Home Improvement Archives - Page 5 of 7

4 Clever, Space-Saving Storage Ideas For Your Tiny Home In 2020

By delta May 14, 2020

Tiny homes have become more popular in recent times. There is a mistaken assumption that a small space feels cramped up and uncomfortable. We are here to tell you that anyone can live in a small area and still find bliss and comfort. It all comes down to your efficiency in utilising the space. Make sure to save more space with the use of smart storage ideas.

A tiny home is, of course, small. However, the functionality of a small space can be similar to a big area. Again, it all boils down to the manner that you utilise that tiny space. A tiny space gives any family that lives in it an intimate experience. Any small spot can feel more spacious with a little effective space planning and smart storage solutions.

The intimacy that comes with the tiny space is an excellent benefit in living small. There are tons of perks in making the transition into a tiny home. One thing is for sure; living small offers a functional, minimalistic, and fulfilling experience.

Storage Space Under The Bed

When it comes to living in a humble home, saving space is crucial. Anyone living in a tight area should be able to make use of the dead space in their house. An excellent example of underutilised space in your home is the space under your bed. You can turn the space beneath your bed into a storage space. This area can be a great place to store your books and more.

Creating additional storage space in a tiny home is a much-needed skill. You wouldn’t want to cramp your functional spaces by placing your things there. The area under your bed is also an excellent place to store your clothes. Think of it as one of the great dresser alternatives.

The space under your bed should turn into a functional storage space. Instead of letting this space gather dust, think of ways to store your things here. You can use the space under your bed to help organise your belongings. This area can turn into book storage, jewellery storage, and many more.

Floating Shelves

Think of your walls as your next best storage solution. You can use floating shelves on your walls to store your favourite knick-knacks and other items. Adding floating shelves are a great storage solution. Create more floor space by adding floating shelves that go above your head! Make sure that the elevation remains accessible and safe.

The best thing about floating shelves is that they can blend right into the aesthetic of your home. Nothing says “functional” than having floating shelves that store the things that you are passionate about. You can use floating shelves to keep away things from little kids. Think of floating shelves as the perfect complement to the aesthetic and your lifestyle!

Go for floating shelves that are either made of metal or wood. The best thing about the metal floating shelves is that they are more durable. But, if you like how the floating wooden shelves look, feel free to use them. Floating shelves made out of wood can be a great storage solution to add aesthetic.

A Loft Setup

One of the problems that people living in tiny houses face is the lack of a dedicated space. Living in small homes often looks like mixing a lot of your everyday activities into one space. It sure would be nice if you can find a dedicated space for sleeping and your other daily activities.

Well, you can quickly solve this dilemma with the use of a loft. The great thing about a loft setup is that it turns a single space then it breaks that space down into two different functions. Many of the popular loft installations involve sleeping quarters and office space. You can easily find your niche and experiment with a loft setup.

You can use a loft set up for your gaming space below and a reading nook on top. There are a lot of combinations that you can use for your loft setup. But one thing is for sure; a loft setup can be the answer to the dedicated space that you are looking for.

Wall Tables

Wall tables can be a great way to save more space in your tiny home. Wall tables do not take up a lot of space because they connect themselves to the wall. Your kitchen space will not feel cramped with the use of wall tables. Whereas, when you use a separate table, you may need to place it in the middle of the room, which takes up a lot of floor space.

There are variations of a wall table that fold in and out of your wall when not in use. You will find that these floating wall tables are an excellent solution for saving more space. Use these folding wall tables on your workspace, cooking, and dining activities.

Takeaway

Living in a tiny home should still feel blissful and comfortable. You do not need to throw things away or leave essential items behind when you make this small home transition. Bring all of the things that you are passionate about into your little space.

Use these smart storage ideas to create more space. These storage and space-saving hacks can help you live comfortably in your tiny home. Stay organised and enjoy the small home lifestyle!

4 Best Space-Saving Storage Ideas For Your Sneakers

By delta April 10, 2020

Have you ever seen your shoe rack in its messiest form, and maybe the clutter takes away the essence of the space? Whether you long for a minimalist look or you want a neat area, having handy shoe storage is a need. Gone are the days of dull storage ideas with no style at all because there are a lot of storage styles that can be quite pleasant to look at, and some can even save you some space!

Gone are the days in which your idea of shoe storage is an unused corner in your house. Remember when you carefully organised your shoes in that dull, unused corner? Where’s the fun in that? Show your shoes off, and make the storage a showcase of your footwear! Have you ever heard about a shoe storage bench? Now your furniture can become stylish sneaker storage!

1. Shoe Storage Bench

Now, using your furniture as a storage space can be a great, space-saving idea. You can place a shoe storage bench anywhere. You can put it in your closet so you will have something to sit on while you’re thinking of an outfit or you can place it near the door for a more on-the-go feel. Never has there been a storage space that is this functional and stylish.

There are shoe storage benches that have a more minimalistic look. These storage benches feature a more sleek and subtle design, and this storage idea is perfect for those who are looking to match the seat with their clean, minimal space.

If you want to show off multiple shoes that you use regularly, A Cubbie sneaker storage idea is perfect for you. This smart storage option is ideal for those who have a collection. We know you place extra importance on choosing your footwear, so take a glance at your sneakers and decide away!

2. Clear Shoe Boxes

Clear shoe boxes are for those sneakerheads who have a vast collection and are perfect for those who have run out of floor space. When you run out of floor space to store your sneakers, where would you go? Of course, the answer is up! Stack these clear shoe boxes on top of each other.

You will be able to see which shoe is which so you will not have a hard time finding your favourite ones! If your stinky, smelly shoes are a worry, clear shoe boxes pose no problem because a lot of clear shoe boxes in the market have ventilation holes. You can also just clean your kicks before you store them away.

3. Shoe Organiser That Slides Under Your Bed

Now, I am a fan of furniture that can be turned into a smart storage space. Adding a shoe organiser under your bed can save you a lot of functional space, and using the area under your bed adds a whole lot of functionality to the mix. After all, what do you even do with that space anyway? You might as well turn that dead space into something that you will be able to use.

Well, it may be true that you will not get to showcase your collection with this one. But, a shoe organiser under your bed can be for those kicks you seldom use. That is if you clean them before storing them away.

4. A Dedicated Shoe Cabinet

What could go wrong with a dedicated shoe cabinet? Not only does it meet the required functionality, but it is also the best way to keep organised. Shoe cabinets have been around for decades, and they are the best way for you to show off your shoe collection.

The big dedicated shoe cabinets are for those who have plenty of room to spare. After all, you would not want to be moving in a restricted and tight area just because of vast storage spaces. There are shoe cabinets that have space-saving features. So, select one that fits your home in a perfect, space-saving way.

Show off your shoe collection and make it a part of the theme of your home! You can do that with a simple, dedicated shoe cabinet. Not only does it keep you organised, but it also gives you the identity of someone who stores his/her shoes in an orderly and neat manner.

Final Thoughts

Shoes are a part of our daily lives. Being able to find where to keep them is an integral part of our lives. I mean, you can’t just leave them somewhere. Leaving your shoes anywhere is the opposite of staying organised.

Finding the right storage space for your shoes would mean more functional space for you, and you can find ones that do not cost too much. Finding cheap ones may have a knock in style, but they also have a ton of upside in terms of functionality.

Ultimately, it boils down to your preference. A smart shoe storage idea is best for a sneaker enthusiast and can be an excellent option for anyone looking for a neat way to store their kicks. The best thing about these storage ideas are their ability to showcase your shoe collection.

Signs You Need AC Repair Services And How To Find That In Burbank

By delta March 17, 2020

Do you think that your air conditioning (AC) system is starting to behave strangely and you aren’t sure whether it is all in your head because the minute you decide to call a professional to take care of your problem, you realise that everything is back to normal? It’s no secret that the AC system sometimes plays these mind games with us.

However, there is a way to turn the tables and beat this machine at its own game. Therefore, before you decide that you need an air conditioning repair company, check the device for some of the following symptoms and if you come across these warning signs, you have to be careful and refrain from using it until it is fixed.

Broken AC Symptoms

First of all, if absolutely nothing happens when you plug your AC in and turn it on, then your AC is probably not working and you definitely need to have it inspected by a professional.

Nevertheless, there are far more subtle signs that your unit might be sending out and those are the ones that you should keep an eye on. When you notice them, it might be time to search for repair companies in Burbank.

The most noticeable sign is the sound the AC makes. If your air conditioning is making loud, grinding, and squeaking noises, this indicates that something is not right with its motor. As this is the most important part of your AC unit, these sounds mustn’t be ignored and you should have them checked out.

Do you know how an AC motor works? Learn more about it here: https://www.explainthatstuff.com/induction-motors.html

Another major warning sign is moisture. If you detect leakages around your AC system, you definitely have a problem and you should address this one as soon as possible to avoid bigger problems.

In addition to these warning signs, there are a few more indications of a broken air conditioning unit. These include the AC blowing out hot air, which is usually a compressor problem; the AC letting out unusual and unpleasant smells; and the AC raising the level of humidity in your home.

If you notice any of these, you should get your phone and make a call.

How To Find The Right AC Repair Company In Burbank

After you have established that your AC is not working properly, it’s time to find the perfect firm to repair it. Living in Burbank definitely means that you have more than a few options on your hands. However, in order to make the right choice, there are some things you must take into account.

Naturally, you need to know a few things about how the AC unit works in order to ask the right questions. Find out how the AC unit works here.

Typically, you will want someone who has enough experience in this field so that you can be certain they will do a good job. Once you stumble upon a repair company, make sure to check how long they have been in business, do they have a particular area of expertise, and whether they have worked before with the brand/model of your particular unit. Answers to these questions will help you determine whether a specific firm is a right choice for your particular AC model and issue.

Secondly, learn if they have the CSLB license. This is an indicator that you will not be getting into business with some fly-by-night company, but a licensed professional; and when it comes to fixing your air conditioning system, you definitely don’t want to hire the first person you run into and worry if they will make an even bigger mess behind after they are done.

Lastly, take price into consideration. Find someone who will offer services in your price range and pay attention not to necessarily go with the cheapest option because it might not always be the best. Instead, look for an affordable option that guarantees quality.

How To Link Your Indoor And Outdoor Spaces

By delta March 11, 2020

Having a strict boundary between the indoor and outdoor spaces can feel quite restrictive. When these boundaries are removed, there will be more of a flow between the indoor and the outdoor; and it can make a dramatic difference to how you feel about your home.

For starters, your home will actually feel much larger and make the indoors feel much more airy and natural. Whether you have a large garden or a small terrace, you can extend your indoor space and benefit from it.

Let’s go over some of the ways you can do this for your home.

Build A Multi-Purpose Four Seasons Patio Extension

Build an extension of your patio and close it in with sliding doors that can be opened up to make it an outdoor space.

During the winter, the sliding doors can be closed up and the glass will keep the space naturally warm. With all the glass and windows, you will still feel like you are outside even when it is closed.

The patio can be extended right to the end of where the back yard begins and yet keep the yard fixtures in place. Hence, having a water feature near the entrance will fill your room with the sounds of bubbling water without it needing to be inside.

You can see some outdoor fountain ideas for your home here.

Add A Canopy

Keeping your house open to enjoy your landscaped outdoor space can be tricky when the weather changes. However, you can leave those sliding doors open if you have a canopy that can open and close to suit the weather.

In the southern areas, there is usually a permanent roof extended over a patio and it is used to keep the rain out of the house and it allows you to sit outside without getting drenched. Since the weather is usually consistent year-round, it makes sense for it to be permanent and it allows you to you landscaped your outdoor space.

For those living in the northern areas where the sunlight can be lacking, it makes sense to have a retractable canopy to let the sun in when you have it.

Take Down The Wall

To have a seamless flow from the house to garden and enjoy the outdoors while being in the house; all you need to do is to take down the non-load bearing wall that is facing the yard and replace it with either a glass wall or sliding doors that will allow you to see the garden unhindered.

Create An Outdoor Kitchen

Having a fully functioning kitchen attached to the back of your home and then covering it with an overhanging for protection is a way to really utilise the outdoor space as if you were inside.

If you are not able to connect your gas stove to the mainline, you can always use a refillable propane tank. Add cabinets, a sink and some comfortable furniture and you can entertain your guests outside without running in and out of the house.

Got any other ideas about how you can link your indoor and outdoor spaces together? Share it with us in the comments section below!

Three Ways for Home Improvement (and One May Surprise You)

By delta March 8, 2020

We all have our own definitions of a great home. Most people would say that it is all about the family. No matter where we live, the structure would be pointless if there are no people inside. This might sound cliche, but having a house is different from being at home. Based on this article, the house is the structure while the home includes the people. However, no one can deny that it would be best if the structure is also strong and beautiful at the same time. This is why there are so many people who would do anything just to make their home more livable and beautiful.

Home improvement can mean a lot of things and one thing that we are going to discuss now is the house itself. It can take some time, money and effort to build the perfect home for ourselves and our family.

Here are some ideas that you can add to your home to make it even more comfortable.

1. Letting the Natural Sunlight In

One of the many ways that you can beautify your house is by adding rooms, windows or doors. The trick here is what and how you will add to it. Take a look at your surroundings and you might just see many possibilities.

If you are living in a house with a backyard, you can try opening up some part of it. For example, you can add a sunroom and make it your new living room. This can also turn into a dining room with the kitchen adjacent to it. You can also use wide glass windows and bi-fold doors to make it even more comfortable, ventilated and spacious. Having a great view of your garden would be good for this plan.

On the other hand, if you are living in an apartment, you can look for one that has wide windows. You can even install them yourself if you plan to stay there for a long time but be sure to check with your apartment’s management office to see if you are allowed to do that. A balcony would also be nice, but not all people are lucky to have that.

Whether you have a backyard or the concrete jungle is your backyard, the idea here is similar. Letting natural sunlight into your house can potentially help decrease your electric expenses since you do not have to turn the light on. It is also much healthier for anyone to be exposed to the early morning sun as it is rich in vitamin D (which is a good antioxidant) and for calcium absorption among other minerals.

Learn more about this here: https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/benefits-vitamin-d.

2. Preparing for Disaster

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Another way to improve your living conditions is through emergency preparedness. There is nothing wrong with being secured from any kind of calamity. It can happen anytime to anyone. This is why you need to have some basic tools and gadgets so that you can be sure you are all prepared.

One of the most important items to have is a first aid kit. It should be fully stocked with anything that the family needs, especially for common accidents like wounds and seasonal diseases. Antiseptics, cotton swabs, bandages, and several over-the-counter medications should be available inside. These should also be checked and replaced at least every six months to a year since some of these items do have expiration dates.

Another equipment that many people seldom consider having is a generator. In most calamities, one of the first utilities that would be cut-off is electricity. You need to have some sort of storage for this so that you can still use some of your essential gadgets like flashlights and cellphones.

There are portable generators these days that can easily be charged or filled with diesel and you can bring them anywhere as well. This is usually available in most home improvement stores but you can find some of the best generators online like in the Best Generator website.

What’s more? You can maximise the usage of your portable generator by taking it out for your next camping trip with the family!

3. Creating Creative Avenues

Lastly, there should be a part of your home where you can be creative. It can be a blank room where you can write, draw or do whatever you enjoy. This would especially be great with children since they can make a mess here and we all know how active and wily kids can get especially if they have some sort of colouring media in their hands. Instead of letting them go all out in other areas of the house, why not use this room instead? You can let them go free with their creative side, and you wouldn’t need to worry about all the stains that this unstructured free play activity brings.

On the other hand, not all people are blessed with an extra room. Some live in a shoebox apartment and if there isn’t any extra room available, the next best thing that you can do to let your creative juices flow is to set aside a particular time of the day or week to just do whatever you want to do.

It can be a good stress reliever for you and everyone else in the family. During this set hour or day, you can let your mind be free of your responsibilities, even for just a short time.

The Essentials of Creating a Warm and Inviting Guest Bedroom

By delta January 24, 2020

It’s the responsibility of hosts to make guests feel at home even if they’re away from home. To ensure that visitors fully enjoy their stay, hosts must provide a guest room that is inviting, functional, and relaxing.

Creating a guest room that satisfies visitors may seem impossible, but it’s possible to make guests comfortable if you have the following essential guest-room items:

A Comfortable Bed with Extra Blanket and Pillows

Do you want your visitors to have a good night’s sleep? Ensure that your guest bedroom has a good mattress. Some guests may need additional pillows and blankets to rest warmly and comfortably, so prepare those beforehand.

A Bedside Table and Lamp

Some people prefer to read books before going to sleep. To make things easier for them, add a bedside table and lamp to the guest rooms. If guests can conveniently access the items they frequently need, they won’t have to go through the hassle of getting in and out of bed.

When it comes to adding a table lamp to the guest room, choose one with adjustable brightness. This way, guests can easily control the light’s intensity and set the room’s atmosphere according to their preference.

Full-Length Mirrors

Guests will definitely check themselves in front of a mirror before heading out. In that case, having a full-length mirror is a must. Depending on the layout of a guest room, you can mount a mirror to an empty wall, a bedroom door, or a closet door.

Wastebaskets

When guests settle down and unpack their luggage, they’ll most likely need a bin to throw away their trash. They would dispose of candy wrappers, empty water bottles, and other wastes that they had accumulated during their trip. Instead of having them leave their rooms to get rid of their trash, provide them with a wastebasket.

A slim and nondescript trash can would be a great addition to our guest bedroom. It doesn’t take up much space, and it can easily complement the overall design of the room.

Towels and Basic Toiletries

Sometimes, guests forget to bring their own towels and toiletries. Help them avoid last-minute trips to the nearest convenience store by providing basic toiletries in the bathroom.

If a guest room doesn’t have an adjacent private bathroom, leave some towels in its closet. Guests would appreciate it if they have different towels for their varying needs, such as bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths

Charging Stations and Wi-Fi Details

Nowadays, a majority of Americans own cellular phones, so you should expect guests to arrive with their personal gadgets. It’s also safe to assume that guests will eventually look for ways to charge their phones and to connect to the internet. For their convenience, prepare a charging station and Wi-Fi password details beforehand.

If a guest room doesn’t have enough electrical outlets, place an extension cord near the bedside table. This way, guests won’t have to move furniture or crawl under a table to charge their smartphones, laptops, and other gadgets.

Night-Lights

Guests may have a hard time finding the way to the bathroom in the middle of the night. They may accidentally hurt themselves while they navigate around unfamiliar surroundings. To prevent guests from bumping their shins and ramming their toes on various objects, install night-lights.

Decorating on a Tight Budget?

Guests will truly feel welcomed when you prepare a warm, comfortable room for them. If you want to improve the look of your guest room without spending a lot of money, follow these budget-friendly tips:

● Reuse old furniture. Look at the items you have at home before you buy any new furniture. You may have extra tables, lamps, or other pieces of furniture that can be reused or repurposed for our guest rooms.

● Sell your items online. Setting up an online shop to sell unwanted, unused, or preloved items is a great way to earn extra cash. You can use the money to upgrade a guest room.

● Try secondhand shopping. Check out local thrift stores and consignment stores for dressers, curtains, and other items that can be used to decorate guest rooms. Some of these shops offer quality furniture at low prices.

5 Benefits of Upgrading Your HVAC

By delta January 5, 2020

The HVAC unit is the environmental workhorse of any home. It performs day and night to keep your home comfortable. However, most homes have an HVAC unit that is at least 10 years old, and any unit that is more than 12 years old should be replaced. Luckily, there are many benefits to upgrading to an energy-efficient unit with modern features and functionality.

Go Green, Save Money

Heating and cooling can cost around $930 a year. According to the Energy Star site, all Energy Star-certified HVAC units use 8% less energy and can save you up to $115 a year. Such devices can save you even more when paired with a smart thermostat. Keep in mind that both the condenser and the blower should be replaced when you upgrade your HVAC system so that it will perform at optimal efficiency. You could save up to 30% on your cooling costs by upgrading to a new unit. While the cost of a new HVAC unit may seem daunting, it’s a worthwhile investment that will pay for itself in savings and comfort.

Fit Your Needs

When choosing a new HVAC unit, select the size that fits your home and needs. Consider the square footage of your home and take into account how many people and pets are in the home. This will help you determine what kind of filters you may need. If family members have allergies, asthma, or other breathing problems, consider adding special features like an electrostatic or high-MERV filter to trap even more airborne contaminants. You can even add a UV light to kill bacteria and mold in the air.

Reduce Repairs

If your existing HVAC unit has been having issues, it may be time to upgrade. Why spend money repairing an old, inefficient unit when you could upgrade to one that is more efficient and better for the environment. The A/C Guys recommend planning a regular maintenance schedule with your HVAC professional to keep your new investment in tip-top shape.

Improve Performance

A new HVAC unit will heat and cool more effectively. Older units may have worn-out parts or may be clogged with dust. With a new HVAC unit and proper maintenance, your home will reach its desired temperature with less energy consumption. Newer units also filter out more contaminants from the air, leading to overall better health.

Make Smart Choices

Don’t forget to update your thermostat while you’re upgrading your HVAC system. A smart thermostat can integrate directly with your new system and be installed by an HVAC professional. Many smart thermostats will learn your preferences and automatically increase or decrease the temperature, according to CNET. Many smart thermostats also let you regulate the temperature via a mobile app when you’re out of the home.

To increase home value, comfort, and savings, consider installing a new HVAC unit. It will work tirelessly to keep your home perfectly comfortable. Plus modern optimisations can do so with less electricity. Remember to keep up regular maintenance to ensure a lengthy life span for your new HVAC unit.

5 Benefits of an HVAC Maintenance Plan

By delta December 3, 2019

We have all, at some point, put off that maintenance inspection because we can’t get time off of work or we just have too much to do. However, it is a worthwhile investment of time to get an HVAC professional out to check up on the unit.

Here are 5 benefits of having an HVAC maintenance plan.

Benefit #1: Prevent Costly Repairs

Your HVAC professional will check for any problems with the unit’s mechanical workings, check the condenser drain, check for air leaks, and inspect the fan blades for wear damage among other things. You should schedule an appointment for your HVAC at least twice a year during spring and fall to prepare for the heating and cooling seasons. Preventative maintenance prevents larger problems from occurring, which may cause your unit to be entirely out of service due to a major breakdown.

Benefit #2: Longer Lifespan

With regular checkups and preventative maintenance, your HVAC unit will be able to last for up to 15 years and potentially longer. When your unit has to work harder due to a clogged filter, dirty ducts or wear damage, it reduces the lifespan of the parts. Preventative maintenance saves you money in the long run by maintaining your unit for its full lifespan.

Benefit #3: Energy Efficiency

When your unit is working optimally, it will consume the least amount of energy. Conversely, if the filter is clogged or parts are wearing out, it will consume much more energy to get the same job done. That adds up to a higher electricity bill and lower efficiency.

Benefit #4: Improved Air Quality

Changing the air filter is also extremely important to prevent a build-up of dust, allergens, mould spores and other contaminants in your home, inside the HVAC unit and in the ducts. Bacteria and moulds can grow on a clogged filter, spreading the contaminants throughout your home causing an even larger problem. Changing your filter every 1-3 months depends on how many people and pets are in the home. If your area is prone to mould or allergens, more frequent replacements may also be warranted. Good indoor air quality is extremely important to your continued health and well-being.

Benefit 5: Save Costs On Maintenance When You Can Do It Yourself

Check your HVAC unit monthly for excessive dust build up in and around the indoor blower unit. Inspect your filter for build-up and determine if it needs to be changed more frequently. Different seasons can bring more allergens, dust or mould into your home, increasing the build-up on your filter. Inspect the condenser pan and drain for any moisture that is not flowing out of the drain. If the pan allows for standing water, contact your HVAC technician to fix it to prevent mould or bacteria from growing inside your HVAC cabinet. Trim any vegetation at least 18 inches away from the outside unit to prevent it from being ingested into the unit or blocking airflow.

Preventative maintenance on any household appliance shouldn’t be ignored. Our HVAC is the workhorse of the home, keeping it comfortable year-round. Don’t put off scheduling regular maintenance and whenever you encounter any strange noises, smells or low airflow, contact an HVAC Technician who will be able to diagnose and troubleshoot issues with your HVAC.

4 Ways to Keep Your Home Cool

By delta December 3, 2019

Keeping your home cool during the hottest months of the year can be incredibly tricky. You may be tempted to crank your AC whenever it gets hot outside. Unfortunately, this can cause your electric bill to skyrocket.

Keeping your home energy-efficient is crucial to ensuring comfortable indoor temperatures. There are also many health benefits of an energy-efficient home, according to City Green Solutions.

Here are 4 tips for keeping your home cool whenever it begins to get hot outside.

Tip #1: Keep Your Blinds Closed

You may be tempted to open your blinds to let some sun in whenever it’s nice and sunny outside. Sadly, doing so can cause more harm than good. Windows can absorb heat and disperse it into the room. This will force your AC unit to work harder. The best way to combat this is to make sure that your blinds are closed during the day. Open them for a short amount of time to let some sunlight in if you must, or use natural lighting solutions.

Tip #2: Deploy Fans

If it seems like it stays hot no matter what you do, try adding fans. Fans can be a great option to help reduce heat in your home. For instance, they can help lower heat in places that heat up faster than others. Dozens of energy-friendly fans are designed for hot occasions. Consider this option if you want portable cooling options. For higher heat environments, Sustainable Architecture Innovations recommends investing in mini-split AC units.

Tip #3: Seal Doors and Windows

One of the most overlooked reasons for heat entering your home are leaks in your windows and doors. These leaks will let hot air enter your household. Take the time to caulk around all windows and replace the flashing under the exterior doors. You can even add a sweep to your garage door, similar to flashing on doors but larger. Fixing leaks will also prevent hot air from entering your home when the outdoor temperature drops.

Tip #4: Maintain Your Air Conditioning Unit

You’ll no doubt be using your air conditioning unit whenever it gets hot outside. Unfortunately, AC units have a tendency to break down whenever they are overworked. This is why it is crucial to schedule regular maintenance visits from a professional HVAC technician. This will ensure that your AC unit is working properly whenever it gets hot outside. The last thing you want is to be without air conditioning during the hottest months of the year.

Many people believe that you must spend an arm and a leg to keep your house cool during warmer months. Although most will simply turn up the AC unit, this solution can cost more than you realise. Your electric bill has a tendency to skyrocket during the hottest months, according to Direct Energy. Fortunately, you can keep your house cool and your wallet full.

We hope that these tips for keeping the cool air flowing inside your home when it gets blistering hot outside are useful for you and be sure to implement them as soon as the temperature begins to rise.

4 Benefits of Whole-Home Air Cleaners

By delta November 22, 2019

One of the most effective ways to improve your indoor air quality is to introduce a whole-home air cleaner system in addition to your HVAC filtration. Indoor air quality is incredibly important considering we spend about 90% of our time inside a building, according to the EPA. Other factors like local allergens and owning pets can also affect indoor air quality. Luckily, adding a whole-home air purifier is an easy installation by an HVAC professional.

Health Benefits

We want our homes and HVAC ductwork to be airtight to keep a comfortable, consistent temperature. However, this means that whatever particulate is inside must be filtered by the HVAC system. A whole-home air cleaning system will assist your HVAC unit in filtering even finer particulate from the air, including smoke from fireplaces and cigarettes. Electrostatic and activated carbon filters pull more allergens, mould, dust, dander, and other particulates from the home environment. These can cause headaches and flu-like symptoms in healthy individuals and severely aggravate existing breathing problems in others.

HVAC Life Span

By installing an air cleaning system, you’ll reduce the number of contaminants being caught by the HVAC filter. Consequently, this will reduce the buildup of particulate in your ductwork and HVAC cabinet. Your HVAC unit will run at optimal efficiency when the filter isn’t being overloaded by dust, allergens, mould, and lint. Additionally, the blower on the HVAC unit will be relieved of a lot of work when the air being brought in is cleaner. Ultimately, this results in fewer repairs and less wear and tear, prolonging the life span of your unit.

Less Cleaning

Your whole-home air cleaning system will be able to pull much more particulates from the air than an HVAC filter alone. It can even trap smoke particulates. It also helps to trap odours that may linger in the air even after cleaning. This results in overall cleaner smelling air with less dust to settle onto surfaces. For instance, HEPA-style media filters can remove 99.9% of particulate matter from the air above a certain particle size, according to Time Magazine.

Modularity

The modularity of whole-home air cleaners makes them truly wonderful. This factor gives you many options for features and placement. A standalone unit can be installed in a ceiling or wall and looks like an air-supply vent. These devices use a two-layer filter. The first is an electrostatic filter to attract contaminants and trap them on the filter and return clean air. The second is a polarized activated-carbon filter that can trap unpleasant odours. A standalone unit is not connected to your HVAC and can be placed in any room. However, a standalone can be attached to your HVAC system at the air return vent, cleaning the entire air supply system.

Whole-home air cleaners can dramatically improve the indoor air quality of your home, which is a huge boon for your overall health, well-being, and comfort. It takes a load off of your HVAC unit’s filter, prolongs its life span and keeps your home cleaner overall.