Home & Garden

The holiday season brings lasting memories with family and friends, a festive environment filled with great food, personalized gifts, and the dreaded to-do list of “stuff” that must get completed. By starting your larger projects before the holiday season, you won’t have to spend long hours getting organized when you should be enjoying yourself. There are several ways to get your home prepared to host the holidays.

Here are four tips that will help you get ready to celebrate.

Clean & Declutter

Now is the perfect time to start deep cleaning the spaces in your home that are usually neglected throughout the other times of the year. By focusing on different areas of your home each week, your house will be in tip-top shape by the time the holidays roll around. A few key places in your home that will likely need cleaning include your windows, light fixtures, and the guest bedroom. Throughout the spring and summer months, the guest bedroom has probably become a storage room collecting a stockpile of miscellaneous items. When you begin the process of decluttering, consider donating items if you haven’t used them in a while. By removing these items from your home, you’re better able to see what areas of your house are ready for deep cleaning.

Get The Kitchen Ready

The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the holiday season. Countless hours of your day will be spent here cooking meals and baking desserts throughout the upcoming months. If you find yourself dreading preparing meals in your kitchen, now is the perfect time to create a space you’ll enjoy being in. Don’t wait to start this kind of project until you’re in the thick of it. Discover what the kitchen is missing, whether it be as simple as a few mixing bowls to speed up the baking process or an entire kitchen remodel with the addition of more counter space and a larger oven to accommodate the growth of your family. An open floor plan with a movable kitchen island has become increasingly popular as it provides you with more space to entertain your guests. Be proactive during this process by looking for ways to make the most out of your money, whether it be taking advantage of store sales or looking into a HELOC loan for additional funds to support any larger renovations you may need. A home equity line of credit provides you with the opportunity to receive funds as needed, making it so you only pay off what you’ve spent. The holidays can be costly, so finding ways to save money while upgrading your kitchen will provide you with more financial flexibility.

Set The Holiday Mood

The holidays are a great reason to change the decor within your home. By making subtle changes throughout each holiday you’re able to create a festive environment within the walls of your house. The decor change can be simple and uncluttered, a great way to accomplish this is through seasonal candles and throw pillows. Since you’ll be taking the time to deep clean and organize your home, you’re not going to want to clutter unnecessary spaces in your home while hosting guests. Your front entrance is another staple area to decorate as it will likely be the first thing your guests will see. Preparing your decorations in advance allows you to get creative through DIY projects which can help you to get in the holiday spirit.

Start Your Preparation Early

The stores during the upcoming months will be busy and hectic, so consider purchasing items that’ll remain fresh for several weeks, ahead of time. Not only will this save you from taking a last-minute stressful trip to the store, but it’ll also have you ready for any impromptu holiday parties. With the likelihood of more overnight guests at your house, it is a great idea to stock up on essential toiletries such as toilet paper, tissues, and hand soap. Having a few more individuals in your home to feed will also require you to stock your fridge, so consider purchasing items with a longer shelf life to ensure they’ll last. By starting this preparation early on you’ll be able to search for the best sales available to help save your money.

Hosting your family and friends for the holidays doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Take pride in how your home looks and choose to get a head start on the projects around your home to ensure they’re completed in time for the arrival of guests. Cleaning & decluttering, getting the kitchen ready, gathering your decorations, and stocking up on essential items is a great start to getting your home prepared for the holidays.

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A backyard oasis is perfect for hanging out, so it should be comfortable and desirable. The best way to create the perfect backyard oasis is to consider the most features you want. Some people choose a space with lots of seating and an outdoor kitchen, while others like to have some water features. Below are some tips to help you create the perfect backyard oasis.

Focus on Privacy

This is a very important feature to note when designing your outdoor space. You have to think about the amount of privacy you want to have. If you want complete privacy for yourself and your family, you will need a fence on all sides of your house to accomplish this. This is important because you don’t want anyone to see your yard while walking or driving. A fence privacy screen can also help keep unwanted pets out of your yard, making it a much safer option than leaving them outside.

Eliminate and Control Any Bug Problems

When creating the perfect backyard oasis, you want to ensure it is bug-free. You don’t want to be bothered with insects or other pests as you enjoy yourself outside. Some people try to keep them out with repellants or other products that can be harmful, but these are not only expensive but can also be dangerous in some cases. Your best bet is a mosquito net fence which is a good way to keep bugs from bothering you. Ensure that your contractor creates mosquito netting for the bottom of the fence whenever possible so that nothing can get underneath.

Create a Conversation Area

Another feature that is often overlooked when creating the perfect backyard oasis is a conversation area. A good space where you can sit and relax allows you to create conversation even in bad weather. Some people prefer to sit on their patio or furniture in their yard while talking with friends and family over dinner. A combo of easy chairs, a table, and simple patio lighting make the perfect space for anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors without being bothered by bugs.

Use Weatherproof Materials

When you are trying to create the perfect backyard oasis, there are a few things that you want to be sure that your contractor is aware of. It may sound obvious, but some people overlook this completely. You want to ensure that all the materials used in your yard are weatherproof, so rain doesn’t get inside the space and ruin it. This makes it important to choose a contractor who can provide waterproofing for all of your yard surfaces when creating the perfect backyard oasis.

Ground the Space with an Outdoor Rug

Creating the perfect backyard oasis often involves lots of grass and plants, but you need to have something that grounds it. Since the outdoors is considerably less controlled than the indoors, it is important to choose a water-resistant rug to hold up to tough conditions. You don’t want your bright and beautiful rug to get ruined in one day because it wasn’t properly grounded outside.

Pick the Perfect Seating

There are many different kinds of seating that you can use to create the perfect backyard oasis, depending on how much space you have to work with and your personal preferences. Some people like the simple look of a few benches, while others prefer more elaborate furniture options with brightly colored cushions. This furniture is important because it allows you to enjoy your yard in any weather and ensures that it is more comfortable than just sitting on the ground.

Choose the Right Outdoor Lighting

Another important feature of creating the perfect backyard oasis is outdoor lighting. This helps create a special atmosphere so that your yard fits the needs of any time you choose to use it. You have many options when choosing outdoor lighting fixtures for your home, including hanging lanterns and lights for table tops, as well as simple lights for pathways and around trees.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, creating the perfect backyard oasis does not have to be difficult. All you have to do is think about what you need, what your budget allows, and what type of outdoor space you want. The more specific information you provide, the more likely your contractor will create the perfect backyard oasis for you.

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Winter will be here before you know it, and soon your house could be uncomfortably cold unless you get it ready for the chilly season.

Here are some tips to ensure your home is ready to handle the cold.

1. Seal Your Masonry and Hard Surfaces

Sealing any cracks or holes in your home’s masonry (brick, stone, block, and concrete) is vital to preventing the cold from entering your house. Caulking is a good option for filling smaller holes, but if you have larger openings, you’ll need concrete sealant. You may also want to caulk between window frames and where your siding meets your home’s foundation.

2. Insulate Windows and Doors

Windows are one of the biggest enemies in winter. It’s important to insulate all windows in your home, especially those that receive direct sunlight. When doing this, you should also caulk around and weatherstrip any doors leading from the outside into your home.

Insulation is key to keeping the interior of your home warm during the winter months. If you’re looking to install more insulation, ensure you know of any current gaps in your home.

3. Paint, Caulk, and Seal Exterior Wood

Once you’ve sealed your masonry, it’s time to secure the outside of your home. Exterior wood is one place where heat can get out. Painting the wood on your exterior walls and windows will help prevent the cold air from leaking through cracks or holes. If you have wooden decks or porches, you should caulk and seal those as well.

5. Clean Your Drainage

If you have any exterior drainpipes blocked with ice, you should take the time to chip away the ice buildup. This will prevent the ice from breaking and potentially damaging the pipes.

7. Clean Your Gutters

Ensure there aren’t any leaves or debris in your gutters before it snows since these can easily get covered up and block the drains. You may opt to enlist the help of a professional gutter company in South Carolina to clean your gutters and prepare them for the cold season.

8. Clean Your Chimney and Order Firewood

Once the weather turns cold, it might be time to start your wood-burning fireplace. Before you do this, it’s necessary to clean your chimney. A clean chimney won’t release excess soot into your home and surrounding. Also, consider ordering plenty of firewood for your fireplace since you’ll likely be burning a lot more during cold winter nights.

9. Check Your Water Heater

With the cold weather setting in, turning the temperature on your water heater may be tempting. However, too much may result in freezing pipes and burst water heaters. Make sure you know how low you can set the temperature setting on your water heater before it causes any damage.

11. Tune Your HVAC System

An HVAC is essential for getting your home ready for the cold seasons. It also is important to know how your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system works before it’s too cold outside. You should check the filter on your furnace, the blower motor on your AC unit, and the drain tube that connects to your dryer.

12. Turn Off Exterior Faucets

As winter kicks in, remember to turn off any exterior faucets. Water left running in pipes can freeze and lead to burst and frozen pipes. If this happens, you will have to replace the pipes, which can be expensive.

13. Don’t Prune Trees or Shrubs Until Late Winter

This is an important step if you want to protect your landscaping. If you prune trees or shrubs during the fall and winter, you’ll be removing foliage that could act as insulation. This can lead to frostbite on twigs, branches, and leaves and potentially kill the plant.

14. Be Sure Your Basement Doesn’t Flood

You can prevent flooding in your basement by checking for any leaks in any pipes. A flooded basement will reduce the insulative capacity of your home. As a result, the house could be way colder than you anticipate. Also, the flooded water may freeze and lower the temperatures of your house.

Conclusion

Winter isn’t easy for anyone, especially those who can’t afford to properly equip their homes with insulation and heating. In this case, if you have any friends or family that could use some help staying safe and warm during the winter, now is the time to reach out to them.

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Germs are all around us and can be very difficult to eliminate. In high-traffic areas inside your home, such as the kitchen and bathroom, germs can be especially hard to eliminate. However, with a few simple tips, you can greatly reduce the number of germs in these areas and keep your family healthy. Keep reading for helpful advice on cleaning your home of harmful germs.

1. Use a Disinfectant Cleaner

Be sure to use a cleaner that is designed to kill germs. Some common household cleaners will not effectively eliminate germs. When using a disinfectant cleaner, follow the label’s directions and allow the cleaner to remain on surfaces for the length of time specified. This will ensure that the maximum amount of germs are killed.

Disinfectant cleaners can be used on all surfaces, including countertops, doorknobs, and light switches. Be sure to clean these areas regularly with a disinfectant cleaner to prevent the spread of germs. If you have small children in your home, keep cleaners out of their reach. Store them in a safe place where children cannot access them.

2. Wash Your Hands Often

One of the most important things you can do to prevent germs is to wash your hands frequently. Be sure to wash your hands before you prepare food, after you use the restroom, and after you handle any garbage. If you are sick, it is especially important to wash your hands regularly to prevent the spread of illness.

You should also avoid touching your face as much as possible since this can help transfer germs from your hands to your nose or mouth. If soap and water are unavailable, you can use a hand sanitizer. However, hand sanitizer is not as effective as soap and water at killing all types of germs. Therefore, it should only be used as a last resort.

3. Practice Proper Food Safety

Another important way to prevent the spread of germs is to practice proper food safety. This includes washing your hands before you prepare food, as well as cooking food properly. Be sure to wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them. Meat should also be cooked to the correct temperature to ensure that any harmful bacteria are killed.

In addition, it is important to avoid cross-contamination when preparing food. This can occur when raw meat or poultry comes into contact with other foods or surfaces. To prevent cross-contamination, use separate cutting boards for raw meat and other foods. You should also wash all dishes, utensils, and surfaces that come into contact with raw meat before using them for different foods.

4. Keep Your Home Clean

Another effective way to prevent the spread of germs is to keep your home clean. This includes sweeping and mopping floors, as well as dusting surfaces. Be sure to clean the toilet, sink, and shower in the bathroom regularly. These areas can harbor many germs if they are not cleaned properly.

It is also important to vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture regularly. This will help remove any dirt, dust, or other particles that may be contaminated with germs. You can also place a machine washable rug in high-traffic areas around your home which will make the process of cleaning up weekly a lot easier.

In addition, be sure to wash all bedding, towels, and clothes regularly. This will help eliminate any germs that may be present on these items.

5. Keep Your Pets Clean

Pets can also be a source of germs in your home. Therefore, it is important to keep them clean as well. This includes bathing them regularly and brushing their fur. In addition, be sure to clean up any pet waste immediately. Pet waste can contain harmful bacteria that can spread illness if not properly disposed of.

Additionally, it is important to keep your pet’s food and water bowls clean. Wash them with soap and water regularly. You should also avoid letting your pet sleep on your bed since this can transfer germs from their fur to your sheets and blankets.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can help prevent the spread of germs in your home. This will create a healthier environment for you and your family. Additionally, it is important to see a doctor if you or anyone in your family becomes sick. This will help ensure that the illness is properly treated and doesn’t spread to others.

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Solar shingles, a fairly new technology, are a long-lasting and robust solar energy generator. They, like solar panels, are installed on the top of your home. Unlike panels, however, they combine structural roofing and solar energy into a single construction element.

Because of their size and form, they are substantially lighter, making your solar roof simple to install for professional workers. A solar roof may generate almost as much solar energy as standard rack-mounted panels despite its size.

They are also built to endure adverse weather conditions such as hail and snow. As a result, they are one of the best options for energy-efficient technologies.

Keep reading to learn more about the advantages of solar electricity for your home.

1. New and Improved Appearance

Although solar shingles are now engineered to fit nicely with ordinary shingles, they give a fresh, new perspective to your roof. This unique home roofing may be customized in various shingle colors and sizes. Furthermore, studies suggest that new roofs improve curb appeal significantly.

2. Eco-Friendly Choice

Installing solar roof shingles will contribute to a cleaner, safer environment for everybody. This is because solar and other renewable energy sources reduce the amount of harmful carbon and toxicants in the ecosystem.

Because these installations produce no greenhouse emissions, you can help to combat climate change. As a consequence, you contribute to a healthier world for everybody.

3. Cost

Solar roofing shingles are often the same price as a premium roof with rack-mounted solar panels. The pitch, slope, and size of your roofing, as well as installation prices in your location, are all factors that influence the price.

Consider paying a little more upfront for this solar energy update if you’re building a new house or replacing your present roofing in the near future. The additional expenditure will generate a significant payback throughout the roof’s life.

4. Reduces Your Monthly Expenses

A solar roof lets you produce power for your house, reducing your monthly electricity bills. Remember that the amount you’ll save is determined by how much power your household uses and the load on the local power grid. Take a peek at your utility invoice. If you observe a large amount, you’ll probably save more money by installing solar roofing panels.

5. Durability Factor

Solar shingles may last 30 years, which is around 10 years longer than a standard asphalt roof. Solar energy products generally operate at maximum capacity for roughly 20 years before progressively declining over time while still producing electricity for the life of the shingles.

6. Increase Home Value

Solar roofing is a highly desired feature for property buyers. Installing a solar roof is a significant home upgrade, and buyers are ready to spend thousands in premiums for a house with solar installation.

Solar-powered homes sell more quickly than those that don’t have them. This is a massive advantage because having a house up for sale can be a substantial financial and practical burden for a property owner. A quicker sale allows you to proceed to the next chapter of your life. Solar is among the best house upgrades you can do, particularly because it’ll never be out of style.

7. Easy Maintenance

Solar roofing shingles require minimal maintenance, aside from a periodic check for performance, and have a manufacturer’s guarantee. The material is strong and resistant to various weather conditions. Choose an installation provider with cutting-edge solar shingle technology and a solid warranty. It’s also critical to think about future roofing repairs and replacements.

8. Allows You to Get Tax Breaks and Other Benefits

Installing solar shingles lets you enjoy federal tax incentives, which may be a significant financial gain. Alternative energy consumption is supported by local, state, and federal governments since it’s eco-friendly and helps to establish a sustainable economy. You can benefit from these tax breaks by enjoying a lower taxable income.

Check state and local legislation to discover if you are eligible for further incentive programs. Additional tax incentives on state taxes are available in several states. Other financial benefits may be available based on where you stay:

• Performance-based incentives
• Cash rebates
• Tax exemptions
• Solar renewable energy certificates

While searching for rebate programs, research state, and local laws. Your solar installation will be more lucrative if you participate in many incentive schemes. Additionally, keep an eye out for any emerging federal laws that may improve the benefits of solar for homes.

Bottom Line

Ultimately, you must select if solar shingles or regular solar panels are the best energy-saving option for your house. Find a reliable roofer for more information on solar shingle installation and the most inexpensive selection of solar solutions.

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All pool owners understand that regular water care and maintenance, chemical balancing, stain prevention, equipment checkup, filter maintenance, and vacuuming are vital to keeping your pool clean and in proper working order. However, there are varying pool cleaning methods and chemicals that make you wonder how long you should wait before using the pool.

How Long Should You Wait to Swim After Cleaning Your Pool?

The General Rule of Thumb

Generally, you should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when cleaning your pool. These guidelines include how long you have to wait before using your pool after cleaning it. Additionally, you should ensure that the levels are safe by resetting the water before using the pool. However, the best route to take instead of doing it yourself would be to contact a professional pool cleaner service in Windermere to come out and reset the water.

The Specifics

It would be awesome if there were a specific period to wait before using the pool after cleaning it. However, the waiting time varies depending on which chemicals you use. All pool owners understand that they use several chemicals to clean their pool, and each chemical has its properties contributing to the time it takes to disperse in water.

Read these guidelines for more information on determining when your family can safely swim.

Clarifier, pH, Alkalinity

Professionals suggest that pool owners wait 20 minutes before using the pool when using these types of balancing chemicals.

Liquid Chlorine

It would help to wait at least four hours to use your pool when using liquid chlorine. However, your pool size and amount of chlorine used greatly affect how long you’ll have to wait. Before using it, you should test the pool and ensure the chlorine levels reach 5ppm or lower.

Calcium Chloride

You should wait for one filter cycle before using the pool when cleaning it with calcium chloride. This could take between two to four hours.

Algaecide

You should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when using an algaecide. It’s safe to use the pool after 20 minutes when using some algaecides; however, others may require more time. Thus, it would help to stay safe by reading the manufacturer’s instructions before using the pool.

What is Shocking a Pool?

Shocking, the pool kills and prevents the growth of bacteria and algae. When shocking your pool, the main chemicals are sodium dichlor, calcium hypochlorite, and potassium monopersulfate. The chemicals used to determine how long pool owners have to wait before swimming.

When Should You Use the Pool After Shocking It?

When shocking your pool, you should get into the pool after the chlorine levels reach 5ppm. Additionally, according to the CDC, the pool’s pH should be between 7.2 and 7.8. The time you have to wait after getting into the pool may last between 24 hours to a couple of days, depending on the type of shock you use.

What Happens If You Use the Pool Too Soon?

You’ll experience a few issues if you use the pool too soon after shocking it. Chlorine reacts with water to form hydrochloric acid, which is corrosive. The effects experienced depend on whether you’ll inhale the fumes or whether they get in contact with your eyes or skin.

Minimal effects include dry skin; however, they could cause a flare if you have various skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. You may also experience redness, blisters, pain, and burning.

Additionally, the water can harm your lungs and eyes when inhaled. Effects of eye contact include redness, pain, watery eyes, and blurred vision. The effects of inhaling the chemicals are more severe. They include chest tightness, shortness of breath, fluid in the lungs, and wheezing. Additionally, you can throw up and feel nauseous if you drink the pool water.

Most of the effects are reversible. It would help to get out of the pool when you notice these symptoms. You should move to a place with fresh air and remove all exposed clothing. It would help to wash all infected areas with water and soap. You should rinse your eyes with saline solution.

Conclusion

Getting in a pool after cleaning it can be dangerous, especially if you don’t know how to do it. The best step to take is to call professional cleaners. However, these guidelines can help provide you with a rough estimate of how long you’ll have to wait.

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Are you wondering how to prepare your business premises for heavy rain? If this is the case, you are not alone. Regardless of where you are or how much rain you expect this season, there are steps you can take to prepare your building for the monsoon season. Light rain has no effect on your building, but weeks of continual rain can cause mold growth, flooding, and other problems. Here are seven tips to get your business premises ready for the upcoming rainy season.

1. Inspect The Roofing

When it rains, the first thing that should come to mind is your roof. Examine your roofing for any cracks, holes, or other issues that might lead to water leaks and extensive problems. Also, watch out for moss development on your roof since even a tiny quantity can trap moisture underneath the roof tiles, leading them to decay. Remember that water may leak into your premises and equipment if your roof is damaged.

Before it rains, inspect your roof to check if there is sagging, any broken shingles, or other issues. If any components require maintenance, you should contact reliable commercial roofing in Atlanta, ga, to take care of them right now rather than waiting for summer to end.

2. Clean The Gutters

Aside from your roofing, your building’s gutters are another defense mechanism against downpour rains. Gutter systems, which are designed to collect rain and redirect it away from your building, may greatly minimize the danger of rot, mold, and other rain-related hazards.

Unfortunately, they will not operate if they are blocked. Moreover, the debris creates a dam, which can drive water down the exterior of your building or back up under your roofing. Although you may clean your gutters in a variety of methods, a garden hose will suffice.

3. Trim The Trees

Although you may not pay much attention to the surrounding trees, branches, and other landscapes on your premises, it is critical to remember that falling trees and tree limbs are the most significant causes of preventable property damage! Reducing these landscape characteristics in the spring is particularly important since repeated heavy rainstorms can create powerful gusts that can knock them to the ground. Therefore, trim your trees to keep your building safe, especially during a storm.

4. Reseal The Doors and Windows

Your building’s windows and doors will also protect you against weeks of nonstop rain. However, if they are not properly fitted or sealed, they might leak a lot of rainwater into your building. As a result, reseal your windows and doors before the heavy rains begin. Use weather-stripping, foam tape, caulk, rigid foam insulation, or window film to fix any water or air leaks in your building.

5. Apply Waterproof Sealant

If your building is not weatherproofed, rain can infiltrate the brick walls, causing dampness and moisture to travel from the exterior to the interior walls. This kind of issue demands immediate attention and usually necessitates the intervention of a qualified contractor. After the issue has been fixed, you may apply a clear waterproof sealant to prevent additional damage.

6. Inspect The Basement

If you reside in a wet region, your basement may be in danger of flooding throughout the rainy season. Keeping this in mind, it’s a good idea to get your basement professionally examined before the rains begin. An expert may inspect your basement for leakage, structural flaws, and other factors that could cause issues during heavy rain.

7. Prepare for Flooding

Take the time to plan for flooding if you live in a flood-prone area. Elevate anything that is delicate or prone to harm, move boxes of documents, equipment, or other special items to a higher area, and lift electrical cables off the ground. If the power goes out, make sure you have an emergency power supply.

Closing Remark

Mother Nature may produce problems in your building, whether it is winter, autumn, summer, or rainy. As a result, it is critical to maintaining your office building now, especially because the fall weather is comfortable and allows a professional to examine gutters, skylights, shingles, and flashings. The strategies mentioned above and tactics will also enable your business to maintain its performance as workers’ productivity won’t be affected during the rainy season by troubles in your building.

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Regular furnace upkeep can help you avoid costly home repairs down the road. In addition to preventing untimely breakdowns, consistent heating system maintenance can reduce energy usage and keep your monthly bills affordable. Several types of routine maintenance can extend a furnace’s life and lower energy costs.

1. Change Or Clean Your Air Filters

Air filters are the first line of defense against the buildup of dust, dander, and other contaminants in your home’s HVAC system. If you don’t change or clean your filters, they can become clogged and require replacement sooner than expected. The more often you change your air filters, the less you’ll have to spend on new ones. Clean filters can also increase the lifespan of your furnace and reduce energy usage. If you have allergies, changing or cleaning your filters more frequently can help reduce the number of allergens in your indoor environment. Filters collect dust, dander, and other allergens in the air. Frequent filtering changes prevent these contaminants from accumulating on the filter and being recirculated into your home.

2. Rotate Your Furnace’s Ductwork

The ductwork attached to your furnace’s blower wheel distributes heated air throughout your home. Air circulates through the ducts by way of a draft inducer. The draft inducer pulls air through the furnace’s ductwork and pushes it into your home. If you don’t rotate your furnace’s ductwork every one to two years, warm air can collect in the ductwork where the blower wheel is located. Warm air can collect in the ductwork when a furnace is not balanced or when a furnace is installed improperly. This warm air can cause the blower wheel to overheat. If your furnace’s blower wheel overheats, it can break and need to be replaced.

3. Check For Repairs

If you notice signs of wear and tear, you may need to have the ductwork repaired or replaced. If your ductwork is badly damaged, it can reduce the efficiency of your furnace and increase energy usage. The ductwork is responsible for pushing heated air throughout your home. If the ductwork is damaged, warm air may not be distributed evenly throughout the house. Damaged ductwork can also increase your risk of indoor air pollution by circulating contaminants into the air supply.

4. Have Your Burners Serviced

Burners are responsible for igniting the gas that fuels your furnace. During regular furnace conservation, you can have your burners serviced to ensure they are operating properly and ready to handle the next heating season. A furnace’s burners may stop producing flames for various reasons, including debris buildup. If your burners are not producing flames, your furnace will not be able to function. Having your burners serviced can help prevent costly furnace repairs.

5. Check And Change Gas Filters

Gas filters are responsible for trapping contaminants as the gas travels from the natural gas line to your furnace. Contaminants such as dust, dander, and insects can build up on the filters and cause them to clog. If the filters are not changed regularly, they can cause your furnace to stop functioning. An inoperative furnace can lead to high energy bills and home discomfort. Replacing the gas filters during regular maintenance can help prevent a furnace breakdown and reduce energy usage. Regular gas filter replacement can also reduce indoor pollution. A clogged gas filter can circulate contaminants into the air supply, leading to respiratory problems, allergies, and discomfort.

6. Install Programmable Thermostat

While regular furnace maintenance can extend the lifespan of your heating system and reduce energy usage, repairs and adjustments can take several months to affect your utility bills. An energy-efficient thermostat can reduce your furnace’s energy and your monthly bill. Programmable thermostats can be set to automatically adjust your home’s temperature during periods of low energy demand. Lowering your home’s temperature during off-peak hours can reduce your energy usage and utility bills. An energy-efficient thermostat can be installed during regular furnace conservation.

Conclusion

Regular furnace conservation can prevent costly repairs and reduce energy usage. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your furnace and reduce energy usage by increasing efficiency, cleaning debris from the ductwork, and reducing indoor pollution. With a regular maintenance schedule, you’ll be able to identify and correct small issues before they become big problems.

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How would you like to raise the value of your home by 7% to 14%? It’s easier than you think. It’s all about curb appeal, according to Realtor.com. That’s maybe the best reason to decorate your front yard: to improve the curb appeal. While you may have no interest in selling your home right now, creating an attractive front lawn will pay dividends in enjoyment. This is true even if a home sale isn’t in your near future. As such, we recommend the following six tips to help you decorate your front yard and improve your curb appeal at the same time.

1. Fix the Blemishes

Blemishes, like weeds or overgrown grass, broken tiles, or dirty sidewalks, reduce your home’s curb appeal. This, in turn, reduces your home’s ROI at sale time. Before you start any serious work on landscaping and other decorative elements, take the time to fix anything that’s broken, whether it’s windows and doors or an unruly lawn. Make this the first step of your front yard decorating plan. It creates a strong foundation on which you can execute the rest of your plan.

2. Mind the Landscaping

Manicured lawns, with lovely shrubbery and fragrant flowers, calm the senses and invite people to linger a bit in front of your home. To catch the eye, try working with different sightline levels when you’re planning your landscaping.

For example, incorporate low-level, ground-covering flowers and vines in the flower beds. Then add some visual height by flanking your walkway with topiaries planted in brightly-colored pots. Finally, affix hanging flower planters on the ceiling of the front porch. These steps, plus a nicely-cut lawn, create beauty and visual harmony.

3. Create a Focal Point on the Lawn

If you do any kind of interior decorating, then you know that there is such a thing as a focal point in decorating. In your living room, it would be something like a built-in fireplace. It’s the big piece that draws the eye in and around which, the rest of the decor in the room is balanced.

You can employ the same kind of eye trick to the front lawn by creating a focal point. A natural focal point would be a feature, like a large old tree, around which you plant a flower bed or place curved benches.

However, you don’t have to have a natural focal point like a tree to do something like this. Man-made features, like a tall one-piece aluminum flagpole, surrounded by curving benches and flowers all around replicate this idea. Basically, your focal point is meant to draw the eye in and create interest in the rest of the house.

4. Entice Them With a Walkway

The walkway up to your front door offers you another way to draw the eye into the “picture” of your front lawn. As such, it makes a natural spot to decorate. You have many options for this. You can plant flowers on each side of the walkway at six- or eight-inch intervals.

Another option is to add outdoor lights. If you install solar lights, then they’ll recharge during the day and light up the path at night. This gives you an additional safety feature as well, which future buyers may appreciate.

5. Invite Them to Sit a Spell

Once upon a time, people used to sit on their front porches with a glass of lemonade and offer up chat with their neighbors. This setup had everything: a bench to sit on, some side tables for the lemonade, and even potted plants to the sides of the bench.

Adding a bench or a porch swing to your front porch is like giving your guests a subconscious message to sit down and stay a while. It is a throwback to a simpler, better time, which is something many people long for these days.

Add a bit of eye-catching, soul-inviting furniture to your front lawn decorations and see how it will change the vibe for the better.

6. Choose Big House Numbers

This one is a practical suggestion. There’s nothing more frustrating than driving around, looking for a home you’ve never been to, only to find out you’ve driven past it three times. This happened because the house numbers were either too small or non-existent.

Beautiful house numbers not only add to your home’s curb appeal but also ensure that any visitor to your home finds your home safely and easily. This is an especially important consideration at night. No one likes to drive around in circles in an unfamiliar neighborhood. Big house numbers equal getting lost less.

Final Thoughts on Decorating Your Front Yard

While the scope of this article often centered around creating curb appeal if you want to sell your home, the fact is, you don’t need to wait until you’re ready to sell. Having a lovely lawn to enjoy is a benefit in its own right. A beautifully-decorated front yard will welcome you home each night from work, refreshing your heart and soul after a long day. It is just the excuse you need to restart a tradition like lemonade on the front porch.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Home & Garden category

If you’re in the market to renovate your bathroom but are looking for some insight into the costs and process, look no further. Continue reading to learn more about the hidden costs of a bathroom renovation.

Planning a Budget

To begin a budget you’re going to want to do your due diligence and research the potential price it may amount to. The average cost of a bathroom renovation is over $10,000. This is no small sum of money for the average homeowner. The good news is that renovating a bathroom can increase the value of your home by a considerable amount. When choosing to tackle any type of renovation, your first step is to create a budget that fits your finances. When budgeting, make sure to set aside some funds for any hidden costs that you will inevitably encounter.

 

Regardless of your budget, you’re going to need a way to pay for this project with room to cover additional expenses if need be. Utilizing an equity home loan could be beneficial in this instance as it allows you to use your home’s equity to pay for your renovation. Using a home equity loan (HEL) toward home improvement is also tax deductible so it works in your favor to use it towards a project such as this.

 

Now that your budget is in place, it’s time to start renovating. Below is a list of some hidden costs you may run into when remodeling, and how to combat them.

 

Obtaining the Correct Permits

If you’re planning on doing anything other than cosmetic upgrades in your bathroom, you’re most likely going to need the correct permits. As a rule of thumb, if you’re planning on changing any plumbing, electrical, or anything structural, a permit is required. Make sure that you research when you need a permit so that you do not run into any trouble down the road. Check into your city’s local government to apply and pay for any permits that you’ll need to complete your project.

 

Encountering Mold and Water Damage

You never know what you’re going to find when you start tearing down walls. Mold and water damage are common problems that can add an unexpected strain on your budget. The average cost to remedy a mold problem in a bathroom is around $1,000. You will not be able to avoid any current water damage or mold in your home; however, you can avoid it in the future. Enlist the help of a professional when dealing with anything related to plumbing. This will ensure that any water stays where it belongs, and doesn’t cause any damage later.

 

Disposing of Old Materials

One thing that you may not have planned on paying for is the disposal of any old materials or fixtures. Disposing of an old toilet and bathtub could cost you around $200 depending on the cost of labor, disposal, and the location you’re in. Add this to the cost of removing and disposing of drywall, a sink, and any flooring and you could break your budget. A great way to cut down on costs during this process is to donate any materials that you can.

 

Upgrading Electrical

If you’re planning on adding or upgrading any electrical fixtures in your bathroom, you’ll want to make sure to hire a professional. A professional electrician can cost between $65 and $90 per hour, and this is not the place to cut corners. To keep electrical costs low, try keeping existing outlets and lighting fixtures where they currently are if you can.

 

Changing Your Plumbing Layout

A major cost when renovating a bathroom is choosing to change your plumbing footprint. Relocating a shower, tub, or toilet can add thousands of dollars to your budget that you may not have expected. If you’re looking to save some money, consider leaving the plumbing where it is currently and only upgrading your fixtures instead. This gives your bathroom the wow factor without the price tag and you won’t need to hire an experienced plumber to come in and do it for you.

 

Making the Space Your Own

Don’t forget about the smaller costs once you’re done with the hard stuff like putting money into the decor and visual staples within the space. You’re going to want to make your vision a reality, so paint the walls with a color that speaks to you and add some decor. Once you’ve chosen a color, check out some DIY tips and inspiration to use around the house to make your painting and renovation experience smoother while on a budget. Pick out new items to include in your bathroom that you didn’t have the chance to have in your previous space but be sure to view the price tag before having your heart set on them. Now is the time to really make the space your own and update it how you see fit.

 

The Bottom Line

Remodeling your bathroom is a big project where a lot of unforeseen issues can arise. Having a budget in place will guide you through the process and allow you to know where your should prioritize your spending. Make sure that you plan ahead for the unknown, and you will have a stress-free experience.