Start by asking the big questions. Carefully consider what you think you want, focusing on what you’d like to gain and possible options for obtaining it.

To make sure your heating and air-conditioning systems work when needed, they must be properly installed and maintained. We’ve rated area heating and air-conditioning services for quality and price.

Like much in life, when it comes to appliances you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone—and you’re left scrambling. When an appliance breaks down, you need to get it repaired right and right away—so you can start taking it for granted again.

Before investing in an alarm system, take a step back to evaluate—and improve—your home’s overall security. You can do many things to enhance protections that cost much less than an alarm system but do just as much good.

We recommend you first improve physical barriers to intrusion before considering an expensive alarm system. But there is evidence that alarm systems do make a difference. Here is advice on the pros and cons of alarm systems and help planning one.

Even if you purchase a home security system with all the bells and whistles, it might not do you any good if it’s designed poorly or installed sloppily. When hiring an installer, consider several points.