The summer season brings the heat with it, and a hot home is no fun, both during the day and at night. While you may consider using your air conditioner more, there are alternative ways you can tackle the issue of heat while spending less on energy bills. Attic ventilation is one way to get rid of the surplus heat and maintain a cool temperature in your home.
There are two significant ways to provide attic ventilation. First, you can install a solar attic fan or roof vents. These ventilation options are not yet popular among the public, but maybe that’s because they don’t understand how they work. This article will be discussing why they are essential and some disadvantages that come with their usage.
Why Should You Minimize Humidity and Heat in your Home?
In hotter regions such as Florida, the heat and humidity can be a menace. How do you think this will affect homes that aren’t equipped with air conditioners, proper insulation, or attic ventilation in places like this? Firstly, the attic space in the home traps the heat from outside; from here, it enters the rest of the building. Even in homes that have air conditioners, they will have to work all-day round to keep the house cool, which means higher energy bills.
When heat enters a home unchecked, it can ruin your home’s insulation, trigger fungal decay, damage your roof and even delaminate plywood. This is what attic ventilation options such as solar attic fans can help prevent. An added benefit is that their energy source is the sun, which is free. So it’s about time you know the benefits of using solar attic fans.
Pros of Installing Solar Attic Fans
1. Reduces Humidity in the Attic
Humidity is a consequence of heat, and this creates the perfect breeding ground for living organisms such as mold and fungus. The presence of these in your home can be detrimental to the structural support of your building. Having a solar attic fan minimizes humidity and prevents these organisms from growing.
2. Energy-Efficient and Affordable
The solar attic fan is powered by solar energy which is sourced from the sun. Since your energy source is free and sustainable, you don’t have to worry about rising utility bills. These fans are also affordable to use because maintenance isn’t required. It’s also easy to install. This makes it a good investment.
3. Eco-Friendly Energy
Since they utilize solar energy, they are eco-friendly. Unlike air conditioners that release emissions into the atmosphere, solar attic fans lower your carbon emissions into the environment.
Cons of Installing Solar Attic Fans
1. They are More Expensive than Conventional Fans
This is only in terms of their upfront cost. However, what you spend purchasing them will be eventually recovered many times over through the energy you’ll save in the long run.
2. One Fan Hardly Does the Job
One solar attic fan cannot eliminate the excess heat in your home. This means you have to get two fans.
Beanbag chairs have been a staple feature in nurseries, playrooms, and children’s rooms for a long time. Bean bag chairs are also commonly used as flexible seating options in classrooms. They are fun, can be cute, and are entirely versatile. They do not have any sharp edges or hard parts that could typically make furniture dangerous for children. However, it is not wrong to wonder if beanbags have their downsides despite appearing as the perfect safe object to sit on and play with. If you are wondering, then let’s spill the beans!
How Are Bean Bags Made?
In many urban settings, beanbags have become the popular option for luxury seating, with the upside of them not being as expensive as any other luxury furniture. A bean bag is essentially a sack-like piece of furniture filled with dried beans, polystyrene, PVC pellets, and sometimes, foam beads.
Of course, the sizes of the beads differ and usually indicate the quality of the bean bag. The beans are typically very tiny, and most times, they measure as small as a millimeter in diameter. Bean bags are made with an outer cover lined with an inner layer of fabric. The lining layer is only opened when beans want to be either removed or poured into the bean bag.
Are Bean Bag Chairs Safe or Not?
Many parents don’t realize how shockingly easy it is for little humans to experience suffocation. Sometimes, when children sleep on a soft or curved surface like a bean bag, it so happens that they assume a position in which their chins tightly rest on their chest. This position, if not changed, can lead to suffocation.
Anyone who has spent time with children would know that they are quite the nosy and curious bunch. From tugging, biting, pulling, and scratching, children never really stop their curious ways, especially when it’s on an object as fascinating as a bean bag. The hazards that could be associated with bean bags include the following:
Suffocation
When it comes to children and their use of bean bags, suffocation is the prime cause of dangerous incidents. This can happen in many ways, such as the child finding a way to unzip the bean bag and then climb inside it.
This particular reason is why many bean bag brands label their products with warnings stating that kids under a certain age should not sleep on bean bags. As a parent, you should heed that warning. While your kids might love playing on the soft, squishy bean bag chair, it is not worth risking their safety.
The toddler could also suffer suffocation if the bean bag is not filled correctly, leaving the toddler with inadequate support to the head and neck. As scary as it might sound, there could be cases of children crawling underneath a beanbag chair. This could end badly if they stay there for way too long or if someone else sits on the bean bag.
Swallowing
Children are known for their curious ways and can quickly locate a visible enough zipper on the bean bag. When they do, they may find that the fillings of the bean bag chair are fascinating enough to ingest. This can cause numerous complications if not addressed quickly and sufficiently.
Inhalation
After unzipping or, in some cases, tearing or poking a bean bag, a child could make the costly and unknowing mistake of inhaling the beads inside the bean bag. While this has not been noted as a leading hazardous possibility with bean bags, inhaling the chemicals and dust from the polystyrene beads can lead to irritation, coughing, nausea, headaches, and dizziness.
Safety Precautions You Can Take
Bean bag chairs are fun, exciting, and cozy. Their soft and comfortable nature can be therapeutic to the body. However, for the safety of your kids, avoid allowing children to sleep on bean bag chairs or any other soft surfaces at all.
If you put your child in a bean bag chair, make sure that the chair is firm enough to prevent suffocation. In addition, get bean bags that are small enough to fit their size or wait till your children are old enough or big enough.
To prevent potential bean bag chair hazards, restrict the bean bag chair from any sleeping or napping sessions. The bean bag should be used only for sitting and playing, and you should discourage kids from sitting on a large adult bean bag,
Bean bag manufacturers worth their salt knows that safety precautions are essential.
When searching for the perfect bean bags for kids, it is best to look out for certain features. These features include a very important double zipper for the inner lining layer, serving as a solid foolproof anti-curious kid mechanism.
Good bean bags are also made of tear-resistant material to prevent any poking or prodding kids’ hands from getting access to the beans. In addition to that, you can keep children safe by preventing them from lying face down on the bean bags. Ensure the filling is nice and sturdy enough to support the weight evenly. Even with all of these, nothing beats safety measures other than actively keeping an eye on them. There’s plenty to watch out for when taking care of kids. This is a great place to start!
Your move-out cleaning checklist should include details such as using a vacuum on your floors, using a scrub to clean your toilet, sink, and bathroom, cleaning inside your closets, cleaning inside your kitchen cabinets, wiping down appliances, and more.
As a tenant, it’s almost certain that you will move out at some point. Usually, when leasing a house, a security deposit is part of what you pay to your landlord. So when you want to relocate, leaving that apartment in excellent condition is one sure way to get that security deposit back from your landlord.
To do this, you will need to create a move out cleaning checklist or hire a cleaning service or company- whatever works best for you. This article will discuss in detail what should be on your move-out cleaning checklist and the cleaning supplies you will need.
What Should Be on My Move-Out Cleaning Checklist?
Listed and discussed below are the elements of a thorough move out cleaning checklist:
Take Out Any Personal Belonging of Yours
To leave the apartment in the same state you rented it, it’s essential that you remove every personal property. It can be your wallpaper, other removable decor additions, furniture, shelves, cupboards, or coffee tables.
Clean the Floors and Carpets
Use a vacuum or broom to clean your floors. In the process of cleaning your floor, don’t leave out specific areas in the house, such as the stairs, closets, and nooks. You may even need to think about hiring a professional carpet cleaning company. While you are already in the cleaning process, we recommend having your rugs cleaned before moving.
Wipe and Dust Every Surface
You can use a surface cleaner with a cloth or paper towels to clean the countertops in the kitchen, the shower, the windows, the mantles of your fireplace, bookshelves, and other surfaces in the apartment.
Clean or Wipe your Appliances
This should undoubtedly be on your move out checklist. After some time, the appliances in the apartment will have a lot of markings and fingerprints.
Before moving out, make sure you use baking soda or a mixture of water and vinegar to wipe or clean your fridge, microwave, and other household pieces of equipment. Also, pay attention to possible food stains in your fridge and microwave.
Clean your Cabinets
During your cleaning exercise, include your cabinets as well, especially the ones in your kitchen, because they’re most likely to have debris, food crumbs, and residues from groceries and other ingredients.
Clean Fixtures such as the Sinks, Toilets and the Showers
This should be the next thing to clean when you are done vacuuming and cleaning the floor. All the faucets, bathtubs, showers, and toilets should be scrubbed clean. Doing this will eliminate soap scum, rust stains, mold, and mildew and make the bathroom look as good as new.
Clean the Closets
This is another fixture to pay attention to. Once you have removed all your clothing items, begin sanitation in your closets and their consisting parts. If it has drawers, make sure it’s all good in there. Dust the hanging rod and use a broom to sweep the floor of the closet. Most closets come with mirrors. Your cleaning should not leave out the mirrors.
Remove Wall Anchors, Hooks, and Nails
Before you move out, remove any attachment you’ve been using to hang stuff on the wall. Unless the landlord or the new tenant request they remain there, ensure you remove them.
To not cause any damage while removing nails from walls, follow the tip in the video below:
Cover any Holes on the Wall
After removing nails, anchors, or hooks from the wall, there will be holes on the wall, and you should cover them before handing over your apartment key. You can do it yourself or hire a handyman to execute the task.
Cover Scratches or Markings on the Walls with Paint
Purchase some paint that aligns with the color of your walls. If you have more than one color painted on your walls, get the number of paints needed. Use the paint to cover up markings on the walls. Focus more on areas with high-gloss paint because they tend to get scratches and markings easier than walls with matte finishing.
Oven and Stovetop Cleaning
The stovetop is one of the places in the kitchen where you’ll likely find hidden food residues. Remove the top part of your cooker and clean beneath your burners. Mix baking soda with water and use it to clean your oven. You can also sprinkle the mixture into your oven.
Mop the Floor
After vacuuming and dusting everywhere, round up your cleaning by using a mop to clean your floors. Use warm water and vinegar for mopping. Alternatively, you can use a wet cloth to wipe the floors. This gives your flooring a squeaky clean appearance before you move out.
Ensure the Ceiling and Doors are in Excellent Shape
It will be inappropriate to move out when you have a sagged ceiling, or it probably has some holes. Check every door in the house to ensure that they’re functioning correctly. Also, check every room in the house to ensure that they’re in good shape.
Is It Necessary to Hire a Cleaning Service?
Many people prefer to go for professional cleaning services rather than do the work themselves when they want to move out. Professional cleaning is not a bad idea, especially if you’re after that security deposit.
Getting your house cleaned professionally gets the job done more efficiently. There are spots or places you might miss out on while cleaning. It’s either that or they won’t be adequately cleaned.
But then, if you’re on the budget and you want to save money as you move out, doing the cleaning yourself is the preferred option.
Most people go with the first option (hiring a cleaning company) when they decide to move out, probably due to a busy job or a big family. Also, it can just be that they simply don’t have the time.
The best time to begin the cleaning is after you’ve moved out all your personal belongings in the house. You can thoroughly look after fixtures like your doors, windows, and bathroom in the cleaning process.
Wood furniture is naturally sturdy and robust. Such material could last years of usage, especially if you are taking care of it the right way. We have some valuable tips here to help you maintain your wooden furniture and keep it alive twice as its expected lifespan.
1. Be Particular With Room Temperature
Your furniture should not be placed in an area with direct scorching heat. Heat exposure should be limited if you want to keep your decorations looking good for a longer time.
Also, excessively cold objects should not be placed on wood surfaces without protection. It could leave dents and marks that will ruin the natural beauty of the wood.
2. Oil and Wax
One way to keep your wooden materials shiny and good as new is to wax or oil it regularly. The coat you apply will not only shine the surface, but it will also serve as an additional layer of protection from debris that could ruin the wood quality.
3. Dust your furniture well
Do you think dusting does make that much impact in keeping wood objects alive? Well, it’s about time you know that it does help a lot in making sure that wood stays fresh and valuable.
Dusting furniture keeps the wood from being dulled-out. It also leaves the material sparkling and gorgeous.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to take care of wood furniture, we are sure you will make the most out of these materials.
2020 may not have been a good start, but don’t stop it from remodeling your home. This is the best time for you to consider improving your standard of living. We know you have all the time you need to be hands-on about it. You take care of your time; we take care of the ideas.
Check out our list of must-have furniture you must acquire for a better home:
1. Oak Materials
Oak materials are rich and fine. It will definitely revamp the outdated setting you used to have. Using oak furniture will bring a sleek touch to your home.
2. Bold Contrasts
Minimalistic or not, you should at least try using bold colors to emphasize your house’s features. You do not have to be afraid of strong and bright patterns and colors anymore. Incorporate it with a great equalizer background color, and you will have an artsy ambiance.
3. Vintage pieces and furniture
We know we are now in the modern era, but have you seen how well antique pieces go with trendy settings? You should not miss its classy touch and vintage feels.
4. Symmetrical and Asymmetrical patterns
This trend is definitely fresh and good for the eyes. You’ll be amazed how shapes can do great illusions in your home interior—a perfect definition of unique.
Final Thoughts
These are just ideas we compiled for you. You should always choose a setting and interior you are comfortable with. Just make sure to always choose the best quality of the materials you use.
We understand that this time of year is just filled out with insecurities and anxieties. However, it should not stop you from creating a better home space for you and your family. Here are the reasons why:
1. It Prioritizes Cleanliness and Order
The world is becoming more and more uncertain. Isn’t it best to make your home your safe place? It’s time to fix those problems and issues through remodeling.
2. Hands-on Professionals
The pandemic is sure to affect the economic growth of the world. It means a little fewer projects for interior designers and workers. Due to that, you are sure that the professionals you hire to help you prioritize whatever it is you need to be done.
3. Time to Create Private Rooms
While we still are not yet back to normal, we must have private rooms to do our meetings and classes without hassle and interruptions.
Final Word
As you plan your renovation attempt, don’t forget to consider protocols and safety precautions on top of everything else.
1. Dark Japanese Brown Patina Steel Top Coffee Table
A rustic yet modern piece of furniture. A beautiful dark brown color which looks could stand out. This table was heated before applying the patina to create its dark and marbled appearance.
2. Rosewood Patina Coffee Table
They are delicately designed to end up with a deep and natural touch. The raw steel will be slightly visible over the patina, making it distinctly look natural with colors gracefully combined.
3. Fire Patina Steel Top
A beautiful blend of yellow and reddish-brown color that mimics fire on your table. It is made interesting by its frame style that matches its patina color—a strong piece.
4. Japanese Red patina with Light Shou Shugi Ban
A mixture of yellowish-brown and dark red Japanese patina heated to exhibit the dark marble look. A coffee table that will look like a traditional Japanese art seems like a catch.
5. Mixed Patina Steel Top Coffee Table
A patina with a steel framework that defines modern and antiquated all at once. A reddish-brown marble finish with the sturdiest support from the steel material used. The mixture of hues creates a depth and style that is unique—a rustic yet modern touch.
If you aim for an overall contemporary or antique setting, you cannot miss out on a detail in your home, not even the paper towel holder. A steel holder attached to a gorgeously patterned wood will complete that sophisticated bathroom look.
2. Steel Pipe Towel Rack
An elegant decor where you can place your bathroom towels. You will no longer feel your towels messing around the style you have worked hard to achieve because there’s now a place for these things to look entirely lovely and organized. This will also look good with the tissue rack.
3. Large Wood Crate
In need of a bookshelf or case, but you don’t want enormous and giant cabinets to take up the whole space? A unique wood crate may be something you want to consider. You will have ample-sized containers for the stuff you want to keep intact. At the same time, you can place it anywhere, looking fab without taking a lot of areas and causing your home to scale-down.
4.Tiny Wood Crate
We also have a wonderfully designed wood crate in a smaller size. You can put your condiments and utensils here to complement tables and kitchen.
