Feel like you spend a lot of time on your lawn? You’re not alone. 

As soon as the weather gets warmer, the average American spends 53 hours each month tending to their yards and houses each month.

When it comes to your grass, though, you could be making the job a whole lot easier in yourself. You just need to invest in the right lawn care equipment to keep your greenery tidy and healthy.

Here are our top picks.

1. Lawnmower

It may seem to go without saying, but we can’t make a list of the essential lawn care equipment without including a mower.

This tool makes it quick and easy to manicure your yard. Even if you hire help from Cherry Oak Landscaping, you should have your own mower. That way, you can keep your grass tidy in between sessions.

But if you’re the one taking care of the grass, it’s imperative to have a lawnmower in the shed or garage. You simply can’t take care of your yard without it.

2. Edger

The lawnmower will clip your lawn so that all blades of grass stand at the same height. That uniformity will be ruined by messy edges, though.

You should invest in an edger to keep the ends of your lawn tidy. You can line your driveway, sidewalk, pathway or garden beds with the device. And doing so will make everything look clean and finished.

You won’t have to edge your lawn every time you mow it, fortunately. It will just need a touch-up every so often — keep an eye on the ends and snip them away as needed.

3. Seed and Fertilizer Spreader

Your lawn won’t always be perfect — we hate to break it to you.

So, invest in a seed spreader so you can fill in patchy lawns. Use it from March to May or in early autumn for the best results.

You can use the same piece of equipment to fertilize your lawn, too. It nourishes your soil and helps grass grow healthily. So, having a spreader on hand can do two jobs, both of which maintain your yard.

4. Rake or Leaf Blower

Don’t let leaves sit on top of your well-manicured lawn. Instead, you should invest in a rake or leaf blower, depending on the size of your yard.

Gather up the leaves in one area of your yard, pile them up and dispose of them to reveal your beautiful green blades again.

5. Sprinkler System or Hose

Your lawn needs hydration to stay healthy, too.

Best case scenario, you’ll install a sprinkler system to keep the grass evenly and regularly watered. However, you can also do the job manually with a sprinkler that you move around. Or, you can use a hose — a cheaper option, for sure.

Invest in Lawn Care Equipment

These five pieces of lawn care equipment will help you take the best care of your grass. So, fill your shed and get to work on that emerald green yard you envision.

Need more lawn-related advice? We’ve got you covered — check out the home and garden section of our site.

As climate change continues to be a problem, we’re seeing more people head into the HVAC profession. As of 2019, more than 376,000 people were employed in that sector.

If you’re a homeowner that has an HVAC system or air conditioning unit cooling your home, chances are that you’re going to hire an HVAC professional at least a few times throughout your life. When you do, you’ll see how hard it can be to pick the right AC repair companies given the sheer volume of choices you’ll have.

To help ease the burden of finding the perfect professional to come into your home, our team has compiled a list of five key considerations you’ll want to keep in mind when filtering through your options.

1. Years in Business

AC repair companies that have been in business for a long time have managed to do so by leaning on repeat customers that love the work they do. Chances are, you’ll share that adoration!

Prioritize companies that have been around the block a few times and have the right AC repair experience. This gives you better odds of working with an organization that has the processes down pat and knows how to satisfy their customers.

2. Online Reviews

Online references and reviews have made it clear how businesses conduct themselves, and AC repair companies are not exempt.

Check out review sites like Yelp or Google to see what people are saying about local services when you search “home AC repair near me.” Businesses that are averaging above four stars and have at least ten reviews are worth engaging.

3. Value

For most of us, price matters when hiring residential AC help. It shouldn’t be the only thing you look at, though.

We’ve seen plenty of low-cost AC operations do bad work. This makes it so consumers need to hire another repair company shortly thereafter, which ends up costing them more in the long run.

We always advocate that consumers look for value over price. That means trying to pick the most affordable, quality AC repair service.

4. Availability

Some AC repair companies are available five days a week from, 9 am to 5 pm. Others have weekend availability and emergency repair windows.

Consider your schedule and when you’d need your services done. Then, pick a company that’s availability can accommodate your needs.

5. Vibe

A repair company’s demeanor matters. If you’re getting an estimate on the cost of repairs and the person you’re working with is rude or seems indifferent towards earning your business, move onto another choice.

There are a lot of great service people out there. There’s no need to settle for one that you don’t feel you’re connecting with.

AC Repair Companies Can Solve Your Climate Problems

Don’t suffer through living in a house that has a broken or dysfunctional AC. Instead, invest in hiring AC repair companies that are operating in your area to get on track towards living a comfortable life!

We hope our tips help you find the perfect AC contractor. Should you need additional assistance locating the help you need, consider seeking more guidance in our blog.

Are you looking for new home ideas?

We all have ideas for what our dream house will look like. Often, we plan the number of bathrooms it should have, the closet space, and the garage. Reality catches up, though, and we have to reconsider the budget and the stuff we can put our home.

The latest idea of a home is a place where you can be comfortable that show your style. What better way to fulfill that idea but with a container home? We’re talking about a secure home space that’s all about you.

These are our guides about container homes. Read on what we have below and learn more about the pros of living in container homes.

1. Pocket-Friendly Price

Depending on the quality of the container, it can cost from $1400 to $4500. Having your house built in a shipment container is cheaper than traditional homes.

What makes traditional homes expensive is the materials used in building them. Wood, metal, bricks, and concrete are expensive if you buy them in bulk. Container homes reduce this cost by giving you an existing framework to use.

Also, converting a used shipping container is less expensive than getting a house in the city. It can even beat the cost of the cheapest place you can find in the city. This way, you can spend less on renovations for any room in a house.

2. Easy to Move

Who doesn’t like having their home close to where they work? With container homes, you can enjoy a change in scenery whenever you like. You can also travel to anywhere you wish while keeping your home close.

Even the time it takes to establish a home is different with these storage containers. Traditional construction will take weeks or months, depending on how big the house is. With container homes, it will only take you a week, if you’re fast enough, to make your home ready to live in.

The shorter time means that you won’t need to wait long to get your house mobile. You will be out of the way and headed to where you need to be sooner. Moving your container house from one state to another is a benefit that you can enjoy thanks to how small these are.

3 . Less Junk

Living in a shipping container home is all about your style. Let your imagination be free. The number of things and customization that you can do in this living space is limitless. Make your living space unique and amazing with the flexible things you can do.

This makes adopting a minimalist lifestyle possible if you live in one. Doing this ensures that you have less junk to dispose of. Doing this hosts a slew of environmental benefits that you can enjoy, too.

Learn More About Container Homes Today!

Buying a home that’s already on the market is like buying someone’s vision. However, with a customizable home, it’s all about you. Get a container home and personalize your lifestyle today!

There’s a lot more to learn about shipping container homes. Check out more of our informative blogs and articles to learn all you can today!

Anyone that’s worked with plants will tell you how invaluable fertilizer is as a tool. Growing and feeding your plants is so much easier with a good fertilizer.

But without proper disposal, fertilizer can pour into waterways. The resulting nutrient pollution can wreak havoc on the area, resulting in algal blooms taking over. For this reason, properly controlling fertilizer runoff is critical to environmental safety.

How do you properly control runoff? Let’s take a look at some safety measures you should be taking.

How to Properly Control Fertilizer Runoff

There are many reasons why you may experience fertilizer runoff. Improper disposal of leftovers after gardening or lawn care can cause the fertilizer to make a path into waterways. Grass trimmings and other remnants can carry fertilizer on or in them. If they make their way into bodies of water, the fertilizer chemicals will leech out into the water.

One of the best ways to prevent nutrient pollution is simply to properly clean up after lawn or garden care. Carefully dispose of lawn trimmings, branches, and other debris that may contain fertilizer chemicals. And always properly dispose of your fertilizer containers after use.

Another quick and easy tip is to allow your grass to grow slightly thicker and taller than you might normally expect. Thick grass is better at trapping water. The thick network of roots absorbs more water runoff. This helps minimize the amount of water that escapes your yard in the first place and minimizes the fertilizer that ends up in local waterways.

The Problem With Algal Blooms

Algae is a natural part of most marine ecosystems. But left unchecked, algae growths can deprive the water of much-needed oxygen. This oxygen would otherwise be used to help sustain plant and animal life in the water. Out of control algae growths are what we refer to as algal blooms.

Algal blooms can wreak havoc on an ecosystem. This is especially true if large amounts of algae are not normally native to the waterway.

This can have far-reaching effects not just on the body of water, but on other ecosystems that depend on the water. Algal blooms can cause huge disruptions in the surrounding environment.

For this reason, it’s important to practice safe practices when using fertilizer in your lawn or garden. Another great thing to do is to educate yourself on the growth and behavior of algae. Algae Barn offers tanks you can purchase that simulate the water ecosystem. Grow some algae in them yourself, and see how unchecked algae quickly dominates its surroundings.

Safely Dispose of Fertilizer

Fertilizer runoff is one of the major causes of algal bloom in modern ecosystems. It’s a major problem, but it’s also a preventable one. With a little bit of care, you can do your part to prevent it. So take care to properly dispose of your fertilizer, and to take measures to prevent runoff.

Are you passionate about making the planet a cleaner place? Be sure to check out our other articles for more information on safe environmental practices.

If you’ve made the bold choice to live with carpet flooring in your home, you’re probably well-versed in the many advantages and perils of carpeting. While carpet flooring makes for a warm, cozy, and comfortable home, it’s no secret that it can also be high maintenance — especially where children and pets are concerned.

This being said, there are many variations of carpeting today that are robust, hardy, and long-wearing. However, nothing keeps carpet flooring in good shape like regular cleaning and maintenance. If you’re new to carpet cleaning, learn about how to clean carpet floor in this blog.

How to Clean Carpet Floor: Tools, Spot Cleaning, and Deep Cleaning

Carpet flooring is a brilliant way to bring color, texture, and warmth to your home. But keeping your carpet floor cleaning takes a certain amount of commitment and the right tools and products.

Yes, you can always hire a professional for carpet cleaning and other services — but what about the months in-between those deep cleans? This is where proper carpet cleaning knowledge helps to keep your flooring in top-notch condition, year-round. Here’s how to tackle carpet cleaning the right way:

1. Vacuuming

If most of your home is carpeted, then it’s imperative that you invest in a high-quality vacuum. You’re going to need the right tools for the job in order to clean thoroughly, and efficiently. Today, there are numerous top quality vacuum brands on the market. Some of the best products include:

• Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
• Shark APEX DuoClean with Zero-M Powered Lift-Away Vacuum
• Bissell Cleanview Swivel Rewind Pet Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner

Bear in mind that old, outdated, and heavy vacuum cleaners can actually do more harm to your carpet, than good. Heavy vacuum cleaners damage your carpet fibers and can thin it out over time. Softer carpeting is especially vulnerable.

It’s best to go for a lightweight vacuum that offers powerful suction and an adjustable beater bar. Make sure the model you choose has a washable HEPA filter and a dirt cup. Vacuums with disposable bags are not as eco-friendly, either.

It’s also important to note that your carpet manufacturer may recommend a specific type of vacuum for your carpet flooring. Ask them for an approved list of carpet vacuums that will help to maintain the warranty of your carpet flooring.

2. Spot and Stain Cleaning

Busy homes call for regular spot cleaning and stain treatment. With children and pets in the mix, you may find spot and stain removal is an almost daily occurrence. But with the right cleaning products and tactics, you can keep your carpet flooring in good condition, even if mud and paint have been dragged across your floor!

Your first step, however, is to understand the type of carpet fiber you have and ensure the cleaner you use is suited to this type of flooring. A product that works well on polyester carpeting, may not work so well on wool carpeting, etc. There is a myriad of tried and true cleaning products on the market today, but some of these have stood the test of time (and grime):

• Folex Carpet Spot Remover
• Hoover Clean Plus Spot Spray Carpet Cleaner and Deodorizer

An added bonus is that these products are not only effective but also eco-friendly. Make sure to always have a soft scouring brush, a bucket, and clean cotton rags nearby.

3. Deep Cleaning

Many homeowners assume the deep cleaning should be left to the professionals. But if you want to save yourself some money, you can deep clean your carpet flooring yourself.

You can either buy your own DIY carpet cleaning machine or rent from a professional cleaning service. But make sure the carpet washer is equipped with a two-tank washing system, a heating element, and good suction power. The suction power is important so that it adequately removes excess moisture from your carpet once you’ve cleaned it. Trapped carpet moisture can lead to a host of problems, including a foul-smelling home!

While DIY deep cleaning is doable, it’s best to keep it to refreshing your carpet every quarter or so. Don’t skimp on an annual hot water extraction by a professional.

Things to Avoid When Cleaning Carpet Flooring

So, now that you know a little more about how to clean your carpet and the tools and products to get the job done, it’s just as important to learn what not to do:

• Avoid going to town on your carpet with the vacuum beater bar — this can wear down your carpet prematurely
• Don’t ever use any product on your carpet that’s not designed for it — be wary of products that claim to be ”suitable to all carpeting”
• Always spot test a carpet cleaner before you apply it to the entire carpet. An unsuitable product can melt carpet fibers, cause delamination, and discoloring
• Never use products that contain bleach, ammonia, acetone, oil-based solvents, waxes, colorants, and oil soaps

Lastly, when you’re cleaning your carpet, be careful not to oversaturate it with moisture. This applies to both spot cleaning and deep cleaning. Essentially, excessive moisture becomes trapped in your carpet fibers and can cause your carpet flooring to rot. It can also lead to mold and mildew buildup and leave your home smelling perpetually damp.

In some cases, excess moisture can also cause your carpet flooring to pucker, which would require professional stretching or even full replacement.

Get Your Daily Hit of General Knowledge Here

We hope this blog on how to clean carpet floor has been insightful and will help to extend the longevity of your carpeting. We understand that carpet flooring is a serious investment for your home, and aim to help you to take good care of it.

If you’re interested in learning more about topics such as home and garden, photography, travel, finance, or business, be sure to explore this site for more!

Do you want to put an end to your soaring electrical bills? Are you searching for ways to make your home more energy-efficient?

Then perhaps it’s time to consider installing solar panels. These panels convert light into electricity. As their name implies, the light they convert comes from the sun.

The panels feature a collection of solar cells. These cells are the ones that absorb the light. In turn, they turn the light into energy that you can use at home.

But before you think of the savings you can enjoy, you must first find the right solar panel installers. But how do you pick a good installer? What are the key factors to consider?

Continue reading below as we discuss eight important tips that will help you find the right solar panel installers.

1. Reputation Matters

The industry reputation of solar panel installers plays a big role in your choice. Hence, get a feel of what the community is saying about the solar panel companies.

The first place to start is in the customer reviews. Visit the websites of different installers and check the feedback section. What are their customers saying about their products and services?

Are they generally happy? Or did they leave some negative comments? Take note of the red flags that you read.

Also, talk to your friends, relatives, and colleagues who have solar panels at home. Inquire about their respective solar panel providers. Ask about their experience with the panels and the installers.

2. Certification Counts

Aside from a solid industry reputation, certification is also a must. You want to hire a company with a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification.

The NABCEP certification is the gold standard when it comes to certifications for professional installers in the United States. Before an installer earns this certification, he must first go through a stringent process.

He needs to pass a written test. He also needs to have a certain amount of industry experience.

Keep in mind that a NABCEP certification doesn’t guarantee top-notch workmanship. However, it assures you that the installer comes with much experience and skills for the job.

3. Compare the Prices

Another important tip to follow is the habit of comparing the cost of installation. The key is to get more than one quote. Thus, talk to at least three local installers and request for quotes from each one of them.

When deciding on the price, don’t go automatically for the cheapest. Sometimes, the cheapest equates to more problems down the line.

In the same manner, the most expensive doesn’t always result in the best installation. Pick a solar energy company that matches your budget. From there, consider all the other factors to determine which one offers the best value.

4. Check the Licenses 

Never spend your money on a company that does not have any license to install solar panels. However, requirements for solar panel licenses differ per state. Some areas require specialized licenses.

Some are more lenient where an electrician’s license will already suffice.

Meanwhile, some states require a general contractor’s license. Interestingly, some places do not require any license at all. Hence, check your area if it requires a license.

If so, look for a company that has one.

5. The Experience of the Solar Panel Installers 

The experience of the installer is also paramount in your search. Thus, it is wise to choose a local company that is already in the business for quite some time.

A company with an ample amount of experience knows the ins and outs of installing solar panels. They use effective installation processes and follow strict safety standards.

Also, you can expect them to be technically competent. And if you have any questions about the installation, they should be able to answer you clearly.

However, you may live in a state where solar panels are relatively new. In this case, you may find it hard to find a company with a strong track record and experience. In such instances, make sure the company you pick comes with all the necessary licenses and certifications.

6. Consider Flexibility

Though solar panel installation seems straightforward, some companies offer flexibility in their installations. If you have specific requirements concerning your house, you need to find an installer that can customize the installation according to your specifications.

Hire a company that can create a custom design. This will ensure the installation of the right equipment and appropriate approach that match your home’s requirements.

7. Look for Warranties and Insurances

How long do solar panels last? On average, it should serve you for around 25 to 30 years.

And to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your investment, you need to ask about the warranties. Go for a company that offers a comprehensive installation warranty.

Warranties differ per company. However, a decent warranty should cover anywhere between one and 10 years. It should come with an equipment guarantee, as well as a power performance guarantee.

Interestingly, the inverter system comes with a separate warranty. Make sure the inverter system warranty period covers anywhere between 10 and 25 years.

8. Mind the Turnaround Time

Last but not least, go for a company that can accommodate your installation request fast. In larger cities, most of the reputable solar energy companies have busy schedules. Hence, you want to inquire about their availability.

Take note that timing is essential if you wish to enjoy the 30% federal tax credit. Installing your solar panels in February may not be a wise move. It means you will have to wait much longer before you can enjoy the tax credit.

Hence, it is best to install your panels toward the end of the year, preferably in November.

Discover More About Solar Power Today!

Finding the best solar panel installers will help ensure the safety and efficiency of panels. But finding the right solar panel provider is only one of the many areas to cover.

We invite you to learn more about solar energy by reading our other articles. We discuss topics and offer tips that will help you maximize your solar panel experience.

Are you planning on moving soon or are you running out of space in your home? It might be time to consider using a storage unit to help you store some of your valuables. This could be useful for either short or long periods of time. 

Keep reading to learn some of the biggest reasons why people use self-storage units.

1. Moving

Moving from one place to another, whether in the same town or another state, can be a stressful process. You might be moving from a smaller apartment into a larger home, or vice versa, but one problem always seems to pop up. What are you supposed to do with all of your stuff while you’re packing?

As you begin to pack your things, you should start with the items that you don’t need or use on a daily basis. Now, these items are in a box and have been stacked in the corner of a room or your garage. This can be an issue when you are staging your home for sale.

Renting a small storage unit can help you store these items off-site so your home stays decluttered while you are trying to show it to potential buyers.

Another great reason to use self-storage units when moving is it will help you if you need to downsize into a smaller home or consolidate if you are moving in with someone else. Rather than having to sort through all your things and make the decision to toss, keep, or sell, you can store them until you are ready to make use of them or if you finally decide to get rid of it.

2. Declutter

If you’ve lived in one place long enough, you will notice that your home will start to collect items that you’ve picked up here and there or perhaps received from other people. Eventually, you realize that your home is starting to look cluttered and it might become overwhelming.

If you are ready to declutter your home, but not ready to part with everything, a storage unit is a great opportunity for you to free up some space without getting rid of everything.

You can also temporarily rent a unit so that you have a place to put your things while you are going through the decluttering process.

If you like to decorate often, you can also store things so you can switch them out in your home from time to time and keep things fresh. Southern Self Storage is a great place for you to store your seasonal decorations, which you only need access to once a year.

3. Storing Vehicles

If you own a boat, RV, motorcycle, or car, you might need somewhere to store it during the offseason. If you live in a northern state, you should store these vehicles inside so that the inclement weather and snow won’t ruin the paint, tires, or upholstery.

Most people don’t own a garage that is large enough for their bigger vehicles and need an option for where to place them which is when a storage unit comes in handy.

If you just need somewhere safe to store your vehicles during the offseason because you don’t have a driveway or garage big enough, or perhaps you will be out of town, a storage facility can still be useful. Many of these facilities have a secure, fenced-in, parking area with outdoor, covered parking spaces.

4. Store Your Dorm Room

If you are attending college and living on campus, or are the parent of a student, then you are often faced with a dilemma during the summer months. Where are you going to store all their dorm room belongings?

If you or your student attend a college that is out of state, it doesn’t make sense to move all of these belongings back and forth each summer. It is better to rent a storage unit located near the campus where you can easily store and retrieve your things when the time comes.

These storage units located near college campuses can get reserved quickly, so you should consider renting a unit at least a month in advance. This way, you will be sure to get one and in the size you need.

5. Storage for Your Business

If you’re a small business owner, you might begin your business from your own home. Soon, your inventory might begin to take over your entire house with no clear line between where your home ends and your business begins. If this sounds familiar to you, then it might be time to rent a storage unit where you can organize your things.

There are many types of small businesses that use storage units for their inventory. Some of these types are small contractors or carpenters, boutiques and retail shops, books and antique dealers, or sales and service professionals.

6. Storing a Loved One’s Belongings

If you’ve had a loved one pass away recently, then you will likely not be in a mental state to start going through their things. Unfortunately, you might have to pack up their things sooner than you are ready for if the house has to be rented or sold.

If your loved one had many things and didn’t downsize before their passing, then it might be overwhelming to deal with the sheer volume of their things.

It might be easier for you to pack their items and put them in storage until you are ready to go through and sort through their belongings. This might also be a better option when the family is involved and you might need to settle who gets what and not feel pressed for time.

Reap the Benefits of Self-Storage Today

These are some of the many reasons why you should consider renting a self-storage unit. Many people find it easier to help them declutter or downsize their things when prepping for a move by storing items in a storage unit. You can also use a storage unit to store your vehicles or dorm room during the offseason.

Many small business owners find it easier to store their inventory in a storage unit or it can be helpful after a loved one has passed away.

If you’d like more household tips or information, be sure to visit our website daily!