General Articles

If you have been thinking about remodeling one or more bathrooms, there are some things you should think about before you get started. Here are some thoughts about budgeting and staying safe if you do it yourself.

Set Your Budget Before You Start

When you redo a bathroom, you need to plan and prepare. Perhaps you have moved into a new home and don’t like how the current room is configured or maybe you are just ready for a change. You need to decide how much money you are going to throw at the project and whether you plan to do it yourself.

If you decide to hire a company to do all the work, you need to know that the price tag varies and can be fairly steep. That is because of the different skills needed to complete the project, including plumbing, cabinetry and tile work. Get several bids …

The cold weather season is upon us, and with it comes the extra energy costs of heating your home. If you are tired of fighting the uphill battle of energy consumption, consider making a few upgrades to your home to protect against costly waste.

Update Insulation

Upgrading your home’s insulation can greatly affect the comfort of your home and reduce the cost to heat and cool it. Hire a spray foam contractor to apply spray foam insulation in your attic and anywhere you require additional insulation or need to replace your insulation. With spray foam, you get some of the most advanced insulation in the industry.

Check Windows

Simply checking to see if your windows and doors are properly sealed is an easy and cost-effective way to reduce your home’s energy consumption. You can perform a visual inspection by looking for any light pollution coming through your window and door …

The monthly cost of using electricity at a residence can be very high, depending on how much power is used throughout the month. And while electricity is (for most people) an absolute necessity, there are ways to keep the electric bill as low as possible. Here are three suggestions for keeping the cost of electricity low.

1. Turn Off Lights When Away From the Home

A very simple way to save money on the power bill involves turning off lights – and other unnecessary appliances – while residents are away from the home. And it’s important to note that Energy.gov points out that the type of light bulbs utilized at a house can affect how much electricity is being consumed. To be sure that money will be saved, it may be beneficial to get in the habit of consistently turning off lights when exiting rooms and leaving the home.

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Having a backyard pool is a great way to spend the warm months outside. The convenience means you can enjoy it whenever the desire strikes rather than waiting for the community pool to open. One key aspect of pool maintenance is testing the water. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Test

Why should you bother with water testing Pittsburgh pools? For starters, there is more in your swimming pool water than just plain water. There are a variety of chemicals most notably chlorine. Minerals and metals such as copper, nitrates, iron, phosphates and manganese. Not to mention the bacteria, viruses and algae that can cause problems for humans and the equipment.

Testing Options

As a homeowner, you can test the water yourself using liquid test kits or test strips. The liquid test kits have a collection area for the pool water. Most have two collection areas: one for chlorine …

You rely on your HVAC system to keep the air in your home comfortable and safe. One of the most important features of your HVAC system is the air filter. Air is drawn into the system through the filter before it is heated or cooled and returned into your home. Checking and changing your HVAC air filter regularly is crucial.

Keep the Air Clean

The air filter of your HVAC system functions to remove contaminants such as dust, dirt, pollen, and other allergens from the air. Over time, the filter fills up. When it’s dirty, it can’t properly remove contaminants from the air. This can result in a greater concentration of dust or allergens in your home. For those with allergies, being in the home can be miserable. Changing the filter regularly ensures that all contaminants are removed from the air, keeping it safe for all to breathe.

Maintain an

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