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Your Guide To Buying A Home That’s A Fixer-Upper

A fixer-upper might be the perfect place to spread your wings as a family or individual first-time home buyer. Purchasing a home is a big step in life, no matter what the additional circumstances you are experiencing might be. Buying a fixer-upper is a great way to lock in a bargain price, and get to bring in the satisfaction of a DIY home improvement project that spans the entire property.

To be sure, a fixer-upper is a task that should not be undertaken lightly. While the price tag may be extremely appealing, the work that must go into a home of this type can range from moderate output over the course of many months to extensive rebuilding over the length of a year or more.

With the help of a resource like Renovator’s Blog, though, getting all the latest information on trends, technicians, and tools that will help you to get the job done faster and smoother becomes second nature. The use of this site and others like it is a must for anyone thinking of conducting a rebuild or long-running improvement project on a fixer-upper. You’ll be glad you took the time to explore reviews, planning ideas, and lessons in order to streamline the learning curve that is sure to come along with the home.

Begin by evaluating the financing options for homeowners in this arena.

Whether you’re buying in Raleigh, Wake County, or Hilton Head, SC, purchasing a home comes with the question of financing more often than not. While around 40% of homeowners own their property free and clear, the vast majority of buyers in the current market are utilizing a mortgage loan to facilitate the initial purchase of property as a first, second, or other investment homes.

A fix and flip loan is a popular option in this arena, especially for real estate investors who are looking to take advantage of the rock bottom pricing structure of a fixer-upper home. Funding your purchase with the help of a private money lender is a great option for anyone hoping to quickly move on a property that meets their needs or the type of investment that will sit well within a portfolio of other real estate and other assets.

Fix and flip loans are the staple financial product among real estate investors buying up these homes that require a bit of care. property owners in this space often work with a consistent team of installers and technicians who can quickly repair or replace the roof, HVAC system, and kitchen fixtures in order to immediately make the home sparkle. With a few finishing touches, fix and flip loans give a real estate investor the edge he or she needs to quickly purchase a property and then relist it at a significant markup after making the requisite renovations that will attract new buyer attention.

This approach is also great for someone looking to make this house a home as well. With a private money lender in your corner, getting funding for your new home purchase is far easier than with a traditional financial institution. Private money lenders are able to engage with clients on their own terms rather than adhering to standards and practices set by a corporate office that doesn’t have the same know-how when it comes to the facts on the ground in your local marketplace.

Tackle window and roof renovations early in your journey.

The windows and roof are some of the most important external systems that your home has within its purview. These are crucial for providing security from the elements and pests that can make their way into your home if it isn’t sealed off against intrusions from the outside environment. The Raleigh heat can often warp shingles or tiles in the summertime, only to turn on its head and freeze the external fixtures through the long winter.

The change in temperature and humidity can create chaos for your home’s systems and often create additional damages to homes that have hit the market in states of disrepair. A Midland window replacement technician is your best point of contact when approaching fixes that have to do with these elements of the home. Windows provide natural light and protection from the elements all at the same time. Making sure that you’ve installed high-quality panes is a must for anyone looking to boost the comfort in a new home.

Focus on HVAC system upgrades for greater comfort in the home.

Many homeowners who are new to the fixer-upper space as to whether they should repair or replace your Wake County, NC, HVAC system? The answer will depend on the current state of your air conditioning unit and the additional components that make up the HVAC system as a whole. Many homes haven’t suffered extreme damage to the internal parts that make up the HVAC system as a whole. In this case, a repair to the major components on the inside and a replacement to the AC unit that lives in the external space may be all that it takes to get your heating and air working properly.

Air conditioning units are often rated to last for about fifteen years, but with proper care, they can extend beyond this lifespan. Still, the internal components of the system don’t have to contend with the same hammering of the rain, snow, and debris that the AC unit does. This means that the compressor and other internal parts typically last even longer.

Hiring a technician to service the ductwork, compressor, and replace low fluid levels is a great place to begin when working to restore a home’s air conditioning system to full power. This should be a high priority for anyone looking to fix up a new buy. Once you’ve taken care of the external components that keep the internal air and environment comfortable, bringing in a technician to fix the AC unit is a must so that you can move your efforts indoors to finalize the décor and living space itself.

With these action items, getting your new home in tip-top shape can be done in a matter of weeks rather than months or even years.

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.

Why Energy Recovery Ventilators Are So Helpful

When we purchase a home, one of the biggest things that we’ll need to be aware of is the HVAC unit for the house. This will be the system that will help regulate the air conditioning and heating services of your home. Especially with the summer months approaching, there’s no better time than now than to make sure your HVAC unit is in tip-top shape.

Another big part of your home’s heating and cooling system is the energy recovery ventilator (ERV). This device is a ventilation system that transfers stale air from your home with fresh outdoor air. Since maintaining good indoor air quality is important, the ERV is a great addition to any home. This energy recovery ventilation system is just as important as its sister system, the HVAC system. We’ll focus today on why energy recovery ventilators are so helpful.

You receive indoor air quality.

An energy recovery ventilator can help with improving the air quality of your home. The air in your home is composed of various particulates that float around, in many cases unseen. These particulates can include dirt, pollen, pet dander, dust, and stale air. These contaminants can be harmful to the health of adults. The health of children is also put at risk by allowing these particles to float around your house unheeded. One of the benefits of using energy recovery ventilators is that it can help to clear out these airborne particles.

You want your air to have an acceptable indoor air quality so you won’t find yourself coughing all of the time. In addition to ridding your home of the aforementioned contaminants, the energy recovery ventilator also helps to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which circulate throughout your home. These include ethanol, xylene, acetone, and benzene.

You’ll often find these in commercial cleaners and air fresheners. With an ERV, your home will be able to get rid of such VOCs, while also providing better air quality and energy savings. High indoor air quality is a great reason why you should invest in an energy recovery ventilator for your home.

Energy savings are good.

We touched on this a little in the previous section, but saving on energy is one of the many reasons why energy recovery ventilators are helpful. An energy recovery ventilator can help with heating or cooling air. The machine does this by transferring heat or away from the outgoing air. Working through such a method, an ERV can help with energy savings, ultimately lowering your utility bills.

An ERV unit is a solid investment for any home and will help you to save money over time. Over time, it can also help to increase the value of your home for potential buyers. If your goal is to increase your energy efficiency while also save money, it might be best to add an ERV system to your house.

Increases the life of your HVAC system.

In addition to cycling out contaminants through its ventilation system, an ERV will also be able to increase the life of your HVAC system. An ERV will help to keep your heater and air conditioner from running so often. It can also prevent such contaminants as dirt, pollen, pet dander, dust, and stale air from clogging your air filter. Ultimately such clogs can lead to dirty or leaky ductwork.

When this occurs, you don’t have to worry so much about costly HVAC system repairs. Your HVAC system will continue to work longer and will stay in perfect shape. These repairs can be extremely costly, taking money out of your pocket. These types of repairs fall between $150 to $450.

On average, homeowners spend $319 on air conditioning service, while they pay approximately $268 on repairs involving a furnace. Your energy recovery ventilator will help to prevent you from having to spend these large amounts of money. Increasing the life of your HVAC system is one of the many reasons why you should invest in an ERV.

How to Spot Home Warning Signs

If you spend any time around your house, you will probably discover several projects that you’ll want to tackle. On your list of projects to complete might be replacing a broken handrail or fixing a squeaking floorboard. When it comes to keeping your home in working order, however, it’s not only the obvious issues that might need to be addressed. More often, the subtle problems usually lead to the biggest repairs. This is why it’s important to investigate new cracks, strange noises, funny smells, or water spots as warning signs of problems. From the evidence of mold to indications of a plumbing issue, you shouldn’t ignore signs that there’s something wrong with your house.

Your house is more than just where you live. Your home is a place where your family makes memories and where your life story takes place. Your home is also a significant investment that you’ll want to be sure to maintain. While your house can’t talk, however, it can tell you when something is wrong. There are numerous signs of trouble that some people might miss if they aren’t paying attention. Let’s take a look at how to spot home warning signs.

HVAC Problems

Your HVAC system is among one of the most expensive systems in your home. Depending on where you live, your furnace and air conditioner could be essential to your family’s comfort. If your system fails during an extremely hot or cold day, it could turn into an emergency. This is why it’s important to take note of the warning signs of an aging furnace. From noises to temperature troubles, there are a few things that you should look out for. While a slight hum from your unit is normal, if you notice thunderous noises or rattling, it could signal trouble.

Additionally, you might find that it’s harder to maintain a consistently comfortable temperature in your home. This could mean that your furnace is having difficulties keeping up with demands. You might also notice that your energy bills are higher than usual as a result of inefficiency. An aging furnace encounters increasing problems with efficiency. Expert technicians and manufacturers agree that HVAC systems last 10-15 years on average. As units age, you’ll want to pay attention to warning signs that you require a furnace repair or replacement.

Electrical Problems

Some homeowners with electrical issues report an odd, fishy smell, while others see it as a urine smell. Either way, a smell of this kind could mean an electrical issue in the home. This fishy smell could be the overheating and melting of the insulating plastic or rubber around electrical wires. Since the National Fire Protection Association says that electrical fires account for 13% of all residential fires, you’ll want to pay attention to any strange smells. Additionally, if an outlet smells like it’s burning, you’ll want to take immediate action. Protect yourself and your home from an electrical fire by addressing potential problems right away.

Hot Water Problems

Aside from HVAC systems and your home’s electrical network, another essential for many homeowners is the water heater. This is another appliance that is needed for many things around the house. If you don’t have enough hot water or you have problems with varying water temperatures, it could be a signal that your water heater is failing. Additionally, if you notice any corrosion or leaking around the bottom of the tank, you will need to consult a plumber for a repair or replacement recommendation. However, not all water heater problems are catastrophic and might require something as simple a removing sediment buildup from the tank.

Paying attention to warning signs around your home could help prevent major damage and repairs. With all of the systems working together to make your home comfortable and livable, it isn’t a matter of if something will go wrong; it’s a matter of when. However, the key to good home maintenance is paying attention so that you can prevent much larger issues.

How to Make the Most of Your Storage Space

It doesn’t take much for your belongings to take over your space and make it feel as if you have nowhere to go. Knowing how to efficiently utilize your storage space is the best way to avoid being overwhelmed with clutter. Many homeowners tend to abuse their storage solutions and overstuff them. Just because you have storage options doesn’t mean they need to be filled. There are plenty of ways to ensure that you’re making the most use of your storage.

Decluttering goes a long way.

Before deciding you need to rent out a storage unit, declutter your home and get rid of anything not being used. The best way to maximize your storage is to get rid of unnecessary clutter. Go through one room at a time, and start going through drawers, closets, and cabinets. Taking the time to remember what you have allows you to get organized, avoid buying duplicate items, and spend less time looking for things.

Not all cars feature the same type of storage, but you can find ways to maximize the spaces your car does have. When you find you have outgrown your current car and need a new car, it’s a good idea to shop for used cars. O’Brians Automotive is a premier dealership with an impressive selection of used cars Saskatoon from popular auto brands such as Jeep, Dodge, Cadillac, Volvo, and Toyota. Customers enjoy daily specials and promotions on service and parts, inventory, and financing options. You can search by model, make, and year to find the perfect compact car, sedan, crossover, SUV, van, pickup truck, or small truck for your needs.

Assess your storage situation.

Take a look at what kind of storage space you have, and consider the size. It’s important to find the best solution for your storage situation that will make it more efficient. Think about what you need to store before adding any new storage solutions. Sometimes open space is a better option than shelving or bins, especially if you can stack things neatly. Always consider what you need to store, how big, and how heavy your things are.

It doesn’t take long for a garage to become cluttered, and you find you don’t have enough space for car storage. Leaving your car in the driveway exposes it to the elements, especially during the winter months. Renting a vehicle storage unit is a great option for extra space that’s easy to access and secure. US Storage Units offers vehicle storage that provides the extra space you need from storage facilities across the U.S. You can search for car storage near me to find storage units by unit size, price, and amenities. Whether you need outdoor car storage, indoor car storage, boat storage, RV storage, or canopy parking spaces, a car storage unit provides the extra space and protection your car needs.

Use uniform storage solutions.

The best way to keep your decluttered items in check and stored properly is to invest in uniform storage solutions. Keep your items in durable storage bins that are similar in size, see-through, and labeled. Storage bins keep your things safe from the elements, bugs, and any water leaks. You can buy differently sized storage bins, depending on what you are storing, such as craft supplies. Avoid using opaque bins, as they are notorious for accumulating odds and ends. It’s a good idea to keep like items together to make it easier to find things.

When there’s a place for everything and everything is tucked away, it’s easier to display decor and sentimental items. Bookcases are a great way to add interest and storage for the things you use daily like your NRSV Bible. You can find thousands of religious products and supplies, including New Revised Standard Version Bibles, scripture, translations, and more.

The best way to store is vertical.

The best way to maximize your storage option is to think vertically. Take advantage of as much space above your head and below your feet as possible. These spaces are the best solution for seasonal, holiday, and little-used items. You should always avoid storing heavy items up above and keep things like appliances and large, heavy bins on the ground. Small lightweight containers should be used for higher spaces. Plastic storage bins stack well and make it easy to quickly find what you need.

Place the things you use more in front.

Just because something is in storage doesn’t mean you don’t use it. Whether backing up a home storage closet or a storage unit, it’s a smart idea to pack items that you’ll need to access frequently in an easy-to-reach place. Seasonal clothing, decorations, and other things that are only used once a year can be placed towards the back of your storage. Keeping items that are used more frequently in an easy-access spot near the front saves the hassle of digging through mountains of boxes.

Keep these tips in mind as you tackle your storage needs and find ways to maximize your available storage space.

UV Light Technology and Your Home Air Quality

The quality of your indoor air has a big impact on your health. Indoor air is full of pollutants, contaminants, allergens, microorganisms, gases, and indoor ozone (O3). There are also bio-contaminants such as bacteria and viruses that live on most surfaces and can easily be breathed into your respiratory system. Ultraviolet light air purification addresses the infectious microorganisms and viruses that can be spread through the air. Ultraviolet light disinfection has been used in the medical field for years to prevent drug-resistant bacteria from spreading hospital-acquired infections.

How does UV lighting purify the air?

The UV lighting in a UV air purifier works to disinfect potentially infectious bacteria and viral material from flowing through the filter. UV light works by destroying bacteria and viral matter DNA, much the same way damaging UV rays from the sun can damage skin cells and cause skin cancer.

UV radiation makes it so that bacteria can’t reproduce, which prevents them from growing and forming colonies in your body that can lead to infectious diseases. Radiation inactivates the DNA and RNA material in viruses so that they can’t attack organic cells.

Most residential air purifiers don’t use UV lamps, but it’s a good idea for homeowners in humid environments. A professional HVAC technician that specializes in indoor air quality services can assess your indoor pollution sources and recommend the most effective way to mitigate air quality issues. Trustworthy professionals have years of experience installing UV light technology that’s ozone-free and results in the reduction of airborne pathogens, bacteria, and viruses. The best companies offer installation, repair, and service of commercial and residential HVAC and plumbing systems. Professional technicians can design custom cooling systems that match your specific needs to ensure your system runs efficiently and reliably.

There are different types of UV light.

There are different types of UV light and UV sources, but only some are used in UV lamps and purifiers. The three main forms of UV light can be distinguished by their wavelengths and effects on organic matter. UV-A has the longest wavelength and light particles that vibrate faster than those in visible light. UV-A rays come from the sun and are the most likely type to penetrate human skin and cause skin cancer with long-term exposure.

UVB has shorter wavelengths than UV-A, but their light particles vibrate even faster, making them more damaging to DNA. This UV source typically can’t pass through the atmosphere, but those rays that do are linked with skin cancer. UV-C light has the shortest wavelengths and is the kind of UV light used in UV air purifiers. These UV rays transmit the most vibrational energy, giving them high efficiency in killing bacteria and viruses.

How does UV light technology work?

UV light doesn’t neutralize airborne pathogens or surface contaminants instantly. It takes sufficient exposure time and energy for UV light to destroy viruses and bacteria. Different pathogens and contaminants require different exposure times to be effectively destroyed by UV radiation. The efficacy of UV light depends on the exposure time and wavelength range. It can take anywhere from 6.6 seconds to effectively destroy the influenza virus to 60 seconds to effectively destroy SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 coronavirus).

UV lights effectively kill mold and bacteria, but they don’t have any impact on dust, pet dander, or other allergens. UV lamps are typically installed near the coils of the HVAC unit to prevent mold and bacteria from growing. UV radiation kills growths in the air as the air passes through the coils and filter.

Ultraviolet lamps effectively kill airborne pathogens, bacteria, and viruses in the air before passing through the air filter.

How Air Conditioner Maintenance Impacts Your Home

For homeowners, the proper maintenance of the household’s air systems is one of the most important tasks. Aside from providing their family with needed safety and comfort throughout the years, a broken air conditioner or heating system can lead to large expenses in a homeowner’s wallet. With that in mind, many HVAC professionals recommend regular maintenance of a household’s air systems for numerous reasons.

Whether you live in an older house or are a first-time homebuyer, responsible care of your HVAC system should be a top priority. Here, we will look at some of the most important ways air conditioner maintenance impacts your home.

HVAC Systems and Indoor Air Quality

Although there are many reasons that your home’s HVAC system needs to stay well-maintained and operational, a family’s health and safety are the number one concern to most homeowners. It’s important to remember that your indoor air quality is directly affected by the air system’s functionality no matter what type of HVAC you have at home. One of the best reasons to schedule air conditioner maintenance to ensure that your living space is always circulating clean, healthy air for its occupants.

According to HVAC professionals, your home’s indoor air quality is linked to the AC unit’s filtration system. The best time to replace each air filter is approximately every two months. The numerous filters throughout your unit’s ductwork and ventilation system catch all of the dust, debris, and allergens coming from the outside air. Over time, the dirty filters can become clogged with those various contaminants, preventing normal airflow. Not only does this blockage prevent the air conditioning unit from producing the needed cool air meant to circulate throughout your home, but it also allows incoming allergens and biological toxins from entering your indoor air. Any family members with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems may first notice poor indoor air quality. Over time, however, it will affect everyone.

Although changing out your HVAC’s dirty air filters for clean ones is a relatively easy task for homeowners to perform independently, a proper HVAC maintenance plan will include this task as part of its comprehensive preventive maintenance checklist.

HVAC Maintenance and Energy Efficiency

The main reason homeowners choose to purchase a professional maintenance agreement is the peace of mind that the routine HVAC maintenance provides year-round. Aside from annual checkups, a maintenance plan includes preventive maintenance for the entire system. Both the HVAC and heating system receive the needed inspections, allowing a professional technician to spot the potential problems that could lead to costly repairs or complete unit breakdown. In addition, a maintenance plan also covers needed emergency repairs, as well as an inspection of your home’s thermostat.

However, the financial savings that an HVAC maintenance plan provides is, perhaps, the greatest additional benefit. For example, the proper functioning of your air conditioning unit and heating system increases your home’s energy efficiency. Your air filter changing needs are taken care of with regular service calls, your thermostat is perfectly connected to the dual units, and any replacement energy sources (such as fuel or natural gas) are refilled and inspected for hazardous leaks.

This type of priority service ensures that your systems are always functioning safely, guaranteeing that your home’s energy consumption is a peak efficiency. This is immediately noticeable with lower energy bills. Keep in mind that ventilation blockages within an air filter force families to pump their AC units to higher capacity, quickly spiking their energy bill. In the same way, leaks or cracks within the ductwork waste high levels of cool air that they’re paying for in their utilities. An HVAC maintenance plan is one of the best investments that a homeowner can make.

Why Air Conditioner Maintenance Is a Must

Summer is rapidly approaching, and it’s important to have your home air conditioning running on all cylinders. Most homeowners are used to the issues that come with turning an AC unit back on after the winter, but other problems can rear their heads at any time. Regular maintenance can ensure that your air conditioner from an HVAC system to a window unit can keep the cool air coming well through to the fall.

Keep it clean.

It doesn’t hurt to invest in air conditioner maintenance to help your bottom line. The truth is regular cleaning can have the greatest impact on the life of your system. If you have a window air conditioner, you want to clean or replace your air filters regularly. These filters accrue dust and other allergens over time with use, with those contaminants recycling back into the air. This can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. Changing filters seasonally is a proper step of a preventive maintenance plan.

If you have a larger HVAC system, be sure to regularly clean ductwork and vents where dust may be building up. If you have a ductless HVAC with an outdoor unit, it’s important to clear away any debris that could be blocking the proper airflow. Shutting down power and taking a garden hose to scrub away any crud on these outdoor systems. This is a simple way to assure that energy efficiency remains paramount, as dust and debris can end up blocking air conditioning, making you run for the thermostat to lower the temperature. This increases energy consumption and puts more pressure on the unit.

Consider indoor air quality.

Lack of maintenance can negatively impact indoor air quality and turn an air conditioner into a breeding ground for mold. Built-up moisture can linger within an HVAC, ductless, or window unit. Along with higher humidity levels, you can easily create mold and mildew. If you notice a musty odor that lingers when you turn your air conditioning on, it’s time to turn off the power and scrub out your system. Soap and water are the easiest solutions for air conditioner maintenance.

This cleaning regimen is a small investment to assure that your AC can provide the comfortable temperature you seek, and a quick inspection can provide some peace of mind. The introduction of outdoor air is also helpful in creating better household ventilation during the cooling season. This can be done through natural means, like opening windows, which obviously translates to energy savings with your air conditioner being turned off. You can also do this through mechanical means through ductless HVAC systems.

Calling in the Pros

While you may fear running up a larger bill with costly repairs, bringing in an HVAC technician is actually a smart thing to do as part of annual maintenance. It’s recommended to have a professional come in and inspect the unit from top to bottom. Regular HVAC maintenance includes checking equipment throughout the unit for any loose or corroding parts. This also includes an inspection of ductwork, evaporator coils, and even the thermostat. It’s also important to have a pro on hand to deal with any replacements or any issues with refrigerants that need to be handled by the proper authorities.

Preventive HVAC maintenance can locate the issues with an air conditioner before becoming more significant and leading to a breakdown. A technician can also make sure that the service life of an HVAC unit or standard air conditioner surpasses the average. Book appointments in advance as part of routine maintenance. This will help build a rapport with a technician who can jump to the rescue in emergency repairs.

How a Ductless Mini-Split System Works

For homeowners in the United States, there are many options when it comes to new air systems for their homes. As technology evolves, bringing energy efficiency and cleaner fuels to the forefront, modern alternatives to traditional HVAC units and heaters have come to the market.

One of the most popular types of HVAC units is the mini-split ductless system, also known as a heat pump. For many reasons, this single unit has become a go-to for homeowners looking to save on space, as well as lower their monthly energy bills. Here we will look at how a ductless mini-split system works, and if the recent technology is right for your home.

How a Ductless System Works

The truth of the matter is that many homeowners may have heard the term “ductless system,” or “mini-split” when it comes to an air conditioner and heating systems, but are unaware of the meaning. Simply put, a ductless system is a type of air system that functions as the term describes, allowing for the exchange and transfer of cool or warmed air without the need for ductwork or traditional ventilation. But the innovative nature of the design is much more intricate, as well as convenient.

Although the ductless system requires both an outdoor compressor and an indoor air-handling unit, the system itself acts like a single machine that replaces both the home’s air conditioner and heating systems. This means that with the installation of a ductless mini-split “heat pump” unit, your family will have a new HVAC and furnace in one shot.

With a heat pump system, both the indoor unit and the outdoor unit work together to either cool or warm the natural air from outside the home. Unlike a traditional HVAC system, the main components of the mini-split system utilize the fresh air from outdoors during the summer months, cool it, then transfer the converted air into your home for distribution and your family’s comfort.

Likewise, during the winter, the cold air from outside is warmed in through the outdoor compressor and transferred throughout your indoor living space with the aid of the indoor air-handling unit, taking the place of a furnace, radiator, or gas burner.

Since the ductless heat pump can adjust the air temperature for the whole home, along with manual controls for directing the air to individual rooms as needed, ductless air conditioning has quickly become a popular alternative for many homeowners and homebuilders looking to boost energy efficiency and modernize household operations.

The Benefits of a Mini-Split Unit

The installation of a ductless heat pump has two primary advantages over traditional air systems, both of which add to the technology’s recent popularity. First, as a single unit that has a quiet operation that doesn’t require the familiar duct system of older units, a mini-split unit saves the homeowner on space. While the indoor and outdoor units do require a new installation, both units are relatively small, allowing for more overall floor space within the home.

Additionally, a ductless system is a great solution for both financial and energy savings. The installation of the unit does come with its own fee, yet by replacing both the air conditioner and heater, less electricity is used. This means that from the very first month following the installation, your home’s monthly energy bills go down. In addition, incorporating modern technology geared towards energy efficiency is a valuable investment that boosts the household’s property value.

If you ever decide to put your home on the market, the dual advantages of having lower utility bills and leaving a smaller carbon footprint behind can be very attractive to potential homebuyers. For those homeowners looking to save on money now, while investing in their home’s long-term value for future sales, a ductless mini-split system is the ideal solution as a replacement for traditional air conditioning and heating sources.

3 Home Repairs You Shouldn’t Put Off

Your home is undoubtedly one of the most costly and essential investments you’ll ever make in life. Therefore, this investment must last well beyond the monthly payments you’ll be making for the next few decades, ensuring that you obtain maximum value from your property.

Nevertheless, it’s vital to realize that homeownership comes with a lot of responsibility, and it takes significant money and time to maintain a house properly. That said, budget constraints are a harsh reality that causes many homeowners to consider whether particular home repairs are worth spending on. Here are three crucial household repairs you should never ignore, no matter what.

1. Plumbing Leaks

Noticing water spots and small leaks around your home might seem like no big deal, but they can cause some serious damage if you don’t conduct immediate repairs. Your plumbing system‘s tubes run behind your walls, so any minor leaks or pipe bursts can get your drywall wet and ruin it completely. Plumbing issues can also cause damage to fixtures like your faucets and showerheads, and you could end up needing to replace these fixtures if you don’t address these problems promptly. Mold issues and flooring damage can also arise out of plumbing leaks, so it’s always best to avoid putting off dealing with a plumbing issue. Lastly, neglected water leaks will result in astronomical water bills, so hiring great leak detection and repair professionals is your best bet to save money.

Dependable leak detection and repair teams such as King Heating can help with this need. King Heating provides a broad range of heating and air conditioning services to residents in the Chicago area. They’re also a trusted Chicago leak repair service, helping homeowners find and address hidden leaks. Even the most minor leaks can cause severe water damage to your home, especially when they’re concealed in ceilings or behind walls. As such, King Heating’s skilled plumbers use professional-grade equipment to locate your leaks and quickly fix them in the best way. What’s more, they repair all water pipe leaks, are available round-the-clock, and don’t charge extra for weekends, nights, and holidays.

Exterior design and maintenance services are equally important to your home’s aesthetics and functionality as roof repairs. Therefore, you can also consider investing in landscape architecture, design, and property care services. Lifescape Colorado is a Colorado landscape service that can offer a broad range of services to make your outdoor space dreams a reality. Their landscape design, construction, and outdoor property care services cater to residential and commercial buildings alike. Also, their landscape architects are renowned for their unique design and craftsman-level constriction. What’s more, Lifescape Colorado is an industry pioneer in maintenance practices, water-saving initiatives, and sustainable building since their mission is creating and preserving outdoor spaces that conserve planetary resources besides enriching clients’ lives.

2. Gutter and Drainage Repair

Your home’s gutter and drainage are undoubtedly vital, so you need to address any issues with these systems immediately. A poorly functioning gutter and drainage system can affect your home’s foundation since water will leak straight from your roof and soak the ground directly around your home. Frequent moisture level changes in this area can cause your foundation to contract and expand, affecting your home’s stability. Consequently, consider installing new gutter guards to keep your gutters free of leaves and other debris. Also, replace your downspout extender to disperse your runoff efficiently. Properly diverted runoff will protect your driveway and, therefore, your car from damage caused by rising water and wet leaves or debris. If you’re in the market for a car, it’s always necessary to find the best deals from trusted car dealers. Leading online auto auction sites such as Auto Auction Mall can handle these concerns.

Auto Auction Mall is the biggest dealer car auctions online platform for salvage and insurance, pre-owned and used cars. You can find great auction cars in Ghana from some of the world’s leading brands like Hyundai and Chevrolet at fair prices. Ghanaian buyers can find used cars under various price limits, ranging from $5000 to $500. To buy and ship clean cars to Ghana, you can begin with a simple search of your preferred model on their website. Some of their vehicles are “buy now,” meaning you can readily purchase them after making a full payment. You’ll have to deposit and schedule an auction for some cars, though, and must bid a minimum of $600 on your vehicle to get started.

3. Roof Repairs

It’s no secret that a leaky roof can cause severe problems down the line if ignored over a long period. However, many homeowners forget about their roof since it isn’t an area they see daily until major roof problems start showing up. Several things can go wrong with your roofing, including missing shingles, leaks, and storm damage. These issues can lead to further problems like structural damage, mold, and damage to other property inside your home. As such, it’s prudent to find a roofing contractor to handle any roof replacement or repair work as soon as you detect problems with your roof system. Reliable home improvement companies such as MLMHI will come in handy when seeking great roofers in the Arlington area.

MLMHI is a leading home improvement company offering a broad range of exterior renovation and remodeling services to clients. Siding, replacement windows, gutters, replacement doors, and roofing are some of the vital services their experienced contractors cater to. They’re also one of the best Arlington roofing companies, helping many homeowners in the area with diverse roofing needs. Their highly-trained technicians offer residential and commercial roof installation services, whether you need a roof for home upgrades or new building construction. Also, MLMHI does a great job when it comes to roof replacement, with an accurate inspection and cost estimate guarantee.

Furthermore, they have an A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and offer roofing materials and products produced by Owens Corning, one of the top brands in the industry. After attending to your roofing needs, consider investing in quality self-care since roof repairs and home maintenance, in general, can be stressful. If you want to treat yourself after taking care of roof repairs or water leaks, you can purchase glam eyelash extensions that come in various materials, lengths, styles, and shapes. Vegan or mink eyelashes, cat eyelashes, and monolid eyelash extensions are some options worth considering, depending on your specific desire.

Certain home repairs demand immediate attention to prevent more costs and troubles in the future. The points above are three prime examples of repair work you should readily conduct to guarantee long-term savings and peace of mind.

Why You Should Purchase a Whole-Home Dehumidifier

Every home has different humidity levels. The moisture in the area varies by region, by home type, and even by the number of trees planted in the yard. Unfortunately, homes in some areas are prone to high humidity levels more than others.

If you live in an area where the air is moist and heavy, you may want to invest in a whole-house dehumidifier. Learn more about dehumidifiers and what they mean for your air quality.

What is a whole-house dehumidifier?

A whole-home dehumidifier pulls moisture from throughout your house, reducing the humidity levels so you can feel more comfortable. The dehumidifier works by filtering air and cooling it, creating condensation. The condensation drips down into a pan or through a series of pipes that push the water out of your house. The dehumidifier then releases the drier air back into your home.

Most people set up their dehumidifiers in their crawl spaces. The system will collect pints of moisture and then pump it out of the house through a hose. Many homeowners don’t even hear or see their dehumidifier throughout the day. You can also control the humidity in your home with a thermostat, just like your HVAC system.

You have the option of investing in portable dehumidifiers if you have a small space. However, a whole-house dehumidifier is made to remove moisture from the entire home, not just from one or two rooms.

A whole-house dehumidifier can reduce allergens.

While a dehumidifier works to remove excess humidity from your space, you may find that your whole-house dehumidifier has other benefits for you and your family. Allergens like dust mites and pollen travel through the thick air. They can float through your home and trigger allergies in vulnerable family members. If you currently do everything in your power to keep your home clean but are still sensitive to dust mites and allergies, then you might have a bigger issue than cleanliness. You may need to adjust your humidity.

Additionally, mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture. If you notice musty odors coming from various corners of your home, your humidity levels could be the culprit. Not only can mold growth ruin your furniture and eat your walls, but it can also worsen asthma symptoms in those who have trouble breathing. Investing in dry air means choosing healthy air as a homeowner.

Even if you don’t have a mold problem now, humidity in the air can cause it to grow in only a few days. This is why most people in areas of high humidity need a dehumidifier.

Your HVAC system can’t handle the work alone.

Most people think their air conditioner will take care of the humidity levels on its own. While HVAC systems can remove some moisture, it’s hard to set dedicated relative humidity levels within your unit. Plus, if you live in a humid climate, your air conditioner might not be able to pull out pints of water from the air each day. You can wear your air conditioner down and eventually cause it to break prematurely.

The only way to take control of your indoor humidity and moisture levels is with a whole house dehumidifier, which can create dry air that keeps you comfortable. The initial cost of a dehumidifier is worth it when it extends the life of your HVAC system and makes your whole house feel comfortable.

A portable dehumidifier or HVAC system can remove some water from the air, but it can’t eliminate the pints of moisture you have throughout your whole house. A dehumidifier is the preferred method to control your relative humidity and ensure your home has dry air.

2 Common HVAC Mistakes You Should Absolutely Avoid

For every homeowner, one of the most important tasks is monitoring the household’s air system. Both the heating unit and HVAC system are delicate machines requiring year-round upkeep as the seasons change.

However, whether you’re an experienced homeowner or currently moving into your first home, it’s crucial to know the basic rules of maintaining the airflow and integrity of the HVAC system. Here, we will look at two common HVAC mistakes to avoid, helping to give your unit longevity and keep your energy bills low.

1. Air Filters and Ductwork

The first common mistake many homeowners make with their air conditioner is forgetting to change out the dirty air filters. One of the main reasons for poor air conditioning is the airflow blockage caused by a dirty filter. In general, dust, debris, pet dander, and all kinds of allergens can become caught in your AC system’s filters, which can lead to a number of issues. The basic rule of thumb is to replace them every few months.

Keeping in mind that your family’s health is the top priority, remember that a dirty AC filter doesn’t properly prevent dangerous or hazardous natural pollutants from circulating throughout the household. Quite simply, the most important job of your unit’s filter system is to prevent that poor indoor air quality from circulating. If any of your family members have health problems, such as asthma, clean filters are an absolute necessity.

In addition, when your air filters are clogged, it forces you to increase both the use and power of the air conditioner unit. In effect, more energy is being used for the amount of cool air you should already be getting, which quickly increases the amount of money you’re spending on your monthly utility bills.

For this same reason, your air conditioner’s ductwork is of equal importance. While the air filters purify the cool air as passes through the ventilation system, the air ducts are the actual means of airflow distribution for each room of the house. Your duct system gets a lot of daily use, and leaky ducts have a way of releasing the cool air before reaching the targeted areas. Much like a dirty air filter, this will cause less energy efficiency and a higher monthly bill. To play it safe, have a professional HVAC technician inspect your duct system once a year at the very least.

2. Regular Maintenance Throughout the Year

Perhaps the biggest mistake that most homeowners make when it comes to their air conditioning unit is avoiding preventative maintenance. Scheduling check-ups from an HVAC technician is an important part of responsible HVAC care, yet many people avoid it. This could be for a number of reasons. Some homeowners fear the cost of each HVAC technician’s visit or the potential expenses that may come from discovered problem areas.

However, without a professional’s keen eye, common problems can easily become worse, and significantly more expensive. Likewise, a professional technician can easily notice breakages or leaks within your home’s ventilation, vents, or any other issues that could lead to poor indoor air quality.

The best course of action to avoid expensive HVAC repair is to purchase a maintenance program agreement. For an annual fee, your home would be eligible for multiple visits from an HVAC technician throughout the year. In addition, a technician will monitor your air conditioning unit’s upkeep, clean the ductwork, change out the air filters for you, and make important suggestions regarding the unit’s lifespan. In the event of complete system failure, a professional technician can also advise you on the best and most cost-efficient replacement air conditioning unit. If you’re truly concerned about the longevity of your HVAC system, it may be worth the investment of an ongoing maintenance agreement for your home.