Are you trying to stay warm this winter but an extra sweater isn’t helping? When you’re cold and you look at the thermostat only to see it’s dropped really low, you know there must be a problem with the furnace.

Yet it can all sound like techno-babble when the repair technician is explaining the problem to you. If you want to know a little more about how furnaces work, then you’ve come to the right place.

Take a look below for a basic explanation of how a furnace gets the job done. We’ll also address some tips for choosing a new furnace, if you’re in the position of buying a new unit.

Furnace Basics

Inside the combustion chamber, the furnace’s pilot light starts the burner. That heats up the heat exchanger, where it has to reach a certain temperature before it can blow out into your home. The heat exchanger looks like a zig-zag shaped tube; inside it is where the action happens.

After the air is warm enough, it’s forced out through the plenum, the big box that connects the furnace to the ducts. Then it travels through the ductwork and into the rest of the house.

A typical furnace lasts about 20 years. Some last longer, with a few minor repairs, others don’t quite reach 20 years. Often a furnace repair is cheaper than buying a whole new furnace, especially if there’s a problem with the ignitor or thermostat problem.

Once the heat exchanger goes out, then it’s very expensive to fix a furnace. At that point, it’s usually time to buy a new furnace.

Buying a New Furnace

When the furnace goes out in the middle of winter, you’ll probably be more willing to pay for a really good furnace. A list of this year’s best furnaces can help you decide. Yet knowing about the different types of furnaces can also help you make a decision.

Your old furnace was probably a single-stage furnace. That means when it starts to blow hot air, it blows at full-strength. It’s either on or off, without an in-between setting. A new single-stage furnace is about 80% efficient.

More modern furnaces come in other types. For example, a two-stage furnace runs at about 2/3 capacity to heat the house, unless it’s very cold and it can’t keep the house warm at that level. Then it will blow at full-strength, or 100% capacity, to make sure you get to the desired temperature.

Two-stage furnaces are more efficient because they won’t always have to run as hard as they can. They save energy by running at a lower capacity when it makes sense. They are about 90% efficient.

You’ve probably guessed what the last type of furnace is: multi-stage furnaces run at different settings to accommodate all weathers and outside temps. These are between 96% and 98% efficient because they adjust their capacity up or down to suit your needs. The lowest setting is about 35% capacity, and the longer they can run at that level means they save more energy and save you money.

Budgeting for a Furnace

When you’re looking at buying a new furnace, the new furnace cost can give you a bit of sticker shock. Depending on the model and type of furnace you look at, the cost can be anywhere from $3500 to $7000 or more to buy and install the unit. Sometimes HVAC companies will run deals or you can check to see if the manufacturer offers a rebate.

Often the installation company will have different payment plans for their customers. Ask about the different options before you decide on a unit. If the monthly price is one you can fit into your budget, it may be worth it to opt for a more expensive model.

You should also ask about any warranties that come with the furnaces. Some companies include an annual service for the first few years, or the manufacturer offers a warranty on their unit for a number of years.

Be sure to take into account the higher efficiency of a new furnace and how much it will save you every month on heating bills. With multi-stage furnaces, you can expect to notice a big difference in your bill after using a 20-year-old furnace to heat your home.

Each furnace you look at should have an efficiency rating you can look at. Keep in mind the efficiency of the different stages discussed above, and that will help you know what to expect in an efficiency rating.

Commercial Furnaces

Commercial ironworks facilities and smelting workshops use furnaces to heat and melt the iron or tin. Yet these types of furnaces are different than the furnaces that heat your home. In your home, the carbon monoxide that’s a byproduct of the heating process naturally flows out through a flue, or a pipe that vents the gas out of the home.

When a heat exchanger breaks, it’s usually because the zig-zag pipe cracks, which means the carbon monoxide leaks into the home through the air ducts. Residential furnaces that vent the carbon monoxide to the outside are called air furnaces, and we say they are naturally aspirated.

Commercial furnaces, however, use the carbon monoxide in their chemical processes.

The blast furnaces used in a metallurgical workshop allow the carbon monoxide gases to flow up through the furnace. The metal products flow down through the furnace, and the result is a chemical reaction that helps achieve the end results. Blast furnaces blow, or blast, oxygen-rich air into the bottom of the furnace as part of the process, giving them their name.

The carbon monoxide still gets released, just not through a flue. It’s released when it reaches the top of the furnace after it’s had a chance to assist in the molten metal process.

Staying Warm

Knowing how a furnace works can help you make the right decision when yours goes out. Whether it can be repaired for an affordable price or you’re better off replacing it, you’ll know what the repair technician is talking about when they explain the problem.

You’ll also be able to choose the right furnace for your home, now that you understand how they work.

Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our website for more information!

Do you wish to put an end to those soaring monthly electric bills? Are you searching for ways to reduce your home’s energy consumption?

Speaking of consumption, the average American home uses about 877-kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per month. That’s about 10,649 kWh every year, which is over $1,300 for an American home.

The average electric consumption in bigger cities also rose. This is because more people are working at home. More people will be using home appliances frequently.

Hence, the question remains: how can you improve your home energy efficiency?

Continue reading below for seven easy yet effective ways on how to make your home sustainable and energy-efficient.

1. Start With Your Thermostat

One of the first things you need to have if you wish to improve your home energy efficiency is a smart thermostat. Unlike with your conventional thermostats, you can program a smart one. In turn, you can set the climate control systems and adjust according to what you truly need.

Moreover, you can lower the temperature when everyone is asleep. The same thing goes if no one is at home.

Additionally, you can set specific schedules for the thermostat to function. This helps you achieve optimal temperature while reducing your energy consumption.

2. Revisit Your Light Bulbs

When was the last time you checked your light bulbs? Which type of light bulbs do you have at home? If you’re still on incandescent lights, better ditch those for the more energy-efficient alternatives like the LED lights.

Surprisingly, LED lights consume about 75% less energy compared to their incandescent counterparts. Furthermore, they can last up to 25 times longer.

Another good option is compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). They use at least half of what your incandescent lights consume. They can also last up to 10 times longer than their incandescent counterparts.

3. Insulation Is a Must

Whether you have an attic or not, what is important is that you have insulation. By installing insulation, your home can better regulate indoor temperature. This means your home will use less energy in terms of your heating and cooling requirements.

By adding insulation, you can keep the hot air from escaping your attic. In turn, you can reduce your monthly heating expenses.

Aside from your attic, you should consider insulating your basements and crawl spaces. Also, insulate your floors and walls, including the ones in your unheated spaces like your attached garage.

Also, you need to seal key areas in your house. Start by plugging the larger holes where indoor air leakage occurs.

Use expanding foam or caulk to seal the large and small holes. As for the attic, seal the access panel with some weather stripping. Alternatively, you can go DIY on this.

Get a piece of rigid foam board insulation or fiberglass. Cut it in the same size as your attic’s hatch. Thereafter, glue the piece to the back of the access panel.

This will also work even if your attic features an attic door or pull-down stairs.

4. Use a Tankless Water Heater

Are you using a traditional water heater? Consider switching to a tankless one. A tankless water heater can help reduce your energy bills by giving you hot water only when you need it.

Unlike conventional storage water heaters, a tankless water heater will not produce standby energy losses. Furthermore, they can heat water directly even without the need for a storage tank.

A tankless heater uses some key components to deliver the hot water. When you open your water tap, the cold water will travel into the heater through a pipe. Once the water reaches the unit, an electric element or gas burner will heat it.

This process ensures consistency in the supply of hot water.

Also, consider natural gas installation for your home. It is efficient, cost-effective, and safe, making it the best type of energy option for some homeowners.

5. Try Daylighting Installations

Instead of relying on electricity for your lighting needs, consider installing daylighting solutions. Daylighting means using natural light to illuminate portions of your home’s interior.

For starters, install some skylights. But make sure you pick the double-pane type, which is more cost-effective. Also, you need to install proper flashing to avoid any leaks on your skylights.

You may also invest in some clerestory windows. These solutions are perfect during winter, as they allow the winter sunshine to enter. But make sure to set them high on your wall.

You may even get some light shelves to illuminate your living room or home office. These shelves are passive devices that bounce light into your home.

They can illuminate up to 2 and a half times the distance between the top of the window and the floor.

6. Improve Your Cooking Ways

If you love cooking, you can reduce your monthly electric bills by cooking smart. For starters, shift from conventional ovens to convection ovens. The latter use fans that help hot air circulate evenly.

In turn, you can cook your dishes using lower temperatures. Also, you can use more of your microwave ovens. These ovens use 80% less energy compared to your standard ovens.

When cooking, make sure to place the lids on your pots and pans. This will help you cook your food faster. If you have a pressure cooker, use it more often.

Pressure cookers reduce cooking time significantly.

7. Invest in Solar Panels

Last but not least, consider investing in solar panels. With solar panels, you don’t have to rely completely on your electricity provider. Instead, you can harness the sun’s energy and use it to run your home appliances.

The downside with solar panels is that the upfront costs can be expensive. However, you can recoup your investment and save thousands of dollars in the long run.

Go Beyond Achieving Home Energy Efficiency

By incorporating these home energy options, you can improve the way you consume energy. You can lower your monthly energy bills while reducing your carbon footprint. But improving your home energy efficiency is only one of the many improvements you can do with your home.

We invite you to learn more about other home improvement solutions. Check out our other articles for more helpful tips and topics on home improvement.

Are you thinking about refreshing your home decor?

It’s a great idea. Recreating your space will not only make your home feel new, but it may even increase its value and completely change the way you experience your space. Best of all, you can make big changes without having to spend a lot of time or money.

By using a few home interior design ideas, you can update your home, better utilize your space, and create a relaxing and comfortable environment. If you have been wanting to transform your space but aren’t sure how, here are several ideas to get you started.

1. Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint

One of the easiest ways to transform your home is to apply a fresh coat of paint to your walls. You can choose a calm and natural color or a bright and bold shade. Make sure to use a reputable company like the Portland Painting Company to avoid the headaches that can come with hiring contractors.

2. Create a Gallery Wall

A great way to level up your interior design is to create a gallery wall in your home. You can use photos of you and your family or use the wall for inspirational quotes and beautiful photography. A gallery wall will give the room a focal point that is sure to add interest to your home.

3. Rearrange Your Furniture

A helpful home interior design tip is to rearrange the furniture. Rather than just moving things around, arrange the furniture in a way that will better utalize your space. This is also a good way to open up a room and provide more usable space.

4. Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets

An effective way to update your kitchen interior design is to paint your kitchen cabinets. This is ideal for changing the look of your kitchen without spending a lot of money. You can supercharge your efforts by updating the hardware on your cabinets as well.

5. Bring the Outside In

If you are wanting to add some contemporary interior design to your home, consider bringing the outside in. You can add elements of nature to your space by strategically placing plants around your home. As a bonus, plants clean the air, ease anxiety, and encourage an overall feeling of calm.

6. Make Use of Mirrors

If you want to make a room look bigger and brighter, consider adding a few mirrors to the space. Mirrors reflect the light and give your home a touch of modern interior design. Make sure to consider size and scale before buying mirrors for your home.

Use These Home Interior Design Ideas to Transform Your Space

By using these home interior design ideas, you can create a space that you love.

Consider applying a fresh coat of paint to your walls in a bold or calming color. You can also create a gallery wall, rearrange your furniture, or paint your kitchen cabinets. Consider bringing the outside in or using mirrors to improve your space.

Use one or more of these ideas to completely transform your home.

Don’t forget to browse our site for advice on home improvement, travel, finance, and more.

One of the best things about being a homeowner is the freedom to customize your space however you see fit. If you don’t like the outdated kitchen design, you can tear out the whole thing and modernize it. If you don’t like a wall, remove it to open up the floor.

The point is when you buy a house, you can do anything you want to make it match your style and meet your design standards. However, before you dive headfirst into your next home renovation project, there are a few things you need to consider, or put in place to make sure you’re doing things right.

A little prep work can save you time and money, as well as prevent injuries and other disasters. We want to help set you up for success. Keep reading for our pre-renovation to-do list.

1. Your Renovation Budget

Let’s start with your home renovation budget. How much money have you set aside for this project? Are you sure it’s enough?

When it comes to contracting or construction work, it’s always a good idea to have more in your budget than you think you’ll need. You never know when something unexpected is going to come up. Whether you’re taking out a loan or using money from savings, make sure you account for any snafus you might come across during your project.

2. DIY or Professional Hire?

A big part of planning a home renovation project (and budget) is determining whether or not you need to hire a professional contractor. There are several factors that can determine your need for a professional contractor, such as:

• Your skills and knowledge
• City coding laws
• Safety concerns
• Craftsmanship standards
• Tools and equipment
• And more

You can save a tremendous amount of money by doing as much of the work as you can on your own. However, if DIY work will result in poorly executed work, unsafe conditions, or re-dos, it may be worth it to pay for a professional right off the bat.

3. City Coding Knowlege

Before starting a home renovation project, you must familiarize yourself with the city coding laws. Some projects require permits. For example, if you were to renovate a room and do your own electrical work, it could result in fines or major issues if you ever attempt to sell the home.

There are also neighborhood restrictions to consider, which can inhibit:

• Buiding garages
• Putting up fences
• Installing swimming pools
• Etc.

Violating city coding laws can result in heavy fines and penalties. In some cases, you may be forced to undo the project. The city could make you tear down a shed, fence, shop, etc.

4. The Right Tools and Equipment for the Job

Doing renovation work and remodeling your own home can be an incredibly rewarding experience. However, if you don’t have the right tools for the job, the project can quickly become frustrating, if not altogether impossible.

Before jumping into a project, do some research to find out what tools are required. For expensive tools and equipment, consider renting them, rather than buying them. If the job calls for tools and equipment that you don’t know how to use, it may be best to hire a contractor, at least for that part of the project.

5. Safety Precautions

One of the biggest concerns with any construction or contracting project is safety. For this reason alone, many homeowners choose to hire professional contractors who have trained to complete certain jobs as safely as possible. This includes roofing work, electrical work, projects that require heavy lifting, projects that call for power tools or heavy equipment, and more.

While you absolutely should learn new skills and improve your maintenance and renovation knowledge, it may be best to observe a professional first. Picking up a new power tool for the first time without proper instruction can lead to poor craftsmanship, wasted materials, and potential injuries.

This may also mean investing in the appropriate personal protective equipment. For simple renovation projects, this typically means safety glasses, work gloves, and hearing protection (for loud power tools). However, it may also be beneficial to invest in a hard hat and knee pads.

6. Logistics

Setting yourself up for success is key to managing a smooth home renovation project. To do this, you need to think ahead and plan for all of the minor details and logistics. For example, if you or contractors are going to be coming in and out of the house, set down plastic sheeting to protect your floors from heavy workboots, mud, dirt, and other debris.

If you’re doing most of the work yourself, you need to think about how you’re going to buy and transport the materials you need. If you don’t have a truck, you may need to borrow one from a friend. Many home improvement stores also offer shipping options.

Additonally, you need to plan ahead for cleaning up after yourself. Big renovation projects that include tearing out old rooms or appliances create a lot of waste. It’s a good idea to look into different dumpster rental options.

7. A Detailed Plan

Finally, make sure you have a detailed blueprint or plan for your home renovation project. This needs to be complete with drawings, measurements, and the supplies needed.

Your design plan will help you compile a list of materials, supplies, and equipment you need to complete the project. Otherwise, you’ll end up making multiple trips to the home improvement store.

Finally, your plan should include a projected timeline or goal date in which to finish. Big projects can become tedious and some homeowners end up procrastinating.

A lot of people are guilty of finishing 90% of a project and then leaving it. For example, they’ll repaint an entire room but never get around to repainting the trim. To avoid this, give yourself a strict deadline and hold yourself accountable to it.

Are You Ready to Start Your Home Renovation Project?

If you’re itching to get started on your next home improvement project, don’t let us hold you back. However, we highly recommend taking the seven factors listed above into account before diving in. Otherwise, good luck with your project, we hope it turns out great.

And if you’re looking for more home improvement, budgeting, or DIY advice, be sure to take a look at come of our other articles before you go. We offer a wide selection of content with everything from homeownership to business marketing.

Just bought a new home? If so, one of the many questions that may be on your mind is how to display your flag.

Though hanging American flags is a show of patriotism, it can also be disrespectful. See, the U.S. flag code (established in 1942) has some strict rules on flag etiquette. For example, the most important date to let it fly is Independence Day.

Need a refresher on other flag-hanging guidelines? Here are four tips to help you ensure you’ll treat the national symbol with dignity.

1. Hang It Right

Don’t hang your flag upside down, backward, or in another unfit fashion. The only two proper ways to do it are horizontally and vertically. If you opt for the latter (such as hanging it against a wall), the stars should be on the left.

Regardless of how you hang your flag, don’t let it touch the ground. That said, you don’t have to dispose of the flag if it touches the pavement on accident. Still, make sure that it’s in good condition before you put it on display again.

2. Consider the Weather

If the forecast predicts rain, you’re not supposed to hang the flag. The only exception is if you have an all-weather flag made of nylon or other non-absorbent materials. According to the American Legion, most flags today are all-weather flags.

Another rule about hanging flags outside is to only do it from sunrise to sunset. Again, though, this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. If your backyard is well-illuminated, feel free to let the flag hang the entire day.

3. Be Respectful

When it comes to where to hang flags, the American flag should always be above others. If your flags have to be at the same level, place the American flag on the far left. Don’t forget to hoist the Old Glory first and remove it last.

Before you hang your flag, make sure it’s in good condition. If you have a synthetic flag, you can machine wash it in cold water. For older or more fragile flags, use Woolite or similar products. Mending small tears is fine.

4. Know When to Go Half-Staff

The most common time to fly your flag at half-staff is from sunrise to noon on Memorial Day. You should also do it when the nation is in mourning. As the name implies, half-staff refers to the position halfway down the pole.

Before flying the flag at half-staff, hoist it to the peak for a few seconds. Do the same before lowering it for the day. If this often leads to your flag wrapping around the pole, consider getting a rotating flag pole.

More on Hanging American Flags

By following the above tips, you should have no issues with Flag Code violations. One final tip: dispose of your old flags in a respectful, ceremonial manner. Make sure to do it discreetly, as other people could misunderstand your intentions.

Want to more about hanging American flags? Interested in learning the etiquette about displaying flags inside your home? Keep reading our Home & Garden section!

If you are wondering how to make your home more accident proof, or you are someone who lives in a busy household with pets and children, then this article will give some helpful tips and tricks on how to ensure your furniture will not damage easily and how to eliminate potential hazards within your home.

Make sure your flooring is of high quality

It is important to make sure the flooring within your home is of a high quality, especially if your house hold is large and accident prone. Whilst there are many flooring options available, it is a good idea to rule out the rule of carpet, as carpet can tear, and it can be very difficult to remove stains from this material. If you have pets, carpet isn’t a good idea either, as cats in particular claw soft surfaces. Underfoot Flooring is a good place to start your search for new flooring, as they offer a variation of hard wearing floors with a decent warranty guarantee.

Leather sofas are the best idea

Leather is a very sturdy material, which isn’t prone to wear and tear. If you are looking to invest in a sofa that will last in your home for decades, then leather is the way to go. As explained previously, if you have pets, soft material furnishings are not a good idea and they will not last as long as leather. Children also like to climb and play on sofas, so if you are worried about the potential damage that could be caused, it will be of your benefit to consider using leather.

However, if you like many people are against using leather because it comes from an animal, faux leather works just as well as the real thing and many sofa companies offer their products in this material.

Avoid having glass objects in your home

Glass is a very fragile material and lots of at home disasters happen because of the fragility of glass. The best way to avoid potential mishaps and health hazards with glass is to avoid having glass in your house full stop. This of course doesn’t include glass windows or mirrors, but it isn’t necessary to have glass drinks glasses, vases and tables. Plastic and aluminium items are sturdier alternatives which are far more resistant than glass.

Avoid using a fire place

Fire is probably the worst hazard there is, although fire places served a great purpose in earlier years, there is no longer the need to heat your house by solely using a fire pit. If you don’t need to use fire to heat your home, then it is a good idea to stop lighting the fire as it is a big danger. If you really have to use a fire pit within your home, be sure to use a fire guard if you have pets and children to ensure no one is harmed by the flames.

Don’t wear outdoor shoes in the house

If you want to protect your flooring, the best way to prevent premature wear and tear is to not wear your outdoor shoes in the home. Not only does wearing outdoor shoes inside bring mud and dirt into the home, but shoes can scratch and damage the flooring, so if you want your floor to look great for as long as possible, avoid wearing shoes indoors. If people for instance, tradesman have to wear shoes inside your home, offer them shoe protectors to avoid any potential damages that their shoes may cause.

 

Everyone wants to live in a fully-furnished home, but how much does it cost to furnish a house? For a full answer to that question, keep reading.

How Much Does It Cost to Furnish a House

That’s the question on everyone’s mind these days, isn’t it? As more and more people move into new houses during this time of unprecedented transition, new homeowners want the most beautifully-furnished home for the lowest price.

Let’s start with the living room. Its big-ticket item, a sofa, will run you about $1,024. A TV stand, end tables, and a coffee table will cost you $760 total. Budget about $290 for an area rug.

Now, to the bedroom. A more affordable mattress and boxspring are $572. The average high-quality mattress will set you back $2,500.

Or you could get yourself a mid-range mattress for about $1,536. Your bedroom set of furniture – including a dresser, nightstands, and bed frame – can cost you anywhere from $1,620 to $5,500. The average price of the mid-range version of this furniture set is $2,050.

And we’re off to the aromatic kitchen and dining rooms. A dining table and set of chairs will only run you about $1,118. Choose from an incredible range of Saarinen Tulip Tables and Chairs.

You’ll get counter and storage space already outfitted in most kitchens, but you should still budget $135 for more kitchen storage and shelving.

More Fun With Furnishings

Taking things outside to your patio or balcony, weather-resistant furniture will set you back about $470. A grill will cost you around $300.

Let’s go back inside to focus on cheaper furnishings. Isn’t cheaper stuff a relief?

Put the finishing touches on your living room with a decorative curtain rod and drapes for only $90, depending on the style. You’ll need at least $10 for plants to add some life (literally) to your home.

In your home’s ever-important bathroom(s), buy some extra storage for your toiletries and towels for only about $90. A stylish shower curtain can be yours for about $32.

Back to the kitchen, where a starter set of pots and pans will run you about $180. A trash can costs about $20.

Returning outside to the balcony, strings of decorative outdoor lighting go for an average price of $30. A mini herb garden is about $35.

All told, your grand total for apartment furniture is $8,176.

You can reduce that number by reupholstering a sofa (instead of buying a new one), getting home decor on Etsy, and investing in your lighting.

Furnishing Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

How much does it cost to furnish a house? As you can see, furnishing isn’t exactly cheap, but it sure doesn’t have to be expensive.

Just follow the guide above and you’ll be well on your way to an affordably but lavishly-furnished home. Your house will feel like a cozy, inviting, home sweet home.

For more stellar advice for your home, visit our site’s Home & Garden section.

Well, if you’re looking for indications of a broken garage door, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to provide you with 5 garage door repair warning signs below.

1. Your Garage Door Feels Heavy

When in good condition, your garage door is supported by a spring. This spring allows the garage door to rise and fall easily, thus removing a great deal of its weight.

But, should this spring break, your garage door will lose its support and will come down with the full force of its weight. So, if your garage door feels a lot heavier than it once did, it’s in need of a repair. Call up an experienced repair company and get the problem fixed!

2. Your Garage Door is Making Banging Noises

Garage doors are always going to make some sort of noise. This is just the nature of their construction. However, if they’re making loud banging noises, they’re likely in need of repair.

This generally occurs when the garage door’s support spring breaks. Because the door can’t be lowered with ease, it causes great friction, resulting in loud, annoying, and jarring noises.

3. Your Garage Door is Bending in Some Areas

Another sign you’re going to want to look out for is bending. If your garage door is bending in some areas, it’s undoubtedly mechanically compromised.

Though it could be fixed with a simple repair, there’s a chance that a full replacement will be needed. In either case, you’re advised to bring in a professional garage door repair technician.

4. Your Garage Door is Taking a Long Time to Open

Maybe your garage door is moving at a snail’s pace despite the fact that it used to move like a cheetah? If so, it is undoubtedly in need of repair.

A slow garage door is generally caused by one of two factors: 1. a worn-down motor, and 2. a broken support spring. Regardless, call up a garage door repair company to fix the problem.

5. Your Garage Door Doesn’t Lock

The whole point of a garage door is to provide security for your garage. So, if your garage door isn’t locking, you undoubtedly need to have it repaired. Don’t wait until it’s too late; call a repair technician as soon as possible.

A Broken Garage Door Can Be Easily Fixed

The good thing about a broken garage door is that it can be easily fixed. So, if you’re noticing any of the signs discussed above, you needn’t worry much. Call up your local garage door repair services and your door will be back to normal again in no time.

If you’re looking for further information on garage doors and broken garage door repair, you might consider taking a closer look at our website. It contains a bevy of garage door-related articles.

Check out our selection of articles now!

Since we spend about 90% of our time indoors, this is a reason for concern. The simple solution: invest in an air purifier. This isn’t a panacea for improving air quality, but choosing the right purifier comes with many benefits.

Not sure which air purifier to choose? Here are the main factors to consider.

Room Size

How much space do you need your purifier to clean? Desktop devices don’t do well in large living spaces, and heavy-duty devices can be an overkill.

You can find the right fit by looking at air changes per hour (ACPH). A small air purifier may manage eight air changes per hour in a 350-square-foot room. In a 700-square-foot-room, that purifier will only turn over the air four times in an hour.

Not sure how much space you’ll need to clean? If so, consider getting a larger air purifier than what you expect you’ll need -as long as you stay within your budget, of course.

Types of Filters

Most air purifiers use mechanical filtration. They have a prefilter for nabbing large particles and the main filter for catching smaller pollutants.

When it comes to prefilters, there’s not much difference. The disposable ones cost a bit more than the washable ones, but that’s about it. The main filter is different. For starters, your purifier should have a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

See, HEPA filters can trap 99.97% of particles smaller than 0.03 microns in size. For comparison’s sake, the human eye can’t see objects smaller than 70 microns. This is why HEPA filters are the standard recommended by the EPA.

Some purifiers come with other filter types, which are often made of charcoal or carbon. These are helpful if you need, say, an air purifier for pet dander. That said, you’ll likely need to change these filters more regularly.

CADR Rating

The CADR rating helps customers understand how effective an air purifier is at filtering various particles.

The higher this number, the more particles the device can remove. For instance, let’s say an air purifier has a CADR rating of 300 for pollen. If so, it reduces the pollen concentration by adding the equivalent of 300 cubic feet of air per minute.

Some purifiers have a single CADR number, whereas others have separate numbers. It’s possible to have a CADR rating for dust, smoke, pollen, and so on. This rating reflects the best-case scenario for each airborne pathogen.

Also, not all purifier manufacturers submit their devices for CADR testing. In these situations, it’s best to look at reviews to get a sense of how a device works.

Energy Efficiency

Air purifiers are most effective when they’re running non-stop. This is why electricity costs can be a key factor in your buying decision.

Small purifiers use less energy than large ones, but they clean less space. Purifiers rated for large rooms have higher fan speeds and draw more energy. Some devices have an “eco” mode which places them on standby if they’re not needed.

You also have purifiers that work alongside HVAC systems, spending less energy. For example, this air purifier functions as an add-on for your existing HVAC system.

Noise Levels

Most air purifiers come with built-in fans that pull air through their filters. It’s these fans that determine the volume of noise your air purifier will make.

As a general rule, fans don’t make much noise, especially on low settings. As you turn them up, you may hear a quiet humming sound. If you’re using your purifier in the nursery, it’s best to opt for a device that’s quiet even at higher speeds.

Check your purifier’s specifications to find its noise level range. Smaller purifiers can reach noise levels as low as 17 dB, which is similar to rustling leaves. That said, some larger devices can be as loud as 60 dB.

Portability

Are you planning on having a single air purifier covering your entire home? If so, you’ll want to find the right balance between portability and size.

Smaller purifiers can sit on a shelf or desk and can be easily moved between rooms. Do you plan on using your purifier in your home office during the day and moving it to your bedroom for the night? If so, a small device is likely to suit your needs.

As mentioned, the size of a purifier tends to correlate to the size of the room it can clean. If you’re looking to use a purifier in a large room, it’s better to go with a heavier device. Some of those come with casters for portability as well.

Maintenance

If you’re on a budget, look beyond the up-front cost of your purifier. Once you set it up, you’ll need to replace its filters regularly.

Filter replacement costs can vary wildly. Some purifiers have expensive filters that can last for years. Others use cheap filters that you’ll need to change often. Prefilters may be washable, but HEPA filters will always need replacing.

Before getting a purifier, include all these costs in your calculations. This can be a difference-maker between air purifiers that otherwise look similar.

Bonus Features

Many air purifiers come with extra features. These include a remote control unit, programmable timer, smart functions, and so on.

Though these extras add value, they’re often not worth a significant uptick in price. For instance, do you need a filter replacement indicator light? If you’re on a budget, get a cheaper model and set a calendar reminder instead.

More on Cleaning Indoor Air

As you can see, choosing an indoor air purifier isn’t an easy task. With no one option that’s right for everyone, it’s best to look at your specific needs.

Again, this mostly depends on the type of pollutants you have in your home. Once you find a purifier with the best filtration, look at secondary features such as noise levels. Also, make sure that you can afford the energy and maintenance costs.

Want to know more about how to deal with dust particles in the air? Looking for other tips on improving your home life? Check out our Home & Garden section!

Unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury of breathing fresh air. People are often exposed to poor air quality, which has given rise to respiratory illnesses, asthma, and allergies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 93% of children under the age of 18 are exposed to environmental pollutants.

But there are several ways on how to test air quality in your home and ensure your family lives in healthy environments. You cannot control the pollutants outside your home, but you can definitely improve your indoor air quality. If you’re wondering how that is possible, then here are five ways to test the quality of the air you breathe.

1. Be Alert on Signs of Poor Quality Air Around Your Home

There are times when your body can tell you if the air quality around you is not healthy. Irritants in the air are common allergy culprits you should always stay alert on. Watch out for symptoms like sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, headaches, etc.

Contaminants such as toxic mold, different types of chemicals, and asbestos can affect your health. If you often suffer illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchitis, watch the quality of the air you breathe. Other health symptoms caused by these include nausea, dizziness, fatigue, etc.

If you notice any of these types of sicknesses affecting your family, you should act quickly to purify the air in your home. For an effective purification, you can use a whole home air purifier, which does the work well. Also, consider getting the services of a professional to help you out.

2. Learn How to Test Air Quality in Your Home With Air Quality Monitors

So you’ve heard that there are air quality monitors that you can use for your home. But do you know how they work to measure indoor air quality? Or you fall in the majority who don’t even know that such a device even exists?

Well, there are different kinds of air quality monitors that can detect your home’s air quality. The devices are made in a way that they can detect dust particles and all types of allergens within your home. They’re also capable of detecting Volatile Organic Compounds, humidity, and temperature.

The device can detect all these in your home’s air and report the data to you. Some models of air quality monitors come with a display panel that shows the reported values and readings in real-time. Other models show you the overall indoor air quality test results in its indicator light.

Thanks to technology, some indoor air monitors are connected to your smartphone and can share the readings through your phone’s app. Some come smart home enabled and can pair with thermostats; hence you can manage energy usage as you also control your indoor air quality.

3. Test for Mold Presence

One of the things that corrupt the quality of air within your home is mold. Mold is a well-known household pollutant which is quite dangerous.

Mold can occur from moisture, rotten leftovers, and high humidity in your home. The good news is that they’re also easy to deal with. You have to improve the humidity levels, dry off the moisture, and throw away that rotten bread.

But is that all? Absolutely not! You cannot see airborne mold, and they’re no doubt the most dangerous when it comes to polluting the air quality in your home.

Testing your home for mold is very easy and cheap. But you can also use your sense of smell, and sight to test for mold. You can also consider hiring professionals to check for mold in your home and take necessary action.

4. Monitor Carbon Monoxide in Your Home

Carbon monoxide is a hazardous substance you can have in your home. There is a reason why the substance is called a silent killer. This is because you can’t see or smell the substance hence can grow in poorly ventilated areas without getting noticed.

If you have some form of fuel combustion in your home either from gas burning stoves, furnaces, or dryers, you’ll be definitely exposed to carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is very dangerous to children, adults, and pets.

Before it gets to this point, you need to test and monitor its presence in your home. There are various carbon monoxide detectors you can use for this purpose.

One of the detectors is carbon alarms for the stove. You can also use other types of indoor air quality testing monitors that can detect the presence of carbon monoxide. Pay for either an alarm or a monitor and get an effective device for the safety of your family.

5. Test for Radon Presence in Your Home

You should also test for radon presence in your home and keep away from this dangerous substance. Radon is also an odorless, tasteless, and colorless substance that you cannot detect without the use of a special device.

It can find a way into your home through cracks on walls or floors and pipes. Radon occurs from the breakdown of uranium deposits in the soil. It enters your home at the lowest levels concentration there for a long time.

The environmental Protection Agency (EPA) puts radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. It doesn’t act quickly like carbon monoxide but can pose a danger in the long term. Seek professional help to test radon presence in your home and take action immediately.

Improve the Air Quality in Your Home

Learn how to test air quality in your home is vital to your health. After testing and learning that your home is not the best place to be in terms of air quality, you must work on making things better. Find out different ways and devices that can help improve your indoor air quality.

Remember to check out other articles on this site for more informative content for your health and general wellbeing.