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Are your air conditioner coils clean?

Keeping your AC's outdoor unit clear of dirt and debris can help improve its energy efficiency. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member James H. of Warrenton, Va.)

A clogged or otherwise obstructed air conditioner coil can decrease efficiency, leading to higher energy costs. A highly rated Washington DC HVAC contractor explains how to correct this problem.

How to lay sod and sow seed in the Midwest

Kirkwood Landscaping owner Jim Sutterer’s lawn is fescue sod and he increases the nutrients in the soil by regularly applying a thin layer of compost. (Photos courtesy of Jim Sutterer)

Despite the last two summers' drought conditions, homeowners have many options to lay sod or reseed their lawns. Get tips on sowing grass seed and laying sod.

What's the difference between Botox and filler treatments?

Consult with your cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist about whether Botox or filler injections are the right treatment for your needs.(Photo by Katie Jaciewicz)

A plastic surgeon from a highly rated Portland plastic surgery practice explains the difference between Botox and fillers, which can both be effective treatments to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

4 tips to keep new carpet looking new

Getting your new carpet professionally cleaned every six to 12 months can help it stay looking new longer. (Photo by Patrick Dennison)

Prolong the life of your brand-new carpet, or your existing carpet, by using these four tips provided by a highly rated Dallas-Fort Worth area carpet cleaning company.

Is your water heater green?

Photo courtesy of member David S. of Camarillo, Calif.

Cold water is not the only sign that it's time to replace your water heater. Leaks are another telltale sign.

Avoid toxic building products at home

Alex Stadtner recommends low-mag-field infrared heaters for outdoor climate control. (Photo by Tony Avelar)

Hire green architects, builders, remodelers and environmental inspectors to avoid toxic products in the home and find alternatives.

5 steps to get motivated for spring cleaning

Whether it's the garage or any other room in your home, getting a jump on spring cleaning and organization can give you a great start for the rest of the year. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member Caryn M. of Washington D.C.)

Get a jump on warmer weather and spring activities by knocking out the spring cleaning or home organization you've been planning. A highly rated Baltimore-based organization professional tells you how in five steps.

5 tips for going solar

(Photo courtesy of Solar Energy World

A highly rated Baltimore-based solar energy panel installer offers five tips to consider before installing solar panels.

Homeowners reveal lawn care scams and shoddy service

Angie’s List member Carolyn S. of Henderson, Nev., said her lawn turned brown three months after a lawn care company started fertilizing it. When she confronted her technician, he blamed the damage on rabbits.

Angie's List members report multiple instances of lawn care scams, sloppy work and horrible customer service. Avoid a scam and find tips for hiring a high-quality lawn fertilization and treatment service.

Prevent termites with these four practices

Termites, like the one shown circled here, can cause extensive damage to wooden elements in and around your home. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member Bryce N. of San Francisco)

Termite infestations can cause serious damage to the wooden structures in and around your home. A highly rated Kansas City-area pest control company lists four practices to help discourage them.

Painting: How many coats does my interior paint project need?

The number of coats needed to make your interior paint job look its best depend on factors like the existing surface, paint sheen and products used. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member Jennifer D. of Maplewood, N.J.)

Will your interior paint project require one coat of paint or multiple coats? A highly rated NYC-area painter explains the factors that affect how many coats of paint will be necessary.

Fencing options to keep your dog safe

When you feel dog-tired, the last thing you want to do is take Rover for a stroll. Fortunately, some fencing options — including electronic containment — make it possible to just throw open the back door and let your pet walk himself. Our highly rated fencing experts can help you determine the best barrier for your beast.

Call the pros

What you should know about children and food allergies

Some 8 percent of children under 18 are allergic to at least one food, and for children younger than 3, 1 in 17 are allergic to at least one food. Finding out more about children and food allergies could help your children with their own food allergies.

Food allergy versus food intolerance

You should employ food allergy testing if you suspect an allergy and not as a screen for it.

Knowing the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance is a tricky business. Knowing which your child may be facing can help you understand how to properly treat them, and avoid serious consequences in dealing with their issues.

How to avoid a dryer fire

An excessive build-up of lint in your home's dryer vent line can increase the potential for a dryer vent fire. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member Gregory T. of Glenside, Pa.)

More than 15,000 house fires start due to faulty or clogged clothes dryers, according the Consumer Product Safety Commission. A highly rated Boise dryer vent cleaning company explains how to lower your risk of a dryer fire.

Detecting a common food allergy early

Testing can determine which types of foods may cause an allergic reaction.

With one in every 13 children having a food allergy, it seems that now, more than ever, it’s important for parents to know the basics on food allergies and have the ability to identify potential food allergy problems in their children early on.

Testing your child for a food allergy

The doctor will update this chart to reflect any allergy trouble-spots for the patient once tests are complete.

Food allergies are on the rise among children. A pediatrician, allergist or immunologist can use a skin test, RAST or oral food challenge to determine whether your child is allergic to a particular type of food.

Communicating a food allergy to your child's school

While most Indianapolis schools have a wellness policy that touches on allergy concerns, parents of children with food allergies still need to do their part to keep their child safe. Here are tips to help children with allergies be safer at school.

A/C refrigerant goes green

Scott McClain of Mauzy Heating and Air Conditioning works to install a new R-410A a/c unit. (Photo by Crissy Pascual)

As R-22 is phased out of use, residential air conditioners use a more environmentally friendly refrigerant, R-410A.

Quiet as a sick cat

Dr. Dale Rubenstein weighs Kimi during a routine checkup. Weight loss is one warning sign of illness. (Photo by Gene Carl Feldman)

Imagine you’re both a hunter for the food that sustains you, but also prey for larger species. This is how cats evolved, and explains much of why they keep secrets in order to survive. Sick cats are masters at hiding their illnesses because if they show weakness to a predator, today may be their last.

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