HOME DECOR

6 Tips for Setting Up the Ideal Home Office

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of employees were asked to start working from home to lower their risk of acquiring the disease. Although many welcomed this idea, a lot of workers were also hesitant about trying out this new arrangement.

This is because working from home comes with its own set of challenges that people new to this arrangement may find difficult to handle.

Focusing on your work, for one, might be challenging since you are surrounded by more sources of distraction, such as the TV, your kids, or pets.

When working in the comforts of your home, you will also encounter challenges in staying organized, managing your time, communicating, and collaborating with others.

Leading interior fit out companies say that working in a well-designed home office can help you overcome these common telecommuting obstacles. With the right workspace, you can stay productive and motivated even if you are in your personal haven.

Creating the Perfect Workspace in Your Home

Below are some tips for designing a home office that will help you stay productive and efficient even if you are not in your regular workplace:

Although having a laptop and wireless connection means you can work anywhere, such as your bedroom or living room, these areas are not the best places to concentrate on your tasks.

1. Choose the right area in your home to set up your office

An unused bedroom is the perfect place for you to create your home office. In the absence of one, choose an area in any room spacious enough to hold a desk, chair, cabinets, or shelves. However, make sure you partition off this workspace using screens or folding dividers.

Additionally, try to select an area with or near a window since doing so will elevate your workspace.

 2. Set your desk near a window

There are several advantages to be had from working next to or near a window.

With natural light illuminating your home office, you will minimize your use of electricity to brighten up the room. You will only need to turn on the lights at night if you need to work overtime.

Sunlight also helps boost your mood, which you may need before you start working and while you are in the thick of things. Additionally, seeing natural scenery such as trees, shrubs, flowers, and even the blue sky can also build your morale and give you the positive energy you need to power through your tasks.  

Lastly, one window can drastically change the way your home office looks and feels. It makes the space look bigger than it actually is and appears more relaxing and conducive for working.

However, no matter how beautiful the view is outside your window, avoid placing your desk directly in front of it. If you do, you will subject your eyes to glare. You may also get easily distracted from your tasks at hand, which can cause you to take longer than usual to complete your work.

3. Ensure that the room can be outfitted for productivity

Your home office needs more than a window, partitions, and furniture. You also have to ensure that this room enables you to do your job as usual.

This means making sure that your work area has sufficient sockets. It should have enough to allow you to plug in and use your computer or laptop, printer, and router or Internet device simultaneously.

Also, check if you can place the phone lines and Internet devices in this room. By doing so, you can call anyone and answer the phone quickly. If you are having difficulties with your wireless connection, you can troubleshoot it immediately since the router is near you.

4. Prioritize comfort

Since you will be spending at least eight hours in your home office five times a day for the next several months, or even permanently, it is important that you are comfortable here.

Start by investing in an ergonomic chair. If your budget is not enough, pick one that offers sufficient support for the natural curve of your spine.

Next, adjust your chair so that when you are seated, the desk will be around the height of your elbow. This will allow your forearms to rest parallel to the floor.

Investing in a standing desk is also a smart idea if you want to have an ergonomic workspace. Studies show that spending more time standing up instead of sitting down offers various health benefits. These include an increase in muscle activity while working, which improves blood circulation

Using a standing desk also reduces back pain and helps keep the hips from becoming tight.

The layout of your home office will increase your level of comfort and productivity in your home office as well. As such, think carefully about how you will organize the cables, your headset, printer, filing cabinets, and shelves.

5. Invest in good-quality furniture

Aside from considering the comfort and ergonomic qualities of your home office furniture, you have to think about their durability and longevity. You need to have fixtures that will last a long time since there is no telling when you will go back to your normal work environment.

When shopping for home office furniture, look for ones that are sturdy and made of good quality materials. If you have a significant budget for setting up your workspace, consider investing in bespoke pieces.

Companies that specialize in interior fit-out services have experts who can build customized desks, chairs, and storage solutions that meet your requirements. The contractors will also take into consideration your home office space to ensure the fixtures are perfect for your workspace.

If you are having a hard time designing and setting up your home office, an interior fit-out company can do everything for you to ensure that you have a comfortable and conducive workspace that supports your productivity.

6. Decorate your home office

Lastly, your comfort, mood, and productivity in your workspace will be affected by your surroundings. As such, put some thought into its interior design.

Consider installing wallpaper to make your room stand out and look more interesting and stylish. Hang a few wall decors as well, such as a tapestry, framed paintings or photos, and shelves.

Don’t forget to put some accessories on your desk to showcase your style and prevent the room from looking too “office-y.”

Place a few potted plants inside your home office as well. Aside from making the room more appealing, these natural features can also enhance your mood and productivity.

Even when the pandemic is over, there is a chance that telecommuting will be around for a long time. Be prepared for this possibility by creating the perfect workspace in your home.

AUTHOR BIO

Rachel Hennessey manages the Pools and Landscaping Division of Hennessey LLC. She also works on Tender and Pre-Qualification and brings in new business to the company’s Construction, Interiors and Civils Division.

HOME OFFICE DECOR…

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HOME DECOR, SHOPPING FINDS

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – Home Decor Finds

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Nordstrom has a big anniversary sale every August and I love a sale, don’t you?

But sometimes it can be really overwhelming when it comes to sale shopping. This year is a bit different with the events happening globally – it might feel a bit limiting or strange. But for this year’s sale I have done some “window shopping” for you and found some great home decor pieces!

As you may know – if you have been following me on Instagram – I have been making some changes in my own home (mainly my family room – new sectional sofa and pillows ) so I have definitely been in overdrive when it comes to finding decor pieces!

My Nordstrom Home Decor Picks…

This curated list consists of pieces that are really versatile. They are neutrals and really transitional (meaning that they can work with many styles). I have found pieces that add texture to a space and visual interest. These all work beautifully together but also can easily be added to your current decor.

  1. Sago small cement planter
  2. Atlas Marble chain
  3. Turned Spindle Table Lamp
  4. Hawkins New York Shaker set of 4 mugs
  5. Natural Sleep Candle
  6. Iron Accent Table
  7. Abstract sculpture
  8. Bloomr Eucalyptus Planter
  9. Textured Yarn Blanket
  10. Sahara Throw Pillow
  11. Bromley Jakarta Area Rug
  12. Iman Accent Pillow
  13. Kinney Accent Pillow

New home decor accessories can really give your home a refresh – and we all could use a bit of an update now and then,

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HOME DECOR, HOME STYLING

How To Decorate Your Home With Nature Accents

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Nature accents is the home add a certain serenity. There is no more elegant and tranquil approach to decor than to incorporate nature itself in your interior design. Extending on the work of Outdoor Art Pros, there are limitless ways to bring the exterior into the interior tastefully. However, this doesn’t mean stuffing rooms with pot plants and reupholstering everything in brown. Subtlety is essential, and to that end, we have compiled a list of top tips to invigorate your home with natural accents.

#1 Natural Mimicry

In the name of good taste, we recommend you never implement any form of animal print in your home. This suggestion has nothing to do with a political statement or agenda but instead because animal prints are exceptionally bold and often overpower elegant details as a result. It is, not to put too fine a point on it, always tacky. If you do have any, we recommend replacing such prints with more subtle prints. However, this does not mean that patterns from nature can’t be added tastefully. A subdued floral design in your window treatments can go a long way. We recommend thinking creatively, though. 

Consider ways to implement more subtle patterns, like the elegant patterns of a delicate leaf or a subtle visual reference to the texture of a feather. Going beyond pattern designs, you may also consider natural textures used in striking ways. Woven raw hemp fibre material replacing conventional throws; Coasters of varnished woodcuts; raw pottery items used to replace standard vases. There is a lot of joy to be found in looking for unique and exciting ways to replace everyday items with attractive, natural solutions.  

#2 Extend The Nature of the Garden To The Interior

By this, we mean to say bring complementing plants and features inside that reflect your exterior designs. If you have a rock garden, try implementing similar textures in wall and floor treatments. Plants that thrive both indoors and outdoors can be used to create visual continuity.

Water features are one of the most appealing ways to bridge the disconnect between exterior and interior. A natural water feature creates a fantastic sense of tranquillity and relays a clear understanding of nature to any living space. Our absolute favourite water feature is the glass floor fountain. A translucent cascade of water, creating a subtle distinction between interior and exterior, placed to be an inspired conversation piece from all vantages. 

#3 Natural Forms

Few things communicate a sense of nature as vividly as natural forms. Natural forms refer to decor items mostly taken straight from nature. A lacquered tree stump as the base for a glass dining table makes for an extraordinary dining room conversation piece. 

Another example, a tree branch pendulum lighting is another truly breathtaking application. Our other favourites include sheer cut rock floating shelves and a shrub inspired floor lamp. There are few limitations if you set your mind to it. Look to inspiration from your garden, paying mind to ways that you could create pieces that reflect your garden in a personal sense. 

SHOP FAUX PLANTS…

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HOME DECOR, HOME STYLING

3 Tips for Turning Houseplants into Decor Statements

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Keeping houseplants is a great hobby – but there’s a difference between a hobby and a decor statement. A weird assortment of greenery in even more assorted pots isn’t going to cut it – even if the plants themselves are really quite pretty. If you hope to combine arty decor with indoor gardening, here are the tips you need to make your plants into indoor features that will be noticed!

Indoor Kitchen Gardens With Flair

Food gardening and urban farming are enormously trendy right now, and there’s a special something about being able to pick fresh herbs, berries, and greens right in your kitchen and fresh for the pot.

There are some truly awesome and innovative high-tech indoor planters out there. They’re good-looking and they even look after the plants themselves! That’s great if you have a busy lifestyle and don’t have much time to care for your indoor kitchen garden. There are even planters that you can hang on walls like pictures! Just remember that most edibles like good light, so choose a site near a bright window or use grow lights.

Choose the Right Plants and Pots for Visual Effect

Think of plants in interior decor much as you would sculptures or paintings. One big, truly striking one will look way better than a ton of little ones dotted around all over the place. Sure, that one plant is going to cost more, but you can go big and beautiful! 

Choose plants with a strong sculptural effect. A stately potted palm can change the entire atmosphere of a room. Or, you can go for beautifully groomed Yuccas or Dragon Trees for an up-to-the-minute look. Round off your indoor gardening choices with stylish containers. Plain-Jane plastic pots are out. Choose attractive ceramics, terracotta, or brass.

What to Do About Drainage Water

Back in the day, drainage water presented a huge problem for indoor gardeners. Traditionally, you’d have a pot with a drainage saucer. The alternative was no drainage at all. For the former idea, you had to empty the excess water from the saucers before it turned into a stinking mess. In the latter case, watering became a fine art with root rot as a real danger to your success. 

Nowadays, you can get beautiful hydroponic systems that recirculate water or semi-hydroponic containers that store it in a reservoir beneath the plant. I’d suggest the first of these for kitchen gardens and smaller houseplants, while the semi-hydroponic pots will work well for the big, showy house plants we talked about earlier. Most of them come with a nifty little watering indicator that tells you just when you need a top-up. It’s low tech, but it works!

Indoor Houseplants Make You Feel Good: Try It!

If the idea of having an indoor oasis doesn’t excite you, the psychological benefits might! Research into our natural affinity for plants concludes that they reduce stress, make us more productive, and can even help to keep us in healthier physical condition. And, let’s face it, you’re going to feel awesome about adding a sprig or two of fresh, homegrown herbs to your cookery even if that’s all you grow!

SHOP FAUX PLANT OPTIONS…

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Neutral Rugs: My 12 Favorites

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Neutral rugs – let’s talk about one of my favorite decor items. I am a big fan of neutral decor – I know it sounds a bit boring but I love mixing textures and playing with pattern and all within a neutral palette. A rug with pattern or texture (or both) is a perfect addition for any room in your home. My own home has neutral rugs throughout and I have found some great options – and I’m sharing my favorites with you…

Neutral Rugs Inspiration…

Let’s get inspired ! – Here are some of my favorite rooms with neutral floor coverings…

Photo credit: Amazon

This room is a combination of so many neutrals! I love the pillow combination – that green colour is so rich and dramatic. The texture element with tassels and pompoms – add some whimsy to the room. And the brass metallic accent is subtle but adds another textural element. And this rug…love it! I love the versatility of it – plus a mix of neutral tones with pattern and texture, it adds a subtle statement to the room.

Photo credit: HomeBunch

I love the distressed look of this rug – it adds so much character to this bedroom. This dreamy bedroom is layered with neutrals – I love the black night stands and the small black accents in the bench and ceiling fan. I love the linen texture on the bed – it is so soothing, fresh and relaxing. This rug is a big statement piece – it’s like having a big art piece that pulls it all together!

So why decorate with neutrals?

  • Neutrals are easy to decorate with – you can mix them with bold colours or with other neutrals – they are so versatile!
  • Neutrals are timeless – sure trends come and go but neutrals are never out!
  • Neutrals can be in a cool palette or warm palette – so you do have options…
  • Neutrals work with different styles – modern, farmhouse, boho, traditional etc…
  • Decorating with neutrals allows for you to play with and feature other design elements such as texture and pattern

Shop…

  1. Southwest flatweave rug
  2. Flat weave natural rug
  3. Casablanca southwest shag rug
  4. Artistic Weavers Amalia rug
  5. Woodrum southwest rug
  6. Tashi Hand Knotted rug
  7. Diamond Texture Trellis rug
  8. Modern abstract rug
  9. Safavieh multi/cream rug
  10. Keagan Grey area rug
  11. Tribal diamond rug with tassels (no longer available but here’s a similar option)
  12. Safavieh Cosmopolitan Zenovia Vintage Rug

All of these rugs are so versatile and they very in terms of pattern, texture and detail. But these could work in many rooms and many decor styles. I love what a rug can do for a room, too!

Do you have a favorite neutral rug?

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home renovation

4 Signs Your Home Needs an Insulation Upgrade

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Your home is your castle, so it’s understandable when you want to invest in the best heating and cooling equipment. However, you still need to contend with uncomfortable interiors if you do not have the best insulation.

Multiple insulation alternatives exist, and you should choose one that suits your home, the materials, and the climate in your area. Most people to assume that they are well-equipped to pick and install their property’s insulation. This is a costly mistake that could raise energy expenses and create uncomfortable interiors.

Unfortunately, most people opt to remove their non-functioning wall and roof insulation without expert help. Often they spread the insulation material indoors, and then they may need additional cleaning procedures to get rid of the material. Sometimes the best way to save money is to get expert help, but would you recognize the signs that your home needs new insulation materials?

The following are indications that it is time for the removal and replacement of your insulation. 

Lingering Unpleasant Odors

At times even the most thorough indoor cleaning does not get rid of an unpleasant odor. Some insulation material could become moldy with heat and moisture. Other than spray foam insulation, most insulation materials are not waterproof and will absorb some amount of water.

Ground moisture and extreme humidity contribute to the formation of mold and mildew on your home’s walls and attic. Checking your insulated spaces without damaging the insulation may not be doable, and you may need someone who has the proper safety equipment to do so.

Worsening Allergies

Even doctors will be baffled by the persistent flare-ups of allergic conditions among the occupants of your home. This can be attributed to the mold spores that will spread in your interiors when neglected. It also arises from the tendency of some insulation materials to accumulate dust over time. The removal of your insulation, its replacement, and the air sealing are the ideal steps for keeping allergies at bay.

Water Damage

Wet floors, dark or brown splotches across your ceiling, and peeling paint on any surface are common signs of water leaks. Ineffective insulation will indirectly contribute to significant water damage. If for instance, your water pipes are not well insulated, freezing water may cause them to burst or spring leaks that contribute to your property’s water damage. And with sufficient damage, it may be time to get a new roof, too.

Household Pests

Pests will feed on old insulation materials. Though fiberglass is effective, inexpensive and popular, rodents love tearing it apart. The holes created in your insulation by the rodents

form the perfect entry spot for other insects and dangerous animals like snakes. Air sealing your property can avert the invasion of your home by pests to some degree, but it is not completely secure.

These are not the only signs of damaged or ineffective insulation. They could also be signs of something else, and most homeowners could waste their money on unnecessary services and high medical bills before realizing their insulation is the primary cause of their issues. Your best choice is to have your insulation installed and maintained by professionals so you know when to remove and replace insulation.

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home renovation, REAL ESTATE

6 Home Improvements to Increase Your House’s Value

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Home improvements are necessary. Whether you’re thinking of selling your home or just looking to clean it up, completing some basic home improvements can significantly increase its value. Not only will you be able to make a better sale, but you can take pride in all of your accomplishments. In this article, we’ll look at six home improvements that you can make to increase your house’s value. Sound interesting? Then keep on reading! 

Follow these 6 Home Improvements to increase your home’s value…

Paint, paint and more paint…

Yep, you guessed it! One of the easiest ways to maximize your house’s value is to give everything a fresh coat of paint. From the doors and walls to your front porch, it really can make a huge difference. Try and stick with neutral colors, as it gives any potential buyers freedom to make changes. It’s also best to hire a professional if you want everything done correctly, as they can make sure the right paint and techniques are used. Check out these exterior house paint color ideas for some inspiration! 

Change up the landscape 

Your garden and landscape are just as important as your home itself, so it’s a good idea to hire a professional to help clean things up. A Home Improvement Contractor can ensure that everything looks its best, and you don’t have to worry about the stress of doing it yourself. Try and keep things looking clean and tidy, but don’t be afraid to add in some gorgeous greenery. It really can make a difference!  

Install extra storage 

Nobody can ever get enough storage, so if you’re looking for another way to upgrade your home’s value, see where you can add in some extra cupboards. Even something as simple as installing a coat rack or kitchen hanger rack could make buyers even more interested. Have a look at these indoor storage ideas to help get you started.  

Replace your heating and cooling systems 

If your house was built more than a few years ago, chances are the heating and cooling systems has seen better days. Replacing it can significantly increase your home’s value, and you’ll quickly earn it back when your sale goes through. Try getting a reverse cycle air-conditioner so that everything is in the one unit. They are easy to use, efficient, and can also save you money on power. 

Fix the little things 

Do you have small odd jobs around the home that you never got around to? It could be a paint chip in your bedroom wall or a brick that needs replacing? Fixing all the little things plays an important part in selling your home. Potential buyers always look at what needs fixing, and the less there is, the more interested they will be. There are many DIY fixes for things around the house online; you just need to do some research.  

Go green 

Lastly, one of the best ways to increase your home’s value is to go green and make your home more eco-friendly. For example, installing solar power panels reduces your energy bill, and you can even put power back into the grid. You could also consider installing low flow faucets to save water. The options are endless, and while it might cost a little to set everything up, it will undoubtedly be worth it. 

And that’s it! Even by just completing a few of these improvements, you’ll be able to get a better price offer on your home. Just remember always to hire professionals for any difficult job, and try and think about your home from a buyer’s point of view. Trust us when we say it can really help! Good luck. 

SHOP HOME DECOR ACCESSORIES…

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HOME DECOR

Top 3 Tips to Modernize your Home

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Modernize your home with some change – and as the proverbial saying goes:” change is as good as a holiday”. While there is great beauty in antiquity, we live in a perpetual, technological evolving world. Just as our cell phones, cars and computer systems continue to modernize, so too can our homes. For those contemporary, modern thinkers amongst us, here are some ideas to turn any rustic home into a modern marvel. 

Create a Smart Home

Just like your smartphone, you can create a smart home. Home automation is the perfect project for the technically inclined. It allows you to remotely control your homes lighting, electronic devices and heating via your smartphone or computer. The benefits of this are numerous, providing security, energy efficiency, comfort and convenience. 

In today’s modern, fast-paced world, the less you must worry about, the better. A smart home setup allows you to achieve this convenience. You can manage all your home devices from one central place.

A smart home is also a way to enhance your home’s security significantly, ensuring you and your loved ones are always safe. Smart home security systems to connect to a WIFI network, meaning you can control and monitor your security devices with your smartphone. This ensures your home is safe even when you are not there. There are many fantastic DIY smart home projects out there, making them affordable and easy to set up. 

Use Alternative Energy 

Powering your home via means of an alternative electrical source is a great way to save on electrical bills, as well as contributing to the preservation of the environment. It also enables you to be self-sufficient and to “get off the grid’, not having to rely on the local power stations.

Installing solar panels is one excellent solution. A solar panel harnesses the power of the sun through solar energy to generate electricity and to heat your water. Your geyser is one of the most significant consumers of electricity. Using a solar panel to power your geyser can potentially save you thousands of dollars as a long-term investment. 

Another way to generate clean energy for those living in windy areas is through wind turbines. Small wind turbines can be a cost-effective way to create renewable, clean energy for your home. They are incredibly durable too, with average turbines lasting for 20 years. 

Install new Lighting to modernize

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. By adding modern lighting to your home, you can bring it to life and into the current century. A popular type of modern lighting are LEDs. LED lighting systems provide many advantages. In addition to generating high brightness intensity, they are highly energy-efficient and come in a variety of different colour ranges. Being extremely reliable and having a long life, LEDs also offer cost-effective lighting solutions.

There are countless modern lighting options you could consider. Replacing your old lights with contemporary lamps and chandeliers will liven up any home. Not only do they light up your home more effectively, they are aesthetically pleasing as well. You could turn your home into a masterpiece of artwork through lights. 

SHOP MODERN PIECES FOR THE HOME…

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home renovation

Switching to solar power? Avoid these 3 mistakes

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Solar power technology has finally caught up with the promise. For decades, solar has been promoted as the future of renewable energy, but it had a lot of shortcomings that needed to be addressed before it could be adopted by the masses.

It finally has fulfilled its potential and many homeowners are jumping on board the solar wagon. However, that doesn’t mean that it is as straightforward as setting up a traditional electrical system in your home. 

To keep you from making a misstep when getting your solar power system set up, we’ve put together this list of common mistakes people make.

1 – Not understanding grid vs off grid

When you get solar, you aren’t off grid. Unless, of course, you are actually going off grid somewhere. If you will still be living in your home in a city or suburb, then you are still going to be connected to the grid. It’s actually the law in most places that you stay connected. 

There’s nothing stopping you from buying a house in the woods and setting up solar panels and battery packs and not relying on civilization at all. For the sake of this article, we will focus on when you are living in a connected house and simply want to go with renewable energy. 

You’ll actually get a better return for your investment when you go with a grid based solar system as you will be paid when you put more energy into the grid than you take out. Batteries are expensive and can make it take a long time to pay for themselves through the savings.

2 – Not understanding your energy needs

When you are in the planning stages of installing solar, finding the best electrician that understands your needs and solar power in general is essential. 

The solar panel company that you are in contact with likely has a salesman that is working with you and is eyeing his commissions while he talks you into a system. An electrician will let you know exactly what you need for the type of household you have. This way you don’t end up with too weak a system and end up relying on the grid, or too much so you overpay for a system that is more than what you need.

3 – Not shopping around for solar power options

A lot of times, when somebody decides to go solar they end up with the first company that they talk to. It isn’t like your regular energy company in that you don’t have much choice. 

So, make sure to talk to several companies to zero in on the right deal and the one that will be with you throughout your time with their panels. Customer service is very important when it comes to installing solar. If you struggle to get answers then it is time to move on. 
And be careful when it comes to being sent off to third party suppliers. Some people can save money when this is an option, but many more end up paying more and you can’t use net metering which is when you are paid for generating excess electricity for the grid.

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home renovation

8 Home Battery Storage Buying Tips

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Sick of dealing with power outages or have appliances and devices that can’t be placed at risk of turning off without a moment’s notice? Buying a home battery storage system is the best solution. Homeowners often find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer number of options out there. Read on to find eight home battery storage buying tips that can help make the decision easier.

1. Determine Power Needs First

It’s important to take the household’s power needs into account when sizing a home battery backup system. To do this, homeowners must estimate the power consumption of all their essential devices and appliances in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Homeowners working on a budget should keep in mind that many power-hungry devices such as air conditioners are not strictly necessary and can be turned off in the event of a power outage.

2. Consider Installing Solar Panels

Homeowners whose houses are tied to the grid can install a battery backup system without solar panels, but it will only provide power for a short period of time. Installing solar panels to power the battery bank will allow residents to access power even if the grid goes out for days at a time. Solar systems with battery banks can still be hooked into the grid. If they produce surplus power, homeowners can sell it to power companies to make back some of their investments.

3. Look Into Tax Credits

Homeowners who choose to install both battery banks and solar arrays may be eligible for a tax credit through the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) program. Only batteries that are charged using solar panels exclusively are eligible for the tax credit, so those who choose to use grid-tied systems may not be able to get it.

4. Choose the Right Battery Configuration

There are two types of battery configurations that are common in residential homes. They are known as critical load backup systems and self-consumption systems. While critical load systems only run vital devices during grid failures, self-consumption systems are designed to operate during peak utility hours even if the grid is working as intended. They can help to reduce high energy bills but require a larger upfront investment.

5. Learn the Difference Between AC and DC Coupled Battery Systems

Homeowners who want to install solar arrays to charge their battery banks need to learn the difference between AC coupled and DC coupled battery systems. To put it in its simplest terms, the main difference is that DC-coupled systems are more efficient since they don’t require as many power conversions. However, they also require a larger upfront investment.

6. Hire a Professional Installation Technician

Whether homeowners plan to tie their battery banks into the grid or use solar panels to power them, they should always hire professional installation technicians. Working with electricity can be dangerous.

7. Buy the Right Inverter

Inverters are designed to convert the DC power produced by batteries into AC power. Make sure to buy an inverter large enough to power all essential devices and appliances.

8. Keep Batteries Safe

Batteries should be stored indoors but away from living areas. Ensure that they are kept dry and at above freezing temperatures to avoid problems with premature failure.

The Bottom Line…

Installing a battery bank is the best thing homeowners can do to increase their energy independence. Whether they choose to install full solar systems or just store power from the grid for emergency applications, it’s worth the investment.

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