With some predicting an approximately 3% spike in energy prices, many individuals are left worrying about the impact on his or her home’s climate. Whether heating a house in the winter or cooling it in summer, it’s the HVAC system to which many turn to regulate the temperature. It’s an effective tool for making a home more comfortable, but its impact on the electric bill is another matter. If you are burdened by rising costs, try these low-cost hacks to reduce reliance on the HVAC unit.

Start Stripping

Much of a home’s heat gain or loss is the result of air leaks around movable components. Installing door and window weather stripping is an efficient way at sealing a house and preventing treated air from escaping. These foam strips form a barrier that also helps prevent moisture from seeping in. Weather stripping should be checked every spring and fall and replaced as necessary.

Foiled Again

If you’ve ever used an emergency foil blanket, you’ve witnessed how effectively foil can trap heat. It’s that same principle that makes it so effective at keeping a house warm. Just tack up strips of aluminum foil along the wall behind a radiator. Instead of escaping outside through the wall, the heat will now bounce off the foil and be pushed into the home.

Curtain Call

The simple act of opening and closing curtains can have a big impact on interior temperature. On sunny days, keep curtains open for the natural heat that sunlight provides. Once the sun sets, however, quickly close them to keep warm air inside.

Fan Favorite

Understanding your ceiling fan is another no-cost way to heat or cool a home. In winter, set the blades to turn clockwise to help redistribute the rising warm air throughout a room. Be sure to reverse the motion to counterclockwise in the warm weather months so the fan can push air downward and create a cooling effect.

Whether you like it hot or cold, you don’t always have to pay to be comfortable. Try these tips to keep energy costs down.…

Backyards are a perfect place for playing with kids or pets, relaxing and entertaining guests. To make your backyard a little bit more aesthetically pleasing and pleasant to spend time in, consider one or more of the following upgrades.

Simple Patio

If you spend a lot of time in your backyard, it can be nice to have a defined patio area. You might not be able to fund a full wrap-around deck, but a simple patio space can be created with some pea gravel or concrete pavers. This creates a clean space for gatherings without being expensive or obtrusive. The stone can even be chosen to match existing natural features in your backyard for a really peaceful feel.

Fire Pit

An in-ground concrete fire pit may not be in the books for you, but a prefabricated fire pit or DIY fire pit solution may be possible. A simple metal pit will look right at home in nearly any backyard, while still being compact and even portable. DIY fire pits can be a simple as a stacked ring of retaining wall blocks to form a gorgeous stone pit that will be ready in time for your next backyard s’more party or hot dog roast.

Outdoor Furniture

A simple selection of outdoor furniture will help make your backyard feel super cozy. Barbecues and bonfires will become much more relaxed events if everyone has a comfy place to sit. Full patio sets with tables and umbrellas are great, but even a few wooden folding chairs and cushions can set the tone. You may even be able to repurpose existing furniture for this purpose; a simple coat of weatherproof paint can turn old pieces into the perfect outdoor set.

Backyards are a fantastic gathering place for nearly any occasion. With a few simple upgrades, you can make your outdoor space feel like a true oasis.…

There are over 1.3 million fires in the United States annually. Many of these fires start in commercial buildings. Lots of damage and destruction will be left in the wake of a commercial fire. Rather than dealing with the damage and stress that a commercial fire can cause, your main goal as a business owner should be to avoid this force of nature.

Failing to take fire protection and prevention seriously can be disastrous. Working with a fire protection agency can help you figure out how to fully protect your business from the destruction fire can cause. Here are some things you can do to prevent fires from occurring in your commercial building.

Keep Your Fire Extinguishers Maintained

One of the first things you need to invest in when trying to keep yourself and your employees safe is a fire extinguisher. Depending on the size of your commercial building, you might need multiple fire extinguishers. Consulting with reputable fire protection services Elk Grove CA is crucial when trying to figure out how many extinguishers you need.

Once you have these extinguishers in place, you need to have them inspected and maintained when needed. Over time, the powder in a fire extinguisher will begin to clump up. These clumps can prevent the powder from coming out. This is why hiring a fire protection company to perform this type of maintenance is so important.

Develop An Exit Strategy

Another important thing you need to do when trying to protect your team from fire is to develop an exit strategy. When a fire starts, you and your employees need to get out of the building immediately. Having an exit strategy in place can help you avoid injuries in the event of a fire.

With the help of a fire protection service, you can keep your extinguishers and sprinkler system in good working order.…

Wood Floors – How to Look After Your Wood Floors and Prevent Damage

Real wood floors give a sense of timeless elegance and class to any home or office. Read the essential dos and don’ts of how to look after your wood floor, prevent damage and make it last for a lifetime.

WHY DO WOOD FLOORS CRACK?

Wood expands and contracts depending on the humidity and this causes a solid wood flooring to either shrink or over expand and crack. So try to keep the humidity in the house at 45 to 50 percent. Even a small change of 4 percent in the relative humidity can cause a ten-foot area to expand by as much as one inch which may cause cracks or buckling. An engineered hard wood floor has a three-layered flooring system designed to reduce contracting. You can reduce humidity by using a dehumidifier or humidifier and by controlling the temperature within your room with blinds, curtains or transparent window films.

MAKE SURE YOU PICK A SUITABLE HARDWOOD FLOOR IN THE FIRST PLACE

You should think twice before installing hardwood flooring in an area that might be exposed to excessive moisture or get wet frequently e.g. a bathroom or basement.

And if you are unable to maintain the humidity all year long e.g. in a summer cottage, then your wooden floor is at more risk of damage.

Plus, pick a professional, experienced floor installer to make sure the floor has been properly laid in the first place. A floor specialist will allow your wood to ‘acclimatize’ or settle before installation and will pick an appropriate finish and moisture barrier.

WIPE UP SPILLS IMMEDIATELY

Wipe up spills immediately with a dry mop, paper towel or cloth. If the stain is stubborn, you might have to use a damp cloth but let the floor dry as soon as possible.

DON’T USE A WET MOP OR EXCESSIVE WATER WHEN CLEANING

Use a dry mop, cloth or vacuum cleaner to clean your floor. You do not need to invest in any specialist floor cleaners and do not use detergents or wax-based cleaners.

PROTECT YOUR FLOOR FROM HARSH SUNLIGHT

Excessive sunlight may cause colors to fade or finishes to tarnish. Keep your curtains closed during the summer afternoons or consider window tinting or laying down rugs in appropriate places.

KEEP FREE FROM GRIT OR DIRT

Keep dirt, especially gritty soil or sand out of the house. Lay down a welcome mat outside the door and add a throw rug just inside to catch out any dirt.

If you have pets with sharp nails, think about laying rugs in areas where they tend to hang out. Try not to walk on the floor with sharp stiletto heels or spiky sports shoes.

STICK FABRIC GLIDES AND PROTECTORS ON YOUR FURNITURE

Put fabric glides (protective padding) on chairs, tables, ottomans, sofa and other furniture legs. Replace them once they are worn.…

Movie financing has caught up with many investors along with picture producers. The concept behind film financing is that investors come in and pump money into the movie because of its production. When the movie has been filmed and released, the amount of money produced from the film first takes care of the financiers’ debt. Next, the profit is split between the investors and the film producers. According to who was merely in charge of the project, the cast and crew are paid from the company’s or the producer’s earnings. That is how film financing works. But how does film financing help?

Picture financing helps the companies and the investors in these methods:

More Films Created and Launched

For the movie companies, the power is that the film is recorded and released to the public. Insufficient funds can stop producers from filming a movie. For producers, it’s more than the profits the movie will make. It can also be about the art, skill, and idea behind the film being brought to life and shared with the world. Thus, more shows may be produced and launched with the assistance of picture financing.

Income Earned from Gains

Film investors obtain some gains from the total amount that the movie rakes in. like every other investment, film investors can recoup the amount of money they devote and enjoy profits. In case a film does entirely, these profits are supernormal. If the movie is not too popular, at worst, it breaks even as well as gains some profit, albeit a little.

Private Screening and Red Carpet Premiers

Based on how big or famous the film is, investors get to savor some perks besides profit; read the review about red rock entertainment. Large scale investors enjoy a private screening of the movie before it’s out. When the movie premiers, the investors also get invites to the red carpet premiere events, which are exclusive, generally.

Visiting the Set

Another advantageous non-monetary asset of being truly a film investor is that you may get to go to the set and even meet with the crew and cast. They are exciting opportunities that aren’t available to every other person in the general population. This perk also depends on how large the film is and the amount of money the investor puts into the movie.

Special Promotional Merchandise

Besides distinctive trips and conferences, a few of the stars and actresses, an investor receives promotional products when you have any for the film. That product is presented for free irrespective of the undeniable fact that other general population members would have to buy it to have it.

Film financing is a new means of investing from stock markets and other traditional regions of investment. It is a non-correlated asset and thus isn’t affected by other factors like the money market. Although it is a risky venture, it bears the possibility of a high return on interest for the investor, among other benefits. When it comes to the producer, they …

12 Benefits of Having Hardwood Floors in Your Home

Hardwood floors get left somewhat like a piano in a house when it is sold. It sounds a bit odd to say that but wood floors can be installed in such a way that they are easily removed for portability – this is called floating floors. Whether your floors were attached through purchase to you, are floating floors or you caused them to be installed in your home there are certain inalienable benefits that after all is said and done you merely enjoy the extended benefits that follow having new hardwood floors in your home.

This list does not span all, however, you will enjoy:

Cleaner ambient air that’s free of many allergens found in other floor types.

A high resistance to spills when removed from the surface right away.

Low-key maintenance which null and void the need for detergents or abrasives to keep your floors beautiful.

Swift and easy daily upkeep that only takes several strokes of the dust mop touch-sprayed with a wood floor cleaner.

Bold lines of beauty and elegance that mate well with any decor or style to aid in lasting comfort and enjoyment.

Increases in the value of your home when in top condition — hardwood floors are a direct indicator of the condition of the foundation below assuring that the area is sound.

Easy to sell by showing how sound and beautiful the floors are which in turn piques the approval of any appraiser or potential buyer.

Lower utility costs as a plus when compared to solar panels. Even light shown through windows bounce onto the walls and ceiling to illuminate areas surrounding wooden floors and requires little to no electric in daily/weekly maintenance.

Easy smooth surface that affords literal gliding of furniture to change your layout.

Scuffs that are easily removed merely with the swipe of a dry paper towel or dust mop.

Dust becoming visible so dust mopping can release your wood floor’s sheen.

Your wood floor sheen delivering a special glow that absorbs the color and tone of itself while at the same time bouncing/reflecting on the walls and ceiling to fill the room with a glamor that can only be endeared.

You will at a minimum enjoy having either done it yourself or designed and overseen a flooring professional while installing new hardwood floors in your home in addition to the above list of easements. Exposure to checklists and the like always lean toward creativity. So, get ready, get set… growth of these easements will favor you for installing new hardwood floors in your home.

As mature beings tend to reproduce, along with your new hardwood floors you inherit a new-born of sorts. That is the ability to swiftly change the decor of your wood floor simply by placing throw rugs at key locations of your choice to tease your comfort and add to the enjoyment while easing the care you take of your wooden floors.…

Unfinished Hardwood Flooring – Knowing What You Are Getting Into

The idea may seem great, but if you are going to do an unfinished hardwood flooring project in your home, take the time to learn about it to make sure you can handle the work if you plan on doing it yourself. It is a time consuming process that cannot be stopped once it gets started. You are going to have to be competent in all phases in order to do the project successfully.

Installing unfinished hardwood flooring is something that a good DIY person should be able to handle. You more than likely will have the basic knowledge down on just about every facet, but it sure won’t hurt to watch a couple of videos or read a book to give yourself a refresher. You will want to schedule the time so you can knock out the complete job as your house is pretty much off limits during the process.

If you are just a good carpenter, you must realize that is only a third of the job. Once the wood goes down, there is still some significant work to be done here. The wood will then have to be prepped for finishing. This is where the job really gets messy and where serious and costly mistakes can happen.

Sanding down the floors – you haven’t seen dust fly until you have been deeply involved in this process. Seal everything off and cover up all outlets and duct work as this stuff will find every hole in the house and take weeks to clean up if you are not prepped properly. It is not uncommon for someone to actually rent a drop off storage unit and literally move everything out of the house before they start sanding.

When you are ready to go, you will need to use a heavy gauge paper that can really level off the wood surface. When that pass has been completed, you will need to smooth everything out with a lighter gauge paper. The fine quality will get rid of all of the little digs and should give you a perfectly smooth surface. Then you have to clean the mess up. You can usually get a lot of it with shop vac and then pass over everything with a tack rag to get all of the fine particles. Do not move onto the next step until you are sure that you have cleaned everything up entirely.

Staining the wood – The best way to go about this is to use a rag. Apply the stain to the rag and then work it into the wood. Let the first coat dry and then apply a second coat. Let it dry again and you can move onto the next step. If you want, you can use a brush for this application, but you are still going to have to use a rag or sponge to wipe off excess and ensure that it has been rubbed into …

Even those that live in a safe area may be targets of burglaries and home invasion. According to TheZebra.com, 2.5 million burglaries occur in the U.S. each day.

Here are some other alarming statistics:

• Homes that have no security systems are 300% more likely to be burglarized. Here are some other statistics:
• 46.9% of homes do not have security systems
• 83% of burglars check a home for security systems before they break-in
• 34% of burglars use the front door

When Do Most Burglaries Occur?

It may be surprising, but most home burglaries occur between the daylight hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Burglars often watch homes and determine when the homeowner is leaving and coming home from work. Over 1,495,790 burglaries occur during the day, which is a whopping 6%.

Other facts about burglaries from Alarms.com include:

• There are 1,324,090 burglaries at night when people are in their homes.
• Cold weather and snowy weather deter burglaries. In cold climates, the fewest number of burglaries happen in February and the most happening in the summer months.

Why Do People Get Home Security Products?

In a study conducted by Safety.com, only 38% of Americans have home security products installed in their home. Here are some other top reasons why people purchase home security products:

• Wanted to feel more secure in their home (peace-of-mind)
• Living in a new area
• In response to an unsuccessfully attempted break-in
• Experienced a home break-in
• Many neighbors have them
• They are a deterrent to burglars
• Required to receive an insurance discount

The study, which had over 3,000 respondents, showed that most people installed alarm systems for added home security and not because of a personal event.

Increased Interest in Home Protection Products:

Every year we hear more about “porch pirates,” people that steal delivered items off strangers’ porches before they are collected. It is especially gaining in popularity around the holiday season.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, people have made lifestyle changes to increase their safety. That is why more people have been adding security systems, photo and video capabilities that show who is at their door before they are allowed in.

Choosing a Security Company:

Each area has its own local businesses that you can contact. Denver Security Systems is one company that specializes in custom alarm and security systems to meet clients’ particular needs. Before deciding on a security firm, review different companies; check-out their website to make sure that they can provide everything required.…

The living room is one of the rooms that you spend the most time in while you’re at home. It should be a place that feels comfortable and inviting. It’s also the room most often used for entertaining, so it never hurts to try to impress your friends and family a little. If you are tired of your current living room, consider some simple changes to change and update the space so it can be a room you love. If you can, work with a professional, like Interior Design Companies Denver has to offer. If tackling the project yourself, here is a list of ideas.

Rearrange the Space

Costing you no money at all, consider rearranging your furniture and bookshelves. Sometimes you don’t need to add new stuff, you just need to move around the stuff you already have to make it seem like a new space. Getting rid of clutter can also help change the look of a room.

Look to the Walls

One of the easiest and inexpensive ways to freshen up and change the look of any room is by applying a fresh coat of paint. Choose one color, opt for an accent wall, or even consider an alternative wall covering.  Try wallpaper, barn wood, foam wall adhesives, or one of many other options that are out there to get the look you want. While changing the look of your walls, also take a look at what’s hanging on them. Consider investing in some new artwork and utilize mirrors to make space look brighter.

Lighting

Consider the lighting in your living room. Change out the lampshades for a new look. Also, look for darker areas where a new lamp may add more light. Also, think about ways to add mood lighting. Have a way to turn up the lights for a family game night as well as a way to dim them when snuggling up for a movie.

Accent Pieces

Get rid of your tired old accent pillows and opt for new ones. Change up the colors and the patterns to add a pop of color on your couch or chair. Be sure to think about adding throw blankets to add texture. Use heavier ones in the winter and lighter, brighter ones in the summer to keep new, fresh looks always present in the room.

Replace the Rug or Drapes

A new accent rug or drapes can also freshen up the look of a room. Perhaps your old curtains could even be dyed a new color to cut costs. There are also inexpensive ways to get your hands on a new rug. Carpet stores sometimes have remnants for sale and furniture stores may have discounted rugs that were used in displays.…

Benefits of the Drum Sander

If you have ever had to do maintenance on your old wooden floor then you know that the hardest thing to do is even out the surface by sanding it. If you have ever done this by hand then you know exactly how much of a back breaker it really is. Luckily, you do have other options available to you. One such option is a machine called a drum sander. This machine is great on many larger areas that need sanding and will do nearly all the work needed prior to finishing or refinishing the floor.

There are a variety of models available. The one you will want to use looks kind of like a vacuum cleaner. A bag located on the back of the machine collects the dust generated from the sanding of the wood floor. While it may look intimidating, it really is simple to use. All you have to do is make sure that the belt is fastened correctly without any slack. Then, in a controlled manner, work the drum sander over the floor to get rid of dings, dents, and years of wear that have accumulated across the surface. Once finished, you can polish the floor and apply a completely new finish or simply apply a light coat for a natural look.

While you could buy a drum sander, they are quite an expensive piece of machinery for someone who is not in the business of sanding floors. Many models start in the low thousands and only rise from there. If this is not your business, then renting one would be your best bet.

When wanting a better looking wood floor, it only makes sense to use a drum sander. Not only will it make the job go much quicker and easier, but your back will thank you for it, too. However, it is advised that before you take on a job like this, you seek out a quality rental store that can answer any questions you might have.

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