If you’ve ever thought about improving the air quality in your home, you may be surprised to find out that your project can be achieved in very little time. In fact, you can try some of these simple projects to ensure that you can breathe a little easier at home:
Clean Your Home
When it comes to dust and allergens, there’s no better way to get them out of the air than to have a strict cleaning regimen. When cleaning your home, you should not only vacuum the pet hair out of your carpet, you should also try to keep your pets as clean as possible. If you have any pet supplies like toy baskets, litter boxes or food bowls near your vents, you need to move them because of the propensity for vents to blow airborne irritants around your home.
Upgrade Your Bathroom Vent Fans
Your bathroom can eventually develop poor air quality because of mold and mildew. Therefore, you should make sure you remove excess moisture from this area by installing quality vent fans in every bathroom of your home. Newer models of bathroom vent fans come with humidity sensors, which make them far more effective than their predecessors.
Test for Radon
It doesn’t really matter if your home is old or new, you should always test for radon. Since radon is colorless and odorless, there’s only one way to find out if it’s inside your home. Over time, it may affect your health, so getting this checked is important.
Add Spot Ventilation
Many times, closets and closed in spaces get musty odors. If you want to combat these potential irritants, try installing a recessed light fixture and vent fan combination. These nifty devices are also useful for ventilating humid air from laundry rooms.
Get your Heating System Checked
A malfunctioning heating system can contribute to poor air quality, so be sure to get your heating filter changed and get your heating system checked. It’s important to replace faulty and older units that aren’t working well, and professionals can help make sure it’s replaced or repaired properly. You can also consider other indoor air quality products like UV lights to help improve the air you breathe in your home.
Your family’s health can be greatly affected by the air quality in your home, so it’s important to take necessary steps to make improvements. These tips will help you get started to making your home air quality better.
The end of summer brings on the chilly air of fall, a reminder that the winter is right around the corner. There’s no better time to start prepping your home for the frigid months than right now! On top of making sure your home will withstand even a treacherous season, these changes will help you save on your utility bills, too.
1. Give Your Heating System a Tune-Up
Hire a professional to inspect your heat pump or furnace. They’ll ensure that the system is in good shape and clean so that it works efficiently all season long. If you’re in need of furnace repair, consider a company like HomeSmart from Xcel Energy instead of trying to make the changes yourself.
2. Reverse Your Fans
Your ceiling fans are probably used all spring and summer to keep the air as cool as possible. In the cold months, you can reverse the blade direction so that the fans push warm out into the room. During the fall and winter, your fans should run clockwise to produce the updraft, pushing hotter air down. You’ll especially notice the difference in the rooms with high ceilings.
3. Check Out Your Shingles
Head up to the roof – or hire someone to go up there – to look for loose, missing or damaged shingles, which could leak when snow starts melting. If necessary, have shingles repaired now, before it’s too late.
4. Clean the Gutters
While you’re up there, clean out your gutters. When your gutters aren’t cleaned up, water can damage the roofing, siding and trim, and it can also lead to ice dams and leaks.
5. Rake Your Roof
If you have a flat roof, rake it off to clear it of leaves and pine needles, both of which can hold moisture.
6. Insulate Your Windows
If there are gaps in your window frames, apply exterior caulk. Use silicone caulk on the exterior of your home, which can stand up to the elements. You may also want to add weather stripping to your doors.
7. Insulate the Doors
You can put exterior caulk in the door frames, too, but weather stripping is probably going to be more effective. If there are small gaps in the door joints, you can use caulk. You’ll know you’ve sealed them properly when you can no longer see daylight pouring in.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to make these necessary changes and upgrades to your home. You don’t want to find out that you have a leaky roof or poor insulation by finding mold in your attic or getting a high utility bill.
As temperatures drop, thermostats rise and we all start to spend more time indoors. Unfortunately, it’s a well known fact that the frequency of house fires during fall and winter months increases. Fires can start from a variety of causes including faulty wiring, cooking, smoking and heating equipment – but not to worry, National Fire Prevention Week starts Monday October 4th, and just in time!
In 1920, President Wilson proclaimed October 9th to be National Fire Prevention Day in the U.S. to commemorate the devastating Great Chicago Fire that killed 250, destroyed more than 17,000 buildings and left 100,000 people without homes. Thus, National Fire Prevention Week is observed the entire week in which that day falls to help raise awareness. With house fires becoming a bigger threat to homeowners this time of year, we are sharing some tips on how to better fireproof your home!
Have and Check Smoke Detectors Regularly
Roughly half of home fire deaths result from overnight fires when most people are asleep – so fitting is this year’s theme of “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep.” Every sleeping area, kitchen, living room, basement, and attic should have a working smoke alarm. Carbon monoxide or smoke/CO alarms are required if there are fuel-burning appliances, and combo ionization and photoelectric alarms are best at detecting all fire types. Check detectors every other month, and replace batteries twice a year.
Cook Carefully
Kitchens are the most common location of house fires, with most starting within the first 15 minutes of cooking. It’s important to never leave cooking food unattended on your stove and check your oven regularly when in use – especially if using oil, butter or other flammable materials. Keep your stove and oven clean, and avoid setting things that can catch on fire like wooden utensils and oven mitts on a stovetop. And most importantly, remember if you have a kitchen grease fire, do not put water on it – instead try to smother it with a lid if it is small and safe to do so.
Consider a Security or Home Automation System
Installing a security system or home automation system can take home fire protection to the next level! Many alarm/automation services provide 24/7 monitoring of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and other sensors that might indicate an emergency situation from a gas leak or abnormally high temperatures. Even better, these systems allow you to monitor your home from your smartphone wherever you may be and will send alerts directly to your device should something happen. Fire department and other first responders can also be notified instantly so you can concentrate on getting your family to safety while someone is on their way to assist you.
Have Fire Extinguishers on Hand
At a minimum, your kitchen should always have a fire extinguisher stored and easily accessible. Other good locations are central hallways, exit doors and the garage. Only use dry chemical extinguishers, which extinguish common types of fires including paper, electrical and grease fires. An extinguisher won’t be of much use to you though if you aren’t aware of how to use it and for what types of fires, so make sure everyone in the house knows how to properly operate the extinguishers and where they are located.
Keep an Eye Out for Faulty Wiring and Outlets
Always keep an eye on the electrical cords and outlets around your house, checking specifically for signs of fraying and replace any found that have frayed wires or are worn out. If you have pets that freely roam the house, also check for bite mark that may have puncturing cords. Be careful not to cover electrical cords with a rug or pitch with furniture, and try not to overload your circuits. And as a bonus, if you’re thinking about moving into a new house, consider having your home’s electrical system inspected by a licensed electrician for any faulty wiring.
Carefully observe alternative heating sources (space heater, fire place)
Heating equipment fires are second to kitchen fires in frequency. Avoid using old space heaters that may not be up to current safety standards, and keep space heaters well away from flammable materials including furniture and curtains. As a general rule, it’s always smart to keep flammable materials at least 3 feet away from heating sources, and remember to turn off all devices before leaving the house or going to bed.
On a similar note, make sure to have your chimney cleaned before you really start using it this season, and don’t burn materials that are likely to spark chimney fires like boxes or trash!
Have an Escape Plan
And as a last resort, it’s always a good idea to have an escape plan in place to ensure your family’s safety. Sit down and talk with your family to prepare a plan so you will be prepared should an emergency situation arise. Make sure children understand how to get out safely and pick a meeting spot out in front of the house. Review fire do’s and don’ts with everyone, and most importantly, always observe the rule “Once Outside, Stay Outside.”
When that fall nippiness tingles your nose, remember National Fire Prevention Week and take these tips to mind – now is the time to inspect and prepare your home against the life-threatening danger of a house fire. Take the time this season for educating yourself and your family about fire facts, how to avoid fires, extinguish them and how to escape should the worst happen. Stay warm, but stay safe!
When it comes to selling your house, you want to get as much out of the sales price as you can, but it isn’t always easy. In many neighborhoods, you have stiff competition, and buyers are always looking to get the most house for their money. You have to do everything you can to make your house stand out and up the sale price. One way you can do that is by making a few new additions to your home, or at least refreshing some of the existing spaces. Keep in mind that not all additions are worth the same amount, so stick with these upgrades, and you’ll eventually really see that sales price climb.
A New Kitchen A kitchen renovation is one of the home upgrades you’ll see the most return on. Investing anywhere from $300 to $5,000 should get you a return of anywhere from 3 to 7 percent. If yout budget allows, consider renovating your outdated kitchen to add even more value to your home. Alternatively, focus on fixing the things that will jump out to buyers: a faucet that leaks, the burnt countertop, etc. Also, keep in mind that new or at least matching appliances are a huge incentive to buyers, so consider replacing your outdated ones or at least order new faces or fronts to make them all match.
An Extra Bath
Next to the kitchen, the bathrooms are the next priority for most buyers so another great way to raise the price on your home is to add an extra bath. If there isn’t space for a completely new bathroom, then simply focus on updating the existing spaces. Even simple fixes like caulking the tub and re-grouting the tile can make a huge difference in enticing buyers. Consider replacing the vanity and countertop, put a new coat of paint on the walls and you can really blow interested buyers away without too hefty of an investment. This fix should earn you roughly 2 to 3 percent more on your sales price.
Landscaping Curb appeal is an important selling factor so be sure to invest some of your budget here. Well-designed landscaping can turn a tired, drab, cookie cutter home into a real knockout, which will both attract more buyers and increase your sales price. Be sure to replace old bushes and add some color. Stand-alone plants are great, but you can also make great impact with flower beds and potted plants.
Install a Security System
Safety and security are also important to buyers, so keep this in mind as you list your home. For most buyers today, a preexisting security system is a real incentive. So consider options that are comprehensive but still affordable, like the systems available from Northstar Home Security. A security system requires very little investment on your part but goes a long way toward making a new homeowner feel safe and comfortable in a new place.
New Light and Plumbing Fixtures
Dated light and plumbing fixtures is a sure way to sink the sales price of your home, so take some time and money to update these treatments. It may not seem like a huge deal to you, but outdated gold fixtures, or worse, rusted fixtures are a real deterrent to buyers. Plus, this update won’t cost you an arm and a leg to complete.
The final sales price on a home is a fine balance between striking a good deal for both the buyer and the seller. However, one of the best ways to guarantee that you get the most out of your home is to make a few additions that carry a high value for prospective buyers. Use this list to guide you as you update your home in preparation to sell, and you’ll be sure to get top dollar for your house.
First impressions of your home are often made based on its curb appeal. As odd as it may seem, you may seldom focus on the exterior appearance of your home. The problems that you fail to notice are often the features and issues that immediately catch the eye of potential buyers and visitors. Some of the things that can adversely affect the beauty of your home are subtle issues that can easily be resolved.
Landscaping Flaws
Overgrown shrubs are an immediate eyesore in any landscape design. This is especially true when the shrubs partially cover a window or obstruct a walkway. If you have hanging baskets or containers that have dead or dying plants in them, it’s best to either remove the baskets and containers or plant new flowers in them. Bare spots in the lawn also distract from your home’s curb appeal.
Unsightly Necessities
There are certain items that can distract from the beauty of your home, yet you must endure their presence. The placement of your heating and cooling unit may be in a location that is easily in view from various angles. Adding a custom AC cover to the unit can make it less of a distraction. Trash cans and recycling bins can also distract from your curb appeal. When it comes to hiding your trash cans, the options include ideas such as putting up a simple lattice panel, adding decorative fencing or constructing a sophisticated wooden trash bin or recycling area enclosure.
Clutter
Clutter is just as unattractive outside your home as it is inside your home. It may accumulate there without you even giving it much notice. However, other people will immediately focus on an excessive amount of toys in the yard, too much yard art, an over-abundance of outdoor furniture, or lawn and garden items that haven’t been put away. Clearing the clutter can make a dramatic impact on your home’s curb appeal.
Small Flaws
House numbers that are hanging crooked, faded or rusted can negatively affect the appearance of your home. The same is true for mailboxes that are attached to the house. If your mailbox is on a post at the edge of your lawn, the box and the post it is attached to should be in good condition. A faded front door and a welcome sign or a door knocker that isn’t in pristine condition may seem like a small detail to you, but others might consider it a sign of neglect or unconcern on your part.
Lighting
Lighting that is non-workable or fixtures that are outdated or covered with cobwebs and dirt will distract from the curb appeal. If you never turn on your front porch light or some of the other exterior lights, you may not realize how unsightly they have become. It’s a good idea to use the exterior lighting you have to showcase your home and specific landscape features in the evening.
Gutters
You may not think about the influence specific exterior features of your home have on its curb appeal. For example, gutters that are bent or over-flowing with debris can distract from the most impressive and meticulously maintained landscape design. There’s an extensive list of exterior issues that can wreck your home’s curb appeal available at Blog.credit.com. Addressing these issues can make a significant difference in your home’s curb appeal.
It’s often the small flaws that people notice first when looking at a home. Take a close, objective look at your home to discover subtle problems that need to be addressed. Repairing, replacing or making improvements to resolve these problems can enhance the curb appeal of your home.
Anica Oaks
Freelance writer and web enthusiast
Read some of my published work on my Google+ page.
There is nothing like closing a mortgage contract. Your new status as a homeowner is sealed. Now it is time to enjoy your new residence. Beyond making the payments, maintenance is another responsibility. This means inspecting various systems that can be seen with the naked eye as wells as those you cannot. One of the most critical systems to maintain is the plumbing. At some point, repairs and replacements are necessary. Here are four critical warning signs that suggest an update should be done today.
Current Age of the Existing System
Nothing last forever and this is especially true for the current plumbing system in your home. When you first purchase the property, the inspections and disclosures stipulate the specifications including the ages of all the systems. Be cognizant about home systems including the plumbing, HVAC, roof and others. There are age limits or lifespan for each one as recommended by the manufacturer. As documented on Houselogic.com, most plumbing systems have an average life expectancy of 70 to 100 years for supply piping, while drainage lines can last anywhere from 25 to 100 years. The broad range is a reflection of the type of pipes in the system.
Type of Pipes
Plumbing pipes are manufactured with several types of materials. They include galvanized steel, PVC, copper, cast iron, and brass. The type of pipe used is specific to its function. For example, galvanized steel, brass, and copper are mainly used for supply lines or the ones from the main water provider. Cast iron and PVC handle the drain lines to the sewer system. Supply lines with both brass and galvanized steel begin to show wear around 80 years, while copper can start to fail after 70. Cast iron is similar with issues at the 80 year mark as well. PVC has the shortest lifespan of 25 to 40 years of use. However, the rust factor does not exist with PVC pipes. As a side note, two types of pipes warrant replacement due to health hazard including polybutylene and lead.
Leaks or Drips of Any Kind
The dreaded leak or incessant drip is the nightmare of every homeowner. That is because it is a sure sign of system distress is being exhibited. It can also take the form of wet spots with no visible leaks at the time. Another telltale sign of a leak is an increase in the water bill. Some patchwork to the system with sporadic repairs will only prolong the inevitable. If your home is near the 50 year mark, you should check its plumbing. After 50 years of age, be sure to monitor the plumbing regularly. Enlist the services of a company like Capital Care Plumbing in Katy, TX, or a plumber in your area to inspect the lines and even drain them, especially if you see signs of sluggishness.
Corrosion or Discoloration of Pipes
Outward signs of plumbing damage are easy to see by checking for rust, corrosion or discoloration. There will also be signs of decay and changes in shape. Internal damage requires a little more effort to distinguish. There is a two-step process that can be completed every time you plan a trip away for several days. The ideal time frame is three to five days. Once you return home, turn on the faucet to check the color of the water. If it is not clear, this is a critical warning sign that you cannot wait on plumbing repairs. This means all the water being used is contaminated by rust deposits, including your drinking water.
Listen to the alarm bells of these critical warning signs. It would be prudent to begin the process immediately to find a plumbing professional that can resolve the issue. By shopping around, you can compare quotes and find the company that works best for you. In addition, check the customer reviews and ask for references from similar jobs. Remember, the lowest bid does not always translate into the best choice. A caveat is to consider updating during any home renovation to head off any future issue
Debbie is a huge fan of anything that helps make the world a better place like technology. She currently writes for Australian Antennas. In this article, she is going to talk about the different ways one can improve their digital tv reception.
Digital TV is the next big thing for television. It is the latest significant innovation to hit the markets since coloured television sets in the 1950s. With digital signals, we get better sound and picture performance. Likewise, this medium allows for more channels to be delivered than analogue. Best of all, the signal is much more formidable and not that adversely affected by weather. Still, there are outside forces that could always hamper your reception. Here are some tips on how to beat those barriers.
Retune the Box
The set-top box will almost always have instructions to do this on its top side for easy access. Likewise, the remote control sometimes has a button for it. If not, simply consult the manual.
Check the Cables
Cable clutter is a sin most people are guilty of. This should especially be avoided as it can cause accidents and degradation of reception. One can easily overcome this challenge by utilizing cable ties and similar tools.
Proper Antenna Installation
It’s possible that the antenna isn’t revealing its maximum potential due to a faulty installation. While it may look simple, it is actually a sensitive process that needs to be done right.
Review Antenna Placement
Are there trees and tall buildings nearby? Is the antenna high enough? Is your property in a slightly depressed (lower level) area? These are things which could possibly affect the reception. The antenna needs to be strategically placed such that there is as much open space between it and the transmitter as possible.
Directional Antennas
If your antenna is a directional one, be sure you are pointing it at the nearest or most convenient broadcast tower. This also holds true for antenna polarization. Be sure it is properly oriented, either horizontally or vertically.
Damaged Antenna
Depending on the area you live in, it is possible for the antenna to be brushed by flying debris or birds. While these are sturdy, they are still prone to damage especially since they are out in the open. When this happens, try to have it inspected by professionals.
Damaged Equipment
Damage isn’t only applicable to antennas but also to other equipment. Ruined cables and plugs, for example, can cause the degradation of the signal quality.
Multiple TV Systems
If this is the practice in your home or apartment, be sure that it is configured properly. Otherwise, some or all televisions could suffer from interference. The use of signal splitters is best consulted with professionals.
Cable Box Ventilation
Cable boxes usually have fans below or behind them. As such, these areas should be kept free of obstructions at all times. A bad practice usually called out is stacking DVRs and the like below the cable box.
Upgrade Cables
There are different types of coaxial cables and these are printed right on the cable. Check and see if the one you have is still current. If there are newer ones, upgrading is advised.
Your home theatre or “famcave” will definitely be appreciated much more with the improved reception. Be sure to follow these tips and consult professionals when you have concerns.
Debbie is the lead writer for Australian Antennas. She’s a technology enthusiast through and through who loves movies, computers and anything that has to do with improving lives. If you share the same passion, talk with her over on Twitter.
One of the most serious things that can happen to your home is a plumbing emergency and, even though it is not as dangerous as fire or electrical problems, it can get quite problematic. The thing with plumbing is that the entire system is not completely visible and you cannot know when the issue is going to rise – it can happen while you are sleeping, when you are at work, or, the worst case scenario, when you are away from home on a vacation. And not only can water, for example, damage your home, but it can, if you live in a residential building, affect your neighbors as well, quite heavily. So, in order to prevent mishaps, here are a couple of ways you can deal with the most common causes of plumbing emergencies.
Gas Leaks
This issue is probably the most easily detectable one: if you smell gas all over your home, the chances are that there is a gas leak. But, as soon as you do detect it, be sure to follow the proper course of action and contact your plumber at once – the more you wait, the more serious the problem gets. What you can, however, do before the plumber arrives to your home is regulate the main valve and switch it off immediately. This should be done instantly – preventing further leaks prevents not only explosions and damages to the property, but also health threats and diseases.
Heating Breakdown
Similar to gas, you can deal with heating breakdowns on your own first, but alert a plumber, too. The first thing you should do is minimize the damage and, as soon as you see a problem with the heating system, check the thermostat, burner switch and the circuit breaker. Make sure they are working properly, quickly fix or restart them if you have a chance to.
The heating system is quite complicated and delicate, running all through your home and cannot always be seen due to its complex structure. During the winter months, it is usually working in full capacity, so, besides trying to figure out how to make your radiator a bit nicer, you should consider how to make the most of it. It does not matter if you have central heating system or not, you should make sure your heating installations are properly working in order to prevent serious damage.
Burst Pipes
In a recent conversation with an experienced Sydney-based emergency plumber, I discovered that probably the most financially harmful thing that can happen to your plumbing system are burst pipes and all the things that come after that accident. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to prevent it – it is not like you can see through the walls and detect when the pipes are going to burst – so all you are left with is damage control and assessment. To top it all off, you cannot even be sure that the pipes will not burst at certain times of year, because the threat is equally serious in winter and summer as well, whether from freezing or overheating.
What you can do is take immediate action when you see the problem arising and the best way to go is to shut the main valve off and then contact a professional plumbing service. However, people generally panic and tend to take the wrong steps, which only leads to further problems – they try to stop the water burst themselves and, being inexperienced, do more harm than good.
Further Actions
Once the plumber solves your problems, you should ask them to give you instructions on how you can act properly should the problems reappear. Knowing how to prevent emergencies is more than helpful, but still have a plumber’s phone number nearby just in case.
When we talk about burning calories at home, we are not talking about burning calories on the treadmill. We are talking about burning calories doing home maintenance around the house. You can burn an immense amount of calories every single week, from the spring to the summer, just by making your home look better.
Don’t believe us? Take a look!
Week 1: Mow the lawn for an hour (400 calories), sand the floors for an hour (238 calories), paint a room in the home for four hours (1,088 calories), wash the fence for two hours (476 calories). Total calories burned this week: 2,206.
Week 2: Mow the lawn for one hour (400 calories), repairing the dishwasher for two hours (476 calories), paint another room in the house for four hours (1,088 calories), remove carpet in previously painted room for three hours (714 calories). Total calories burned this week: 2,678.
Week 3: Mow the lawn for an hour (400 calories), spread some dirt in garden for an hour (272 calories), clean the gutters for three hours (714 calories). Total calories burned this week: 1,386 calories.
Week 4: Mow the lawn for an hour (400 calories), lay tile down in kitchen for five hours (1,190 calories), paint the fence for four hours (952 calories). Total calories burned this week: 2,542.
This is over the course of one month and in that month, during household tasks, you would have burned 8,812 calories.
That is more than you will find in 11 Big Macs, or 47 slices of pizza!
That is a lot of weight to drop helping make your home look great by doing yard work and home maintenance. All it takes is you wanting to improve your home and to get down to work making it look great, and making yourself look great at the same time.
Cooler temperatures are on the horizon and now is the ideal time to begin checking items off your seasonal to-do list. Complete simple projects before the harsh winter weather arrives so your home is ready to enjoy in the coming season.
Add some pizzazz with paint
Fall is the perfect painting season, especially if you’re looking for a simple weekend project that provides instant results. Mild temperatures allow you to open windows and circulate fresh air while applying new color to your walls.
Select bright shades for interior spaces to fend off the potential winter blues in the months ahead. Dutch Boy Paint recently partnered with three top bloggers to make over their spaces with fresh, fun colors. Elsie Larson from A Beautiful Mess, a blog focused on creating happiness through a homemade lifestyle, shared how to quickly and easily personalize a bedroom by painting an accent wall with a bright turquoise hue that’s sure to help lift your spirits.
Space warming tricks
Now that you’ve warmed up your space with color, you can focus on preparing the rest of your home for the winter months. Flip your ceiling fan blades so they run counterclockwise – which will push warmer air down to instantly heat up the room. A fast fix to keep cold air out and warmer air in is to install weather stripping on your doors and windows. Regulate the temperature of your home by adding area rugs for extra layers of insulation, especially if you have wood floors.
Make sure you’re not left out in the cold by scheduling a furnace checkup to ensure everything’s running properly. You’ll thank yourself later for not waiting until it breaks during a snowstorm to have it fixed. If your home has a fireplace and chimney, hire a professional chimney sweep to remove any debris that could potentially ignite and wreak havoc on your home during the months ahead.
Outside guide
Even though much of your time will be spent indoors during cold months, it’s important to remember your outdoor obligations. Winterize any pipes that are exposed to outdoor temperatures and turn off the water to exterior faucets. Be sure to disconnect all hoses and spigots and drain all remaining water from the pipes, as leftover water can freeze and cause the pipes to burst. Cover grills and air conditioning units, and store outdoor furniture, umbrellas and cushions in a shed, garage or covered area to prevent rust and damage from the elements.
Thoroughly clean gutters, give your lawn a final mowing and fertilize and prune your flowers just before the temperatures begin to drop. This will minimize the work that needs to be done when the ground thaws in spring.
By taking the proper precautions and completing these seasonal projects now, you’ll save time and money, all while keeping your home well-maintained and looking great heading into the months ahead.
fans in every bathroom of your home. Newer models of bathroom vent fans come with humidity sensors, which make them far more effective than their predecessors.
