DIY

APC RBC2 87
The concept of “planned obsolescence” is nowhere more visible than in the battery backup (or UPS – Uninterrupted Power Supply) market. With the insane prices the manufacturers charge for batteries, it’s easy to compare it to the video game console industry: the companies must barely break even (or maybe even […]

Dead UPS Batteries? There’s a Cheaper Way!

This entry was posted in DIY Technology and tagged 1280 1290 APC battery backup RBC RBC109 RBC2 RBC24 RBC63 replacement battery S20BLK UB1280 UB1290 UPS on by (updated 4090 days ago)
InSinkErator SST Instant Hot Water Dispenser 65
An undersink instant hot water dispenser (like my InSinkErator SST) is one of those kitchen luxuries you may not think you need until you get one… after which, you’ll never know what you did without it. But after a few years, I noticed that it was taking longer and longer […]

DIY: Instant Hot Water Heater with Low Flow? Fix it ...

This entry was posted in DIY and tagged DIY InSinkErator insta-hot instant hot water low flow not working plumbing on by (updated 3745 days ago)
BlueFusion by Scoche 6
My wife’s been nagging me gently reminding me that she wants to be able to listen to her iPhone’s music library in her 2008 Cadillac Escalade ESV. Combine that with her patriotic respect of the law and love of automobile safety (she’s never got a ticket, and her first one […]

Review: Scosche BlueFusion Bluetooth Car Kit

This entry was posted in Cars DIY Home Theater & Automation Product Reviews Technology and tagged A2DP audio BFGMK BlueFusion Bluetooth Bluetooth audio Escalade GM hands-free Scoche Scosche on by (updated 4158 days ago)
Standard Gas Hot Water Header 38
I’m not proud to admit that this DIY project is something I put off for way too long, and I feel stupid because it’s one of the easiest things you can do to save money every month, while prolonging the life of your gas or electric water heater: flushing the […]

DIY: Flush Your Water Heater and Check/Replace Your Anode

This entry was posted in DIY and tagged aluminum anode flush flush hot water heater flush hot water tank flush water heater hot water heater hot water tank magnesium plumbing replace anode rust zinc on by (updated 3032 days ago)
Honeywell EconoSWITCH RPLS741B 86
For years, I’ve used programmable switches at our Utah vacation house to turn exterior lights on at dusk and off at dawn. Having a well-lit exterior is a deterrent to potential thieves, and creates a nice visual setting when returning home at night. Previously, I used four Intermatic EJ500 switches, […]

Review: Honeywell EconoSWITCH Programmable Timer

This entry was posted in DIY Home Theater & Automation Product Reviews and tagged astronomical clock automatic timer EconoSWITCH EJ500 Honeywell Intermatic RPLS740B RPLS741B switch timer switch vacation timer on by (updated 4159 days ago)
Low millivolts from a thermopile 286
Disclaimer As with all my DIY posts, anything you decide to do as a result of reading this post, you do so at your own risk. With gas and flames involved, things can get dangerous — as in blow-your-house-up dangerous. So hire an expert if you’re not comfortable doing any […]

DIY: Gas Fireplace Won’t Light? How to Clean your Thermopile ...

This entry was posted in DIY and tagged DIY gas fireplace gas valve pilot light thermocouple thermopile won't light on by (updated 3416 days ago)