Yes you can...do it yourself

So how handy are you? According to Matt Crane's recent article in Connections, here are five home-improvement jobs that practically anyone can manage. Here they are:
1. Replace a thermostat: Go green with smart climate control devices that let you conveniently program your home's temperature cycle for several time periods per day. Cut off the power to the entire heating system at the circuit breaker and remove the old thermostat's outer casing. Unscrew the old thermostat housing, exposing the color-coded wiring that runs to the heating-cooling unit. Match those wires to the correct terminals of the new housing and attach. Snap in the batteries that power the programming display, fit the new thermostat to the thermostat housing. Done!
2. Put an end to a "running" toilet: Save water by replacing the float system in the tank. Turn off the water supply valve and drain the toilet by flushing until the tank is empty (hold down the handle to speed the process). Loosen the large nut at the base of the old float system and remove the entire unit (take the old system with you when shopping for the new one). Install the new float valve in place of the old one using the instructions provided. Tighten with finger pressure, ensuring the seal is secure; don't over tighten. Turn the water supply back on to refill the tank; check for leaks.
3. Replace the kitchen faucet: Determine whether the sink is a three- or four-hole variety (four-hole includes a rinsing wand) and make a selection to fit your needs. Turn off the water line feeding the sink. Remove the old faucet using a pipe wrench to loosen the nuts. The new faucet should fit easily into place and the plastic nuts used today are a snap to tighten. Follow the directions included with the new unit. Turn on the main hot and cold water valves, check for leaks (including under the sink).
4. Insulate hot-water pipes: This should boost the hot water temperature by as much as four degrees without using extra energy. Use foam pipe sleeves (find them at the hardware store) compatible with the pipe diameter for a tight fit; trim the length as needed. Wrap pipes, taping securely (duct tape works well) every one or two feet. Sounds really easy.
5. Install a solar security light: A great "green" project even for beginning DIYers---a solar-powered floodlight with motion sensor turns dark to light at the slightest disturbance for nighttime security. With no need for an external power source, the mounting brackets can be attached almost anywhere there's adequate direct sunlight. Secure the light unit to the mounting brackets. Voila!

Just something to think about if your team isn't playing this weekend.