How to Childproof Your Windows and Blinds

As soon as a child begins to walk, you will find that the things they are attracted to are often the most dangerous things in your home. While you may find it cute that your toddler loves to peek at the neighbors through the window, you need to stop and think about the safety of the window. The fact is that if the window breaks or the child can get the window open, it is a definite safety hazard. Your job is to make sure that your windows and window blinds are childproof. The following are some tips to help you to make sure your windows are safe for your child:

Keep the Windows Clear

No matter how high your windows are, your toddler is going to want to look out of it. They will use anything in front of them to climb on so they can see outside. You want to remove all items that could be used as a makeshift ladder by them. Furniture should be moved further away from your windows as a child could easily stand on the arm of a chair and fall through a window. Also, be sure that all objects that could break the window are removed from the area.

Window Locks

Most windows come with a locking mechanism that allows you to lock the window and preventing it from being raised or tilted. Unfortunately, your toddler will quickly learn how to unlock it by simply watching. There are products available that can prevent the window from opening, even when it is unlocked. Window stops and window guards are made for several different types of windows and will keep your child safe.

Window Film

You will also find there is a special window film that can be purchased to prevent the glass from shattering if a window does get broken. It is affordable and will help to keep your child safe. If your windows are old, you may want to consider replacing them with vinyl windows so that you no longer have to worry about your child getting hurt on the unsafe windows.

Window Blinds

If you have blinds in your home, you must do what you can to get the cords out of the way of the child. There are safety products available or you can simply cut the cords and refit them to a tassel stay or fit them with cord stops. The idea is to get the extra cordage off the blinds and keep the remaining cord out of the child’s reach.

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.