Is Your HVAC System Making Your Allergies Worse?

HVAC systems are designed to be air-cleaning allies, but when not set up and maintained correctly, they can actually spread allergens around, degrading the air quality in your home.

“That can cause a range of symptoms,” says air-quality expert Michael Rubino. “If you are experiencing fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues, skin irritation, mood swings or any chronic symptoms, consider assessing the home and HVAC system for possible issues.”

Here’s how to determine if your HVAC system is making your allergies worse, and what to do about it.

Why Can HVAC Systems Cause Allergy Issues?

HVAC systems don’t create fresh air, but rather circulate existing inside air. That means they can either help remove dust, dander, mold and other allergens, or disseminate them throughout the house.

For example, “If there is pet hair in the living room, mold spores in the basement or pollen in the hallway, the return tubes of your HVAC system will pick up all of those allergens and send them properly to every bedroom,” says HVAC specialist Russ Teaca.

HVAC’s tend to exacerbate allergies when:

• Ducts are harboring a buildup of dust and debris.
• Mold and mildew has formed around the AC coils.
• Air filters are dirty or of low-quality.
• Air filters are Improperly fitted.

The effects can be even worse in modern buildings, which are often more tightly sealed for energy efficiency. “That makes filtration even more important, because particles that get indoors may linger longer if they are not effectively removed,” says allergy and air-quality expert Dr. John McKeon.

How to Tell If Your HVAC System Is Contributing to Your Allergies

Periodic Congestion

If you stop feeling congested when you leave your home, your allergies occur beyond seasonal periods, or they get worse when the HVAC system kicks on, those are all indications of HVAC issues.

“I call it the sneezing alarm clock,” says Teaca. “As soon as the heat or air conditioning starts to work, if you or your kids start to sneeze, cough or get stuffy noses, that is a huge red flag.”

Dusty Ceiling Fans and Vents

If your your ceiling fan blades and HVAC vent louvers are dusty, that often points to dirty HVAC ducts, or possibly another large source of dust in your home. “And, if it seems like dust reappears on surfaces soon after you clean them, the HVAC system probably isn’t doing its job to filter, and instead redistributing particles,” says HVAC expert Caleb Caviness.

Odors

Damp or dusty odors right after the HVAC unit kicks on are good indicators of something being amiss. Dust is likely a sign there is debris in the ducts, or that your filters are clogged. “If your air smells like a damp basement for the first 30 seconds after the AC kicks on, it’s a sign of bacterial or fungal growth on the coils,” says Caviness.

Weak Airflow

If your filter looks visibly dirty or clogged, that means it’s overloaded with dust and debris. That causes airflow to drop, plus allows more particles to get through the filter. It also makes your HVAC system work harder, which can reduce its lifespan.

Tips to Mitigate HVACs Causing Allergies

Use the Correct Filter

Choose filters with the highest level MERV rating that your HVAC is approved for. Usually, that’s between 11 and 13. Don’t go above what’s recommended, or you can damage your system.

Make sure the filter fits properly, and look for one certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly (AAFA), says McKeon. “Don’t rely on vague marketing language,” he says. “Terms like ‘hypoallergenic’ can be unregulated, while independent certification requires measurable proof of performance.”

Replace Filters Regularly

Replace filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When pollen counts are higher, consider replacing them more often. Set up a recurring reminder on your phone, or automatic delivery from the filter company, says HVAC filter expert Rick Hoskins.

Service the System

Regularly have your HVAC system professionally serviced. Rubino recommends doing it in the spring, before you make the switch from heat to air conditioning. “The technician should test for mold, clean the coil blower, furnace and cabinet and ensure everything is working properly,” he says.

Help Your System

Keep your house clean and stay on top of pet grooming, so the HVAC unit has less to filter. “Pay special attention to fabric surfaces like curtains, upholstery and carpets,” says Hoskins. “These are prime places for dust to settle.”

Also:

• Keep windows and doors closed when the air quality is poor outside.
• Don’t store belongings near the vents.
• Try to maintain an indoor humidity between 35 and 50%, which will help prevent microbial growth.

Check the Ductwork

Most ducts develop leaks, which means they can suck in dust and fiberglass particles from crawl spaces and attics, and water vapor from the basement. “One of the best things you can do for your allergies and your energy bill is to seal your ducts with mastic or heavy-duty foil tape,” says Teaca.

Consider an Upgrade

A whole-home air purification system, or individual room air purifiers can help reduce allergens even more.

Also, consider installing a UV-C light over the indoor coil, says Teaca. “It gets rid of mold and bacteria where they start, before they can get into your pipes,” he says. Caviness also suggests installing a UV germicidal light inside the air handler to kill bacteria and germs.

For those with serious asthma and allergies, switching to a ductless mini-split heat pump might be the ticket, says Teaca. “They instantly clean and condition the air in the room where they are placed,” he says. “This is why they are so popular in master bedrooms, where people need the cleanest air possible to sleep.”

About the Experts

• Dr. John McKeon, MD, is CEO of Allergy Standards Ltd. (ASL), part of the iAIR Group, an international organization dedicated to advancing healthier indoor environments through research, standards development and education.
• Michael Rubino is a mold and air-quality expert, environmental wellness advocate, founder of HomeCleanse and creator of the Guardian, the world’s first indoor air quality security system.
• Caleb Caviness is general manager of AryCo, an HVAC, plumbing and electrical services company in North Texas.
• Rick Hoskins is an HVAC air quality and filter expert, and CEO at FilterKing, which provides custom filtration solutions for homes, commercial buildings, healthcare facilities and industrial applications.
• Russ Teaca is director and lead technician at Reliable Heating and Air, HVAC specialists serving Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

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The Little-Known Differences Between Streets, Roads, Avenues and More

Do you ever wonder why roadways have the names they do, and why the names seem so random? The route to town from my home in the mountains includes a “lane,” two “grades” to get down the mountain, a pair of “roads,” a two-lane “highway” and a “drive.” Sometimes I end up on “Redwood Circle,” which, as far as I can tell, is a perfectly straight roadway. Other roadways in my town are designated “avenue,” “boulevard,” and “crescent,” and let’s not forget the “freeway” that runs through the middle of the county.

“This is a great topic,” says Reetie Lubana, who works closely with architects, engineers and infrastructure teams on urban projects. “Road naming is something people see every day but rarely question.” Maybe you’ve never thought about road names before, or maybe you have. Either way, Lubana and British transport consultant Michael Okubajo are here to explain the history and rationale behind road names, also known as odonyms.

Historical Origins of Road Naming Conventions

The history of road names in North America countries reflects the fact that they were once colonies. “Road naming conventions largely come from older European planning traditions, especially in cities like Paris and London,” explains Lubana. “Originally, the terms actually meant something quite specific — ‘streets’ were paved urban routes, ‘avenues’ were more formal, often tree-lined approaches, and ‘boulevards’ were built on former city walls and designed to be wide and prominent.”

Road names can also have geographical and local cultural significance. Roads in Spanish-speaking regions, for example, may be designated “calle,” which is Spanish for “street,” “camino,” which means “path,” or “paseo,” which is a small walking lane. In French-speaking Quebec, “camino” becomes “chemin,” and an urban road running along mountainous terrain is not a grade but a “côte.”

Common Types of Roadways

If you browse through a list of odonyms for any North American city, you’ll be amazed at the variety of designations. There are too many to list, but here are a few common ones that you’ll find in almost any city:

• Road – This is a default term that can apply to any paved thoroughfare. A road can be anything from a small residential thoroughfare to a large urban artery.
• Street – According to Lubana, a “street” is a type of urban road that’s usually pedestrian-focused and tied to buildings. Main Street is an obvious example.
• Avenue – “An ‘avenue’ tends to carry more traffic or be designed with scale and visual presence in mind,” says Lubana. Think 7th Avenue in New York. Confusingly, one of Toronto, Ontario’s main thoroughfares is called Avenue Road. Does that make it an avenue, or a road? No one knows.
• Boulevard – A “boulevard” is similar to an avenue in scope and purpose, but the main difference between them is that a boulevard has a dividing median, often landscaped, while an avenue does not. Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles is true to this distinction in some parts, such as West Hollywood and Hollywood, but not in others.
• Drive – A “drive” is typically a roadway that meanders along natural terrain. Seventeen-Mile Drive on the Monterey Peninsula is a famous and scenic example.
• Lane – The term “lane” typically refers to a small residential roadway with light traffic. I happen to live on a “Lane.” It’s a tiny one-lane thoroughfare with a 15 mph speed limit. Similar terms would be “way,” “crescent,” and yes…” circle”.
• Highway/Freeway – A “highway” is a main artery that connects different cities (or different parts of a large city) to each other. That’s also true of a “freeway,” but freeways have several more lanes than highways, are never interrupted by intersections (you have to use on- and off-ramps) and have higher speed limits.

Do These Terms Always Mean What They Should?

Not really. According to Okubajo, roadway terms historically described how a route was used, but in modern planning, those distinctions have largely broken down.

“I’ve worked on schemes where a road designed to carry significant traffic is still called a ‘lane’ simply to make it feel more residential, or where ‘boulevard’ is used to signal a higher-quality, place-led environment, even if the underlying road geometry isn’t very different from a standard distributor road,” says Okubajo. “In that sense, naming has become a subtle tool of place-making and perception management.”

Lubana says simply: “A lot … comes down to legacy naming, developer choices, or even branding decisions rather than strict planning standards.”

Do These Terms Always Mean The Same Thing?

In historic and technical terms, perhaps yes, but in practice, not necessarily. Okubajo explains that planners and engineers classify roads based on function — things like traffic flow, capacity, and connectivity within the wider network. “The public-facing name rarely reflects that,” he says. “This is why you can have a ‘High Street’ that carries very little traffic, or a ‘Road’ that functions more like a local access street.”

Road Naming in Urban Planning

Road naming happens at the municipal level, says Lubana, and urban planners have a lot to consider, including zoning, historical context, and practical needs like clarity for emergency responders. “There’s also often a community or cultural element involved,” she says, “especially when cities want names to reflect local identity.”

FAQ

Why do road names matter?

One reason is that road names can affect home values, according to an article in the New York Times. Buyers often consider a home on a “lane,” “way,” or “place” more desirable than one on a “street” or “boulevard,” because the former designations connote small, family-friendly neighborhoods, while the latter connote heavy business activity and traffic.

What is a highway or parkway?

Both parkways and highways are thoroughfares designed to move lots of traffic quickly. The difference between them is mostly one of purpose, says Lubana. “Highways are built for efficiency and volume, while parkways are typically designed to be more scenic and may limit heavy vehicles.”

About the Experts

• Reetie Lubana is the marketing director at Tejjy Inc., an architectural engineering firm based in Washington, D.C.
• Michael Okubajo is a consultant with Captial Transport Planning. He has over a decade of experience working on infrastructure and development projects across the UK.

Sources

• YourDictionary: Odonym Definition; (2026)
• The New York Times: The Secret of Street Names and Home Values; (2015)

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How to Build a Chair From a Single Sheet of Plywood

Lay out the components on the plywood

Using a pencil, lay out all the components that you need to build the chair on your 4×8 plywood sheet. Use a  T-square to draw all straight lines and trammel points for drawing the curves. To ensure accurate dimensions as you lay out the pieces, be sure to account for the 1/8-in. kerf that you will lose with every cut of the blade in between the different pieces.

Make the straight cuts

Strategically make all the straight cuts using a table saw, circular saw, or track saw. If you don’t have a track saw, clamp a straight piece of wood to run the circular saw against to ensure a straight cut.

Cut the arched pieces for the seat and backrest (A), sides (B) and footrest (C) square. Ex: 20-in. x 20-in. or 23-3/4-in. x 23-3/4-in. It’ll make it easier to find a consistant center points and cut the arches. Cut the smaller square spacers (D + E) out of the remaining parts of the sheet on the miter saw after you’ve cut the bigger squares.

Cut the curves

For the arched sides of the seat and backrest (A) and the chair sides (B), use a trim router with a straight-cut bit attached to a router circle jig. Find the center of the squares and set the circle cutting jig to cut a circle with the same diameter as the width of the cut square. Start with shallow cuts, sequentially exposing the tip of the router bit with every pass until you work through the thickness of the material. Be sure to clamp down your plywood as you make cuts with the router. Check the pivot point of the circle jig and the cutting edge of the router bit to ensure you are cutting along the drawn lines.

The footrest arches (C) are laid out the same as the others: find the center of the board, and route an arch that spans from the peak to the centerline on each side. However, to route this swooping arc on a narrow board, the pivot point must be 7-11/16 inches off the board. Be sure to secure the footrest arch piece (C) and whatever substrate the pivot-point nail is stuck into to the bench with zero chance of movement while routing.

Pair and match your arch pieces

Take your arch-cut pieces and pair them up — two backrests (A), two seats (A), and two sets of sides (B). When you have the pairs, clamp them together and run a straight bit with a top bearing along the curved edge of each. This will eliminate any inconsistencies between the two pieces and make them as similar as possible. This is important later when the connecting strips need to be aligned across both faces.

From now on, keep each pair together.

Another thing worth noting is that plywood faces aren’t the same on both sides – one side tends to be lighter, smoother, or cleaner than the other. Select which side you want facing out, and lightly pencil the inside face so you don’t forget. It sounds like a small thing, but when the chair is fully assembled, you’ll notice that one panel is facing the wrong way.

Round over the outer edges

Run a trim router with a 1/4-in. round-over bit along the outer top edge of each arch panel (A, B, and C). Hit the top face only — leave the inside edge square so the connecting strips sit flush and square when you assemble it.

Finish the inside faces

Before gluing anything together, apply a coat of tung oil to the interior faces of all your arch panels (A, B, and C) and all six sides of the connecting spacers (D and E). Once the chair is assembled, you won’t be able to reach these surfaces.

You’ll notice that the oiled plywood looks noticeably different from the raw plywood, which is actually a good visual reminder of what you’ve finished and what you haven’t. Finish the exterior faces and edges of the arched panels (A, B, and C) after the chair is assembled.

Build the seat and backrest slabs

Lay one of the 20-in. arched panels (A) flat on the bench. Starting at the peak of the arch, glue and pin nail small spacers (D) along the curved edge. Use a second spacer (D) to keep a consistent 1-1/2-inch gap between each block.

Shoot 23-ga. pin nails from underneath the arch (A), keeping the nail gun perpendicular to the piece and your fingers out of the way. These tiny pins can shoot out in any direction.

Secure your larger spacers (E) along the flat bottom of the arch panels (A) in the same way — evenly spaced with the same 1-1/2-in. gap between them.

Once all the spacers (D and E) are nailed to the first arch (A), apply glue to the exposed tops of each spacer (D and E), then lay the second arched panel (A) directly on top, closing the sandwich. Secure the second arch (A) with 23-ga. pin nails as well.

Repeat for the other small arched panels (A). You should now have two identical sandwiched slabs — one will become the seat and one the backrest.

Join the seat and backrest

Bring the seat and backrest panels together at a 90-degree angle — the flat bottom edge of the backrest slab meeting the flat back edge of the seat slab. Glue the joint, clamp it, and check square with a speed square before fastening it together with a couple of hidden 1-1/2-in. screws between the large spacers (E) from inside the seat slab. Use a countersink bit so the screw heads sit below the surface of the plywood.

Attach blocks to the side panels

This follows the same process as building the seat and backrest panels — with one key difference. You’re only doing half the sandwich slab for now.
Take one curved piece from each of your large arched panel (B) pairs. Glue and pin nail the small spacer blocks (D) along the curved edge, starting from the center of the arch and working out. Use an extra spacer (D) to keep a consistent 1-1/2-inch gap between each spacer (D). Run the large spacers (E)  along the flat bottom edge the same way.

Unlike the seat and backrest, don’t close these out with the second curved piece yet — set both half-assembled slabs aside for now.

Mark the seat position on the side panels

Take the side-arched panels (B) that don’t have any spacers attached. On each one, draw an angled pencil line connecting two points: 13 inches up from the bottom corner on the back edge, to 15 inches up from the bottom corner on the front edge. The lines don’t need to run the full width — 10 to 15 inches is enough to see them during assembly.

Draw a second line parallel to the first, exactly three inches above it, toward the peak of the arch. These two lines mark the top and bottom faces of where the seat slab will land on the side panel (B).

The point where the lower line starts — 13 inches up the back edge — is where the heel of the seat/backrest “L” assembly will attach.

Flip the panel over and transfer both lines to the other face. This keeps your nails and screws aligned when you’re fastening from either side.

Attach the side panels to the seat assembly

Work one side at a time. Set the seat/backrest “L” assembly on its side and position the side (B) — the one without the spacers (D and E) — on top of it, aligning the seat to the angled lines you drew in step 10. The heel of the seat should sit right at the back edge where your bottom line begins.

Glue the joint, tack it with 18-gauge nails, then drive 1-1/2-in. screws into the connection — aim them at the spacers (D) inside the seat sandwich so they have something solid to bite into. These fasteners will all be hidden once the other side panel (B) is closed over them.

Flip the chair over and repeat on the other side with the other side panel (B). Before you fasten it, double-check that the bottom edge of the arch panel (B) is at the same height as the first side — if they are off by even a slight amount, the chair will rock.

Close the side panels

With the seat/backrest “L” assembly now fastened to both loose side panels (B), close both sides. Take the two half-assembled side panels (B) — the ones with the spacers (D and E) attached — and glue and pin them over the open side of each side panel (B) with 23-gauge pins. Clamp across the full width of each side (B) to pull the edges together flush and let the glue set before moving on.

Build the footrest

Cut 3/4 inches off each end of one of the footrest arch panels so that it is only 18-1/2 inches long. Assemble the footrest together with the two footrest arch panels (C), sandwiching six small spacers (D) along the front edge and three large spacers (E) along the back. Start in the center with both spacers (D and E), and work your way out, keeping them evenly spaced. Use wood glue and 23-gauge pin nails, keeping the same 1-1/2-in. spacing between spacer blocks as everywhere else.

Attach the footrest

Two large spacers (E) should be glued and nailed to the inside arches (B) of the sides, with their tops level, 5-1/4-in. from the bottom of the arch, and flush with the front edge. Install the assembled footrest so that the top 20-in. uncut arch (C) rests on top of the large spacers (E) and finishes at a height of 6 inches. Recess the footrest into the side slabs 3-3/4 inches from the front of the chair. Glue and tack with 18-gauge nails, then drive screws through the side slabs into the footrest, tucking them between the small spacer blocks (D) so they stay hidden.

Fill, sand and finish

The finish is what separates a good build from a great one. Fill all nail holes with wood filler, let it dry completely, then sand it smooth. Apply the first coat of tung oil to all exterior faces, allow it to dry, and lightly sand back the raised grain before applying the second coat. Two coats is the minimum — three won’t hurt.

FAQ

What are the four grades of plywood?

The corresponding letters A – D given to sheets of plywood reflect the quality of the sheet. The quality will also reflect in the price. Different ratings serve different applications: A is the highest quality, the smoothest and results in a paintable surface that won’t diminish the quality of your end product. B: allows for manufacturers to leave minor defects smaller than one inch. C: allows for tight knots and other defects to be visible and not sanded for a smooth finish. D: allows large knotholes and is intended for structural applications that won’t be seen.

Can I find plywood in different species?

Yes, plywood is manufactured in a wide variety of species with the outer veneer reflecting the desired species, i.e. walnut, cherry, birch, etc.  The price will vary greatly based on the species desired and the composition of the inner core of the sheet of goods.

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You May Not Have to Return That Item to Get Your Money Back — Here’s Why

Have you ever processed a return with a retailer, but then received a message like, “Refund issued. You don’t need to return the item.” Getting your money back and keeping the product—sounds suspicious, right? But in reality, many retailers include these types of no-return, no-refund policies in their return policies. We spoke to an e-commerce expert to get the full scoop on when and why you get to keep your returns (and when to use caution).

What Does “Refund Without Return” Mean?

Traditionally, when you return an online purchase, you must process the return online, print out a shipping label, and then ship the item back to the retailer. When the retailer receives the item, they process a refund to your account.

A “refund without return” means you’ll receive a full refund for the item, without having to ship it back. You keep the item and keep the money too! A no-return-refund feels like a weird loophole, but there’s a reason retailers sometimes allow it.

Why Stores Sometimes Let You Keep Returned Items

As you can probably guess, retailers don’t let you keep your return simply to be charitable. “The answer is money,” says ecommerce and retail adviser Greg Zakowicz. Simply put, the seller’s processing cost for the return exceeds the product’s value, so they tell you to keep it.

“Many times, the cost of shipping, returns processing with human staffing, and warehousing will outweigh the revenue gained from reselling the product. In these cases, it’s more cost feasible to allow customers to keep the product,” says Zakowicz.

Fraud Prevention & Customer Service Strategy

Allowing shoppers to keep some returns is not only cost-effective but also builds customer loyalty. According to a report from the National Retail Federation, 82% of consumers cite free returns as a major consideration when making a purchase, and 76% are more likely to choose a return option that provides an instant refund or exchange. Customers want convenient and fast returns, and what’s more convenient than an instant refund, no return required?

Both retailers and shoppers should be careful, though. The report found that 9% of all returns are fraudulent. And when fraudulent customers learn about a retailer’s no-return, no-refund policy, some may find ways to abuse it. Many retailers now use AI technology to detect and prevent return fraud.

Although most no-return refunds are legitimate, customers should beware of scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission, scammers are pretending to be Amazon; sending texts claiming an item you recently bought doesn’t meet their standards, and to simply “click here” for a refund. But instead, the link is a phishing scam that could steal your money or personal information.

Which Retailers Are Known for This Policy?

“Many retailers practice returnless refunds,” says Zakowicz, “including Amazon, Target, and Chewy, although it is not a blanket rule. Each store will determine the policy based on factors such as the product being returned (cost of shipping, profit margin, likelihood of resale) and the customer’s history.”

You’ll also find that many retailers don’t exactly advertise their no-return refund policies to avoid abuse of the policy. You might not find out it’s even a possibility until you actually start the return process for a particular item.

When You’re Unlikely to Keep the Item

Retailers won’t offer high-cost or luxury items under their no-return policy because they can still make a resale profit. So don’t expect to keep high-end jewelry, electronics, power tools, or vintage items.

Is It Ethical to Keep the Item?

As long as you’re not making fraudulent claims to the no-return refund policy, there is no reason you shouldn’t accept the refund. You can also do some good with the unwanted item, like donating it to a shelter or a neighbor in need. “If the purpose of the purchase was honest and not intended to get something for free, then yes, it’s ethical,” says Zakowicz, “The company is making a conscious decision to provide that right to customers, so customers shouldn’t feel bad.”

FAQ

How many days do I have to return an item?

Each store’s return policy differs in how many days after purchase they’ll accept a return. Amazon allows 30 days for most products, while Target and Walmart both offer 90 days for unopened items.

Are there items that can’t be returned?

“Generally, products such as groceries, including consumable pet products, can’t be returned due to safety reasons,” says Zakowicz. “The same holds true for some opened personal care items. Some products might be classified as hazardous materials, such as hairsprays, and these often can’t be returned online, although many brick-and-mortar stores will accept them.”

About the Experts

• Greg Zakowicz is an e-commerce expert and retail advisor at Omnisend. He has nearly 20 years of experience as an email and SMS marketing practitioner, consultant, expert witness, and analyst. He’s helped over 100 retail companies launch and maximize their email and SMS marketing programs’ sales.

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9 Genius Ways To Use Tweezers You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

Grasp Hard-to-Reach Items

If you have debris lodged in a tight location, such as a French fry stuck between the car seat and the console, or some fuzz lurking behind your HVAC vents, tweezers just might be the answer. “Just make sure you always have a firm grip, especially when using tweezers in places like ductwork, where they could get trapped,” says HVAC expert Eli Zimmer. Also, don’t forget to unplug or power off electrical appliances and systems before tweezering.

Cook Like a Pro

Tweezers are among the best tools for removing pin bones from fish fillets, says chef Mark McShane. Their narrow tips are also great for delicately placing garnishes on dishes, such as microgreens and edible flowers. “When I’m sautéing small garlic slices, capers and shrimp, tweezers help me flip or move them individually without splashing hot oil,” he says. “You can even brown small pieces without using a bulky spatula.”

Repair Tech Devices

Fine-tipped tweezers are perfect for cleaning the pocket lint from your cell phone ports. They’re also a help during the dainty task of stabilizing small screws in tight spaces. “Tweezers help prevent losing those small parts down into a computer case,” says home buyer Darcy Turner. “The key to keeping parts stable is applying steady pressure.” Pro tip: Use ceramic-tipped tweezers to avoid accidentally shorting electrical connections.

Sow Seeds

A great tweezer hack is using them to place small seeds into the soil with precision. “This allows for less crowding of seedlings so each has the best possible opportunity to grow well,” says Keith Sant. “It also ensures your garden has a polished look from the beginning.” Pro tip: To get light seeds to adhere to the ends of the tweezers, dampen the ends.

Spruce Up the Bathroom

Tweezers are masters of the bathroom, good for everything from lifting hair clogs out of drains to plucking stray silicone strings from the tub. “These are small, fussy fixes where fingers are too big, and bulky tools can chip tile or scuff a tub,” says bathroom restorer Robert D Puleo. Pro-tip: for pop-up drains, use long or bent tweezers and a flashlight, so you can guide the tips onto the hair, rather than blindly scraping.

Touch Up the Paint

If you’ve got tiny paint nibs, dried drips or stray masking threads, tweezers are a good bet for cleaning them up, without damaging the surrounding paint. This is especially true for coated metal surfaces, like fences and gates, says fencing expert Matthew Prato. “Another good use for tweezers is pulling out embedded plant fibers, splinters or wind-blown seed husks from wood inlays and timber cladding details,” he says.

Renovate Small Details

After scraping away old caulk, you can use construction tweezers to remove those last stubborn bits. Remodeler Manny Kavouklis also uses them for shaving wood trim to prevent splinters, recovering screws or hardware dropped in tight spaces and laying out small mosaic tiles, where the adhesive might otherwise smear. “I have a toolbox that has precision tweezers in it, because after 20 years of renovations, I need them for stuff larger tools won’t work for,” he says.

Get Artsy with Flowers

Tweezers are perfect for creating collages with dried flowers. “You can easily move the thin, dry petals without them getting crushed by your fingers,” says homebuyer Mary Sullivan. To achieve the cleanest edges, position yourself to where you can see where the flower meets the paper, then gently lay the flower onto the glue. Work slowly and gently to get the cleanest edges. “ You get the best out of nature when you use a gentle touch,” she says.

Aquascape the Aquarium

Get fishy with this tweezer hack: use an extra-long pair of tweezers to plant aquatic plants without disturbing the water’s surface. “Hold the plant by its roots and gently press it into the gravel,” says Turner. “This prevents it from being pulled out of the substrate, which can lead to reduced plant health in your underwater garden. A veteran aquarist told me that patience makes the most attractive aquariums.”

About the Experts

• Eli Zimmer is CEO of Luxaire HVAC Services in Long Island, New York.
• Mark McShane is a chef and food safety expert at Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Darcy Turner is acquisition manager at Investor Home Buyers in Dallas, Texas.
• Keith Sant is a realtor and founder and CEO of Kind House Buyers in Washington State.
• Robert D Puleo is owner of Denver Bathtub & Tile Reglazing.
• Mary Sullivan is founder of Company That Buys Houses in Fort Worth, Texas.
• Matthew Prato is president of Tri State Gate luxury gate and fencing design, fabrication and installation
• Manny Kavouklis is president of CMK Construction Inc., a Tampa Bay-based home remodeling company.

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The Science Behind Bluetooth — And Why It Keeps Dropping Your Connection

You probably use Bluetooth technology multiple times a day, without even thinking about it. Bluetooth supports hands-free calling and music streaming in the car, wireless keyboards and mice, wireless headphones and speakers, and syncing a smartwatch to our phone (just to name a few things)! But have you ever wondered how exactly it works? We spoke to a wireless technology expert to find out what Bluetooth actually is and how to avoid common connection issues.

What Bluetooth Actually Is

Bluetooth allows two devices (like your phone and your wireless earbuds) to connect directly without Wi-Fi or wires. The technology uses UHF radio waves to connect the devices over short distances.

What about the unique name, Bluetooth? Interestingly, the name was inspired by King Harald “Bluetooth” Gormsson, who was known for uniting Denmark and Norway over 1,000 years ago. He earned the nickname because of his dead tooth, which was a dark blueish-gray color.

How Is Bluetooth Different From Wi-Fi?

Both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi allow wireless communication, but they’re quite different. Bluetooth connects two devices together, while Wi-Fi connects devices to the internet.

“Bluetooth is a peer-to-peer technology. Its low power requirements make it great for battery-powered devices,” says wireless technology expert Trent Meyer. “Wi-Fi allows for greater data transfer rates, at higher speeds and at the cost of battery efficiency.”

And although Bluetooth connects two devices, it can handle multiple connections at the same time. For example, Bluetooth lets you stream music to your headphones and receive texts on your smartwatch at the same time, explains Meyer.

How Bluetooth Devices Connect

According to Intel (one of Bluetooth’s original collaborators), Bluetooth devices connect via radio waves, specifically on the 2.4 GHz frequency range.

When the two devices are close together, they detect each other automatically and then connect, or “pair”, using the 79 available frequencies. The paired devices constantly jump between these channels, looking for the best connection signal.

Modern Bluetooth Range and Limitations

Classic Bluetooth has a range of about 33 feet, but newer Bluetooth versions offer longer ranges. The iPhone 16 for example, features Bluetooth 5.3.

“Bluetooth 5 connection can reach over 1,000 feet,” says Meyer. “Clear line-of-sight and quality Bluetooth products will help you achieve the best range. Connection range is also dependent on how much data is transferred. Headphones and speakers often get less than 50 feet of range because audio requires a lot of data.”

How Bluetooth is Used In Home Setups

You know your headphones and your car connect via Bluetooth, but how can you best use the technology at home? Many smart home devices that make your life easier and are wireless utilize Bluetooth. Smart lighting, home speakers, smart locks, and smart thermostats all use Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi to connect to each other and your phone.

“You can even find it in wall-powered devices like printers, smart cameras, and TVs,” says Meyer, “Many sensors also use Bluetooth to send data to smartphones or smart hubs, allowing homeowners to monitor things like temperature, water leaks, or equipment performance.”

Common Bluetooth Problems

If your Bluetooth devices often lose connection, check for physical obstacles. “Reducing the distance and obstructions between devices is always recommended,” says Meyer, “For example, set your phone on top of your desk to have it closer to your headphones.”

“Using quality Bluetooth products can also alleviate issues,” says Meyer. The newest iPhone comes equipped with the latest and greatest Bluetooth. That off-brand speaker from a questionable Amazon seller, on the other hand, most likely does not. When getting a new wireless device, Meyer recommends finding one that offers the newest Bluetooth 5 technology

FAQ

What can interfere with Bluetooth signals?

“The most common Bluetooth issues come from interference and physical obstacles like walls and other dense objects,” says Meyer.

Why does my Bluetooth connection keep dropping?

“Bluetooth operates in the same 2.4 GHz frequency band used by WiFi routers, microwaves, and many other wireless devices, so crowded environments with multiple devices can cause signal interference and lead to signals being dropped,” says Meyer.

About the Experts

• Trent Meyer is a software developer and Engineering Team Lead at Transducers Direct. His work focuses on making connected devices reliable and easy to monitor remotely, whether in industrial systems, smart home applications, or equipment monitoring.

Sources

• Intel: “How Does Bluetooth Work?“
• Bluetooth: “Origin og the Name“

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Fatal Incident Prompts Hyundai to Issue Immediate Stop-Sale Order

When picking out a car for your family, you probably look for practical features like multiple rows of seating as well as safety features like good air bags. Tragically, in certain Hyundai vehicles, those practical features aren’t always safe. Recently Hyundai issued a stop-sale after receiving news of a deadly accident.

Why Is Hyundai Issuing a Stop-Sale?

According to a recent press release, Hyundai is issuing a stop-sale on certain Palisade vehicles “due to an issue with the second and third-row power seats.” Per the brief, “in certain situations, those seats may not adequately detect contact with an occupant or object as intended.” More specifically, the press release explains that “this condition may occur during second and third-row power‑folding operations, as well as during use of the second-row one‑touch tilt‑and‑slide function.”

This issue came to light under tragic circumstances. The company’s official statement so far is as follows: “Hyundai is aware of a tragic incident involving a Palisade. While Hyundai does not yet have the full details and the incident is still under investigation, a young child lost her life. Hyundai extends its deepest sympathies to her family.”

Which Hyundai Vehicles Have This Defect?

The Hyundai press release said that the recall will include roughly 68,500 vehicles comprised of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Limited and Calligraphy trim vehicles. The company is currently working to alert customers “through multiple points of contact, which may include email, vehicle telematics, outbound phone calls, and media notifications.” Owners who have further questions can contact the Hyundai Consumer Assistance Center.

In the meantime, the company is warning owners to “use caution when operating second and third-row power seats.” They also say that owners need to “ensure that no person or object, including children, is in the seat or seat-folding area before operating the power seat.” And finally, “when using the second-row one‑touch tilt‑and‑slide feature to access the third row, customers should avoid pressing the seatback button during entry or exit.”

What Is Hyundai’s Solution?

According to the press release, Hyundai is in the process of finalizing the details of the recall and working on a repair. When it’s ready, this repair “will be performed at no cost to owners.” In the interim, Hyundai “will offer interested customers with a rental vehicle until a full remedy is available.”

The company is also in the process of developing a temporary fix in the form of an over-the-air software update. The company says that “while this update is not the permanent recall repair, it is intended to enhance the system’s response to contact with occupants or objects, introduce additional operating safeguards, and enhance overall system safety.” Hyundai hopes to release this update by the end of March 2026.

Source

Hyundai Issues Palisade Stop Sale After Folding Seat Death, Kelley Blue Book, 2026.

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