| ...
unger was founded in 1964 by henry and barbara unger in the attic of the home
of barbara's grandmother in hamburg, germany. while the original intent was to
manufacture window cleaning products, the company soon expanded its product line
in order to become the market leader in the sanitary supply and retail cleaning
fields. adopting this as the company's mission, unger strives to produce... |
| ...enandoah valley of virginia,
where majestic mountains and rolling hills are joined by hardwood stands and new
growth forests, where the light dances creating a unique sense of harmony, where
a lattice of rivers and streams enrich and inspire and an appreciation for
quality runs deep. in the valley, major thoroughfares mingle with country roads
delivering the efficiencies of the day while... |
| ... for additional space.
forgotten spaces
deep cleaning areas of your house you regularly use is great, but you also need
to give some tlc to the spaces you rarely think about.
1. assess the attic: if you have an attic space, now is the time to go through
any boxes and determine what you can part with. while you're up there, be on the
lookout for any signs that pests have made your at... |
| ...l you be able to source replacement tiles in the future, or are you looking at an end-of-line (and likely heavily discounted) product? it may be worth considering budgeting for extra tiles to keep as attic stock, so you know you've got replacements in case of damage.
3) what warranty is available?
different flooring manufacturers will offer different warranty options. it’s important to understan... |
| ... stripping where needed. don't overlook culprits like openings around
lighting and plumbing fixtures, switch plates and other electrical elements.
also assess potential losses from the fireplace, attic, garage and crawl spaces,
where it's common that less attention is given to thorough sealing, and
determine whether additional insulation can help contain energy.
take control of your cli... |
| ...ng and
cooling equipment to keep the system running as efficiently as possible, and
check the air filter each month to see if it needs to be replaced.
keep it cool: add extra insulation to the attic, which will help prevent your
home's heating and cooling system from having to work harder to regulate the
indoor temperature during the hottest months of the year.
control cracks: seal c... |
| ...f your home
adding insulation to your home reduces energy usage and increases comfort. if
your home uses less than 12 inches of insulation, chances are heat is escaping.
add insulation in the attic to prevent warm air from escaping. also consider
adding insulation in crawl spaces, under floors and against basement walls to
stop the transfer of cold through the house.
take back your ... |
| ...f your home
adding insulation to your home reduces energy usage and increases comfort. if
your home uses less than 12 inches of insulation, chances are heat is escaping.
add insulation in the attic to prevent warm air from escaping. also consider
adding insulation in crawl spaces, under floors and against basement walls to
stop the transfer of cold through the house.
take back your ... |
| ...
install eco-friendly insulation. certain materials in your home, such as insulation, can be replaced with sustainable options that also improve indoor air quality. consider replacing your existing attic insulation with sheep's wool insulation, such as all-natural options from havelock wool. this renewable, high-performing and safe-to-handle material excels at managing moisture while improving i... |
| ...have enough insulation, according to energystar.gov. adding insulation and sealing air leaks could reduce annual energy bills by 10 percent. at the time of resale, adding fiberglass insulation in the attic could recoup 107 percent of the cost, according to remodeling magazine's cost vs. value report.
*front door: it's a key part of your home's curb appeal and the last exterior feature homebuyer... |
| ...ou actually need. now that you've determined that downsizing is your best option, you'll need to figure out what size, space and things you need. maybe there's a pile of stuff collecting dust in your attic or basement that can be sold or donated, or maybe you believe you can move all of your belongings into a more compact area. either way, a downsize means going through storage spaces, closets and... |
| ...(bpt) - with winter comes the holiday season, a time that's supposed to be associated with "comfort and joy." but how joyful will it be if pests invade your house, or if your home is cold and drafty? help stay warm all winter long by addressing factors like air leaks from gaps and cracks that can make your home feel uncomfortable.
"drafts and heat loss are common problems in the winter, and they ... |
| ...s the dramatic difference simply adding skylights can make. visit https://vimeo.com/176301240 to view the video.
there are also a number of traditional skylight solutions, including light wells from attics to ceilings below, for spaces without direct roof access.
skylights are also great sources of natural light in rooms where privacy is important, such as the master bathroom. what’s more, energ... |
| ..., the reality is most people who decide to share a living space with extended family members will need to stay put and remodel their current homes. but it’s no longer good enough to simply convert an attic room, garage or basement into an extra bedroom to accommodate the extra occupants.
modern multi-generational dwellers want privacy when they need it, the ability to be together in shared living... |
| ...(bpt) - can you imagine keeping your windows open all winter long? the heat loss, cold drafts and all that money spent on wasted energy would be staggering. but if your home has folding pull-down attic stairs, a whole-house fan, a fireplace or clothes dryer, you may be doing the equivalent of leaving the windows open every day.
drafts from these often overlooked spaces waste energy and cost you b... |
| ...ive humidity in the home between 20 to 40 percent. as the temperature outside drops, lower this percentage so condensation does not form on the windows.
seal the gaps. areas such as windows, doors, attic hatches, vents and other seasonally-used areas are prime sources for air leaks, which can cause energy bills to skyrocket. to help maintain a controlled climate inside the home and prevent air f... |
| ...has also earned the good housekeeping seal, a symbol of quality and trust."
the gas furnace also features a compact 33-inch cabinet profile to fit more comfortably in less space, including closets, attics and basements with low ceilings. homeowners who install the furnace in their homes will also appreciate the unit's quiet operation and the ability to remotely monitor and adjust temperature set... |
| ...ach your renovation with a "what can i save" rather than a "what can i lose" mentality. damaged sections of wood flooring can be patched using reclaimed wood from other parts of the house or even the attic. a good sanding and a fresh coat of stain can leave you with a beautifully imperfect surface filled with character that simply can't be bought.
heating and cooling systemsadding a temperature c... |
| ... from room to room. that's why it's important to inspect and quarantine - for several months if possible - all second-hand furniture before bringing it inside your home.
ignoring insulationa home's attic can be a gateway inside for many pests, such as rodents and cockroaches, that nest in insulation. it's important to inspect insulation for pest activity and damage: insulation that is wet, mat... |
| ...can go a long way toward making your home more efficient. give your home a thorough inspection to identify and repair leaks and cracks around windows, doors and duct work. remember that poorly sealed attics and basements are also common culprits of energy loss.
appliances and major systems
upgrading your appliances and temperature control systems also helps drive more efficient energy use thr... |
| ... wood for its new finish will ensure the best results.
this diy project, created by beth hunter, author of the blog "home stories a to z," shows you how to take a tired, outdated coffee table from attic to amazing in three simple steps.
supplies:
chemical stripper
hand-held paint scraper
tack cloths or lint-free rags
rubber gloves
safety glasses
orbital sander with 60-, 120- and 220-gr... |
| ...take time to close windows and doors to prevent heat from escaping, but that's only half the battle. sealing cracks around those windows and doors, and other leak-prone areas such as the basement and attic, will help keep heat inside and costs down.
to protect your wallet with more seasonal energy-efficient savings tips and products, visit www.geappliances.com or www.gelighting.com... |
| ...wear and seasonal items such as coats, boots, scarves and umbrellas, which you can rotate as the weather requires. (when not in use, store items away in airtight containers in the basement, garage or attic.)
if defining space for all of these items seems unmanageable, consider a storage solution that helps organize your possessions while adding a touch of color and flair. for example, closetma... |
| ... wood for its new finish will ensure the best results.
this diy project, created by beth hunter, author of the blog "home stories a to z," shows you how to take a tired, outdated coffee table from attic to amazing in three simple steps.
supplies:
chemical stripper
hand-held paint scraper
tack cloths or lint-free rags
rubber gloves
safety glasses
orbital sander with 60-, 120- and 220-gr... |
| ...g the hot air your home lets in during the summer and lets out in the winter can have a short-term impact on your heating and cooling bills. to find out whether you need additional insulation in your attic or walls, order an energy audit. perhaps you could benefit from adding blown-in insulation to your walls. if your attic is unfinished, it's particularly important to make sure that it's appropri... |
| ...just add functionality; it offers room-changing drama and decorating flair.
roof windows are hinged, venting units designed to be installed in easily accessible areas, such as the angled walls in attic bonus rooms, and are operated by hand. a double-sash roof window is available that opens from both bottom and top to form a balcony on your roof. these units are often used in place of, or to re... |
| ...t.
* close the flue damper when the fireplace isn't in use. an open damper can allow a large amount of air out and can be an entry point for a variety of insects, rodents and wildlife.
* ensure attic and foundation vents are equipped with tight-fitting 1/4-inch hardware cloth. this will help keep rodents at bay. also install insect screening over windows, utility vents and other areas where ... |
| ...year round. check to see if air is flowing through any of these places:
- electrical outlets
- switch plates
- window frames
- baseboards
- weather stripping around doors
- fireplace dampers
- attic hatches
- wall- or window-mounted air conditioners
if you can rattle windows or doors, you may have air leaks there, as well. these can usually be sealed with caulking or weather stripping.... |
| ...ntire yard, or just a small part of it. think about it having walls, a ceiling and flooring, just like an indoor room.
* walls are vertical elements that help define a space, such as hedges, trees, lattice screens, raised garden beds, railings, a gazebo or fence to frame your space.
* ceilings provide shelter and shade. think of awnings, umbrellas and pergolas. or use what's naturally there, lik... |
| ...tive solution
fortunately, creating a new bath need not be costly - especially in spaces that lack below-floor drainage; that is, where a bathroom does not currently exist, such as a basement, an attic, a garage or even a bedroom closet. in these situations, many plumbers recommend installing macerating, above-floor plumbing.
"with a macerating, or up-flush, toilet, there is no need to bre... |
| ...rnace introduced this year, can save hundreds of dollars each year in heating costs compared with older furnaces that are only 65 percent efficient. average savings: $800 per year.
* insulate the attic. since only 20 percent of homes built before 1980 are well insulated, it's a good idea to add extra insulation to prevent the home's heating and cooling system from having to work harder. the am... |
| ...ce entrances, outdoor water faucets, where dryer vents or cable lines pass through foundation walls, and where basement walls meet the ceiling or floor. you should also check insulation levels in the attic and basement ceilings, inspect heating and cooling equipment and replace old lighting with energy efficient bulbs.
go online
once you know what needs to be done, research the projects you pl... |
| ...niture or a unique rug - something signature to your style. you can find great pieces by shopping at designer sales and discount showrooms, or uncover treasures in your own house. rummage through the attic or basement to rediscover pictures, vases or your grandmother's antique chest. you'll be surprised with what you may find.
accent on accessories: fancy towels aren't just for your guests' bathr... |
| ...we recently reclaimed lumber from an barn in attica, ohio built in 1830. gary horvath takes us on a tour of the reclaimed wood just before is loaded up to be transported back to nj. real antique wood mill stocks over a million board feet of wide plank flooring, barn siding and barn beams 973-923-327... |