4-ways-to-reduce-energy-usage-in-your-home

Reducing home energy use or making a home more efficient should be the goal of any homeowner. Cutting down on a home’s energy use can help you save on utility costs and help reduce your home’s carbon footprint. It is the goal of many communities and utility companies to aid people in reducing their carbon footprints since sources of fuel are becoming more restricted. In addition, reducing your carbon footprint can benefit the environment.

Use Renewable Sources

Even though you can significantly reduce electricity and utility use by upgrading the major components of your home and by changing your habits, converting to renewable sources is ideal. You may be able to receive energy credits and rebates for installing solar panels or tankless hot water heaters. Switching to renewable sources means you’ll be able to convert natural resources like the sun into electricity and heat sources for your home, reducing your home’s dependence on utility companies and fossil fuels.

Upgrade All Major Appliances

The majority of a home’s energy use comes from its heating and cooling equipment, followed by other major kitchen appliances and the hot water heater. Having and operating gas fireplaces can also contribute to a portion of the home’s energy use. Besides programming the thermostat for different temperatures while you’re away from home, upgrading to a high-efficiency air conditioner and furnace can significantly reduce a home’s usage.

Updating kitchen appliances, as well as washer and dryers for versions that carry the energy star rating, can also help reduce a home’s overall consumption. Appliances with the ENERGY STAR rating are manufactured to use less electricity and water. While some of these models can cost more, the savings in energy consumption over time outweighs the extra initial costs. You may even be able to receive energy rebates from utility companies or tax credit for upgrading.

Install Energy-Efficient Windows and Insulation

Another large source of energy loss in a home is through windows, cracks, and crevices. Replacing older windows with energy-efficient ones can also significantly cut back on how much heating and air conditioning is lost. This reduces the wear and tear on the appliances and helps save the homeowner money over time. Upgrading can also result in one-time tax credits or rebates.

Insulating windows on the interior and exterior can go a long way towards reducing costs. Caulking and sealing gaps around the edges of windows, doors, and other openings can prevent air from escaping. This means the hot and cool air produced by the homes HVAC equipment won’t be wasted.

General Maintenance and Upkeep

A home’s energy use can also be reduced through general maintenance and upkeep, such as changing the HVAC filter each month. A person can also use common sense techniques such as supplementing an air conditioner with ceiling fans, only running full loads in the dishwasher, and air drying clothes if feasible. Cleaning air ducts and using blinds to block the sun during summer can also help.

Reducing a home’s energy use requires a combination of investing in new and upgraded technologies and common-sense maintenance. Setting the thermostat at the highest comfortable temperature in the summer and the lowest comfortable temperature in the winter will go a long way towards reducing consumption. However, upgrading major appliances to energy-efficient versions, replacing windows, and converting to renewable energy sources will make the biggest impacts.

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wood-vs-vinyl-fence

How Do These Two Fencing Materials Compare in the 4 Categories We’ve Chosen?

When it comes to fencing around homes, two types of fencing tend to be particularly popular. These are vinyl and wood fencing. If you’re not sure which type of fencing is right for your home, check out our comparisons below, as different people will reach different conclusions based on which variables are most important to them. There’s no one superior fence for everyone.

Appearance

One of the main factors people consider when choosing a fence is the appearance of the fence. The first thing to keep in mind is that there is not just one type of wood or one type of vinyl fence. These days there are many alternatives for each type of fencing, so you’re very likely to be able to find one that will suit your style. You can get help from Illinois Fence company if you want to get a better idea of all the various options available for each type of fence.

Photo credit: Pinterest

Wood fencing tends to be the favourite when it comes to the overall appearance of a fence, at least when it’s freshly installed. People love the natural look, and it’s what many people grew up with. However, if it isn’t properly maintained it can get to look like an eyesore. You can vary the appearance with your choice of stain or paint so it can match virtually any style and colour of home.

Vinyl fencing used to look very plastic-like, which isn’t very appealing. But over time it has improved a lot in appearance, although it still doesn’t look the same as wood. It tends to maintain its appearance better than wood without a lot of maintenance. As time passes, your vinyl fence may end up looking better than your neighbor’s wooden fence if they don’t properly maintain it. You have your choice of more solid panels that improve privacy or panels that look more like traditional fencing with more spacing between the planks.

Maintenance Necessary

If you don’t have a lot of time to deal with keeping your fence in tip-top shape, you may want to opt for vinyl fencing. Aesthetically it might not be quite as pleasing as wood, but it does require a lot less maintenance. In many cases, unless something happens to damage the fence, all you need to do is periodically clean it off with a hose or a pressure washer to get off any dirt that’s on the fence. Choosing the right colour for the fence will minimize the appearance of the dirt in between cleanings.

Wood fencing needs to be stained or painted after installation and then repainted frequently. As it gets older, it may warp and rot, especially if it hasn’t been properly cared for throughout its lifetime. This can be a time-consuming and expensive process. If you think you’ll want to change the colour of your fencing over time, wood does have the advantage of being able to be refinished.

Durability

Think about it. How many times do you want to have to deal with putting in a new fence over your lifetime? Probably not many. This means you want a fence that will be durable and long-lasting.  Wood fences are susceptible to rot, insect damage, and damage due to expanding and contracting with varying temperatures and moisture levels, all of which affect their durability.

Vinyl fencing is typically manufactured to be able to withstand all of these issues. In general, wind damage may be the most common issue. Those who live in areas with high winds may want to opt for the fencing with more space between the slats, as this makes it more wind-resistant. Vinyl fences can last up to 5 times as long as wood fences, which average about 20 years before they need to be replaced.

Photo credit: Pinterest

Cost Considerations

When it comes to the cost of fencing, you need to take three factors into consideration: the initial cost of installing the fence, the cost of maintaining the fence, and the expected lifetime of the fence. What looks like the best deal from the initial price may not be the most cost-efficient choice in the long run.

The initial cost to install wood fencing can vary greatly based on the type of wood you choose. It can be as low as $3 to $7 per linear foot (before installation) if you choose pine or as high as $12 to $60 per linear foot if you opt for white oak. However, in general, the initial cost of buying and installing a wood fence will be cheaper than purchasing and installing a vinyl fence.

The typical vinyl fence ranges in price per linear foot from about $15 to $30. Rail fences will be cheaper than picket or privacy fences, and shadowbox styles are the most expensive. White vinyl is less expensive than wood grain vinyl, which is less expensive than black vinyl.

Which fence do you choose?

From these quick comparisons it looks like wood might be the better deal. But keep in mind that wood fences need to be restained or repainted every year or two, which adds to their maintenance costs. While vinyl fences just need to be hosed off to rinse off the dirt.  It does tend to cost more to repair vinyl fencing if it gets damaged, as you often need to replace an entire panel while with wood fencing you can just replace the slat that’s damaged. The much longer life of vinyl fences means they may be the more cost-effective option in the long run.

There are many issues to consider when choosing between vinyl and wood fencing. If appearance is the most important factor for you and you are open to a bit more maintenance, you may want to choose wood fencing. However, if you are looking for a more carefree option and can afford a larger upfront investment, consider one of the many types of vinyl fencing available. You could also review other types of fencing, such as metal fencing, if neither of these types of fencing meets all of your needs.

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how-to-make-your-home-visitor-ready-at-all-times

Have you ever encountered the anxiety when the doorbell rings and you realize it is someone who will expect to be invited in? You apologize profusely for the mess and make excuses as to why the house is in the state it is. Fear not, this is not something you have to continue to experience. There are ways in which you can make your house visitor-ready for all occasions. Continue reading for our advice.

Declutter

The first step is usually the biggest. Decluttering will help to get rid of any unnecessary stuff. As well as clearing the rooms, it can also help to clear the mind. Having fewer things within a room means that it is much easier to tidy up. It also means less dust meaning allergy-sufferers should be less unwell. It can be challenging to declutter in one go. Some people choose to do it in stages by focusing on certain categories or areas of rooms. For others, seeing that the clutter is not improving sets them back. Putting as many items as possible into boxes to store in the garage, for example, can be helpful. Then one box at a time can be sorted.  

Tidy up routine

Spend ten minutes at the end of every day putting things back into their home. Get other members of the family to do the same. Once you get into a routine, you will find that you spend a lot less time tidying up. It feels like much less of a chore to do a little bit every day rather than it all building up and doing hours on end within the same period of time.

Playroom

If you have a room which could be used as a playroom, we highly recommend this. Children’s toys strewn everywhere five minutes after being sorted can be frustrating and demotivating. Of course, this is a natural part of a child’s development. However, keeping it out of the living room is ideal. Having a separate room especially for your child or children can be great. Just don’t forget to tidy in there regularly. It can be easy to subconsciously forget about an area until it is too late and a deep clean needs carrying out.

Finishing touches

Being proud of your home is essential to feeling comfortable and confident about inviting a visitor in. They always say that when people view homes, the smell of baked bread is important as well as the sight of fresh flowers. Flowers can boost your mood too as well as making a statement about how positive you feel about your home. Fresh bouquets, such as these gorgeous ones from this local Houston florist, can make a huge impact. Ensuring that your décor is up to scratch is vital too. Yellowing woodwork and grubby walls can be off-putting and embarrassing. A quick lick of paint can solve these problems. In fact, you could always consider employing the services of a painter to do it for you. Finally, a selection of photographs framed and some homely additions like bright, colorful cushions can also help you to feel more confidence in your home and keep it visitor ready! 

FINISHING TOUCHES…

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4-ways-to-save-money-on-a-home-renovation

Your home needs to be a space in which you’re comfortable and happy. Sometimes, however, we get tired of seeing the same things every day. The same dull color on the wall, or sitting at the same dinner table on the same chairs. Using the same outdated fridge that your parents gave you as a wedding gift ten years ago.

Whether it’s for aesthetic reasons or to replace outdated or damaged furniture, we all need an occasional renovation. Maybe you need to add space to your house, or just remove a few items.

Big or small, a home renovation can get costly very quickly. Here are four ways you can save a little the next time you renovate.

1. Patience, Budgets, and Savings

Admittedly, that might be three things, but they all go hand in hand. A lot of folks make a big mistake by trying to rush their home renovation. Instead of taking the project step by step, they want everything done as quickly as possible.

This might mean higher contractor fees, costly mistakes, and a lot of loans and emptied credit cards. With a little patience, that doesn’t have to be the case.

First, set a budget. Make sure it’s realistic, as well as one you can meet by saving up. The goal is to avoid using loans or credit cards. Next, talk to any contractors you want to use. Mention that you’ll be paying with cash and ask for possible discounts.

Remember to approach several contractors and compare quotes. You’re not necessarily looking for the cheapest contractor, though. You want a reasonable price that includes everything you need

Pro tip: don’t pay for everything as you go. It’s a mistake that a lot of people make when they do renovations, but it’s a risky gamble, too. There are better ways to create a work schedule with your contractor.

With a little patience, planning, and smart deals, you can save money on your renovation.

2. Don’t Shy Away from Discounts

People can be extremely picky. Some will return a perfectly good piece of furniture because of a small nick, dent, or scratch. Many stores will have a discount section that contains high quality – and fully functional – just slightly damaged furniture.

It’s a bit of a gamble sometimes, but you can mitigate the risk by doing a little research. In the end, you could get expensive big-ticket furniture and appliances for a fraction of their retail price. In fact, you could get as much as 60 percent off.

If that’s not a reason to do a little discount shopping, we don’t know what is.

3. Do It Yourself

While there are a few things that you probably need a specialist for, there’s a lot you can do yourself like a plumbing renovation. For example, repainting a room is simple enough, and it can be a lot of fun as well.

Some suppliers also sell furniture that’s ready to assemble, and we’re not just talking about a few chairs or tables. You also get DIY beds, displays, and great kitchen cabinets, as shown on the Best Online Cabinet website.

All you need is a little effort, an instruction manual, and a healthy dose of motivation. That said, don’t be afraid to get the experts in when you need to. Trying to update old wiring yourself if you’re not an electrician, for example, is a recipe for disaster.

4. Declutter for Profit

When you renovate your home, the chances are that you’ll be left with several items that you don’t need anymore. But your trash might just be someone else’s treasure. Your old sofa might not work for your family anymore, but a recent college graduate might love to have that comfy second-hand couch at an affordable price.

There’s always someone who might be willing to buy your second-hand goodies, and you can comfortably sell them online.

Take Away

When you renovate your home, you don’t need to spend a small fortune or flounder in credit card debt. Just remember patience and planning, discounts, DIY, and decluttering for a profit. If you remember these tips, you can save money on your next home renovation.

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5-factors-to-review-kitchen-renovation

When the time comes to upgrade your home, the kitchen is often the number one choice for most families. Most of us consider the kitchen the epicentre of any home. If your budget is limited and a complete renovation is not possible, you can still achieve outstanding results by updating a few specific features. However, having a generous outlook on your expenditure will pay off in the long run.

A kitchen renovation will Increase the Appeal and Value of your Home

There are numerous advantages to improving this key area of your home. The illusion of space can be amplified, you will be able to enjoy modern functional updates, and your productivity will increase. When planning the details of the renovation, you should also plan to update the appliances in the room, which improves functionality dramatically. The alluring project can also enhance aesthetics as even the smallest of changes can make a massive impact. Lastly, remodelling radically increases the value of your home, which will make it quicker and easier to sell.

Upgrade your Appliances

There will be times when appliances stop serving their purpose. One way to upgrade is by replacing appliances with modern and appealing models. You can purchase newer models of ovens, microwaves, and cookware. A review of Made In cookware will help you decide on the best cookware you can buy to upgrade the overall functionality.

Revamp your Cabinets

Cabinets are one of the first features to be upgraded as they are an obvious requirement. They are also the first thing to get stained or damaged. If you want to modernize your cabinets, you can start with the hinges, and latches, as this improves the look significantly. Some homeowners even go so far as installing self-closing cabinet mechanisms which prevent slamming and allow you to take whatever item you want out of the cabinet and walk away without worrying if you have left it open or not.

Sinks, Faucets and Hardware

Sinks, faucets, and hardware are the third most replaced elements. These elements are often upgraded together with counters. New fixtures and more efficient faucets can make anything from washing the dishes after dinner to cleaning vegetables for a salad more pleasant. Enhancing these factors can even make your home more environmentally friendly.

Wall Design

The fourth most common design option that will have a massive impact is the walls. Whether you choose flat paint, a unique painting technique, wallpaper, or paneling, the walls can affect the look and feel of the entire room by influencing the first impression your kitchen can offer. Simple paint is probably one of the most cost-effective ways to spruce up the look as well.

As a homeowner, you cannot start tearing down walls or any permanent fixtures in preparation of making significant changes until you have a budget. Your budget should detail all the relevant costs when doing a complete kitchen remodel. If your budget is somewhat restricting, the modifications as mentioned above will undoubtedly cost far less than a renovation. You can still make impactful changes that will make your kitchen stand out more than before and be the space that you envisioned it to be. The features mentioned above are worth considering and will give you the most flexibility in designing your new dream kitchen.

SHOP KITCHEN …

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how-to-install-frosted-glass-window-film

Glass doors, glass walls, glass room dividers, and large windows are very popular right now. But, once all that glass is used and people are actually using the rooms, there may be issues with privacy, sun glare, UV damage, Or security. The glass is fine, it just needs one more step to work better. Window films come in many different thicknesses, colors, and designs that will add design interest while giving people a little privacy.

Why Use a Film?

Installing frosted window film is not a hard project if quality films are purchased to start with. After purchasing good-quality window films, they must be installed by the supplier or by the building owner. The reasons most people decide to add window films are for additional privacy, added design and beauty, or added security. When completed some buildings or office spaces have a lot of glass in windows, walls, and dividers. While all that glass is nice for natural light and the appearance of more space, some people might need a little more privacy or the space might need more decorative elements.

Photo credit: DecorPad

An employee with an office with glass walls might want a little more privacy for meetings or for working alone. Windows might be in places where too many people can look into the office space. Adding a film can add privacy and security while allowing that valuable light to come into the office. Plane clear glass windows might need a little dressing up to add to the beauty of the business. Window films come in many attractive designs. The UV light coming into a space might present a hazard for fading materials or for causing a room to overheat or have an inconvenient glare.

What are 5 Steps to Install Window Film?

The beauty and usefulness of window film depend on how well it is installed. It should not have crinkles, folds, or tears to mar its beauty. There should not be any bubbles in the surface and the film should uniformly adhere to the window or wall glass. Five installations steps should include:

1. First, choose the correct window film for the job. There are lots of films on the market for different purposes and budgets.

2. Clean the glass area very well and dry it thoroughly. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning method and products.

3. Cut the film to cover the window allowing 1/2 inch extra all around. This will be trimmed for a perfect fit. Measure the glass space to be covered carefully because this is a project where there is no room for error.

4. Remove the film backing and wet the film or the window as per directions and position the film carefully on the glass. Reposition if necessary.

5. Finally, use a squeegee or other flat tool to flatten the film to the surface and eliminate any bubbles. Then, carefully trim any excess film.

Photo credit: HomeBunch

Films Can be Replaced

When the film is correctly installed it will add beauty and privacy to the room it is used in. And, there is an added benefit to window films such as these. They are easily removable, so if the building owner wants a new design, it is easy to change window film to a new design or color. When a rental office gets a new tenant, they can remove and replace the window film.

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top-rated-expert-home-cleaning-secrets

Keeping your home clean often seems like an endless challenge for most of us. However, even though you may not be able to diminish specific tasks, there are several ways that you can reduce the amount of time you have to spend cleaning. Adopting the following expert tips will help you achieve and maintain the crisp, clean home you deserve.

1. Pressure Washing

Opting for a pressure washing company to clean your home may seem slightly extreme. However, this professional service should be an on-hand contact for any homeowner. Pressure washing will ensure your home never showcases ghastly mold growth in bathrooms and even in kitchens. Rather than spending entire days battling to manually scrub mold and grime from kitchen and bathroom areas, opting for a pressure washing service will minimize time. You will also only need to make use of such a service at most twice a year.

2. Develop a System

Small chores build up quite fast when neglected, even for one day. Unfortunately, there is hardly an effective method to avoid duties, although you can craft a cleaning system that will break up tasks into tiny efforts throughout the day. While some chores can be left until the weekend, getting your dishes clean and wiping down surfaces is ideally an everyday chore. Adopting cleaning habits such as always putting items away after use is also a great way to maintain a tidy home.

3. Installing Extra Space

Most homes lack enough storage space, and unfortunately, lack of storage is often the culprit behind clutter. Rather than wonder if you should endure the time-consuming process of decluttering half your possessions, it may be the perfect solution to install additional storage. You can add storage to your home with shelving, extra cupboards, decorative trunks, and several other appealing options. 

4. Dust, Do Not Spray

If your counters and tabletops seem dusty quite often, it might be possible that you are not dusting correctly. Oddly enough, most of us tend to spray surface cleaner onto clean surfaces and then dust them. This leaves counters slightly damp, which attracts dust. It is far more efficient to dust without spraying at all. You may even find that your dusting efforts are no longer required every couple of days, but preferably weekly. 

5. Have Cleaning Services Handy

Hardly anyone is immune to a hectic day, and as mentioned, it is undeniable how fast one day’s neglect can snowball. Therefore, it would be extremely beneficial to consider searching for reliable and reputable cleaning services to keep on-hand. Even if you are not planning on employing a service regularly, now and then you may find that a one day’s assistance from a cleaning service is enough to maintain your home’s clean atmosphere. 

Alternatively, you could also make use of a service to handle the trickier tasks, such as window cleaning and managing the laundry. Some services allow customers to select chores instead of having to pay for an entire home clean. It is always best to evaluate reviews of cleaning services before making any decisions.

SHOP HOME CLEANING PRODUCTS…

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7-reasons-to-renovate-your-bathroom

People spend a lot of time in the bathroom – bathing, getting ready for the day or for bedtime, and meeting personal needs. So, this room should be a pleasant place to spend time in, it should be convenient, and it should offer privacy. If a person likes to soak in a tub, the bathroom should have a soaking tub. If a family member likes to take showers, there should be a nice shower. Homeowners are no longer settling for a small crowded bathroom that is inconvenient to use. They want more.

Is It Time to Renovate The Bathroom?

Because a bathroom renovation requires planning, effort, time, and financial outlay, it is a project that homeowners are reluctant to take on. But, home bathroom renovations are a good investment if they are done correctly. Homeowners may renovate their bathrooms for seven or more reasons. The bathroom that the buyer walked through when purchasing a home might have seemed OK, but after living in the home for some time, that same bathroom might not be adequately meeting the family’s needs.

Bathroom Renovations Can be Costly

The family may be interested in adding Cast Iron Bathtubs and other popular features. But, is it time to renovate? A serious bathroom renovation can cost from $12,000 to as much as $90,000. Some families do a lot of the work themselves to save money and some bathrooms get low-cost renovations such as a new bathtub or a simple paint job. This renovation project requires some licensed, professional help including electricians, plumbers, building contractors, and ceramic tile or natural stone installers.

Seven Common Reasons to Renovate Bathrooms

In addition to just hating everything about the family bathroom, there are practical reasons for taking on this renovation project. The reasons families renovate bathrooms include:

1. Make the bathroom function better with a better layout and more storage. Get rid of leaking toilets and faucets. Install a water-saving showerhead that functions better and makes showering more enjoyable. Add lighting above the vanities and other dark corners of the bathroom. Add a double vanity where there was only one sink. Add towel bars so everyone has adequate space for their towels.

2. Solve ongoing plumbing issues in an outdated bathroom by renovating the bathroom. Plumbing and electrical issues can be addressed during a renovation when licensed professionals are employed. Problems with drainage and water pressure are often caused by plumbing mistakes or old plumbing that needs modernizing.

3. Add value to the home with a bathroom renovation that meets modern bathroom standards for home buyers. The homeowner will spend anywhere from a few thousand to as much as $90,000 on a bathroom renovation so it should increase the value of the home and make it easier to sell the house when the time comes. A good bathroom renovation can have as much as a 50% return on investment for the homeowner.

The most important improvements to add value include updating worn-out items, getting new modern bathroom fixtures, and making the bathroom more functional. Take the time to visit home improvement centers with model bathrooms to learn what colors and finishes are popular now.

4. Improve the energy efficiency of the bathroom with new low flush toilets and water-saving shower units. Every aspect of an old, outdated bathroom can be wasting either water or electricity. New heating and lighting fixtures can save energy and improve bathroom comfort. Water is costing more and more, so using water-saving toilets and faucets is important.

5. Add a whole new bathroom where one is most needed. If the family home has only one bathroom to serve both parents and children, a new bathroom might be considered a necessity. Finding the budget and space to add a new bathroom could be a challenge. A master bathroom added adjoining the master bedroom would be a good investment. If the bedroom is large or has a guest bedroom next-door, space could be taken from both areas to add a master bathroom. Adding a whole new bathroom will require the services of a building contractor specializing in bathroom renovations.

This is because the new bathroom must be hooked up to the home’s existing electrical and plumbing systems. This requirement will limit where the bathroom can be located and may affect the size of the finished bathroom.

6. A renovated bathroom can better meet the family member’s needs including more storage. Even with a small renovation budget, homeowners can get the best return for their investment by concentrating on projects such as replacing the bathroom vanity, sinks, faucets, and countertop. Natural stone countertops are a good investment and are durable and easy to clean.

The bathroom flooring can be replaced with ceramic tile, good-quality vinyl, or natural stone tiles to be waterproof and durable while looking stylish. The new floor can also have radiant heating under it for added comfort in cold climates.

The tub and shower features can be combined or separate depending on the size of the bathroom and the budget. Especially in master bathrooms, a walk-in shower is a good investment. The tub should be a nice deep soaker tub if there is space for one.

7. Add beauty and style to the bathroom with a facelift that meets modern design and decor standards. Don’t use colors and decor items that will soon go out of style. Instead, go for a more timeless style and color scheme that will be enjoyable to live with for years to come. Add spots of bright color with towels and shower curtains that can be changed at will.

Keeping Costs Down

A homeowner can keep costs down by shopping for materials carefully and taking advantage of sales and closeout pricing. If the budget is limited, go for standard shower features and skip the heated floor feature. Go for quality, energy-efficient products with a timeless look. Don’t buy cheap products, take the time to find good-quality products at sale or clearance prices.

The effort and money invested in a renovated or new bathroom will pay for itself every day the family uses the room in its new, improved form.

SHOP BATHROOM ACCESSORIES….

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planning-to-install-an-air-conditioning-unit

When the time comes to install an air-conditioning unit for family comfort during the hot months, the homeowner must decide whether to purchase and install the air conditioning unit themselves or go to an HVAC company and have experts install the air conditioning equipment. This decision must be driven by the homeowner’s budget and skill level. Mistakes can be costly. Since wiring and plumbing might be involved, many homeowners choose to leave this job to professionals.

Hire a Professional HVAC Company

The easiest, safest way to get the house air conditioned for summer is to contact a company such as blairsair.com and have them inspect the home and suggest different possible air conditioning systems for the home. They can then give the homeowner quotes on different units and their installation. Choose a company that is licensed and insured with satisfaction guarantees. Check the company website for information and customer ratings and comments. Check with the local Better Business Bureau. It doesn’t hurt to get two or three bids and then choose the company that will best meet family needs.

Consider These 13 Mistakes People Make Installing Air conditioners

Before considering installing your own air conditioning unit, learn how to properly do the job by reading how-to books or watching online tutorials. Choose a system that lends itself to homeowner installation and comes with complete installation instructions. If the homeowner is hiring an installation company, make sure they avoid these serious installation mistakes. Air conditioning installation mistakes can be made doing the work one’s self or hiring the wrong installer.

1. Purchasing the wrong size air conditioning unit for the home. The size unit needed depends on the size of the house and the number of people living there. The room or home area should match the BTU or the British thermal power unit listed on the system. The unit capacity or strength should also match the size space to be cooled. A guide is that the cooling power should equal 2000 BTUs for every 50 square meters.

2. Mistakes with electrical wiring during the installation can affect the working of the air conditioner and can be dangerous. There should not be any exposed wires. This is where a qualified heating and cooling technician or licensed electrician must be used. The unit’s manufacturer’s warranty can be voided if a professional does not do the wiring.

3. Not enough insulation on the refrigerant suction line or improperly installed insulation will affect the efficiency of the unit. It is also important to check the system for coolant levels and leaks. A leak can cause health problems for those living in the home and also adversely affect the efficiency of the system, costing more in electric bills. Do not assume a new unit will not have leaks because it could have been damaged in shipping or during the installation process. The correct refrigerant charge is also important.

4. The suction line should not have right angles because this causes too much resistance and makes the air conditioning unit work harder to achieve the correct amount of cooling.

5. In both split and wall air conditioning units, there must be enough space on all sides of the unit for proper airflow and effective functioning. Do not plant shrubs or other plants too close to the outside unit in an effort to hide it.

6. The refrigerant pipes must not be too long between the outdoor and indoor units of the central air conditioning system. In addition, installers can choose the wrong size pipes or connections for the distances they will run. Read the installation manual for the air conditioning system being installed and use the diameter pipes specified for the length of run.

7. There may be permits needed to install central air conditioning. Make sure the permits that are needed have been applied for.

8. The airflow is not sufficiently considered. Air conditioning is a complex system that needs to be designed to meet the needs of each home. This includes planning cooling zones and sizing of the system. The air conditioning system must be carefully chosen for quality and efficiency. This includes containing a good filter system to protect the equipment, improving the air quality in the home, and reducing allergens. Some poor-quality systems do not include filters and draw dirty air from outside the home and dump contaminants into the home with unfiltered air. Some systems have the air filter assembly in the wrong location to be efficient.

9. The homeowner doesn’t get a signed contract with the air conditioning unit installer. Not hiring a qualified, licensed technician can void the manufacturer’s warranty.

10. Putting the thermostats in the wrong places. This might involve sunlight hitting the thermostat all day and throwing off readings. Using cheap thermostats that do not use the latest technology can be a costly mistake. Thermostats should be programmable with unit timers so they can be set to run less when no one is home to save energy costs.

11. When installing the air conditioning unit, the drip pan should be removed. If it is left on, the airflow can be reduced and the unit efficiency will drop several percentage points. Installing an incorrect drainage system can cause damage to the system and expensive repairs down the line. Water must be drained effectively and safely so it does not spill on other unit components.

12. The system ductwork must be properly installed and sealed to avoid air leaks and wasted energy. This is a place some installers skimp on the quality of materials or cut corners on labor. This is why only reputable HVAC installers should be used.

13. Air return vents must be correctly placed so they do not become blocked by furniture or boxes. The idea is not to hide vents but to place them where they do the most good.

If An Existing Air Conditioning System Needs Updating, Replace the Whole System

If one part of an air conditioning system is worn out, the whole system is showing wear. Whole-house air conditioning systems are two-part systems with an outdoor condenser unit and the indoor equipment that includes coils, bowers, and fans. The inside parts also include a duct system and thermostats. All the parts are designed to work together as one system. A mix of old and new parts will not work efficiently.

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create-a-perfect-kids-bedroom

Modern kid’s bedrooms are so much more than places where they go to sleep in their tiny bunk beds. Today, kids can get actual small havens where they can relax, learn and follow their interests. But how can you design a good bedroom without any previous experience? Here are some tips that will guarantee your kid will end up with a bedroom of their dreams. 

Opt for wallpaper

All kids change their minds super-fast: they might be into blue today, into pink next year and into black in two years. In order to avoid repainting their room every year (paint is messy and contains a lot of toxins) you can opt for practical wallpapers. Modern wallpaper comes in all designs, patterns and colors imaginable, so you can completely customize your kid’s room. The best part? Once they get tired of the design, you can just tear the wallpaper down and replace them with something new. 

Choose open shelves

Kids are very proud of their possessions, especially when it comes to cool toys, cute dolls and sports trophies. So, don’t hide these prized items in cabinets and toy chests! Instead, install some open shelving and allow your kids to display their treasures. This type of storage will also keep everything at arm’s reach at all times and there will be no forgotten toys at the bottom of the toy box. 

Include their interests

You might be dreaming of a modern Scandinavian coastal bedroom for your kid, but your little one probably has different plans. Make sure to include their interests in the design if you want to create a bedroom that will actually be used by your kids. For instance, if you have a really girly girl in the family, check out some kid vanities and fill them with kid-friendly makeup. If you don’t know where to start shopping, check out this Borncute guide and look into some reviews and recommendations. On the other hand, athletic boys and girls will love some sporting gear and memorabilia. No matter what they love, make sure it finds a spot in their room. 

Choose the right flooring

Young kids love to roll around on the floor, use it for reading and drawing and even take a nap on the ground. For all these reasons, you need to provide your child with warm and soft flooring. There are great rugs that can be washed and vacuumed easily and provide so much softness, comfort and beauty. 

Add some study space

Even if your kids are still too young for school, time flies and they will start first grade before you even know. Actually, no matter how old your kids are, they need quiet, comfortable and ergonomic space where they can read, draw, color and do homework. Luckily, a good study space doesn’t require a lot of space: a small desk with a quality chair and a good light source plus some storage are all a child needs. 

Let kids made some decisions

No matter how chaotic your little ones are, they can actually make some great choices that will help everyone be more satisfied with the design outcome. If you don’t want to let them pick the bed (you know they will choose something cute but totally impractical) you can allow them to choose between polka dot and striped bedding, red or blue carpets and canvas or wicker laundry baskets. This will make kids feel super proud and grownup and it will cost you absolutely nothing. 

 If you let your kids make a few décor decisions while you handle the technical parts, you’ll design a bedroom that will be their little private piece of heaven. A well-designed kid’s bedroom will grow with your child and always stay their favorite place in the world.

SHOP KIDS’ BEDROOM PIECES…

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