Nothing puts your square footage to better use than a built-in. Whether that means a desk framed within a seldom-used closet or a bookcase tucked into a niche beside the fireplace, built-ins maximize every available inch in your floor plan. They handily transform the dead zones under stairs and below windows into functional space and help you get organized by adding new storage options without adding on to your house.

Most home appliances have become more efficient over the past 30 years, but those gains have been offset by the influx of personal computers, televisions and related devices, according to data released today by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

In the latest update to its Residential Energy Consumption Survey, which is has updated periodically since 1979, EIA found that:

• 58 percent of U.S. homes had energy-efficient, multi-pane windows, up from 36 percent in the 1993 survey.

The editors here at Popular Mechanics would like you to know that we’re not perfect. Whether tackling home improvements or making automotive repairs, we’ve all made our fair share of mistakes. Here are some of the worst. If you’ve got some that you’d like to share, send them to pmwebmaster@hearst.com, along with any lessons that might have been gleaned from the experience.

A blocked or clogged drain is a pain, but it doesn’t mean that you need to call a plumber. Most clogged drains can be easily cleared by using things that are around the house or just a few inexpensive tools.

Clean, pure water is a vital part of our lives. Staying healthy involves quite a few things including a proper diet, an exercise routine, and proper hydration. Drinking water that does not contain impurities is part of a healthy way of life.

Fortunately, all it takes to provide a healthier supply of water is the simple installation of a whole house water filter. Whole house water filters are used to remove sediments from your water supply. Not only will this provide purer water for you to drink, but also, it may help to extend the life of your appliances and plumbing system.

The holidays are right around the corner and now is the time to take care of the improvements you’ve been procrastinating about all year long. From dead doorbells and jammed doors, to caulking the bath and replacing broken tiles, here are our top quick fixes, and all the information you need to get the job done right.

Drains are hidden heroes in your home. If you’re lucky, you can go for years without thinking about them, but when dirty sink water suddenly won’t go away or a toilet won’t flush, they can be a major frustration. A plugged drain certainly demands attention, but fixing it is probably something you can do yourself. You’ll get faster results than calling a pro, and you’ll save money, too.

Successfully unclogging drains depends on a few simple tools and knowledge of the layout of pipes hidden in your home.

Kallista. The maker’s first cast iron kitchen sink offers a dual-basin undermount design and sophisticated aesthetic. The shaped basins allow for a single-hole kitchen faucet with additional drillings to accommodate a soap or lotion dispenser and side spray. The unique single-hole drilling allows the space reserved for the faucet deck to be reclaimed by the basins, creating a roomy space. Measuring 33 inches wide and 9 inches deep, The sink can accommodate even large cookware. Made from 93% recycled or reclaimed materials, the sink is composed entirely of cast iron and finished in an ultra-thick layer of glossy enamel that is guaranteed not to chip, crack or burn. Two stainless steel bottom-basin racks help protect the finish, which is available in white, linen, or black.