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Six Ways To Get Your Home Ready For Summer

Summer is fast approaching – the days are getting longer, and the temperature is getting hotter. People are excited to dress up in seasonal wear and hit the beach to get toned and tanned. While people are shaping up their bodies for the season, they shouldn’t forget to prepare their houses for the summer heat.

With summer just around the corner, the house needs maintenance and updates to continue functioning in the new season. Starting preparations early on can help people save big on energy bills, safeguard their place, and significantly improve their living experience. Here are a few things families can start doing today to get their home summer-ready to enjoy the season to its fullest:

1. Clear extra stuff from the house

How can someone be okay if their house is a mess? To fully prepare for a new season, people must bid farewell to last season’s things and belongings. People must pack up all blankets, rugs, warm clothes, heaters, and other items crowding the place. Storing them in the house will make the space look unorganized and cluttered.

It’s best to explore nearby storage rentals to start stashing your winter belongings and unneeded items. A quick search on the internet can help. For example, homeowners in Greater Houston can run a customized search query for ‘storage Houston near me’ to identify good options. Repeat the same for any US city or county you live in. Doing so will help clean the house.

2. Clean gutters and drains

Before stepping into a new season, it’s best to unclog all gutters and drains. During the winter and fall, leaves and mud accumulate in the drainage system. The debris piles up until it clogs the drains, causing several leaks in the walls and the roof. People must acknowledge this obstruction and clean it before it causes severe water damage all over the house. Ignoring this problem will only result in excessive build-up and house damage in the future. It’s also good to check the trenches and underground pipes to ensure they drain water away from the house and not push it back into the property.

3. Spruce up the yard and garden

Summer is all about nature – trees, plants, shrubs, bushes, flowers, and more. Individuals must hire gardeners to tidy up their yards by cutting or curing the rotten plantation and planting more flowers and greens around the property. People interested in creating a fruit and vegetable garden must plant the seeds of their desired crop and prepare the soil to give the yield time to grow. Lush gardens require effort and the start of the summer season is the right time to work for it.

4. Decorate the interior and exterior

Winter coziness is now ending, and the summer airiness is beginning. It calls for a complete up-gradation of the house’s interior and exterior structure. People can refresh the inside of their homes by switching dull dark curtains with light ones, adding indoor plants, changing furniture setting to create more space, touching up the floor, etc. A fresh coat of paint can also never go wrong. Welcome the summer vibe by painting the house’s interior and exterior in bright pastel colors that reflect more light, making the house look spacious and cooler.

5. Insulate the doors and windows

Insulating the right areas around the house can keep cool air inside and annoying bugs and insects outside. Windows and doors are the ideal insulation points as air and creepy crawlies escape and enter massively from these locations. People are advised to invest in high-quality insulation that works well during the summer months. It will also help homeowners save energy as HAVC systems won’t have to work harder to cool the space because of poor insulation.

6. Prepare the air conditioner

The first scorching day of summer creeps into people’s lives slowly and unveils itself suddenly. People don’t get time to prepare to deal with the heat until it makes its presence felt. Therefore, people must always anticipate the worst and get their ACs checked before time. This way, they have their filter changed, system in working order, and everything settled before the warm weather develops into endless sweating. Moreover, people escape the torture of getting their appliances fixed in the peak summer season when the prices are too high and workers are unavailable.

Conclusion

Preparing the house for summer sounds like a bothersome and tedious task, but it is incredibly therapeutic and can help save a lot of money needed to fix avoidable damage in the future. Moreover, it’s great to be prepared to enjoy the new season in full swing. Stop delaying summer season preps and get hustling to make the most of the time you have before the heat hits hard.

Last Minute Repairs: 4 Home Improvements that are Better to Make in the Summer

The summer season is almost over. Procrastination has probably gotten the best of you, but you still have time to catch up with a few last-minute repairs. Weather-wise, summer is the perfect time for both outdoor and indoor home projects. You might want to focus on a few home improvements before winter knocks again. Warmer and more reliable weather with kids at home means you can manage tasks easily, especially if they include painting and staying out. Let’s take a look at four remodels to work on before summer ends.

Roof Repair

Experts recommend bi-annual roof inspections and maintenance. Summer is the ideal season to call in a contractor specializing in residential roofing. Have them inspect for damages and loose shingles on the roof. You might also want to repair simple patches, loose gutters, painting dull roof fittings, and fixing broken pieces on the roof. You could also combine the repairs with roof and gutter cleaning to ensure that you are set for the next year. If the damages are too severe, consider replacing the entire roof.

Upgrade Your Window Treatments

The right window treatments can help you cool or warm your house depending on the season. There’s a wide range of window treatments ranging from black curtains to motorized roller shades. The right window treatments should allow enough sunlight to your house for lighting purposes, which helps you conserve energy. They should also cut down dangerous UV light to keep your home cool. Pick pieces that will improve the general look and feel of your home.

Power Wash Your Home

The dry days are almost over. You endured the hot afternoons and dusty days. Your home is also a victim of the harsh weather. You might want to give it a power wash to bring back the sparkling effect and improve curb appeal. Consider hiring professional cleaners to help with the driveway, siding, and deck. You could also allow them to deep clean your home’s interior.

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

The summer seasons tags along with some expensive energy bills mostly from heating and cooling systems. You could upgrade your thermostat into a programmable unit that automatically turns itself off when temperatures are cool and save some energy costs.

Take advantage of the time and conducive environment to make these four major home improvements. You don’t want a leaking roof in the middle of a rainy night during the coming seasons.

Stay Cool This Summer: 4 Home Updates to Make This Year

As the weather starts to warm up, it’s only a matter of time before summer arrives. If you’re trying to cut down on your AC use this coming year, there are a few alternatives you can try for cooling your home. Read on for four ways to cool your home this summer.

Install Heat-Reflective Window Film

Heat-reflective window film is an easy way to update your home to keep you cooler. Installing this almost invisible film helps to cool your home by rejecting 57% of all solar energy. Instead of allowing the summer sun to steadily stream in through the windows and heat up your home, installing this film is a quick DIY project that you’ll really feel pay off.

Use a Ceiling Fan

While ceiling fans aren’t an innovative way to keep cool, they are quite effective. If you don’t have any ceiling fans in your home, consider installing them before summer arrives. Ceiling fans help to save money as they use 60 watts of energy while AC’s use about 2000 watts.

Additionally, the ceiling fan helps to provide a consistent and constant breeze. While your air conditioner blows cold air (hopefully), your fan actually allows for the constant flow of air throughout your home. In the event that your AC isn’t working effectively, you’ll be able to turn your fan on and enjoy the cooler air.

Add Shutters to Your Windows

Aluminum shutters are another update to add to your home to keep you cooler in the summer months. While these shutters are on the exterior of your home, they are an effective way to add shade to your home. During the day when the sun is its hottest and brightest, close your shutters. This will significantly reduce the amount of sunlight coming into the windows, ultimately making your home feel cooler.

Seal Your Windows and Doors

To make sure your home is as cool as possible during the summer, you’ll want to make sure you aren’t letting cold air escape. While running your air conditioning is a quick way to cool down, if you have cracks around your windows or in the walls, you’re not efficiently cooling your home. Before summer hits, go around the home to make sure all of your windows, walls, and doors are properly sealed. This way, you’ll be able to make the most of running your air conditioner.

With these tips, you don’t have to blast the AC this summer to stay cool. Keep these four ideas in mind to make sure you keep the heat away, even on the hottest days of the year.

Looking Ahead: 4 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Warmer Months

Looking Ahead 4 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Warmer Months

As the warmer months of the year approach, the need to prepare each home for the change from cold to hot is vital to be ready for every eventuality. Preparing a home for the warmer months can do more than making sure one is ready for any emergency situations, it can also save the homeowner money on their utility bills.

Maintain HVAC systems

Most HVAC companies recommend undergoing a maintenance checkup twice a year during the Fall and Spring to make sure the system is working effectively before reaching peak use times. If the homeowner is not wanting to deal with a professional HVAC company, the first step to take for some home repairs is to turn on the cooling system and ensure it is working effectively before it is needed in the warmer months of the year. One of the major trends for preparing for the warmer months is to install a programmable thermostat in a bid to save on bills. The Department of Energy recommends turning a programmable thermostat as high as possible in the warmer months and presetting a temperature for times spent away from home.

Check decorations and shutters

When preparing a home for the warmer months, one often overlooks what are often seen as decorations around the home. Dusting and switching ceiling fans to circulate air for the warmer months is the first step to take to ensure cooling is undertaken in many different ways. A second issue to consider is the use of shade to protect against the heat of the sun using shutters, which should be checked for damage following the cooler months of the year.

Prepare for storms

Warmer temperatures are usually accompanied by storms and heavy rain for many parts of the world. An area often overlooked is checking for leaks and areas which could be damaged by a storm or heavy rain, such as cracks and holes in walls and roofing systems. Gutters play a role in protecting against storm damage and should be cleaned and checked for damage as the warmer times approach.

Protect against bugs

The problem of bugs is one we are all worried about as the warmer times of the year roll around again. Bugs of all kinds are unable to survive during the cooler months and appear in the Spring meaning a homeowner should seal their home and consider employing a pest control service if needed.

Taking a few small steps in the months before the warmest times of the year come around can have a major impact on the success felt during the Summer. Shutters provide shade from the radiant heat of the Sun and should be considered for areas of full sun throughout most days.

Tips To Stay Comfortable If Your HVAC System Goes Down

With more than 80 percent of American homes having some kind of air conditioning or heating system installed, it’s easy to take that technology for granted. However, these systems don’t always function the way we expect. In those situations, we have to cope with the climate the way our ancestors did, in the days before these modern conveniences existed.

Coping without heating or air conditioning is an inconvenience no one wants to deal with, but it’s something everyone needs to be able to do. Fortunately, staying comfortable, even without your HVAC system, is a matter of following some relatively simple guidelines. With these tricks in mind, you can keep from feeling too hot or too cold, even if your HVAC system is on the blink for more than a day.

For example, keeping cool in the summer without air conditioning means dressing for the weather, drinking plenty of cold water, and avoiding the use of heat-generating appliances — unless necessary. For additional cooling, you can take a lukewarm bath or shower before bed, or stay in your basement during the hottest hours of the day.

Staying warm without your furnace is possible if you stick to only a few rooms and block the doors to the unused rooms with heavy curtains or blankets. Dressing in layers of warm wool clothing and blocking drafts under doors with rolled-up towels and blankets also helps you stay comfortable even when it’s cold inside your house.

Modern conveniences such as HVAC systems have certainly made life easier. However, knowing how to live without them will make life easier for those brief periods when they aren’t working. Or, you might want to live without them voluntarily to save a little money on your energy bills. Either way, these tips can help you stay comfortable without your HVAC system.

Tips to stay comfortable if your HVAC system goes down from Randazzo Heating & Cooling

How To Clean Your Retractable Shade Awnings

Many people forget to care for their retractable awning once it’s installed and keep using it every day and for months and years till one day they realize that multiple problems have developed with the uncared for awning. The awning may stop rolling in or out smoothly, or may develop mildew and fungi, or may have too coarse and thick covering of dust on it to make it frizzy, etc. Most of these problems can be avoided easily with a little maintenance and periodic cleaning. A clean and well-maintained outdoor retractable awning would last for many years. Here are some expert tips and steps to clean your outdoor awnings.

awning
Retractable Shade Awnings

  • Steps for general cleaning

A general cleaning is advised every month to keep the awning in good health. This just needs a broom and a water hose.

  1. Clean the awning fabric outside and inside with a broom
  2. Now clean the awning with a jet of water and use only cold water
  3. Allow the fabric to air dry completely before you retract it

This cleaning is required once a month, and without any serious steps, the awning will keep looking nice and shining with this much care. However, you need to clean the retractable shade awning once in 2 to 3 years with soap water.

  • Soap water cleaning steps

To clean the awning with soap water, use only mild soaps, and avoid the use of harsh chemical and detergents. Also, use only cold water for this.

  1. Use a broom to clean the fabric outside and inside very well.
  2. Now with a hose of cold water, wet the fabric.
  3. Make soap water solution, and then sprinkle the solution on fabric and gentle rinse in patches with a soft brush. Start from the bottom and move upwards.
  4. Now leave the soap water and give some time for the soap to work, as it loosens the dirt.
  5. Now rinse off the soap with cold water.
  6. Allow the fabric to air dry completely
  7. Retract it

All types of dirt and stains can be removed from outdoor awnings when you use the right cleaner for the problem. Oil stains, paint stains, bird droppings, mold and mildew, rust stains, and everything will be gone with the right cleaner.

  • Facts you must know to keep the awning good

Besides cleaning the awning periodically, there are some words of caution, which you must know and follow. They are:

  1. Shrubs and vines, which twine around the awning or touch it, may contain chemicals and acids, which will slowly corrode the fabric and the metal bar. Hence, you should try to keep such elements away from the awning and prune shrubs and vines nearby.
  2. Never retract an awning while the fabric is still wet. This way the fabric will develop molds and mildew on it, and eventually smell awfully bad, and freeze while rolling on or out.
  3. The awning frame is made of aluminum like metal, which does not demand much cleaning etc. Hence, you may loosely broom it in a month and forget.
  4. Never wet the motor part of the awning. Wetting the framework or the motor will bring trouble.
  • Outdoor retractable awnings need little and general care mostly

Generally, retractable shade awnings are made of stain and mold resistant fabrics, which are treated accordingly to show such characteristic. However, when too much of dirt builds up, then molds may grow not directly on the fabric, but on the dirt clumps. Hence, a periodic cleaning ensues that you won’t face challenge while retracting the awning or rolling it out. It will look fresh and stay as it is for longer period of time.

Factors To Consider During The Air Conditioning Installation And Maintenance Services

Air conditioning installation and maintenance is a service provided in order to facilitate proper installation of an air conditioner unit. In order to ensure that it provides you the guaranteed improved and quality air with optimal and ideal energy usage. The installation of a unit varies according to the different types of AC units available. Selection of an AC unit depends on different parameters such as the space to be cooled and the total amount of heat generated within the enclosed surface. Based on the above-mentioned criteria, the AC units are classified as:

Air Conditioning

  • Window Air Conditioner
  • Split Air Conditioner
  • Packaged Air Conditioner
  • Central Air Conditioning System

The primary factors to consider during the installation and maintenance services of air-conditioning, which affect the performance of an AC unit, are:

  • Correctly sized
  • Sufficient airflow operation
  • Appropriate amount of refrigerant
  • Tightly sealed ductwork

The proper installation and maintenance service of an air conditioner unit helps you obtain the optimal comfort. There are many firms, who are rich in industrial expertise provide high quality air conditioning installation and maintenance services. The air conditioning installation process comprises of different steps such as:

1. Indoor Unit Location

The positioning of the air conditioner plays a pivot role in its installation and working. The air conditioner front vents shall not be obscured in any way that may cause hindrances in good air circulation.  In addition, an AC unit should be always away from any doorways or any pipes.

2. Outdoor Unit

With regards to outdoor units, there shall be enough of space around it and shall always be installed in a flat and secure surface. If the air conditioning unit installation is done on a roof, it needs to be fastened on a wood to prevent it from being blown by the high wind.

3. Water Drainpipe

In the case of an indoor unit, make sure the water pipe is at the end of the tray and rubber bung is at the hole on opposite side. The drainpipe should be angled at a good distance from the location, as water drainage would be much more during extreme summer.

4. Pipe Connection

While connecting the pipe to the unit, do not over tight them and they need to be covered with a foam insulation to prevent from any refrigerant leaking.

Purpose of Maintenance Service of an Air Conditioner is:

  • Control bacterial growth in cooling water systems.
  • Avoid scaling and corrosion of pipelines that come in contact with the circulating water in an AC unit.
  • Maintain perfectly cleaned and sanitized drain pans to prevent stagnant water.
  • Prevent increased consumption of energy source due to corrosion products and deposits within the compressors.

Furthermore, regular maintenance of an AC unit is important for proper functioning of the unit at its top efficacy. Routine air conditioner maintenance helps to avoid any major breakdowns in the future and perfect functioning throughout the changing seasons to come.

For efficient operation, the unit shall be maintained effectively and efficiently throughout its usage. The negligence of necessary maintenance can cause a steady decline in the performance of the unit with a steady rise in energy consumption. The primary objective of maintenance is to mitigate the consequences of a failure of the unit.

Important Steps in Air Conditioner Maintenance Service are:

Routine cleaning and replacement, if needed, of air conditioner filters, coils, and fins. Clogged filters prevent good airflow. Unclean coils reduce the unit’s ability to absorb heat and the condenser coils bent easily, which needs to be replaced to avoid blocking of airflow.

  1. Clear clogged drain channels – as they prevent the air conditioners from lowering the humidity levels.
  2. Correct checking of the amount of refrigerant.
  3. Checking the thermostat accuracy.
  4. Measuring airflow in the evaporator coils.

Thus, proper care ensures the efficacy of your air conditioner.

 

Yard Transformation: 3 Trendy Essentials For The Ultimate Backyard Bash

Yard Transformation 3 Trendy Essentials For The Ultimate Backyard Bash

When you have a party for your family and friends, there are a few things that you want to make sure that you have to offer. These essentials include food that your guests will enjoy, decorations to add a bit of style and color to the event and even a few games that will keep the party rolling along. Before the day of the party, you need to make a list of all of the things that you’re going to need for an ultimate celebration so that you’re prepared when you go shopping and when your guests arrive.

Lighting

Your guests will need to be able to see while they are outside. There are a few options when thinking about the lighting. You could use citronella candles that will provide ambient light and that will keep pests away. Commercial lights are also an idea as they are often brighter than a typical light source. You can hang the lights along the edges of a tent that you put on the back porch or a tent that you put in the center of the yard along with tables and chairs. Solar lights are another option. They can charge during the day, lighting up at night so that you don’t have to worry about using electricity.

Just Keep Swimming

One of the fun things that you can offer to your guests is a place to swim or at least a place to enjoy some kind of water. An above-ground pool is an idea, and it will provide hours of entertainment for the family even after the party. You can also install a hot tub in the backyard for guests to enjoy. Work with professionals, like those at The Hot Tub Store, to ensure you pick out the best hot tub for your needs and home. Add a few candles that float on the water and music to create a relaxing and fun environment for your backyard bash.

Something To Watch

Give guests a way to watch movies with a projector that is set up on a table that displays on the side of the house or a large screen that you set up outside. If you don’t have a screen, then use large pieces of white paper that are secured to a flat surface outside. You can have a movie night with snacks and comfortable seating.

Your backyard bash should be an event that is remembered for the rest of the year. Make sure there is plenty of entertainment and food to enjoy. Try to offer something that you normally don’t see at events in the neighborhood so that your event stands out.

How to Give a Boring Deck More Dimension

How to Give a Boring Deck More Dimension

For many people, grill-out season is finally here. We all enjoy long summer evenings, eating family dinners, having friends over, and socializing outdoors. It’s not as fun when you look outside and realize that your deck is boring. Maybe the wood is looking a little dingy, or there just isn’t much to look at period. You don’t have to settle for a boring deck where only the grill is relegated to. Here are five ways you can give a boring deck more dimension and entice your guests outdoors.

Paint or Stain in Two Tones

Painting or staining your deck in more than one shade is a great way to add dimension to your family and party area. If the wood is looking a little weather-worn, now might be a great time to add some pizazz to the overall color. Try painting or staining the floorboards in one color but the railing in a contrasting shade. Get creative with it and remember to prime and waterproof.

Add Some Outdoor Plants

You can spice up the look of your deck by adding some plants. Flowering plants can give a beautiful touch of color to small spaces. Or, you could consider having a potted garden. Many herbs, tomatoes, and some peppers can be grown in pots which you can then use in your cooking. Fresh, homegrown tomatoes have the best flavor and taste great on burgers. Their beautiful colors will also liven up your deck.

Consider Updating Your Furniture

Fading deck furniture always looks drab. Consider purchasing a new set. Or, if you aren’t ready to commit to that purchase, spray-painting metal, plastic, or wicker chairs and tables can bring new life to the furniture you already have. If the cushions are looking worn and faded you can either recover them if you have some sewing skills or you can purchase new ones. Add touches of color with the cushions and include decorative details with pillows, throw blankets, or table centerpieces.

Add Evening Atmosphere Lighting

At night we all enjoy looking at the stars but if you are having a party a little bit of lighting is a great way of giving your deck a bit of ambiance. Paper lanterns can add a fun vibe. Another great alternative is string lights. Or, if you would like something more permanent consider inset lights or strip lights placed under the floorboards which will also ensure that no one trips as they climb the stairs. Insect repellent candles can give you some protection as well as added lighting and ambiance.

Keep Your Lawn Manicured

We’re talking about decks, but many have stairways that lead into the backyard or at very least, overlook the backyard. By keeping the lawn and yard well-maintained you will have a more inviting view that will give your deck more dimension. Put up yard games like croquet, badminton, or horseshoes for the kids. Be sure to mow or have a lawn care service come and cut the grass before any event.

Your deck doesn’t have to be boring. With just a few easy changes you can have a deck that you, your friends, and your family will enjoy all summer long.

 

3 Bright Color Palettes To Consider For Your Home This Summer

3 Bright Color Palettes To Consider For Your Home This Summer

Paint manufactures and houseware companies offer homeowners new colors and ideas each year, and 2017 is a banner year for their home design ideas. These companies offer a number of new color palettes that provide a bright new look for home interiors that reflect the current needs of consumers. Browse the selection at local establishments such as Koontz Hardware, to find new options like these color palettes that are making a splash in interior design this year.

1 – A Blend of Calming Colors For Your Forest Bath
The idea of the “forest bath” is based on a Japanese practice of spending extended time in a wooded environment to reduce stress and refresh the spirit. Recently, the principle has received scientific support from a study from Stanford University. You can create this same serene environment in your home with the use of a combination of greens and blue-greens, set off with more pronounced tones, such as Grape Kiss or Acid Lime.

2 – Rely On Black & White, With A Pop Of Color
Black-and-white is a classic look that suits many modern and contemporary designs. The stark contrast of the two tones have been a staple of interior design since the 1940s, and more recently, has been combined with bright chrome and other metallic shades. This year, the look is being combined with a pop of bold color. Try one of the new shades of bold color, such as Opaline Green, Orange Popsicle or Prism Pink. The addition of bright color introduces an optimistic and vivid aspect into the traditional black-and-white background.

3 – Celebrate The Novelty Of Unexpected Combinations
Some of the new color palettes invite you to develop an acquired taste for unexpected combinations that challenge old decorating concepts. The juxtaposition of vibrant colors with a background of quieter tones may not be something you’re accustomed to, but it can provide a fresh and updated look for your home. Colors like Mulberry, Orange Chiffon and Brandied Melon can be a surprising match with pale gold or muted pink. The look may inspire you to try a few new combinations of your own.

If you’re in the market for paints and products for re-decorating your home, take some time to research the current trends. You may be surprised at the vast number of color choices that are now available. Some of the new color palettes are so innovative they take some getting used to, to train the eye to accept a whole new look. Other palettes are reminiscent of older trends that consumers know and have loved for decades. Sample these new offerings to your heart’s desire, experimenting with new color combinations and contrasting tones, to update the look of your home.

 

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