Frigid winter temperatures can cause pipes to freeze – or even burst! Do you know how to tell if pipes are frozen? We’ve pulled together a list of battle tested suggestions to help you fix your frozen pipes as well as a list of suggestions for you to follow if they do freeze.If you attempt to fix a frozen pipe yourself, keep the following tips in mind: Keep your faucet open. Water and steam will be created during the thawing process, and your pipes need an opening to discharge this. Keeping the fa... read more

You may have heard of the cliché “new year — new me.” That's good and all, however, although you might be hoping to fulfill your New Year’s resolution this doesn't exactly apply to Michigan’s real estate market. Experts forecast the 2019 housing market in East and West Michigan will resemble that of last year’s housing market. "Ole Man Winter" is being blamed for putting “a freeze” on housing sales across Michigan, as sales dropped by 18% in December from the p... read more

Colder months often mean higher bills. Check DTE's tips to spare your wallet this winter: Programmable Thermostat Install a programmable thermostat and set it at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or lower - the recommended setting for winter. Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every year in energy costs. Check out our DTE Rebate Program to learn how you can get money back for buying a new thermostat. Changing Blade Direction I... read more

1. Move plants away from vents, radiators or drafty windowsMost plants aren't big fans of extreme temperature variations, so try to keep them away from spots that get either too chilly or heated. Position sun-loving, draft-avoiding plants on a side table near the window, but not directly on the windowsill. 2. Check the air humidityMany houseplants thrive in 40-50% humidity, but when the heat's blasting and the windows are closed, the moisture level in your home is likely much lower. The easiest solution is to buy ... read more

If you feel like you’re being drenched by utility bills, you may be looking for ways to cut your monthly costs. While utilities like internet and cable TV may seem like obvious targets, your water bill can also run much higher than necessary. Missing water bill payments could also eventually hurt your credit score. While most utilities don’t report on-time payments to the credit bureaus, many will report accounts that have gone into default or collections, which will cause your scores to take a hit. The... read more