How to Maximize Air Conditioning Efficiency and Save Money

March 26, 2022March 22, 2022Bruzzese Home ImprovementsEnergy Efficiency, Home Improvement Tipsenergy efficient, home improvementLeave a comment

A well-maintained AC unit usually lasts anywhere from 12 to 17 years. If you follow up regularly with AC unit maintenance, your unit will last a long time, and you’ll save money in the process.

If you don’t prep your AC unit regularly, you’ll run into many future problems. No one wants to constantly call an HVAC specialist when their AC unit needs repair.

Also, no one wants to endure the harsh summer heat when their AC unit suddenly stops working. The good news is that maximizing air conditioning efficiency is a straightforward process.

In this article, we’ll explain all the ways you can maximize efficiency of your AC unit and preserve its shelf life.

Clean the Outdoor Condenser Area

The condenser is an important part of your AC unit. It’s a two-way system that takes the hot air from your home and transforms it into cool air that’s released back inside.

As you can see, the condenser needs to work properly to ensure the AC unit produces cool air at all times. You can improve the efficiency of your AC unit by cleaning it and removing any debris.

The condenser is located in the square-shaped AC unit near your home. If you’re located in a woodsy area, leaves and pinecones can get stuck inside. Simply remove the hard debris and use a leaf blower to clean the condenser.

Keep Your Indoor Vents Clean

The air vents transfer cool air evenly throughout your home. If they are dirty and blocked, the air conditioner will continue running and not push out the air you need to stay cool.

This will result in your raising lowering the temperature, and running the unit for longer than you should. Keeping your indoor vents clean is fundamental in saving money in the summer months.

Fortunately, you can use a vacuum to clean your indoor vents and maintain steady airflow from your AC unit. Also, you should keep large objects like blinds and furniture away from your indoor vents.

Adjust Your Thermostat Properly

During extreme heat, it’s common to run an AC unit for long periods of time. The problem is that your AC unit could be running when you’re not even home.

This seems like a necessary evil since you want your home to be cool when you come back. Though, you can program your thermostat to automatically adjust your home’s temperatures during different times of the day. This is ideal if you plan on being away from home for long periods of time.

Keep Heat-Producing Appliances Away from the Thermostat

Your AC unit’s thermostat has a sensor inside that gauges the indoor temperature of your home. Once that’s done, the sensor communicates to the thermostat through a relay system whether the temperature needs to increase or decrease.

Because of this, you should always keep heat-producing appliances away from the thermostat. Having these appliances near your thermostat can trick the sensor, causing it to raise your indoor temperature higher.

This causes the entire AC system to run longer and work harder than it has to.

Keep Your Blinds and Curtains Closed

Having natural light in your home can open up your living space and add a spectacle of beauty to your home. Natural light from your open curtains can even benefit your health.

Unfortunately, the more natural light enters your home, the more thermal energy does as well. This can increase your home’s indoor temperature throughout the day.

If you don’t want your AC unit to work so hard, consider keeping your blinds and curtains closed at least during periods of intense sunlight. You can also invest in UV-blocking window shades to avoid this problem.

Clear the Drain Line to Improve Air Conditioning Efficiency

AC units have to drain excess water produced from inside. This is where the drain line comes into play. It’s located by the indoor cooling coil, which is positioned about the furnace.

In many homes, you can find the furnace in the basement. If your drain line gets blocked, you’ll encounter an AC drain pan full problem. All this water can leak in your basement and cause problems with your unit.

To prevent this problem, pour one cup of bleach down the AC drain. Finally, flush the drain with a gallon of water.

Avoid Using Heating Appliances During the Hottest Parts of the Day

Now, we mentioned how the condenser works inside an AC unit. It absorbs warm air from the home and transforms it into cool air. This means the hotter your home is, the harder your AC unit will work.

So, if you’re using heating appliances when your hot already has a high temperature, your AC unit will work harder than it has to. For this reason, avoid using heating appliances, like an oven or dryer, during the hottest parts of the day.

Fix Air Duct Leaks Immediately

If you’re renovating your home and have recently added ductwork to an unconditioned space, you should make sure it’s sealed properly. That way, the ducts won’t leak any cool air.

The more leaks you have in your home, the harder your AC unit will have to work. If you see a leak, make sure to patch it up with special UL 181-rated insulation tape.

During your next scheduled HVAC maintenance session, make sure to point the problem out to the specialist for further review.

Change Your AC Filters Regularly

AC filters make sure that the air entering your home is clean and safe. These filters play a pivotal role in improving the indoor air quality of your home.

Eventually, the air filters will become dirty and clog the AC unit. If you want to keep your AC unit, make sure you’re changing these filters regularly.

If you need help learning how often to change them, check with the AC unit’s manufacturer or your HVAC service technician.

Learn More Home Improvement Tips

Improving your air conditioning efficiency will undoubtedly help you save money during the summer when home cooling costs are usually the highest.

Ultimately, following these tips can help you avoid the headaches of future AC problems. Do you want to learn more home improvement tips? If so, check out our blog for more helpful articles.

Living in Cramped Quarters: Small Space Storage Solutions

March 24, 2022March 22, 2022Bruzzese Home ImprovementsHome Decor, Home Improvement TipsDIY projects, home decor, home improvementLeave a comment

A lot of people turn to small spaces due to affordability and easy maintenance, but storage can turn out to be a hassle.

There’s no need to worry, though. With the right solutions and a bit of ingenuity, you’ll find yourself on the way to small space success in no time. We’re here to help you get started, though.

Read on to learn a few small space storage solutions.

1. Don’t Be Afraid to DIY

Buying smaller furniture for a space can be expensive, which is where DIY options come into play. It’s a great way to customize furniture that accustoms your home.

2. Take Advantage of Vertical Storage

Whether you use tall bookshelves, hooks, floating shelves, or even sconces for lighting instead of table lamps, taking advantage of the vertical space your walls have to offer is a great thing to do. You can hang folding chairs or your bike if you have the space, or place your books and other essentials on the shelves you choose to put up.

Hooks are also great for things like shelves, jewelry, towels, and even handbags. You can also choose to display clothes if you have any nicer pieces you’d like to hang up!

3. Double Duty Furniture

Things like murphy beds and ottomans with storage space are perfect for small spaces. When everything has a purpose and a place it’s easier to organize your space the way you want it, rather than having clutter spread everywhere.

You can also opt for stools as side tables that act as seating when you have company over, and a sleeper sofa so you can have guests over with little to no worries.

4. Make Use of Awkward Space

Finally, don’t forget about the doors in your space, or any other oddly proportioned corners that might be in your home. You can opt to hang hooks over the back, or you can place floating shelves in the space between the door jam and the ceiling.

If you have other corners in your space, DIYing a shelf of some kind isn’t hard or expensive. You can also place a small breakfast nook in areas you might not have thought to use before, or make space for a vanity or other creative area.

Blanket ladders are another great thing to use here, and they’re a cute way to store extra towels or other linens you might have lying around.

Don’t Forget These Small Space Storage Solutions

Now that we’ve gone over a few of the best small space storage solutions, are you ready to get started? Remembering these tips is a great way to make the most of what little space you might have, while still bringing your personal taste into account. Don’t forget to create the space you want, rather than one that’s functional and nothing else.

For more on the latest in home and lifestyle, check out the rest of our website.

5 Common Roof Problems Homeowners May Encounter

March 23, 2022March 23, 2022Bruzzese Home Improvementshome improvement, Roofinghome improvement, roofingLeave a comment

The average American spends about $3,000 annually on home maintenance, and your roof can take a large part of that budget if you need repairs.

Your roof protects your home from the elements, so it’s vital that you stay ahead of small problems before they become big problems. What roof problems should you look for?

Keep reading to find out about common roof issues and how you can fix them.

1. Broken or Missing Shingles

Your shingles can break and loosen or even come off completely if the sealant wears off. Nature, wear and tear, or rodents can damage this sealant. If your roof is older, shingles may also start coming off which is normal.

You can fix this problem by replacing the missing shingles. You can buy single shingles, but you will have to match them up with your current roof. If you are handy, you can replace yourself or you may want to call a professional to ensure there are no other issues.

2. Roof Leaks

Unfortunately, a leaky roof is one of the most common problems homeowners face. The leak could be the result of many issues including broken shingles.

Most of the time, you will find leaks around gutters, near the chimney, close to pipes or vents, or at the flashing points. The best way to track a leak is to go to the attic. Take a flashlight and look for any signs of water damage like mold, black marks, or water stains.

If you can’t get to the attic, you will have to look on the roof. The best way to fix a leaky roof is to have a professional roofing company, like https://www.falconroofingco.com/, take care of it to fix the root problem of the leak and determine if you need to consider replacing a roof.

3. Damaged Flashing

Flashing is the sheet metal or plastic that protects the creases on fixtures like chimneys or skylights. Flashing also preserves the venting pipes underneath the roofing materials. If flashing material gets loose or cracks, water and moisture can leak in.

If any flashing is cracked or loose, replace it with a new one. You should also replace any of the surrounding materials like shingles that may be damaged.

4. Freezing Damages

If your roof is regularly exposed to snow and ice, it can reduce its life expectancy. Many roof issues happen during the winter months.

As ice water melts, it doesn’t run off quickly since it melts at a slow rate. This causes water pooling that can penetrate below the roof and cause problems.

With the cold weather, the water can also freeze underneath your roof as temperatures drop. When the water freezes, it pushes against the shingles as it expands, leaving more room for water to get in.

You can’t avoid the weather, but you need to check your roof regularly for issues.

5. Stagnant or Pooling Water

If your gutters get clogged and your roof starts to catch water, the moisture collects and can create pooling water, which can damage your roof.

Standing water can quickly form mildew or mold that eats away at your roof.

If your roof is flat, you should regularly check for stagnant or pooled water. You can call a professional contractor to check your roof regularly to avoid long-term issues by making roof repairs as needed.

Inspect for Roof Problems

As a homeowner, it’s important that you regularly look for these roof problems before you face a major problem. For repairing a roof, you may want to call professionals to ensure your repairs are done properly.

Keep exploring our site for more great home improvement articles to keep your home looking great.

How to Choose the Best Sofa for Your Living Room

March 23, 2022November 25, 2023Bruzzese Home ImprovementsHome Decor, Home Improvement Tipshome decor, home improvementLeave a comment

For the average household, a sofa can last anywhere between 7 and 15 years. This is a pretty long time, and it means that choosing a sofa for your living room is a pretty big decision. You want your sofa to be comfy to sit on, a joy to look at, and a great fit in your living space.

If you’re in the process of a home remodel and you want to choose the best sofa possible for you and your living room, then this guide can help you. Read on to learn about all of the practicalities to consider and styles you should be aware of.

Sofa Sizing: What You Need to Know

When you’re choosing your living room sofa, one of the most crucial things to get right is the size. You don’t want to be too small for the space it’s going to occupy. At the same time, it would be a disaster if it was too big to fit.

The solution to this quandary? Careful measurement! Taking as many measurements as possible is one of the most important decorating tips you’ll ever learn.

Before you even think about looking for a new sofa, make sure to carefully measure the room it’s going in from every angle. If you’re unsure of how big you can go, try placing cardboard boxes in the space so you can get an idea of how different models will look size-wise. For good examples of two and three-seater models, check out these sofas.

Different Sofa Styles

The next most important thing, after sizing, is style. How is your new sofa going to look in your living room? Some stores allow you to use VR technology to place sofas in your room to see how they would look and this can be a great visual aid.

You should match the style of your sofa to the overall style of your room. Do you generally go for more modern or classical styles? Does a particular design period stand out to you?

You need to think about both the material as well as the shape. Would leather, velvet, vinyl, or wool work best? The material should be aesthetically pleasing, but there are practical considerations, as well.

If you’ve got kids or pets, a white cotton sofa might not be the most practical choice. You may want to opt for something that’s easy to wipe down, instead. The perfect sofa will fulfill all of your design dreams and functional needs.

How to Choose the Best Sofa for Your Living Room

There are lots of things to consider when choosing the best sofa for your living room. You want it to be visually interesting, fit for purpose in your household, and comfortable to sit on. This is a lot of boxes to check.

You can use this guide to help make your decision a little easier. If you’re looking for more home improvement tips, check out the rest of our site now.

5 Tips for Choosing a Water Well Service

March 21, 2022June 21, 2023Bruzzese Home ImprovementsHome Improvement Tipshome improvementLeave a comment

Did you know that approximately 43 million Americans rely on a private well for potable water?

Whether you use your well as a primary water source or not, you’ll want a good water well service to carry out testing, repairs, and maintenance. Some providers also offer well-drilling services for new wells.

Whatever water well service you need, we’ve put together this informative guide to help you make the best possible hire.

Read on for 5 tips for hiring a water well company.

1. Ask About Licenses and Insurance

The government requires water well contractors to hold a license to practice. To ensure a professional service, you should check to see if potential contractors are authorized to provide well water services in your region.

Ask to verify the employees’ certificates to ensure that they can meet your demands.

You’ll also want to hire a contractor with all the relevant insurance. Before any work begins, make sure you have confirmation of both.

2. Consider Your Water Needs

Different well water contractors have different areas of expertise. Some focus on agricultural and commercial well drilling and testing, whereas others are more residential-facing.

By choosing the right company for your water needs, you’ll get a comprehensive service from start to finish.

3. Enquire About Services

Depending on what well water service you require, you may need a different type of specialist. When you interview contractors, make sure they are familiar and experienced with the job at hand.

General well water services can help with simple issues like well pump repair and water testing. See here for what to expect during a routine inspection.

You might need a specialist company for more extensive projects like well drilling. Always be sure to check with your contractor beforehand.

4. Check Out Reviews and Testimonials

Online reviews and testimonials are a great way to narrow down your shortlist of potential well water contractors.

Use a trusted, independent rating website to determine what previous customers liked about the service and what could have been done better. Look for the latest customer testimonials to ensure the contractor consistently makes satisfied customers.

5. Get a Clear Price

Most well water services will be happy to offer you a free, no-obligation quote following your initial consultation. If a company isn’t willing to provide a quote upfront, it’s time to look elsewhere.

Ask about how your bill will be itemized and what payment method you can use. Clarity on pricing is essential when choosing a well service company.

Choosing Water Well Service

When choosing a water well service, you’ll need a qualified company with experience in the type of work you need.

A good range of services, combined with great reviews and a transparent pricing structure, are all great things to look out for in your well water contractor.

Did you find this article informative? If so, be sure to check out the rest of our blog for everything you need to know about home improvement.

Solar Panels at Night: Do They Work Without Sunlight?

March 14, 2022March 14, 2022Bruzzese Home ImprovementsEnergy Efficiencyenergy efficient, home improvementLeave a comment

In 2020, the United States increased its use of solar energy by 22 percent. Thus, solar energy represented eleven percent of all renewable energy consumption.

This year, state and federal governments continue to offer residents incentives and rebates for installing solar panels. So it’s no surprise that many residential and commercial businesses are making the switch!

Still, some people have concerns about depending on solar energy, especially during the night time or cloudy days.

So how do solar panels work? And do solar panels work at night? If you’d like to learn the answers to these questions, keep reading!

Solar Panels- How Do They Work?

Most people know that solar panels convert the sun’s rays into power. Yet, understanding the science behind this process is key to clearing up common misconceptions surrounding the use of solar panels.

Solar panels are composed of solar cells, which are usually crystalline silicon and contain components like boron and phosphorus. Furthermore, they contain two separate parts- one packed with positive electrons and another with negative electrons.

When the sun’s rays hit the solar cell, photons transfer electrons from the part with a greater negative charge to the area where it lacks, resulting in an electrical current. Thus, the more electrons the photons release, the more energy the solar cell generates.

Not all the electrons are used up, so they return to the negative panel to later be used to generate more energy. The result is a continuous current, which batteries can save for later use.

How Do Solar Panels Work at Night?

So what happens to solar panels at night? Without exposure to sunlight, the transfer of electrons comes to a halt, and they stop creating energy.

If you have solar panels on the roof, don’t worry! You can store the energy your panels produce during the day for later use in solar batteries. However, you will need to have several batteries to ensure you always have enough to power your home.

Thankfully, many solar companies allow their customers to participate in a net metering program. It works by transferring the excess energy your panels produce to the power grid in exchange for credits. Then, you can cash in your credits to power your home on cloudy days or at night.

For more information on how solar panels work, go to sunnyenergysolar.com!

Do Solar Panels Work at Night?- Now You Know!

After reading this post, you have a better idea of how solar panels work and how they power your home at night. For more information, be sure to contact a solar energy company in your area! They can resolve any other concerns you have and help you understand the benefits of powering your home with solar energy.

Did you enjoy learning how do solar panels work at night? You’ll find plenty of information that can help you improve your home’s efficiency on our blog. So, be sure to browse more of our great content!

Your Guide to the Average Lifespan of Roof Systems

March 11, 2022March 11, 2022Bruzzese Home Improvementshome improvement, Roofinghome improvement, roofingLeave a comment

The average age of a house in the United States is around 37 years old.

A lot goes into building a house, and one of the most important parts of a house is the roof. It protects everything underneath it, from valuables to structural integrity. If a house averages 37 years old, what is the average lifespan of a roof?

What can you do to prolong the life of your roof, and how long can you expect it to last?

Average Lifespan of Roof Materials

The average lifespan of roof materials is all different. In general, there are three types of roofs that are most common throughout the United States. Each one of them has different strengths and weaknesses:

Wood shake
Cement fiber
Asphalt shingles

Wood shake roofs are wonderful to look at and last a long time. Homeowners who have a wood shingle roof can expect a roof lifespan of around 30 years. They will have to commit to having regular roof maintenance done, but in the end, they will have a beautiful roof that stands up to the weather and environment.

Cement fiber roofs often last around 25 years, but they require very little roof care. You can expect that between the installation and roof replacement they will be the easiest roof to keep looking nice.

Asphalt shingles are by far the most common type of roof in existence today. The number of homes that have asphalt shingled roofs is a sizable majority. They are susceptible to damage from weather and wind, but in general, you can expect a roof to last around 20 years.

Maintenance and Care

A roof is only as good as the maintenance and care that is given. Wood shake and asphalt shingle roofs need to have sections replaced as they become damaged over time. This is often the result of bad weather or severe storms causing damage with hail and high winds.

You can check by looking at the ground around the house after a storm. If you see a lot of shingles, then you know that they’ve been blowing off. You can also look for deformations in the slope of the roof, as well as basic maintenance items like checking the gutters.

Taking care of the gutters and replacing broken shingles won’t solve all your problems, but it will make sure that your roof manages to last towards the longer end of average. It will also reduce the amount of money that you have to spend on repeated repairs.

If you want professional help in repairing or replacing your roof, visit mscroofsystems.com.

The Lifespan of Your Roof

If you know what your roof is made out of, then it isn’t hard to figure out how long it will last. As long as you take special care to ensure that all standard roof maintenance is done, the average lifespan of roof materials and the roof itself won’t be a problem, yours will last far longer.

If this article was helpful or informative, please take a moment and check around our website.

8 Ideas That Could Improve Your House’s Appearance Greatly

February 18, 2022February 15, 2022Bruzzese Home Improvementshome improvementhome improvementLeave a comment

You can readily come across people who make peace with the dull presence of their house. It happens because they assume that breathing life into a house requires a lot of money. Well, it cannot get any further from reality. Home decorators advocate that you can easily turn your living space into a visual treat on budget. Sounds too good to be true? Keep reading to come to terms with extraordinary home improvement ideas.

Leverage Lighting

Decorative lights boost the overall ambiance of your home. Typically, most households utilize regular store-bought lighting to boost curb appeal. For example, colorful LED light bulbs are all the rage right now. They kicked off the color craze several years ago, and since then, people have begun to see colored lighting as more than a pleasant fad. Colored lighting can affect our moods and positively influence the architecture and decor of our houses. The majority of multi-color LED light bulbs are also smart. Meaning they can be controlled using an application in your smartphone.

However, you can also design your own hurricane lamps, which do a stunning job when used to illuminate a pathway. Sometimes, big trees could pose a hurdle while placing lights in your outdoor space, such as lawn. In that case, you are better off cutting trees with the help of tree trimming experts. Do not assume finding tree trimming professionals is a tough nut to crack nowadays. For example, if you live in Austin, just typing “tree trimming Austin TX” will find you a solution!

2) Replace Doorknobs

The majority of people do not give their doorknobs much thought unless they are broken. Believe it or not, changing your doorknobs is a simple way to inject personality into your home. Changing your dull doorknobs with flashy ones instantly brightens your home to a great degree.

3) Bring In Fresh Flowers

You can instantly add a sense of warmth and comfort to your house by placing a vase filled with beautiful flowers. When you come into contact with fresh-cut flowers, their stunning appearance and enticing fragrance instantly brighten your day and sparkle the house like anything.

4) Update Floor Mats

Floor mats have evolved significantly over the years. Currently, you have numerous attractive designs to pick from. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes that are intended to complement your decor. Besides, these mats ensure floor protection without compromising on aesthetics. If you feel overwhelmed by the abundance of options in the market, consider the following factors to cherry-pick the best floor mat for your house:

Floor: If you have hardwood flooring, you should seek a robust mat that will not scratch or shred the floor. On the other hand, if you have carpet flooring, the greatest alternative for protecting your floor and adding to its appeal is a soft and cushioned mat.
Traffic: When shopping for a floor mat, it is critical to figure out how frequently it will be stepped on. Is this a place that family members use to walk to the bathroom or kitchen? Or is there frequent foot traffic all day as infants and pets jump over toys and furniture? Answering these questions will waive off a lot of ambiguity about traffic.
Material: It is imperative to evaluate the quality of the matting cloth or material. It is erroneous to think that just because a mat is made of rubber, it must be of superior quality and hence durable.
Create Focal Points

A space filled with small works of art needs a focal point that is larger than the rest of the artwork. A great photograph, a statue, or any other object that catches the eye will do the job. If you are not comfortable with the huge size of the artwork, you can also experiment with a different form of contrast, such as a black and white painting surrounded by colored paints.

6) Revamp Your Staircase

Most new residences are designed on the pattern of colonial-era homes, with the staircase in the foreground and the numerous rooms radiating around a central hall. Consider using more exquisite woodwork for the railings and newel post. Tap into local scrap yards, classified advertising, and online marketplaces for statement pieces. If you are feeling particularly bold, rip up your wall-to-wall carpeting and replace it with a stair runner for a truly vintage look.

7) Address Your Roof

The roof has a significant impact on the appearance and functionality of your home. If the roof is beginning to show signs of wear and tear, you must do it with architectural shingles. We would recommend you opt for metal roofs in light or cool hue to stay current with roofing trends. Alternatively, for older design homes, consider a tile roof. Modern concrete roof tiles are far more durable than earlier clay tiles.

8) Give Your Kitchen Cabinets A Facelift

If your kitchen has a cave-like sensation, it could be because of those black cabinets sucking all the light out of the area. But the good news is that as long as these kitchen cabinets are in good structure, you can clean them and re-paint them. Over a weekend, transform that dismal kitchen into a cheerful haven.

If you have been living in a house for a few years, the odds are, it may require a much-needed makeover. Contrary to the common assumption, home improvement does not have to be financially burdensome by any stretch of the imagination. Just walk the tight line of the home improvement hacks listed above, and your home will be completely transformed.

The Types of Solar Panels for Your Home: A Quick Guide

February 16, 2022December 2, 2022Bruzzese Home ImprovementsEnergy Efficiencyenergy efficient, home improvementLeave a comment

Solar power is one of the best renewable energy sources around. Now, solar energy can supply over 18 million average American homes. It will increase in the future, with one in seven houses getting a solar power system by 2030.

If you want to get home solar panels, consider learning the best one for you. After all, not all systems have the same features.

Do you need a good starting point? If so, continue reading to discover various types of solar panels in the market.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

These panels appear black because of how light interacts with its material—pure silicon crystal. However, most monocrystalline solar panels use various frame and back sheet colors.

In most cases, the back sheet will be silver or white. Meanwhile, metal frames use either black or silver to distinguish themselves.

Monocrystalline solar panels are the most expensive option. Growing a single, pure silicon crystal is possible due to the Czochralski process. For this reason, the manufacturing process is more costly, energy-intensive, and wastes silicon.

Monocrystalline panels often make more power than other types. It’s because they have higher efficiency and wattage modules. On average, these have over 300 watts of power capacity and 20% efficiency.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

With these solar cells, there’s often a bluish hue to the silicon fragments reflecting light. Regardless, they also use various back sheets and frame colors. They use silver or white for the former and silver for the latter.

Polycrystalline solar panels are usually cheaper than their monocrystalline counterpart. After all, they use silicon fragments instead of pure crystals. It makes cell manufacturing simpler.

The trade-off is the lower energy efficiency. This type of solar panel only has 15% to 17% efficiency. It also means lower wattages.

Thin-Film Solar Panels

These residential solar panels use thin and low-profile technology for their aesthetics. Its cells are 350 times slimmer than the abovementioned types of solar panels.

However, the width is similar if the thin-film panel uses a thick frame. You can use adhesive variants lying as close as possible to your roof surface. If you want durability, consider getting those with frames that are 50-mm thick.

Out of all variants, thin-film solar panels have the lowest efficiency. It depends on the specific material for the cells. The average is 11%.

Also, thin-film technology lacks standard cell variants. It means a thin-film panel’s power capacity depends on its size.

These solar panel options often have lower installation costs due to the less-intensive requirements. However, before installing solar panels in your home, consider reading the linked guide for more info.

Learn Other Types of Solar Panels Now

These are the primary types of solar panels in the market. Pick the best solar panels in your home using their features.

However, your choice of solar panel installer will affect its quality. Consider looking for reputable contractors online. Ask for recommendations from trustworthy people to start your search.

Did you find this guide helpful? If so, consider reading our other posts for more valuable tips and tricks today.

6 Essential Factors to Consider Before Restructuring Your House

February 15, 2022February 15, 2022Bruzzese Home Improvementshome remodelinghome improvement, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Do you wish to spruce up your house a bit? Home restructure, without any doubt, can improve the property’s appeal, enhance the aesthetics, and make the place more functional. While it can yield fulfilling results, the process is a huge undertaking.

Most homeowners dive into the exciting stage of selecting new lighting fixtures and deciding paint colors with zero clue of what lies ahead. They regret not having a solid plan mapped out before they encounter numerous obstacles in the middle of the projects.

Without proper preparations beforehand, hasty home restructuring projects might result in a series of challenges and disappointments. That’s because, unlike constructing a new house, you aren’t starting everything from scratch. As a result, things may go against expectations, and unforeseen events can occur.

Even if you have restructured your house in the past; remember, every project comes with unexpected twists. So, before you jump to the home restructuring path and give the green light to the contractors, here are a couple of things you must keep in mind:

Find the best contractor

Unless you are a staunch DIY person, you will most likely need the help of various contractors to renovate different sections of the home. For instance, you might want to get your hot-water heater removed from the closet on the upper floor, and instead, you want it installed in the garage. In that situation, you might have to hire a plumber to complete this job.

Likewise, suppose you’re willing to build your house from scratch and, this time, use steel. In that case, you’ll definitely have to pick the most reliable professionals in the region. If you’re a resident of Montana, all you need is to type in welding Bozeman MT and hit search to find the best and most trained professionals. These contractors may also execute tasks such as creating iron gates, reinforcing garden fences, and applying paint.

Choose the right time

Indoor home remodeling projects aren’t contingent upon weather conditions. For instance, you can practically complete kitchen updates, bathroom fixtures, and basement projects any season of the year. However, this isn’t the case with outdoor projects.

If you plan to add an outdoor patio, you may need to be mindful of the weather conditions. Even if you decide to begin restructuring during the spring or summer, don’t just count on the pleasant weather to complete the job. Instead, pay attention to the short and long-term weather forecasts. Keep tasks such as woodcutting and spray painting for days when you can enjoy the gorgeous weather outside. That said, ensure you remain alert if there are any unforeseen weather changes.

Consider your budget

Setting a realistic and reasonable budget and sticking to it are critical aspects of home restructuring. That’s because, as with any thriller novel, home restructuring projects also come with unexpected turns and twists.

It’s pretty easy to balloon out of your defined budget. Therefore, be sure to communicate with the contractors, get quotations on project overall costs, and settle on them beforehand.

Remember, a home restructure isn’t an inexpensive venture. You can meet numerous expenses before, during, near the end, and after the project completion. Also, you may have to incur the costs of temporary living arrangements, specifically if the house in question is where you live. Thus, always think ahead and have an accurate understanding of the estimates.

Set a realistic timeline

While you need to be realistic with the budget, stretch the same approach to your restructuring timeline. Even the most diligent contractor you hire may not be able to complete the entire home restructuring project in a specific period.

So, stay alert and accommodate setbacks in your plan to account for problems that may crop up at any time. But what types of delays should you expect? For instance, you may think that the job of replacing an antique tub and vanity mirror would only take a couple of hours. However, you may need to wait to enjoy your new whirlpool tub since the process of removing and embedding new mirrors and tubs can stretch for several weeks.

Aside from this, weather delays and the availability of materials are other concerns that can take longer than usual to get done with home restructuring.

Explore various designs and styles

Restructuring your home isn’t just about materials and choosing the best contractors. Instead, it’s more about how you envisage your new place to be after the remodeling. If the design and style aren’t up to the snuff and match your taste, it can be a kick in the teeth, even if you have invested a fortune.

Therefore, explore various designs and get inspiration from magazines or check Pinterest dashboards. And feel free to scour the interior designing websites to know what’s trending. Mentally visualize which style would make the property more attractive – contemporary, transitional, coastal minimalism, or a rustic farmhouse design.

Be sure to narrow down your interests and be specific about demands to prevent getting talked to by an interior designer.

Obtain necessary permits

Some, if not many, homeowners overlook obtaining building permits and consider them redundant headaches that can decelerate the restructuring process. However, it’s an indispensable part of the process in most cases. It may spell negative consequences if not acquired in the first place. What’s more, you may get knocked with hefty fines, adding more financial burden.

These permits are pivotal to ensure that the house restructure conforms with the fire safety and structural requirements. Additionally, code inspectors hold the authority to rip out if they find any work that’s not up to the mark and satisfactory.

Therefore, if you plan on an extensive home remodel, be sure to obtain planning permissions from the local authorities. It’s recommendable to get the permits well in advance to avoid delays in your project.

Final Words

People restructure their houses for various reasons. For instance, some may wish to increase the home value, while others want to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Whatever the reason, a home restructure is never an easy feat, and you may need to make tough decisions. Of course, every house would be a Pinterest masterpiece and full-blown showstopper if it were that easy.

Instead, the whole process is messy, tiring, noisy, and not to mention, it can get on your nerves. Nonetheless, with patience, attention to detail, dedication, and willingness to adapt, you can navigate the experience without any hitches and losing your sanity. And what’s the final result? Your foresight can help transform a space into a dream home that feels just right for you and your family members.

Remember, every house holds secrets – either in walls, floors, or somewhere else. Therefore, be sure to space in time and extra budget to expect the unexpected and meet unanticipated mishaps.

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