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5 Ways to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home

The quality of your indoor air is very important for your wellness. For instance, you can avoid air-based problems such as allergic reactions and other negative health impacts by doing things that improve the air quality in your home. Here are five methods that you can use for better indoor air.


Keep Pollutants Out

Preventing pollutants from entering your home is the best way to improve your home’s air, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). So you should use source control to prevent bringing products with a high level of chemical emissions into your dwelling. To start keeping pollutants out, you can use an online tool to check whether the products that you use or plan to use are safe for you and your family.


Use Charcoal

Activated charcoal, which is charcoal that has been reheated, can improve your home’s air quality by attracting pollutants from the air to its surface. To use this technique effectively, you need to buy charcoal that does not have any additives, so using your barbeque charcoal, which has a lot of additives, is not a good idea!

You can use bamboo charcoal products or some additive-free pieces of activated charcoal and leave them in your rooms to clean your indoor air. Rule of thumb: As your charcoal products will become less effective over time, put them outside once each month for a few hours to reactivate.


Ventilate Your Home

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Increasing the quantity of outdoor air in your home is another way to improve your indoor air. If you live in a rural area where there is a lower level of air pollution, you can ventilate your home by simply leaving the windows open for a while each day. Using this method is more complicated if you live in an urbanized area in which the outdoor air is polluted, but you can still leave your windows open early in the morning to air out your home.


Maintain Your HVAC Unit

Maintaining your HVAC unit can help you to enjoy good indoor air. One way of doing this is to have a maintenance plan for your system. Your unit needs its air ducts and its air filter cleaned regularly. You also need an HVAC service to check for leaks and damaged components and handle any necessary repair or installation. Hiring professionals to maintain your unit can help you to avoid expensive repairs in the future and extend your unit’s lifetime in addition to improving the air in your dwelling.


Grow Plants Indoors

Having indoor plants can be an enjoyable method of purifying indoor air. A NASA study found that certain plants are very effective in ridding the air of pollutants. Peace Lily, English Ivy, and Boston Fern are some of the plants that you can use to improve your indoor air quality.

There are many ways in which you can improve the air quality in your home. Using these tips can also make your dwelling more comfortable. So start improving your home’s air quality today!

 

4 Reasons You Should Consider Upgrading to a Programmable Thermostat

Thermostats are essentially the gatekeepers to indoor comfort. They decide if the furnace is warming things up, the air conditioner is cooling things off, or nothing is running at all. Old-fashioned thermostats require constant checking and changing to maximize their usefulness. These days, programmable thermostats allow you to easily set the temperature to your comfort, the time of day, or even the season. Here are four reasons programmable thermostats can be a huge benefit to your home.

Lower Energy Bills

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Besides a mortgage, energy bills are often the largest recurring family expense. Homeowners can save up to 30% on their energy bills by using a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats can help lower your energy bills by using a schedule to adjust the temperature of your home throughout the day. In the winter, you can set the home temperature cooler when you are work, allowing the furnace to run less. In the summer, give the AC a break by setting the home temperature a bit higher while you are away from the home. Your programmable thermostat can restore your home to your preferred temperature right before you arrive, allowing you to save money without sacrificing comfort.

Optimal HVAC Performance

HVAC systems can run more efficiently when paired with a programmable thermostat. When it is set on a schedule, your HVAC won’t run all day long, reducing wear and tear on major components. This means a programmable thermostat can even help your older HVAC last longer.

Consistent Comfortable Indoor Temperature

Have you ever gotten stuck sitting in a hot, stuffy room in the summer or a freezing room in the winter? Old-fashioned thermostats often leave homeowners waiting for the HVAC to catch up to temperature changes. This results in inconsistent indoor temperatures and an uncomfortable home. With a programmable thermostat, your HVAC will run consistently throughout the day, maintaining the temperature you set in the schedule. Should the weather be different than expected, many thermostats allow you to adjust your thermostat using your smartphone.

Spend Less Time with your Thermostat

With an old-fashioned thermostat, you need to change the temperature when you leave the house for the day. When you get home you need to adjust the temperature again. On the way to bed, you will need to stop yet again and adjust the thermostat. Smart programmable thermostats allow you to avoid the need for constant thermostat checking. Thermostats controlled by a smartphone or your voice make it easier and faster to maintain a comfortable home. This allows you to spend more time enjoying the comfort of your home and less time in front of your thermostat.

We all want our homes to be as comfortable as possible without breaking the bank. Programmable thermostats allow you to have the best of both worlds. With their ease of scheduling and the ability to maximize HVAC efficiency, programmable thermostats are a beneficial addition to any home.

 

Tiny Houses Need Proper HVAC Installation Too

Many people today opt to downsize into tiny homes, which typically measure between 300 and 500 square feet. They are easier to maintain and less expensive to live in than traditional homes. There are tiny home DIY kits that allow homeowners to build their own homes without much building experience. However, if you do choose to build your own tiny home, it is best to use a professional HVAC contractor for your heating and cooling systems.

HVAC professionals will take into account that there are special considerations when installing heating and cooling systems into tiny houses. Tiny home HVAC systems can differ from what a traditional home needs.

Determining the Best System

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There are different HVAC systems for use in tiny homes. These include a furnace with duct work, mini split systems, wall-mounted electric heaters, and air conditioning units. There are pros and cons to each system and an HVAC professional can work with you to determine which is the best based on your location. For example, needs in Arizona are different than in Pennsylvania. The size of the tiny home and your budget also make a difference. If you choose a traditional furnace, you may still need to investigate air conditioning options.

Traditional Furnace and Ductwork

If you choose a traditional heating system, you’ll need to have ducts installed. This can be tricky because ductwork is bulky and can take up valuable space. Besides considerations for the ductwork, furnaces require indoor space for the furnace itself plus clearances around the unit. A professional HVAC technician can provide the optimal layout of the ducts as well as offer suggestions on the type of furnace that would best heat the space without overheating it.

Installation of Ductwork

Proper duct design and installation is critical to your system working properly according to the US Department of Energy. Ducts that aren’t sealed can cost you hundreds of dollars per year on wasted energy and may result in uneven heating. An added concern in tiny homes is the location of ductwork. When not properly planned, ductwork can severely affect storage space.

Ductless Systems

You might find a ductless system, or mini-split, the best option. Mini splits are mounted on the wall or ceiling with an outdoor heat pump and provide heating and cooling. They take up less space and are energy efficient, without requiring ducts. Mini splits must be installed by a professional, certified HVAC technician who has a refrigerant license. These are only available for tiny homes that are stationary.

No matter which heating and air conditioning system you decide is best for your situation, a professional HVAC technician who is familiar with tiny homes is a must. Tiny homes have extra considerations, such as location, size, budgeting considerations, and personal preferences.

Whether your tiny home is stationary or on a trailer that can be moved also impacts the type of system you can use. An HVAC technician can help you select the right system, plan where the system should be installed, install ductwork that doesn’t interfere with valuable space, and maximize your comfort all year.

 

Make Connections With Top Influencers During Cyber Week 2019 in New York

New York CyberWeek 2019 is right around the corner and you are not going to want to miss this comprehensive event. Bringing together the movers and shakers in the cybersecurity industry, this event features workshops, hackathons, networking parties, roundtables, and more.

Best of all, this conference puts you right in the heart of the nation’s most vibrant and energetic city, making it the perfect way to combine business with pleasure. Here is all that you need to know about making the most out of the upcoming CyberWeek event.

CYBERWEEK 2019 DETAILS

With over 60 events, you will be sure to find something valuable at the CyberWeek 2019. This year’s event is scheduled for September 16–20 and will take place across various locations all over the New York City area, including Jersey City. Organizers estimate that attendance will be great, with more than 6,500 attendees and 150 Fortune 500 companies represented. It’s the premier event to learn, collaborate, and network with smart, influential people in the sphere of cybersecurity.

You can sign up to attend as an individual or as a team with your colleagues. The complimentary pass will enable you to attend a variety of educational events, parties, and workshops designed to inform and inspire. Industry leaders are also encouraged to register their own event to host.

LODGING ACCOMMODATIONS

You are going to need a comfortable place to recharge after your day of learning and connecting at CyberWeek. One “hack” for attending the conference is to check out hotels in Jersey City, which provide the perfect balance of convenient access to the events of the conference and a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Hyatt House Jersey City delivers modern guest rooms with dedicated workspaces ideal for catching up on the day’s events. The free breakfast will provide the fuel needed to power through the day. The onsite Terrace Lounge or RoofTop at Exchange Place provides sweeping views of the New York City skyline as you wind down from your day at CyberWeek.

Candlewood Suites Jersey City – Harborside Extended Stay Hotel is another good choice. Since the event runs over the course of a week, and you may want some buffer days, an extended stay hotel can be a good choice. This hotel is used to accommodating larger groups, as well, making it a good option if you’re traveling with your team.

SEE THE CITY

The city that never sleeps is the perfect backdrop for the CyberWeek event. While in the city, be sure to visit one of the many museums that call the area home. Art aficionados will delight in the vast collection at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, located in Central Park on the Upper East Side. No trip to Manhattan is complete without taking in a Broadway show. Get your colleagues together for a classic New York evening of fun with dinner and a show.

LET’S EAT!

You would be remiss to visit the New York City area and not go out of your way to sample some of the area’s best cuisine. Be sure to start your culinary adventure with a piece of New York-style pizza. You can find a slice on nearly every corner of Manhattan. There is a myriad of world-class restaurants right at your doorstep in Manhattan, Jersey City, and the surrounding areas.

While in Manhattan, be sure to indulge in a luxurious meal at one of the city’s premier steakhouses. Good choices include Gallaghers Steak House in Midtown or Peter Luger in Brooklyn.

If you’re dining in Jersey City, be sure to check out the stunning view of the Manhattan skyline at the Liberty House. This upscale restaurant features a menu of seasonal and sustainable food such as the mouthwatering raw bar, pan-seared striped bass, butternut squash and goat cheese tortellini, grilled filet mignon, and more.

Pest Inspection: 3 Key Benefits of Hiring a Pest Control Company

The average homeowner spends around $2,000 a year on optional maintenance. For the most part, professional pest control is considered optional maintenance. In reality, investing in pest control services should be something you view as a priority.

Without the help of professionals, you run the risk of allowing harmful pests into your home. Allowing a company to perform a thorough pest inspection can provide you with peace of mind. Before hiring a company to do this work, be sure to consider the experience they have and get a feel for what they charge.

Here are some of the benefits that come with hiring a pest control company.

1. The Experience Needed to Perform Pest Inspections

Some homeowners think that running down to their local hardware store and picking up tons of pest control chemicals is the only way to treat an infestation. In reality, these chemicals can be extremely dangerous if used improperly.

The only way to truly get rid of pests is by hiring professionals to find out where they are gaining access. Sealing off these access points is the only to keep the pests from returning.

A homeowner will not have the tools or the experience needed to get this information on their own. Rather than making mistakes during this process, you need to work with a professional pest control technician.

2. Professional Pest Control Saves You Money

The main reason most homeowners cite when asked why they handle their own pest control is cost. Some people think that DIY pest control can save them money, but this is far from the truth.

The pest control chemicals you find at your local hardware store are not only expensive, but they are also ineffective. This means that you will spend a lot of money without seeing the results you are after.

Paying professionals to handle this work is the only way to avoid these issues. Before hiring a company to perform these services, schedule a few onsite estimates. These estimates will provide you with all of the information needed to hire the best pest control company.

3. Consistency Is Important

Keeping pests away is only possible if the treatments are consistent. Simply spraying for bugs, ants or rodents once will not produce the results you are after.

Most pest control companies provide their clients with very affordable monthly services. By keeping the pest control treatments consistent, you won’t have to worry about bugs or rodents returning.

Don’t Rush Through the Pest Control Company Selection Process

Getting pest inspection and extermination services will require you to find the best professionals. Getting impatient and rushing through this hiring process may lead to mistakes being made. This is why you need to weigh all of your options before hiring professionals for this job.

Are you looking for more articles related to owning and maintaining a home? If so, check out the rest of the content right here on our website.

Mobile Applications for Businesses: 5 Reasons Why an App Can Help Your Business

The internet has exploded in popularity in the last decade. The problem is, it’s hard to stand out from the crowd now.

That’s where mobile apps come into play. Believe it or not, 42% of small businesses have their own mobile app today.

But with all the hype, is investing in a mobile application the right choice? Keep reading to learn five things that make mobile applications for businesses make sense.

1. Provide More Value to Your Customer

With all the noise in the marketplace today, it’s hard to stand out from the crowd. But one of the biggest ways to do so is by providing more value to your customers than your competition. A mobile app will help you do that.

Your mobile app can provide coupons and rewards for people who shop at your store. This will reward them for being loyal and give them a reason to keep coming back.

2. Get a Direct Line of Communication

Having a sale is a great way to promote sales. The problem is getting in front of your customers. A mobile app gives you a way to reach your customers directly to promote your offers.

Your mobile app will allow you to push a button to reach all your customers who have your app. Email is the only thing comparable for that kind of visibility online.

3. Build Your Brand

People buy from businesses they like. If you rely on other platforms to show your customers who you are, then you’ll be disappointed about your lack of control.

A mobile app is like a blank canvas for you to customize however you like. By giving your customers a great experience, you’ll enhance your brand perception and build customer loyalty. It will help you stand out in crowded markets.

If you’re looking for someone to help you with this process, Nexrage Studios custom software can give you what you need.

4. Get Better Customer Engagement

Have you ever gone through a complicated refund procedure? How about wasting time on the phone booking a table at a restaurant? There are a lot of bad customer experiences out there.

A mobile app can solve this problem for you. Build these features into your applications to give your customers a better experience and help your customer engagement.

Not only that, it saves your business time dealing with these issues.

5. Make More Profits

All of the above points are great on there own. But all together, they provide a great customer experience. This matters because, in the end, it creates more profit.

When you spend the time to give customers a great experience and products they love, they’ll keep coming back. Investing in a mobile application for your business can pay for itself well into the future.

Don’t Underestimate Mobile Applications for Businesses

With the marketplace continuing to get more competitive, you need every advantage you can get if you want to survive. Mobile applications for businesses are one of the ways to do that. Talk with someone today to learn how building one can help your business grow.

Mobile applications are only one of the digital strategies you can use to grow your business. Head to our business blog to find more ways to promote your company.

Dog Wellness: Your Taurine Questions Answered

How much taurine does my dog need? Is it really necessary? What does taurine do? What happens if they doesn’t get enough? The following article addresses common questions about taurine and dog health.

There’s been a lot of discussion about how taurine (and the lack of it) can impact the health of dogs, but is this a legitimate health concern, or a marketing strategy of the supplement industry?

Well – it’s certainly a legitimate concern for many pet owners. While most dogs can synthesize taurine from other nutrients that are legally required to be included in commercial pet foods, a subset of dog breeds have a genetic defect that prevents them from producing taurine on their own. Here’s what you need to know about taurine and your dog.

What is taurine?

Taurine is an amino acid – a protein building block that supports healthy functioning of the heart, muscles, brain, and eyes.

Is taurine a necessary nutrient for dogs?

Taurine is essential – long-term taurine deficiency can lead to major health problems. However, you may not have to administer taurine to your dog. Most dogs can produce sufficient amounts of taurine on their own, but certain breeds need to be given taurine regularly. There are also some inherited medical conditions, such as cystinuria, that prevent taurine synthesis. However, if your dog is healthy and isn’t taurine deficient, giving them more taurine won’t benefit them, though it isn’t harmful

Dogs breeds that are known to suffer from taurine deficiency include:

  • Golden retriever
  • Labrador retriever
  • American cocker spaniel
  • Saint Bernard
  • Great Dane
  • English setters

What if my dog doesn’t get enough taurine?

Long-term taurine deficiency can have an adverse effect on dog health and can lead to serious conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). If you have a breed of dog that may be vulnerable to taurine deficiency, consult your vet to see if taurine supplementation is a recommended option. Zignature dog food taurine content is naturally high enough to meet most dogs’ nutritional requirements, but check with your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet program.

To read more on topics like this, check out the technology category.

Is your pooch a senior citizen? Here are some health issues to consider

Aging dogs tend to develop specific health concerns that significantly affect and even impair their quality of life. Here are the main issues you’ll want to address early to make sure your dog is comfortable, sharp and happy.

If your dog growing older, there are numerous age-related issues that could become serious and debilitating if left unmanaged. Here are the most significant health problems you should discuss with your vet if your pooch is either in or near their golden years.

  • Joint degeneration. Some breeds are more susceptible to joint issues even while they’re relatively young. If you notice that your dog isn’t as eager to jump or climb stairs, they might be experiencing diminished joint function. Talk to your vet about possible strategies that may allow you to slow or even reverse joint deterioration.
  • Gum disease Periodontal disease can lead to major health issues – not to mention tooth loss, pain and difficulty eating – if left unaddressed. Make sure to schedule dental cleanings for your dog to reduce their risk of developing dental problems.
  • Kidney failure. If your dog seems to have difficulty urinating or is experiencing excessive thirst, those could be signs of kidney problems that need medical intervention ASAP. While there is no cure for kidney failure, it can be successfully treated with certain medications and a healthy condition-specific diet.
  • Heart disease. When it comes to heart disease, managing your dog’s diet is one of the most effective preventative measures. Highly nutritious dog food will help forestall heart problems in your pup if you adopt a consistent feeding schedule. No matter whether you choose Pedigree, IAMS or Zignature, DCM is something that, with a dedicated plan and a vet’s guidance, can be reversed.

While dog lifespans are markedly shorter than human lifespans, it is possible to prolong your dog’s days for years – sometimes more than a decade. Always consult with your vet to learn the most effective solution for keeping your dog healthy and happy at any age.

I’m a dog lover, dog parent and dog blogger. My hobbies include binge-watching YouTube videos of crufts agility competitions and styling sublimely cute photos of my pooches.

 

To read more on topics like this, check out the blog category.

Traveling to Another Place Shouldn’t Stop You from Following a Diet Plan

 

When you travel, you feel excited not only because of the places to visit, but the food to eat. It might even be your first time to try some of them. Before you get too excited, you need to remember that you’re following a diet plan. Just because you’re on holiday doesn’t mean you can eat whatever you want.

It could be challenging later

You might find it difficult to get back to your diet plan if you don’t follow it during the trip. Don’t allow yourself to get carried away by your holiday, especially with the available options for food. All of them look sumptuous and exciting at first, but the truth is that you could end up hating them. You will also realize that for some of those choices, you got no nutrients at all. You might feel excited at first, but after finishing the entire meal, you instantly regret it.

Research before you travel

You can’t say that you don’t know what to eat because you have time to research. If you can spend time researching where to go, you can also do the same for food. Look for restaurants that serve the meals you can eat. If possible, look for hotels that have a kitchen so you can cook your food. It would be easier to determine what to eat when you know where to go and if you have a chance to cook.

There’s nothing wrong with trying new things

If you travel because you want a new experience, it’s okay. Feel free to taste some exciting dishes. However, you can’t indulge. If you have a low-carb diet, you can try some desserts and baked goods, but only a few bites. You also have to make it up in some other way. You will feel less guilty when you know that you didn’t allow yourself to get carried away.

Don’t forget to exercise 

Even when you’re on a trip, you still need to exercise. Find a hotel that has a fitness gym. If that place costs a lot, you need to look for another option. If there’s a place near parks and trails, you can choose to stay there. You need to spend an hour to have a walk before you start traveling. If you jog in the morning before heading to work, you can do the same when traveling.

Treat yourself

Although you still have to follow your diet plan, it doesn’t mean you have to starve yourself. You can still choose the best places to eat. For instance, if you’re on a protein-based diet, you can try kosher steaks like the ones served at https://www.kasbah-grill.com.

With an excellent meal at a kosher restaurant, you will feel like your trip was worth it. You didn’t abandon your diet plan, but you didn’t deprive yourself either. You can check out the best places in New York for a kosher meal and have the best time during your trip.

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Helmets With the Best Ventilation

When it comes to motorcycle gear, the most important piece of equipment is your helmet. We all know that a helmet that can protect you is vital, but many motorcycle riders do not consider their helmet’s ventilation. There are many different ways a helmet’s ventilation affects the quality of your ride. Ask any biker who has owned a helmet with poor ventilation. They will have a list of reasons why it completely ruined their experience. Learn what you need to look for in a helmet and other cheap motorcycle riding gear tips.

Benefits

There are essentially three reasons why you need a helmet with good ventilation:

  • Comfort
  • Visibility
  • Cleanliness

The most obvious and straightforward reason is comfort. It can get hot in your helmet, and ventilation keeps the internal temperature low. Not only is comfort essential if you want to enjoy riding your motorcycle, but it also allows you to focus on the road so you can stay as safe as possible. Secondly, and more importantly, proper ventilation keeps the glass from fogging up. This is especially important when it is humid or raining. It can be downright dangerous if you helmet’s glass fogs up and you cannot see. Finally, the ventilation helps keep the interior lining from smelling bad. You will need to clean the lining of your helmet occasionally no matter what, but proper ventilation greatly extends how long you wait in between cleanings.

What Makes for Good Ventilation

There are a few things you should look for when looking for a motorcycle helmet sale. First and foremost, make sure the helmet designers actually considered ventilation when they made the thing. If there is at least some system in place, it will be miles better than helmet with no vents at all. Second, a great feature to look for is vents you can open and close. When it gets cold out, you will be happy you can close those vents and conserve as much heat as you can.

When it comes to ventilation, more vents is not necessarily better. It is more important that the vents are in the right spots. A vent on the top of the helmet is usually considered the most effective. There should also be vents on the chin area to prevent fogging. Vents on the back of the neck are the perfect spot for the interior air to leave. Essentially, you want in-vents and out-vents.

Helmets With the Best Ventilation

Enough with vague details. Which actual helmets and other casual wear are best? You should always check online reviews to see which helmets are best, but typically there are four manufacturers that are considered the cream of the crop. These are:

  • Klim
  • AGV
  • HJC
  • Bell Helmets

If ventilation is one of your top priorities, you should start your search with one of these four manufacturers. If it is at all possible, you should take a helmet for a test drive before you buy. This is not always necessary, especially since shopping online can yield some great deals. As long as you keep ventilation in mind when you browse, you should be just fine.

 

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