When arriving home from a long day at work, are you first hit with how much work your house needs? An inviting space that makes you feel relaxed and happy can transform the experience of coming home. Perking up your home’s exterior doesn’t have to be a big investment. Some simple updates can really make the architecture stand out and give your home a completely different feel. Here are some of the best and simplest ways to make the most of your home’s exterior today: |
Knowing how to locate leaks, make simple repairs, or when to call technicians is a good skill to have. Fixing leaks is good for your water bill, your home, and the environment. Household leaks account for an annual loss of purified drinking water estimated around 2.1 trillion gallons. A single household leak can waste more than 10,000 gallons of water every year – that is the same as washing 270 loads of laundry. To save yourself the cost of wasted water, it pays to check for leaks in your home and correct any problems. When buying a new home, it is important to inspect the quality of the furnace. When winter comes, you will want to make sure your furnace is functioning properly and can heat the entire house. A furnace must be the proper size, type, and efficiency and will need maintenance. Each of these factors contributes to your electric bill during the coldest months. Here are some elements to consider when judging whether a furnace is sufficient for your house and lifestyle needs.
Fuel Source Furnaces may be gas, electric, oil heating, or propane. The most cost-effective option depends on local utility rates. Each has its merits and cautions. If available, natural gas furnaces are generally the most economical way to heat a home. Oil or propane furnaces provide abundant heat but are often more expensive and require on-site storage containers. They are dirtier than gas furnaces and require more regular cleaning. Electric furnaces can be a heavy drain on the electric bill, but are sometimes the only option for many homes. Alternate methods may be used to complement electric heat such as a wood stove or space heaters. Airflow House construction determines the direction of airflow through the rooms and hallways. Properly placed furnaces and vents should circulate warm air throughout the house. Be cautious about homes that have had additions or remodeling, because these areas may not get enough circulation. Filters also affect airflow. When your furnace is serviced, tell the workers to clean ducts and filters to ensure proper airflow. Be mindful of where the thermostat is located. If it is near a vent, it may warm up before the rest of the house, turning the furnace off prematurely. Thermostats should be in areas of the home where people are most active. If a particular room remains cold, it could be due to thermostat location. You can improve airflow by opening doors and using portable fans or ceiling fans. When using fans to help furnaces circulate air, encourage natural airflow. Heat rises and transfers between rooms at ceiling levels. Fans should be placed high near the ceiling to blow air down or between rooms. Short floor fans will do little more than circulate cold air. Some fans are specifically designed to mount in corners where walls meet ceilings. You may also place a small desk fan on top of a bookshelf, china cabinet, refrigerator, or other tall furniture. Size The size of the furnace must be rated to the size of the home. Furnaces that are too small will not keep the house warm enough or will run up the electric bill by staying on all the time. A furnace may work too hard if a room has been added to the house. The furnace rating may no longer be sufficient for the additional square footage. The new addition will also affect overall household airflow. Window efficiency also affects furnace needs. Some windows exhibit a double layer design with an internal layer of argon gas that resists temperature transfer between the interior and exterior of the home. If these windows crack, break, or begin showing condensation, a professional who can ensure no additional condensation and can refill the argon gas must repair the problem. More efficient window systems reduce the strain on furnaces. Considering fuel source, airflow, and size will help new homeowners estimate their utility bills and determine the best way to encourage furnace efficiency. Looking to spruce up your home with some holiday cheer without breaking the bank? With websites like Pinterest and the DIY Network, ideas for ways to make your home holiday ready are bountiful. A quick DIY project is more than just a way to make your home beautiful for the season; it’s a way to spend time with your family making something unique and special. Try these DIY holiday projects this year: Redoing the bathroom is a fun way to spruce up the house. With a few DIY tips and tricks, you can approach this type of project without spending tons of money, and you can start enjoying a like-new bathroom in no time! Gas and oil furnaces, as well as electric heat pumps, are popular and comparable heating options. Within these categories, pipe less, hot-water based, and warm-air systems may be available. They typically function by taking in and filtering cool air, warming it with a heat exchanger and distributing it throughout the home or other structure. Although this process may seem relatively simple, there are several opportunities for malfunction. |
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