Tips To Conserve: Light Bulbs, Heaters, and Windows. Oh, My!

You can conserve energy within your home in several different ways, from the light bulbs and heater to the windows and insulation. Now, don’t let these changes overwhelm you—keep in mind that every change, no matter how big or small, adds up over time.

Water Heater

Water heaters require an immense amount of energy consumption to work properly. However, some are much more energy efficient than others. For example, tankless water heaters are the most energy-efficient heaters out there. However, like any other purchase, this kind of heater has its pros and cons. Consult with a local professional so that they can point you in the correct direction.

If you aren’t interested in replacing your water heater right now, that’s okay! Simply turn down the thermostat on your water heater, use less hot water, or insulate the heater you currently own.

Insulation

Speaking of insulation, it’s an often overlooked but important aspect of the home for conserving energy. It will help your home retain heat in the colder months and conserve cool air in the hotter months. Appreciate the lower utility bills that quality insulation will give you—but keep in mind that your home’s location will determine just how much insulation the house needs. The attic, crawl space, floors, basement, and walls are common areas where you may need to place more insulation.

Windows

Windows: the biggest cause of energy waste in a home. Gas-filled windows have low-e coatings that can drastically reduce heating costs by reflecting light and reducing the thermal energy that enters the home when it’s warm outside. On the other hand, these windows trap heat in the home when it’s cold outside. This layer of protection is an investment up front, but it will do wonders for your home and utility bills in the long run.

LED Bulbs

Of all the tips to conserve energy, switching to LED bulbs is one of the cheapest and simplest and yet most effective ways to conserve energy in your home. And news flash: traditional incandescent light bulbs are so yesterday. LED bulbs not only use less energy but also last longer and don’t emit gases that harm the environment. Who doesn’t want to reap those benefits?

Of course, these bulbs cost a bit more up front, but their longevity will give you your money back in the long run. Another beauty in these bulbs is that you can control them with a smart home system. Using a guide to setting up a smart home, you’ll be well on your way to an energy-efficient house.

3 Ways To Reduce Radon Levels in Your Home

As the second leading cause of lung cancer in the general population, radon can be silently dangerous. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends radon testing your home or prospective abode. But what happens if testing indicates high results? Here are three ways to reduce radon levels in your home to keep you and your family safe from this odorless, colorless gas.

Home Renovation

Oh, the wonders of home renovation! While you may have little to no say over a home’s initial construction, you are welcome to introduce change as a homeowner. Since radon is present in soil found in crawl spaces, consider applying a layer of gravel below the foundation slab underneath the home.

Afterward, apply a plastic sheet or vapor layer on top. By incorporating these minor adjustments, radon particles will remain separate from the standard airflow within your property.

Improved Airflow Within Home

You want to look into two types of ventilation when reducing radon levels in your home. First, consider assessing the underfloor ventilation, especially if your property has a suspended ground floor with underfloor vents.

Vents can often become clogged with dirt and foliage, so remember to clear all obstructions to promote airflow. Next, experiment with airflow strategies by opening vents and windows throughout your space to ensure maximum ventilation.

Sealing Foundation Cracks

It’s standard to see foundation cracks in older homes. Consider sealing cracks, dents, and holes with concrete or other caulking products to seal access points in your space. Access points would include imperfections in floors, windows, and doors. You can also fill these points with draft excluders and rubber components.

Measuring radon is crucial to your health and safety within your space. Ultimately, you can incorporate ways to reduce radon levels in your home according to your state’s prevention program, but remember to contact professionals for assistance.

Guest Post - The Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist for Every Season

Making sure your home stays in beautiful shape relies on thorough organization. We find the most effective method is to plan a maintenance routine that accommodates every season. It spreads the tasks evenly throughout the year. An annual checklist should help you spot household problems before they become troublesome. It helps home maintenance chores seem like a breeze.

Spring - A Fresh Start to the Year

Spring is one of the most inspiring seasons for organizers. It's the time when traditionalists love to clean away the dust and cobwebs of winter. Your backyard should also be bursting into life with spring flowers such as daffodils and tulips. We usually recommend starting at the top of the house and working your way down.

Take one room at a time and repeat the same steps in each. Clean away dust from the ceilings, light fittings and around appliances. Use a natural cotton cloth wrung out in soapy water to wipe over doors, skirting boards and window frames. Clean the glass until it sparkles. This is the season for brand-new window dressings that let the spring sunshine flood in.

• Polish furniture and shampoo carpets

• Service air conditioning units ready for summer

• Check brickwork is still reliable, especially on chimneys

• Ensure outdoor taps still work in preparation for watering vegetables/flowers

• Install a new patio or decking

• Cut down perennial plants and prune shrubs such as buddleia davidii

Summer - Make the most of Outdoor Spaces

The summer's a great time for having major repairs done. The hours of daylight are generous. You can enjoy your backyard while builders take over your home. Tasks such as checking your kitchen appliances should be done now. Defrost your freezer and clean the inside before restocking.

Appoint a professional to service your boiler and check your electricity circuit is safe and functional. Wiring can easily burn out at any time, making it a fire hazard. An annual inspection keeps you and your family safe.

• Remove excess lint from the vents of washing machines and tumble driers

• Check faucets in your bathroom and kitchen for leaks

• Replace any worn-out bathroom fixtures such as toilets and showerheads

• Check drains and arrange professional jet washing for blockages

• Clean out your barbecue

• Prune spring flowering shrubs and fill containers with summer bedding plants

Fall - Time to Prepare Ahead

Fall can be very atmospheric depending on which state you live in. Fallen leaves, autumnal colors, bonfires and Halloween legends can influence your organized home maintenance. The darker evenings should make you want to complete outdoor maintenance ahead of winter.

It's your last chance to check for loose roof tiles and leaky guttering. If necessary have a new roof fitted. Pay particular attention to flat roofs that might become flooded in winter. On mild days, declutter the garage in case you want to use it to shelter your vehicle over winter. Your backyard will need plenty of attention this season.

• Check out your home heating system

• Install new insulating jackets on hot water tanks

• Paint exterior woodwork and repair ill-fitting windows

• Check doors, hinges and locks are in working order

• Mow the lawn and service your lawnmower before stashing it away for the winter

• Collect spent plants and fallen leaves for your compost heap

Winter - Make it a Cozy season

Winter in the north of the States can be very harsh. However, wherever you live, winter can be a cozy season, especially with Christmas festivities to look forward to. At the very start of the season, make sure you have insulated outdoor pipes and faucets. If you have an electric car, check the area around the EV charger is protected from forthcoming snow and ice.

You can still make the most of the interior of your home. Now's the time to consider a new Smart lighting system. Saving energy is a priority and being organized with the latest energy-efficient LED lighting can save money while adding beautiful lighting.

• Service heating units at the start of the season

• Check carpets particularly on staircases for worn patches

• On cold, wet days, enjoy decluttering closets, drawers and the attic

• Always visually check the exterior of your home after a winter storm

• Store garden furniture in a shed for winter

• Check and repair fencing so it can withstand winter gales

Conclusion

Maintaining your home is easy with a seasonal guide. It helps if you're organized and think ahead for what each season might bring. Always leave major remodeling tasks for the summer months. Winter can be much more bearable if you plan to make your home secure.

By dividing up your household chores throughout each season, they become manageable. It also spreads the cost of repairs. Never forget to have appliances serviced annually. It's how you'll keep your family and home safe.

Author Bio:

Diarmuid Hennessy is the Operations Manager of HomeCheck. Since 2016, they have been providing property survey services to homeowners throughout Ireland.

Can You Patch Home Foundation Damage on Your Own?

Cracks in the home foundation are a common problem that can occur from a variety of causes. Simple shifting of the soil beneath the structure can cause thin, hairline cracks that can allow water in and permit insects to invade your interior. Some foundation damage can be done yourself. However, when the damage exceeds a certain amount, you should seek out an experienced foundation contractor to remedy the problem. Here are a few facts you should know about patching damage in your home foundation:

Hairline Cracks in the Foundation

Hairline cracks often occur and are not serious. You can easily cover the crack with concrete and masonry paint if the appearance bothers you.

Moderate Cracks Should Be Patched With Appropriate Material

Cracks that are 1/8 to ¼-inch wide should be covered with an appropriate foundation repair product. A number of different types of products are available. Concrete caulks and sealants are made for this use. Many premixed products are easy to use for the average homeowner. Epoxy products can also be used to prevent moisture intrusion.

Some Cracks You Can Leave Alone

You may notice a small, new crack in the foundation that wasn’t there before. These can be left as they are and simply monitored to determine if they are likely to get worse. One way to keep track of a crack’s progress is to use a pencil to put a small mark at the beginning and the end of the crack. You can check this periodically to determine if the shifting is getting worse and requires patching.

Larger Cracks Need Professional Evaluation

Any foundation crack that is larger than ½-inch long should be evaluated by a foundation contractor. When cracks become this wide, water can easily penetrate into interior spaces and insects have easy access to making a home inside your residence. Although most of these cracks are not serious, you should consult with a professional like Du-West Foundation Repair to ensure it is not a sign of serious foundation issues.

A Bulge in Your Foundation Can Mean Trouble

If you notice your foundation wall has a bulge to it, it could be due to hydrostatic pressure from the soil with heavy clay content. This problem can lead to foundation failure and needs the attention of a foundation professional.

Your foundation serves an important purpose in supporting your home. In addition, unsightly cracks can give your home a bad appearance and can affect its value in the marketplace. You can do minor patches and repairs yourself, but for more serious problems, contact a foundation professional.