advocates 40%Energy Efficiency Analysts 20%

2 sources · 41d ago

Deep DiveExterior Maintenance

Power Washing vs. Soft Washing: The Pressure and Chemical Trade-Offs for Exterior Siding

Chemical Wash Specialists 50%Material Preservationists 30%Mechanical Cleaning Advocates 20%

7 sources · 43d ago

ExplainerRoofing Standards

Adhesive Seal and ASTM D7158/UL 2390: How Asphalt Shingle Standards Actually Rate Wind Uplift Resistance

Structural Engineers 40%Roofing Contractors 40%Homeowners & Agencies 20%

7 sources · 45d ago

ExplainerYard Drainage

French Drains vs. Catch Basins: The True Cost and Capacity Trade-Offs in Yard Drainage

Landscape Architects 40%Budget-Conscious Homeowners 30%Foundation Specialists 30%

2 sources · 47d ago

ExplainerElectrical Safety

Beyond the Gauge: How Insulation and Temperature Actually Dictate Wire Ampacity

Code-Compliant Electricians 70%Rule-of-Thumb DIYers 30%

6 sources · 49d ago

ExplainerHVAC Standards

Why SEER2 and HVAC Efficiency Ratings Do Not Guarantee Real-World Energy Savings

Value-Focused Homeowners 35%Comfort & Efficiency Maximizers 35%Building Science Advocates 30%

4 sources · 51d ago

ExplainerWater Heating

Tankless vs. Storage Water Heaters: The True Cost and Efficiency Trade-Offs

Efficiency Advocates 40%Pragmatic Homeowners 35%Plumbing Professionals 25%

2 sources · 53d ago

AnalysisBuilding Codes

The 2021 Energy Code Mandate: Upfront Costs vs. Long-Term Savings in Federally Financed Housing

Efficiency Advocates 50%Homebuilders 50%

5 sources · 56d ago

ExplainerBuilding Codes

Florida's 2026 Building Code Mandates Costlier Full Roof Tear-Offs in More Reroofing Scenarios

Full Replacement Advocates 45%Repair & Preservation Advocates 40%Code Enforcement & Regulators 15%

7 sources · 60d ago

ExplainerHOA Compliance

Funding the Mandate: How California Condo Owners Are Paying for SB 326 Balcony Repairs

HOA Loan Proponents 45%Special Assessment Advocates 35%Proactive Reserve Planners 20%

6 sources · 73d ago

Water HeatersPolicy Decision

DOE Finalizes Rule Mandating Heat Pump Technology for Most Electric Water Heaters by 2029

Energy & Environmental Regulators 35%Plumbing & HVAC Contractors 35%Water Heater Manufacturers 30%

6 sources · 76d ago

ExplainerBuilding Codes

Georgia Adopts 2024 International Residential Code, Overhauling Standards for New Home Construction

Home Builders & Developers 40%State Regulators 35%National Standard Setters 25%

7 sources · 77d ago

ExplainerHousing Supply

The Whole-Home Repairs Act: How a New Federal Pilot Aims to Fix America's Aging Housing Stock

Housing Preservation Advocates 40%Real Estate and Building Industry 35%Fiscal Pragmatists 25%

3 sources · 107d ago

ExplainerHousing Policy

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act: How a New Federal Law Expands CDBG and HOME Funds for New Construction

Local Governments & Planners 39%Affordable Housing Developers 39%Consumer Protection Advocates 22%

3 sources · 107d ago

ExplainerHeat Pumps

Why Year-Round Heat Pumps Need Regular Maintenance to Prevent 25 Percent Energy Waste

HVAC Professionals 40%Energy Efficiency Advocates 30%Cost-Conscious Homeowners 30%

3 sources · 131d ago