FNHW Blog

You may be surprised to learn that, according to the National Fire Protection Association, clothes dryers cause nearly 14,000 home fires every year in the U.S. Fires can start when lint builds up in the dryer or the exhaust duct and block the airflow. Once the airflow is constricted, heat buildup can result in a fire. About 27 percent of these fires are caused by an accumulation of lint, which means that not cleaning out your dryer vent can set you up for a dangerous situation that’s far more serious than the drop in performance caused by constricting a dryer’s ductwork. 9 Ways to Prevent a Dryer Fire 1.  Clean the dryer lint screen/filter before drying a load of clothes. If your clothes are still damp after the drying cycle is complete, or the drying cycle is taking too … [Read more...] about 9 Ways to Prevent a Dryer Fire

Don't let the name "portable" fool you. True, they are not a fixed system; however, they cannot be picked up and moved from room to room like a suitcase.  When moving your portable A/C unit, you will also be moving its exhaust system. Nonetheless, a portable air conditioner does provide the flexibility that a heavy window unit does not. So, Do Portable Air Conditioners Really Work? Here's what we found out. How Does a Portable A/C Unit Work? A portable air conditioner works like any air conditioner. The refrigerant flows through coiled tubes and absorbs heat from inside the room. The heat is released outdoors through an exhaust hose, similar to a clothes dryer. A portable air conditioning unit will usually come with a kit, including a hose, which will allow you to set up your … [Read more...] about Do Portable Air Conditioners Really Work?

No one wants to think about fire season, but in certain areas, wildfires are a yearly occurrence. Being prepared for fire season can help reduce the chances of losing your home to a fire, and may also help you feel less anxious heading into the season. Here are some common recommendations to help you get your house ready for the fire season. Create "Defensible Space" Keep it lean, green, and mean. Your defensible space is the space that becomes the buffer between your house and the trees, grass, and shrubs that surround it. Use this space to slow, or better yet, stop the spread of a wildfire. Radiant heat can be as dangerous as direct flames, so the wider your defensible space, the better. Here are just a few recommendations: Keep your defensible space clear of leaves, twigs, and … [Read more...] about Get Your House Ready for Fire Season

August 8 is National Garage Sale Day. Here are 7 Ways to Up Your Garage Sale Game this Saturday. The trick is to set your sale apart from all the others. That may be easier said than done. National Garage Day means that many a family will their "trash" into driveways and yards, in hopes it will become someone else's "treasure" - for a small price, of course. Here's how your sale can shine: 1. Advertise Why spend money when I'm trying to make money, you ask? This is one time it will pay off. If you're active on social media, spread the word. Check out these sites and apps for free advertising, like garagesalefinder.com, yardsaletreasuremap.com - as well as Facebook and Craigslist. What fun can you have negotiating that extra 25 cents if no one shows up to argue with you? Let your … [Read more...] about 7 Ways to Up Your Garage Sale Game

Is your Air Conditioner working as hard as you are this summer? De-stress your AC with These Tips. A little AC TLC will go a long way and help you keep cooler, longer. Windows Make sure your windows are properly sealed. Air leaks not only let cold air in during the winter, but they also allow hot air into your cool home. If the temp inside your home remains high, it causes your AC to run longer, use more electricity, and in the end, cost you more money. Fill gaps around your windows with a high-quality caulk to seal any leaks. Take note of any gaps around your doors as well. Quick Fixes for Drafty Windows Ceiling Fans Make sure your ceiling fan runs counterclockwise in the summer. A counterclockwise rotation will create an air current that pushes down and then out. This … [Read more...] about De-stress Your AC with These Tips!