Aug 2, 2023 | Around The Home
In an era where environmental consciousness and cost savings are top priorities for homeowners, smart home technology has emerged as a game-changer. With the ability to automate and optimize various aspects of your home, smart home upgrades offer numerous benefits, including energy efficiency and reduced utility bills.
Smart Thermostats
One of the most effective ways to reduce energy consumption and save money is by installing a smart thermostat. Traditional thermostats often result in excessive heating or cooling, leading to wasted energy and higher utility bills. Smart thermostats, on the other hand, learn your preferences, monitor your daily routine, and adjust the temperature accordingly.
Energy Monitoring Systems
Understanding how much energy your household consumes is the first step towards reducing waste and saving money. Energy monitoring systems, such as smart plugs and smart meters, provide real-time data on your electricity usage for individual appliances or the entire home.
By identifying energy-hungry devices and monitoring their usage patterns, you can pinpoint areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments
Smart Lighting
Lighting accounts for a significant portion of a household’s energy consumption. Upgrading to smart lighting systems, such as LED bulbs and smart switches, can drastically reduce your energy usage and extend the lifespan of your bulbs.
Smart Power Strips
Many electronic devices continue to consume energy even when they are turned off or in standby mode. Smart power strips combat this “vampire power” by cutting off power to connected devices when they are not in use. Equipped with built-in timers or occupancy sensors, these power strips can detect when devices are idle or the room is vacant and shut down power accordingly.
Water-saving Devices
Reducing water usage not only conserves a precious resource but also lowers your utility bills. Smart irrigation systems can optimize your outdoor watering schedule based on weather conditions, moisture levels, and plant requirements. Leak detection sensors can alert you to potential leaks and water waste, preventing costly damage and excessive water usage. Smart shower heads and faucets can regulate water flow and provide real-time feedback on consumption, encouraging water conservation.
Embracing smart home upgrades presents an opportunity to save energy, reduce utility bills, and make your home more sustainable. By leveraging technologies such as smart thermostats, energy monitoring systems, smart lighting, smart power strips, and water-saving devices, you can contribute to a greener future as well as enjoy the added benefits of convenience and control over your living space. Homeowners should take advantage of these upgrades to make their homes smarter, greener, and more cost-effective.
Jul 19, 2023 | Around The Home
Making your home improvement projects more environmentally friendly is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the planet. Here are some ways you can go greener on your home improvement projects:
- Use eco-friendly materials: Consider using materials that are made from sustainable and renewable resources such as bamboo, cork, or recycled materials. These materials not only have a lower impact on the environment but can also add a unique touch to your home.
- Choose energy-efficient appliances and fixtures: When choosing appliances and fixtures for your home improvement project, look for those that are Energy Star rated. These appliances and fixtures are designed to be more energy-efficient, which can save you money on your utility bills in the long run.
- Install a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat can help you reduce your energy usage by allowing you to set temperatures for different times of the day. This way, you can adjust your home’s temperature based on when you are home or away.
- Incorporate natural light: Adding skylights, larger windows, or light tunnels can help bring natural light into your home, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
- Choose low-VOC paints and finishes: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be harmful to the environment and your health. When choosing paints and finishes for your home improvement project, look for low-VOC options.
- Implement water-saving measures: Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets to conserve water and reduce your water usage.
- Select materials that are locally sourced: Choosing materials that are locally sourced can help reduce the environmental impact of transportation and support local businesses. Look for materials that are produced within a 500-mile radius of your home.
- Recycle and repurpose: Instead of throwing away old materials and fixtures, try to recycle or repurpose them. This can help reduce waste and save money on your project.
By implementing these green home improvement practices, you can reduce your impact on the environment while also improving your home’s energy efficiency and overall sustainability.
Jun 23, 2023 | Around The Home
Living in an urban setting often means compromising on outdoor space. However, even the tiniest of balconies or patios can be transformed into inviting and functional outdoor retreats. With a bit of creativity and thoughtful planning, you can maximize your small outdoor space and create a beautiful oasis right outside your doorstep.
Choose the Right Furniture:
When it comes to small outdoor spaces, selecting the right furniture is crucial. Pieces that are compact, lightweight, and multi-functional. Along with folding chairs, stackable stools, and collapsible tables are excellent choices as they can be easily stored when not in use. Consider investing in furniture with built-in storage compartments, such as benches or ottomans, to maximize space efficiency.
Lighting Magic:
Proper lighting can transform any space, and small outdoor areas are no exception. Install outdoor lighting fixtures such as string lights, lanterns, or solar-powered LEDs to create a warm and inviting ambiance during the evenings.
Utilize Wall Space:
When every square inch counts, make the most of your vertical surfaces. Mount shelves, hooks, or wall organizers to hold small potted plants, lanterns, or decorative items. Wall-mounted foldable tables or bars can provide an additional surface for dining or working while saving valuable floor space
Cozy Seating Nooks:
Create cozy nooks or corners within your small outdoor space for intimate seating arrangements. Utilize corner spaces by adding small benches, cozy chairs, or hammocks.
Play with Colors and Patterns:
Incorporate vibrant colors and patterns to make your small outdoor space visually appealing. Choose colorful cushions, rugs, and accessories to inject personality into your balcony or patio. Stripes, geometric patterns, and bold prints can create an illusion of depth and add visual interest. Remember to balance colors and patterns with a cohesive theme to avoid overwhelming the space.
Maximizing small outdoor spaces is all about smart design choices and utilizing the available space effectively. By carefully selecting furniture, incorporating greenery, enhancing privacy, adding proper lighting, utilizing wall space, creating cozy seating nooks, and playing with colors and patterns, you can transform even the tiniest balcony or patio into a delightful outdoor retreat.
Jun 9, 2023 | Around The Home
The most important reason to check for dangerous home issues is to ensure the safety of you and your family. Leaving home issues unchecked can cause significant damage to your property and if you’re planning to sell your home in the future, it’s important to ensure that it’s free of dangerous issues that could affect its value.
Here’s What to Look For:
Electrical problems: Faulty electrical systems, exposed wires, and outdated circuits can pose a serious risk of electrical fires, electrical shock, and electrocution.
Mold: Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp, warm environments and can cause a variety of health problems, particularly for people with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a potentially deadly condition caused by inhaling carbon monoxide gas, which is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It can be produced by gas-powered appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters, and stoves, as well as by cars and generators.
Gas Leaks: Natural gas leaks can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, fire, and explosions. If you smell gas, you should evacuate your home immediately and contact your gas company.
Lead Poisoning: Lead poisoning is a serious health issue caused by exposure to lead, a toxic metal that can cause damage to the brain, kidneys, and other organs. Children under the age of 6 are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning because their developing bodies can absorb more lead than adults.
Asbestos: Older homes may contain asbestos, which can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos should be removed by a professional.
Drowning: Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death, particularly among children and young adults. Drowning can happen in any body of water, such as pools, lakes, oceans, and even bathtubs. To prevent drowning, it’s important to always supervise children around water, never leave them unattended, and teach them basic water safety skills such as swimming and floating. Additionally, homeowners with pools should install fencing around their pools and use safety covers when the pool is not in use.
Radon: Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can seep into homes and cause lung cancer. A radon test can determine if your home has unsafe levels of radon.
Reducing Household Dangers
Reducing household dangers is important for maintaining a safe and healthy living environment. Here are some tips to help reduce potential dangers in your home:
- Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your home and outside each sleeping area. Test them regularly and replace the batteries as needed.
- Keep fire extinguishers in accessible areas of your home and make sure everyone knows how to use them.
- Keep all electrical cords in good condition and avoid overloading outlets or extension cords.
- Regularly maintain and clean your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
- Keep your home free of clutter, especially on stairs and in walkways, to reduce the risk of trips and falls.
- Ensure that your home has adequate lighting, especially in areas like stairways and entrances.
- Regularly inspect and maintain your home’s plumbing systems to prevent water damage and leaks.
- Store hazardous materials, such as cleaning products and chemicals, in a secure location away from children and pets.
- Test your home for radon and consider installing a radon mitigation system if necessary.
- Regularly inspect your home’s roof, foundation, and siding for damage and make repairs as needed.
It is important for homeowners to regularly maintain their homes and address any potential issues promptly to minimize the risk of harm. By following these tips, you can help to reduce potential dangers in your home and promote a safe and healthy living environment for you and your family.
Apr 12, 2023 | Around The Home
A great addition to many families is the beloved pet, but beyond the regular treats and pillows, there are plenty of ways to spoil your pet and let them know how much you love them. If you’re looking for some neat concepts for your favorite pooch, here are some unique ideas you may want to try out.
A Relaxing, Personal Place
Many animals will gravitate towards your new couch, but by giving them their own special spot, you can make them happy and keep your living room looking great at the same time. Instead of a second-hand pillow, buy them their very own bed for their very own corner of the house so they can feel right at home.
Make It Organized
It’s quite likely that your pet will not be cleaning up after themselves, but by creating a bookshelf or cabinet for all of their toys and treats, you can be sure they’ll be right at home. It’s not only good for organization, it will be easy to find everything if it’s all in one place.
Install A Pet Door
Most pets long for the freedom of the outdoors, so a pet door can be one of the best investments in the happiness of your pet. While it may not necessarily appeal to potential homebuyers who are pet-free, it may be an added benefit for those who think of their four-legged friends first.
A Doggie Dream Home
The expression “in the doghouse” may have a negative connotation, but your dog’s backyard home doesn’t have to be dreadful. Instead of something subpar, build your own doghouse from scratch and paint it in bright colors so that it can be popular with your dog and aesthetically appealing too!
A Canine Course
There are few things a dog likes to do more than run, so instead of leaving them out in the backyard on their lonesome, build them their very own doggy course. Whether you want to add in a small slide, a slippery surface or a hoop for jumping, there are plenty of ways to keep your dog active, even in the backyard.
There’s no doubt that your pet is one of the happiest members of the family, but there are things you can do to make your four-legged friend even more content. If you’re currently doing some upgrades and preparing to put your home on the market, contact your local real estate professional for more information.
Mar 22, 2023 | Around The Home
It’s a very exciting time for most parents when their kids begin to crawl, but it can also be much more difficult to watch over your child and ensure their safety. If your child is starting to get along on their own and you’re preparing to baby proof, here are the main areas and items you’ll want to watch out for.
Clearing Away The Crib
There’s no place your child is going to spend more time, so ensure that there are no toys left in their crib when they’re going to sleep. You’ll also want to stay away from fluffy blankets that can smother their breathing. It’s entirely likely that you’ll have a lot of stuff to store for your baby, but ensure there are no heavy pieces of furniture in the room that they will be able to pull over or move.
In The Bathroom
It goes without saying that you should never leave a baby in the bathtub alone, but there are other things to do as soon as they become mobile. In addition to non-slip mats for the tub and the area outside of the tub, you may also want to invest in soft covers for the knobs and the spout on the bathtub. It’s also good to keep any hazardous cleaning products out of reach.
Care In The Kitchen
Your baby is likely to wreak havoc on all of the door handles they can, so ensure that you have cabinets that don’t close automatically and a latch for your oven door. If you happen to be cooking in the kitchen when your baby is about, ensure that all pot handles are turned in and all cooking items are kept away from the edges of the counter.
Around The House
Your quickly crawling child will be able to find many hazards if they move fast, so ensure you’ve covered up any electrical outlets or cords that can be pulled out. If there are sharp edges your infant can reach, put safety guards on them to protect your baby’s head. Safety gates should also be used at the top and bottom of stairs to avoid any falls.
Most parents get pretty enthusiastic about the idea of their baby starting to crawl, but it’s important to be prepared for that time by baby proofing your home. If you’re currently getting ready to buy a home for your growing family, contact your trusted real estate professional for more information.
