An
easy-to-understand, richly illustrated guide to how everything in a house works
Why is my
faucet leaking, my toilet running, or my dishwasher refusing to start? Can I
fix it myself? What's causing the heating system to smell bad or the foundation
to crack? Do I need an air filtration system? Is the new "engineered
lumber" as good as conventional wood? These are just a few examples of
questions homeowners face when repairs are needed or when a new house or
addition is being planned.
This new
edition of How Your House Works uncovers the mysteries behind just about every
major appliance and building element in your house. Clear "exploded"
drawings show you exactly how these things should be put together and how they
function—what to check if they don't work, and what you can do that might save
you from calling in a professional.
The
easy-to-understand pictures and explanations on every page get right to the
point, helping you understand how things work, what can go wrong, and how to
troubleshoot a problem.
Virtually
everything in your house is included:
Electrical –
circuit breakers and grounding, service, outlets, lamps, and fixtures
Heating and
air conditioning – gas, electrical, and oil, ductwork and piping, thermostats,
central and window AC units, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, and air filtering
systems
Plumbing –
kitchen and bath fixtures, piping, water heaters, traps and vents, septic
tanks, and pumps and water softener systems (even sprinkler systems and
swimming pool filters/heaters)
Major
household appliances – from kitchen to laundry
Foundation,
framing, doors, and windows – including issues like drainage and radon, types
of framing and how it supports the house, and all types of doors and windows
Sustainability
and beyond – covers sustainability and issues outside the house, as well as
clock thermostats, ventless gas heaters, moisture and mold, and??passive solar
heating
This quick
and easy guide will save you time and money, answer nagging questions, and help
you keep your house running smoothly.
