Housing Feature Articles
Home cures for mold, mildew problems do exist
Although wet weather creates mold problems inside many homes, that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to test a home for mold. The key is to keep water out...more
Don’t forget about recycling during and after holidays
Many people find their homes cluttered after a holiday or birthday. It’s important to consider recycling when deciding how to clean up...more
When purchasing a new washer, consider high efficiency
Are you planning to buy a new washing machine soon? If you are, there are many things to consider before the purchase...more
Air conditioning needs regular maintenance to be efficient
Central air conditioning systems need regular maintenance to perform at peak efficiency...more
Weatherizing your home has year-round benefits
It’s the season when many Missouri homeowners are getting hit with cold drafts and higher heating bills. University of Missouri Extension specialists note that it’s not too late to take advantage of federal tax incentives for household energy-efficiency improvements...more
Frequently Asked Questions: Compact fluorescent lights (CFL's)
CFL's are small fluorescent light bulbs that use 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can be screwed into a regular light socket...more
Efficiency investments in home, appliances result in smart, tax-free savings
In these rough economic times, finding a safe and productive place to invest money seems nearly impossible. By investing in the efficiency of your home and home appliances, you can realize returns that are safe, tax free, directly in your control and profitable...more
Take steps to offset soaring heating costs
Keeping warm air inside and the cold air out can be relatively inexpensive, according to Barbara Buffaloe, a University of Missouri Extension housing specialist...more
Compact fluorescent light bulbs help save energy -- and money
Consumers may feel sticker shock when paying $4 to replace that burnt out 50-cent incandescent light bulb, but that pricey new bulb can last for years...more
Safety at home should be part of your family’s holiday plans
Each year holiday decorations and Christmas trees account for almost 2,000 fires and cause more than $41 million dollars in property damage. Your family can avoid these hazards if you take the time to plan the placement and use of your decorations...more
Give extra care to newly purchased holiday houseplants
When bringing home newly purchased houseplants to brighten the holidays, be sure to follow a few simple steps to keep your plants healthy...more
Radon: A Silent Killer Can Lurk in Homes
Radon can't be seen, felt or tasted. It’s a radioactive gas that lurks in many Missouri homes going undetected...more video link
January is Radon Action Month – Resolve to Test
You can't see it, smell it, or taste it; however, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Since families spend most of their time indoors during the winter months, it is important to test your home for radon...more
Energy Efficiency over the Holidays
The holiday season is a time of celebration and most homes are decorated to the nines. However the holiday season is also a time of higher energy bills because of our home heating needs and the electricity for holiday decorations. Certain behaviors need to be adopted by homeowners to decorate their homes for the holidays, but not waste electricity doing so...more
MU Extension expert recommends replacing older smoke detectors
Even if you regularly check the batteries and test your home smoke alarm, you may not be alerted if a fire breaks out...more
With homeownership comes the inevitable: at some point, repairs need to be made. Although most contractors are trustworthy and fair, home repairs remain one of the most common types of consumer complaints. Hiring a contractor to do those repairs can sometimes be confusing and overwhelming but if you prepare an action plan in advance, the process of hiring a contractor can be smooth and without surprises. Using the following guidelines will help you find a reputable contractor who will perform repairs in a timely manner and for a fair price...more
Are Dust Mites A Problem In Your Home?
Does your home have a problem with dust mites? It may be surprising to learn that dust mites are part of everyday life and can be found in virtually every household. High humidity increases the presence of dust mites. Often they are most prevalent during the summer months when the humidity and heat are increased. However, dust mites can also be problematic in the winter months...more
Carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every five years
Homeowners may be surprised to learn that they need to replace the carbon monoxide detector they bought just a few years ago. "Carbon monoxide detectors are only good for about five years," said Michael Goldschmidt, a housing and environmental design specialist with University of Missouri Extension...more
Protect your bath and shower from mold and mildew
Moisture makes bathrooms attractive to mold and mildew growth. To reduce mold and mildew in the bath and shower areas, Marsha Alexander, housing and environmental design specialist, offers these tips...more
Mold and mildew control in your home
Many of us have seen mold and mildew around our homes from time to time. The problem can be particularly noticeable during the spring and summer months. Molds that generate mildew thrive wherever it is damp, warm, poorly lighted, and /or where air is not circulated. Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. These spores float through the indoor and outdoor air continually...more
Universal design gifts improve ease of use for people of all ability levels
Universal design products are designed to assist people who may have difficulty with hearing, memory, mobility, vision and more. Based on a nationally accepted standard of seven design principles established by a group of product designers, engineers and environmental design researchers, these products accommodate a wide range of abilities and continue to meet the needs of people as their abilities change...more
CCA Treatment in Playground Equipment
CCA Treatment (chromated copper arsenic) was used until recently in wood that was exposed to weather, such as playground equipment. CCA was a preservative that kept wood from rotting and was required by building codes for just about all wood used outside. It is estimated that about 90 percent of children’s playground equipment contains CCA...more
Dealing with drought…Watering your home’s foundation can help prevent cracking
While drought conditions that have plagued Missouri can take a toll on crops, landscape plants and lawns, extended dry periods also can cause shifting or cracking in the foundation of your home. In addition to watering your lawn and trees, it’s a good idea to water your home’s foundation...more
Floor coverings are major elements in our homes. Careful consideration should be taken when selecting the specific flooring type and finish. There are three basic categories - hard (non-resilient), resilient, and soft...more
Take this test and see how much you know about making your home a safer haven...more
Remodeling: Is Now the Right Time?
Many households are choosing to remodel their current home rather than moving to a new house. There are cost-effective ways to improving a house to meet changing family needs. Many important factors should be considered in the decision to remodel or renovate...more
Insects trying to get out of your home may cause alarm
In most cases, you get concerned about insects coming into your house. Sometimes, however, an insect problem can be caused by insects trying to get out! This situation might sound unusual, but it happens every spring when outdoor temperatures begin to increase...more
Environmental quality is an important aspect of life consideration. Environmental quality can be examined from indoor air quality, mold, radon, and water supply perspectives...more
Environmental safety is a critical component of quality of life. It can be investigated from a burglary and theft, fire, hazardous waste, universal design, and general crime prevention perspectives...more
For many Americans, owning a home is the ultimate dream. However, there are several aspects to consider before making your purchase. This article discusses items such as the "purchase vs. rent" debate, finding an ecologically responsible home; and the costs of a house...more
Remodeling/renovations are economical ways of improving one's home and thereby improving one's quality of life. Several important factors should be considered in the decision to remodel or renovate...more
Environmental systems are the mechanical systems in a house that are required to support human activities. Knowledge about what these systems are and how they operate is important to every homeowner. This article contains information about the plumbing system of your house; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC); and thermal insulation...more
One way to increase the quality of one's housing is to use design principles that are enduring. These sustainable and enduring principles are referred to as "design guidelines" or "design patterns." This articles lists various suggestions to help improve the "timelessness" of your house...more
Test Your Smoke Alarms - It Could Save Your Life
Each year more than 4,000 Americans lose their life to fire and approximately 25,000 are injured. At least 80% of fires in the US occur in the home, however there are many things we can do to prevent these fire tragedies and injuries...more
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Last update: Monday, August 23, 2010
