Open HomeSpare and tap the + button to add your first spare. Give it a title, the size or part number, a category, how many you have on hand, and (optionally) a reorder level and replacement schedule. The dashboard immediately shows your low-stock count, units on hand, and what's due.
Support · Version 1.2
HomeSpare Support
Help and contact information for HomeSpare — the offline household spares and consumables tracker for iPhone and iPad.
Tap the Reference tab. Browse or search HVAC and water filters, the MERV guide, light-bulb bases and shapes, and battery sizes and equivalents. Tap any entry to expand its detail, then "Add as a spare" to create a pre-filled record you can adjust before saving.
Each spare shows a +/- counter. Tap minus when you use one and plus when you restock. Set a "Reorder at" level in the item form; when your on-hand count drops to or below it, HomeSpare flags the item LOW (or OUT at zero) on the dashboard, in the Low filter, and on your store run list.
In the item form, turn on "Recurs on a schedule," pick an interval (monthly, every 2/3/6/9 months, or yearly), and set when you last replaced it. HomeSpare computes the next-due date and counts down in the library. When you replace the item, swipe right on its row or tap "Replaced" to record the date, roll the schedule forward, and use one unit from stock.
Go to the Export tab. The Store Run List shows only the spares that are low, out of stock, or overdue — each with its size/part and current count. Tap "Share store run list" to send it to Notes, Messages, or a printout and take it shopping.
The Export tab also offers a full plain-text summary and a CSV of your entire library. The CSV includes title, size/part, category, quantity, reorder level, a low-stock flag, replacement interval, due date, status, and notes — ready for Numbers, Excel, or Google Sheets.
Email the App Store product page with your device model, iOS version, and a short description of what happened. I typically reply within 1–2 business days.
Common Questions
Does the app require an account?
No. HomeSpare has no accounts, no sign-in, and no network connection of any kind.
Where is my data stored?
All spares, stock counts, reorder levels, schedules, and settings are stored in the app's local storage on your device. Data moves off-device only when you explicitly export or share it.
What is the Reference tab and where does the data come from?
It is a bundled, offline guide to common filter sizes, MERV ratings, light-bulb bases and shapes, and battery sizes and equivalents. The data is compiled from public engineering references (US EPA MERV guidance, published HVAC filter dimensions, the standard light-bulb base chart, and common battery equivalent charts). It is a convenience reference — always confirm the size or part printed on your own equipment before buying, because the same nominal size can vary by manufacturer.
Why does my "16x25x1" filter really measure smaller?
The size printed on a filter is the nominal size, rounded up. The actual cut size is about a half-inch smaller per side on standard 1-inch filters (so a 16x25x1 is roughly 15.5 x 24.5 x 0.75 inches). HomeSpare's Reference tab lists the published actual dimensions for common sizes.
How does low-stock detection work?
Each spare has an on-hand quantity and a "Reorder at" level. When the quantity is at or below the reorder level (and the item isn't marked Done), it's flagged LOW; at zero it's OUT. A reorder level of 0 means "alert only when I have none left."
What does "Mark replaced today" do?
It records today as the last-replaced date, rolls the next-due date forward by the item's interval (if one is set), and decreases your on-hand count by one if you have any in stock. It also reopens the item if it was marked Done.
Where do the suggested replacement intervals come from?
They are typical, widely published guidance — for example, standard 1-inch furnace filters about every 60–90 days, deep media filters about every 6–12 months, fridge water filters about every 6 months, and smoke-alarm 9V batteries about once a year. Your own usage may differ; the interval is fully editable.
Can I export my library?
Yes. The Export tab offers a Store Run List (just what needs buying), a full plain-text summary, and a CSV of everything. All three use the iOS share sheet.
What changed in 1.2?
New: a bundled offline Reference Library (filter sizes, MERV guide, bulb bases, battery equivalents); real stock tracking with per-item reorder levels and low/out badges; automatic replacement scheduling with a "Mark replaced today" action; a focused Store Run List export; and a richer CSV with quantity, reorder, low-stock, and interval columns.