Expert Advice on Home Improvement

To keep the items you have stored in the trunk of your car from sliding around, attach self-adhesive strips of hook-and-loop fastener (hook side) to the bottom of a storage conntainer, then press the container to the carpet in the truck. Watch this video.

The Heat Seeker Infrared Thermometer from General Tools is perfect way to conduct a do-it-yourself inspection of your heating/cooling system for leaks in the ductwork, or a general home energy audit. To use, simply train the laser pointer on the object and read the remote temperature reading on the LCD screen. The Heat Seeker is available at The Home Depot. Watch this video.

These LED surface mounted accent lights are available in battery powered or wired versions, and are great for mounting under cabinets or for accent lighting. LED bulbs stay cool to the touch and use half of the electricity of regular bulbs. They’re easy to install and can last up to 20 years. LED Accent lights from Hampton Bay are available at The Home Depot stores. Watch this video.

Bitsy asks, “What can I do to relieve allergies and keep the dust and pollen out of my house?“

A good quality air filter on your HVAC heating/cooling system is the first line of defense against dust, dirt, and airborne allergens in your home. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

Jig-A-Patch is a sprayable spackling that’s a fast and easy way of repairing drywall holes. Spray it in the hole, allow it to sit for a few minutes, then even the spackling out using the built-in putty knife. After the patch has dried, use the supplied sanding pad to sand the surface smooth. Jig-A-Patch is available at The Home Depot. Watch this video.

If you have a dog or cat in your house, there’s a good chance you have to deal with pet hair on your carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture. One easy way to remove it is to apply duct tape to a paint roller with the sticky side facing up. To use it to pick up hair, simply roll the roller over the surface. When the tape is full of hair, peel it off, and put on a new piece. Watch this video.

This 4-volt Cordless Screwdriver from Ryobi is lightweight but powerful thanks to the lithium-ion battery that can hold a charge for as long as two years. It features a 1/4″ SpeedLoad quick chuck, a 12 position clutch, and LED work light. The Ryobi 4-volt Cordless Screwdriver is available at The Home Depot. Watch this video.

Rather than rolling up an old carpet that can’t be reused, fold the carpet over and cut it into sections from the back using a utility knife. This makes it easier to handle and dispose of than trying to carry one big piece. Watch this video.

No matter what kind of flooring you’re installing, it’s important to make sure the surface beneath it is level, smooth, and flat. Most subfloors will have low spots that require filling with floor patching compound. After the floor patch compound has hardened, the subfloor is sanded until it’s smooth before the new flooring is installed. Watch this video.

The annual Kitchen/Bath Industry Show is the largest international trade show for kitchen and bath products in the world. Here are some of the cool, innovative items that Danny and Jodi discovered at this year’s show. Watch this video.