Homeowner Resources

Summer 2018 is going to be a hot one, so why not make a cool decision now and prepare your home to beat the heat? Follow these steps to keep your home cool and your energy bill low. Maintain your air conditioner Make sure your air conditioner is ready to go before the heat rolls in. Regular maintenance keeps your A/C running smoothly and extends its lifespan. Clean the condensing unit, evaporator coil, condensate drain line, and replace the filter. If you notice the fins are bent and blocking airflow, fix them with a fin-straightening tool. Check out our detailed steps on how to maintain your air conditioner. Prep your windows Are your windows properly sealed? Windows with air leaks let in hot air during the summer, causing your air conditioner to use more energy and … [Read more...] about Prepare Your Home to Beat the Heat

Melting ice cream, parched pets, and hot leather furniture that burns your legs -- avoid these misfortunes by maintaining your air conditioner before the heat rolls in. Regular care and maintenance keep your A/C running smoothly and extends its lifespan. Follow these steps to maintain your air conditioner and save a little money and energy along the way. Power OFF Turn off the electrical power to the unit completely before doing any maintenance work on your A/C. You can shut off the power to the breaker box from indoors and flip the switch to "OFF" outdoors. Clear debris The area surrounding the unit should be completely clear, with all branches and plants being a couple of feet away. Use a screwdriver to remove the cage and fan grill from the top, then … [Read more...] about How to Maintain Your Air Conditioner

Who doesn't like a good man cave? It can be your refuge after a long day at work or function as a hangout area for you and your friends on the weekend. Whether you consider yourself a movie fanatic, audiophile, or cigar aficionado, you can have the retreat of your dreams. There's no limit to what you can accomplish with this year's top man cave trends! The Home Theater A home theater is every movie and sports fanatic's dream. Skip the popcorn lines and paying for a movie ticket -- instead, watch a movie in the comfort of your own home. There's no need to sacrifice surround sound or a high-quality viewing experience with these great home theater starter kits. The Arcade Center The arcade center is the perfect man cave for gamers and techies. Whether you're into the … [Read more...] about Top Man Cave Trends

Grilling season is upon us, but before you take out your tongs and basting brushes, make sure your grill is safe and ready to fire up. Whether it's gas or charcoal, you can prepare your BBQ for grilling season with these following steps: Check the hose If you have a gas grill, check the hose from the propane to the burners -- it should always be clean and intact. If it's not taken care of properly, it could light on fire. If it's worn out or damaged, it's better to replace it than attempt to bandage it. One good way to check for hose leaks is similar to a tire; simply rub on a combination of soap and water and watch for bubbles after turning on the propane. Clean the bowl, grates, and flavorizer bars Use a sponge, warm water, and soap to clean the lid and bowl of the grill. If … [Read more...] about Prepare Your BBQ for Grilling Season

Lighting upgrades can drastically change the ambiance of your home and the best part is: it doesn't have to break the bank. Brightening your home with the right types of lights can make it more inviting, charming, and efficient. Check out some of our favorite lighting upgrades for your home! Eco-Friendly Lighting An up-and-coming trend for modern lighting is eco-friendly bulbs. Energy Star lighting costs less to use, saving you both energy and money. The bulbs may cost more upfront but end up saving around 75% more energy than incandescent bulbs. Fluorescent Lighting The ambient lighting that shines from fluorescent bulbs is great for vanity areas and under kitchen cabinets. Use fluorescent bulbs as task lighting in the kitchen areas where you cut food and wash … [Read more...] about Lighting Upgrades for Your Home