Around The Home

07

Feb

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Around The Home

Conducting Your Own Home Energy Audit

If your monthly energy bill has started to make you cringe, then it might be time to conduct an energy audit on your home. Hiring a professional can cost you a pretty penny. So save the dough and examine your home yourself. With a few tools and the tips below, you can identify problem areas that could be costing you every month. Energy Bills Analyze last year’s energy bills. Each statement should itemize the energy you use each month in kilowatts. Note any spikes that could indicate problems with one of your appliances or the structure of your home. Call…

31

Jan

By Lori Blank

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Around The Home

3 Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Plumbing

Everyone wants their pipes to last as long as possible, but there are a couple of simple problems that might be sucking the life out of your plumbing. Long-term stress is the enemy when it comes to your water system. The three most common enemies are high water pressure, mineral-laden hard water, and grease. Avoid these three mistakes, and your water system will last years longer. Take The Pressure Off Your Pipes You might enjoy high water pressure when you're taking a shower, but your pipes aren't enjoying it at all. Over time, this high pressure stresses your plumbing system…

24

Jan

By Lori Blank

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Around The Home

Inspect And Maintain Your Garage

In most parts of the country, garages are especially appreciated at this time of year. Even if you don't live in a colder climate, it's important to do an annual inspection and routine maintenance to keep everything in working order. Make sure yours is doing its job well by following the care tips below. Check The Tracks You'll want to make sure the garage door can go up and down smoothly. Get your leaf blower and blow any cobwebs, bugs or leaves from the track. With older doors, you'll also need to oil the metal rollers, hinges and tracks in…

23

Jan

By Lori Blank

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Top 10 Indoor Houseplants For Your Air Quality

Houseplants are great for decorating. They can brighten up any room. Plus, houseplants can increase the air quality in a room. That makes you happier, healthier and reduces stress. Speaking of stress, these plants won't create any at all. All of the plants on this list are great at producing oxygen and require very little care. 10. Heartleaf Philodendron A tough plant that's a good filter for toxins like formaldehyde, Heartleaf Philodendron makes a great houseplant. The only downside is that it's toxic to eat, so it may not be the best choice for those with kids or pets. But…

22

Jan

By Lori Blank

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Around The Home

Stay Organized Under The Kitchen Sink

Kitchen space is a valuable commodity. If you feel stretched for storage space, you could throw away all the flatware your mother-in-law gave you, or you could keep the flatware and learn to use the space you have – more efficiently. The number one most likely spot to find extra storage space is right under your kitchen sink. Organize your under sink area and it will free up space all over your kitchen. Clean It Up The cabinet below the sink has a nasty reputation. It's home to rusty pipes, water stains, and dead ladybugs. First thing is first – clean…

21

Jan

By Lori Blank

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Around The Home

Why You Should Think About A Wood Burning Stove

Now that it's cold again, you may want to consider a traditional wood-burning stove before you reach for the thermostat. You can install one in the center of a room, and the heat will radiate through the whole house. It's an elegant solution to the winter cold, and makes for a much cozier warmth than the furnace. Here's why you should consider getting one. Energy Bills Save money. Stop paying each month to keep your house warm. You can do it yourself, with a wood-burning stove and a pile of wood. One well-placed stove can heat a whole house, and…

17

Jan

By Lori Blank

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Around The Home

The Simplest Ways To Lower Your Home Heating Bill This Winter

When the holiday season starts and the winter chill comes around, the heating bill at your property will naturally increase as you keep yourself warm and cosy. However, if your home is not being heated efficiently, you are essentially letting your hard earned dollars escape into the air as wasted energy. What are some simple and inexpensive ways that you can cut down your heating expenses this winter and save yourself some money? Only Heat The Rooms You Are Using If you work from home and are spending eight hours of the day sitting in your home office, there is…

15

Jan

By Lori Blank

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Around The Home

Dine In Style, Kitchen Design Dos And Don’ts For 2014

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms of your home. It is where you prepare all of your meals and it is often a hub of family activity. When you host a party, the action often ends up in the kitchen. Where drinks and snacks are enjoyed into the early hours of the morning. It's crucial that your kitchen functions well because you will use it every day, but you also want to make it beautiful and stylish. Renovating and decorating your kitchen can also be one of the best ways to increase the resale value of your…

10

Jan

By Lori Blank

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Around The Home

Build A Home Gym For Your New Year’s Resolution

While many people claim every January that they are going to exercise more, a lot of them give up after the first couple of months. It takes a great deal of effort to make it to the gym before work or have the energy to go afterward. So don't make a New Year's resolution you know you won't keep. Set yourself up for success by bringing the workout to you. Build your own home gym. Designate A Space The ideal situation would be to dedicate an entire room to your new home gym. That way you can close the door,…

08

Jan

By Lori Blank

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Around The Home

2014 Cutting Edge Home Decor Trends

Your home is your castle and its decor is a unique artistic expression of your tastes and aesthetic. In order to keep your home decor looking fresh and up to date rather than stale, it's important to pay attention to the trends as they shift and change. This is especially important if you are selling your home, because outdated decor can make a negative first impression on the buyer. If you are planning to redecorate this year, what are the hottest trends when it comes to home decor in 2014? A Breath Of Fresh Air Benjamin Moore Paints has announced…