Best-Kept Appliance Secrets to Help You Save Money on Electricity

Here are a few tips to help you save money on electric bills without giving up your simple luxuries.

With the rising cost of energy bills these days, keeping them under control is starting to become everyone's goals. However, reducing your energy bills shouldn't require you to sacrifice any of life's simple pleasures. You only need to make a few minor adjustments with the way you use your devices to drive the costs down. So, it's time to bid those substantial electric bills goodbye. The following tips will surely help increase your home's efficiency all year round.

Clean your air conditioner regularly

The best way to make sure your air conditioner is always running at its best is through regular maintenance. Experts suggest cleaning the fins and changing the filter so you can remove all the dust and dirt stuck in it. Also, see if the AC filter needs replacement and lubricate the motor to make sure it'll function properly no matter how many hours you use it.

Buy appliances with the Energy Star logo

Having an Energy Star seal tells you that the item meets strenuous standards for energy efficiency. So, when you're looking for appliances, look for products that have the Energy Star label on it. Experts say that a dishwasher that has an Energy Star label on it requires less water per cycle compared to the gallons that a few older models use. Using an appliance that has an Energy Star logo can be beneficial, especially if you're still paying up for your solar financing for your Utah home.

Use smarter switches

Using motion sensor switches is a great way to manage any left-on lights. These efficient devices turn off automatically to help you save money. Motion sensor devices automatically switch your lights on whenever someone passes by. That's why it's perfect for hallways and bedrooms because you don't have to switch it on whenever you're moving in and out of your room. You can also use it to control your bath fans, so it'll run for a specific period and then automatically turn it off.

Use a power strip

At least 75 percent of general electrical use happens when you're not using your appliances. So, if you want to save money, then it's best to unplug all the electronics that you're not using. Another way to manage your electric bills is by plugging your devices into a power strip. Doing so will make it much easier for you to turn the circuits off entirely once you turn off the strip.

Change furnace filter

Keeping your furnace well-maintained ensures you that it'll run efficiently, helping you save money in the long run. Changing it every month, especially during the summer, will keep it protected from getting clogged. Bear in mind that a clogged filter makes the motor work harder, which requires more energy to use.

Clean your refrigerator

Another appliance that consumes a lot of electricity is your refrigerator. You can efficiently save money by keeping the coils clean. Doing so improves its efficiency by more than 30 percent, which also helps you save money every month.

These are just a few of the things you should consider to conserve energy. Following these steps will certainly help you save money in the long run.

Things You Should Know Before Building a Log Home

Owning a log home is something many people dream about. Some want them for retirement, while others just want a vacation home they can escape to with their families. Whatever the reason, there are some important things to consider before you ever get started.

Maintenance

One of the biggest reasons many people steer clear of log homes is because of the maintenance they require. But the fact is that they probably require less than you realize. In fact, if they’re built well and taken care of, they don’t require a lot more maintenance than any other type of home. For one thing, logs do tend to expand and shift some over time. This can cause leaking and cracks. But if you buy the proper materials and construct them correctly, this won’t be a major issue.

When you do find minor cracks, you can usually fill them in with caulking to prevent further damage. If you’re buying one that’s already constructed, it’s important you hire log home inspection Florida experts or experts from the state you purchased your log home. A professional can let you know if poor construction or prior damage will become an issue for you.

Cost

Building a log home can cost a little more than, say, a stucco house. It takes a special type of skill that not every construction company has. Therefore, your builders may be a bit more in demand. However, when it’s done correctly, it will be a home your family can enjoy for many generations. But aside from the construction costs, you’ll need to consider the mortgage and taxes.

If your log cabin will be a vacation home, the mortgage and tax situation will be a bit different than for a primary dwelling. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s all bad. Admittedly, second mortgages can be more difficult to get approved for, but your rate shouldn’t be any higher. And your tax breaks can actually make up for the extra effort. Starting in 2017, homeowners are able to deduct mortgage interest on up to $750,000 of their loans. You get the most tax breaks on primary dwellings, but even second homes are eligible for some perks.

Insects

Because the homes are completely constructed of wood, insects can pose a big problem. However, you can prevent most of this problem by choosing the right wood during construction. Cedar, hemlock, and cypress are all examples of wood that repels insects. The problem is that these trees are slower-growing than others, so they’re a lot more expensive to purchase.

This is why most log homes are constructed out of faster-growing trees, like pines or firs. Since they grow faster, they are easier to find. But they are also easier and faster to grow for future use. In other words, keeping them in stock is a lot easier. This doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t use them, though. Builders have been using them for centuries and have found solutions that make them a good alternative. Most of this wood is pressure-treated with non-toxic chemicals, such as borate.

Be careful with log home kits

Log home kits can be a less expensive and faster alternative to hiring a crew to fully construct your home. But they can also come with their own sets of problems. For example, many of them don’t contain everything you need. They may come with only the logs. Or they might be so simply designed, that there is no room for creativity or expansion. It’s important that if you decide to go this route, that you research the company well and know exactly what you’ll be getting.

Top 6 Indicators You Need an Expert Plumber ASAP

There is nothing as boring as drainage sluggish in your sink when washing your utensils. Every avid dishwasher will attest to that truth, especially when they are in a hurry of doing something else. Of course, this is a common phenomenon in many homes in Hamilton. But do you have to wait for the drains to be sluggish to call a plumber?

Well, that’s completely unnecessary if you are constantly using your kitchen as we all do. Just as you mow your lawn regularly so should you carry out drainage examination now and then. If you have stayed long enough without checking up the drainage system, there are some things that can signal that you need a plumber immediately.

Hamilton is not deficient of plumbers, but there is that specific one that you need to solve all your drainage systems. You definitely need an expert who is licensed and experienced. The following indicators should put you on toes of looking for the best plumber in Hamilton.

1. Unpleasant smell
Immediately you notice that you are having a bad odor that you cannot trace its source, especially in your washroom and sink, it's time to call a plumber. If the awful aroma is from the kitchen sink only, you need to check for the food particles blocking the pipe. However, at https://www.plumbwize.ca/plumber-hamilton/ you can have an experienced plumber that will diagnose your drainage and unblock them.

2. Water leaks
Well, this can easily damage your walls and give you some extra task to look at. You should be able to fix a simple leak by simply tightening the pipes. Nevertheless, you need to contact a plumber if the problem persist. By fixing those leaky pipes you significantly reduce your bills and damages.

3. Drop in the water pressure
A normal pipe should allow water to flow efficiently to the tap without any resistance. If you notice a sudden drop in the pressure of the flowing water, you need to visit https://www.plumbwize.ca/plumber-hamilton/ for a plumber because it is a sure sign there is a blockage or an underground leak which can be very frustrating for you to find.

4. Brown-colored water
This is a sure indication that there is some rusting on one of your pipes especially in the heater. To avoid rusting many plumbing contractors in Hamilton are using PVC pipes. But in case, your drainage system is made up of metallic pipes, rusty water is an indication for the need for repair.

5. Sluggish drains
As previously indicated, this is a sign that your drainage is blocked. Although you may try to unblock the pipes, only a qualified plumber has the knowledge of identifying where the problem is.

6. Screeching faucets
Ever heard of such noises when you open your faucet? Well, your pipes are not haunted as you may think, it’s a sign that some air is penetrating your pipe at a certain point and you need a repair immediately.

Conclusion
Identifying drainage blocks can be quite a task, especially when the damage is internal and not visible. If you notice your lawn getting greener at some area where the drainage has passed or some damaged or stained walls in your house, it's time to call a professional plumber.

Smart Home Technology That Can Save You Money

When it comes to cost saving tips for the home, it’s safe to say that smart home technology is definitely at the top of the list. Smart home technology can not only help you save money, but it can help you streamline your daily household tasks, keep your home and family safe, serve as a reminder for things you have to get done.

“Today’s homes are highly connected,” says Peter Goldberg, the CEO of home retailer Bouclair. “Homeowners aren’t just searching for the best furniture and decor to keep up interior appearances; they’re also looking for functional ways to curate a home to their lifestyles and needs.”

Smart home technology is also designed to be sleek, minimal, and modern, allowing it to blend in seamlessly with your home’s design aesthetic. Even if you don’t have a modern home design, you’ll find that many smart systems are small and inconspicuous: no matter how your home is decorated, they never take up too much space or detract eyes from where you want people to focus. With that in mind, here’s smart home technology that could save you a few bucks and make your home life easier and safer:

Smart Smoke & Fire Detectors
You don’t think of smoke and fire detectors as an issue that could pose a risk. As a passive device, these systems don’t get the maintenance and care that they deserve. According to a National Fire Protection Association report, 21% of deaths that have occurred as a result of a fire could have been prevented with an updated smoke and fire alarm system.

With such grim statistics, it’s a great time to ensure your family is properly protected with a smart fire detector. Antiquated fire prevention technology simply doesn’t provide the level of security that many homes could benefit from. Smart detectors have long battery lives, a much higher level of effective detection (which can catch the scent of a fire long before it happens), automatic alerts, and much more.

Smart Plugs
Smart plugs are small, simple devices that pack a powerful punch. When smart plugs are installed, they become an intermediary between the outlet and the devices that you plug into that outlet. If you’ve ever left the house thinking you forgot to turn something off, you’ll have a much better peace of mind knowing that you can power any item on and off remotely through your mobile application.

It also allows you to run a much more efficient household. For example, if you prepped a slow cooker before you headed out to work, you could power it on from your work desk and have it ready by the time you got home. Smart plugs also provide valuable data usage statistics that show you which appliances take up the most energy, and this could allow you to identify ways you can save on your bill.

Smart Thermostat 
A smart thermostat allows you to control your home’s temperature from anywhere remotely, any day of the year. This is ideal for people who find themselves adjusting the temperature often, especially throughout the day in areas with hot days and cool nights. A user would simply pull out their phone and adjust the thermometer with a few clicks.

There are several other reasons a smart thermostat is a worthwhile investment. For starters, with a much greater sense of temperature regulation, you could save plenty of money. One smart thermostat, called the Nest Learning Thermostat, claims to save their users around $145 annually on their bill.

Customers are able to save costs because the application provides important usage information that allows you to identify when your household temperatures and costing the most, allowing you to make data-driven decisions about how you’re maintaining your home. You’d also be able to turn your heating or cooling system off while you’re away—especially when you’re gone for a long period of time, such as a vacation. Then, before you arrive, turn it back on so it’s ready for you.

Smart Mold Sensors
If left untreated, mold can quickly become a serious and costly household issue. Traditional mold kits that you can buy from the store aren’t always effective, and sometimes by the time you purchase a mold kit, it’s far too late and the mold issue has grown. The cost of removing mold from a home can be upwards in the several-thousands range if you aren’t careful. Smart sensors and vents like Ecovent can effectively gauge the air to determine when mold presents a threat.

How to be lean with your water usage at home

If you haven't read the news, water is getting expensive. Sure, this is impacting some cities more than others, but most people around the country are suffering and it's yet another monthly bill to grow concerned about.

Fortunately, a lot of us are missing far too many tricks when it comes to water consumption. There are plenty of things that you can do in the home to lower your water bills and through today's post we will take a look at some of the ways to help you do this.

Tackle that leaking faucet early

If you have a leaky faucet or two, you're not the only ones, trust us. At the same time, this doesn't mean to say that you shouldn't be looking to get the problem resolved.

Let's take a look at the numbers. If you had just one faucet, dripping once every minute, you would immediately lose 34 gallons of water per year. Let's not forget that most leaky faucets are much bigger offenders, so you will probably be losing much more!

As such, find a faucet repair service in Atlanta or your city of residence and get the problem fixed.

The same rule applies to toilets

Sure, if your toilet is leaking we're hopeful that many of you would take more immediately action! Just to put some more numbers out there though, in some cases a leaking toilet can cost you 200 gallons per day. Again, call the plumber in as a matter of urgency.

Be shrewd with your dishwasher

If you pre-wash your dishes before they hit the dishwasher you are making a principal mistake. This has come directly from the manufacturers of some dishwasher tablets, who say that their products work more efficiently if there is residue for the enzymes to attach to.

Ultimately, if you are pre-washing before each load, you are wasting a lot of water. Want hard and fast numbers? The experts believe that this could be as high as 10 gallons of water per load. Not only that, but umpteen studies have confirmed that dishwashers are more effective than washing the dishes by hand.

Your garden is a project in itself

In truth, we could have penned a whole dissertation on the wonders of saving water in your garden. There are a whole host of possibilities, but let's start with irrigation.

In short, if you are using one of the older systems here, you are wasting water and money. Nowadays, these systems are completely efficient and will even tie themselves into real weather conditions to ensure your garden is receiving the perfect amount of water. In other words, they are not left on all of the time.

Then, there is the topic of rainwater capture. This doesn't have to ruin your landscaping; even a 50-gallon drum can be hidden away and collect water from your gutters and downspouts. You can then tap into this supply to water your garden in future, and save gallons in the process.