The DIY Bench
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Electrical Inspection Repair List Explained
Learn what an electrical inspection repair list means, which issues matter most, and how Huntsville homeowners should handle repairs the smart way.
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Power Out in Part of House? Start Here
Power out in part of house? Learn the likely causes, what to check safely, and when a licensed electrician should handle the repair fast.
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Flickering Lights in One Room? Start Here
Flickering lights in one room can point to a bad fixture, loose connection, or circuit issue. Here’s how to narrow it down safely at home.
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Is a Whole House Surge Protector Worth It?
Is a whole house surge protector worth it? Learn what it protects, what it does not, and when Alabama homeowners should install one now.
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EV Charger Installation at Home: What Matters
EV charger installation at home starts with panel capacity, circuit size, and code. Here’s what Huntsville area homeowners should know first.
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Wire Your Own Outdoor String Lights the RIGHT Way (No Extension Cord Eyesore)
Nothing kills a backyard vibe like that bright orange extension cord stretched across your patio, running through the cracked window like some sad spaghetti. Instead, here’s a way to wire your own dedicated outdoor GFCI outlet right on the back of your house—clean, safe, and code-compliant. Start with a weatherproof box mounted to your siding,…
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Add a Motion-Sensor Switch to Your Garage (No More Fumbling in the Dark)
Swapping out your old garage light switch for a motion-sensor switch is one of those upgrades that feels like magic every time you walk in, hands full of groceries, and the lights just snap on. It’s a killer way to add convenience and a dash of tech without breaking the bank or getting lost in…
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Landscape Lighting
Protect your landscape lighting investment! Dig deep trenches, use conduit, and leave wire slack to avoid cut lines and future headaches.
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Smart Thermostats vs. The ‘C’ Wire
Stuck installing a smart thermostat without a “C” wire? Discover what the Common wire does and how to power your device in older Huntsville homes.
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Bathroom Fans & Humidity
Is your bathroom fan sounding like a lawnmower? Don’t let trapped humidity rot your attic. Learn why proper venting keeps your Huntsville home safe.
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Half the Power is Out
If half your house is dark but the other half works, you’ve likely ‘lost a leg’ of power. Learn why this happens and why you should call the utility company first.
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Mapping Your Own Breaker Panel
Stop guessing at the breaker box. Learn how to safely map your home’s electrical panel with a simple lamp test or circuit toner to save on service calls.
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Generator Interlock Kits
Skip the $10k transfer switch. An interlock kit is the safe, legal, and affordable way to power your Huntsville home with a portable generator during an outage.
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Space Heaters vs. Power Strips
Don’t let a cheap power strip endanger your home this winter. Learn why high-draw space heaters melt surge protectors and the safest way to stay warm.