Did you know that the average real estate property in the United States now costs over $350,000? As you might guess, this has served as an obstacle for those who are looking to purchase their first house. For others, it serves as a lucrative investment opportunity.
Using a solar energy system can help you save extra money, but you’ll need to maintain your system properly.
Solar panel maintenance might seem difficult at first, but it’s much easier than you think. We’ve put together a guide that has everything you need to know about using this form of sustainable home energy.
Let’s get started.
Monocrystalline Panels
These panels are made out of a single crystal silicon material and are more efficient than polycrystalline panels but also more expensive.
They are typically black in color. Most people choose monocrystalline panels for their solar array because they offer the highest efficiency, meaning more power generation per square foot.
Polycrystalline Panels
These panels are made out of multiple silicon crystals and are less expensive than monocrystalline panels. They are typically blue in color.
Many people choose polycrystalline panels because they offer a good balance of power generation and cost. Keep this in mind when moving forward.
Thin Film Panels
Thin film solar panels are made by depositing very thin layers of photovoltaic material on a substrate.
They are the least expensive type of solar panel, but they are also the least efficient. Thin film panels are typically used in large-scale solar power plants.
Passive Emitter and Rear Cell Panels
Passive emitter and rear cell (PERC) solar panels are a type of monocrystalline panel that uses a special cell structure to increase the amount of light that is absorbed by the panel. PERC panels are more efficient than traditional monocrystalline panels, but they are also more expensive. So, most people who choose to use them have a need for top-tier performance.
How Do I Find the Solar Panel Company That’s Right For Me?
When you’re ready to start shopping for a solar panel company, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, you’ll want to find a company that has experience installing solar panels. You’ll also want to find a company that offers a warranty on their work. Finally, you’ll want to find a company that has a good reputation.
You can find all of this information by searching online or by asking friends and family for recommendations. Once you’ve found a few companies that you’re interested in, you can then contact them to get more information and schedule a consultation.
You can check out Blue Raven Solar for an example of a reputable company.
Solar Panel Maintenance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Solar panel maintenance might seem difficult to understand at first, but it’s much easier than you might anticipate.
Just be sure to keep the above info in mind when moving forward so you can avoid mistakes. Our blog has plenty of high-quality articles like this one. Be sure to check them out!
It may shock you to learn the door industry is valued at over $140 billion. However, considering how essential doors are to a home, you’ll understand why so many people spend big on entryways.
If you need new patio doors, it may seem as simple as picking the first option you see when you arrive at your local showroom.
However, there is more that goes into selecting the perfect patio door. After all, your yard is a sacred, serene space where you can enjoy the outdoors, so ensuring your entrance is up to par is paramount.
Stuck on where to start searching for the best option? Keep reading to learn how to choose the ideal patio door for your needs.
1. Narrow Your Needs
Before you can start shopping, you’ll want to determine what you want from your patio doors. Though the answer may seem obvious – serving as an entrance – there’s more to it than just walking in and out of your home.
If you plan on installing your patio door in an area of your home that doesn’t see as much light, you may want to ensure you can bring as much natural light into the space as possible.
Also, you may want to use it as a functional entryway but as a decorative element. The type of patio door you choose can help complement the rest of your home’s style, adding a decorative touch.
Finally, you may want to create a more energy-efficient home, so installing the correct type of patio door can help you achieve that. This will impact how many panes the door has and the material of the frame.
Assessing these factors before you start shopping can help you determine what you’re looking for and narrow your options, ensuring you don’t feel overwhelmed by all the choices.
2. Set a Budget
Much like assessing your needs, setting a budget is something you’ll want to accomplish before you start shopping.
Much of the cost for your patio doors will be the material they’re made from. Depending on the size and material you choose, you can spend anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. Though most homeowners won’t pay five digits, this can be a pricey project.
However, setting a budget before you go into your project is essential. You’ll need to consider the size of the door, preferred material, and the style you’d like. This helps narrow down your options by making the process less intense.
3. Look at the Types of Doors
Next, you’ll want to consider the different door styles you can choose from.
One of the most popular options for outdoor entryways is sliding patio doors. These sit on a track and, as the name implies, slide back and forth to open and shut. Sliding doors are ideal for small spaces, as they don’t have to swing open.
Another popular choice for homeowners is French doors. These are a set of double doors that open from the middle. One of the main appeals of these doors is the fact you can open one or both at the same time, giving you control over the amount of air and light you allow inside.
You can learn moreabout your sliding door options and opt for a more sophisticated style depending on your budget. Combining French and sliding doors, you can find an option that allows you to slide both panels to the side.
4. Consider Security
Another significant factor you’ll want to consider is the security and safety the door can offer. After all, it is an entryway into your home, so ensuring you can secure it quickly and easily is crucial.
Most all exterior doors come outfitted with a lock mechanism featuring a deadbolt for additional security and peace of mind. However, if you have a sliding door, you should consider adding a safety bar to the bottom of the track.
This will fit in the space where the sliding door would sit if it were open, making it impossible to move the door.
Similarly, you can invest in additional door locks for French doors that wrap around the parallel handles to ensure they can’t open even if someone can pick the lock.
Finally, you’ll want to decide on how much privacy you want. While many opt for stunning glass sliding patio doors, if you’re backyard doesn’t have much privacy, you may want to consider frosted glass.
This helps prevent wandering eyes from peeking into your home, offering an additional layer of security and privacy.
5. Decide on a Door Material
Once you have researched all the significant factors of your patio doors, the next aspect you’ll need to cover is the material of the door. This is the element the glass panes will sit in, so ensuring it fits your budget, style, and maintenance needs is crucial.
The most popular options offered by nearly every patio door company are wood, vinyl, and fiberglass. Each has its pros and cons in durability, longevity, and price.
Wood is one of the most expensive options due to its aesthetic value, but it may not be as durable as the others. Vinyl is much more affordable and lasts longer than wood but may not look as nice. Fiberglass is the most durable and right in the middle of wood and vinyl when it comes to price.
For example, wood is one of the most expensive options as it is the most visually appealing. However, you can get a cheaper option in a vinyl material that’s concocted from various chemicals. However, the vinyl may not look as nice as wood.
6. Think About Furniture
Though it may not seem important at the moment, you’ll find yourself frustrated once you have to rearrange all your furniture because you forgot to consider how easy it would be to open your french patio doors with your dining set.
Ensuring you pick the best patio door that works functionally with your indoor and outdoor furniture is crucial.
If you have a smaller space or furniture that obstructs your hinged patio doors from opening fully, opting for a sliding door may be your best bet. You can even look into having your sliding door track lead into a pocket for a smoother and cleaner look.
However, if you have plenty of space, you can install a swing door. You may even opt to keep one of the panels propped open at a time, allowing natural light and fresh air into your home while making it easy to move in and out of your home.
7. Don’t Forget the Details
Next, you’ll want to consider all the less important details that go into your patio sliding door.
For example, you’ll need to choose the best handle and lock hardware that matches the style of your home while being secure and functional. You’ll likely be able to choose from a selection of hardware colors that match the other details around your home.
You’ll also want to consider a patio screen door that helps keep bugs and debris outside while allowing an uninterrupted airflow in your home. Many screen doors, especially hinged doors, come in various decorative styles for additional details that add elegance to your patio space.
8. Ensure the Quality
Finally, you’ll want to ensure the quality of the patio door installation and that the door itself is up to standard. After all, this is a pricey investment, so you want to make sure it’s money well spent.
Many assume that all installation companies are the same, however, the quality will vary based on the experience and professionalism of the workers. Researching your options, whether you reside in Columbia, SC, or Sacramento, CA, is crucial to ensuring you get the best installation.
Similarly, you’ll need to research the best quality material. For example, vinyl is cheap and easy to produce, meaning there’s an abundance available. However, not all vinyl is the same, as some options are more durable than others.
Pick the Best Patio Doors to Complement Your Space
Though you may not have thought there was much to consider when choosing the best door for your patio space, you would be surprised. Keeping these factors in mind can help put your mind at ease, confident you made the most informed choice.
Remember, the most essential factor influencing your choice is the functionality of the door. After all, an impractical patio door is a waste of money.
While you may know how to choose patio doors, your search for home improvement content doesn’t end here. You’ll want to check out the rest of our website for more tips and tricks.
There are many reasons why people would want to upgrade their homes. Of course, the first is that your home is where you will spend a lot of time with your family, so you would naturally want it to be an aesthetically pleasing place.
Another reason why you should consider upgrading your house is the fact that it will boost your house’s value, which means that if you ever decide to sell it, you may be able to get a better price for it. But with so many upgrades out there, how do you know which ones are worth it? If this is what you’re asking yourself, you’ve come to the right place.
Build a deck
More and more people are looking for outdoor entertainment areas in their homes, so if you sell your house and it has a deck, it will instantly attract more buyers, and you will also be able to ask more for it.
And if you don’t plan on selling your house any time soon, a deck is still a great option because if the inside of your house feels a bit cramped, you can always entertain outside. Have a look at Valleywide fence and deck to learn more.
Upgrade your kitchen
If you truly want to boost your home’s value, you should redo every single room. But while this would be ideal, most people don’t have the money to do this. If you can only afford to renovate one room in your house, it should be your kitchen.
This is something that most buyers look for, and an upgraded kitchen can help you raise your asking price by a lot. If you do upgrade your kitchen, be sure to follow these kitchen organization ideas to keep things looking tidy.
Redo your bathroom
If you don’t think your kitchen needs an upgrade, another room you should focus on is your bathroom. Once again, this is one aspect of a house that will often make or break a sale.
You can redo the entire bathroom by changing the layout and perhaps adding a shower if there is currently only a bath, or you can leave the structure as is and focus on smaller details like the bathroom tiles. If you’re still not convinced whether this is a good idea, you can read this post to learn about reasons why you may need to remodel your bathroom.
Replace your flooring
You’d be surprised at what a difference new flooring can make. Our floors often experience a lot of wear and tear, so replacing your flooring can give your entire house a face lift. You can stick to the same flooring you currently have, or you can switch it out for something more modern. Laminated and hardwood floors are always popular with home buyers, but there are also some great carpeting and tiled floor options available. You might want to compare hardwood floors with tilesif you’re not sure which upgrade is best for your house.
One of the greatest things you can have in your home is corner windows. They offer a great outdoor view and allow natural lighting, especially in the residential space. However, most people face a hard time when it comes to treating corner windows since they are tricky to decorate and find the right window coverage.
You need to know that not all window treatments can fit corner windows. Therefore, when searching for window treatment for corner windows, determine your functional preferences and aesthetics to have the right one.
This guide will help when looking for simple yet amazing styles to treat your corner windows in your office or home.
Use valances
Valances are the best options, especially for tall and large windows. They are very applicable and necessary when you don’t want the entire window covered. Therefore, select a heavy fabric valance that contains tassels and loops.
Valances will make the illusion of a smooth corner turn every time you move your curtains by creating a coherent appearance of the whole window set. A nice valance will help add visual interest to your room decoration.
Get semi-sheer curtains
Even though corner windows allow too much light depending on the house’s location, don’t eliminate natural light inside the room by using heavy draperies. Use sheer or semi-sheer curtains and treat the corner window as a unit to create a unifying look.
Sheer curtains look elegant, decorative, and airy. They come in various patterns and colors to fit different style needs and living areas. Sheer or semi-sheer curtains provide the privacy you want without compromising natural light intensity.
Use 90-degree adapters on your hanging rod from one wall to another to create an ongoing window. You can pull sheer curtains to the middle when you don’t want to compromise your privacy. Each side of the corner window should have a sheer curtain and gather on each side of the unit.
Install Blinds
Vertical blinds are perfect, especially when there is a small gap between the corner windows. You have two options depending on your preference: outside and inside mount mechanism. Go for a Venetian blind or inside mount roller blind if your wall has no gaps between the windows. Each blind will create a beautifully streamlined look to the overall room style.
Use layered treatment
You can add style to your corner window and introduce a designer look by pairing up multiple window treatments. For instance, you can put sheers or curtains with blinds. Each piece will play a different yet important role in the corner window. Open curtain or sheer will provide privacy without compromising the intensity of the incoming light and outdoor view, while blinds will enhance your privacy when moved to the corner or pulled down.
Try window scarves or valances with draperies to get a stylish look. Research well before you try a new style combination to have something that looks good on your window and the entire room. Also, look for quality shutters, drapes and curtains when treating your corner window.
Our home is meant to be our safe haven. It’s the one place where we can relax, unwind and truly feel like we are protected.
However, even if you believe you have a secure home, that doesn’t mean there aren’t hazards that could damage your health and wellbeing. Therefore, it’s essential to know what to watch out for so that you can keep your family safe.
In this article, we are going to talk about five household health risks that could be present on your property.
Let’s get started.
Pests
Bed bugs, mice, spiders, ants, and cockroaches – many pests can be present in your household. While they are generally harmless in small amounts, an infestation can cause many problems.
For instance, termites can eat away at your home’s structure, and the droppings of rats can be full of bacteria and germs. So if you think you’ve got any creepy crawlies hiding in the shadows, you’ll want to reach out to someone like Hama Pest Control to remove them as quickly as possible.
Mold
It’s not uncommon to see a bit of mold in our bathroom, but not all types are the same. Some are hazardous and have been linked to severe health conditions, including respiratory damage.
Stachybotrys, Chaetomium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium are a few examples that you may want to research further. It’s good to know how to identify what is present in your home to prevent it from occurring.
CO (Carbon Monoxide) is known as the silent killer. It’s an odorless and colorless gas that is created by the incomplete combustion of fuels. If a leak occurs in your home, it builds up in your bloodstream without knowledge.
From here, it leads to poisoning, which results in various symptoms such as confusion, chest pain, dizziness, headache, and nausea. Installing a CO detector in your home will ensure you are aware of any level increase.
Asbestos
Asbestos was a building material used in homes until the mid-1970s. Thanks to its resistance to high temperatures, it was thought to be an excellent insulator.
Today, its use has been regulated, as it can cause cancer when breathed into the body. Extreme precautions must be taken if you plan on doing renovationsor if you have noticed structural damage.
Lead Paint
Much like asbestos, lead paint was often used in older properties (before 1970) and is extremely dangerous. When the paint chips are consumed, it causes lead poisoning, damaging the brain and kidneys.
If you notice any flaking or disintegrating paint around your home, you must get it tested as soon as possible. If identified, a professional with the correct equipment will need to remove it.
Final Words
As you can see from the above, there are many household health risks that you should be aware of. By knowing the different hazards, you’ll be able to work on making your home a safer place before an accident occurs.
A remodeled bathroom will breathe new life into your home. However, a bathroom remodel is a large project requiring a lot of effort, time, and money. It is essential to consider your daily routine and storage needs to figure out what upgrades you need.
A bathroom remodeling project can be highly fulfilling when carried out by qualified and experienced technicians, so it is essential to carefully plan the project to stay within your budget while adding value to your home. Here are a few reasons why you may need to remodel your bathroom:
Fix Damage in Your Bathroom
Since moisture is a constant presence in your bathroom, mold and mildew issues will eventually be something you need to contend with. If the problem gets out of hand, solving it may involve replacing tiles and walls. It is always best to consult professional plumbers to ensure the best results. With time, your bathroom tiles may also become chipped and cracked, and the taps may leak. A remodel can help you fix your bathroom, ensure everything works well, and prevent further damage.
Increase the Value of Your Home
A bathroom remodeling project carried out by experts may increase the overall value of your home. In addition to enjoying a great-looking bathroom, you will make a decent profit when you sell the home in the future. The increased value will cover the bathroom remodel cost and offer great returns.
Increase the Storage in Your Bathroom
With time, you may need more space in your bathroom, whether due to a change in your lifestyle, or your family has grown in size. A bathroom remodel will allow you to plan and utilize the space more efficiently.
Fresh Change
You may need to change and remodel your bathroom as your needs and priorities change, and remodeling is an excellent opportunity to start fresh and bring new changes to your home. New bathroom color trends and designs, or life factors such as retirement or children can necessitate changes to suit your current lifestyle better.
Better Comfort and Luxury
Upgrading your bathroom gives you the opportunity to incorporate comfort and luxury into your home. You can include features such as a sauna and a steam room. Spending time in your bathroom can be more relaxing, especially after a long day at work. A remodeled bathroom can improve the quality of your life.
Improve the Safety in Your Bathroom
Having slippery surfaces and worn-out tiles in your bathroom can be unsafe, and lead to falls or injuries. Poor electrical wiring can also increase the risk of electrocution in the bathroom. A remodel may be needed to fix the issues and make the bathroom safe. Outdated fixtures, cracked tiles, and peeling paint can make even the most well-appointed bathroom feel dated. By updating your bathroom with more modern materials and fixtures, you can give it an entirely new look and feel.
When it comes to home improvement projects, few rooms have as much potential as the bathroom. A well-designed bathroom can be a tranquil oasis, a place to relax and unwind after a long day. However, an outdated or poorly-functioning bathroom can be a source of frustration and stress.
If your bathroom is in need of a makeover, there are a few key signs to look for. Remodeling your bathroom can improve its aesthetics, safety and comfort. It is crucial to seek the services of an expert to ensure the best results. With some careful planning and attention to detail, you can transform your bathroom into a stylish and functional space that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Crisp autumn air is right around the corner and that has us thinking about our top five décor tips to get your home fall-ready. Look no further for our insights into trending fall interior design, and how you can give your home an upgrade for the changing season.
Considering upgrading your décor to hopefully sell your home? Find a realtor who can help give you tips for getting your property ready to sell. Plus, learn about some other common reasons why your home may not be flying to the closing table at record speed.
Deep Natural Hues
Our first tip to get your home fall-ready is to incorporate deep, natural tone hues into your space. Think rich chocolate browns, rust tones, shades of terracotta, saturated greens and blues, and moody deep tones of charcoal. The design trend of bringing the outdoors in is still a must-have feature for fall, but using the deeper tones of these shades makes the trend cozy and ready for the chilly season.
Make it Matte
The next décor tip we have is to integrate matte finish metals into your space. Shiny is out, and matte is in! Consider adding matte metals to your kitchen appliances, fixtures, and even décor pieces like picture frames, vases, and more. The options with matte metal are endless, so get creative!
Chunky Knit
You can’t consider your home to be fall-ready without incorporating some chunky knit blankets and throw pillows into the mix. Not only do these pieces accent your space, they also make everything feel more cozy and livable as the weather chills out.
Select blankets and pillows in trendy natural-tone colors to ensure a serene space. In this same vein, upgrade your bedding to a thicker duvet and add extra linens to guest beds to ensure everyone is nice and warm during the cooler months.
Inspired by Nature
Get your home décor fall-ready by feeling inspired by nature. Integrate natural fall foliage with gourds, pumpkins, mums, and ornamental kale. Or consider integrating natural finishes in your décor pieces. Think adding a natural stone platter to center your coffee table, add leather or wooden pieces for a more natural and homey aesthetic. Then add in some scented candles to add natural, ultra-cozy light into your space. Bringing the beauty of fall inside is the best way to upgrade your home décor for the autumn season.
Textured Elements
Our final décor tip to get your home fall-ready is to add textured elements into your living space. Think heavy linens, faux furs, velvet finishes, and natural jute. All these fabrics offer a natural look and give a cozy feel. Selecting your fabrics in a chic plaid is another surefire way to integrate fall into your home.
We hope you feel inspired for the fall season after reading our top five décor tips to get your home fall-ready. Giving your space an upgrade can make everything feel refreshed and ready for the changing season.
There are many factors to consider when it comes to finding the right place to call home. If you’re looking to relocate, you want a space that offers all of the essential amenities you and your family need to thrive. Fortunately, there is no shortage of great options throughout the country.
No matter what kind of lifestyle you’re hoping to have in your new location, Arizona could satisfy your needs. Here are five reasons Arizona is the right for you.
1. Weather and Climate
If you’re looking to relocate to a state that offers warm weather and spectacular landscape, Arizona is a great option. With mild winters and scorching summers, it’s no wonder this is the ideal location for tourists who want to enjoy a relaxing holiday. If you value comfort, the perfect climate of the state makes it ideal for raising your family.
2. Arizona Has the Friendliest People in the Country
The friendly people of Arizona may not be the friendliest in the country, but they are certainly some of the happiest and most welcoming. You’ll rarely see an unhappy face in Arizona since many citizens care greatly about their family, friends, and community.
There is also a very significant amount of confidence among its residents that is extremely contagious and can help make even the most reserved individuals feel more at ease when meeting new people.
3. Its Economy
The economy of Arizona is thriving and diverse, so there will be plenty of jobs available if you decide to move there. As a haven for international investment, the economy thrives due to the influx of foreign capital and powerful investors looking to make an impact in the fast-paced business world.
Arizona also has become an ideal option for tech firms because it is both highly affordable and has a high-quality labor force. You can expect steady growth in your city as long as business technology continues to be embraced as much as it is in Arizona today.
4. Beautiful Landscapes Are Ideal Wherever You Live
Arizona has beautiful landscapes beside the Grand Canyon. When you’re spending a significant amount of time outdoors every day during your free time, you’ll quickly understand how much enjoyment you can obtain from nature around you wherever you go in Arizona.
5. Housing Cost & Quality
Housing is less expensive in Arizona than in most other states. While there is not as high a demand for housing as other states may have, there is still a higher level of quality found in this state.
Prices don’t fluctuate as much, meaning home values will not drop dramatically when housing trends change as they often do in other locations. You can find different homes for sale Wickenburg AZ, among other areas.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to raise a family, start a business, or enjoy the sun year-round, Arizona is the right place. Residents of Arizona benefit from some of the best natural amenities in the country.
Known as “America’s Grand Canyon State”, this desert is home to more than 1,200 miles of scenic hiking trails and six national parks. Its otherworldly landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for camping, hiking, and horseback riding. Additionally, with its moderate temperature throughout the year and low cost of living, residents enjoy an enjoyable quality of life here.
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of driving your car out of the garage to start your work day while the sun is setting, and you’re driving via solar energy!
The truth is that solar panel technology is incredibly useful. You can power your home, your office, and even your car. These are all with solar panels. If you’re just starting, it can be hard to envision exactly how you’d use solar panels to do these things.
So, what will a 100 watt solar panel run? Read on, and we’ll walk you through all the details for you!
A Smartphone
Solar panels are becoming popular as a way to recharge smartphones and other small devices. A 100 watt solar panel can provide enough power to keep a smartphone charged for a day or two, depending on how much it is used.
Most smartphones use about 5-10 watts of power, so a 100 watt solar panel can easily provide enough power to keep a phone charged. However, it is important to remember that solar panels do not store power, so if there is no sunlight, the panel will not be able to provide any power.
Standard Laptop
Laptops typically use about 60 watts of power, so a 100 watt panel can provide enough power for a laptop to operate for about 1.67 hours. Keep in mind that the number of hours of sunlight and the efficiency of your solar panel will also affect how much power you can generate. Nevertheless, it is possible to run a laptop off of a solar panel.
A Small Television
A 100 watt solar panel can provide enough power to run a small television. The average television uses around 80 watts of power. So, if you have a 100 watt solar panel, you will have enough power to run your TV.
This is a great option for those who want to be able to watch television without using traditional means of power. A solar panel is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
LED Lights
One solar panel can generate enough electricity to power a LED light for up to six hours. LED lights are a great alternative to traditional light bulbs, as they use less energy and last longer. Solar panel installation to power your LED lights is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment and save money on your energy bill.
If you are considering solar, we recommend working with a solar professional to size your system and choose the right one for your needs such as the Blue Raven Solar.
A Small Radio
A solar panel can produce enough power to run a small radio for an indefinite amount of time. The catch is that the solar panel needs to be in a sunny location and the radio needs to be a very low-power radio. Even a very small radio can require a lot of power when turned up to a high volume.
Understand What Will a 100 Watt Solar Panel Run and Make the First Step
A 100 watt solar panel on your property is possible. It can provide enough power to run a small appliance or charge a battery. They are a great investment for those who want to reduce their energy costs or be more prepared for power outages.
It’s important to find quality solar panels that you can use to power your home.
If the article has been helpful, continue reading our blog for more tips!
Pets and plants are excellent additions to any home – they can provide companionship, relieve stress, and create beauty in your home. Unfortunately, the two don’t always live in harmony, as many plants are poisonous to pets. Although it’s not fun to think about, learning about pet-poisonous and pet-safe plants before you get a pet is important. Otherwise, you may come home to your cat eating mint or parsley without knowing they’re poisonous.
