TOOLS & MATERIALS

Five very specific fixes can make life more comfortable this winter.

Projects around the house.

1. POWER OFF PAINT

Address failing paint, stains, dirt, or mildew on any wood surface with this Wood, Decks, and Siding tool. The circular-shape tool never clogs and attaches to a standard 4 ½ " angle grinder with a 5 /8- 11 thread. $64.99 Diamabrush, (855) 328-6657, diamabrush.com

2. CONTINUOUS HOT WATER

Part of a family of on-demand water heaters sized for point-of-use to whole-house, the EcoSmart 27 kW tankless electric water heater is equipped with self-modulating technology that can save up to 50% on water-heating costs. $569. EcoSmart, (877) 474-6473, ecosmartus.com

3. A BETTER DRAIN

Converting a bathtub to a shower for better accessibility? The ProLine stainless-steel shower drain installs flush to the shower floor; the sloping drain is tucked out of sight below. The long, linear style drains quickly, too. $750 and up. QuickDrain, (866) 998-6685, quickdrainusa.com

4. SAFE HEAT, INSTANTLY

The Envi high-efficiency, whole-room wall heater plugs into any 120-volt outlet, is cool to the touch, and shuts off if the heater is detached from the wall. The 450-watt, slim-line heater has space inside to store the power cord. $159.95. eHeat, (800) 807-0107, eheat.com

5. LEAK STOPPER

Be alerted to leaks or freezing pipes in real time with the Smart Home water monitor. The WiFi-enabled monitor uses ultrasonic technology to detect leaks; pair it with the Control ($599) for automatic shut-off, even remotely. $199. Streamlabs, (770) 691-5524, streamlabswater.com