Category: Home Improvement

Are you scared to open your energy bill each month, unsure what you will find? Energy costs continue to go up year after year, and you need to find ways to keep those costs down as much as possible. The U.S. Department of Energy says that making a few changes in your home can save you as much as 31% annually on your utility bills.

Replace the Filter

If you don’t regularly check your air filter, you’re throwing your money away. Air filters are designed to clean the air that goes through the machine and is pumped into your home. All of the impurities that it gets out of the air stick to the filter. Over time, the dirt, debris, and pollen build-up, causing the machine to work harder to pull air through the filter. Most filters need to be changed every 1 to 3 months.

Inspect the Insulation

Lack of adequate attic insulation in a home is one of the leading causes of energy loss. Insulation helps keep the warm or cool air inside your home, so if you don’t have enough insulation, the air in your home is likely to be lost through your roof. Insulation can last for as long as 20 to 30 years but can start degrading as early as 15 years. If the insulation is level to or below the floor joists in the attic, you will want to replace it as soon as possible. Batt insulation in Pittsburgh services can help you know which kind is best for you.

Check the Water Heater

Your water heater is likely one of the biggest energy costs in your home. Most waters heaters are set to between 130 and 140 degrees, but professionals recommend turning it down to 120 degrees to see savings on your bill. Additionally, insulate the water heater pipes to help protect the appliance from working too hard in the cooler months.…

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It can be hard for old air conditioners and windows to keep up with the scorching heat of summertime. Turning down the thermostat may make a small difference in the temperature, but it certainly makes a big difference to your wallet. For those who aren’t ready to invest in expensive home renovations, don’t fear. Some businesses are inventing creative gadgets that will give your air conditioning system the boost it needs to get through the hottest months of the year.

Motorized Shades and Blinds

Approximately 25% to 30% of heat gain comes through windows. This varies greatly depending on the type of windows you have, but even the most energy-efficient windows will heat up your home when the sun is shining. Keeping those windows covered with drapes and high-quality cellular shades Cambridge MA is the ideal solution. But for some homes with hard-to-reach windows, opening and closing window treatments multiple times a day is difficult. That problem has led to the creation of motorized shades and blinds. You can now purchase window treatments with built-in remote controls and timers. For a less expensive option, attachments are available which can automate your current window treatments.

Duct Booster Fans

These cool gadgets help rooms that don’t receive as much cool air as the rest of the home. Instead of reworking your entire duct system, simply add a booster fan to your vent. They look just like normal registers but have a built-in fan that propels cooled air into the room. You will need an outlet nearby since the fan requires electricity.

Mini-Split Systems

Mini-split systems are the ideal mix of a window unit and a built-in system. They work great in areas of the home that were added after the original HVAC system was installed, or converted from garage or attic spaces. This gadget is more expensive and labor-intensive to install, but it will also make the largest difference.…

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Whether your family currently lives in tight quarters or is in the midst of a move, renting a space at a nearby self-storage facility may be a smart way to hold onto those possessions you aren’t ready to part with. Storage companies frequently offer spaces of different sizes and conditions, so you are sure to find an option that works well for your family. Consider four tips that may help you make the most of your storage space and keep your things in top condition.

1. Use Airtight Containers

No matter where you invest in storage Petaluma, it’s a good idea to keep all of your possessions in tightly sealed containers. Plastic totes are often ideal. These containers may protect your things from moisture, bugs, and dust.

2. Label Boxes Thoroughly

Even if many of your storage containers are transparent, it is still wise to label at least two sides of each box. Consider writing additional notes under the main label to list key contents. This way, you can easily find things when you need them without having to check every container.

3. Keep Frequently Used Items Handy

Unless you are storing items temporarily and plan to pick them all up at once, make sure you think through the organization of your containers. Holiday decorations and sporting goods, for instance, should remain at the tops of piles so you can grab them when needed.

4. Take Care With Delicate Goods

Finally, take some time to carefully pack fragile possessions using packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or similar materials. Additionally, you may wish to consider investing in climate-controlled storage if you will be storing clothing, instruments, photographs, artwork, or other valuables.

Although it may be tempting to simply unload all your things into your storage space as quickly as possible, spending some extra time on this project is sure to serve you well in the long run. A bit of extra care and organization at the outset may protect your possessions and allow you to access them more conveniently.…

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At some point in your life, you may need to lease a storage unit. You can store your belongings there for a reasonable fee and return to grab items as needed. So who might require storage units Sonoma CA? That list could go on and on, but this article won’t take it that far. Don’t worry, though; some examples of those who can benefit from these rooms to accommodate their assets are as follows.

• Homeowners
• Renters
• Large Corporations
• Small Businesses

If you happen to be such a person or in charge of an organization and need a storage unit, the only question that now remains is, “How should you pack it?” Going about the venture in the wrong way can feel like a nightmare when you have to retrieve items, as it could take you forever to find them. So, use these packing tips to keep your place neat and organized. With any luck, that’ll only make your life easier in the long run.

Create Box Labels

There’s a good chance that if your storing belongings in a storage unit, they will first be packed into boxes. That’s an excellent idea because the cartons can be stacked like the bricks in the game Tetris to save space. However, before getting ahead of yourself and putting cartons away, you might want to create easy-to-read labels and adhere them to the boxes. Then, after completing the tasks, retrieving particular items later will be a breeze.

Make A Path

Unless you want to unload stuff each time you return to your unit to pick up items in the back, it’s good to leave a path while packing the storage unit. That will allow you to walk from the front to the rear with no problems, looking at labels along the way. Then, you’ll be able to grab what you need quickly and get back to more pressing matters at hand.…

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As long as your fridge/freezer is cooling, freezing, and producing ice, you probably don’t think about the appliance regularly. However, when something goes wrong and foods begin to defrost and spoil, there’s no time to waste, and you must do something. But, the question is, “What should you do?”

There’s always the option of doing not much of anything, but then what will you eat after everything ruins? Of course, you could also break out ice chests to keep meats, drinks, and more cold, but buying bag after bag of ice can get old in a hurry. Hence, when your appliance breaks down, there are better alternatives. For instance, you could run right out and buy a brand new fridge, providing that you have the money. After all, have you seen the prices of such devices today? There is nothing cheap about them.

A Suitable Solution

Yet, there’s another solution too, and perhaps it is the best of the bunch. You can find a company that tackles refrigerator repair Pittsburgh PA, and schedule an appointment. The technicians that work for these organizations have the education and training to get malfunctioning appliances working like new again. They also have the necessary experience and tools to diagnose issues, replace parts, add coolant, and complete other projects.

Much like everything else human-made, eventually, refrigerators can go kaput. On the contrary, that doesn’t mean they’re down for the count, though. A repair technician can breathe life into your old unit, leaving you thinking that you have a brand-new fridge on your hands. Additionally, repair services are typically much cheaper than spending your hard-earned cash on a fancy new refrigerator with all the bells and whistles. Thus, if your device is on the fritz, contact an appliance repair company for a consultation. They’ll be able to tell you which option, repairs or replacement, will serve you better.…

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There are plenty of reasons you have a big cleanup job before you can sell a home. Maybe you’ve lived there for decades and have things collected over that time. Alternately, you may find yourself selling the home of a loved one who passed away. Whatever the reasons, these tips can help you get the house cleaned out and in top shape before you put it on the market.

1. Assess and Sort Everything

Depending on your situation, you may find yourself overwhelmed with the sheer size of the job ahead. A great place to start is to assess what you have and sort it. Many people find using three categories — trash, donate/sell and keep — to be an effective strategy. Choose to tackle one room at a time also helps make it seem more manageable.

2. Schedule Pickups for Things You Won’t Keep

Once you have stuff sorted, you can begin to get rid of it. Check about sizing on dumpsters for cleanups Cincinnati to get rid of the trash. It is easier than dragging everything out to the curb and is a perfect solution for bulky or heavy items. You might consider hosting a yard sale for useable items or going ahead and seeing what charities in your area will send a truck to pick up donations. Then you can organize whatever is left, so the house is neat and tidy for potential buyers.

3. Call in Professionals When Necessary

Sometimes it makes more sense to hire a professional to come in and do a final cleaning or haul off old appliances than to do it yourself. However, even if you tackle the biggest portions on your own, it may be a good idea to have a home stager come in and set what is left up to put the house’s best foot forward.

Cleaning out a house can be a lot of work. Tackling the task in an organized fashion and calling in professional help when necessary will make it more manageable.…

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The onset of the coronavirus pandemic left many people in a dilemma. The measures to contain the spread of the virus resulted in weeks of indoor confinement. This period led many to appreciate the need of having a well set up home and living space. From investing in cosy blankets, inspirational artwork and sofa, among other important home improvements. However, with the closure of non-essential retail, such times demonstrated how essential and beneficial online shopping could be. For newbies, it can be hard to know which online homeware store they should purchase from. The best way to identify reputable shops is by visiting online reviews sites such as UK.collected.reviews, and based on the reviews, you can select the best furniture store. This article also seeks to make the process of identifying reputable online homeware shops easy. Below are the best online homeware shops to purchase from.

Cult Furniture

Cult Furniture is the shop to go for if you require super stylish furniture for your home. It has various pieces to decorate your living space, mostly made of mid-century-inspired pieces such as pendant lights, rattan chairs and sideboards. At Cult Furniture, you will also find must-have fixtures such as wall art, tableware, rugs and embroidered cushions. This furniture shop has a showroom in Clapham, London, where a client can visit and look at the diverse furniture offered. However, the national Lockdown occasioned the closure of the physical store. At Cult Furniture, you can order small items from as low as £5.95, while slightly larger items go for £10.95. All in-stock items are shipped within five business days.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie is famous for offering bohemian women wear. It also offers excellent quality home décor pieces. You can get pieces of furniture from the shop that draw inspiration from Art Décor, including beds, coffee tables, desks, and armchairs. Other items that you can get at Anthropologie include wall mirrors, kitchenware and comfy throws and cushions. Anthropologie charges £3.95 standard delivery cost, and the order is shipped within 3-5 days. For next day delivery, you can go for express delivery, which costs £6. You should, in addition to this, make your door before 4 pm. Irrespective of the number of furniture items in a single order, delivery is charged at a flat fee of £95 and takes 1-2 weeks to arrive.

H&M Home

This is a Swedish based retailer that is popular for its clothing. In 2009 it launched a variety of interior pieces. Anyone in search of affordable décor will find H&M Home their preferred option. Over the years, H&M Home brand offerings have increased to entail nearly everything from dinnerware, bed linen and lighting. The pieces it offers are motivated by Scandinavian simplicity and have neutral hues, clean and modern lines. Those with a passion for colours will go for the H&M Home collection of jungle-themed abstract prints and cushions. This retailers also partners with designers from time to time to increase its offering. It charges a £3.99 standard delivery …

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Options for lighting sources are plentiful, and it can be hard to determine which is best for your kitchen. Considering the style you’re striving for and the functionality you need, here are some lighting possibilities for kitchen interior design St Louis.

Track Lights

Track lighting consists of multiple track heads on a rail. The individual lights are adjustable, so you can aim them at the precise area you need to illuminate. Another benefit is that the lights are separate entities, so they can be dimmed individually. Track lights are not only flexible, but they are easy to install and don’t take up a lot of visual space. Design options have also improved over the years, so you can easily find a style that complements your kitchen.

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights are multiple small fixtures or clusters that hang from the ceiling. Because they are closer to the surface area, they can shine a more intense light on the areas you need it most. If you’re intentional about where you install the lights, you can rest assured that shadows won’t be cast in inconvenient spots. However, in a kitchen with lower ceilings, people will bump into them if they’re not looking. The best space to have pendant lights is in a kitchen with lofty ceilings.

Recessed Lights

Recessed lighting is popular because it leaves your space open. You’ll have to consider if you want recessed lighting in your kitchen, based on the amount of space you have. Since recessed lights are installed inside of the ceiling, you are limited to a certain amount of lights, determined by the location of your joists. Depending on the size of your kitchen and the height of your ceiling, recessed lights might not provide you the type of illumination you need for preparing meals. However, the recessed lights will add a modern, clean touch to your kitchen and require very little maintenance.

There are various excellent choices for kitchen lighting available. If you brainstorm what matters to you most, you can find lighting that marries great aesthetics with superb function.…

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There are many responsibilities that come along with homeownership. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be easy to up toff routine maintenance. In some cases, that is perfectly fine. However, in others, it can lead to disaster. Consider these three critical maintenance tasks that you should never put off.

1. Cleaning the Gutters

Gutters can seem like a decorative addition to a house. After all, many home styles don’t take advantage of them. However, to think of them as an extra accessory can lead to serious complications down the road. Those can include water pooling around your foundation, damage to roof surfaces and leaks through the foundation.

Most gutter systems should be cleaned at least once per year. Depending on your landscaping, it may need to be done more often. If you truly dread the idea of pulling wet, dead leaves from the gutters, look into having guards or covers installed so you can safely skip the task.

2. Septic Tank Maintenance

While sewers are common in urban environments, homeowners in rural and suburban areas often depend on private septic systems to handle the household waste. For the most part, these systems are self-sufficient and require little care. However, it is a good idea to check in with them regularly to ensure there is adequate space within the holding tanks.  If needed, routine septic tank services Lindenhurst can take care of any issues to ensure your drains continue to flow freely.

3. Preventative Pest Control

Rodents and insects are not a sign of an unkempt home. Rather, they are seeking shelter and food inside of your warm, well-stocked house. Once you see them, chances are you already have a nest somewhere inside. So, if the idea of mice climbing around your pantry gives you the chills, then you should definitely consider preventative pest control.

Keeping the gutters clean, avoiding pest problems and having the septic tank pumped on a regular schedule are all tasks that should not be put off. Taking care of your house can help you avoid some serious trouble down the road.…

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After a bad storm, your home and yard might have various damages. Use this as an opportunity to make improvements and, where possible, reinforce your property against future problems. Depending on the type of storm, your needs will vary.

1. After a Tree Falls Across Your Driveway

Trees can create tons of problems by falling. You might not worry about ground damage until it happens to you. When a tree falls, the roots might not just push up the soil but also concrete. A driveway pulled on by roots and pushed down on by a trunk probably isn’t the creative mosaic look you want to maintain. Begin with a new driveway. If you’re considering replacing concrete with pavers, look for a company in your area, such as sealing services West Palm Beach FL.

2. After a Window Shatters

New window shutters might do the trick if you want protection against more moderate storms. If, however, you regularly deal with hurricane season, consider other protective approaches. Some people use wooden boards to cover their largest windows. This approach is best if you’re willing to measure and move boards. If you have it in your budget, it might make more sense to purchase some type of storm shutter. These shutters are available in different materials and one type might work best for your home. Whether you use boards or shutters, make sure that the materials are in good condition each time you put them up.

3. After the Roof Leaks

Determine whether you need to patch a few spots or replace the roof. Ask your friends about their roofing experiences to help weigh your options. If you decide to replace your roof, don’t stop with that. Think of other ways to protect it. Is a tree leaning toward it? You might benefit from asking a tree trimmer to take care of some branches. Does the chimney add to the problems? Waterproof the chimney.

As you get used to the common storm damage in your area, you’ll learn which types of repair work and maintenance matter most to keeping your home safe and tidy.…

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