5 Inexpensive Ways To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient This Summer

There’s a lot of information out there on how to make your home more energy efficient. While it’s all meant to be helpful, some of the advice is not the most practical. Not all of us can afford to install solar panels or to buy all new appliances. With that in mind, we’ve brought you a few budget-friendly ways to save on energy. Read on to learn how to start lowering your utility bills.

An energy audit will take stock of your home’s strengths and weaknesses. Image: tommaso79/Shutterstock

Get an energy audit

If you’re unsure of where to start with making your home more energy efficient, having an energy audit done is a great first step. Also known as an energy assessment, these audits are designed to take stock of how much energy your home is currently using, to identify problem areas where energy might be being wasted and to offer suggestions on how to solve those issues.

As for how to get an auditor out to your home, calling your electric or gas utility company may be your best bet. There’s a good chance they’ll either conduct assessments themselves or be able to recommend local auditors. However, if not, the Residential Energy Services Network offers a search directory for qualified professionals. Just remember to always do your research before hiring any service provider to come into your home.

Insulating your attic will help keep cool air where it belongs. Image: Arturs Budkevics/Shutterstock

Insulate your attic

Your attic isn’t just a place to store your excess belongings. It’s also one of the places in your home that’s most likely to let cool air out. This, in turn, causes your HVAC systems to have to work harder, using more energy overall. However, by adding some extra insulation, you can go a long way towards keeping your temperature-controlled air where it belongs.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, you can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs — and an average of 11% on total energy costs — by taking the time to properly insulate your home. Here, they especially recommend insulating attics, crawl spaces and floors.

Fixing drafty doors and windows will keep you more comfortable indoors and help you save big. Image: Ray B Stone/Shutterstock

Seal drafty doors and windows

In addition to insulating the attic, you can also take care of any drafty doors and windows that might be allowing cool air to escape your home. While an energy auditor will be able to identify these “cold spots” during your assessment, you can DIY this task just by paying attention to where you can feel drafts coming through on windy days.

As far as how to do the sealing, this is definitely one home maintenance task where you won’t need to call in a professional. Adhesive sealing strips are sold at nearly every home improvement store. Once you have the strips in hand, it’s simply a matter of measuring the area you need to seal, cutting the strip to size and applying it securely.

Change out your light bulbs for newer, energy-efficient varieties. Image: New Africa/Shutterstock

Change your light bulbs

If you can’t afford to splurge on a new energy-efficient appliance package or to upgrade to solar panels, replacing the light bulbs in your home is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to make a difference in your energy usage. This move can help you save around 5% on your total energy bills.

In terms of which lighting options offer the biggest savings, you have three choices:

• Halogen incandescents: Halogen incandescents are popular bulbs because they come in a wide range of shapes and colors. In addition, they tend to work well with dimmer switches. However, while they do meet the minimum energy-efficiency standard, they are not the most efficient option that’s currently available on the market.
• Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs): CFLs are where you really start to see energy savings. These bulbs use about one-fourth the energy of traditional incandescent options. They also are said to last up to ten times as long. While these bulbs did not offer a lot of variety when they first came out, they are starting to become available in more shades and colors.
• Light emitting diodes (LEDs): Though LED lights have been traditionally used in outdoor applications, they are becoming more commonplace in indoor settings. LEDs use only 20% to 25% of the energy and last 15 to 25 times longer than the traditional incandescent bulbs they replace. They also use 25% to 30% of the energy and last 8 to 25 times longer than halogen incandescents.

Plugged-in electronics like coffee makers can use up a lot of unnecessary energy. Image: rawf8/Shutterstock

Unplug energy vampires

This last tip is more of an ongoing effort than a one-time task. Though it may be convenient to leave electronics plugged in even when you’re not using them, the reality is that unless they are certified as energy-saving, they are likely wasting energy. Directenergy.com estimates that you can save $100 to $200 per year simply by unplugging these devices when they’re not in use.

The post 5 Inexpensive Ways To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient This Summer appeared first on Freshome.com.

source https://freshome.com/inexpensive-energy-efficient+

Sofa styles: Do you know the multitude of options you can choose from?

Interior decor will show you a range of different furniture and sofa styles.  If you’re decorating, sofa styles are a great way of pinning down your style.

This is because your sofa will anchor your room.  It may be hard to find exactly which types of sofas you’ll need to create the atmosphere you are looking for.  It can be harder still to explain your choice to a retailer or manufacturer.

Although there are so many sofa styles available, you’ll probably notice that some styles are repeated.  These are the styles we will give names to and explain.  This will help you to identify them easily.

Tuxedo

Image source: Black Lacquer Design

Tuxedo style sofas are recognizable because they have very clean lines as well as a continual height across arms and back.  They usually have tutting.  While tuxedo will make you think of very formal events, it is the fabric choice which will set the formality of your tuxedo style sofa.

Sectional Sofa

Image source: Shirley Meisels

The sectional sofa comes in different pieces and can be arranged in different shapes. This sofa will often comprise of 3 or 5 different sections.  The more pieces you get with the sofa, the more variation in configuration.

When you buy a sectional sofa, you should get a set of fixtures which will connect your sofa and prevent it from separating.  

This type of sofa is becoming increasingly popular and there are currently a range of different fabrics, styles and shapes to chose from.  You’ll be able to select from large sofas which can fill a large room, or smaller sectionals which give character to small spaces.

Popular sectional sofa styles are the L and U shapes.

Cabriole

Image source: Rethink Design Studio

The Cabriole is a type of sofa which contains curves!  The legs of this sofa form S – shapes and the back and arms will shape into curvy lines.

If your room is dominated by straight lines and sharp angles, the Cabriole is the sofa for you.

This sofa has an organic frame which gives it a light and breezy appearance, making it the perfect choice for small spaces.

This furniture style was hugely popular during the 18th century and will add a classic touch to your home.  The word Cabriole comes from the French word cabrioler, which refers to a goat like jumping.

Chesterfield Sofa

Image source: Leib Designs

The Chesterfield sofa has a classic touch and was very popular during the 18th century.  It has roots in England where the Earl of Chesterfield is said to have designed it so that he would be able to sit upright and prevent his suit from wrinkling.

The Chesterfield will add charm and sophistication to your living room.  It is a leather covered sofa with rolled arms, a quilted back, tufting and no back cushions.

Camelback Sofa

Image source: Jennifer Taylor Home

This sofa type has a hump or two, just like the camel it has been named after.  It was made popular in the 18th century by Chippendale and is an old style sofa which is formal in style.

This sofa style is often upholstered in formal fabrics and used in a formal living room.  However, it has been covered in casual fabrics and used in casual spaces.

Used either formally or in a casual space, this sofa style is distinct.  It’s legs are very often exposed, it has rolled or squared off arms and no back cushions.

Bridgewater

Image source: Bassett Design Center

Bridgewater has a classic sofa design with a low profile.  This sofa has low arms which are receded away from the front of the sofa.  Traditionally, this sofa style has a rolled back and a sofa skirt.

This sofa has a loose back and cushions, making it the ideal choice for those who want to adjust the firmness of their couch.

Lawson-style Sofa

Image source: Studio Designs

The Lawson is an English style sofa which has been created for comfort.  It has separate pillows at the back which add to its appeal.

This sofa style is soft and comfortable and the cushions add an extra plushness which keeps the sofa popular.  The Lawson comes in many different sizes and fabric choices.  Move the pillows around to increase your comfort.

English Roll Arm

Image source: Monarch Sofas

This sofa design has a rolled arm which is smaller than traditional rolled arms.  It is padded to add comfort and sits slightly lower on the sofa.

This sofa style has a low seat but very plush cushions for comfort.  The legs are short and placed on casters for easy movement.  This sofa design will suit a range of different interiors.  It is also extremely comfortable

Knole Sofa

Image source: MJ Lanphier

In the 17th century, many people did not use sofas.  Instead they used benches.  The Knole sofa was one of the first upholstered sofa designs ordered for a historic English home.

This is a classic sofa design with a straight back and angled arms.

This classic sofa design is less popular than it once was, but can still be found in many modern homes.  The corded finials and connected arms and back still add style and sophistication to classic style interiors.

Mid-Century Modern Sofa

Image source: Ryan

Mid-Century Modern furniture has become increasingly popular both as vintage sofa styles and as reproductions.  This sofa style is very versatile and will add a funky appeal to your interiors.

These designs are often used in minimalist interiors but are also often used in retro design schemes.  This sofa style is notable for its clean and very linear appearance.  It has exposed legs and will often have tufting along the back of the sofa.

Contemporary Mid-century Modern Sofa

Image source: Maletz Design

Modern sofa styles are often a contemporary take on mid-century modern sofa designs.

Modern sofa styles often draw on mid-century designs and add a retro touch to a home’s interior.

Mid- century modern furniture is not the same as contemporary furniture.  Contemporary furniture reflects current sofa styles.  However, contemporary modern furniture is inspired by mid century sofa types while incorporating a contemporary touch.

Track Arm

Image source: Carlton Edwards

This sofa style design has square arms which are very straight.  The overall style is contemporary and very clean in appearance.  This sofa design is very popular in contemporary homes.

Those who live in apartments are often big fans of track arm types of sofas.  This is because they are compact and clean in appearance.  The overall appearance is simple, clean and very modern.

Daybed

Image source: MuseInteriors

These types of sofas make the perfect choice for those who frequently have house guests.  This is because daybed sofa styles can serve as a couch by day and can be converted into a bed at night.  It will provide you with extra sleeping space in a larger home.  If you have a studio apartment or a very small home, a daybed will give you the benefit of both a sofa and a couch.

Daybeds can be made more comfortable by adding cushions to the back board.  This will give you extra support.  Many daybeds do have armrests or rails.  You’ll be able to treat the side of the bed as you do a regular armchair.  

The bottom of a daybed is often made up of a mattress and will give you lots and lots of support.  You can use the additional storage as a storage space for belongings you would like to keep concealed.

Chaise Lounge

Image source: Wellington’s Leather Furniture

Chaise lounge sofa styles are still very popular, and particularly in homes with a massive master bedroom suite.  Some chaise lounge sofa designs have arms while others don’t.

Chaise lounge types of sofas are not only found in bedrooms, however.  Many people use them on the patio or at the poolside as a comfortable form of seating.

Slipcovered Sofa

Image source: Bruce Bierman Design

Slip covered sofa styles make excellent choices for pet owners and parents.  This is because the sofa cover can be easily removed and laundered, unlike a traditionally upholstered sofa.

Before air conditioning kept homes reliably cool, slip covers were invented to place over traditionally upholstered sofa styles in summer to keep sweat from staining the fabric.  The idea soon became popular and now slip covered sofa designs are appreciated in their own right.

Love Seat

Image source: Classic Sofa

These couch designs have sometimes been called a ‘settee’ but the two sofa styles are actually different.  A settee seats two or more people while a love seat is specifically designed to seat two people.

Sectional furniture uses settees to create interesting furniture configurations but a love seat is made to stand on its own.

Sleeper Sofas

Sleeper Sofas include, but are not limited to, daybed style sofas and come in many different styles.  You can even get bunk bed style sleeper sofa designs.

Pull Out Sofa Bed

Image source: Tamalpais Construction Company

The pull out sofa bed is probably the most well known of the sleeper couch designs.  These designs are very popular and have improved over time to offer good quality sleep.  Gone are the creaky designs of yesteryear.

Sleeper style sofa designs are currently well thought through and make a comfortable space for guests to sleep.  They are also an excellent option for small home owners.

Pull out sofa designs are very different to futons.  The back of the sofa remains upright in pull out sofa styles.  The sleeping surface is stored under the seat of the sofa.  It is pulled out when needed.

Convertible Sofa

Image source: Modern Sofa Beds

Convertible sofa styles don’t have mattresses in the same way pullout beds do.  Instead, the couch pillows form the sleeping area.  These sofa designs can often be very comfortable when compared to a pull-out bed.  However, this depends on the quality of the mattress in a pull out sofa style bed.

Futon

Image source: Oliver Grahame Photography

The futon is a Japanese style sofa bed.  It has a cotton mattress which folds up or down depending on whether it is being used as a sofa or a bed.  The bed forms a flat sleeping surface with a thick mattress.

RÉCAMIER

Image source: Horchow

This couch type has a historic design.  It comes from France and originated when Jacques – Louis David painted French hostess Julie Adelaide Bernard Reclaimer while she was seated on a backless couch.  The Reclaimer is really a daybed with scrolled ends.

We hope this article has helped you to determine the sofa styles which would suit your home. Good luck with making that perfect purchase.

If you enjoyed reading this article about sofa styles, you should read these as well:

• Chesterfield sofa: Leather, Velvet and Modern Examples
• What Is The Difference Between A Sofa And A Couch
• Contemporary Sofa Designs For Small and Large Spaces
• Transitional decor: How to do it and have a great result

The post Sofa styles: Do you know the multitude of options you can choose from? appeared first on Impressive Interior Design.

source https://www.impressiveinteriordesign.com/sofa-styles/

Hidden Fire Dangers in Your Home

In the U.S., fire departments respond to one fire every 88 seconds, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Cooking is the most common cause of home fires and smoking is the leading cause of home fire deaths. But there are many other ways that you could inadvertently start a fire. These are some of the hidden fire sources in your home.

Don’t store batteries near metal. Image: Mariva2017/Shutterstock

Batteries

All batteries pose a fire risk, even those with a weak charge, according to Craig Gjelsten, VP of Operations at Rainbow International, which restores damage caused by fire, water and mold. Gjelsten says that 9-volt batteries are the biggest fire culprit. Since their terminals are in close proximity, they can easily short. “I recommend a battery storage case or just leave batteries in their original packaging instead of lying around loose.”

Gjelsten also recommends storing batteries standing upright and placing electrical tape over the ends of each battery — regardless of the battery type. Other tips include not storing batteries in metal containers or placing them near keys, steel wool or other metal objects. “Also, be sure to store 9-volt batteries separately,” Gjelsten says.

Check for dust bunnies around sockets. Image: NothingisEverything/Shutterstock

Damaged electrical equipment and dust bunnies

If your electrical equipment is damaged, it can easily overheat and result in a fire, according to Tom Wallace, a Certified Master Inspector at Home Check Inspections in Riverview, FL. “It is important to regularly inspect the electrical equipment in your home for damaged or frayed cords and plugs,” Wallace advises.

You may be thinking that you’d know if you had damaged or frayed cords and plugs. But that’s not necessarily the case. “Power or extension cords hidden behind a bed or table that are repeatedly knocked against can become worn out,” explains Bill Timmons, Marketing Manager of Residential Products at Legrand. He also warns against walking over cords — for example, under carpets or on your hardwood floors — since this can also result in damage.

And don’t forget the dreaded dust bunnies. When they form around electronics, sockets and heaters, Gjelsten says they can ignite and start a fire. “Regularly vacuum dust near outlets, wires and appliances, including crevices and areas behind furniture,” he says.

Turn off your coffee maker when it’s not being used. Image: John Kasawa/Shutterstock

Coffee makers

“Your coffee pot could overheat and start a fire,” says Battalion Chief Raymond Williams of the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service Department in Birmingham, AL. He says coffee pots with plastic components can get too hot if you forget to turn them off. Although most coffee pots with digital clocks have an automatic two-hour shut off, that’s still plenty of time for them to overheat. Also, several years ago, Kenmore recalled 145,000 coffee makers due to faulty wiring. So, to be on the safe side, don’t leave your coffee maker unattended and manually turn it off when you’re not using it.

Use care with flammable liquids. Image: Elder von Rabenstein/Shutterstock

Flammable liquids

It’s probably no surprise that gasoline or kerosene can inadvertently start a fire. “These flammable items should be stored away from heat sources in appropriate containers,“ says Wallace. “The containers should be labeled and easily identifiable.”

However, there are other flammable liquids that can also start a fire. For example, a woman in Texas opened a bottle of nail polish remover and left it near a candle in an unventilated room. The bottle ignited and she suffered third-degree burns.

Keep laptops off of soft surfaces. Image: Twin Design/Shutterstock

Laptops

If you’ve ever held your laptop in your lap for an extended period of time, you know it can get very hot. However, you might not have known that it can actually catch on fire. “Laptops can get pretty hot during normal operation. When placed on a blanket or similar surface, the batteries can overheat and cause a house fire,” Gjelsten says. He warns against leaving your laptop on any type of soft surface. If you don’t have a home office or desk, consider using a laptop stand.

Use the proper wattage for your light fixture. Image: Darin Echelberger/Shutterstock

Light bulbs

Are you familiar with the term “overlamping”? It occurs when the light bulb wattage is too high for the lamp, and Gjelsten warns that overlamping can start a home fire. For example, if you use a 75-watt bulb in a 40-watt lamp, you’re overlamping.

“If the fixture is unmarked, stay under 60 watts to be safe,” Gjelsten says. He also advises caution with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). “Avoid using CFLs when the base of the bulb is enclosed by the fixture, such as with track and recessed lighting,” he says. “If your CFLs are burning out early and they’re brown at the base when removed, the bulbs are overheating.” Gjelsten recommends a cooler option, like LED.

Perform preventive maintenance on your dryer. Image: Good moments/Shutterstock

Dryer vents

While you’re sprucing up your laundry room, don’t forget to clean your dryer vent on a regular basis. You should empty the dryer lint screen before every load, according to Dave Lavalle, Founder of Dryer Vent Wizard. “While the dryer vent and duct system carries the air and lint outdoors, some of it gets trapped in the lint screen,” he explains. And since lint is very combustible, he says the screen should be emptied before every load. “Also, on a quarterly basis, clean the lint screen in soapy water,” he adds. That’s because detergent, fabric softener and other materials can build up and create a transparent film.

In addition, you need to check the vent cover on the home’s exterior to ensure that there’s no mulch or bird/rodent nesting materials. “Lastly, check the flexible tube-shaped transition duct that connects the dryer and the duct,” Lavelle says. Every other month, he recommends checking behind the dryer to ensure the transition duct hasn’t been crushed or broken.

Don’t let paper pile up. Image: Nongnuch L/Shutterstock

Other hidden fire sources

Gjelsten also warns that if you leave stacks of newspapers and magazines too close to a heat source, they can ignite. “And if you use heating blankets and pads, do not place the cord between the mattress and box spring,” he adds. Gjelsten also advises against using these heating items on anything but the lowest setting.

“Also, throwing that unused bag of charcoal in the closest storage closet is never a good idea.” He says that damp coal can ignite and start a serious fire. Instead, Gjelsten recommends storing the bag in a metal pail or garbage can with a tightly closed lid.

The post Hidden Fire Dangers in Your Home appeared first on Freshome.com.

source https://freshome.com/hidden-fire-sources/

Onyx Is The New Marble And Here’s Why

We hope you like the products we recommend. Just so you are aware, Freshome may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.

There’s a new stone that’s taking over marble’s popularity — and it’s onyx. Are you wondering what the difference is between onyx vs. marble? Onyx is actually a type of marble and it has many of the same properties. The difference is the stunning patterns and veining in each slab.

Onyx comes in varying degrees of patterns and a rainbow of stunning colors. Many of the most popular onyx colors — like jade, mint, light pink and warm tan — work well with today’s on-trend colors.

Dusty pastels and earth tones are the hottest colors at the moment and the warm tones of onyx stone tie in with the look. Image: Philipp Shuruev/Shutterstock

An interesting quality of onyx is its lack of opacity. Onyx is more translucent than marble, making it a great stone for lighting or for creative purposes like a backlit wall or surface that casts a glow and enhances the stone’s patterns.

A panel of onyx was backlit to cast a glow and display the intricacies of the stone. Image: T_A_P/Getty Images

Considering onyx vs. marble? Here are some onyx decorating ideas that can help you incorporate onyx in your next home design. We even have some onyx home accents in stores now that you can add to your space to bring some unique texture to your room.

Pastel Onyx Decorating Ideas

You’ll find onyx in pinks, lavenders, tangerine, pale blues and celadon-like greens.

An onyx wall adds texture and high luxury to a room. If you’re on a budget or renting, consider onyx-patterned wallpaper instead. Image: Philipp Shuruev/Getty Images

The cool, smooth surface makes a great table or counter. Just remember to give it the same care you’d give marble since both stain easily. Image: Philipp Shuruev/Getty Images

A dramatic pink onyx bathroom gives this large space a modern yet art deco flavor. Image: snorkulencija/Shutterstock

Warm-Toned Onyx vs. Marble

If you find marble a little cold in hue, the classic earthy shades of onyx may be a refreshing option, especially when paired with crisp white or greys.

Onyx may be a better choice for a bathroom or kitchen if your space feels too flat or cold. Image: tulcarion/Getty Images

Your powder room may be small but can be dramatic. This one features onyx mosaic tiles, countertop and a vessel sink. Image: T_A_P/Getty Images

Gold is one of the most popular tones of onyx and works with nearly any home design style. Image: Corinne Labastrous/Shutterstock

Neutral Onyx Colors

If you’re looking to add texture without the warm tones, you’ll find onyx patterns featuring black, cool beige and pale greys.

This bathtub backsplash is understated and neutral, but still interesting, thanks to the onyx tile’s veining. Image: Food Travel Stockforlife/Shutterstock

For a dramatic effect, try adding some black onyx to a room. The white veining is high contrast and looks like a piece of art. Image: Philipp Shuruev/Getty Images

How’s this for a dramatic dining room setting? Image: Philipp Shuruev/Getty Images

A grey onyx bathroom looks contemporary and unique. Image: Vadim Ovchinnikov/Shutterstock

Onyx home accents in stores now:

 

The post Onyx Is The New Marble And Here’s Why appeared first on Freshome.com.

source https://freshome.com/onyx-vs-marble/