Does your house have air conditioning? If so, it is among the 2/3 of United States homes that possess this welcome feature. Some Historical Facts on Air Cooling Systems Were you aware that the first air conditioner was invented for use in the publishing industry?In 1902, Willis Carrier invented it as a means to keep his paper from expanding and ink from running while working at a publishing company. By 1929, the Oval Office had its first air conditioner installed. Herbert Hoover was the first United States president to enjoy cool air while conducting business within his office just a…
-
-
With each new year, many of us look to change ourselves, and sometimes we achieve those goals. Rarely, however, do we resolve to make this the year we change our interior design in preparation for moving on. With furniture and furnishings store sales coming to $98.23 billion in the U.S., perhaps this year we should. Let’s take a look at the environment so we can better prepare for our interior design dreams. If you’re looking to accomplish a home remodel, it would be wise to carefully plan what rooms deserve an updated look before deciding on which interior design services…
-
If you’ve had a roof leak or noticed some damage on your roof, you had better call the local roofing company as soon as possible. You should also thoroughly inspect your roof after severe weather conditions such as hailstorms and snowstorms. Being mindful of the roof over your head will help you maintain it so it lasts as much as expected. However, if your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, then you can start to consider a new roof and the available asphalt roof shingle brands. There are many, but according to consumer reports, the best is the…
-
Having an HVAC unit in the home is most important when it comes to heating and cooling. An experienced heating contractor can help you maintain your home’s heating system as well as your air conditioning unit. In addition to helping your home heat and cool efficiently, an experienced heating contractor can also offer maintenance and tips for keeping your home safe from fires or other hazards. For most U.S. homeowners, heating and cooling are among the biggest expenses. In fact, about 48 percent of energy use in a home comes from the central heating and cooling unit, which is why…
-
When it comes time to remodel, many homeowners have their doors and windows replaced. In 2012, for example, this was one of the most requested renovations, according to the National Association of Home Builders 2012 Remodeling Market Index report. While drafty doors and windows can decrease a home’s comfort level, they also lead to higher utility bills. Just a few drafts, for example, may increase your bill by 10% to 25%. If you’re curious about what window installers charge, the cost of replacing a window may run between $300 to $700. The price will depend, however, on several factors that…
-
Beach real estate is a prime investment for a multitude of reasons, but that doesn’t mean you should go into a purchase blind. Beach properties come in many shapes and sizes, but the tricky part is knowing how to choose the best investment. Whether you’re looking for a home to rent out or a property to build on, here are a few important things you need to know before you invest in beach real estate. Work with a Local Realtor Working with a local realtor is an extremely smart step to take. Not only will they be familiar with the…
-
You went through the home buying process. You found the home of your dreams and submitted an offer through your real estate agent. The offer was accepted and you have recently closed on the house. Now what? What comes after you leave the closing table and you have keys in hand? You could immediately move your things in, but you were careful and followed all of the suggested steps up to this point. What are the safest and most efficient ways to move into your new home? Do a final walk through This is a personal final walk through that…
-
It would be better for our world if we were to recycle more. That said, it’s hard to know what’s recyclable and what’s really just trash or waste. To help, here’s a list of 14 things that you can recycle and 10 objects that you can’t. White Paper First, it’s good to know that you can always recycle paper. Paper is easily reusable so get those office notes out and put them in the recycling bin. Brochures The same could be said for brochures. If you have those or catalogs, you have an easy recyclable. Newspaper This is an easy…
-
Did you know that your furniture is probably the third most expensive thing you’ll ever by — following only your house and car? While this might seem shocking at first, it will probably begin to make sense once you start shopping for furniture. Furniture isn’t something that you want to “cheap out” on. It’s true that when you’re a college student, you might not want to buy the best sofa on the market, especially if it’s only going to be damaged in a party later on. But as you get older, you’ll begin to realize that furniture is more than…
-
It seems like a lot of housing designs today are very generic. When you visit the local home improvement store, there is minimal design options offered. This often forces you to select from the inventory and risk having similar room designs as your neighbors. If you are looking for something that is more unique and gives you the ability to customize, you may need to look other places. You also may need to think outside of the box, finding ways to customize traditional materials. Purchase supplies online One of the best things about shopping online is the ability to purchase…