Homeowner Resources

Carbon monoxide, allergens, poisonous gases, mold - and that's just your living room. Poor air quality may cause sneezing, wheezing, and coughing. If this describes a typical day in your home, it may be time to check your home's air quality. During Air Quality Awareness Week, the EPA will "promote events that increase air quality awareness and encourage people to check the Air Quality Index (DQI) daily." Let's Clear the Air Your indoor air quality may be more polluted than the air outside. Identify potential sources of indoor air pollution with a professional inspection or an indoor air quality test kit. How Do I Know the Quality of My Home's Indoor Air? Two of the most harmful gases within the home are radon and carbon monoxide. We suggest you hire a professional test your … [Read more...] about 3 Simple Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

According to EarthDay.Org, 20 million Americans across the country participated in rallies on April 22, 1970, to protest a number of environmental concerns. These issues included oil spills, power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways, and the loss of wilderness. In 1990, Earth Day went global, with 200 million people in over 140 countries uniting for environmental issues. Today, Americans celebrate this day in many impactful ways. Here we offer 5 Down-to-Earth Ways to Celebrate Earth Day. A Simple Litter Pick-Up 1. Organize a litter pick-up day with your family and friends. Include the kids. Walk around your neighborhood and local parks and pick up any litter you see. Wear gloves, and recycle what you gather. Plant a Patch 2. Plant a vegetable … [Read more...] about 5 Down-to-Earth Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

Most of us grew up surrounded by asbestos in our homes. Today, homeowners want asbestos in their ceilings about as much as they want lead paint on their walls. Asbestos was used for decades in the very environments meant to keep us safe; our homes, schools, and businesses. Asbestos was used in the roofs and shingles above us, the walls around us, and the flooring below us. What exactly is asbestos, and why is it so prevalent in our every day lives? Here are Your Asbestos Questions Answered. What is asbestos? According to the California Department of Public Health, asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It is mined like other minerals such as iron, lead, and copper.  The word "asbestos" comes from the Greek, and roughly translated means "inextinguishable." Asbestos is a … [Read more...] about Your Asbestos Questions Answered

Have you already cleaned out your closets, alphabetized your pantry, and polished every pair of shoes you own? This month finds most of us at home experiencing a tight circle of family, and an even tighter budget. Spring is around the corner. Head outside and get inspired by the warmer weather. We have a few ideas to help you get your back yard beautiful on a budget. Plant Purposefully Create a garden in your backyard that is both functional and beautiful. Let your "inner chef" shine through with a lettuce or herb garden. Plant herbs you enjoy and commonly use in cooking - such as parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, mint, and rosemary.  Choose a location in your yard that will provide at least a half day's worth of sun. Herb gardens enjoy lots of sunlight. Arrange your taller herbs … [Read more...] about Get Your Back Yard Beautiful on a Budget

As with many great mysteries, the exact origins of April Fools' Day remain speculative, however, April Fools' Day is older than you think.  The path most traveled by historians leads us to 1582. That year, France switched from the Julian calendar, which celebrated the new year on April 1, to the Gregorian calendar, which celebrated the new year on January 1. Before 1582, the calendar had only ten months and was based on the seasons. Planting season began March 25 at the vernal equinox, and so marked the beginning of the new year. Even in the 1500s, folks celebrated the arrival of the new year with festivals, and no doubt, their very own 16th-century versions of Ryan Seacrest and the Times Square Ball Drop. However,  Holy Week also fell during the last week of March; … [Read more...] about April Fools’ Day is Older Than You Think