Saving Money With New Windows

During the winter months, older windows can make a home cold and susceptible to drafts, which can drive up heating costs. Once the spring arrives and temperatures start to rise, your energy costs will still be higher since the cool air produced by your air conditioner can escape through the cracks.

Replacing your windows with new vinyl windows is an extremely effective method of making sure your home is as energy efficient as possible. It’s true that having vinyl replacement windows installed will cost you some money upfront, but the long-term savings on energy bills can be amazing.

Why the Interest in Vinyl Windows?

Consumers are constantly opening their utility bills and being surprised by fluctuations in price. To cut down on the shock of looking at their bills, more homeowners than ever before are looking for ways to prevent that from happening. Vinyl windows are an attractive option because of their insulating capabilities and durability. In regards to their ability to withstand even the most extreme weather conditions, vinyl windows are becoming the preferred window replacement solution for property owners. Vinyl windows have a lower amount of heat loss when compared to steel or aluminum windows.

Getting More From Your Window Upgrade

In some cases, an energy tax credit may be available for those who make the switch to more energy efficient windows. In these cases, some or all of the windows in a home can qualify one for a tax credit. Eligible households can receive a 10% reduction in tax costs for their window replacements. The maximum limit for the deduction is $500.

Where to Start Replacing Windows

If you only want to replace windows in one area of your home at a time, consider where you spend the most time so that the most commonly used areas of the home will be more comfortable. But if you have rooms that are the colder than others or have the oldest windows in the house, those would also be good places to start so you can help keep those rooms warmer and get rid of the oldest and least efficient windows first. Upgrading windows in your home can lower heating and cooling costs as seasons change. Vinyl windows can also give the home a refreshed, updated appearance. Investing in new windows translates into instant energy savings for those looking to lower heating or cooling costs.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter plumbing problems. If you live in a climate where the temperature often drops below zero, there’s a good chance your pipes will freeze. Fortunately, frozen pipes can be prevented. Follow these tips to keep your water running smoothly all winter long.

Insulate Your Pipes

One of the best things you can do to prevent your pipes from freezing is to insulate them. Insulation helps prevent pipes from freezing by slowing down the rate of heat transfer. Make sure that you know where the main shut off valve is at. Leaks can occur once a frozen pipe thaws.

Let The Faucets Drip

If the temperature is about to dip below freezing, let the faucets drip just a little bit. Having a small amount of water running through the pipes can prevent them from freezing up.

Keep The Thermostat at an Appropriate Temperature

You should keep the temperature on your thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit. You should also open up your cabinets in order to allow the heat to flow to the pipes.

Many people like to lower the temperature on their thermostat at night. If this is a regular habit of yours, you might want to take a break from it during the colder months. Although it’s a great way to save energy, it’s best to keep the thermostat on the same temperature day and night during the colder months. Your pipes are more likely to burst if the temperature in your home keeps fluctuating. Furthermore, if you will be leaving your home for an extended period of time, then you will need to set the temperature on the thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

What Should I Do If My Pipes Get Frozen?

There are quite a few things you can do if your pipes get frozen. You can thaw your pipes by applying heat to them. A portable space heater or hair dryer are examples of some of the things you can use to thaw your pipes. Do not use a propane heater, blow torch or charcoal stove. You should also keep the faucet open. Once the ice starts to melt, the water will start to flow through the faucet. If you are unable to thaw the pipes yourself, then you should contact a plumber.

Storage Ideas for Smaller Homes

Living in a small home doesn’t necessarily mean you have to feel like you’re living in cramped quarters. While a small home may mean that you may have to downsize some of your belongings, there are several storage solutions for smaller homes. The key is to find the right ones for your home so that you and your family can live in comfort.

Utilize Wall Space

Many small homes often have less wall space, but instead of hanging pictures on the wall, consider putting up walls of bookcases. Bookcases will allow you to store your items within reach and, with the help of baskets and fabric boxes, you can keep many items out of sight.

Utilize Ceiling Space

Even large homes utilize ceiling space. For example, in some of the largest mansions, you often see a hanging metal rack in the kitchen. This will allow you to keep your pots, pans, and utensils within reach and keep them from taking up valuable cupboard space. You can also hang racks in other rooms for storing other items, including stuffed animals, towels, and just about anything else you want.

Double Duty Furniture

In a small home, your furniture should do double duty. For example, your ottoman should also be a place to store things. A bench can be used as extra seating for your guests, but can also be used to store items. Your bookcase can also be a room divider. It is a simple matter of using your imagination to get the most out of your furniture.

Hide Lesser Used Items

While you want to keep items you use every day within reach, items that are used less often can be hidden away. You can purchase small plastic storage bins that can be hidden under beds or even hang unused items in a garment bag that is stored in the closet. Smaller homes are actually becoming more popular as more and more people are trying to live more consciously and avoid taking on more financial obligations than they can. While living in a small home of three to four hundred square feet may seem impossible to you, with the right design, you will find anything possible.

The Right Time to Hire a Snow Removal Company

If you live an area that gets a lot of snow, you may spend more time than what you want on snow removal, but it’s something that has to be done. You need to be able to go out of the house and pedestrians and letter carriers need to be able to get through on the sidewalk. But shoveling snow is not easy. It’s extremely hard on the body even if you’re young and able-bodied and it’s even more difficult for older people and people with health problems. Shoveling snow is well-known for causing heart attacks and back and shoulder pain. If you have any health issues or simply can’t take the pain anymore, now might be the right time to hire someone for your snow removal.

You may be tempted to hire a teenager in your neighborhood to shovel for you and this can be a great idea if you do not have a large outdoor area to take care of. Many teens are looking for a way to make some extra money and will charge you a fair price. However, you must also remember that if you need the snow removed from your roof, it is best to hire a professional that is insured.

If you do not have any teenagers in your area willing to shovel your snow, consider calling a professional. Many landscaping companies offer snow removal services to help keep business going during the winter months. The downside is that this is an extremely competitive business and, by calling around and comparing rates, you may be able to get a decent price. The key is to check their references as you do not want to pay for the work to be done and then not have them show up.

When all else fails, consider investing in some professional snow removal equipment of your own. A snow blower is going to make the job much quicker and easier for you. For larger driveways, a snow plow attachment for your lawnmower or ATV may be more appropriate. You will still have to do the snow removal yourself, but the job will be done with a lot less strain on your body.

For those that are still stuck shoveling snow, the only thing you can do is take safety measures. Remember to shovel small amounts of snow and to get out there early instead of letting the snow pile up too much. However, the most important thing you can do is to take breaks. Shovel for a few minutes and then let your body rest for a few minutes. By doing this, you can prevent injury to your body. The job will get done; just maybe a little bit slower than you would like.

What You Need to Know About Water Damage and How to Prevent It

Water damage is one of the most costly problems a homeowner can face. If you have a flood, a burst pipe, or a malfunctioning sump pump, water can get into your home and cause many issues, including mold and bacteria problems. However, there are several things you can do to protect you and your family from this type of disaster. Even if you live in a flood zone, the following tips will help to make sure your home is protected at all times:

Inspect Your Pipes

At least once a year, but preferably twice a year, you should conduct a thorough inspection of your water pipes. You are looking for possible leaks, corrosion of the pipes, and the potential for a freeze up. One burst pipe or small leak can easily turn into a major problem that will cost thousands of dollars to repair. By taking the initiative to inspect your pipes on a regular basis, you can catch problems while they’re still small enough to prevent them from turning into bigger, more expensive problems.

Inspect Outside Your Home

Each year, your roof should be checked for missing or damaged shingles and they should be replaced if you find any. A small leak can lead to major damage inside your home. Be sure to check your windows and redo the caulking if necessary to prevent water from getting inside your home. Along with this, gutters should be cleaned. If you do not have gutter guards already installed, you might want to consider having them installed to prevent your gutters from becoming clogged.

Flood Insurance

The majority of homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damages caused by a flood. While most mortgage companies will require you to buy flood insurance in order to get financed, if your home is not in a flood zone, it will not automatically be included. No matter where you are, consider purchasing flood insurance as a natural disaster could easily cause thousands of dollars in damage that your regular policy will not cover.

Water Alarms

If you have a basement, consider purchasing an alarm system with water detection alarms included. A water detection system will consist of components that are placed in your basement so that if water gets into your basement, the alarms will go off, alerting you to the potential disaster. You can also have an alarm set up to go off if your sump pump or generator stops working to prevent problems when the power goes out.