Category: Home Improvement
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5 Easy Ways to Detect a Water Leak in Your Home
Water leaks are one of the major problems for many homeowners. What makes them dangerous is that they’re not always obvious to spot until it’s too late. Water leaks can be caused by natural disasters such as earthquakes, broken appliances or simply due to outdated plumbing. Water leaks are a fairly common issue and can cause severe damage to your home. They can damage your furniture and appliances, they can ruin the walls and if paired with faulty wiring, can lead to a tragic outcome. As water leaks are not always apparent, many homeowners don’t bother to check whether there could be an issue with the water inside their home. Acting too late may result in serious repair and restoration costs and extensive water damage cannot be handled without professional companies such as KIC Restoration. In this article, we’ll give you a few easy tips on how to spot water damage before it becomes an issue. Keep Tabs on Your Water Bill: One of the first signs hinting that there might be a hidden leak inside a home is a significantly increased water bill for your household. If you did not change your habits but have noticed an increase in your water bill, you might want to look for leaks inside your home. You can monitor your monthly spending online and see if there are any anomalies. Consult with the Water Meter: If you do notice something’s wrong with your water bill, the first thing you want to check is the water meter. To see if there are any hidden leaks, turn off any appliances that use water as the dishwasher, washing machine and close all the faucets. If the water meter is still detecting water being used, there’s a high chance you might have a leak. If there are no visible leaks in your home, perhaps you are dealing with an issue such as slab leak. Use Food Color to Detect Leaks in the Toilet: Of course, a leak may not be as severe as a slab leak. In fact, in most cases, water leaks come from the toilet. Toilets use a lot of water compared to other appliances and elements and it’s a good idea to test them first. You can do this easily by adding some food coloring into the tank. If you don’t flush the toilet but the color appears, you’ve found the sneaky leak. Inspect Your Home Frequently: Make sure to perform a visual inspection under the cabinets and vanities to see if there’s excess water there. Since leaks usually attract mold, sensing unpleasant odors or finding mold throughout your home may indicate a leak. In fact, you should check the areas where mold appeared first. Look for Stains on the Walls: If the leak is within your walls and caused by faulty plumbing, wet spots on the wall or on the ceiling are sure signs there’s something going on behind them. If there’s a water stain on your walls, the leak will probably be close by. Make sure to react immediately, as stains can quickly lead to serious property damage. These are just some of the ways you can check for leaks inside your home. However, since a lot of times water leaks are hidden underground or inside the walls, if you cannot manage to find the source and keep seeing signs like an increased water bill, your best choice is to call a professional to look for leaks with a special set of tools. Call a professional leak detection company in Miami. Read More: 9 Feng Shui Tips for a Calmer Kitchen. How to Salvage Your Furniture after a Flood. 5 Ways A Home Maintenance Plan Can Prevent Disaster.
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A Guide in Choosing the Perfect Brewing Burner
A brewing burner is unquestionably the first major investment you make once you venture into home beer brewing. Acquiring a high-quality home brewing burner is imperative. A substandard one will not only compromise the taste and quality of your beer, but it will also turn into an exciting hobby into an annoying nightmare. An excellent brewing burner guarantees uniform heat distribution, and it’s instrumental in preventing scorching. It also hastens the boiling process, substantially lowering the amount of time you spend waiting around. Here are considerations to make when purchasing the best brewing burner. 1. A number of BTUs Generated: BTUs are units for measuring the amount of heat generated by the burner. Generally, one BTU adds one degree Fahrenheit to a pound of water that is at room temperature. You will find burners with BTUs of between 55,000 and 210,000. Bear in mind that a bigger burner doesn't always translate to a better operation. While high BTU output is ideal for all kinds of grain brewing, certain lower output models are more reliable due to their ability to distribute heat more efficiently. Read more reviews about your prospective burner before making a purchase decision. 2. Quality of Metal Used: All models of brewing burners are built from either cast iron or stainless steel. Cast iron is a bit thicker and tougher but weighs more and can rust easily. Thus, cast iron models are not suitable for outdoor brewing. However, if you are looking for a lighter model or you want to do lots of outdoor brewing, then a stainless steel model will serve you well. 3. Windscreens: If you expect to do a lot of outdoor brewing, you should go for a model that has a durable windscreen. It will shield your flame and keep it lighting even when a strong breeze comes. Windscreens guarantee a smooth boil and make home beer brewing a sensational experience. 4. Height: Outdoor propane burners tend to have longer legs compared to your traditional stove. The long stand allows you to brew your beer comfortably without compromising the health of your back. However, you should go for a model that sits nearer to the ground, if you will be dealing with a huge batch of boiling wort. Models with shorter stands are sturdier than those with longer stands. Top 3 Brewing Burners: 1. Edelmetall Bru Burner: This burner has lovely copper accents and stylish nameplate. It is made of refined stainless steel and copper. It produces a maximum of 72,000 BTU per hour. This burner boils a huge kettle of wort within a few minutes. 2. Bayou Classic KAB4 Banjo Burner: This brewing equipment offers a high amount of uniform heat. It generates more than 100,000 BTU, which is sufficient heat to boil a couple of gallons within minutes. Its 22-inch cooking surface can accommodate most brew kettles. It comes with a 4 ft rubber hose, a brass control valve, and 30-PSI regulator. 3. Dark Star 2.0: This propane burner can generate about 65,000 BTU of heat an hour. This burner is easy to use, and it can heat a maximum of 15 gallons of brew. This 6-inch diameter burner comes with an adjustable regulator, a wind guard, and lighter power. Choosing the best brewing burner is all about addressing your needs. Look for a model with features that are most crucial to you. Other than quick boil times, a quality burner offers a big surface area that can comfortably hold large brew pots. Read More: 5 Best Stimulant-Free Fat Burners. 10 Unique Kitchen Hacks to Save your Time in Kitchen and Cooking
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Robot Vacuum: Why You Should Buy
In today’s day and age, humans still labored over many daily chores and errands. These works can sometimes be very tiring and cause a lot of stress in our busy life. Fortunately, there has been a lot of advancement in daily home assistance. Technology has advanced so much that we have something known as robot vacuums also known as robovac. Such cleaners had inbuilt intelligent programming which enables them to clean our house efficiently. While the earliest model was low in features, the latest one is filled with the state of the art technology and capable of cleaning the whole house all by itself due to its intuitive, connected, and powerful processor. Advantages of buying a Robot vacuum are: Very easy to use Comes in every price range Cleans your floor tidily navigate most households without getting stuck Long battery life Equipped with Wi-Fi and can be accessed by smartphones These robot vacuum has been in use for the past 15 years and each model has been tested more than 100 times before the product is launched in the market. Why would someone buy a fancy gadget like a robot vacuum? These bots were never bored or procrastinated in their work. A bot like this who worked twice a week can clean a lot more than a half-hearted human doing the same job for 10 mins every day. Imagine your schedule to clean your house on weekend but you have to postpone it due to some reason can result in double the amount of work next time and no home party till you clean. This problem can easily be solved with robotics. These bots are most suitable for a pet’s owner, pet creates a lot of mess which needs to be clean from time to time. Not everyone can do that this is where the robot vacuum comes into play and cleans the house efficiently. These robots clean hair, plastic waste, or litter every day, so that the debris never gets a chance to build up at the end of the week. Now where to buy these from? The most trusted and reliable site on the internet is comparisono. We have chosen this site because it gives its customer a variety of options, filters to say the least. The site can easily help you choose the most suitable model for yourself. This site contains the very best robot vacuum has to offer in terms of technology, reliability, features etc. there are over 60+ gadgets available on this site which you can buy at the lowest of prices. The robot vacuums displayed on this site have a total of 50 inbuilt features such as scheduling, smartphone access, etc. The price ranges for this robotic are very flexible as well. With the cheapest one being at just 80 dollars while the most expensive one with the most technological advances of them all at just 1145 dollars. There is also a price filter available on the website which will show you a robot vacuum in your budget. Or you can just list them from high to low or vice versa. Another remarkable feature of the site is it has products from all the top brands including “iROBOT”, “EUFY”, “ILIFE” etc. along with some intermediate and startup companies’ products available as well. Another filter option is to search the product by alphabet not common or rarely seen on websites. You can even compare any robot vacuum with a feature available on this website “Add for comparison”. This option will help you decide the product you want from the few you shortlisted. Initially, after comparing the specs for each shortlisted vacuum, it also shows a comparison rating meaning the best among the above ones. This site is perfect to buy yourself a robot vacuum which gives you more time to spend with your friends or relax while at home. Read More: Home Hacks: Stuff You Can Clean in One Hour or Less. 6 Tips for Keeping Your Home Clean (With Pets and Kids).
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Creative Bohemian Patio Decor Ideas
Also known as the boho-chic or the gypsy style, the bohemian style is a colorful style, with strong ethnic vibes inspired by the Indian culture and other Eastern influences. In fashion, this style is usually associated with festival looks, with the hippie culture, or with the yoga practice. Overall, it is a style characterized by joy, peace and good vibes. It follows the same rules in interior décor, and due to the fact that it uses a lot of natural materials, this décor style is great for the outdoors. So, if you want to add a colorful touch to a boring patio, we have some excellent suggestions for you. 1. Start with a colorful carpet: A colorful carpet is the foundation of a bohemian patio. Try to avoid earthly shades like brown or beige, because they have a strong Persian vibe and they will lead the overall décor into a different style. Instead opt for a carpet in shades of pink, green, purple, blue, yellow, and orange. The more colorful the carpet is, the more joyful the whole décor will be. 2. Choose patio furniture made of natural materials: If you want classic patio furniture, featuring a table and some chairs, avoid manmade materials like plastic, and instead opt for basic wood or bamboo. As far as the style of the furniture, opt for plain models, without any embellishments, carvings, or decorations. Wicker furniture can also work. DIY furniture is also great for this décor style. For example, you can use tree stubs instead of chairs. You can use pallets to make a sofa. You can even attach some legs or wheels to a thick wood board and use it as a table. 3. Relaxation areas are essential: When it comes to relaxation areas, a sofa just isn’t enough for a bohemian patio. If your space allows it, opt for a baldachin. If not, a hanging chair, a hammock or both can work just as well. Just make sure that all items are colorful and match the overall décor theme. Moreover, don’t forget to throw in some colorful pillows. You can opt for crochet pillows or pillows with Eastern patterns. 4. Don’t forget the plants: Despite the fact that it features a lot of bold colors that don’t really make you think of nature, the bohemian culture is actually all about embracing nature. So, make sure to add some lush greenery to your patio. You can choose any type of plant, but try to stick to leafy plants, as natural green will look great with the bold colors of the bohemian décor. 5. Choose the proper lighting elements: If you are creating a patio, the first thing that should you should be looking at is natural light. This means that natural sunlight should play an important role to elevate the overall experience of the patio. Make sure that you are working with your designer to install a retractable glass patio roof that opens up to allow goodness from sunlight to enter. If your budget is tight, a dozen candles are all you need to give your patio a magical vibe on a warm summer evening. Colorful paper lanterns can also work well. However, if you are willing to spend a little more, there are some great lighting fixtures that you can use in this décor style. From chandeliers to Moroccan lanterns, the bohemian décor embraces all lighting fixtures featuring intricate details. 6. Decorations: Any colorful decorations will go well on a bohemian patio, but there are some classic elements that go well with this décor style. First of all, go crazy with wood stock windchimes. Not only do windchimes look great, but they will also add some musicality to your patio. Dream catchers are also widely associated with this style. For a more authentic vibe, you can also use some eastern pottery as decorations. If you can’t find anything like that or if you can’t afford it, painted bottles can look just as good. A beaded curtain can also be a great idea. If you can’t find one, you can make it yourself. All you need is some string and lots of beads. Yoga-inspired decorations also work well with this décor style, and so do any other decorations inspired by Eastern cultures. Read Also: Mirror Decorating Ideas To Style Your Bathroom Professional Roofing Services And Different Decorating Styles 6 Important Factors Related To Painting And Decorating
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6 Tips to Make Small Spaces Look Bigger
Some people choose to live in a small home, rental room, or apartment. This could be for a lot of reasons, like financial constraints or personal preferences. Small is beautiful after all and, nowadays, highly practical too! However, living in a small space doesn’t have to equate to feeling cramped or uncomfortable. Indeed, it’s very easy to create a warm and cosy atmosphere when you have a smaller area to work with. However, if you want to bring an airy, spacious feel to your home or room’s limited acreage, you can turn to colour, lighting, and the right furniture to achieve your goal. Here are some simple tips to make a small space look and feel bigger. Draw the Eye Up : Most people choose to paint their ceilings a safe, light colour like white, beige, or cream, which indeed helps bounce the light around a small room. However, to create the illusion of a taller space, using bolder colours will help draw the eye up and achieve this effect. Reds and oranges are the obvious choices, but you can also go for dark blues and violet for more drama. If you are hesitant to try dark colours on your ceilings, decorate it instead with interesting patterns or a simple geometric mural. Use Reflective Surfaces : Using mirrors instead of paintings on your walls will help reflect the light better and open up space in a jiffy. But mirrors aren’t your only options. You can also use furniture that has glass, clear plastic, silver, chrome, and other shiny, reflective elements. Switch out your wooden coffee table with a glass one and see how your space instantly looks bigger. Where possible, you should also incorporate accessories that can reflect light. For example, you can install a wall fountain with a silver, gold, or stainless steel backing, so both the water and the backing can help bounce the light around. The fountain can also serve as a piece of artwork, so you don’t have to fill your space with extra accessories. You can also try focusing a light onto the fountain to further increase the amount of light in your home. Get Big Key Pieces of Furniture : You might be tempted to get several smaller pieces of furniture, but this would likely end up in a cluttered-looking and therefore smaller-looking space. It’s better to get a few key pieces -- like your bed room and dining table -- in standard or bigger sizes with simple, clean lines. According to Ritely, there are many ideas that will help you to make the room appear more organized and comfortable. Use a Monochromatic Color Scheme : A monochromatic colour scheme makes your space look coherent and put-together. The actual colour doesn’t matter as long as they are in the same family, although cool colours like blue and green and subtle warm colours like yellow and peach are great choices for evoking that open feel. Use these colours on your walls, furniture, and other accessories like throw pillows and vases. Hang Curtains High : Hang your curtains close to the ceiling and let them fall right down to the floor to make any room look taller. If it makes things easier, install the rods or tracks on the ceiling for more height; the fabric will also fall more artfully this way. Keep the window treatments in the same colour scheme, ideally in the lighter end of the spectrum, to achieve a seamless look. You should also veer away from thick, heavy drapes and instead opt for lighter curtains in fabrics like cotton, linen, or even lace. Roman shades also work well for this purpose. If privacy is not an issue, you can opt for valances instead of full-length curtains so that you still have window trimmings that at the same time allow more natural light to filter in. Opt for Lamps Instead of Overhead Lights : When you use top-down lighting fixtures, the light is focused in one space. This draws the eye toward that are, making the entire room look constrained. Opt instead for various kinds of lamps to spread the light. Slender, elongated designs work best as these also give the illusion of height. If you opt for floor or desk lamps, choose styles that have a small base that matches the colour of the shade. With these simple design tips, you don’t need to break down walls to create more space -- or at least the illusion of it -- in your small home. Try them now and let us know which ones work the best for you! Read Also : Best 5 Designer Secrets To Make The Most Of Small Spaces 5 Ways To Make A Big Statement In Small Bedroom Office Spaces – Which One Is Right For Your Business?
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Top Six Accent Chairs under $100 That Will Transform Your Home
Accent chairs are great commodities inside a house. These chairs are awe-inspiringly comfortable plus they don’t take a lot of your space, a win-win situation. The only thing that may sting people away from this intelligent invention is that it is instead a labouring job to find a good accent chair under $100. There are so many chairs in the market available and it is next to impossible to find perfect accent chair under 100 bucks. So, to help you, people, out of this tight spot we decided to make a list of top six accent chairs under $100 that will transform your home for good. Let’s have a peek; Linon Home Décor Taylor : First on the list is a chair that many believe is a wonderful chair because of its cost efficiency and because of the comfort it provides. This chair comes with a beautiful black frame that has the power to blend in with any theme and colour of any room. The no-sag sinuous loop steel springs promise a long life of the chair and unbelievable comfort. Also, the fabric of the chair is lavishly smooth which guarantees tons of relaxation. The padding of the chair itself is very satisfying, and it can support the right amount of weight without going all gullible and losing shape. Ashley Contemporary Accent Chair : If the bohemian design is what you are after, this chair has got everything that you have desired. The beautiful accent is as strong as it gets thanks to its sturdy design. Ashley contemporary accent chair is for the people who like their chairs with extra padding and ultra-comfortable. This chair is the most beautiful chair in the list of accent chairs under $100 and worth every penny spent. Along with all the comfort and brawniness, this chair will also provide much-welcomed style statement to your home. The best thing about this chair is that the tools, assembling manual and hardware come with it, which makes assembling the chair a quick job. Office Star Metro : Get ready to go all retro with the Office Star Metro. The blazing black chair has the classic button-back style which coincidently is back in the trend. The beautiful chair is eco-friendly too because it is made up of espresso leather which is comparatively safe for your family also. Moving the Office star metro is an easy job as this light chair weighs around 18.7 pounds. This is a perfect family chair which has 38” written in the height section and is suitable for both adult and kids. This durable chair is ideal for homes; a must-have. Roundhill Armless Contemporary Accent Chair : Are you too a fan of armless accent chairs? Roundhill Armless Contemporary Accent Chair is here to serve you. The fabric of the chair is Polyester-cotton a comfortable thread which is just the thing for accent chairs. To ensure the durability frame of the chair has robust legs and a wood frame. The chair is fairly big too, with the dimensions of 27X31X34 inches. Roundhill Armless Contemporary Accent Chair can be placed in any room, and it will light up the place in no time. This 72 dollar chair is a smart investment in many ways. The heavy stuffed cushions, suede fabric and a broad back all scream awesome. The chair is ultra-conformable with a classic, stylish look. To support the fresh “plain is the game” colour trend of 2018, Home Life Contemporary Microfiber Modern Sofa Arm Chair comes in two colours, dark coffee brown or slate grey. There are not many fans of sofa armchairs; nonetheless, if you are one, this is the chair you want for your house. Pisano Armless Contemporary Accent Chair : Eight elegant colours, lovely espresso finishing, appealing design and chenille fibre weave are some of the key features of this accent chair. Pisano comes with a corresponding fabric pillow and a dimension of 22.75 X 31.75 X 36.5 inches. The espresso finished strong legs of the chair are itself the symbol of vigour and reluctance. This baby comes in separate parts, so you have to assemble it yourself. The seat and the back of this accent chair are padded with comfy foam. The fabric used for the chair is one of the finest, Teal Blue Upholstery. Ending Note : So, here are six best accent chairs present in the market. Every chair featured in this list is durable and stylish in its own way. Hope this piece of information could help you in buying the chair you were looking to buy. Accent chairs are brought for two sole purposes; to provide comfort and to boost the style statement of the house. So, always keep these two things in mind before zeroing out on any of the product.
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6 Tips for Keeping Your Home Clean (With Pets and Kids)
Maintaining a clean house is a difficult task; honestly, no one enjoys removing all the clutter, washing the dishes, dusting, vacuuming, etc. But as much as most of us run away from the chore we all know the importance of housekeeping and how it impacts our health. Things tend to get a bit, well maybe a lot more messy when you have kids and pets added to the picture. Our furry companions love some adventure around the house and tend to spread their food and water around while eating, knock things over and of course the pet hair around the house is another story. But the good news is that even a chore as tedious as cleaning can be made simple by following some hacks and tips, so keep reading as I share some marvelous tips for maintaining hygiene in your house 1. Invest in the Right Tools : You might not notice but using the right kind of tools can reduce effort and save time. For instance, cleaning pet hair around the house is one of the most challenging tasks. The fur gets everywhere, even gets embedded in the carpet fibers which becomes extremely difficult to remove. Well, the key is to purchase the right type of vacuum that has powerful suction to pick up the pesky pet hair. A robotic vacuum cleaner would be even better since it will save you a lot of effort. Similarly, make sure you have a quality lint roller (it is a life-saver in most situations) or latex gloves when you want to give your furniture or clothes a quick clean-up. 2. Bathe Your Pets : The secret to a clean house is clean pets since the dirt on your dog will eventually accumulate inside your home. Develop a bathing routine for your pup, be sure not to overdo it since you don’t want to dry out the oils in his skin. Use a good quality dog shampoo while bathing and get your pup regular grooming to reduce shedding. Since dogs that itch shed more hair, use tick and flea repellents for dogs to prevent him from these parasites. 3. Use the Right Type of Furniture : One of the worst nightmares for any pet-parent is when their furniture has pet hair spread all over, and they are expecting guests over. No one wants their guests to be covered in their dog’s fur! Well, let me tell you that choosing the right type of furniture can make all the difference. While selecting fabric for your furniture, choose leather/pleather or microfiber as these are easy to clean and the hair doesn’t stick to the material. Ultra suede and Crypton are also excellent choices for furniture as they are stain-resistant. Pro-Tip: Also stock up some decorative throws and use these to cover your sofa and bed to prevent pet-hair from sticking to the furniture. 4. Wash Pet Bedding : It is essential to wash your pet’s bed, blankets as these may hide harmful germs which our pets can transfer to other areas of the house. Wash the bedding weekly using a mild detergent without bleach on the hottest settings available. 5. Keep the Pet’s Area Clean : Our pets do have a specific area in the house where they like to chill or where they eat. Keeping these areas clean might be a difficult task, but regular cleaning will help prevent messes and thereby reduce effort. If you have a pet-bird, the room where the cage is placed is bound to get messy. To make cleaning simple use vinyl carpet protectors on the floor beneath the cage. Invest in a good quality stainless steel cage as they are easier to clean. Also, line it up with cage liners or newspapers to prevent the bottom from getting messy due to food and feces. 6. Use Pet-Safe Cleaning Products : Various cleaning agents contain harmful substances such as ammonia or bleach that can be toxic to our pets. While hunting for cleaning products look for ones that are pet-safe, eco-friendly and bio-degradable. If you don’t have these stocked up at home, don't panic in case of a pet emergency, as you can find some fantastic cleaners inside your house. Baking soda is a great deodorizer to freshen up the carpets and rugs; vinegar mixed with water is an alternative to floor cleaners and can be handy when pet accidents occur. Read Also : Can Dogs Make The Anti-Social Kids Socialize Better? Can Dogs Help Writers Stay Positive During Stress? Best-Corded Vacuum Cleaner
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5 Ways A Home Maintenance Plan Can Prevent Disaster
Home maintenance is not only a common subject of debate in married life, but it’s also a widely disputed chore that not everyone believes is necessary. But the fact of the matter is that home maintenance is actually much more important than you might think. 5 Ways A Home Maintenance Plan Can Prevent Disaster Here are a few ways home maintenance (or the lack thereof) can affect you: 1. Maintains The Value Of Your Home : Of course, this isn’t a major perk on its own but if you take into consideration that neglecting regular home maintenance can drastically decrease the value of your home, you may start to realize that it’s worth a second thought. How does home maintenance really help? Neglected homes can easily depreciate in value as a result of structural damage, hefty unattended repairs, and really any types of damage sprouting from long-term negligence. Small things can easily amount to a huge amount of damage which in turn will definitely negatively impact the value of your home. Because the more money has to go into a home to bring it up to standard or up to date the less it is worth. Say you suddenly had to sell your home, would you want to have a to-do list as long as a novel or could you get away with a few hundred dollars worth of upgrades in the short amount of time you had? That’s when your home value really matters. 2. Mitigates Potential Repair Costs : When you stop doing regular maintenance on your car like replacing the filters, checking the oil, replacing brakes, etc. your car will start to break down and worse, it could cause an accident. In the same way, if you stop taking care of your home it will start to fall apart on you. If for example, you neglect your home’s gutters the water will gather and leak into the seams of your home, over time that can cause serious water damage which can actually lead to structural damage as well. The damage that could have been prevented by simply cleaning out and inspecting your gutters and downspouts once or twice a month. Home maintenance is a cost-effective way to prevent the pricey, invasive, inconvenient and down-right frustrating situations that can develop if your isn’t properly cared for. 3. Improves Your Home’s Security : Safety is something we don't generally associate with home maintenance, but that is one of the primary reasons why it’s so important to do it. Home maintenance and upkeep can help keep your family safe in various ways, not only is your home in itself a protection against the elements and other dangers but if it isn't maintained your home can become a real danger. A child could fall from a fault in the stairs or holes in the floor. Neglecting to replace or repair a broken balustrade could cause serious injury or death. You should also address potential fire hazards, inspect for electrical faults, make sure the smoke detectors and extinguishers are working correctly. If you trim dead tree branches they won’t be able to rot off and fall on the house or the car or a person, child or pet. Investing time and a little money in regular home maintenance can help you to avoid potentially dangerous and disastrous situations. 4. Prevents Infestations : Pests can move in so quickly, and before you know it you could have a nasty infestation on your hands. At best, pests are inconvenient and at worst, they pose a serious health risk to you and your family. Cockroaches aggravate asthma and allergies and like rats and mice, carry an insane amount of deadly bacteria that can cause diseases that are fatal to humans. Even though anything can happen and some infestations can and should only be handled in a humane way, by trained professionals, for the most part, this could be prevented by a few simple home upkeep and maintenance strategies. Keeping food in sealed containers can prevent anything from cockroaches to raccoons and squirrels and yes, rats. Maintaining your home’s roof and carpentry by ensuring that there aren’t any holes or weak spots can prevent pests from entering your home and nesting in your basement or attic. Trimming trees can also help minimize the potential for rodents to gain access to your roof. Clutter can also be extremely inviting to a variety of critters to make nests in, so be proactive by regularly ridding your home and yard of clutter. 5. Improves Your Family’s Health : It may seem like a bit of a stretch to attribute a significant portion of your family’s health to the maintenance of your home, but in reality, it’s anything but. Your environment absolutely affects your health. We need proper ventilation in order to maintain an adequate amount of oxygen circulating in our bodies, which is why it’s important for the air conditioning and windows to be in optimal condition, Extreme temperatures can exacerbate countless medical conditions, therefore your home’s temperature control needs to be maintained so that it doesn’t decide to quit on you in the middle of the icy winter. (when else would it decide to quit?). Conclusion If there are pests or vegetation that aggravate your child’s allergies or sinuses then that has to be kept under control. Of course, having good quality water is just as important to the health of any living creature. Not to mention a home that is practically falling apart will dramatically affect the stress levels in your home and stress in itself is a massive health risk, accounting for 60% of all human illnesses and diseases. Homes are meant to be a safe, secure and relaxing environment for your family and their health and a few small tweaks to your home maintenance plan can ensure that it stays that way. Read Also : Relax In Style In The Comfort Of Your Homes Top 7 Reasons To Get Artificial Turf At Your Home First Home Renovation Ideas And Tips
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What You Need to Know About Electric Mattress Pad
There isn’t much about heating mattress pads on the Internet. At least, not the ones that provide proper guidance and explanations about the electric mattress pad. But here, we’d like to show you everything you need to know and how to make your choice between a heating mattress pad and blanket. Let’s start with a brief introduction to most electric mattress pads. Just a brief reminder that this guide may not apply to all kinds of electric mattress pads and it may differ from one to another. Introduction : In order to stay comfortable and warm throughout winter nights, electric mattress pads can be of great importance. They create a warm haven for you before you sleep. Can you remember the shivers you experience from climbing on a freezing bed? That’s the kind of thing an electric mattress pad eliminates. A single electric mattress pad uses 60-90 watts per side. That’s equal to 120-180 watts for both sides and cost around 2-3 cents if put on for the whole night. The cost can differ between states and country. Typically, people prefer to buy electric blankets when they are faced with the choice. A blanket keeps you warm while insulating the heat in your body. We’ll delve a bit more into this topic later in this article. Is It Safe? The first question that many people are concerned about when it comes to electrical mattresses, pads or blankets is whether they are safe. Having electrical current running under you for the next 8 hours when you’re unconscious can sound scary. Moreover, there has been a circulating rumor that electrical blankets and pads can cause cancer. Let’s dismiss the myth and understand the real problem of heating mattress pads. The Myth about Cancer : The rumor that electrical mattress pads can cause cancer isn’t new. A lot of people decided to stop using them altogether because they fear that this rumor is true. Some people even believe them to be very true and zealously preach it. Here’s the fact: multiple studies have been done to investigate if this is true or not. So far, we know that electrical blankets and mattresses emit small electromagnetic waves and the real question lies in whether this small current can cause that big of a problem. Studies were done on electric blankets, which are more commonly used. Two studies featured by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), particularly on elder and younger women, showed that there is no positive correlation between breast cancer and the use of an electric blanket. Another different NCBI study creates a conclusion that there is no evidence to support that the use of electric blankets can exacerbate endometrial cancer. Fire Hazard : A lot of people ask if an electric mattress pad can become the cause of a fire at home. There are usually 3 factors that will lead to a fire. The first would be an external flame. If you set it on fire, it will be on fire. The second would be an overheating system. If the weather is warm enough, don’t turn on the AC and then make that into a reason to use your mattress pad. In the case that during the night, your AC fails to perform and your pad starts heating up, it may cause a fire. The third would be a faulty product or exposed wire. In this case, the damaged wires are exposed to the mattress pad without the insulation. It will cause a fire if not turned off right away. Heat Stroke : There have been a couple of heatstroke cases with electric blankets. While this may not be as dangerous or intense with mattress pads, it’s worth remembering to control the temperature of your mattress pad. Rather than turning the dial to the max just to get it warm quick, set it in a lower mode earlier to warm up the bedding. Pregnant Women, Be Careful : So far, a study on pregnant women that sleep with electric blanket and mattress does not show an increased rate of spontaneous abortion. However, it does suggest an increased rate of pregnancy loss during the early stage of pregnancy or conception. It's Effect on Your Mattress : There’s no correct answer to this. The use of a heating pad can or cannot affect your mattress. Each manufacturer has different suggestions for its users to ensure they enjoy the maximum benefits. However, there are several things to consider. Memory foam without gel naturally traps heat once you’re on the bed. It’s one of their unique qualities resulting from its highly dense structure. If you do not like cold brick feel when you get on the bed, raising up the thermostat before entering the bedroom and dialing it down when you sleep will work great. There are manufacturers that will tell you their memory foam mattress won’t last long with a heating pad and to do this instead. The bigger population believes that there is some sort of negative effect when you use an electric mattress pad on your memory foam. All the money that you invested will go down the drain if you put an extra layer on top of it. There are even smaller groups that believe the extra heat will not do good to your mattress. No known problem is seen with using a heating mattress pad on a latex foam mattress, so go ahead and use it. All the Different Features : Different manufacturers have different mattress pad designs. They depend on your preferences and also flexibility as well as cost. Comfort : The comfort we’re talking about is whether you can feel the cords on your back or not. Some electric pads are very thick and you can feel the lines of the cords running through your back. It can be uncomfortable and distracting when you’re about to sleep. If you’re asking whether it’ll prevent you from experiencing the comfort of your original mattress, don’t worry. Most of the time, it doesn’t affect that much and you won’t be able to feel the difference if you choose a high-quality mattress pad. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a heating pad that is also meant to replace the top of your mattress, you want to look for the ones with more padding. Several brands offer their electrical mattress pad with 9 ounces of padding to ensure comfort and you won’t feel any discomfort. Cords and Wires : We have to be extra safe when we’re talking about putting a pad under us that’s running on electricity throughout the night. Several electric mattress pads make it important to ensure that the power outlet is properly attached by designing a locking mechanism. It keeps the plug fit and locked and helps you sleep better with fewer worries about it. Before buying, check out the reviews to see if there are any complaints on faulty wires or fire incidents. Such things can happen when you buy the product through delivery mode, which may mean that the damage could happen during transport. Before using, ensure that all the cords and wires are still in perfect condition. There shouldn’t be any tear marks or exposed wires. Test the mattress pad before sleeping to ensure that there is no smoke or unusual things with your pad. Remove it immediately if you notice anything wrong. Flexibility : Different manufacturers, such as LatexBear, offer different types of heating options on their mattress. Some come with dials that offer various range of modes, temperature, and other features. Others may come with more limited options but still focuses on heating up the mattress for you. Read Also : The Best Memory Foam Mattresses For Staying Cool This Summer Five Easy Steps When Cleaning Your Mattress How To Choose Mattress For Overweight Person
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The Best Memory Foam Mattresses for Staying Cool this Summer
During the hot summer days, nothing beats the feeling of slipping into a cold bed to chill, relax, and rest comfortably. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the ideal environment for sleeping in a cool, dark, and silent bedroom. Moreover, a mattress that does not overheat your body is the best choice you can make this summer. Also, you need to choose your pillow carefully to avoid and alleviate neck pain and headaches. Lastly, but most importantly, you should also pick the best mattress for support and comfort. Usually, when it comes to mattresses, foam ones are the best money can buy. They manage to contour and support your body, so you do not experience pain, muscle tension, bad posture, poor breathing and circulation, and so on. However, foam mattresses did not have the best reputation when it came to cool. Nevertheless, in the last years, new technologies managed to make peace between comfort and heat. Therefore, today we will present you with 5 best memory foam mattresses to keep you cool this summer. Before we begin, we have to remind you that you should always check out online reviews before buying, see what others have to say about the product, and survey the manufacturer’s social activity to make sure they offer support to customers. 1. Amerisleep AS4 This mattress is a gem in terms of engineering. It features open-cell memory plant-based foam design and a trademarked Bio-Pur material. The design of the extreme open cells allows the air to move about freely while you are sleeping. The mattress also comes with a Celliant-infused mattress cover. This is also a trademarked material. It is a smart fabric, which seems to increase blood flow when you sleep, thus encouraging body temperature regulation even more. 2. Serta iComfort : This memory foam mattress comes with gel-infused foam and a superior density. It ranks high in reviews and customers’ ratings when it comes to construction and pain/pressure relief. In terms of coolness, it ranks just a bit under the Amerisleep presented above. In case you were wondering, if you want to compare plant-based foams with gel-infused foams, you have to know that the former cool down your body temperature faster than the latter. Nevertheless, Serta iComfort is an excellent choice when it comes to keeping you cool during hot summer nights, as its design and care for details are exemplary. 3. Loom & Leaf : This is the best example of the industry caring enough for the cooling factor of a mattress to start incredible engineering projects. The Loom & Leaf mattress comes with two layers of memory foam – the top layer is the cooling gel-infused foam, while the second is an elastic foam able to offer the best contouring and support for your body. The cooling gel layer features a swirl technology and design, which ensures the even distribution of the cooling gel throughout the layer. The viscous elastic layer underneath presents a special design to offer pressure and pain relief to the sleeper. 4. Coolmax Mattress : Just as its name suggests, the Coolmax mattress intends to keep you cool and comfortable all night long. The trademarked Coolmax system is, in fact, a smart ultra-breathable fabric, which helps with the distribution of heat and moisture away from your body. The Coolmax system comes in the shape of a removable mattress cover. In other words, you can use the cover in the summer to stay cool and dry and remove it in the winter, so your regular memory foam mattress can keep you a bit warmer. 5. 4G Aircool Memory Foam : For a great cooling experience, you should also check out this mattress, coming with excellent gel memory foam and a cooling Adaptive cover. The gel particles of the mattress release a cooling sensation under pressure. The interesting part is that the Adaptive cover is removable and machine washable allows temperature regulation due to the smart fibers it contains. This mattress, just like the one described above, will also make you happy from a financial point of view, offering you the comfort you need without damaging your budget. Conclusion : These are our favorite cooling foam mattresses for this summer. Do you use another type and model? Which one is your favorite? Read Also : Effects Of Sleep Deprivation On Your Skin & Good Sleeping Habits Why Is Sleeping Well So Important For Job Performance?
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Ducted Cooling Systems For Superior Control
The choice between ducted or split air conditioning systems can be narrowed down by considering the specific requirements. If you intend to spend more of your time indoors, it would be a good option to go in for ducted air conditioning systems. Some of the advantages include better energy efficiency, improved cooling and smart interfaces for better optimization and control. Another advantage of using ducted air conditioning is the ability to do away with multiple systems and installation. Installation at the time of construction : Ducted air conditioning systems need to be typically installed at the time of construction. While it is actually possible to also install the systems after the construction, it would require a certain level of modification and changes to the decor. By relying on the services of a professional service provider, it would be easy to ensure that the whole process comments and concluded without any hassles, in the most cost-effective manner. Active liaison with architects and contractors : The featured site offers specialist air conditioning services for the installation of ducted systems. This is achieved by liaison with architects and contractors who are involved in the construction of the premises. By discussing and working in tandem with architects and contractors, the service is able to install the ducted systems in a manner that improves the aesthetics of the building while offering maximum cooling efficiency. Installation of ducted systems during the construction itself will keep the cost of installation low while offering homeowners the option of choosing the best decor for their homes. Combine with smart solutions : One of the highlights of this ducted system is the ability to combine it with smart solutions. This means that individual rooms can be optimized with customizing settings as far as cooling efficiency or requirements are concerned. For instance, if a particular room has a number of people at a given time, it is possible for the user to readjust the settings remotely thereby increasing the cooling efficiency within the particular room. Similarly, if a common area is typically used for a specific time, it is possible to set timers for that particular room. This will ensure that power consumption will be reduced, without affecting the need for cooling. Reduction in noise levels : With the ducted system, homeowners need not have to put up with heavy noise levels. And these systems typically require the installation of a single unit. This is a huge advantage when compared to split systems which will require multiple units and separate controlling mechanisms for each individual unit. Split systems are suitable for homes where the requirement is only for a limited number of rooms. If there is a need for cooling for very large premises, it would be a better option to choose ducted systems. Retrofitting involves additional costs : However, homeowners need to consider the fact that retrofitting of ducted systems may involve additional costs of redoing the interiors after the retrofitting installation is completed. It is always a better option to use ducted systems at the time of construction itself. If you find the need to retrofit an existing premise, it would be a good idea to use the services of an expert to analyze and give you the best options in terms of cost-effectiveness and cooling efficiency. Read Also: What To Look For With Stroke Treatment In Dallas Online Ordering Systems Setting the Trend for Restaurants
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Bathroom Upgrades You Should Consider
Whether you've just moved into your home or have been there for some time, odds are you need bathroom upgrades. If you've recently moved into a new home, the bathroom probably showcases an outdated style or a look that just doesn't suit you. Or, if you've been in your home for a while, the wear and tear of everyday life have taken their toll. Either way, making upgrades to your bathroom will have a positive effect on how you feel about your home and, if you're considering selling, will increase resale value. Your renovation projects may fall into one of three categories. Let's take a look! Cosmetic New Look : This is often the remodel that many homeowners tackle themselves. It gives a very functional bathroom an updated image with minimal expertise and inconvenience. Think paint, pictures/wall decor, new window coverings, new shower curtain, new mirror, new towels. Switching Out/Switching Up : Usually, this involves replacing some or all of the bathroom fixtures - toilet, sink/vanity, tub, lighting, faucets, and hardware. It may also tie into a cosmetic update too once this has been accomplished. Switching a dated vanity to a modern unit with glass sink and new sleek faucets can really change the look and feel of a bathroom. Include an upgrade to one of today's one-piece water-conserving toilets and you're moving your bathroom into the 21st century. At the same time, consider the lighting as it may be a good time to replace vintage light fixtures with LED fittings that will give a nice bright look and save you money on your electric bill too. Another small but easy change is adding a curved shower rod to your tub or a European style shower door - both can be a great addition if your tub is in good shape. At the same time consider switching bath faucet and shower fixtures to complement any other fixtures you are replacing. Total Renovation : Redoing the whole bathroom can be overwhelming. So many choices, so many styles. What will work, what won't? For this, you may need professional help to give you some great ideas and guidance that will help you choose just the right elements for your new space based on your lifestyle and today's current trends. Is your bathroom in need of a quick pick-me-up well here are some easy bathroom upgrades you need to look into. Lighting Fixtures : Nothing dates a home quite like its lighting fixtures. If your bathroom feels like a time warp to the past, find new ideas to revamp it. Whether you're going for a more modern or rustic style, browsing through pictures of what others have done can give some inspiration. Faucets : Truth be told, the faucet in your bathroom should be a statement piece. Depending on the look you're going for, the sky's the limit when it comes to available options. As long as it ties in with the lighting fixtures and the theme, a unique faucet adds character. Bathroom Floors : Outdated and plain can be given a new look by simply installing innovative vinyl plank flooring which is resistant to water and wear. It sits atop an underlying cushion that fits perfectly above any existing floor. Shelving and Vanity : These can quickly become outdated and worn, so updating the shelving and vanity in your bathroom is a must. While the purpose of shelves and vanities is completely utilitarian, it is important that they tie in with the rest of the features in the bathroom to complete the desired look and style you are going for. Toilet : If you think a toilet is just a toilet, think again. Do your research and you'll quickly notice the variety of styles available. If you're going with a theme for your bathroom, don't exclude the toilet. For professional help, read more. Get Your Bathroom Upgrades Today : Ready to upgrade your bathroom? Give your bathroom a new look by installing your lighting fixtures, toilets, faucets, and new flooring. If you need help make sure to get in touch with the right people to make your vision into a reality. For more information, contact us today. Read Also : Mirror Decorating Ideas To Style Your Bathroom Using Feng Shui In Your Bathroom Design The Different Kinds Of Toilets
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