Home, Health, and Auto Tips from our Best Rated Experts | Angie's List

What is a fair price for R-22?

By 2015, there will be a 90 percent reduction in the production of R-22. By 2020, it will no longer be produced at all. Because production is limited, costs to charge existing units that are leaking R-22 refrigerant have gone up and are only expected to rise. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member John R. of Lake Mary, Fla.)

Dear Angie: My air conditioning contractor just charged me $100 per pound for R-22 refrigerant. This is a lot more than I paid four years ago. Is this a fair price these days?

How to plant a tree

'"Right Tree, Right Place’ should take into account the mature size of the tree, not the size you want it to be, as well as ensuring the soil, water, sunlight and climate factors are all favorable for the tree species you are planting,” says Wes Kocher of the ISA. (All photos by Mike LaFollette)

Planting a tree is an easy job, but it takes more skill than you might think. The following tree-planting tips can help ensure you plant a tree that thrives.

Roofing: It’s not an estimate, it’s an interview

You’re not inviting contractors to give an estimate, you’re inviting them to distinguish themselves by excelling at an interview, Scribbins says. (Photo courtesy of Accent Roofing)

What's the best way to distinguish roofing contractors when getting estimates? A highly rated Atlanta-area roofing contractor explains what to look for during the roofing estimate process.

What does it cost to replace a circuit breaker box?

Electrical work is extremely dangerous, so make sure you hire a licensed pro for work around the home.

If you discover that you have an old Federal Pacific breaker box, a faulty circuit breaker or an outdated fuse box, how much can you expect to pay to have a qualified electrician replace it?

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.

Home

Foundation problems can cause roof damage

Extensive roof damage caused by foundation problems. (Photo courtesy of Mark Nosrati of Final Cut Roofing)

If your foundation moves, so does your roof! So recognize that foundation problems can cause rainwater to penetrate your roof and cause serious damage. Know what to look for and what to do to prevent this from happening to your home.

Living with trees in the Pacific Northwest

Oops! This Christmas tree is too big for the house. (Photo courtesy of Teresa Chilelli-White of ASC DEvelopment)

Large trees like Douglas firs provide wonderful benefits for your yard, but the bigger they are, the harder they fall. A Seattle-area contractor offers tips to make sure your trees are healthy and not prone to falling over.

Lessons from the Bradford pear trees

Once mature, Bradford pear trees often split apart. (Photo courtesy of David Lusk of Lusk Tree Care Services)

Planted extensively in the ’80s and ’90s, the Bradford pear tree became a dominant feature in many subdivisions, on commercial properties and in parking lots. All was well until 15 or more years after planting.

3 quick fixes for common household problems

When an interior door doesn't properly close, check the hinges, latch and overall fit.(Photo courtesy of Angie's List member April R. of Carmichael, Calif.)

Do you keep noticing some of those little, irksome things around your house that drive you crazy? Keep your sanity with these quick fixes for that rattling door, squeaky floor or constantly closing door.

Health & Wellness

How to choose allergy tests wisely

Dr. Leickly says be prudent and cost-conscious when getting allergy tests.

The Choosing Wisely campaign helps consumers make the right choices for their healthcare. These guidelines are especially relevant for patients seeking care for allergies, including these five areas of focus for allergy treatment.

What to expect with orthodontic treatment

Orthodontic treatment is different for every patient. Be sure to find an orthodontist who understands the patient’s individual needs. (Photo by Katie Jacewicz)

A highly rated Charlottesville, Va. orthodontist explains what to expect when considering orthodontic treatment for your child.

Gap teeth: worth the cost to fix?

Your dentist can perform a consultation to see if you’re a candidate for veneers. (Photo by Katie Jacewicz)

Gap teeth are a common cosmetic problem that can be fixed using a number of dental methods. The cost, effectiveness and long-term viability of these treatments varies significantly. Are they worth the cost?

Use that nesting instinct to tackle remodeling wisely

Take time early in your pregnancy to ready the nursery in plenty of time for your baby's arrival. (Photo courtesy of Angie’s List member Jennifer O. of North Ridgeville, Ohio)

The nesting instinct makes you feel ready to get every project in your house completed before your baby arrives. Here are four tips on making the most of nesting – safely – if you choose to tackle a remodel.

Auto

Do you have to use the body shop the insurance company recommends?

Make sure you're comfortable with the body shop doing repair on your car. (Photo courtesy of Fenders Collision Center)

No, you don't have to use the body shop that the insurance company recommended. The choice is yours — by law, in the majority of cases. Yet a question remains: Will you get a quality repair?

5 ways to save money on auto repairs

Getting regular maintenance for items such as your car's radiator can help you avoid expensive repairs down the road. (Photo by Fred Patton)

Knowing how your car works and the warning signs of problems large and small can help you save money on auto repairs, according to a highly rated Cincinnati mechanic.

Best San Diego Contractors of 2012

True Grain Woodworks owner Steve Medeiros installs custom cabinets and a pantry. He began working with wood in middle school. (Photo courtesy of Steve Medeiros)

Angie's List names the Best San Diego Contractors of 2012

What to do when the check engine light comes on

The check engine light on your vehicle's gauge cluster can indicate minor or more serious problems. (Photo by Fred Patton)

A check engine light can indicate anything from a loose gas cap to a more serious issue. Follow these helpful tips to help you decide what steps to take next.

Built-in furniture offers unique appeal

Angie's List member Kate Kosche worked with Urban Interiors of Fort. Lauderdale, Fla., to design the built-in bookcase she always wanted.

Built-in furniture helps to maximize existing space and boost appeal in your home. See how Angie's List members worked with interior designers and contractors to install built-in bench seats, bookcases and other unique storage spaces.

Should you declaw your cat?

Ringo has learned to use only cat scratching posts and pads, not the couch. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member Lynn Newbill of Alexandria, Va.)

Some pet owners may believe that having a cat declawed to prevent damage to furniture and skin is not a big deal. But removal of a cat’s last toe bone is a serious surgery and controversial subject.

What does your fridge door say about you?

An Angie's List member poll shows fridge-door displayers outnumber those with plain refrigerator doors by more than 2 to 1. (Photo by Katie Jacewicz)

The fridge door is the real window on what matters to many folks. For many people, the refrigerator is important not only for preserving food, but for preserving memories.

6 tips for a successful move

Moving to a new home doesn't have to be a daunting process. (Photo courtesy of Linda Erdely Pierce)

Helpful tips for moving, packing and hiring a moving company.

Staff picks

The Angie's List 2013 Homeowner's Guide

Best & Worst Contractors of 2012

Help! My lawn mower won't start

Failure to perform routine mower maintenance can lead to problems in spring. (Photo by Katie Jacewicz)

What is Angie's List

Angie’s List is the trusted site where more than 2 million households go to get ratings and reviews on everything from home repair to health care. Stop guessing when it comes to hiring! Check Angie’s List to find out who does the best work in town.

Answers

Ask a question on any topic covered by Angie's List and see responses from expert service providers and other homeowners with advice to share.

Home, Health, and Auto Tips from our Best Rated Experts | Angie's List

What is a fair price for R-22?

How to plant a tree

Roofing: It’s not an estimate, it’s an interview

What does it cost to replace a circuit breaker box?

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

Home

Foundation problems can cause roof damage

Living with trees in the Pacific Northwest

Lessons from the Bradford pear trees

3 quick fixes for common household problems

Health & Wellness

How to choose allergy tests wisely

What to expect with orthodontic treatment

Gap teeth: worth the cost to fix?

Use that nesting instinct to tackle remodeling wisely

Auto

Do you have to use the body shop the insurance company recommends?

5 ways to save money on auto repairs

Best San Diego Contractors of 2012

What to do when the check engine light comes on

More

Built-in furniture offers unique appeal

Should you declaw your cat?

What does your fridge door say about you?

6 tips for a successful move

Find Your City

All US Cities | All Canadian Cities

Staff picks

The Angie's List 2013 Homeowner's Guide

Best & Worst Contractors of 2012

Help! My lawn mower won't start

What is Angie's List

Answers

Stay Connected

You are here

Home, Health, and Auto Tips from our Best Rated Experts | Angie's List

Home

Health & Wellness

Auto

More

Find Your City

All US Cities | All Canadian Cities

Staff picks

What is Angie's List

Recent Videos

Answers

Stay Connected