As homeowners, it seems that we have to tackle one problem after another. Well FIX IT Home Improvement has made things a little easier on us by releasing their new book.

This book is packed with information to help you deal with issues both inside and outside of your home. Scroll below to read a few tips they mention in this solution packed ebook or download your own copy here.

COUNTERTOPS

In this book, learn both the history of countertops and the best ways to care for all of the most popular countertop types on the market. Thinking about choosing a new countertop type for your kitchen but don’t know which medium will be best for you? This book gives you the nuances of each type and provides you with the information to make the best decision for your home.

Tips

All Countertop Cleaners Are NOT Created Equal

You need to know what type of material your countertop is made of, to properly take care of it. You need to make sure you are using a product that is for your specific type of countertop.

Keep Them Dry

Make sure you keep all types of countertops dry. Always clean up spill immediately.

Protect Them From Scratches

Use microfiber cloths to prevent scratching. You should use cutting boards to protect the countertop from scratching.

Manage the Heat

Never place hot pans or pots on a countertop. Use trivets or hot pads to protect the surface from melting.

Baking Soda Works Wonders

You can use baking soda to remove stubborn stains. Put baking soda over the spill and add a little amount of water to create a paste. Let it set for 10 minutes and then wipe it up with a wet sponge. You can use white vinegar for cleaning. Use 1 cup of warm water and 2 Tablespoons of white vinegar mixed in a spray bottle on the surface. Then wipe it, until it gets dried! Vinegar contains 5% acid that kills germs and cleans. It also removes mineral deposits.

TREES

Many books for homeowners don’t focus on other elements that may be important to homeowners, like landscaping. This book offers information and solutions to deal with flowers, trees and insects around your home.

Tips

Position Matters

Planting deciduous trees on the south and west of your home, can reduce winter heating costs up to 15% and summer cooling cost up to 50%, by providing afternoon shade on the roof, walls, and windows. Evergreen trees can block the wind when planted on the north and northwest corner of your home.

Money Does Grow on Trees

Trees can add 5 -15% to your property value depending on the location. The Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers say that mature trees increase property values from $ 1,000 - $ 10,000.

Let the Finder Help You

Visit the Arbor Day's website (www.arborday.org) and use their Best Tree Finder and Tree Wizard tools, to find the best tree for your location and needs. You enter the zip code and type of tree. It will show you the height, width, and features of the trees you selected. You can call a local nursery to get their recommendations, for the best mature trees to have in your yard. They can also tell you the height, where to plant, etc.

FANS

We all know about the benefits a ceiling fan can have for our home, and most importantly our heating and air bill, but do you know how to fully maximize the benefits of having a ceiling fan? The tips in this book will help you with that and so much more.

Tips

Height Matters

You get the best air flow when the fan blades are 8’ to 9’ above the floor. It should not be lower than 7’ and no higher than 9’ above the floor.

Strike a Balance

The more blades the quieter the fan is but it moves less air. 4 to 5 fan blades provide the best balance between noise and air movement.

Step Away From the Dimmer Switch

You can NOT USE A DIMMER SWITCH FOR FAN SPEED CONTROL ON A CEILING FAN. The dimmer switch can cause a fire. Only use a fan speed control switch to control the fan.

You can order FIX IT Home Improvement's  new book, "Home Improvement Solutions: What Every Homeowner Should Know (Book 4)," on Amazon or here.

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Are you a pro with tips of your own?  Contact us at  blog@reddevil.com to share your knowledge or comment below.

Do you have questions about your home improvement project? Connect with us at blog@reddevil.com or comment below to receive help from one of our pros.