To do:

• Cut off the power to the entire heating system at the circuit breaker—for safety’s sake—and
remove the old thermostat’s outer casing.

• Unscrew the old thermostat housing, exposing the color-coded wiring that runs to your
heating-cooling unit.

• Match those wires to the correct terminals of the new housing and attach.

• Snap in the batteries that power the programming display, fit the new thermostat to the
thermostat housing, and you’re done.

Silence a Toilet

The best way to fix that annoying “running toilet” problem? Replace the entire float system in the tank.

To do:

• Turn off the water supply valve and drain the toilet by flushing until the tank is empty
(holding down the handle speeds the process).

• Loosen the large nut at the base of the old float system and remove the entire unit.

• There are several basic varieties, so bring the old unit for comparison when you head for
the store to buy the new one.

• Install the new float valve in place of the old one, following the instructions provided.

• Tighten with finger pressure, ensuring the seal is secure, but don’t over tighten.

• Turn the water supply back on to refill the tank, and don’t forget to check for leaks.

Replace a Kitchen Faucet

A cranky faucet can be a constant source of irritation, not to mention wasteful if it leaks. You can easily replace that relic, choosing from a wide array of styles that fit any standard kitchen sink.

To do:

• Check whether your sink is the three- or four-hole variety (the latter includes a rinsing
wand), then select a unit to fit your needs.

• Turn off the water line feeding the sink.

• Remove your old faucet, using a pipe wrench to loosen the nuts.

• The new faucet should fit right into place, and with the plastic nuts in use today, tightening
the connections is a piece of cake.

• Follow the directions included with the new unit. Turn on the main hot- and cold-water
valves, check for leaks (including under the sink), and presto, a new kitchen sink!

Insulate Hot-Water Pipes
Here’s an easy way to boost your average hot-water temperature by up to four degrees—without using additional energy.

To do:

• Using foam pipe sleeves (these can be found at your local hardware store), be sure they’re
compatible with the pipe diameter for a tight fit, trimming the length as needed.

• Wrap pipes, taping securely (duct tape works great) every one or two feet. That was easy!

Install a Solar Security Light

A solar-powered floodlight with motion sensor turns dark to light at the slightest disturbance—ideal for nighttime security. This is the ideal, virtually foolproof “green” project for anyone with
no knowledge of working with electric fixtures.

To do:

• The unit needs no external power source, so you can attach the mounting brackets almost
anywhere there’s sufficient direct sunlight.

• Secure unit to mounting brackets, and you’re done.