Wallside Windows Advice for Winter

The joys of winter have officially arrived, bringing the blustery winds and cold drafts that always seem to make their way into the home. Unsealed doors and windows are one of the biggest culprits for causing a temperature drop during the day and night. Old windows and doors that are poorly sealed can cost the homeowner hundreds of dollars each year.

Windows to the World

Windows are meant to let in light, not the bitter cold of winter. One of the best ways to stop the chill is to install new vinyl replacement windows that are designed to look great and insulate. That is a concept that energy-conscious homeowners can really grab hold of. Energy-efficient windows are a proven way to save money each and every month by keeping the cold air out where it belongs and the warm air in.

Doors Welcome in Winter

Doors should stop winter in its tracks, not welcome it in like an old friend. Drafts around doors make the home an unwelcome place during the winter months. Rather than feeling warm and cozy, the cold creates an atmosphere where people leave their coats on when they come and visit. Quality insulated doors are designed to reduce heat flow and have a high energy efficiency rating.

Patio Doors: A Thing of Beauty

Patio doors really let in the bright rays during the winter, but they can also be a particularly troublesome area when it comes to energy efficiency. They are traditionally larger than regular picture windows and come in hinged, French, or sliding styles. Patio doors add a great aesthetic element to any home and are the perfect way to blend inside living spaces with the great outdoors. To really enjoy the patio and its doors, one must make sure that it is well insulated and sealed.

Seal It Up

Sealing around doors and windows is easy to do and has a real impact on energy usage. All entrances should be checked for cracks before winter hits to make sure that the home is in the best shape to face the revenges of cold weather. Caulking and weather stripping are the two most common ways to winterize around windows and doors. Professional installers are trained to look for cracks, but homeowners can do it by following a few simple steps. Take the time to examine the seal around doors and windows for any damage that will let in the cold and learn to enjoy winter all over again.

5 Tips for Saving Money on Your Winter Heating Bills

Now that we're into the winter season keeping our homes warm and comfortable is a top priority. That first heating bill after the cold weather hits can, however, put a dent in your wallet. There are several steps you can take to make sure your winter heating bills are as low as possible. Here are a few easy ways to minimize the shock of seeing your heating bills this winter.

Adjust the Heat at Night

Lowering the thermostat at night is a quick way to easily lower your heating bills. Pull out a few extra blankets and you may not even notice the difference. A few extra degrees, however, may make a difference when your heating bill comes. Some people actually find that they sleep better when the temperature is a little bit cooler.

Put in New Replacement Windows

Windows can be a major source of lost heat in a home. Older windows in particular can be drafty, even if you can't see any obvious open spaces. Vinyl replacement windows can help you save on energy and lower your monthly heating bills. Not only will better windows save you money on heating bills, but this kind of improvement can help improve your home’s overall value.

Put in a Humidifier

Air during the winter months normally becomes much dryer. Having a humidifier can not only make the air more comfortable in your home and help cut down on the annoying static cling that dry air creates, but can save you money since moist air holds heat longer than the dry air does. This will mean less strain on your furnace to keep your home warm.

Replace Furnace Filters

Making sure your furnace is running as cleanly and efficiently as possible can help keep heating costs as low as possible. The more efficiently your furnace is able to run, the less energy it needs to operate. A very easy way to do this is to regularly replace your furnace filters. When you change out your filters regularly, your furnace doesn’t have to use as much energy to work through filters that are full of debris.

Heat Only the Rooms You're Using

Most of us have rooms that we rarely use, like guest bedrooms. Closing these rooms off during the colder months means saving money since there is less space to keep heated in the house. If there is a vent in the room that is providing heat, make sure it's closed.

Signs That Your Window Blinds Need Changing

The perfect way to block out the sun or obtain some privacy from the neighbors is to install blinds on your windows. However, if your blinds are not in good shape, they can detract from the décor and the appeal of your home. So, how do you know when it’s a good time to replace your blinds?

Pet Damage

If you have pets, the chances are likely that your blinds are not in the best shape. Cats often try to force themselves through them to look outside and dogs try to poke their noses through. Even if the slats on the blinds are not broken, they can be scratched or bent. Once this happens, dirt and dust can get trapped inside the scratches and they will look dingy.

Staining or Discoloration

Blinds can also become stained from just about anything. How often has a child spilled a drink and you realize it’s splashed out much further than you initially thought? If you smoke in your home, the nicotine will build up on the blinds and cause them to look dirty. Since they come into a lot of contact with sunlight, they might become faded or discolor over time. Regardless of how your blinds get stained or discolored, they can really detract from the décor of your room.

Remodeling

If you have recently remodeled or changed the décor in your home, you definitely need to change the blinds. After a remodel, your blinds are the one thing that will look old and, if you have changed the décor, you may need to go with another color to match it. In either of these situations, new blinds are in order.

When shopping for blinds, there are many things to consider, but the style is often the most important. Roman blinds are often the most popular as they draw up to even panels and are great for almost any décor. Another popular blind style is the venetian blind. These have horizontal slats that are supported on the sides and the top. Other types to consider include vertical Louvre blinds, roller blinds, and pleated.

No matter which style you choose for your home, you can be sure they can be found in a material and color that will add to your décor. While someone with vinyl replacement windows may have no trouble finding the right size for their blinds, if you have a custom built window, you may have to have your blinds custom made as the majority of blinds come in standard sizes only. However, the right window treatment company will be able to help you to come up with a design that is perfect for your home.

The Advantages of Using a Real Estate Agent When Selling Your Home

The idea of shelling out thousands of dollars for something you could do yourself sounds ridiculous. This is why so many people try to sell their home themselves. However, if you look at the facts and what a real estate agent really does, you will see why they are worth the money. The advantages of using a real estate agent when selling your home are many.

Experience

A real estate agent will use their experience to make sure the selling process is as smooth as possible for you. Many people who are selling their homes themselves often find themselves overwhelmed as they have no knowledge of what is actually involved in the selling process. Your real estate transaction will go a lot smoother when you have a real estate agent representing and assisting you in the sale.

Marketing

The real estate agent has the major advantage of being about to list your home for sale in the MLS. The Multiple Listing Service is used by real estate agents all over the country and offers a detailed description of every home for sale. Your home will be seen by every real estate agent and increases the chances of your home being sold quickly. Along with this, your agent will have a large network of other agents that are representing buyers in your area. This exposure is priceless in comparison to trying to sell the home on your own.

Price

Your real estate agent, who is knowledgeable about the industry, will be able to get you the best price possible for your home. After a thorough inspection of your home, they will use comparable homes that have sold in your area to come up with the fair market value of your home. If you’ve made improvements to your home since you bought it, they’ll make sure to adjust the asking price accordingly. Should your home need work, they may even recommend that you do it prior to listing as it will give you a greater return. For example, just installing vinyl replacement windows could get more people interested in your home or get you a much better price. The fact is that enlisting the assistance of a real estate agent, you are actually securing the sale of your home. Homeowners that try to sell their homes by themselves often find that it can take ten times longer to sell their home and, quite often, they find the price they get does not meet their expectations. So even if you do not want to pay thousands to sell your home, the fact is that you will end up with more money as you will get a higher price when it sells through a real estate agent.

Want a Green Lawn This Spring? What You Need to Do Now

With the arrival of colder weather, everyone is rushing to prepare for the winter. Their cars are being winterized and their furnaces are being inspected. However, one thing that often gets forgotten is the lawn. When spring arrives, if you want a beautiful green lawn, there are some things you must do now. The following will make sure your lawn is healthy and green in the spring:

Removal of Leaves

As the last leaves fall from the trees, you need to be certain that they are removed from your lawn. If the leaves remain, there are two major things that are going to happen. First, your lawn is going to suffer from mold and bacteria problems. Second, the leaves are going to prevent your lawn from seeing the sun in the spring. Your lawn will not look good if the leaves of autumn are left behind.

Aerate the Lawn

Now is also the best time to aerate the lawn. This is simply a matter of poking holes in your lawn and soil to allow more oxygen, water, and fertilizer to penetrate the soil. If the soil is packed hard, it can make it very difficult for grass to dig in with the roots. This could eventually lead to a sparse lawn and the lush lawn you were hoping for in the spring will not happen.

Reseeding the Lawn

If your lawn has bare spots or areas that are looking pretty dismal, it may be time to reseed your lawn. After removing the leaves, reseed the area and cover with a good layer of hay. Fall is the perfect time for reseeding as there is enough time for the grass to get some strong roots before snow falls.

Fertilize for Spring

Every homeowner should fertilize their lawn at least once per year and the perfect time to do it is in the fall. The fertilizer is going to give your grass the boost it needs to strengthen their roots before cold weather. The stronger roots will give your grass the chance to get off to a greater and greener start in the spring.

While you have a lot of chores involving winterizing your home and vehicles, do not forget about your lawn. When spring arrives and the snow melts, the one thing you want to see is the green, green grass surrounding your home. Not only will your lawn give you enjoyment, but it can be the place that provides you and your family the chance to entertain family and friends.