What's Using The Most Electricity In Your Home?

Home energy bills can climb quickly, and most homeowners are surprised to learn which appliances and systems are quietly consuming the most electricity each month. Identifying these high-usage items is a critical step toward improving efficiency and reducing costs. Whether you're trying to lower your monthly bill or planning to make smarter energy choices, it starts with understanding where your power is going.

Heating and Cooling Demand the Most

The largest contributor to residential electricity use is heating and cooling. Central air systems and electric furnaces use a significant amount of energy, especially during peak seasons. If your system is older or poorly maintained, it could be using even more power than necessary. Programmable thermostats and regular filter changes can reduce strain on your system and help manage overall usage.

Water Heaters Often Work Overtime

Electric water heaters are another major power draw. Since they heat water throughout the day and night, they operate continuously and can account for a large portion of your bill. Long showers, running multiple loads of laundry, and high dishwasher use all add to this total. Insulating your water heater and using cold water settings when possible can reduce this impact.

Appliances Add Up Quickly

Refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers all use considerable energy, particularly older models without energy-saving features. Refrigerators run 24 hours a day, and even small inefficiencies add up over time. Laundry dryers are especially energy-intensive, and frequent use can spike consumption. Upgrading to Energy Star-certified appliances can significantly lower energy use without sacrificing performance.

Electronics and Lighting Still Matter

While smaller in comparison, the combined energy draw of televisions, computers, gaming systems, and lighting is not insignificant. Devices that remain plugged in continue to draw power even when turned off. Using smart power strips and switching to LED lighting are small adjustments that can lead to noticeable savings over time.

If your electric bill seems higher than expected, a professional assessment can help pinpoint the problem areas. An experienced electrician in Chicago can evaluate your current usage patterns and recommend practical upgrades that reduce waste and improve efficiency.

Every household has different habits and equipment, but the biggest electricity users are often hiding in plain sight. With a little effort and the right guidance, you can take control of your energy costs without compromising comfort. For more information, check out the infographic below. 

Eco-friendly Solutions for Managing Yard Waste

You know that maintaining a yard is a big job if you’re like most busy families juggling work, school, and home life. Tossing yard waste into the trash may seem quick, but it adds to overflowing landfills and increases greenhouse gases.

However, there’s good news—adopting eco-friendly habits for managing your yard clippings and leaves saves you time, improves your garden, and benefits the planet. Here are a few eco-friendly solutions for managing yard waste to benefit your home and the environment.

Composting Turns Scraps Into Garden Gold

Composting is one of the easiest and most rewarding solutions for yard waste. Piling up grass cuttings, leaves, and small branches in a compost bin or a covered pile in your yard allows natural decomposition to work its magic.

The result is rich compost you can use to fertilize your flowerbeds. Alternate green yard waste, such as grass and green leaves, with brown items, such as twigs and dry leaves, for best results. Keep the pile moist, and turn it every few weeks.

Grasscycling Keeps Your Lawn Healthy and Hassle-Free

Try grasscycling instead of bagging up grass clippings after mowing. This simple practice lets you leave clippings right on the lawn, where they break down quickly and return beneficial nutrients to the soil. Grasscycling cuts down on yard waste while reducing the need for fertilizer.

You may fit your mower model with a mulching blade if yours doesn’t already have one. This eco-friendly strategy saves you time and supports a greener, thicker lawn without any extra effort.

Mulching Makes Yard Waste Work Harder

Transform branches, leaves, and even small prunings into useful mulch for your garden beds and tree bases. Mulch helps soil retain moisture, prevents weeds, and maintains cooler soil temperatures in summer. Woodchippers simplify landscaping cleaning by breaking down tree branches and other wood debris into mulch for gardening and water retention in your lawn.

Some neighborhood garden centers even offer community chipper days, letting you process larger loads simultaneously. Your family reduces waste and encourages a healthier landscape by reusing natural yard materials as mulch.

Tap Into Local Yard Waste Recycling Programs

Many cities and counties offer weekly curbside pickup or drop-off centers for yard waste. These programs ensure plant clippings become commercial compost, mulch, or bioenergy rather than dumped into landfills. With more than 5,000 local yard waste programs across the U.S., finding an eco-friendly solution for managing yard waste in your neighborhood is easy.

Check your city website or talk to neighbors for details. Using these local resources can close the loop on your waste and even cut down on disposal fees.

Making eco-conscious choices with your yard waste isn’t just about cleaner air or healthier plants—it’s about creating a legacy of sustainability your children see, touch, and learn from. Turn your next weekend yard cleanup into a teachable moment and discover how easy and rewarding eco-friendly solutions are for your family and the planet. Learn more about sustainable yard care and take your green efforts to the next level.

5 Pro Tips for Keeping Your Grandfather Clock Ticking Perfectly

A grandfather clock is a truly special centerpiece in any home. Often a cherished family heirloom, it adds character and warmth. To ensure this magnificent timepiece continues its reliable service for generations, it needs proper care.

In this article, we’ll share five essential tips to help you maintain your grandfather clock, ensuring it ticks perfectly for many years to come. From ideal placement to servicing, these insights will empower you to be a proactive caretaker of your cherished timepiece!

Choosing Optimal Placement for Your Clock

The first step in ensuring your grandfather clock's longevity and accuracy is selecting the perfect spot in your home. This is not just about looks; environmental factors significantly impact its mechanical well-being. Avoid placing your clock in direct sunlight, as this can cause the wood to fade, crack, or warp over time. Extreme temperature changes are also bad for the delicate internal parts. 

So, keep it away from vents, radiators, fireplaces, or poorly insulated walls where drafts are common. Stable temperature and humidity are key to preventing the wood from expanding and contracting, and the metal components from corroding. Consider a quiet corner of a main living area or a spacious hallway where the clock can be admired without constant vibrations from foot traffic or slamming doors. A solid, level floor is also vital to keep the clock from leaning, which can affect the pendulum's swing and overall accuracy.

Mastering Gentle Cleaning and Polishing

Keeping the outside of your grandfather clock clean and polished not only makes it look better but also helps preserve it. Dust can build up in detailed carvings and crevices. If left alone, it can attract moisture, possibly damaging the wood finish. Use a soft, lint-free cloth, like a microfiber cloth, to gently wipe down the cabinet regularly. For tougher dust or smudges, you can use a slightly damp cloth with plain water, but always make sure to dry the surface immediately and completely. 

When polishing, choose a wood polish made for antique furniture. Apply it lightly, following the wood grain. Don't use harsh chemical cleaners or scratchy materials, as these can strip the finish or scratch delicate surfaces. Remember that less is often more when cleaning these beautiful pieces. Be extra careful around the glass panels, using a streak-free glass cleaner and a soft cloth to keep the dial and pendulum clearly visible.

Understanding Correct Winding Techniques

Winding your grandfather clock might seem simple, but doing it correctly is crucial for its consistent operation and to prevent damage. Most grandfather clocks need to be wound once a week, though some models might need it every eight days. Always wind your clock at the same time each week. This creates a regular rhythm for the movement and helps keep it accurate. When winding, turn the crank slowly and steadily until you feel gentle resistance. 

Do not force the winding key past this point, as over-winding can break internal springs or damage gears, leading to expensive repairs. If your clock has three winding holes, one is usually for the time, and the other two are for the chimes. If your clock has a chime silence feature, make sure you haven't accidentally turned it on if the chimes aren't sounding after winding. A consistent and gentle winding routine is one of the easiest yet most effective ways to ensure your clock's intricate movement lasts a long time.

Adjusting the Pendulum and Chimes Properly

The pendulum is the heart of your grandfather clock, controlling how accurately it keeps time. If your clock is running fast or slow, a small adjustment to the pendulum bob can fix it. To make the clock run slower, you need to lower the pendulum bob by turning the small nut at the bottom of the pendulum to the left. To make it run faster, raise the pendulum bob by turning the nut to the right. Make very small adjustments, maybe a quarter turn, and then check the clock's accuracy over 24 hours before adjusting more. 

For the chimes, if they are striking at the wrong time (e.g., striking three times when it's only two o'clock), you can usually correct this by moving only the minute hand. Gently move the minute hand (the longer hand) clockwise or counter-clockwise until it reaches the 12 o'clock position. Let the clock chime and count the strikes. If it's wrong, keep moving the minute hand around the dial, letting it chime at each hour, until the chimes match the correct hour. Always move the hands only in the direction shown in your clock's manual, or if unsure, only clockwise. 

Seek Professional Servicing for Regular Maintenance

While these tips help maintain your grandfather clock's beauty and general function, some issues need the expertise of a professional clockmaker. If your clock is consistently inaccurate despite pendulum adjustments or if it stops running completely, it's a clear sign that professional help is needed. Unusual noises from the movement, like grinding or clicking, also mean you should call a specialist right away. 

A qualified clockmaker has the right tools and knowledge to diagnose and fix complex internal problems, clean the intricate movement, and lubricate worn parts. It is generally recommended to have routine grandfather clock servicing every five to ten years, even if there are no major problems. This preventative maintenance can address minor wear and tear before it becomes major damage, ensuring your treasured timepiece continues to work perfectly for generations.

Your grandfather clock is more than just a time-telling device; it's a piece of art, a testament to craftsmanship, and often, a treasured family heirloom. By following these five professional tips, you are actively contributing to its longevity and preserving its legacy. 

With a little care and attention, your magnificent grandfather clock will continue to fill your home with its rhythmic charm and resonant chimes for many years, becoming a cherished part of your family's story!

The Science Behind Deep Fiber Treatment for Indoor Spaces

We partnered with a cleaning company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

There’s something about clean, soft carpet that makes a home feel instantly more comfortable. But behind that cozy surface lies a complex world of fibers, allergens, and deeply embedded grime. While regular vacuuming can keep things looking tidy on the surface, it’s not enough to tackle what’s going on deep within the carpet pile.

That’s where deep fiber treatment comes in—a method used by professional carpet cleaning services that’s based on science, not guesswork. From microscopic bacteria to stubborn soil trapped at the base of your carpet, this treatment addresses the root of dirt buildup, giving your space a cleaner, healthier foundation.

Why Regular Cleaning Doesn’t Cut It

Let’s start with the basics. Your vacuum cleaner, even a high-end one, only reaches so far into carpet fibers. Most are designed to suction up surface particles—crumbs, hair, pet fur—but fail to remove oils, pollen, and microscopic debris that nestle deep within the padding. Over time, this debris accumulates, compresses the fibers, and even affects indoor air quality.

Think of your carpet like a sponge. With each step, it releases trapped particles back into the air. That musty smell in a room that "just won’t go away"? It’s often coming from dirt and bacteria buried within the fibers, especially in areas of high traffic or moisture, like hallways or near entryways.

The Science Behind Deep Fiber Treatment

Deep fiber cleaning is rooted in chemistry, heat, and mechanical power. Professional-grade systems go beyond just spraying and sucking—they use a combination of specialized solutions and pressurized hot water to penetrate the fiber base, dissolve dirt, and lift it out.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

1. Pre-Inspection and Fiber Identification

The technician first inspects the carpet to determine fiber type (e.g., wool, nylon, polyester) and identify problem areas such as stains, pet damage, or wear zones. This step ensures the treatment is customized to avoid damaging sensitive materials.

2. Pre-Treatment Solution

A biodegradable, pH-balanced pre-spray is applied to loosen embedded soils, grease, and debris. These solutions are designed to break the bond between fibers and particles without using harsh chemicals.

3. Agitation

Mechanical brushes or hand tools are used to distribute the solution evenly and further loosen dirt. This step is crucial for stubborn areas and deeply matted sections of carpet.

4. Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning)

Water heated to 180–220°F is sprayed into the carpet under high pressure, then almost simultaneously extracted along with the dirt and cleaning solution. This process flushes out bacteria, allergens, and residues that standard cleaning can’t touch.

5. Neutralizing Rinse

After extraction, a rinse neutralizer is applied to balance the carpet’s pH. This prevents sticky residues, which can actually attract more dirt if left behind.

6. Spot Treatment and Post-Cleaning Inspection

Specialized stain removers are used on lingering spots, and the entire carpet is groomed and inspected to ensure even texture and drying.

Why Fiber Type Matters

Different fibers react uniquely to heat, moisture, and chemicals. For example:

• Wool: Naturally resilient but sensitive to heat and alkaline solutions. Requires cool water and acidic, wool-safe detergents.

• Nylon: Durable and resistant to crushing, but can stain easily if not properly sealed.

• Polyester and Olefin: Resist moisture but may lose texture with over-agitation.

That’s why deep fiber cleaning must be customized. An experienced technician won’t use the same method for a silk area rug and a basement Berber carpet. The wrong technique can cause irreversible damage.

The Health Impact of Deep Cleaning

Beyond appearance, the real value of deep fiber treatment is in its health benefits. Studies show that carpets can harbor bacteria levels comparable to a toilet seat—especially in homes with pets, smokers, or high humidity.

Deep cleaning:

• Removes dust mites, dander, mold spores, and allergens

• Reduces odor-causing bacteria

• Improves air quality for allergy and asthma sufferers

• Helps prevent the spread of germs, especially during flu season

For families with kids crawling on carpets or pets lounging throughout the home, this type of cleaning can make a major difference in quality of life.

Drying Techniques and Timeframes

One concern with deep carpet cleaning is drying time. Left too wet, carpets can develop mildew or musty odors. That’s why pros use high-powered extraction systems that leave the carpet damp—not soaked.

Drying typically takes 4 to 6 hours, and technicians may recommend using fans or opening windows to speed the process. Some systems also use “low-moisture” methods for quicker drying when needed.

How Often Should You Deep Clean?

The general recommendation is once every 12 months, but this varies:

• Every 6–8 months for homes with pets, children, or high foot traffic

• Seasonally for allergy-prone households or smokers

• Every 18–24 months for low-traffic rooms or rarely used guest areas

Staying on a schedule not only keeps your home fresh but also helps preserve your carpet’s warranty and prevent premature aging.

Why DIY Isn’t the Same

Store-bought or rented machines rarely match the power or precision of professional equipment. They often leave behind detergent residues, oversaturate the carpet, or miss deep-set dirt altogether. Worse, some DIY cleaners can void your carpet’s manufacturer warranty if they use the wrong chemical or technique.

Hiring a team trained in professional carpet cleaning ensures your investment is treated with the right approach—safely and thoroughly.

A Deeper Kind of Clean, Backed by Science

Carpet care isn’t just about keeping things looking good on the surface. It’s about cleaning with intention, precision, and understanding—of materials, health, and home design. Deep fiber treatment is the difference between temporary freshness and long-term cleanliness.

If your floors could use more than a quick vacuum, it may be time to give them the professional treatment they deserve.