When you buy a new car, it comes with an owner's manual that tells you everything you need to know. Other products come with manuals too. In fact, just about everything you buy, from TVs and VCRs, to computers and refrigerators comes with a manual of care-and-operating instructions. Some we keep, and others -- like for water heaters or thermostats, kitchen appliances and tools -- seem to get lost or thrown out. Then later when problems arise, the troubleshooting info is gone and authorized dealers and service centers are anybody's guess. What's worse, many things do a lot more than you realize, and you'll never find out because the operating instructions are gone. Starting today, create a box or folder to keep manuals for everything you buy in the future -- and add in those you come across in drawers and on closet shelves. Before you know it, you'll have a complete owner's manual for your home. And that's the On The House tip for today.