Fix A Doorbell That Is Out of Order
Doorbells are actually pretty simple systems, making them relatively straight-forward to fix. There are only 4 possible culprits: the chime, the transformer, the button or the wiring that connects them all. Simply identify which component is faulty before replacing it.
Revive an Extension Cord
Extension cords always come in handy. If yours accidentally got damaged or suddenly stopped working, there is a simple hack that may solve the issue. Add a new replacement plug on the piece of cord with a receptacle and a new receptacle on the piece of cord with the plug.
Replace Your Bathroom Fan
As a general rule, bathroom fans over the age of 20 should be replaced, as they probably don’t do such a great job anymore. More so, they are likely to be full of mold and mildew, making them downright dangerous. Investing in a loud and ineffective bathroom fan is always worth it.
Fix String Lights
String lights are often incredibly easy to fix. While they may be cheap and it may seem easier to simply invest in a new set, it also doesn’t seem right to throw away a perfectly good product. Most of the time, the fuse is the culprit and can be replaced with very little time or money.
Repair a TV Remote
It doesn’t make sense to purchase an entirely new TV remote just because one button isn’t working. Luckily, it can actually be pretty easy to fix yourself. Most remotes have electrically conductive paint at the bottom of each button. However, the more you use the button, the more the paint wears off. Chances are, the paint simply needs to be topped up.
Rewire a Lamp
Do you have a table lamp that constantly flickers? Luckily, this is a pretty simple fix. Most of the time, the light bulb or wiring needs replacing. If this doesn’t work, it could also be the socket.
Repair Broken Earbuds
While cheap earbuds are disposable, nobody wants to throw away their expensive pair. If the problem is a faulty connection, it should be relatively easy to fix. Simply locate and repair the faulty connection using a soldering iron and electronics solder.
Use Liquid Electrical Tape to Repair a Broken Charger Cable
Charging cables aren’t exactly the more durable or long-lasting products out there. However, they are also relatively easy to repair. If your cable starts fraying, simply add some liquid insulation tape. It’s cheap, durable and will ensure that your cable lasts that little bit longer.
Fix a Ceiling Fan
For many people, having a working ceiling fan is an absolute must. Instead of spending a fortune having one installed, you can actually do it yourself for pretty cheap. Simply invest in a strong hanging system and hanging controls and your fan will serve you and your family for many years to come.
Properly Wire a New Plug
While wiring a new plug isn’t difficult, it needs to be done right. Make sure that the hot and neutral wires are connected to the proper prongs. Remember that a miswired plug poses a serious shock hazard.
Fix a Broken Light
There is nothing more annoying than having a ceiling light that constantly flickers or shuts off when you need it the most. Luckily, this problem is usually pretty simple to fix. Most of the time, the bulb or the wiring needs replacing. If it’s the latter, you will probably be better off simply calling an electrician.
Use Music to Label Your Breaker Box
It’s always easier having your breaker switches labelled. If you aren’t sure which outlet is for what, simply plug in a radio and blast music through the breaker. Then, flip the breakers until the music shuts off. This will help you identify exactly which switch is for what.
Fix a Burnt Wire
One of the main causes of a faulty ceiling light is burned or frayed insulation. This usually occurs because the wattage exceeds the fixtures recommended rating. By simply using a bulb with a higher wattage, you shouldn’t have to worry about it burning out again.
Test Holiday Lights
Do you have an old set of holiday lights that you want to put up, but some of the bulbs don’t work? By investing in a light tester, you will be able to identify the faulty bulbs in no time at all - without having to check each bulb individually.
Install a USB Socket
Bulky chargers are both annoying and inconvenient. Adding a USB outlet into your wall can solve this issue pretty quickly. Most cables use a USB connector, meaning that you will be able to plug any cable directly into the socket!
Save Your Phone Charger
Phone chargers aren’t exactly the most durable products out there. In fact, it’s not uncommon for them to last a few weeks before giving in. Use the spring of a pen to add extra strength to the side of the cable that plugs into your phone. Then, a heat shrinking tube can be wrapped around the cable, adding at least a few years of life.
Add GFCI Protection
A GFCI is a shock prevention device that is required in certain outlets. However, most older homes don’t have them. In order to keep both you and your family safe, it’s always better to have them installed - especially if you have small children around the house.
Bad TV Reception
Bad TV connection may be caused by something as simple as a corroded coax cable connection. Instead of paying for a cable guy, simply replace the cable connection yourself. It doesn’t cost much and can be done within a few minutes.
Tighten Your Flickering Bulb
If your light bulb is flickering, chances are that it simply needs to be tightened. Over time, bulbs can actually start to unscrew themselves as a result of gravity, as well as constant expansion and shrinking.
Fix a Buzzing Dimmer
Have you noticed that your light dimmer is constantly buzzing? If so, it should be a pretty simple fix. In most cases, the dimmer isn’t compatible with the light switch, leading to some interference. If you recently changed your bulbs to LEDs, you will also need to invest in a compatible LED dimmer.
Repair a Corroded Socket
A flickering lamp is often caused by a corroded socket. There is a simple (and safe) hack that can be used to prevent this. You can properly clean your sockets using some vinegar and a soft brush, giving it a whole new life.
Flip Your Appliance Breaker Switch
Before throwing away an appliance that suddenly stopped working, be sure to check if the breaker has tripped. Oftentimes, it is hidden near the plug.
Install LED Lights
If you want to save on your electricity bill every month, LED lights are the way to go. Not only do they use less energy, but they are just as bright. A simple way to improve the lighting in your home is to add LED strip lights to the underside of cabinets.
Clean Your TV Remote
In order to keep your TV remote working, it is important to clean it every now and again. This prevents dust, dirt and grime from getting stuck in the buttons and interfering with the internal hardware. The best way to do this is by dousing a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and thoroughly wiping down the remote.
Reset Your GFCI Outlet
A tripped GFCI outlet is a very simple and straight-forward fix. You don’t need to call or spend money on an electrician! There will be a reset button near the outlet - simply push it and your power should come back on. Discovering what caused the trip is the tricky part…
Invest in a Cord Organizer
If you are sick and tired of dealing with knotted electrical cables, it may be time to invest in a cord organizer. Not only do they prevent tangling and wear, but they are also cheap and durable. You should be able to find some at your local hardware store.
Replace Your Microwave Fuse
If your microwave has stopped working, chances are the fuse has blown. It isn’t too complicated of a fix, but you should check the appliance manual beforehand - just in case. However, if it is the fuse, you should have the microwave working again within a few minutes.
Install Child-Proof Socket Covers
If you have a child in your home, it is always worth installing child-proof socket covers. They don’t cost much and can be purchased from most hardware stores. Simply unscrew the current cover and replace it with the new one.
Unclog Your Vacuum Cleaner Hose
Do you go through vacuum cleaners like you do milk? Many people complain that their vacuum slowly starts to lose suction over time. In this case, it probably just needs a good unclogging. Be sure to unclog the cleaner hoses in particular.
Clean Your Refrigerator Coil
Over time, refrigerator coils become dirty, affecting its overall efficiency. In order to prolong the lifespan of your fridge, be sure to keep these coils clean.
Calibrate Your Motion Sensor Lights
Over time, motion sensor lights lose calibration. For this reason, it’s important to adjust the sensitivity and range of your light.
Clean and Tighten Your Fan
Is your fan making such a noise that you no longer want to use it? If so, it may just need a good clean and tighten. Be sure to wipe down the blades and tighten any screws before giving up on it.
Replace Your Toaster's Thermal Fuse
If you notice that your toaster is no longer heating up, it may simply need a new thermal fuse. It is easy to replace and costs next to nothing, making it a straight-forward fix.
Install a Surge Protector
Power surges can destroy your appliances and electronics without you even knowing it. In order to avoid this, be sure to install a surge protector.
Replace Your Smart Thermostat Batteries
If you have a smart thermostat, it’s important to remember that the batteries still need replacing. Oftentimes, they are overlooked, leading to the entire thermostat being unnecessarily replaced.
