DIY Network

Quick Fixes for Your Home Use these tips to update your home and keep it looking great. From "Today Show Tips" episode DTST-113

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The EZAncor screws directly into the wall — no drilling necessary.

Hanging Heavy Pictures and Mirrors

A product called EZ Ancor makes hanging heavy pictures on drywall a lot simpler. Made by a company called ITW, it's an anchor and hanger in one. A corkscrew-like shape keeps it from pulling out of the drywall, while a groove holds the picture in place. The largest version will support as much as 50 pounds.

Another tip for hanging lightweight pictures: Try using a sewing-machine needle. Hammer it into a stud at an angle. It will hold the weight and won't damage the wall.

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Krylon Fusion lets you renew faded resin furniture and give it a whole new look.

Painting Plastic

Krylon has a product called Fusion that is a paint that will adhere to plastic. You can use it to paint mailboxes, resin furniture or play equipment. Be sure to use it in a well-ventilated area, though.

Quick Fix for Furnace Trouble

Do you live in an older home and are not quite sure why the furnace is on the fritz? Before taking it to the curb, check your thermostat. Make sure it's clean. If dust gets inside the thermosta, it can get between the contacts or in various sensor parts, and that can cause problems. To clean out the thermostat, buy a can of compressed air (the kind used to clean computers) and give the thermostat a good shot of it to blow out the dust.

If you have an older thermostat, remove the cover and check the metal contacts. If you see any corrosion, rub a business card between the contacts to remove it.

Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats are designed to save energy by adjusting the temperature depending on when people are actually in the house. You can install them yourself, too; just take the old thermostat off the wall, and match the wires to those in the new one. A programmable thermostat can save as much as 30 percent on fuel bills.

There are also programmable thermostats available for window air conditioners and space heaters, which can save up to 33 percent of the energy used to operate those.

Always look for the Energy Star label on any appliances, including thermostats. The label indicates that the product meets the standards for energy efficiency set by the Department of Energy.

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