Calvin Graham - The Brothers Bloom

Understand Why Your Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit

If your home has an older furnace, there’s a chance that you have a pilot light that ignites your heating system. That standing pilot light serves as a small ignition flame for gas burners. However, you may have run into circumstances where that light went out, and you were left without heat in the dead of winter or unable to get a hot shower with the water heater now temporarily out of commission. While sometimes the right breeze can knock a pilot light out of commission, there are other underlying issues that may be causing your headaches with your heater.

The Age and Condition of the Furnace

If you’re finding that your pilot light keeps going off, it’s important to understand why your pilot light won’t stay lit. If your furnace has a pilot light, chances are it’s at least 20 years old. An old furnace may have components and parts that are ineffective and dirty. A combination of this failing equipment can result in the light going out at any time. While it could be an easy fix, it can be aggravating to have to keep dealing with this common problem time and time again.

Older furnaces may deal with a pilot flame that flickers a bit and then goes out; you may have to clean out the pilot orifice. Shut off gas to the heater, then remove the orifice fitting. Clean out underneath with rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt or debris. If you’re able to light the pilot light, but it goes out when you release the control knob, the thermocouple probably needs replacing. The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off gas flow if it senses the pilot light is out, but when damaged, it loses its regulatory ability. It’s a fairly inexpensive replacement.

Gas Supply and Gas Valve Issues

Your pilot light depends on a consistent gas source to keep the flame going. Issues with the gas valve, whether it’s malfunctioning or just dirty, can cause the flame to go out. It’s also possible that the supply of gas has entirely run out. In some cases, a gas pilot light can sometimes go off just from a wind gust or breeze knocking it out. This can be brought on by the setting of the flue pipe or the venting of your furnace.

While the light going on can be a common issue, it’s important to assess your situation with any gas outage. If there’s an underlying issue with the gas line, it could be of tremendous danger to your household. A carbon monoxide detector in your home is recommended to alert you to the possibility of a gas leak. Be sure to call emergency officials immediately and evacuate your household if you smell gas. This could be an issue with the pilot valve or the gas supply, or potentially require the replacement of the furnace.

Faulty Gas Regulator

If you notice that you’re having issues with gas appliances throughout your house, like your oven or your dryer, a bad gas regulator is usually to blame. Your furnace may not be getting sufficient gas to power the pilot. A gas regulator is a control device that maintains a defined pressure of a heating system by cutting off the flow of a gas or liquid when it reaches a set pressure. A furnace repair service can spot this as the cause of the problem and spare you future issues.

A repair service can also examine a furnace for any other issues, including cracked heat exchangers. This can impact the inside venting and air pressure in the combustion chamber of a water heater or other heating units. From obstruction to gas line issues, there are several issues that can impact your furnace. However, it’s important to make sure you have access to professionals that can take care of the problem.

How a Whole-Home Generator Can Help Keep Your Home Running Well

Regardless of where you live, you need a source of power to provide heating and cooling, power the lights and appliances, and have basic conveniences throughout your home. While there is a growing interest in what is commonly referred to as living off-grid, there are many practical things you need to consider to ensure you still have everything you need.

Freedom From the Power Grid

Using a generator to provide power to your house allows you to have all the amenities you need without relying on the power grid. That gives you more control over what you spend on your energy costs, and it means you don’t have to worry about the power grid failing. As a homeowner, you need to have a backup plan for when the electricity goes out so you don’t lose all of your food and the ability to get through your normal daily activities.

A whole-home generator can help keep your home running well. You won’t have to worry about your refrigerant, freezer, or air conditioner stopping in the middle of the summer or your heat going out when it’s below freezing. Too often, when there are natural disasters, people are left without power for days or even weeks, and they are at a loss on how to survive. When there is an extended power outage, you’ll be able to maintain your normal daily activities.

Full Capacity

A whole-home generator is designed to support the needs of an entire house. You can use a generator in conjunction with a solar power system as well to ensure consistent needed power instead of relying on the electric company for the consistent power when needed. When buying a generator, you’ll need to speak with a professional about the size of your home to determine what size generator will work best for you and your family. Also, let your professional know if you are using it in conjunction with a solar power system, as the needs may vary.

Several Options

There are several options when choosing a home generator. The best approach is to speak with a professional about your needs. They will go over your options for generator size and installation. Even if you don’t choose to live off-grid, a backup generator can be a lifesaver during an emergency. You’ll never need to worry about the weather or potential power outages. They can keep your sump pump, furnace, or water pump operator working regardless of whether or not your electricity is on.

Maintenance

Generators are easy to maintain and care for. While they are not maintenance-free, you don’t have to worry about cleaning them off like solar panels or changing filters. But you do need to keep them clean and fueled up. It is good to have your generator looked over by a maintenance professional if you have not used it in a long time to ensure it will work properly when needed. Your maintenance professional can advise you on how to take care of your generator to last for a long time.

You may feel overwhelmed by the conversation, let alone the actual work when it comes to utilities, power, and home maintenance. But having a whole-home generator will give you peace of mind knowing you will not be without power even if the power company experiences problems. You’ll know your family will be safe and protected regardless of the temperature or weather. As a homeowner, it is critical to have emergency plans when the unexpected happens. Having a backup generator is a valuable thing in case of an emergency. It can work on its own or with solar power or electrical power.

Who Conducts Solar Water Heater Repair?

Your home’s water heater is at the heart of keeping your household running. After all, as homeowners, we rely on our heater to provide warmth in the shower, clean our clothes, and wash our dishes. In an effort to help your energy bills, you may have opted for a solar water heater that puts less pressure on the grid and operates with greater efficiency. Perhaps, you’ve recently noticed this investment isn’t up to par. There are repairs that can be made to your unit: some that you may be able to handle, and others that may require a technician’s help.

Periodic Inspection

Just like anything else in your house, regular routines and maintenance are some of the best ways to avoid the need for solar water heater repair. Be sure to read your heater’s manual for a suggested maintenance schedule. This can include collector maintenance, visually checking for shading during the day on an annual basis to make sure panels are properly bringing in solar energy. You’ll want to make sure that collectors on your solar water panel are cleared, avoiding vegetation and soiling that can inhibit better accrual of energy.

Be sure to also evaluate the plumbing and wiring connections to make sure that a water heater is free of any leaks at pipe connections that can inhibit the proper function of any water heating unit. This includes evaluating support structures as simple as nuts and bolts on collectors to be tightened up. Routine maintenance can also be an easy way to make sure your solar system does its job and avoid costly replacement of collectors or other equipment, potentially even a new water heater.

Preventing Scaling and Corrosion

There are two major factors that impact the performance of a solar water heating system: scaling and corrosion. Domestic water that is high in mineral content may cause the buildup or scaling of minerals like calcium within solar heating systems. Scale buildup reduces system performance no matter where it occurs in the water heater. If your solar water heater uses water as the heat-transfer fluid, scaling can occur in the collector, distribution piping, and heat exchanger. You can avoid scaling by using water softeners or by circulating acidic solutions like vinegar through the collector every three years.

While most solar hot water heaters experience minimal corrosion, when they do, it’s usually galvanic corrosion. That’s an electrolytic process caused by two different metals coming into contact with each other. One metal has a stronger electrical charge and pulls electrons from the other, causing one to corrode. Oxygen entering into an open-loop solar system can cause rust in any iron or steel component of a water heating unit. Such systems should have copper, bronze, or rubber components in the plumbing loop, along with plastic- or glass-lined storage tanks.

Freeze Protection

Solar water heating systems, which use liquids as heat-transfer fluids, need protection from freezing in climates that go through brutal winter months. You may want to rely on the services of a licensed technician to have your solar panels and the entire system ready for the colder months. A technician will use an antifreeze solution or drain the collectors and piping when there’s a chance that the temperature may drop below the liquid’s freezing point.

Solar water heating systems are vulnerable to freeze damage. Drainback systems typically use a controller to drain the collector loop automatically. Sensors on the collector and storage tank tell the controller when to shut off the circulation pump and when to start again. Improper placement of these sensors or low-quality sensors can lead to failure in detecting these conditions. Be sure to set up a service appointment before the winter months that will assure you are not left with a chill over your solar water heater’s failures.

How Do You Modernize an Outdated Home?

When some of us buy homes, they aren’t always new and shiny. We sometimes choose a home that’s older than others. Some people see this as a problem while others decide to take on the challenge of updating their homes.

There are many ways that you can bring your old home into the 21st century. We’ll focus on some of the best ways to modernize an outdated home.

Appliances

One of the main things that you’ll need to modernize an outdated home is new appliances. Appliances are machines that aid with household functions. These functions include cooking, cleaning, and food preservation. Some of the most common appliances include refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, freezers, microwaves, stoves, garbage disposals, and dryers. Many homes already come replete with such devices, which have often been used for years by previous homeowners. It helps, though, to either upgrade your appliance with professional service repairs or buy a new appliance altogether.

Maybe all you need is a refrigerator repair or dishwasher repair for Maytag or Whirlpool appliances. This will help you to modernize your appliance so it can work at peak performance. Start the process of modernizing your appliance by doing an internet search for “appliance repairs near me.” These technicians will practice social distancing when arriving at your home and bring with them repair services at a reasonable price.

When doing your research into appliance repair options, make sure to seek out companies that offer competitive prices. This will help you to save money as you seek out repair services. Also, look for an appliance repair company that has helpful reviews and many years of experience under its belt. You don’t want a service technician heading out to your home who doesn’t know what they’re doing. With such repairs, you’ll be on the fast track to modernizing your outdated home.

Pool

Having a swimming pool at your home is a great idea for a number of reasons. You can work with a pool builder to create your own pool design. Maybe you want a ground pool with a series of waterfalls. Or how about putting your swimming pool within walking distance of your hot tub? Pools also provide people with a way to take mini-vacations. You don’t have to worry about traveling to the beach to unwind. As a homeowner, you can simply walk out to the pool area in your backyard oasis and relax.

If you decide to have a pool area added to your backyard, begin to do online searches for pool construction companies. If you’re in Pennsylvania, find a pool construction firm that offers swimming pool design and construction in the Lehigh Valley. One of the first steps you should take in your search is to find a company that will keep you informed of their progress every step of the way. Look for a company that offers such amenities as fountains, waterfalls, pool covers, spillways, and whatever other latest innovations are available for a pool owner. Lastly, make the pool installation company aware that you’re trying to modernize your old home. They might even offer some suggestions for your new pool based on this focus.

Paint Job

Painting a home is an effective way to make your home look new. First, it helps to raise the real estate value of your home. In case you decide to sell your home at a reasonable price, a paint job will make even an old home look brand new. A new paint job also enhances the curb appeal of your house. Lastly, painting your home gives your old home a new and refreshing feel for you as the homeowner. Slapping on a new coat of paint is an excellent idea for modernizing your home.

Do Bathrooms Need an AC Vent?

As a homeowner, you’ve obviously thought about ventilation and air conditioning for your living room and the bedrooms, but what about your bathroom? You may not have considered it before, but there’s actually plenty of benefits to having an AC vent in the room with the porcelain throne. Here are just a few reasons why you may need to get an air conditioner or HVAC vent installed inside your bathroom.

In some places, it’s the law.

In some parts of the United States, building codes are in place that requires some type of ventilation in the bathroom. HVAC providers like AC Texas LLC can offer up the best choice for a homeowner to make sure that ductwork is properly extended throughout as much space as is available. By having these ducts in place, an exhaust fan is installed within a bathroom that can allow for proper elements to clear the air.

Some homeowners opt for a box fan within a bathroom window for easy installation, but the truth is that an AC vent offers better circulation. An HVAC system is an all-around asset, able to be properly maintained with regular cleaning that will assure that a restroom is properly cleared out to make for better indoor air quality with each use of the facilities.

Vents prevent rust buildup.

While most bathroom fixtures have plating and coatings that prevent rust, those coatings can wear off on older metallic surfaces. Proper air conditioning ventilation can eliminate moisture from the air in that contained space. Moisture creates a greater atmosphere for rust to develop on plumbing, sinks, and toilets. With a multifold system, ducts and exhaust fans can make for better air quality.

Homeowners may invest in an ever-clean surface to make sure that fixtures are sustainable for bathroom vanities and piping to last a longer amount of time. It’s important for an HVAC technician to recognize the amount of space to make sure that vents are in a place to allow for a better clearing of the air.

Vents prevent mold growth.

While moisture can create a ground for rust to form, it’s also a breeding ground for mold. Spores can grow at a rapid rate due to humidity and other conditions that can commonly be found in the air in any bathroom environment after the steamiest of showers. HVAC systems allow for dampened air to be cleared out quicker, reducing the chance for poor air quality that will make way for mold to sprout.

It’s important to take any precautions necessary with an AC system to prevent the buildup of mold. From HVAC installation, homeowners have been instructed on the way to make sure that mold doesn’t become an issue within the ductwork. After all, spores and bacteria are at the core of a lot of ailments brought on by inhalation that impact overall health in the long run.

It’s all about proper placement within your bathroom.

HVAC systems provide energy-efficient solutions, making sure that air conditioning and heating vents are able to circulate air as best as possible. It’s important that these ducts and vents are set up in a spot that assures that it’s clearing out hot air and humidity faster, preventing any circulation within the bathroom of your new home that could inhibit that warm air from getting eliminated quickly.

It’s important for a new homeowner to invest in bathroom supplies that can stand up to rust and mold buildup. Be sure to look into bathroom sinks and other fixtures that can stand up to bad indoor air quality. Stainless steel faucets and other elements of a shower system should be designed for easy cleanup to work in conjunction with those cleaner air vents for better air quality and safer use.

What is a Data Catalog and Why Do You Need One?

Your company’s data assets play a critical role in not only your daily operations but your potential to expand your business. Your company contains numerous valuable data sources both internally and externally. Within these data sources, you will find metadata resources that hold specialized information. Metadata refers to the key insights like keywords, tags, and data quality indicators that are contained within your company’s data assets. The key is to deploy the right data management tools that allow your team to unlock these critical insights.

Every single day that your business is operating, your data assets are expanding. It’s important to have the right data management tools to keep up with this growth. Scalability and organization are crucial when it comes to applying metadata in meaningful ways. One of the most common deployments for data management is the enterprise data catalog. The following are highly beneficial data catalog deployments and examples of their most advantageous use cases.

What is a data catalog?

The main purpose of a data catalog is to streamline the digital architecture that individual business users employ Within their daily operations. Data catalogs handle metadata management digitally in the same way that a physical library handles its inventory. Libraries depend on high levels of practical organization and categorization In order to work efficiently. The same concept applies to a digital data catalog.

Data sources are wide and varied, and this can complicate workflows for your team. With the data catalog integration, you can be sure that your team is receiving the right data at the right time in order to improve productivity as well as customer interactions.

Rather than combing through various databases and data sets for the information they need, a data catalog consolidates relevant information and organizes it practically. Your inventory of data assets is an essential part of your business, but certain metadata needs a higher priority than others.

Data value plays a key role in how and where it will be placed within the catalog. The distinct business context of individual data assets determines how and where they will be placed within the catalog. Business users can only benefit from deploying software solutions that include automation for organizing their datasets. Data quality shouldn’t have to suffer because of the vastness of your data sources. Utilizing an enterprise data catalog for your data preparation is the best way to ensure your team has all the tools they need to be successful.

Data Catalog Use Cases

There are several highly beneficial use cases for including enterprise data catalog integrations in your business. The first of which being improved collaboration and productivity among your team. In the past, your employees would have to sift through various data sets and interfaces in order to gain the information they need.

A modern data catalog simplifies several different workflows that previously were time-consuming and tedious. By deploying a data catalog system they no longer need to spend countless hours to complete tasks that can be done through efficient automation.

Another critical use case for deploying data catalogs is data governance and regulatory compliance. Data security is arguably one of the most important aspects of running a business. Regardless of industry, you must prioritize data security and encryption for your customers. We’ve seen countless times how a data breach can negatively impact a business and its customers. If your customers can’t trust that their sensitive, personal data will be protected when they visit your site or shop with you, you will lose business. Trust plays an essential role in building lasting customer relationships, and data security and encryption is the best way to build this trust.

3 Common HVAC Problems and How to Fix Them

For homeowners gearing up for the hotter summer months, now is the best time to check on the household’s air conditioner and air system. It’s best to ensure that the HVAC is running smoothly and is ready to pump cold air throughout the house. During the rest of the year, a good practice for any homeowner is to have regular maintenance on the air system, monitoring both the HVAC and the heater to inspect for possible problems.

However, before the seasons change, this is the most important time to be sure that air conditioner is ready to keep your family comfortable and safe. Here, we will look at just three of the most common HVAC problems and how you can fix them yourself.

1. Your HVAC isn’t blowing cold air.

The most common issue with an air conditioner unit is if the machine isn’t blowing cold air throughout the house. Unlike a similar issue, such as a heat pump that isn’t blowing warm air, checking on a traditional HVAC system is a slightly easier task. With a more modern heat pump, the unit is removing the outside air, cooling it, and distributing it throughout the home. With a traditional air conditioner, however, the most likely issue for cool air solutions has to do with the air filters or refrigerant. Before you call a technician for a maintenance call, check your unit’s air filters. Those filters are responsible for catching and removing debris, dust, and other harmful allergens from the air and purifying your family’s indoor air quality. To ensure this doesn’t become an issue, you should be swapping out your dirty air filter for a clean one every few months. Not only does this improve the air quality, but your machine will get better air flow and use less energy, lowering your monthly energy bills.

However, if the air filters aren’t the issue, double-check your HVAC system’s refrigerant levels. If possible, give your home’s ductwork a quick glance and be sure there isn’t a refrigerant leak. If there is a leak, you may be losing cold air. While this will require the assistant of a professional technician, it’s not an expensive repair. A refrigerant charge is pretty cost-efficient by comparison.

2. Your HVAC doesn’t hit the right temperature.

As the weather gets hotter, you may be noticing that your home isn’t hitting the right room temperature that’s stated on your household’s thermostat. If your thermostat is at a set temperature, yet you don’t feel the cool air circulating around your home, check the smaller unit itself. The good news is that replacing the batteries of your thermostat is significantly cheaper than repairing your HVAC. If possible, try not to adjust the levels of your thermostat too often, as the wear and tear of AC system can lead to larger issues. However, if it’s easier to keep this tip in mind, your family may benefit from a programmable thermostat, ensuring that your monthly energy bills remain consistent the entire season that the air conditioner is in use.

3. Your utility bills keep going up.

If you’ve noticed that your monthly energy bills are higher than usual, or continue to go up, there are a number of ways to figure out the solution. The above-listed tips are the first order of business. Be sure to change out your dirty air filter for a clean one, thus removing any blockages within the vents and ductwork that are hindering your airflow. When the airflow builds up, your family is forced to run the air conditioning unit more frequently and at higher levels. This will immediately drive up your utility bill.

Likewise, keeping your thermostat at a consistent level should help ease the financial burden of cooling your home throughout the summer. If you’ve taken these steps already, yet still see an increase in your home’s energy use, it may be time to call a professional HVAC technician. While you may not have any major issues with your air conditioner, a tech will be able to tell you immediately what’s driving up your bill.

How to Plan a Top-Notch Event at Your Home

Entertaining at home is a fun way to celebrate with your family and friends. Besides having all your loved ones together in one place, a party at your house puts you in control. You control who shows up, what food and drinks will be served, the playlist, the décor—it’s all in your hands. However, if you don’t plan or find ways to properly accommodate your guests, your reputation as a great host will be tarnished. To make sure yours is the party everyone will be talking about years from now, follow these simple tips.

Who’s on the guest list?

Your guest list might just be the thing that breaks or makes your party. Before you send out your invitations, consider how much space you have, your budget, any dietary restrictions, and your ideal gathering size. If you can manage it, try and keep it to 20 people maximum. Smaller groups are more intimate, which is what you want at your party.

However, if you’re planning a mixer where you’ll have a diverse group of people who ordinarily wouldn’t have talked to each other outside your party, then you might want to plan for a group of about 40. Most importantly, send out your party invitations in advance to allow your guests to add your event to their schedules. No one likes last-minute cancellations, right?

As you send your invites out, also consider your party’s dress code. Most people go into a full-on panic over wardrobe choice when the invitations are vague about the preferred attire. To ease all of these burdens (including yourself), specify the dress code in the party invites. Your guests will be grateful for it.

Do certain areas of your home need a face-lift?

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, barbeque, or laid-back luncheon, your kitchen, most especially, needs to be functional. Your kitchen area should be big enough to accommodate multiple cooks and stylish enough for your guests to want to hang out in it.

If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, consider an outdoor artisan kitchen design remodel. Outdoor kitchens are growing in popularity for several reasons. These new kitchen types are a great way to keep food odors outside, as some food smells can linger for days. Artisan kitchens are also a great way to add more appliances, storage space (outdoor kitchen cabinets), countertops, a unique backsplash, and extra seating. In this way, you can have an extra space for your guests to mingle.

Take care of your pets.

It’s important to let your guests know that they’ll be coming into a home with pets, just in case they’re scared of animals or have pet allergies. Also, make it clear that your pets aren’t to be fed any party food. This is because most party foods have chocolate, alcohol, onions, and grapes, all of which are toxic to pets.

For added security, make sure that all exit points in your home all secured. Advise your guests not to leave any gates or doors open. Also, make sure that all your entrance and exit points are well supervised. This is important because pets can run away. To avoid having to put out, “have you seen this dog?” fliers on the day after the party, make sure your dog is fitted with a collar on the day of the party.

Custom dog collars are an excellent way to make sure that your dogs are easily identifiable, should they wander away from the party and the team at JoyRide Harness’ can help you make the perfect collar. Theirs are the best custom dog collars on the market, and you can ensure that your pet has a reflective collar with the right fit so that it’s easy to find them in the dark, regardless of what dog breed they are. Their no-pull dog harness is a great option for both big and small dogs because it can be fit to match your dog’s neck size.

With their harness, you can clip your leash for extra support and also include your dog’s personal information such as their name and your phone number. In case your pup slips off at night, there’s a reflective strip on the leash to make your pooch visible in the nighttime, as mentioned, and having your dog’s information on the ID tag will give you more peace of mind during the party.

Clean your home.

Your home directly reflects you are, so, if your home appears dirty, this will probably not be a great look. To avoid all this bad press, plan to have all areas of your home thoroughly cleaned. Also, put away any personal or fragile items that you’re uncomfortable with other people seeing.

To be on the safe side, stock your bathrooms and laundry rooms with extra cleaning supplies like paper towels, wet wipes, a broom, and a sanitizer, in case a guest makes a mess. Also, make sure that you have enough toilet paper stocked.

Most of all, remember to have fun. This is your party, you’ve planned this day, and you must be exhausted. Despite all this, remember why you started. Pull out your most festive stick on nails, give yourself an at-home gel nail manicure, throw on your favorite outfit and have a good time.

Ways To Save Money on Home Projects and Renovations

As a homeowner, you know how important upgrades and renovations can be to your overall quality of life and home’s value. You likely know how expensive they can get, too. If you’re a homeowner looking to do some renovations, considering taking out a home equity loan for home improvements, or hoping to lower your monthly payments for heating costs, here are a few things to consider that will save you money in the long run.

Maintaining Heating and Cooling Systems

Maintaining heating and cooling systems is the best way to keep costs low when it comes to your home. Many people wait too long to clean their furnaces, change their filters, and unclog their air ducts. This leaves them in the position of using space heaters or alternative methods of heating the home that can lead to higher costs. Like it or not, space heaters require high operation and maintenance costs, so pushing off a furnace cleaning could mean higher expenses by using a temporary electric heater.

To save money on your heating and cooling systems, consider putting your home systems on an annual rotation. By timing regular maintenance right, you’ll be able to get discounts, too. Instead of waiting until that busy time of year at the end of spring to have your central air looked at, consider having your air conditioning checked in winter. Do your heating maintenance in the hot summer months to save money, too. Whether your home is a fixer-upper or a new home, staying on top of these regular maintenance tasks in the off-season will add up to big savings.

Timing Your Financing

If you’re considering financing a home renovation through a home equity loan or personal loan, you’ll want to pay attention to interest rates. There’s no reason to pay a higher rate when you could secure the lowest rate in watching the market. A great way to save money is to have your ideas for any remodeling project lined up and ready to go but to hold off on applying for a loan until interest rates are low.

Start with making a list of priorities. Put money away each month for any renovations you’ll need for your home. You can even begin buying the tools and supplies you’ll need for any home improvement project ahead of time. When interest rates are low, look for online lenders who can give you the best rate for your project. Even if this means a wait between financing and when the work can begin, you’ll be glad your new loan is at a lower rate and that the money you save can go back into a savings account for future projects.

Affordable DIY Projects

Many people have great luck saving money on home improvement projects by doing them themselves. If you’re handy or have friends or family members capable of tackling a home renovation or home improvement project, it could be worth doing a little research on YouTube, blogs, and other online platforms to get ideas of ways you could tackle your next project yourself. The average contractor charges upwards of $40 an hour for a basic job. By making those easier improvements and changes yourself, you’ll save bundles on labor.

If considering taking on a DIY project, it’s important to look into the prices of lumber and other supplies. Due to the global pandemic, much of the building industry has been impacted by shutdowns in the United States. For this reason, lumber and many other construction supplies are up by as much as fifty percent in some places. Factoring this in now could help you time your project.

At the end of the day, your home is likely your biggest investment. By taking time to research ways to save money to make improvements, you’ll be doing more than adding value to your home. Giving yourself peace of mind, improving your quality of life, and finding creative ways to personalize your space is just a few of the perks the right improvement plan can buy.

Smart Ways to Plan an Intimate Evening

Intimacy is at the heart of relationships. Life can get busy and it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget to spend that important time with your partner. While it may not sound romantic or spontaneous, it can actually be incredibly beneficial to plan out an intimate evening in smart, methodical ways. Take the time to spoil your partner and plan an evening where you can be together without any other distractions.

After all, a romantic night together may be just what the doctor ordered. Couples need to spend that time together and get intimate to keep the flame alive within the relationship. So whether you’ve been together for a few weeks or a few months, it can be a special moment for you to plan out a romantic, intimate evening together. Just be sure you’re taking all the right steps and doing it in a smart way. You don’t want to come on too strong or do anything that could be perceived as inappropriate. Here are a few smart ways to plan an intimate evening that both you and your partner can fully enjoy.

Plan a date.

In movies and TV shows, romance always seems so spontaneous, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re craving that intimacy with your partner, it may be a good idea to actually schedule it on the calendar. You’re not going to write sexual activity into the calendar or anything, but plan a special night where you have nothing else going on.

Get reservations at a fancy restaurant and plan an actual date night. It’s easy to fall into the pattern of living together and going through the motions of life and a relationship, but if you’re looking to light that spark again, you need to take the time to reengage with each other. Take advantage of special offers to just enjoy your partner’s company and remember to find that intimacy with each other.

Create a romantic menu.

Food and drink can be incredible tools for romance. Whether you’re going out or spending a nice night in, plan a great menu for your intimate evening. Prepare a dish you know they’ll love and make sure you have plenty of good wine. It may even be prudent to spring for some champagne. It doesn’t have to be a special occasion to show the person you love that they are special to you.

In fact, the right substances can actually help to put you in the mood. So make some special cocktails or open that expensive bottle of wine. If alcohol isn’t your preference, maybe you can enjoy a bloom vape together. Try a new flavor on your vape pen to take your night to the next level. Whether it’s your first time trying a vape or you’ve done it before, a nice dose or strain can help you relax and get into the mood.

Prepare for intimacy.

Sometimes there are some extra steps you’ll want to take before you’re ready to get intimate with your partner. That could mean buying new lingerie, going for a wax at the spa, or considering new medications to help your sex drive. Whatever you need, take those steps to prepare for intimacy. For older couples who may be dealing with erectile dysfunction, you may want to consult your doctor about oral medication like Cialis or Viagra to help with blood flow and keeping an erection.

Ask questions like how long does Viagra stay in your system and when you may need further medical attention. Overall, treatment of erectile dysfunction is fairly common and helps men across the globe engage in sexual activity in a healthy way. If you are in this situation, this can be an extra step to take as you prepare for an intimate evening.

Look your best.

When you’ve been in a relationship for an extended period of time, you are comfortable with your partner. You spend your time in sweatpants lounging around on the couch, which is perfectly acceptable. If you’re planning an intimate evening, however, you may want to make a little more of an effort.

Dress up and look your best for your partner. Maybe that involves pulling out that great dress that shows off your cleavage or doing your makeup with the lush lash products that make your eyes pop. By putting some energy and effort into your appearance you’re showing your partner how much you love them and it can make you feel even sexier as well.

Consider a theme.

If you’re trying to spice things up in the bedroom, you may consider a theme for your intimate evening. This doesn’t have to be anything crazy or complicated. Maybe you just want a nice night out at a fancy restaurant or you want to have a boho-chic evening in at home. Consider what the other person may be interested in and plan an evening that follows that specific storyline.

Understand your comfort level.

No matter if you’ve been with someone for a few days or a few years, you always need to maintain open communication when it comes to your sex life. Everyone is going to be comfortable with different levels of intimacy and you don’t ever want to push your partner beyond their limits. Have an open conversation about trying new things in the bedroom or what you’re both looking for when it comes to sexual activity. That discussion will guarantee you are both excited and happy about the future of your intimate endeavors.

Going Out or Staying In?

There is no right or wrong when it comes to your romantic evening. Consider your partner’s personality and what they would want when you’re deciding to go out or stay in. A candlelit dinner at your favorite restaurant can be just as romantic as a home-cooked meal at the dinner table. Whatever you decide, be sure to keep your partner at the center of whatever you’re doing. At the end of the day, the accessories don’t really matter, as long as you are concentrating on them and their needs. That is how you engage with true intimacy.

5 Common Home Warranty Questions

The paperwork that comes with new homeownership can be daunting. Warranties for heating and cooling systems can seem especially complicated. But before you freak out and plan for your first therapy session, take a deep breath and don’t let it diminish the excitement of purchasing your new home.

Home warranties don’t have to be intimidating when you understand what they offer. Here are five common home warranty questions to ask now if this is your first time with homeownership. It will be important to ask these things before you sign on the dotted line. Doing so will ensure a good match that will help you enjoy your property instead of worrying about issues that may arise down the road.

Do your research now, and your warranty may come in handy later on. You will thank yourself when you discover a unit continually cycles on and off or other problems easily addressed by HVAC system professionals and covered under your warranty.

Coverage

Before you rush off to call that therapist, it’s important to understand what is covered in your home warranty. It’s a good idea to ask questions when you initially sign up for coverage. Whether your concerns are about general HVAC maintenance like furnace repairs, airflow or a broken thermostat, or more serious problems that may arise with older homes, knowing what’s covered will be important in getting the most out of your home warranty. A full heating system, for example, is much different than a minor furnace issue like dirty air filters.

Most home warranties cover major home HVAC systems and some appliances. Many offer additional coverage on septic systems but do not usually cover roofs, flooring, walls, and other structural home elements. If you are unsure, it’s important to ask your real estate professional for clarification and look into all coverage options available.

Who to Call

One of the most stressful things about home warranties is understanding who to call in the event of a repair need. Like it or not, thermostats break, blowers die, and air conditioners don’t last forever. It is important to know who to turn to in the event of any of these issues in your home. While warranty coverages differ, it is generally recommended to call your home warranty coverage company directly for direction on how to file a warranty claim.

Length of Coverage

Understanding the terms and length of your home warranty coverage is important for peace of mind. While you may not need your home warranty at all in the first few years of homeownership, problems will crop up as the house ages, and it will be important to be sure your warranty is a good fit for you and your home’s needs. Most home warranties come with new homes and only last about a year. Many have the option of yearly renewal, and this is something you should ask about ahead of time.

Coverage Transfers

For those who have an existing home warranty looking to sell their home, it will be important to find out about your coverage transfer options. Most companies will transfer current warranties to new owners without any issues. Others may charge a small service fee for this option.

Service Fees

Some home warranty companies will charge a fee to cover the labor cost for an industry professional to come to your home to assess the situation. This estimated fee may be charged to you unless that company waves fees for job hire. This is something to ask about ahead of time but often not a deal-breaker for new homeowners.

The Essentials for Your Move to Miami

If you’re looking to relocate to Miami, you’re not alone. After all, Miami is one of the most popular cities in the United States, with a population that is still growing. Home to beautiful beaches, incredible real estate, and some of the best food in the country, there’s a lot to love about Florida’s hottest city. Whether you like having a busy nightlife or just relaxing by the water, there’s plenty to do for every personality type. Still, if you’re not from the southern parts of the United States, a move to the Miami area can be a big adjustment. The weather and lifestyle definitely take getting used to, and you’ll want to be prepared before you take the plunge. So, let’s go over some basics about what you’ll need for a move to Miami.

Why Miami?

Miami is one of the most diverse cities in the country, full of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, stores, and almost every type of entertainment you can think of. There are beautiful national parks to visit, plenty of sports to both play and watch (Florida has plenty of professional sports teams to cheer for, no matter which sport is your favorite,) and incredible food to eat when you’re ready for a meal. 59% of Miami residents are foreign-born, so there are plenty of new cultures to experience in South Florida.

The weather can be hot at times, but there’s a reason so many city dwellers flee to Florida in the winter months. No matter what time of year it is, Miami is always high-energy and full of excitement. While the city itself has just under 500,000 residents, the surrounding area has almost 3 million, so you definitely won’t run out of new people to meet. There are plenty of networking events at various restaurants, cultural venues, and shops, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Since Miami is such a popular destination, odds are you won’t be the only newcomer.

What do I need before moving to Miami?

A versatile and climate-appropriate wardrobe is essential before you make the move. Lightweight and versatile bottoms like jeggings are a great option for when you want to wear skinny jeans with a perfect fit, but the Florida heat is scorching. That being said, save your casual wear for the beach and the mall, because Miamians like to dress up when they go out. While the city is known for its beaches and fun environment, Miami residents still love to get dressed up, and the city is becoming more and more known for its fashion every year. Miami even offers and presents its own Fashion Week every year to show off the state’s unique sense of dress and style.

Make sure you’re familiar with the climate and environment specifically in your neighborhood, you may want to pack things to furnish appropriately and keep cool once you’re there. A can of bug spray is never a bad idea because you don’t want to be caught empty-handed the first time you see a palmetto bug.

What should I purchase one I’ve settled in?

Staying cool is one of the most important things to remember in Miami, so make sure your air conditioning situation is settled as soon as you arrive. If you’re experiencing difficulties with your air conditioner, you’ll want to get it checked out right away. Look for high-quality AC maintenance in Miami and make sure you can stay cool when the temperature starts to climb. If your air conditioner is old, broken, or not running smoothly, then investing in a replacement or a maintenance service is an absolute must if you’re planning to live in the Sunshine state. When looking for a new air conditioner, consider factors like energy efficiency, price, and the average rating from customers. Do your research and it shouldn’t be too hard to find an AC company that provides installation services or repair services at a fair price.

If you live somewhere with access to soil, Florida’s is particularly fertile and good for gardening, so investing in some plants to grow food and flowers is a great idea. Also, make sure you’re familiar with the basics of pest control and have a few related products, due to Florida’s large insect population.

While a move is always a difficult decision and a process fraught with challenges, Miami is a lively and exciting destination that’s home to an ever-expanding population of diverse young people looking for both success and entertainment. Florida is unique and requires different things than other locales, but it’s easy to plan and prepare for the climate and environment as long as you do your research. Whether it’s the nightlife, the culture, or the business opportunities that bring you to Miami, once you’ve had a taste of South Florida living, you’re unlikely to ever want to leave.