Understanding Your Electricity Bill - Insider Tips From Industry Experts

Your electricity bill can be confusing, with many vague fees and terms stacked on top of each other. Generally, it will break down your home energy charges into two main categories: generation and delivery. The key to optimizing a plant's energy efficiency is learning to read your power bills and comprehend why your utility levies various prices. Your utility bills may be lengthy and comprehensive or brief, with only a few totals provided, depending on your business. New charges can arise each month with no apparent justification for how they were determined.

Understanding how to read your bill will help you make better choices for your energy needs. For example, switching your supplier can open up more affordable rates and benefits. Electricity is produced, distributed, and sold in a heavily regulated market. State regulatory committees are in place to ensure that utilities and electric providers adhere to all regulations to the letter. Electric utilities are mandated to do so. 

What is a kWh?

A kilowatt-hour (kWh) measures how much electricity your appliances consume. In perspective, if you were using a 100-watt TV for five hours, it would take 10 kWh to power it.

A typical electric bill will display your total kWh energy usage in the "Electric Usage" section. This is why it's essential to be mindful of your energy usage habits, like turning off appliances after use or unplugging chargers when not in use.

Some energy providers, like an electric company in Killeen, Texas, may also have a tiered billing structure, so your energy rate per kWh could vary. This is why understanding your rates is essential for reducing energy costs.

What is a Demand Charge?

Demand charges are based on the peak power requirement, measured in kW, that you demand at one point during a billing period. Since demand charges are separate from energy consumption, they may make up a large portion of your total bill.

For most commercial enterprises, using major appliances and machinery during off-peak hours is the best way to lower your demand charges. This reduces your maximum hourly power demand and thereby lowers your electricity rate. Your utility may offer flat or tier-based demand rates. Most states have switched to tier-based rates. These are generally aligned to coincide with the utility's system peak usage times. This means that your energy costs will be more variable monthly.

What is a Time-of-Use Rate?

A time-of-use rate lets you control electricity costs by shifting energy use away from peak times. This means avoiding appliances like your air conditioner and doing laundry or charging your EV during off-peak hours.

You'll also pay transmission rates, which cover the cost of delivering electricity over high-voltage lines to your home or business. You'll also see miscellaneous taxes and fees, such as fuel charges, city dividends, and varying adjustments between providers.

These items can add up to big differences in your electric bill. Be sure to review them carefully! Some of them may be tax-deductible. Contact your local government for details.

What is a Supply Charge?

The supply charge covers the cost of supplying electricity to your home. This includes fees for metering, billing, and customer service. It also pays for the transmission system, which brings energy from power plants to your local distribution system. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regulates this fee.

Your demand - and therefore your supply - charges vary monthly. However, you can lower these costs by using less electricity and avoiding peak usage times. Generally speaking, these costs are driven by the cost of natural gas and capacity prices charged to power plants. Both have been rising lately due to this freezing winter.

What is a Customer Charge?

A customer charge covers a portion of the fixed costs of providing electricity to each meter location. This includes billing, accounting, customer service, and transmission costs associated with moving energy over high-voltage lines to your site.

Some bills include a line item for a transmission service charge and a kilowatt-hour-based volumetric fee for transporting electricity over high-voltage lines from power plants to your facility. This charge is often passed on to large commercial and industrial facilities by your energy provider. Smaller businesses and residential customers typically do not pay for this cost. Also, this section may contain miscellaneous charges like taxes and city dividends.

What is a Meter Information Slip?

Many apartment, condominium, and mobile home park residents have their power meters read for them by the complex or park management rather than a power company. This arrangement is known as central system or non-submetered master metering.

Electric meters record total energy consumption in billing units such as kilowatt hours. They are read at periodic intervals.

Your meter has a series of round dials with ten numbers (0 through 9) and a pointer that advances as electricity flows through the meter. To read your meter, stand directly before it and look at the dials. The pointer will be between two numbers, such as 75,245 and 688.

Ultimate Home Cleaning Guide to Starting the New Year Fresh

With 2023 underway, it can leave you feeling like you want a fresh start. New year, new you, right? Maybe you are creating new personal goals you want to achieve, or maybe you are just wanting to do a deep clean to give your home a fresh start in the new year. Look no further for our ultimate home cleaning guide to starting the new year fresh.

Is a real estate transaction part of your new year resolutions? Get some more information on current mortgage rates and how they compare to past years, plus learn more about if now is the right to list your property for sale.

Categorize

Our first step in our cleaning guide is to categorize your cleaning tasks. Having a clear game plan for what needs to be cleaned when will make keeping your home spotless much more attainable. You should decide if a task is to be completed:

• • Daily
• • Weekly
• • Monthly
• • Quarterly
• • Annually

At first, your home will feel like it’s not perfectly clean, but after a full year of following these tips and steps, you will have a sparkling clean home that you will easily be able to maintain!

Daily tasks include tidying clutter, wiping countertops, washing dishes, emptying trash cans, making beds, and hanging up towels. Think of these tasks as just a daily reset to start your day on the right foot.

Weekly tasks include cleaning floors, scrubbing bathrooms, cleaning mirrors, completing laundry, dusting surfaces, changing bedding, and wiping down appliances.

Monthly tasks include dusting walls and baseboards, dusting blinds, cleaning your laundry appliances, cleaning your dishwasher, and your vacuum cleaner.

Quarterly tasks include cleaning the inside of your refrigerator, cleaning under furniture, cleaning your oven, descale your coffee maker, and washing mattress protectors.

Annual tasks include cleaning your fireplace, shampoo carpets and upholstery, clean windows, and cleaning drapes and curtains. 

Stay on top of it

Now that you have your categories of when each task should be completed, it’s time to stay on top of it! Focus on each task and the frequency it should be completed. If creating a physical list you can check off helps you, do it! If you need reminders in your phone, create them! Anything you can do to help keep yourself on track with cleaning will keep your home fresh for the new year.

Be positive

If the current state of your home is less than spick-and-span, don’t let it discourage you! Instead, shift your mindset to be more positive. If you missed out on one day of daily cleaning tasks, it’s important not to beat yourself up about it. Instead, give yourself grace and get back to it the next day. Cleaning is (unfortunately) a constant. No one is constantly perfect all the time!

We hope you’ve found this ultimate home cleaning guide to starting 2023 fresh helpful, inspiring, and motivating! You will have a sparkling clean home in no time.

The Best Roofing for Residential Homes

When choosing a roof, you need something that will protect you and your family from nature's elements and lasts for a long time.  You also need a roof that will fit your budget and improve your home’s aesthetics. Check several options for residential homes on IKO Roofing and choose what works for you. Some best roofs for your home include:

Asphalt Shingles

This is one of the best roofs we have in the market today.  People prefer them because they are affordable, and they look good for most home styles.  It has a broad selection of colors, meaning you can easily find something that matches your home. If you enjoy DIY projects, you can easily install asphalt shingles on your home with the right skills, experience, and equipment. You can also reach out to a company like the IKO roofing team to do the roofing for you. 

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has a life span of 50-100 years, making it one of the most durable roofs. You will be given a warranty of 30-50 years in most areas, which shows you how long-lasting it is. Also, it helps in keeping your home cool by reflecting solar radiant heat in hot weather. In recent years manufacturers have been producing metal roofing that resembles wood shake and natural slate, which can give your home the appeal you are looking for. 

Wood Shingles and Shakes

Wood shingles are machine-cut, which gives them a clean edge and a smooth surface. In return, it gives your home a uniform appearance enhancing its appeal. Wood shakes are hand-split with a rugged appearance because each piece has a different look than the rest. When you want to install this roof, keep in mind that this material requires someone with technical skills and knowledge with this kind of roof. Therefore, ensure that you thoroughly research a contractor and find someone who can deliver

Clay Tile Roof

This kind of roof is suitable for hot climates and coastal areas. It is also durable, withstanding fire, hail, and high winds. It comes in different tile shapes like flat, curved, or fluted, enhancing the curb appeal of your home.

Slate Roofing

Slate has a long lifespan due to its ability to withstand any weather conditions. It also requires minimum maintenance once you have already installed it. The cost of installation is slightly higher than other roofs, but it is worth it because of its quality.

A roof is a big part of home construction. It is recommended to research what kind of roof you can go for depending on your budget and the local weather conditions. Also, talk to different roofing companies, see what they offer, and then compare prices and choose the best alternative.

Take Advantage of Online Tools for Your Home Projects

Since COVID hit a year ago, so many things have changed tremendously. The days of walking into a store or showroom look a lot different now. You see everyone wearing a mask and following distancing guidelines. Some businesses have moved to an online model to supply their customers with products and services. I have seen many of my realtor friends offer virtual house tours. It's actually pretty neat if you are crunched for time and can't get to a property on time. I have even seen some people do them as a Facebook or Instagram Live. This gives a lot of flexibility to potential buyers, since you can view a video on your time. 

If you are looking into purchasing or refinancing a home, now is the time. The interest rates have been super low since COVID hit. We definitely took advantage of it, and did a refinance recently. Our entire refi was done completely online with the exception of the closing where signatures were required. This is especially a good time for first-time home buyers to take advantage of the lower interest rates. There are even special incentives like no money down, or reduced interest rates for part of the term of the loan. I read an article that mentioned despite living in this pandemic, credit scores are rising. Whether you are looking to purchase your first house, a second home, or upgrading what you already have, try applying online for a mortgage and see how much you can qualify for, and what programs might be out there to suit your specific needs. Knowing what you can afford is key. 

One great thing about if you do refinance and are eligible to get some cash out, you can finally do those long awaited upgrades that have been sitting on your to-do list. This is my current situation that I am working on with my family. We are now trying to pick out items for an upcoming kitchen remodel. So far we know that we want white cabinets and lighter counter tops, since our flooring will be a deep brown wood color. I am one of those weirdos who prefers white appliances because I find them easier to keep clean. Stainless steel is the popular finish, but I can't get past the look of fingerprints and smudges. I won't completely rule it out if we can get a good deal on appliances. Unfortunately that is as far as we have gotten in the planning stages of the kitchen project. We still have to agree on a sink, faucet, hardware finishes, paint color and about a bajillion other details. 

It feels like a huge chore, but I am so thankful that we can view everything online, and only go into the store if it's necessary. So while a lot of things have changed since COVID, there are lots of good things that have come out of it. For those who don't like leaving home if you don't have to, all you need to do is click, pay and wait for your delivery. Hey, it works for me! Are you planning any spring home projects? 

5 Things You Need to Keep in Mind While Hiring a Moving Services

If you are reading this blog, then the chances are that you might have to move some time in the near future. Well, if that’s the case, then worry no more because I’ve got you covered with everything that you need to know about hiring the right movers for your moving mission. 

Moving your home is a tiring process, but if you manage to get the help of the right people, it becomes easy as cake, and on top of that, you don’t have to do anything. It is the reason that I’ve narrowed down some of the most effective tips that you need to follow so that you can hire the movers for your big move. 

So, without any further ado, let’s dig in and find out what you need to know about hiring the right moving services.

Here you go:

First Thing First – Ask for Recommendations 

If you are moving, then the first thing that you need to do is to make sure that you ask around for some good recommendations. It is important because this way you won’t have to go through the trouble of searching for the good movers and spending your time and energy on it. If you actually manage to get some good recommendations, then all you need to do is to make sure that you narrow down the options that suit you the best. It is the best way so far to make the whole process of moving a little bit simple and easy for you.

Don’t Forget to Check Reviews on Their Site 

If you are looking for some good movers and you don’t have any recommendations, even then, it’s fine because I have a way that can help you. The first thing that you need to do is to go to their business site and check out the reviews that their clients have left on their site. Just by reading the reviews, you’ll have a good idea about their services, and you’ll be able to make an informed choice.

Ask Them about License and Insurance 

You don’t want to hire someone who is operating without any license. Above all, you don’t want your stuff to be ruined and not have any insurance, right. Therefore, it is very critical that you ask the movers about their license and insurance that covers your loss just in case anything goes south. It is important because you don’t want your precious stuff to be lost or damaged just because you didn’t hire the right movers.

Know About the Track Record of their Drivers and Team

When it comes to movers, you need to make sure that you know about the track record of the driver and the team that moves your stuff. It is important because if the people are not trained enough, then your moving process can turn out to be a real disaster, and you obviously don’t want that to happen. So, make sure that you are hiring the movers who have experienced drivers and staff on board with them.

Know if they Are Equipped with Right Equipment 

Moving is not about picking boxes and placing them in the moving truck. It involves some great skills when it comes to moving heavy and delicate stuff like refrigerators and furniture. So, make sure that the company you are going to hire is equipped with everything that one might need to move stuff safely. Apart from that, you also need to make sure that you have all the supplies that are important for the safe movement of your things because you don’t want to lose your precious stuff.

Top 5 Reasons You Should Use a Water Softener

For many of us, hard water is simply a fact of life. Most tap water contains minerals from when it was pumped from the ground, and the combination of these minerals is what makes water hard. Hard water is why you may prefer the taste of bottled water and see limescale and muck in your taps. Water softeners are one way to get rid of the problems that hard water causes. Read on to find out 5 reasons why you should use a water softener.

1. Easier Cleaning

One of the big problems with hard water is that the extra minerals present will often prevent your water to be as effective when you use it in cleaning. Dishes, pots, and pans will often have white soap residue, since hard water doesn’t wash soap off your dishes as effectively. Having a water softener means that your clothes and dishes will be cleaner overall. In addition, since soft water is more effective, you will need less water when doing the dishes and therefore have a lower water bill in the long one.

2. Better For Your Body

This more effective cleaning carries over to the shower as well. Hard water can cause your shampoo and body wash to leave a thin film of soap no matter how long you scrub. In addition, minerals like calcium and magnesium can clog your pores, cause irritated and dry skin, and even strip the top layer off your hair follicles. Bathing in hard water can lead to acne as well. In addition, using hard water in cooking and when drinking from the tap can cause health problems if the water includes certain minerals. Using a water softener will be better for your body no matter what way you look at it.

3. Better Appliance Life

The minerals in hard water don’t just build up on your skin or in your taps. They can also cause clogging, blockages, and inefficiencies in appliances that use water, such as washing machines and dishwashers. The mineral buildup caused by hard water can also mean horrible water pressure, which is one of the leading causes of water appliance burnout. This is because the machine will try to compensate for the lack of water and end up burning out its motor. Getting a water softener will mean a better appliance life and more efficient appliances.

4. Better Water Heating

Another consequence of better and more efficient appliances is better water heating as well. Soft water is also chemically easier to heat than hard water. This holds true whether you have an electric or a gas water heater. In addition, hard water can easily cause mineral buildup in water heaters. This causes poor water pressure in the water heater itself, which makes the heating of the water less efficient. A water softener will make it so you can save water by not having to heat up your shower in advance and can allow you to use more heat-intensive appliances.

5. Less Pipe and Faucet Damage

In addition to the previously stated problems with mineral residue, the minerals that hard water leaves behind can lead to serious pipe and faucet damage. The lime or scale deposits that make your taps look gross will build up over time. This makes it so that clogs are more likely and pipes can become corroded. In addition, the buildup inside of your pipes and finishings can be very annoying when it happens to showerheads and valves. It will lead to poor water pressure and other annoyances. If you get a water softener, you won’t have to contend with mineral buildup in your pipes and faucets.

Why Now Is The Best Time To Refinance Your Home + Tackle Those Home Renovation Projects

To say this year has been a wild one is quite an understatement! Many of us have been spending days on end at home trying to work, do virtual learning, and keeping ourselves safe and healthy. One of the things we have been doing is tackling projects around our house. For the most part, they have been small things like replacing old door knobs, purging closets, and cleaning out the yard and storage rooms. It's been wonderful having all hands on deck to help with these tasks. It's a great feeling when your home is organized and clutter-free. 

We do have some big projects and wishlist things that we would love to get done that definitely carry a larger price tag. Our home is very old, so we want to do some updates on the inside like kitchen counters and cabinets, as well as remodeling our master bath. We did some research and saw that mortgage rates are pretty low right now so we figured a refinance with some cash out would be the way to get those renovations done. We quickly realized that we haven't done a refi in over 10 years, and definitely needed to lower our interest rate and have a smaller monthly payment. 

We have been doing some virtual shopping for what type of counter tops we want, as well as cabinet finishes. I am beyond ready to trade out our 70s look for something modern. I know that all-white-everything trend has been very popular, but I am really thinking about going slightly more traditional with darker cabinets and white counter tops or even the opposite. Our kitchen is small, so it is imperative that we choose the right colors so it doesn't look or feel smaller. Since this project will be the most expensive, we will have to really sleep on it so we make the best decision for our household. 

While we think about what we want to do with the kitchen, we already know what we want to do with our master bathroom. We plan to remove the old tub and replace it with a shower only. We aren't bath people, so why even have it? My husband doesn't know it yet, but I also want to get some fancy wallpaper for our bedroom to do an accent wall behind our bed. I feel like we can do it ourselves, but he will probably wonder what's wrong with how it looks now. Men don't really care like that. HA! 

I am definitely looking forward to some modern updates in the upcoming year. Since it looks like we will be staying at home for an unknown amount of time, we might as well fix things up so we can enjoy it. Have you done any home renovations or updates this year? 

5 Tips To Improve Your Home's Energy Efficiency

Are you concerned that the cost of your monthly bills is rising?  Or perhaps you’re concerned that your home isn’t very environmentally friendly.  Either way, now is a good time to improve your home’s energy efficiency. 

Here are 5 tips to help you become more energy efficient. 

IMPROVE YOUR HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

Where you live will depend on how much you use heating and air conditioning in your home, but one thing is for certain, you can reduce the amount of energy you consume.

Make sure that any heating or cooling systems you use are regularly serviced. This will keep them running at their optimum efficiency.  Older systems will undoubtedly be less efficient than newer systems.  So, if you’re thinking of replacing it with new, do your homework.  Make sure you upgrade to the best energy-rated systems you can afford.

Although you’ll have to consider any new air conditioning, heat pump or boiler installation costs when replacing existing heating and cooling systems, don’t let the initial outlay put you off.  Think about the long-term benefits.

ADD SOLAR PANELS

Particularly if you live in a warmer climate, it’s worth contemplating the installation of solar panels.  But don’t think that they are just for use in sun-drenched states, solar panels can work even in cloudy weather.  

If you’re unsure whether solar panels are a good choice for your home and budget, get a professional installer to survey your home before making any commitments.  If the installation needs further work to your roof for instance, it may not be financially viable. Again, you’ll need to weigh up the long-term benefits.

DO YOUR MAINTENANCE

Make yourself a regular maintenance checklist to keep on top of those energy-sapping problems around your home.

What tasks can you do to make your home function better?  Draughty windows and doors lead us to use our heating more.  Whereas windows that are overshadowed by foliage will block light and lead us to use our lighting more. Go around your house and make a list of things that may need attention.

ADD INSULATION

Your home could benefit from insulation, or better insulation.  Check whether your loft or attic space is insulated.  If it is, but you’re not sure when it was installed, check the condition and thickness of the insulation you have.  Could replacing it or adding to it improve your home’s warmth?

REDUCE YOUR ENERGY USAGE

And lastly, the easy bit.  Do those little things to make a big difference over time.  Change your light bulbs to energy efficient ones.  Unplug electrical appliances when you’re not using them.  

If you’re not sure where your energy usage could be improved, try using a smart meter.  You’ll soon identify when and where your usage is high, so you’ll be able to take steps to reduce your energy consumption.

Things To Know Before Mortgage Loan Application

One of your goals is probably to acquire a home. One of the ways you can make your dream come true is by taking a mortgage. However, purchasing a home on mortgage goes beyond finding a house and signing a deal with the seller. Your lender must approve of you. The process can be daunting for first-timers and those who are unprepared.

Qualifying for a mortgage requires some careful planning. You need first to arm yourself with knowledge before you start the mortgage application process. Here are things your mortgage lender or broker probably wants you to know before starting the home loan application process.

image credit

Know Your Needs

You need to understand what you need before talking to a mortgage broker in Ontario or starting the application process. Lenders want applicants who have a standard of materials. Some of the things that your lender probably requires are two years’ worth of tax filings a month of a recent pay stub from a buyer to be listed on loan. Your lender might also require bank account statements of at least three months.

Pay Off Debt

You can lower the ratio of your gross and net income by paying off debts, such as car loans or credit card debt. Usually, lenders don’t like applicants who have committed a significant percentage of their income to loans. You need to have an excellent financial status that will appeal to your lender so that you can get the best rates possible.

A Credit Report

The first thing that any lender would want to check for when applying for a mortgage is your credit. You should prove your creditworthiness to your lender so that you can enjoy the most favorable rates. Therefore, you need to make sure that your credit report is accurate and that the scores are correct. You can apply for a copy of your credit report beforehand.

image credit

Do Your Homework

It would pay if you did your research well before applying for a mortgage. You are looking for a home and at the same time, making a financial commitment that you will probably live with for years. As such, you need to get the best deal possible. You ought to research brokers, loans, and rates before committing to anything.

Now that you know the things to bear in mind when applying for a mortgage, you can make an informed decision. You also increase your chances of getting approved for a mortgage and owning your dream house. Don’t forget to talk to an expert for further guidance.

Exploring Your Potential Reverse Mortgage Candidacy

Retiring is not always fun. It can be stressful when you have worries about your income. However, if you own your own home, you may have an easy way to increase that income, at least temporarily. It is called a reverse mortgage. It is a non-traditional home loan designed solely to help retirees or people of retirement age stay in their homes while having money to spend in their golden years. Here is what you need to know about reverse mortgages and how to determine your candidacy for them.

You Must Meet Basic Reverse Mortgage Requirements

There are some basic requirements for getting a reverse mortgage. The biggest is that you must be retired or at the age of retirement. That minimum age is 62. The reason for that requirement is a reverse mortgage is a specific type of mortgage designed to allow retirement comfort without the hassles associated with traditional home loans. Reverse mortgage lenders do not offer reverse mortgages to younger homeowners.

Another requirement is you must own and live in the home. You cannot apply for a mortgage on a building you own while residing elsewhere. That means vacation homes are ineligible for reverse mortgage assistance. If you do own your own home, you must also prove your ability to continue to maintain it, such as by making tax payments. That is because you still own the home throughout the reverse mortgage process.

Your Home Must Have Enough Value to Get a Reverse Mortgage

Another issue affecting your reverse mortgage candidacy is you must own a home with enough value for the loan to work. A reverse mortgage does not allow you to access your full home equity.

A calculator for reverse mortgages determines the portion available to you. The tool is necessary because there are federal restrictions in place governing reverse mortgages. The calculation tool can also help you simplify the process of figuring out the total value of your home. That process involves assessing factors such as its age, size and geographic location of the structure.

You Need to be Prepared to Pay Reverse Mortgage Fees and Interest

A good assessment doesn't guarantee a reverse mortgage is right for you. The amount the reverse mortgage calculator authorizes you to borrow is not the amount you must pay back. You need to understand there are closing costs and fees to be paid. Those are deducted up front before any money is issued to you. More importantly, your reverse mortgage will also accumulate long-term interest. With each passing year, you will owe more back than when you started. Therefore, you must consider your ability to pay the interest back when deciding whether to sign the initial loan agreement.

You Cannot Maintain Two Mortgages at Once

Another thing you need to know before you get a reverse mortgage is you can get one while you have a traditional mortgage. However, you cannot maintain both for a long period. Shortly after signing a reverse mortgage agreement, funds must be removed from the total you are allowed to borrow. Those funds are used to pay off the traditional loan right away. The remaining funds are available to you to make your retirement more financially comfortable.

If the amount you can borrow and the amount needed to pay off the first loan are similar, you may not want a reverse mortgage. The best scenario is using the reverse mortgage to pay the first loan and still have enough left over to spend for other purposes. That can allow you to get out from under your ongoing mortgage bills and get some actual financial relief.

When Household Plumbing Issues Become More Than You Can Handle

You pride yourself on your DIY ability and you should. There’s no dispute there. The problem is some of the things around the house that go wrong might be more than you can handle – no offense! For example, you wouldn’t attempt to replace your roof, so why do you attempt to replace your toilet? Did you know that one of the most common reasons professional plumbers are called for help is to fix do-it-yourself projects? Yeah, sometimes it’s best to leave the big stuff to the pros.

Things You Can Handle

This isn’t to say you should call a plumber to fix your leaky kitchen sink faucet. You can probably replace the tap yourself. Certain household plumbing repairs are pretty easy. For example, if your toilet runs sporadically day and night, chances are the flapper is leaking. Turn off the water supply to the toilet, flush it, and then lift the lid off the tank. Grab the flapper, dry it, and take it to the hardware store. This is an easy fix once you buy a new one, which shouldn’t cost you more than about $10.

image credit

Something like that, even replacing the toilet’s entire innards is a day-off DIY job. Replacing faucets is also something that is fairly straightforward, and you can probably unclog your toilets and drains if the clog is minor. When facing a plumbing problem, ask yourself one important question: Am I comfortable handling this? If you feel even the slightest hint of reticence, don’t attempt this at home. Assess what you can and cannot handle, and don’t try to be a hero. Be realistic.

Things You Probably Shouldn’t Attempt

More intensive plumbing work like system replacements, fixture replacements, and water damage is best left to the pros. One reason why is additional unseen issues you might not realize are there. Imagine a pipe bursts. You catch the problem quickly and cut the water to the house. Your spouse and you stare at the wet spot on the wall and discuss what to do next. You can rip out the drywall yourself, replace the pipe, and then install new drywall and paint. Sounds like a project, but it’s easy enough.

Here’s the thing, though. What if you don’t see all the water damage and mold growing inside your wall? Are you prepared to deal with the dangers of mold? No, you’re not, nor should you ever want to. For major stuff, such as burst pipes, leaking systems, and dead or dying hot water heaters, it’s best to call for help. Even if you want to upgrade your kitchen and bathroom, don’t save money by installing new appliances and fixtures on your own. Many things can go wrong if you DIY major plumbing projects.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that you should know your limits. If you have previous experience in a plumbing situation, you can probably handle it. If you’ve never replaced a water heater, you shouldn’t attempt it. Assess the dangers associated with the job, as well. For example, a water heater repair or replacement involves electricity, gas, or both. Don’t become a tragic statistic. Take care of the easy stuff and let someone licensed and certified play with electricity and gas.

How Wildlife Control Works At Terminix

Having unwanted animal guests in your house is not only annoying, but can also be dangerous to you, your family, and your home. Wild animals can carry diseases, contaminate your food, and even cause physical damage to your home’s foundation and wiring. If you are dealing with wildlife infestation, the professionals at Terminix can help. Here is how wildlife pest control San Antonio works with Terminix:

Wildlife Control Near Me: Terminix has been in business for nearly a century and has a variety of locations throughout the United States and Canada. There is a good chance that Terminix will have trained professionals in your area.

The Initial Visit: A Terminix professional will come to your home to investigate and assess the problem to create a plan of action. The plan may vary depending on the size of your residence and the nature of the pests. If you suspect pests in your home, you can call Terminix and have your home inspected free of charge.

The Treatment Plan: After the initial visit, your Terminix professional will proceed to trap and remove unwanted wildlife from your home. Terminix hires a variety of experts to help deal with common pests like squirrels and skunks, as well as unique pests that may have accidentally been introduced in your area.

Prevent Future Infestations: In addition to removing the pests, your Terminix professional will help secure your home from future invaders. If you live in an area where wildlife pests are a common nuisance, consider calling in a Terminix professional to help secure your home from invaders and stop infestations before they start.  Some examples of “pest security” include sealing crawl spaces and minimizing gaps in pipe openings.

Whether you have an unwanted wild animal in your home, or are looking to prevent a future invasion, the professionals at Terminix can help keep your home safe from animal intruders.

What to Do if Your Furnace Short-Cycles

You most likely already need to use your furnace, at least occasionally. Hopefully, you performed the annual furnace maintenance. This kind of maintenance is very important for proper functioning of the heating system throughout the heating season.

Your furnace was dormant for the better part of the year, so it definitely needs some attention prior to everyday use to prevent breakdowns. If, however, you do experience problems with your furnace, you need to act quickly. You don’t want to be left without heating when proper winter sets in. Contact a professional and experienced heating service like https://www.actionac.net/heating-system-furnace-repair-san-diego/. One of the most common problems with furnaces is short-cycling. So, what is short-cycling and how do you recognize it?

Short-Cycling 

Chances are you have heard about this problem associated with air conditioning units, but it can just as easily happen to the heating systems and for the same reason. Namely, short-cycling happens when your furnace starts and stops too quickly and too often.

There are several possible reasons why this could happen. In most cases, you should able to identify the problem, but fixing it is probably out of your hands, and you will probably need professional help.

Your Furnace Is Oversized 

This problem should be evident from the first time you turn on our new furnace. You may think that bigger is always better, but it doesn’t really apply to furnaces. You don’t want the biggest thing on the market, you want something appropriately sized for your home. If you have miscalculated and gotten a furnace which is too powerful for your home, the result is short-cycling.

Essentially, your furnace is too effective at heating your home. However, that comes with a drawback. It means that your furnace will not be as economical doing it. It will expend too much energy in a short time, then stay inactive for a period, and then repeat that process. A more economical setup is an appropriately sized furnace which will work continuously. Not only will it be more economical, but it will also help with reducing the wear and tear, so your furnace will serve you longer and it will be less likely to break down.

Overheating Issues

Another reason why your furnace keeps turning on and off so frequently may be due to overheating. Your furnace may be shutting down automatically to prevent any more severe damage. One of the biggest concerns with this issue is carbon monoxide leaking into your home. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, so the only way to figure out whether it is in your environment is to have a carbon monoxide detector close to your furnace.

The main cause of overheating is the restricted airflow, whether it is a dirty air filter or a blockage in the vents. This will trap very hot air near your furnace and cause some physical damage to your heat exchanger, leading to the problems listed above.

Thermostat Issues

Maybe your furnace is not to blame, maybe it is getting confusing inputs from your thermostat. The thermostat tells the furnace when to start and how hot it should run, so if the problem lies in the thermostat, your furnace can experience a whole range of problems, including short-cycling.

You can test this by setting your thermostat to different temperatures and monitor the changes. However, ultimately, you will need a skilled professional to come and take a look at the problem.

Short-cycling is not only a nuisance, it could be an indication of much more serious problems, which is why you should treat it seriously and consult your heating technicians as soon as you determine that there is a problem.

To contact Action Air Conditioning & Heating of San Diego
4455 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite 100–5,
San Diego, CA 92123, USA
800-400-4152

Wood Smarts: How to Find the Right Table Saw

Attempting to find the best table saw can be a little overwhelming at first, which is okay. There are a lot of options out there, making this choice that much harder. The following guide will help you find the kind of table saw that you need.

Know Your Saws

The first thing you should know is that there are three main categories of table saws. The first category is the cabinet saw, which is considered the largest of the bunch. Of course, this table saw is normally the most expensive, but it comes with several perks like a heavy cast iron table. The precision on these tables is admirable, and their durability is impressive.

The contractor's saw is the second category you should remember. This is a portable saw that can be taken to your job site if needed. The price is reasonable, and it comes with several noteworthy features such as a belt-driven blade, making continuous cutting quite dependable -- search online before you make any purchase by reading some portable table saw reviews to help you understand the benefits of owning a portable table saw.

The last category to consider is the hybrid saw. Some hybrids come with a cast iron main table, which increases accuracy while others are constructed with lighter materials such as aluminum. This makes hybrids versatile. This is perfect for those who need a little bit of both.

Understand the Voltage

You need to know your voltage requirements and how much power you can actually handle. Cabinet saws use 220-volts, which usually means that you do not have to worry about the saw slowing down on you during heavy jobs.

Hybrids can be switched between 110-volts to 220-volts while contractors normally stick to 110-volts.

You want to stick to 110-volts if you travel a lot or if you are not sure that you are going to have access to enough power to ensure that the 220-volt cabinet saw works efficiently.

A Good Fence

Knowing the kind of table saw you are going to get and if you have enough power to work the tool are just some of the factors you have to consider. You also have to ensure that your table saw's fence is accurate, which will make your job easier.

You do not want a fence that bends because it can be dangerous to you. Fences that are not as stable as they should be may cause the wood to bind with the blade's metal, which can lead to those jolting kickbacks.

One of the most effective types of fences is called the T-style fence. The reason most enthusiasts like the T-style fence is because of its construction.

It normally comes with a heavy bar, though sometimes it comes with a square tube that is locked on the front of the tool. The fence can be easily adjusted, and it is quite wide. The fence's locking mechanism is one of the best, making it pretty dependable.

This is just one example. In the end, you just want to make sure that your fence is as sturdy as possible when choosing your table saw.

Consider Dust Collection

You know that woodwork leads to dust, so making sure that your table saw comes with a collection system is important. Most cabinet saws come with a dust collection system, but this does not apply to other types of saws.

For example, contractor's saws do not normally have a dust collecting system because these tools are made to be used outside. Naturally, the saw dust does not need to be collected since it will just end up falling to the ground.

Angles Perfected

The next thing you want to pay attention to is the miter gauge. This aspect of your table saw needs to be sturdy but also adjustable when needed.

You need to make sure that the miter gauge does not move when locked in place, or you will not cut good angles. Be sure to glide the miter gauge before purchasing to make sure that it glides smoothly. This ensures that your cuts remain accurate.

These are just some of the things to look for besides good safety features. Some of the most important safety features you want for the table saw is blade guards and anti-kickback technology. Hopefully, the tips in this guide help you find the tool that fits your needs

5 Signs It’s Time For Smart Home Maintenance

Home maintenance is often ignored by homeowners due to the dent it can cause to their bank account. Nevertheless, in some cases, home maintenance is essential because it helps retain or increase the value of your property without compromising on your living standards.



Not all signs will be noticeable until a detailed inspection is conducted. However, here are some of the tell-tale signs that will give you every reason to conduct smart home maintenance:

The Washing Machine Hose Is Bulging
If you notice a bulge in the hose, take action immediately. The hose may be about to burst. This is an emergency situation and needs professional assistance right away. This could also be a sign of leakage in the hose. If not taken care of in time, it could cause a costly damage.

When You Notice Melted Grommets On Your Water Heater
This could be a sign of the presence of deadly gases in your home. The gases generated from the water heater find their way out of your home through a duct. Sometimes, blockage in the duct may not allow the gases to release. Instead, the gases backdraft and combine the air with deadly carbon monoxide.

This happens if plastic of the duct is damaged due to heated water. You can seek assistance from a professional to detect and fix the duct. PlumbingFix, Santa Clarita based experts offer emergency services to fix water heaters. Contacting them may help you get rid of the damage.

The Water Meter Keeps Running
If you haven’t noticed any leakage in the water, the meter is the best way to find out. First and foremost, inspect the plumbing fixtures and faucets in your house. Find out if they’re properly turned off. In case the meter still keeps running, you need to get it checked and fixed immediately.

Indoor leaks are often easy to find. Also, check for water stains on the ceilings and walls. Inspect your kitchen and toilet carefully. Pay attention to the valves and focus on the water dropping sound.

Leakage In The Roof

If your roof is leaking, your roofing system needs immediate maintenance. It could be old, rotten, or damaged. To resolve this issue, you have two options: you can either consider complete renovation or go for various fixing methods.

The best way to decide is to first find out how much it is damaged already. New roofing with asphalt shingles is a pricey job and can cost you between $4500 and $10,000. Therefore, before you decide, get it checked and find out if repairing can fix it.

Efflorescence On Chimney Brick

Clearly, this means that a lot of moisture has built up inside. Efflorescence is a white material that appears on the chimney's brick and shouldn’t be ignored. Its appearance shows the movement of moisture through masonry.

The movement of moisture picks up minerals and leaves tiny white crystals behind. While this isn’t really harmful and a little amount of efflorescence is quite common, it’s a cause of concern if it’s too noticeable.

If the moisture is accumulating, it could eventually cause damage to the chimney. In worse cases, your flue liner may also be affected. The combustion of gases from the water heater, fireplace, or furnace is also harmful to your environment.

While these signs are easy to identify, the outdoor leaks can go unnoticed for years. Getting it checked and fixed by professionals is the best way to keep up with smart home maintenance.

Signs It's Time For A New Water Heater

A household water heater works behind the scenes in every home. This appliance doesn’t get nearly the credit it should for keeping our lives running smoothly and comfortably — hot showers to name one benefit. For something that's not particularly glamorous, when this appliance fails, it’s guaranteed to cause a bad day for everyone. Watch out for the following four signs it’s time to call the pros and consider installing a new, energy-efficient water heater.

Hot Water Is Not Consistent

Image via Flickr by r.nial.bradshaw

Have you been finding yourself taking quicker showers and skipping your leave-in conditioner treatment? Are your dishes not getting clean when the dishwasher finishes a cycle?

First, check to see if you've tripped the circuit breaker or if the water heater pilot light is out. Are both OK? Next, have a home services specialist take a look at your water heater to decide if the heating coil needs replacement. If it does not, you may need to find a new water heater for your home.

You Can't Remember When Your Water Heater Was Installed

Some appliances can operate for a long time, but a water heater isn't one of them. The age of your household unit can indicate the likelihood that it will need replacement. Think about when your water heater was installed. If the installation date is beyond your memory — or longer than 15 years — you're likely facing a replacement.

You're Hearing Noises

Can you hear a musical serenade coming out of your water heater when you turn up the heat on your shower? Have you noticed that your previously clear water is murky, rusty, or sandy? Does the water have a metallic taste? Sediment and residue from hard water can cause a knocking or popping sound as the water heats. Hard water can also leave a residue in pipes, taking a few years off the life of your water heater.

If you’re hearing knocking or have sandy water, a technician can flush the system as a first step before fully replacing the unit. If your water has become rusty, the rust is a sign that the inside of your unit is breaking down and particles are entering your household water.

Your Water Heater Is Leaking

Have you noticed a small leak or small amounts of water near the unit? If so, you'll want to call a service tech as soon as you can. A slow leak can quickly turn into a flood — and nobody wants to deal with that mess.

Maintaining your water heater never seems to top our list of to-dos until an emergency arises. Watching for the above signs and calling a service tech to inspect your water heater are critical to saving yourself the headaches of a cold shower. You don't want to face that reality on the morning of an important job interview or the day your super-critical in-laws arrive.

Beyond keeping your shower hot, consider the energy efficiencies gained with a new unit. The money saved could be enough to splurge on a new pair of shoes. Who’s the hero now?

Why Is Your House So Dusty?

A little light dust is normal, but if you find a thick layer of dust that accumulates seemingly overnight, despite your best efforts to keep your home clean, you have a problem.

Dust consists of dirt, dead skin cells, hair, pollen, insect parts, pet hair, and dander. Additionally, dust can often hold hazardous chemical residues including flame retardants, phenols, and phthalates. Medical specialists have linked these chemicals to hormone issues and cancer.

Find out the reasons your house may be accumulating so much dust.

Image via Flickr by Dan4th

Leaking HVAC Ducts

Gaps around fittings, holes, and unsealed joints between duct sections allow warm or cooled filtered air to escape and dirty unfiltered air to enter, complete with dust and other contaminants.

An HVAC technician can perform a pressure test on your HVAC system to identify leaks. You can use foil tape, mastic, and fabric tape to seal minor holes and gaps. A qualified HVAC technician will need to repair more significant leaks. After repairing and sealing all the leaks, a technician needs to thoroughly clean the ducts to remove any traces of mold and the inevitable accumulation of dust and dirt.

Inadequate Air Filters

Air filters which are the wrong size or type will not prevent dirt, dust, and other contaminants from entering your HVAC system. A clean, correctly sized proper air filter will promote ideal indoor air quality (IAQ) in your home.

Rather than buying an air filter blindly, use a tape measure to check the length and width of the grill where you insert the filter. If you are unsure whether you have the correct size, check with an HVAC technician.

The other measurement which is important when selecting an air filter for your home HVAC system is the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV. This measurement refers to the mesh density in the filter, with 12 being the finest available for residential use and four being the most coarse. If the mesh is too coarse, it may not adequately filter smaller contaminants, but if the mesh is too fine, it will not allow enough air to flow through it, leading to problems with your air quality.

Drafts

Older houses often have small gaps under doors or around windows which can allow outside air into the home. In addition to compromising the efficiency of your heating and cooling, these drafts also bring dust and other contaminants into your home. Many hardware stores carry assorted draft sealant products to repair these gaps.

Debris Transfer From Outdoors

Each time your family or visitors enter your home, they bring with them pollen, debris, and dirt from outside. Using a doormat to remove excess dirt from shoes and perhaps taking shoes off before entering the home will greatly reduce the amount of dirt and debris being bought inside.

To combat dust in your home, check your ducts for leaks, look for the correct air filter, and maintain your HVAC system. Taking steps like these can help you keep dust in your home under control.

Garden Chat- Let's Talk About Summer Plants

Today I wanted to talk a little bit about plants and share some of the things I have learned over the years. First of all, you can have a full and colorful garden for a very low cost. We have been getting what I like to call "second hand plants" for years now. We have family members who share clippings, small plants, bulbs, and seeds with us and we trade with some of what we have existing in our garden. 

If you are looking for vibrant pops of color that are low maintenance, a lantana is the way to go. They come in quite a few colors and can grow in even the hottest and driest of conditions. We have more than a half dozen of these in various parts of our yard and they get so big that we have to cut them back a few times each season. The best part is they come back year after year. Lantanas also attract butterflies. We have some right off of our back patio near one of our bird feeding stations, and it is so pretty to watch the butterflies flutter around. 

Lantana

If you would like to attract hummingbirds, pentas are a great choice. Every evening we watch the hummers go to war so they can dominate this plant I got for Mother's Day. I keep it in a pot under a tree so it doesn't get too much sun although it claims it can take full sun. Nope. Not in the South Carolina sun! 

Penta

Something I learned about my delicate herbs and peppers is that the South Carolina heat will hinder growth. I actually brought some of my plants inside of my patio door in order to save them. When I noticed the leaves were yellowing, I figured the elements outside were just too harsh. Since doing that, all of my edibles have flourished. I take them outside periodically when we are having a rain shower. The plants tend to get an extra boost from the rain water. 

Hot pepper, broad leaf thyme, lavender, Rosemary, and spearmint

Another great trick I learned from my husband's uncle is to not throw away your potted flower plants at the end of their growing season. Instead, you can clip the old growth off and take it inside until the Winter frost is gone. Once you bring it back outside in the Spring, it will re-grow and you can enjoy your blooms again and again. Geraniums are one flower that fare very well indoors during the winter, and this geranium care guide by Gilmour will show you everything you need to know about planting, growing and caring for geraniums. The flower plant below cost us about $15 and it came back beautifully this year! I have it growing on the side of my home in a semi-shaded spot along a trellis, and it blooms all summer long. I get so many compliments about it and many ask of they can take it home.  

This year we decided to get some mosquito repelling plants since they are usually really bad every summer. We planted some marigolds in hanging baskets at the bottom of our back deck and have a few pots of citronella (mosquito plant) on the patio area. Let me tell you, those mosquito plants really work! We take a leaf or two and press it to release the oils and rub it on our exposed skin when we are hanging outside. The scent is very lemony and we really love it. I have yet to get a single mosquito bite when I do this. 

One of out larger plants broke from a storm we had a couple months ago and my husband took the broken part and put it into an old pot with dirt. I figured it would simply die, but it turns out that his experiment worked and the plant survived and grew in nicely. As a matter of fact, he has done this with a few other plants and trees and they are all growing. 

Citronella, also known as the mosquito plant

We will be bringing in all of our potted plants before the winter and keep them alive for next year. With all that we have done over the course of a few years, I anticipate we will not have to spend any money on plants or trees next year. 

What are you growing this year?