For most people, summer is the most joyful of all seasons. There’s something precious about those warm evenings, whole days spent swimming, and enjoying the great outdoors. Unfortunately, summer’s not all sunshine and flowers.
As a lot of homeowners know, during the summertime our bill tends to spike as our air conditioning costs keep piling up. But what if you could cut those costs by as much as half. In a lot of cases, high AC costs are the result of improper maintenance and malfunctioning AC systems. The experts at Howell’s were kind enough to share a few useful tips that can help you save this cooling season.
Look For Leaks In The Ducts
If your cooling bills unexpectedly start to spike, there could be a technical issue behind it. Central AC systems use ductwork to deliver any cooled air throughout your home. However, as they age ducts become more susceptible to tears and fissures. This not only makes the AC less efficient but demands more power to keep the required temperature levels in your home. This is usually the main reason behind increased energy bills. If you haven’t inspected your ductwork in a while and are paying more than usual, have a professional determine whether leaks in the ductwork are to blame.
Replace Your Air Filter
One of the things homeowners are most likely to forget about is the air filters in their AC systems. When is the last time you replaced or at least cleaned your filter? If your answer is “I don’t remember” now is the right time to do so. A clogged filter may make your air conditioner less effective as it struggles to push the cooled air through the filter. This will likely result in an increased energy bill, but poor air quality as well.
If you want to keep your energy bill low, make a habit of replacing your air filter at least once every two months. If you are not sure how to do this, you can always hire a professional.
Have A Professional Tune-Up
Another often neglected part of owning an AC system is having regular inspections and tune-ups. With a professional tune-up at least twice a year you can be sure your AC will be up to standards and working properly. This way you won’t spend a cent more than you need to in order to enjoy the comfort in your home.
A tune-up entails a professional testing every component of the system to make sure everything is working in harmony. If any part of the AC system is malfunctioning, professionals can detect this early and prevent expensive repairs down the line. Finally, they will clean the entire system, replace the filters, and offer valuable advice on proper AC maintenance.
Having your AC system running at optimal conditions is perhaps the best way to ensure that you don’t end up spending more money on it than necessary. As the old adage goes, sometimes you gotta spend money to make money; well, in this case, save money.
Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.
Kitchen countertops take a considerable amount of beating from daily use. It is vital to choose a material that is not only appealing but also durable. Two of the most popular options available today are granite and quartz. Both materials are high-quality and look quite expensive. While some say that there is not a significant difference regarding the features of each kind of kitchen countertop material, there are several differences that may help you make a decision.
Heat resistance:
Regardless of how well you take care of your kitchen countertop, it will still undergo a fair amount of abuse over time. If you love to cook, damage caused by direct contact with heat is worth considering. Granite worktops London suppliers manufacture are sourced from quarries because it is a naturally occurring stone. As such, granite has high heat resistance. Putting hot pans directly on top of granite will not cause any damage, but if your granite countertop contains any sealant, it is best to avoid putting hot pots directly on it.
In contrast, quartz is not as resistant to heat as granite. Suppliers strictly advise never to place hot objects directly on top of a quartz surface. Quartz contains a resin which binds the particles together, and this resin will melt or warp when exposed to high temperatures.
Resistance to scratching:
Scratch resistance is another factor to consider in selecting a material for kitchen countertops. The resin binding used in quartz also makes it more prone to scratching with regular use. Granite, on the other hand, is more resistant to scratching; you can even cut food directly on it. Be careful however because the ruggedness of granite may cause knives to become dull, so it is best to use a wooden cutting board instead.
Easier maintenance:
One of the weaknesses of granite is its susceptibility to staining. Some varieties of granite tend to be more porous than others; hence, the possibility of staining. Nonetheless, you can reinforce granites stain-resistance by applying sealant at least once a year. The resin binding used in quartz makes the material non-porous and less resistant to staining, but the more resin content quartz has, the higher the chances of discolouration and damage caused by heat. Before assuming that quartz is superior to granite regarding maintenance, consider the resin content of the quartz countertop you are buying.
Cheaper option:
When it comes to cost, there is no doubt that granite is more affordable. However, several factors will affect the final estimate such as the size of your kitchen, the finish you choose, and the installation charge. When you are working with a set budget, it is essential to have complete estimates to avoid surprises down the line because costs do add up when you are building a kitchen from scratch.
Eco-friendly option:
Engineered materials like quartz may appear to be an eco-friendlier option, but keep in mind that the materials used to manufacture quartz are quarried off-site as well. This means that quarrying granite and producing quartz will likely use the same amount of resources and energy. Granite is a natural stone and won’t require further engineering. If you are concerned about the environmental impact of the material you are selecting for your kitchen, ask the supplier about their processes and sources.
Read Also:
9 Feng Shui Tips For A Calmer Kitchen
Top 4 Must-Have Appliances In Every Kitchen
We all are excited about buying our first home!
But, in that excitement of owning a new space that is entirely our own, we make some rookie mistakes when it comes to security. Initially, you do put a lot of effort into the ironclad safety of your house, like putting in alarms, sensory cameras, etc.
But, you are also prone to make some mistakes down the line. We have surveyed and found out most of the common mistakes that are done by homeowners in terms of security.
As the 7 top home security mistakes that homeowners need to avoid making are presented underneath, take them as a fair warning and make sure you avoid them at any cost.
Rookie Home Security Mistakes That Homeowners Need To Avoid
These mistakes will sound harmless at first, but they can lead to serious problems when you least expect them. The reason why you should be aware of them is that intruders and burglars keep looking for these loopholes to enter your house.
These actions are taken in haste and should be avoided, especially when you live alone or have kids in the house.
1. Leaving The Windows Unlocked
To ensure full safety when you leave, you should carefully check all the house doors and windows, especially the bolts of the window and the backdoors. This is a mandatory measure for all the valuable items that are locked in your house.
Especially if you have left your kids alone with a babysitter who isn't quite well accustomed to the map of the house, checking the windows is a must before you exit, but sometimes windows do break in because the material is mostly glass.
This is why you need a strong alarm system that will prevent breaking and entering. Click https://smiththompson.com/security-systems-san-antonio/ to get the best home security services for installing an alarm system today.
2. Not Locking Garage Door
This is one of the biggest mistakes, which is so common that it is scary. We have all heard horror stories about stalkers and intruders easily entering the house with just an open door.
There is a door in your garage that leads to your house, at any circumstance that should be locked with a proper locking system unless someone opens it from inside. Unfortunately, this door is the biggest attraction for people for breaking and entering.
A garage should also have installed a security system, proper lighting, and most importantly, an ironclad door that cannot be opened from outside.
3. Keeping The Garage Gate Open When Not Needed
This is again another mistake that happens very often. The garage is mostly opened from the inside, even when it is not used. Even if there is a need to use the garage, one could enter from the gate inside the house.
Avoid keeping the garage gate open at night; this is probably the easiest and the biggest entrance for the intruders and stalkers out there. Instead, an excellent suggestion is to put an intrusion alarm inside the alarm or motion sensors to detect anyone’s presence, even if you are in the other corner of the house.
4. No Perimeter Security
When we talk about security, if you are going to have a strong security system inside your house, then the same should be given to the outside part. This is something that should be considered if you are getting a professional to install your security equipment.
General people forget to get proper lights for the porch or the long drive—even a camera for the space outside or a motion sensor for the backyard. The interior of your house is not the only place that you need to protect, but the entire exterior until your property lasts.
The lack of outside security can also fail to intimidate the burglars or intruders waiting to commit a crime.
5. Leaving A Ladder On The Side Of The House
Leaving a ladder outside your house is literally inviting suspicious break-ins. You have to be careful about these tools and equipment, which can easily give anyone access to enter some of the most private areas of your house.
Every time you work with them, do not keep them in places that can allow people to use them. Instead, this equipment should be kept inside the house, locked in the basement or attic.
6. Leaving Places For The Intruder To Hide
When was the last time that you cut those ‘human height’ hedges from your backyard, or since when have you kept that equipment room outside the main house unlocked? These are very easy hiding places for the people waiting to intrude, open your valuable belongings, or even you.
You cannot be careless because it is only through your strong preparation for security, the intruders will get intimidated. Just like a garage (which is also another excellent hiding place for burglars), you should always keep your utility room, garden room, greenhouses locked.
Plus, get some help and cut those hedges today.
7. Hiding A Key Outside The House
This might be the last one on our list, but that doesn’t make it any less important. In fact, it is the most important one since it is so common. Forgetting your keys is like an everyday habit for some people, and in order to fight them, we always find new and innovative ways to hide a spare outside our house.
This is not only dangerous because the literal weapon of entering your private property is left unattended, but every intruder can anticipate all the hiding places. So, take your keys!
But, if you are prone to forgetting, then you can keep a spare with your neighbors. But, seriously, stop keeping your keys underneath the mat.
Final Note
Home security should be our first priority when we own property. Besides these few common and big mistakes, we should also stop sharing our whereabouts on social media. This just lets people know that you aren’t at home.
Installing a proper security system is essential. Although some might be a little on the costlier side, it is an excellent investment for the long term.
Read Also:
WiFi Security: Mediocrity To Excellence
The Guide to Understanding Your Home Value
3 Home Upgrades to Make Your Property Unique
Noise traveling to and from rooms can be distracting when trying to work, read, or enjoy some peace and quiet.
It can be hard to focus on what you are trying to do when you can hear music blaring, a loud television, or children screaming through the walls, not to mention a million other potential distractions.
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce sound transmitted through the walls, which can be invaluable when preventing sound transfer inside or outside a room. Felt Right has a unique way to achieve this. Depending on the materials you use for this procedure, you can obstruct more or less sound, even blocking the transmission of sound waves entirely, if you choose.
What is Sound Dampening?
Sound dampening is installing materials within a home, vehicle, or other location to absorb, reflect, or diffuse sound. This reduces the amount of noise that passes through and can also improve a room’s acoustics, which is why sound dampening is also known as “acoustic treatment.” It is a significant reason that recording studios make use of this technique.
Sound dampening can eliminate approximately 80% of the sound transfer, meaning that you can prepare a room for studying, work, hobbies, or mental health.
However, there is just enough sound to hear if there is an emergency in another room or someone yells for you. This is especially ideal if you have children in the house or others who may need your attention so that you can focus on what you are doing while still being accessible to others if required.
If you need even greater solitude, one option is to soundproof a room similar to sound dampening but endeavors to block any sound infiltration whatsoever completely. However, this process is far more intensive and to prove entirely successful generally requires planning in architectural design before room construction to ensure complete soundproofing.
What Materials Work Best for Sound Dampening?
When you sound dampen locations, you must decide which materials you wish to use. Different materials can prove effective to different degrees; some are external solutions, while others require installation within the walls or other surfaces.
Keep in mind if air can pass into an area, so can sound. For best results, address windows, spaces between and under doors, and other airflow conduits. No matter how effective your sound-dampening materials are, if air passes freely through such openings, you will have more noise.
Felt Tiles
One of the easiest methods for sound dampening is through the use of felt tiles. These panels have an adhesive back designed not to damage walls or paint, creating a plug-and-play solution. Felt tiles are versatile, coming in various shapes, sizes, and colors, so they are excellent choices if you wish to snazzy up the interior design of your room and enjoy the benefits of the felt’s sound-dampening qualities.
Choosing felt tile designs to match your taste or set a professional tone can be invaluable when creating a relaxing atmosphere or environment conducive to work. A soothing, welcome decor has proven effective in improving mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. Having an attractive backdrop during work video calls provides an air of credibility to a home office space. In either situation, the reduced noise permeation is invaluable.
Polyurethane Foams
These polymer foams come in rolls or sheets and can serve as a suitable sound-dampening barrier, particularly when reducing high-frequency noises. However, low-frequency sounds are more likely to penetrate if the foam is not sufficiently thick, so keep this in mind if you want more effective noise reduction.
Also, be aware that polyurethane foams are flammable, so only place them in areas where they will not be susceptible to open flames or other fire risks. As a result of this quality, this type of sound dampening should be for home use in fire-safe locations rather than used in an industry setting, where there is a greater risk of inflammation.
Polyester Fibers
These dense materials are excellent for sound dampening in industrial settings or other noisy areas. They work best on high-frequency sounds and are often lauded for their strength and durability, making them incredibly resistant to general wear and tear and fire. Plus, it is a lightweight material, which makes it easier to transport and install.
Cork
This porous material is surprisingly effective as it can trap a significant quantity of air, which means it can catch sounds and convert them to vibrations, effectively deadening noise. Cork is effective even in thin sheets, and the material is incredibly lightweight. Furthermore, it is an accessible material to install and can be purchased in tile forms for easy customization.
Mass-loaded Vinyl
A popular choice because it is one of the least expensive sound-dampening options, mass-loaded vinyl is explicitly intended for sound dampening. It is easy to find and acquire this material, but remember that the denser the material, the more effective it will be. Mass-loaded vinyl does not have much elasticity, so it forms a solid barrier that sounds waves have trouble passing through.
Green Glue, Gaps, and Spaces
Remember that sound can pass through any space air can, so for better sound dampening, you need to find spaces where air can pass through, such as cracks or gaps within the walls. Green glue is an excellent choice for filling holes, blocking airflow, and reducing the noise that can enter (or exit) the room.
For areas you will not want to seal, such as windows, you can find sound-reducing curtains that can serve as sound dampening, combatting unwanted outdoor sounds such as those from traffic, industries, and neighbors.
For doors, sound dampening can be as simple as placing a blanket against the gap beneath. Alternatively, you can install a door stop, soundproofing rubber, or acoustic panels to block sound from entering.
The Bottom Line
When you want to keep from traveling in or out of a room, one of the most effective ways to reduce sound is to find appropriate materials that function as sound-dampening agents, placed along walls and wherever there are gaps or cracks in which sound can pass. Proper sound dampening can create an atmosphere conducive to work or relaxation or prevent televisions, music, musical instruments, and other loud forms of recreation from disturbing others.
Read Also:
How To Get 60 Day Trial For Luxury Beddings
Five Bedroom Rug Ideas – Area Rugs and Decorating Ideas
Living Ideas In Small Bedroom House Plans With Efficient House Designs
