With the fall just started, there’s still time to get your home ready for the winter. Although green is already giving way to yellow and auburn, it doesn’t mean we should give up green practices throughout the seasons. whichever project you choose to do from the list below, make sure to do it sustainably.

Find and seal leaks

Utility cut-throughs for pipes, chimney gaps, and recessed ceiling lights, are often a source of leaks that reduce the effectiveness of your heating system. You can either hire a licensed technician to perform an energy audit for your home or learn how to detect leaks yourself. Add caulk and weather-stripping to critical gaps, especially around draughty window and door frames.

Shut your fireplace chimney

Ironically, even an essential heating element like a chimney can be a source of heat loss. Even though a crackling fire in the fireplace warms your house, the chimney can act as a natural funnel that sucks heat out of your house. To prevent this, make sure the fireplace damper is closed any time you’re not making a fire, and also make sure the damper fits well. Remind your family members to keep doors and windows to the outside closed at all times, and keep the doors throughout the house closed so that an open window on the far end can’t suck out heated air from the entire house.

Have your furnace inspected

Even if your furnace is working fine, it might not be operating at its top efficiency. A defunct blower fan or a clogged burner can cause unnecessary overloads, where the furnace uses more energy and gives of more carbon than it needs for the same heat output. Prevent this by having your furnace inspected, and if needed, serviced at the first sign of the cool season. The service technician can clean all your burners, tighten the connections, and lubricate the moving parts. At the same time, they will check your air filters, as clogged filters block heat flow, causing your unit to work double time.

Upgrade insulation

In many cases, it’s not the insufficient heat that is the problem but the heat that escapes. Due to laws of thermodynamics, heat is always looking for ways to escape to the cooler environment, which means you should improve the insulation to keep it inside. While insulating the attic should be your first step, you shouldn’t ignore the house siding either. While this project might seem overwhelming, with a mobile scaffolding rental, everything can be done within a week. To make your insulation upgrade sustainable, consider environmentally friendly materials such as cellulose, wood wool, or cork.

Save energy with holiday lighting

Although holiday lights don’t have a high power-rating, they keep flickering day and night throughout the season, easily adding up to your electricity bill which is already ‘loaded’ with increased consumption. Make your fairy lights more sustainable by choosing a LED version. While incandescent bulbs release up to 90% of their energy as wasted heat, LEDs emit very little heat, so they yield the same light intensity with a much smaller wattage.

Install smart thermostat

A smart thermostat can potentially save you hundreds a year on energy costs by automatically lowering and raising your home temperature while you’re away. Unlike traditional thermostats that maintain the temperature at pre-set times, smart models can learn your preferences and self-adjust accordingly, so no energy is wasted on heating while there’s no one at home. Many of them have connectivity features, as well, so you can control their operation with a smartphone even when you’re away.

When the outside temperature begins to fall, these tips and tricks can help you avoid cranking up the heat each day. While these preparations are necessary to keep your home comfortable in the most uncomfortable days, they’re also essential for lowering your home’s carbon footprint in the heating season.

No matter where you live, the nature of the modern lifestyle makes stress pretty much unavoidable. There are many things that can stress us out, from our jobs to family problems, and unfortunately, most of us can’t exactly go on vacation whenever we feel like we need it. However, what we can do is turn our own home into a relaxing sanctuary that can help us relieve some stress the moment we come home from work. So, if you’re having trouble managing your stress levels, here’s what you can do to make your home more soothing.

Get rid of the mess

Mess on the outside can easily lead to mess on the inside, so try to keep your home neat and well organized. This means that you should do some de-cluttering every once in a while and get rid of everything you no longer need. Moreover, every item in your home should have its spot – and be kept in it when you’re not using it. This includes everything from remotes and toys to dirty clothes and shoes. Needless to say, if you have a family, everybody should do their part in keeping the home clean, as cleaning after others can only add more stress to your life.

Breathe life into it

Research has shown that plants can be very beneficial to your mental well-being, so make sure to decorate your home with greenery. If you’re not that skilled in taking care of plants, you can opt for some that don’t require much maintenance, or you can get some quality air purifiers. On the other hand, if you happen to love nature and have enough time to dedicate to maintenance, you can go the extra mile and build a green wall in your home. It’s a perfect way to introduce that calming Zen spirit into your home and purify the air around you.

Choose the right neighborhood

Now, if you happen to be in the process of buying a new home, a good way to make sure it’s as stress-free as it can be is to choose the right neighborhood. After all, the people around you will inevitably affect your life, and the amenities around your home can make a difference in your daily schedule. So, if the place that interests you is in the Land Down Under, consider some of the great house and land packages Austral, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about.

Do some maintenance

Most of us have that one thing that we’ve been putting off for too long, whether it’s repainting the walls or fixing some piece of electronics. And, every time we pass by it or happen to need it, we get that boost of stress, knowing that we should fix it – yet, leaving it for another day. So, look around your home, and fix everything that needs to be fixed. By doing so, you’re bound to feel much more comfortable in your home.

Let there be light

The lighting can greatly affect your mood, so try to adjust it to your needs. During the day, you should let in as much natural light as you can, since it would boost your energy levels and help you focus. As for the artificial lighting, you can use string lights in your bathroom and bedroom to create a more romantic and subtle atmosphere.

Even though you might not be able to avoid stress completely, there are ways to manage it. One of the best places to start is your own home, so pay attention to your home design. If you keep your home clean, organized, well-lit, and spiced up with some plants, you’re bound to feel much better in it.

Different people have different ideas of what a perfect home should consist of and look like. However, the thing that probably everyone will agree on is that it needs to have enough storage space. Simply put, unless you have enough storage solutions is your home, you won’t have a place for all of your things. And if that’s the case, your home can easily become cluttered and messy.

That being said, smart and sustainable storage solutions are where it’s at if your home is lacking proper storage. There are numerous ways you can create enough storage in your home seamlessly, with the help of just some easy tricks. Here are some ideas.

First, declutter everything

The fact is that all of us probably own too many things and a good portion of those things we simply don’t end up using. Therefore, before you start implementing new storage solutions in your home, make sure you declutter the already existing ones. Take everything out of your closets, get things off of your shelves and empty out your cabinets. Group everything in the middle of the room and Kondo every pile, room by room. Once you have all the things sorted into a “throw-away”, “donate” and “keep” pile, you can start returning the things from the “keep” pile into your existing storage. Organizing everything will be much easier once you have more room and fewer things to organize.

Focus on sustainable materials

When looking to implement any type of new storage solutions in your home, be it drawer dividers, closet inserts or shelving units, make sure you go with sustainable materials. Plastic, even though it is widely available and may seem like the most practical solution is not quite the best option. Not only will it last significantly shorter, but it is also pretty detrimental for the environment in general. That is why you should consider wooden, glass and even metal containers and solutions instead. Instead of storing your food in tupperware, look for mason jars and other glass or stainless-steel containers that will serve the same purpose. Wooden crates and metal baskets are also excellent solutions for storing produce, or they can even work as wardrobe fillers.

Think big

Furthermore, if you’ve decluttered your home but you still have a lot of things left, consider adding some big storage solutions so that you have enough room to store all of your belongings. This storage solution doesn’t have to be placed in your home per se, rather you can install it in your garage or even basement. Here, think in terms of industrial shelving solutions as they are sturdy and offer enough room for storing various items. This way, you’ll create more storage options in your home without actually compromising its current style or functionality. The best part about this type of shelving is that it is customizable in terms of size and height, so you can easily find the right fit for a space of any size. Also, make sure you go with sustainable materials as well, as they offer better support and greater durability.

Consider multifunctional furniture

Alternatively, if you live in a rather small apartment which only further limits your ability to add proper storage solutions, you may want to consider replacing your current furniture pieces with multifunctional ones. For instance, choose a bed that has a hidden storage compartment underneath and go with bedside tables that have at least three drawers. For the living room, choose a couch that – again – comes with built-in storage and maybe even use a vintage wooden trunk as your coffee table. This way, you will have a place to store your belongings without having to fill your home with various shelves and other types of conventional storage. Finally, you can even get a few rattan baskets and use them as a storage solution. Not only will they provide you with enough room for storing certain items, like throw pillows and covers, but they look very stylish and will have no problem fitting in with your interior.

So, try to replace any plastic storing bins in your home for glass, wooden or metal alternatives and come up with different ways you can store away your belongings in plain sight. Implement furniture pieces that contain hidden storage for some additional storing options and make sure you declutter on a regular basis, to avoid being overwhelmed with items you don’t even use in your day-to-day.

With so many different ways to go green in your home, home plumbing doesn’t often cross the minds of many homeowners, but it does present an excellent opportunity to be more earth-friendly. The advantages range from lower utility costs long term and reduced energy consumption, to leading a healthier life in a healthier environment.

Obviously, home plumbing covers many aspects, from the water heater, pipes and drainage to toilets, sinks and sewer main, so there are numerous ways to green up your plumbing. After careful analysis, even if it costs more initially, the benefits it brings regarding later savings and impact on the environment and the quality of your life, far outweigh the money, time and effort spent in its realisation.

Costs of green plumbing

The cost of installing green plumbing will differ depending on the type of project you opt for, but in general, hiring a plumber will cost you up to $300. With green plumbing, the initial price may be higher, but thinking long term, your investment will pay off with the cuts in energy and water usage.

Whether you have a green or traditional plumbing system, the costs will rise drastically in cases of emergency and during non-business hours. Knowing this, you shouldn’t wait for things to escalate and minor plumbing issues to turn into catastrophes. Relying on genuine experts, such as this emergency plumber in Sydney, can save your nerves and money by fixing any problem you may have, form leaky taps and toilets, to blocked drainage and various repairs.

Benefit no.1: Lower energy consumption

The first advantage that green plumbing brings is a reduction in your home’s energy consumption. It’s widely known that if there’s even the slightest leak, heat will escape your home and it’s most evident in the piping system. By insulating your pipes, you can prevent the heat loss between your water heater and faucets.

With an on-demand hot water circulation pump that sends the hot water to all your fixtures, you’ll double your savings: there’ll be no heat loss when the hot water sits unused in the pipes and with instant hot water coming as soon as you open the faucets, there’ll be no water waste.

Benefit no.2: A healthier home

Water quality is an essential part of a healthy home and before you start investing in your home green plumbing, it’s wise to find out what kind of water you’re supplying to your home. There are various water purification methods available depending on different water issues so you might want to have professionals test the water in your home before you start.

If there are reasons for your concern regarding the drinking water, you may consider installing a water purification system such as carbon filters in faucets and showerheads that absorb pollutants of a reverse osmosis system on your sink that will ensure clean water for drinking and cooking.

Benefit no.3: A greener environment

Anything you can do to reduce the amount of water your household consumes will contribute to the preservation of the environment. For instance, by installing low-flow showers and faucets, you’ll cut your water usage by 60% and a low-flow toilet that replaces a traditional type of toilet which is the biggest water draw in a home can reduce the water use by five or six times per each flush.

Moreover, faucet flow reducers are easy to install on the end of your faucets and can cut water usage by 40%, whereas installing energy-efficient home appliances such as dishwashers and clothes washers can lower your water consumption by as much as 50%.

In summary, there are many ways to green up your plumbing system but there’s no need to do everything at once. You may want to give a couple of methods a try and see what it gets you. No matter what you choose, you need to know that green plumbing will not only contribute to your healthier living but also to the quality of life of future generations.

It’s common to assume that the only way to replace sewer pipes is by digging up your front garden, ruining the landscape. This can quickly escalate your worries about the work required and the costs involved. Fortunately, digging and upending your landscape is not the only solution.

The no-dig tech offers help in this regard. Surprisingly, 78% of the folks confessed they had never heard of this sewer technology as per a poll by Angie’s list. As its name suggests, the no dig technology relates to using trenchless pipe rehabilitation that employs the existing pipe structure to replace your sewer pipes. Resultantly, there is no need for any extensive excavation, and you don’t have to see a messed up landscape.

Replacing sewer pipes without digging up your landscape

Traditionally, the main sewer line that connects most homes lies beneath the sod, grass, and dirt of the front yard. So if your sewer line faces an issue or two, plumbers will have to dig up your yard to replace it.

Two solutions can, however, help you save all the extra hassle. The two main solutions from trenchless sewer repair are pipe lining and pipe bursting. Let’s walk you through both of the options:

1. Pipelining trenchless sewer repair process

As per this process, the plumbing team sends in a small, self-leveling sewer camera into your sewer line. This process is known as video inspection. The camera goes through the pipe’s length and width to inspect any blockage, crack, and other damage.

Once the troubleshooting area is spotted, the process moves to its next stage. The second step revolves around hydro-jetting or using a mechanical cleaning process that clears the blockage.

Finally, the plumber inserts an epoxy-saturated felt tube into the pipe. The felt tube is then inflated and allowed to cure, which replaces the damaged internal section of the old pipe.

2. Pipe bursting repair work

This process also goes with the name of pipe splitting. It does not include digging up the entire pipe. However, it is centered around digging a small spot for inserting a new pipe. As the new pipe is pulled through the damaged one, the old one is busted outward.

Hence, in a way, we can say that this method is not entirely trenchless but semi-trenchless since some of your landscape may be damaged.

How do you replace your sewer pipes?

The procedures explained above are not DIY in any sense. They require special expertise and sensitive tech. Therefore, only a good plumber can help you. There are chances you are already asking your 24×7 assistant Siri to find Plumbers near me, which is the right move.

If you don’t know any plumbers already, Google can help you find a good plumbing service. Start with typing in your query and thoroughly search the names that the search engine gives you. Check out each of the names and visit their site. Make sure that you don’t do the surface analysis only, else you’ll end up choosing the wrong one.

Be sure to inspect each detail. Note that sufficient contact details are available and a physical address of the plumber’s shop is also given. Read through the plumber’s experience and portfolio too. It is essential to jot down these details to weed out professionals from scammers.

Once you shortlist the name of potential plumbers you’d like to hire, call the number given on their website. Explain your concern to the call representative and note what solution he offers.

Additionally, ask for a quote for the expenses involved. In several cases, the plumbing team may request to see the damage so that they can assess it and then quote a price. You can get a significant idea of how professional the service provider is from the way they handle your call.

Professional plumbing service will walk you through the entire process for replacing your sewer pipe without having to dig up your landscape.

Is it possible to replace sewer pipes without digging your front yard in all cases?

Unfortunately, not all pipes can be replaced without having to dig up your landscape. Instances that require complete digging are when your pipe’s cast iron has deteriorated. In such a case, the pipe cannot hold a liner. Similarly, if the infrastructure that holds up the pipe is broken, then you need to get your sewer pipes replaced completely.

Key takeaway

Replacing your sewer pipes without upturning the entire place is entirely possible. Call your plumber or look up a good one on Google and ask him to use no dig technology to replace your sewer pipes. Be sure to work with professionals who satisfy you on call. Also, work with professionals who are responsive so that they can quickly replace your sewer pipe since delay can only aggravate the damage.

Author Bio:

Michelle Joe is a blogger by choice. She loves to discover the world around her. She likes to share her discoveries, experiences, and express herself through her blogs. You can find her on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook

Garage doors are a necessity because they secure one of the many entry points in homes. They remain functional in part because of the springs attached to them. But while the springs are important, they are also the most common malfunctioning components of garage doors. The doors may not close completely due to damaged springs.

There are two main types of garage door springs. One type operates the doors through extension. Extension springs are placed above the horizontal track of the door. The second type is the torsion spring. Even though the first type is a more popular choice, it is because they are cheaper. That doesn’t necessarily mean they are also a better choice. A garage door that has extension springs is easier to force open.

Unlike the first kind, torsion springs are less likely to break and difficult to interfere with. They attach to the wall above a garage door. That is also why they are able to handle much weightier garage doors than extension springs.

Garage door spring problems

Both types of springs do wear out due to daily – or frequent — use. If you keep using them even after that, they will break. Replacement of a broken spring will depend on the type of the spring. Extension springs are cheaper to replace than torsion ones. A broken spring is useless and can make your home vulnerable to break-ins. Why wait until that time is close?

Experts say that few indications can signal that malfunction of a garage door’s springs. By checking for these signs, you may be able to prevent breakage and get the door fixed before time:

• Springs usually require little to no maintenance, except for frequent lubrication. If you hear a squeak when you operate your garage door, it is a sign that its springs need some lubricant. Any excessive noise that wasn’t there before signals a problem with the springs. In such a case, you may either have to replace them or repair the springs. You may need a professional opinion to decide which.
• Is your garage door taking longer and longer to close or open properly? In such situations, the springs may be out of balance. Balance issues usually arise when a new spring is installed with an older one. We will discuss this problem below.
• The reason why extension springs cannot handle heavier doors is that they don’t have safety cables. You may want to ask in a professional to come and install them. The cables are another level of protection for the people who use the garage doors regularly. Unsupported doors can fall and hurt someone!

Cost of spring replacement

The cost of Frisco Garage Door Repair may depend on several factors. The condition of both your garage door springs and your garage are two determinants of the price. Other factors include the type of springs – extension or torsion–, the type of garage door, and even the company performing the job.

The firm you hire to replace the springs must be reputable. If they charge outrageous prices, you may want to reconsider working with them. We’d suggest calling up several companies, comparing the prices they quote to you and then hiring someone. Remember to hire only a professional, or you could be calling them back for a job not well done!

There could even be other issues that only a skilled technician will recognize.

Factors that matter when buying springs

One question that homeowners have during replacement is whether they should only remove one spring or both. You may not know this, but the springs mounted on a garage door are in pairs. One of them can see more wear and tear, making it break down earlier. If you plan to get only that spring taken out, think again! Since it is likely both were installed at the same time; the other one is probably close to breaking point as well.

Moreover, forcing a new spring to work with the old one is a recipe for disaster. They might not be compatible. You’d end up spending the same amount when you have to call in the repair company for the second one!

The life expectancy of a garage door spring

Three things determine how long your garage door springs will last. Typically, extension springs break earlier than the torsion type. So, the type of spring will matter. Another thing is that each spring has its life expectancy on its packaging. The duration is in the form of cycles – a cycle means one complete opening and closing instance of a garage door. Thirdly, the frequency of use that the springs see will also determine their life expectancy in part.

Clearly, your garage door requires the expertise of trained and qualified technicians. Whether you want to replace the springs on the door replaced or repaired, it is better that you let the experts handle it!

Author Bio:

About Michelle Joe: Michelle Joe is a blogger by choice. She loves to discover the world around her. She likes to share her discoveries, experiences, and express herself through her blogs. You can find her on twitter: @michellejoe524

Your home is your castle, your haven, your oasis of peace and comfort. In this rushed, busy world we all need to find ways to step back and to relax. Our homes should serve as safe places that help us recharge our energies and go out and enjoy the world. But, does this come at a price?

We use up a lot of energy, we consume huge amounts of natural resources. But there are always options. One option that can minimize the negative impact we have on the environment is energy efficient roofing options. The long-term benefits contain the best of both worlds – doing a good thing for nature, and helping out your budget.

Roofs and energy efficiency

If you’re wondering how roofs help your environment and help your general energy efficiency, it’s because of several factors. First, they decrease your air conditioning needs, and makes the roof more resistant to harsh weather. This, in turn, reduces your energy consumption. Furthermore, at a communal level you will reduce the urban heat island effect, and will minimize power plant emissions. Second, they either require minimal repairs and maintenance, wasting fewer resources, or the materials used are recyclable.

Before you continue, do note that energy efficiency and roofing depends on two things. First, your geographic location (i.e. the weather you face on a regular basis) and how the materials are set up. Properly processed asphalt shingles can be a godsend in one area, while regular asphalt shingles can make your life living hell in another.

Coatings

The first option you can try out is getting a coating on your roof. These coatings are usually some sort of white or other reflective pigments. These deflect sunlight coming directly on your roof, instead of absorbing the heat. These also protect your roof from UV light and other damage. These are the most varied option out there, and you can find some for basically every roofing type and material.

Shingles and tiles

The first two options you can try out are shingle and tile roofs. First, shingle roofs are made from overlapping panels. These panels are usually made from a type of fibreglass asphalt, wood, polymers, metals, slate, etc. Tiles are simple plates placed on your roof, and can be made from similar materials shingles are made of. What makes these options energy efficient form the start is that these are green, recyclable materials. They are also beautiful items that will last for a long time. For example, if you do need to have some slate roof restoration done, know that it’s enough to get it fixed up once every couple of years.

Now, to make them greener and energy efficient, you have a couple of options. Getting special types of materials, like asphalt coated in solar reflective granules, or having tiles glazed with waterproof coats. These are enough to prolong their lifespan, and improve their reflective capacities.

Metal roofs

Metal roofs are efficient in that they have low heat absorption, which makes them perfect for warmer regions. Most often they naturally reflect the sun’s rays, and are even great with rainwater and snowfall. Namely, snow and rain just slide off of them. However, you can improve their effectiveness even more by adding extra reflector coatings, as well as simply just painting it.

Green roofs

An interesting option is trying out a green roof. Also known as living roofs, this type means that you have living vegetation on your actual home. This is a beautiful and timeless option, but can be quite expensive due to both its initial cost, and the upcoming maintenance expenses. They can be anything, from simple moss covering, to a full-on garden for flat roofs.

They are very good at managing rainfall, and are of course beautiful. However, these also provide fantastic insulation, and help you with both heating and cooling your home. You will avoid the aforementioned urban heat island effect as well.

Artificial materials

You can always go with specific roofs made from artificial materials. Things like single-ply membrane setups, built-up roofs, and modified bitumen sheet membranes are interesting options that are pretty cost effective and energy efficient. However, these are not the most recyclable of materials out there.

All of these are basically set up from several layers of materials, reinforced with various fabrics or adhesives. They can all be made energy efficient by dishing out money for special, reflective and cooling materials. Furthermore, adding reflective mineral granules, or get marble chips and grey slag ballasts will add to their effectiveness.

Conclusion

And there you have it folks, a way to keep your home as energy efficient as possible. Going green has never been so easy, especially when you know you can save some money while doing it. So, think about the materials you are supposed to use, and how you can improve them. Metals are great because of their low heat absorption, but can they be made better? Shingles and tiles are usually recyclable, but how about coating them with something reflective and durable? And if you can afford it, getting a literally living roof may just be the thing you need and want.

Becoming a parent is a joy that cannot be put into words. However, the cost of baby products can put some damper on this unbridled happiness. Of course, you want to ensure your baby gets the best of everything. But if you are living on a budget, you’ll have to find creative ways to save some money. Using a baby cost calculator will help you get some idea of what to expect. Armed with those numbers, you can start looking for ways to reduce it.

How to Save Money When Setting up a Nursery: 3 Tips

1. Try DIY furniture renovation or customization

The easiest way to cut down the costs of a nursery is buying pre-owned and beaten furniture and fixing it up yourself. Depending on your level of skills and luck, you might be able to score some fantastic pieces up to and including antiques.

However, if your woodworking skill isn’t the greatest, you can consider paying a bit more for new but cheap furniture. You can revamp it completely using simple decoration techniques, like decoupage. Pinterest is brimming with ideas you can use for inspiration and the technique is so easy, anyone can do it. With the help of simple DIY customization, you can turn the cheapest furniture pieces into exclusive artworks fit for a home interior magazine.

2. Lose the crib

It might seem that a crib is the one item you can’t do without in a nursery. But if you are limited in either space or budget, you should consider getting a more ‘efficient’ crib alternative. The alternative is a pack-n-play, which can double as a place to sleep as well as a playard.

This particular option allows you to save money because you’ll need a playard anyway and buying one that can be a comfy crib for the baby makes it cheaper in the long run. It’s also the best choice for families who need to move around a lot or who live in tiny rooms. If you lack space, replacing a crib with a pack-n-play might be the only option you have. That’s because you’ll be able to remove and set it back up easily, which will allow you to free some space.

When your baby becomes a toddler, you can switch from your sturdy pack-n-play for a twin bed. If absolutely necessary, you can make some DIY handrails to help protect your little one. But that shouldn’t be necessary. In fact, sleeping in a twin bed from early on will help make the child’s transition into a ‘big kid bed’ a bit easier.

3. Swap a changing table with a dresser

Changing tables are convenient, but you won’t be using one for too long. A dresser, on the other hand, is an essential piece of furniture, which your child will need more and more as they grow. Therefore, it makes a smart investment.

Place a padded changing mat atop of the dresser and you’ll get a very near approximation of a changing table. You might also be more comfortable changing your baby on the floor (with the mat!), especially as they get older and start rolling over and squiggling a lot.