Being stuck with high utility bills can be a burden, and high energy usage can be damaging to the environment. Luckily, there are some steps that you can take to lower those bills while also helping the environment by decreasing your carbon footprint.

Install Foam Insulation

Energy efficient spray foam solutions offer a fairly inexpensive way to decrease energy usage in the home. Insulation helps make almost any home more energy-efficient, keeping the inside temperatures surprisingly stable despite sometimes extreme temperatures outside. Insulating foams offer increased protection that other insulation may not. This is because foam can be sprayed to fill tight nooks and crannies where drafts may otherwise get through with traditional insulation.

Choose Energy-Saving Windows and Doors

Installing or replacing outdated windows and doors with more energy-efficient types can potentially save lots of money on utility bills. Up to 30% of heat gain or loss is attributed to the windows in the home. Therefore, it is important to choose the most energy-efficient windows and doors that you can afford. This can go a long way toward saving money in the long run.

Install Ceiling Fans

For the warmer months and in hotter climates, ceiling fans can make a dramatic difference in keeping temperatures cooler within your house. Fans provide welcome relief from the heat so that even when the thermostat might be set relatively high, the house remains comfortable. This helps save money because air conditioners typically require more energy to operate than do ceiling fans.

Plant Trees in Strategic Locations

People may overlook the importance of trees in helping to keep utility bills lower, but planting trees can help tremendously. When planted around the house to afford shade, trees help save money on electric bills. Additionally, they add aesthetic beauty to the home and help the environment at the same time.

Whether upgrading your existing home or planning new construction, relatively simple steps can be taken to ensure that energy usage is no higher than it needs to be. These steps can lower utility bills while also helping the environment.…

Running a business is one of the most challenging undertakings when it comes to making ends meet for an American. The majority choose to work for an employer to receive a steady stream of money consistently. It is difficult to find fault in this path because the world is filled with surprises and unexpected expenses. Many Americans are getting by on a day-to-day basis and do not have funds saved for any emergency. Factor in overwhelming amounts of debt for recent graduates and many people are in a troubling position. There is news of the economy performing well, but this is not necessarily true for the average person. Almost every adult also has taken out insurance policies to counteract the uncertainty that life brings. If you run a business in Orlando, FL, you may want to think about business insurance in Orlando.

Understanding Business Liability

If your business is a store-front, there is an unlimited amount of liability when it comes to injuries. One of your employees could potentially injure themselves while reaching for a product that is high up. Even worse, a customer could come into your establishment, slip, and injure themselves. While no one wants either of these events to occur, business insurance can help protect the amount of liability your business is up against. Business insurance can assist with the cost of these claims and prevent years of work from going under. Business insurance provides a lot of assurance for future problems, but it does not necessarily protect against bad publicity. However, protecting your customers and employees is of the utmost importance, and hopefully, a claim never has to be filed while you are in business. Depending on the type of business you own, the amount of liability incurred could potentially pass on to your person as opposed to the company alone.…

When you wake up in the morning, you are most likely thinking about accomplishing your goals and spending time with loved ones. Another day on this planet is another day to experience everything life has to offer and contribute as much as possible. With this said, while life is an incredible journey, it is also filled with unexpected events that are out of your control. One of these unexpected events involves a fire taking place either at your workplace or at home. Understandably, almost everyone immediately panics when a fire begins to engulf your belongings and approaches you quickly. Fires happen all around the world, and California is certainly not any different. If you feel unprepared for a potential fire, reach out to a company that performs fire suppression system inspection California.

Taking the First Step

When a fire occurs at your place of work or home, the first thing you should do is call the fire department immediately. If the area is not covered with flames, you should also rush to the nearest fire extinguisher. It is essential to know how to use one of these devices well before an actual fire occurs, so you are not learning while experiencing a life-threatening situation. If the fire appears to be consuming things too quickly, it is best to rush everyone to safety and wait for the fire department to arrive.

Saving People and Animals

In this world, people have grown fond things that can be purchased at stores. People love smartphones, video game systems, and televisions. With this said, every one of these items should be left in the household if a fire occurs. Saving your loved ones, yourself, and pets are of the utmost importance during a fire. Items that were purchased can always be repurchased. However, human and animal life is much more precious and cannot be replaced.…

Inside many cement, metal, and plastic tanks is a lining that offers a distinct element of protection against corrosion and other types of harm, including wear from chemical products or food-grade grains. This tank lining is commonly used in the transportation and storage of materials, such as petroleum products. Sometimes the lining is applied to the exterior of a tank and often to the interior.

Factors That Affect the Suitability of Liners

High-density cement motor lining is one type of lining available. Some industries prefer the use of epoxy elastomeric products that can be sprayed onto the surfaces of tanks. This spray then becomes a resilient membrane with protective qualities. There are a few factors that affect the type of protection tank lining companies will use for their customers.

• The rate of oxygen absorption
• Ability to resist moisture and moisture absorption
• The pH level of the lining and its ability to prevent corrosion
• The strength of the oxide on the surface of metal tanks
• The linings ability to self-heal
• Ease of repair with minimal inconvenience

When industry leaders choose a tank lining, they should consider the value of each of these factors with regard to the substances to be kept in the tank, how long the tank will be used for storage, and how rough transportation may be. Of course, it’s also important to check compliance with legal requirements.

Factors for Judging the Quality of Liners

Judging the quality of a good tank lining is a straightforward task. Naturally, the lining must for an impermeable barrier between the tank and the substance inside. The lining must adhere completely, no matter what the tank is made of. Finally, the lining should seal any gaps in the tank material.

In some cases, industry professionals have surfaces coated regularly to prevent any weakness in the tank lining. In some cases, those linings may be made from a variety of membrane materials, such as polymers, textiles, or composite products.

Use These Factors to Determine the Best Liners

Tank liners and similar products offer vital protections for many industries. For the best success, it’s important to determine which liners are most appropriate and to choose high-quality products.…

No one wants to have pests in their home. There’s no worse feeling than seeing something moving in the corner of your eye and realizing that it’s a bug or a spider. But while you may not be thrilled to have pests in your home, that’s no reason to jump straight to toxic pest control measures. Don’t panic. Take a couple of deep breaths.

Identify

Whether you’re considering spider pest control or any of a host of insects, the first step is identification. For that, you will have to look at the pest in question. Try trapping a specimen under a glass. Sometimes taking a snapshot will do. Do internet research, paying attention to any markings and being aware that juveniles and females may have different identifying features.

Investigate

Getting rid of household pests isn’t just a matter of finding them and squishing them, there’s a certain amount of research required. What you think of as a pest might not be a pest at all. It may be completely harmless, or even beneficial to your home. You may not like spiders, but they’re a natural way to control many other pests. Additionally, you may discover that traps won’t address the root problem that drew pests to you in the first place.

Eliminate

If you have a dangerous or pervasive pest problem, to the point that it’s becoming a severe inconvenience or even a hazard, it’s time to talk about eliminating that problem. It’s tempting to try DIY home remedies at first, and sometimes they are effective, but there will be times when they won’t be enough. Even store bought pesticides might not do the trick, or they might be more of a nuisance than the pests themselves. But if your pest problem is serious or doesn’t respond to home-grown or store-bought means of pest removal, it’s time to consult a professional in pest control.…

There are several signs that you may have sewer problems at your home. The most obvious is a strong sewage odor near a drain or outside. You may also notice that water is draining more slowly than it should in several areas of your home. There are several potential causes of sewer issues.

Old Pipes

If your house was built any time between the late 1970s and the mid-1990s, you may still have polybutylene pipes. These pipes are light and inexpensive to install, but the chemicals in treated water tend to cause them to deteriorate. This can result in pinhole leaks in your plumbing system. While spot repairs may be possible, it is worth it to get an estimate of how much it would cost to replace them altogether.

Root Invasion

If you have older trees in your hard, the roots may have grown into your sewer lines. This can cause the pipes to break and leak, resulting in the aforementioned malodorous effect. A smoke pump tester can be used to identify the precise location of the leak. In addition to repairing the affected pipes, you may consider using a root kill treatment on your plumbing to discourage future growth.

Clogged Lines

Sometimes, sewer lines just get clogged. Hair and other items get trapped in the line, keeping anything else from getting through. If you just have one sink that is draining slowly, the clog is likely close to that drain and can be loosened with a drain snake. If you notice signs of a backup in several places at the same time, it is likely that one of the main sewer lines is clogged. You can try an enzyme treatment, and if that doesn’t work, call a plumber to assess and resolve the issue.

A sewer problem can have unpleasant side effects and if neglected can grow into a bigger problem. Protect your home by addressing sewer issues as soon as you notice them.…

When you buy a home, you want it to be your dream home. Even if you find the perfect house for you and your family, you want to make it your home. Buying a house is a big investment, so you will want to make these home improvements at a low cost.

Re-do Walls & Floors

Your walls will be the first thing guests notice when they enter your home. If you have more understated tastes, you’ll want to paint over any bright-colored walls. However, it’s most common for walls to already be more muted colors like beige, grey and pastels. If you have bolder tastes and want all the walls in your house to be fun colors, you can save on the costs of paint by using washi tape as wallpaper. Your floors are just as important. In order to save money to fix your floors, use provenza heirloom flooring, vinyl flooring and carpeting.

Save On Furniture

Your furniture is the most important aspect of your house. You want it to match your personality in order for it to feel like home. One way to save money is to bring furniture from your previous house or apartment. Additionally, see if any of your relatives or friends have furniture that they no longer need. Another affordable option is to buy furniture off apps like Craigslist. Shop at discount furniture stores and second-hand stores to save.

Spruce Up Your Backyard

Your yard is where you’ll spend a good portion of your summer. Your family’s favorite part of your backyard will be your pool. If your house doesn’t already have one, consider buying a more affordable above-ground pool opposed to an inground pool. Save on the costs of yard maintenance by buying your own lawn mower and take up gardening as a hobby to plant your own flowers and vegetables.

Using these tips will allow you to enjoy your life in your new home and stay within your budget.…

Carrying everything up a flight of stairs each time becomes tiresome regardless of your age and health. For some homes, stairs cannot be avoided, but fortunately, there are solutions to this problem.

By installing a cargo lift outside of your home, you can add instant relief and convenience to your life. If you are still unsure if this is the right direction for you, consider these three reasons why adding a lift to your home is a great idea.

1. Stay In the Home You Love

As we age, the home we love may not be as comfortable as it once was. Dealing with stairs, both inside and out, can be hard on the knees and become dangerous if our stability is compromised. Though it may seem that selling your residence is the only option, you do not have to. Adding a cargo lift to your home can allow you to stay right where you are, with the ability to enjoy your home for years to come.

2. Geographical Location Matters

If you live in a coastal area, you may be familiar with hurricane season, eroding shorelines and rising tides. These situations have caused many people to raise or build their homes higher, to minimize the risk of damage. As homes become taller, however, so do the flights of stairs. With the aid of a cargo lift, you can eliminate the daily struggle of bringing items in and out of your home, and enjoy the benefits of your vantage point instead.

3. Less Expensive Than You Think

The thought of installing a cargo lift may have crossed your mind in the past, but perhaps it seemed too expensive and complicated. When you consult a professional lift installer, you will find out just how straightforward and affordable the process can be, especially when you compare it to buying a different home. Pair all of that with a solid warranty, and you will wish you had put a lift in years ago.…

With the advent of warmer weather come certain drawbacks. One of those would be ticks.

Tick exposure can occur throughout the year, but they are most active during the warmer months of April through September. No matter what region of the country you live in, it is always helpful to be familiar with the types of ticks most prevalent in your neck of the woods.

Many homeowners are interested in an organic tick control product that does not utilize dangerous chemicals and poses no threat to children, pets, and the surrounding natural habitat. Regardless of what tick control agent you choose, there are certain preventive measures that you can take as a homeowner to help reduce the tick population in your yard.

Remove Tall Vegetation and Natural Debris

It is always a good idea to remove especially tall weeds and brush growing in close proximity to the house or at the perimeter of the yard, thereby depriving ticks of the opportunity to hide there. Also, remove any leaves that remain in the yard from the previous fall and winter.

Keep the Lawn Mowed

The lawn should be mowed on a regular basis to keep the grass at a reasonable height to prevent ticks from roosting there. If you plan on being away for an extended trip in the summer, perhaps make arrangements with someone to mow the lawn once or twice.

Move Playground Equipment

If you have children and maintain playground equipment in your backyard, it should be moved away from the property lines where brush and trees tend to grow.

Stack Wood

If you keep firewood on your property, keep it neatly stacked and preferably not up against a tree line or brush growth. This discourages mice and other rodents who can carry ticks from moving in and living in the woodpile.

Implementing these remedial measures should help reduce the tick population in your yard, thereby making summer safer for your family and pets.…

Fences can serve any number of purposes, such as creating an eye-catching border, keeping pets safe or making good neighbors. Keep a good fence from becoming a bad investment by ensuring you have the right fence for your needs and that it is installed correctly.

Choose the Right Material for the Job

Fencing choices vary greatly. Some of the most popular are wood, PVC, chain-link and aluminum. Aluminum is classy, though it can be costly. Chain-link is a utilitarian champ and is a little easier on the wallet. PVC represents the lowest upfront cost and is low maintenance but less sturdy. Wood is classic, sturdy, and beautiful, though it can be susceptible to insects and rot. Choosing the wrong fencing materials can end up costing you money in upkeep or replacement, and it can also be a hassle if your fence doesn’t function well for your needs. Knowing what you need a fence to do and how much upkeep you want to invest in are great talking points when discussing fencing options with professional fence companies Columbus Ohio.

Know the Rule for Pools

To keep summer fun for everyone, state, county, and city agencies have a variety of rules governing barriers around swimming pools with regard to height, gate type and a slew of other standards. State laws and city or county ordinances can intersect with pool fencing laws. Being caught unaware of regulations that apply to a specific location won’t stop homeowners from having to remove and replace a fence that doesn’t meet all current fencing criteria before they can use their swimming pool. Working with an experienced fence installation professional can head off costly delays on the way to summer fun.

Regardless of the material you choose or the look you’re aiming to achieve, modern fencing can blend seamlessly into your property or make your home or business stand out. With the help of a fence installation professional, your fence can get the job done for years to come.…