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December 2022

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5 Tips for Winterizing Your Home

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Keeping your home warm and cozy during the winter months takes some forethought. If you don’t prepare, you could struggle to keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the season, which can quickly lead to an increase in your energy bill as you attempt to compensate for drafty areas in your home.

If you have spent considerable time in a cold or even just cool climate, you know how vital good insulation is. Drafty windows and doors can let the cold air into your house. Your roof, attic, basement, walls, and floors might let cold air seep through them.

Let’s look at five ways to help winterize your home so you can stay warm and save money this winter and how you can finance this project.

1. Install Energy-Efficient Windows

You can’t have a list of ways to winterize your home without discussing the importance of installing energy-efficient windows. This change can significantly impact the amount of heat you use in the coming months.

That said, the two most important factors in how an energy-efficient window performs are the R-value and thermal break. The R-value measures how well the window prevents heat flow through it, while the thermal break is the clear space between the two panes of glass. The larger the thermal break, the more effective the window will be at insulating your home.

2. Repair Leaky Areas

You may have noticed some leaky areas in your walls and ceilings. This is a common problem in many older homes and can make it difficult to keep your home warm during winter. With some repair, however, you can reduce the amount of warm air escaping from your walls and ceilings.

You can use products like caulk and joint compound to seal the leaks in your home. Caulk is a good choice for smaller areas that need to be sealed. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can pick one that will work with the overall look of your home. Caulk is easy to work with and can be removed if you need to repair the area in the future. 

A joint compound is a good choice for larger areas that must be sealed. Like caulk, joint compound comes in a variety of colors so you can match the color of your walls

3. Add Interior Foam Insulation

Spray foam is a great way to add insulation to your walls, attic, ceilings, and roof and reduce the amount of cold air that seeps through. This process involves coating inside your walls and other vulnerable areas with a thick layer of foam specifically designed to insulate your home. Adding interior foam is relatively easy, and the benefits will last for many years.

To achieve this, you need to purchase a foam sealant gun and a spray foam can. Spray the foam sealant in the walls and so forth of your home, covering any spaces that might be letting cold air inside. This will actually benefit your home during both summer and winter.

4. Upgrade Heating Equipment

How old is your furnace? Like any household appliance, normal wear and tear can make your furnace less efficient and prone to breakdowns. This can lead to issues maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home, higher energy bills, expensive repairs, and even the possibility of losing your heat when you need it most. Upgrading to a new furnace could solve all these problems and more.

With modern technologies and requirements, any new furnace is going to be more efficient than your old furnace, immediately saving you money on your energy bills. You can even go a step further and install an energy-efficient furnace, which comes with even greater savings and tax benefits. Plus, a new furnace is also less likely to need major repairs or to break down.

To make sure your new furnace is installed correctly so you can get the most benefit from it, hire a professional HVAC contractor to do the installation.

5. Get an Energy Audit

Another great way to prepare your house for winter is by getting an energy audit. It will help you find out if there are any areas in your home that are losing energy. This is an excellent service for homeowners who want to make sure their homes are insulated correctly or simply want to fix any issues.

You should call in a professional specializing in energy efficiency to conduct the inspection. Afterward, you’ll know what upgrades could really heighten home’s comfort this winter.

How to Pay for Winterizing Your Home

Winterizing projects can be a valuable way to save money over the colder months and beyond. But large home improvements, such as replacing windows or installing a new furnace, can have a high initial price, depending on the products you use and whether you DIY or hire a professional to complete the work. This might leave you wondering how you’re going to pay for winterizing your home. The truth is, you might already have the cash you need in your home. Or, more specifically, in your home equity.

Home equity is the amount of your home’s value that you own outright. That dollar amount can be found by subtracting what you owe on your home from its full value.

As a homeowner, there are a number of ways you can access this equity to invest back into your home. A cash-out refinance, for instance, allows you to refinance your current mortgage with a new, larger mortgage that borrows from your equity. That money from your equity is paid to you in cash and can be used immediately.

A home equity loan is similar except that you take out a separate loan to borrow the amount you need from your home’s equity, rather than replacing your first mortgage. 

If you’re not sure exactly how much you’ll need and don’t want to pay interest on a full loan, a home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is a great option for homeowners. A HELOC works a little like a credit card. You have a spending limit that you can borrow from, taking out as much or as little as you need. During the borrowing period, you only pay interest on what you’ve borrowed, and you can repay it and borrow it again.

Ready to Winterize?

Winterizing your home can have a huge benefit on both the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. And while these projects may mean investing a little money up front, the right upgrades are sure to save you money in the long run.

If you have questions about how to pay for winterizing your home using your home equity, contact the experts at Solarity Credit Union. Based in Washington State, they know a thing or two about how to stay warm during the winter months—and about utilizing the money you’ve already invested in your home to make your home even better. Talk to a Solarity Home Loan Guide today to discuss your options.

 

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In Real Estate

Benefits of Hiring a Reputable Realtor to Buy or Sell a House

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Whether you wish to buy or sell your home, you may have debated hiring a professional property dealer. While some advocate for the idea, others are reluctant because of bad past experiences. It only highlights the need for a reliable industry expert with credibility and unmatched expertise that can help homebuyers with all possible budgets.

The Kay-Grant Group is a prime example, offering people the chance to browse the latest listings by price, location, amenities, and other vital factors. Moreover, they enable people to sign up for custom search services, sending them daily emails containing the newest listings that match their requirements.

The following are a few other prominent reasons to look for reputable realtors for your home-buying needs.

They know the area

Real estate agents know the area they work in exceptionally well. They don’t just want to sell you a house; they want to show you homes that precisely match your needs. They know how important it is that homes be located within walking distance of good schools and parks, especially for those hoping to raise kids in a safe neighborhood.

They also know that buying property in an area with plenty of amenities will make it easier for residents to buy groceries or go out for dinner at night. It is not just because less driving is involved but also because these places tend to be cheaper and more convenient.

They have access to tools you don’t

Realtors have access to all the tools you do not, making them a valuable source of information on your house-buying needs. So, when trying to find a house, it is pivotal to know that your real estate agent has access to property records and tax records that can help them determine if your neighborhood is safe.

They also have access to school records, crime statistics, and even social media information about the housing market area so they can find out what kind of people live there. It will help you collaborate more efficiently and find the dream home for your family.

They can tell you what to expect from each neighborhood

Seasoned professionals like the Kay-Grant Group can tell you what to expect from each neighborhood you are browsing homes in. For instance, you may be interested in a specific school district, but the company can help determine which community has the best schools. Alternatively, you might want a house in an area with easy access to public transportation or other amenities that make life easier.

Either way, property agents are experts at speaking about these factors and comparing them across different neighborhoods to give their clients an accurate picture of what it feels like living in any given area. Ultimately, it helps buyers narrow their search and zero in on the perfect property for their needs.

Conclusion

Keep the above information in mind and scout for the most trustworthy and experienced realtor to help buy your dream home. You can browse through their website and look at client names, property listings, price ranges, and other details that determine their capabilities and authenticity. It helps to hire someone who can bring your the best properties across the state rather than a single city.

Invariably, you will find the best professional to meet your property investment needs.

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In Home improvement

Backyard Classroom: Five Ways to Teach Your Children at Home in Your ADU

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Since the epidemic, some parents have discovered that homeschooling is an excellent option to continue their children’s education while keeping them safe. If you have chosen to homeschool, you have access to an abundance of resources just outside your front door. If your California property contains an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), you’re in even better shape! With an ADU, you have endless options for educating your children without impacting your primary residence. Here are five ideas to utilize your backyard for homeschooling your children.

1. Garden Lessons

There are several options to homeschool your children while you have an ADU. Incorporating gardening skills into your homeschool curriculum is a fantastic idea. By cultivating herbs and vegetables in a garden bed, your children may learn about the plant life cycle and the significance of proper soil and sunshine for plant growth and development. Additionally, they may learn about insect management, composting, and sowing seeds. The ADU can function as a workspace for preparing, cleaning, and organizing the garden without disturbing the primary living area. ADU builders like Acton ADU may construct personalized ADUs with kitchens for cleaning and more storage for gardening supplies.

When kids spend the most of their day sitting at a desk or computer, gardening is a terrific way for them to get some physical movement outdoors, which is especially essential. Your children will benefit from learning about nature and the great outdoors in a garden, regardless of whether you decide for a little herb garden or numerous beds.

2. Animal Studies

Incorporating animal studies into your children’s educational experience is another enjoyable choice. This might be cultivating a garden or observing and engaging with local wildlife or working with and learning from animals in your own backyard. Both at home and in the classroom, there are several internet resources for learning more about insects, birds, reptiles, mammals, and other species. By exposing your children to the world of animals, they can develop a greater respect for all kinds of life on Earth and acquire vital skills like as caring for others and observing nature.

Do you own any animals? If so, they can also be used to teach children about responsibility, compassion, and animal behavior. If you don’t have any pets, this could be a good opportunity to get a class pet to keep in the ADU! Daily, the youngsters can go to the ADU to record their observations on the pet or to undertake chores like feeding and cleaning. By requiring children to go to a distinct location each day, this offers them a classroom-like atmosphere. Depending on local regulations, you might be allowed to get a chicken or even a goat. Just be careful to conduct study beforehand.

Consider adding animal studies into your children’s education if you are seeking for inventive methods to homeschool them in an ADU.

3. Art in Nature

One of the finest methods to homeschool your children in your ADU is to expose them to nature-inspired art. This immersive learning environment encourages youngsters to uncover their artistic expression via exploration and interaction with the world. Sketching or painting in natural surroundings, observing and recording the weather, or following animal movements are examples of possible activities. There are many methods for your child to interact with the natural world via art, regardless of his or her talents or interests. You may go visit a nearby park or simply open the windows of your ADU to allow nature in. There are limitless possibilities for creative discovery and development. The nicest aspect of having an art studio in an ADU is the increased creative freedom, and because Acton ADU offers customized ADUs in Mountain View, CA, you may add a kitchen for quick and easy clean-ups! Why not start today and provide your children with a really distinctive education?

4. Backyard Reading Hutch

Creating a warm outdoor reading nook in your ADU, where your children can snuggle up with their favorite books and enjoy some much-needed leisure, is another unique homeschool idea for your ADU. You might decorate the area with whimsical blankets or cushions and add beanbag chairs or lounge chairs for sitting. This one-of-a-kind learning area will help your children develop a love of reading while also providing a tranquil escape from the stresses of daily life. Consider building a reading nook in your ADU if you are seeking for ways to homeschool your children more efficiently.

5. Science Experiments

There are several options to homeschool your children in your ADU or accessory dwelling unit. Perhaps the most entertaining and interesting method is to do science experiments. Whether you are exploring new subjects or reinforcing concepts that your children have previously mastered, educational science experiments are an excellent method to hold their attention and facilitate interactive learning.

Incorporating STEM activities into your homeschooling curriculum is an excellent approach to begin doing scientific experiments. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and it encompasses the fundamentals of several academic disciplines. There are several online sites that provide step-by-step directions on how to do these experiments at every grade level, from preschool to high school. To test basic machines, you may try producing constellation jars, testing buoyancy using a DIY boat, or constructing contraptions from common household items.

You may also utilize common things to learn about scientific ideas in more conventional lab settings. Examples of simple science experiments include filling plastic bags with varying quantities of water and then gently moving the bag to see the shape change, or producing chemical reactions by combining various household ingredients in bowls or Petri dishes and studying their behavior over time. You might also do basic experiments depending on what’s going on outside your ADU, such as conducting temperature testing based on changes in sunlight throughout the day using thermal imaging cameras or simulating cloud formation in little DIY terrariums as a storm approaches your location.

No matter how you decide to homeschool your children in your ADU, scientific projects are certain to be both fascinating and instructive. So dive in and let your imagination run rampant!

ADU Contractor in California

If you don’t have an ADU on your California property and are wanting to increase your living space, Acton ADU can assist you! As one of the top builders of ADUs in California, they are professionals at designing units that are suited to your family’s specific needs. They can construct a backyard space for homeschooling your children, an extra bedroom for your aged parents, or just additional storage space. Their seasoned designers will collaborate with you to construct the ideal ADU that fulfills your individual needs and complements your current residence flawlessly. If you’re ready to make the most of your Mountain View, CA, property, call Acton ADU today by visiting www.actonadu.com and we’ll help you get started on the construction of your ideal ADU!

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In Home

Carpet cleaning services for hotels and resorts

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When it comes hospitality industry, cleanliness is a top priority. Guests expect a certain level of cleanliness when they stay at hotels or resorts. An area that often gets overlooked in cleaning is the carpets. Carpets accumulate dirt, dust, and debris over time, which leads to unpleasant odors and even health issues. It’s important to hire professional carpet cleaning boca raton fl for hotels and resorts. Professional carpet cleaning services have the expertise and equipment necessary to deep clean carpets thoroughly. They use specialized cleaning solutions that are safe for guests and employees, yet effective in removing dirt and stains from carpets. These solutions penetrate deep into the fibers of the carpet, removing even the toughest stains.

Carpet cleaning services also use high-powered equipment that extracts dirt and water from carpets quickly. This means that carpets dry faster, reducing the risk of mold growth and unpleasant odors. In addition to improving the appearance of carpets, professional carpet cleaning services also improve indoor air quality. Carpets act as filters by trapping dust, allergens, and other pollutants in their fibers. Over time, these pollutants build up and are released into the air when people walk on or vacuum the carpet. Respiratory problems for guests and employees with allergies or asthma.

Regularly cleaning carpets with professional carpet cleaning services, hotels, and resorts improve indoor air quality by removing these pollutants from their premises. Another benefit of hiring professional carpet cleaning services is that they extend the life of carpets. Regular vacuuming only removes surface-level dirt from carpets but does not remove dirt that has settled deep into the fibers. This dirt causes fibers to break down, leading to premature wear and tear. Professional carpet cleaning services have equipment and techniques that effectively remove dirt and debris that has settled deep into the carpet fibers. Doing prevent the build-up of dirt and grime that weaken and damage the fibers over time. By regularly hiring professional carpet cleaning services, you prolong the life of your carpets and save money in the long run by avoiding premature replacement. Click for more info https://www.oxygenie.ca/best-calgary-carpet-cleaning-service/.

Professional carpet cleaning services use specialized equipment deep-seated dirt from carpets, preventing premature wear and tear. This means that hotels and resorts do not have to replace their carpets as often, saving them money in the long run. Professional carpet cleaning services help extend the lifespan of carpets by removing deeply embedded dirt, dust, and stains that vacuuming alone cannot eliminate. This prevents premature wear and tear and helps maintain the appearance of carpets, which is especially important in high-traffic areas such as hotels and resorts. By investing in regular carpet cleaning, these establishments save money in the long run by avoiding the need for costly carpet replacements.

Professional carpet cleaning services help hotels and resorts maintain a positive reputation. Clean carpets look better but also smell better. This creates a pleasant atmosphere for guests and employees, leading to better reviews and increased repeat business. In today’s competitive hospitality industry, it’s important to stand out from the competition. By investing in professional carpet cleaning services, hotels, and resorts can differentiate themselves from others by providing a clean and healthy environment for their guests.

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