Home Improvement

By Debra McCoy / January 31, 2017

Few things can spruce up a home the same way that newly washed windows can. There are many ways to wash windows, and all of them are successful. The most common method is to just use a well-known window cleaning solution as well as paper towels; however, this usually leaves streaks. It is also not an affordable way to wash windows.  There are better and affordable ways to get your windows clean.

DIY Cleaning Solution

The most ideal approach to clean  windows is to make a DIY window washing formula. The best formula incorporates both ammonia and vinegar: to break up tough grime and to make the window glass streak free, respectively. Homemade window washing solution apparatus include warm water, ammonia, rubbing alcohol, dish detergent, and vinegar. Take 1.90 liters of warm water, half cup of ammonia, around 475 ml of subbing alcohol, 60 ml of vinegar, and 15 ml of any dish detergent you have. Mix together all of these ingredients and apply this solution to the windows. Wipe off until the windows are completely dry. You can also put your DIY cleaning solution in a spray bottle for easy application, however, using a bucket is recommended for best cleaning.

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Home Improvement

By Debra McCoy / December 27, 2016

There is nothing as important as improving your home. And among the issues is energy related home improvements. Its so important to develop your home to be energy efficient not forgetting the benefits that comes along with it. For instance, you will save on energy bills and maybe direct your money to other projects that could help generate income. Furthermore, as you embark on making your home to be energy efficient, you might find yourself offering services to others or offering consulting services to other homes on the same. This article not only describes the importance and benefits of energy efficient home improvements but also enlighten you on some of the best energy efficient home improvements you can choose.

The first thing that is normally recommended is to make sure that you have insulated your home perfectly. This kind of improvement will save you the extra cash you spend on electric bills when you are using gadgets for heating and cooling your house. Insulating your doors and windows using seals will trap heat inside your home hence reducing the usage of energy.

Secondly, it always pays off to repair or just upgrade your home appliances such as the heating and cooling systems. These systems use up a lot of energy and sometimes it’s not because they are designed that way but they are faulty, and inefficient. Therefore take your time and do yourself a favor, shop for those gadgets that use up less energy in your home.

The other important factor that most of you ignore is water, saving your water will reduce your energy consumption. Take good care of your house, for instance the broke walls, the gutter which is normally crucial when it comes to water as it is the first line of defense when it rains, snows, etc. how does this happen, if you run on a water meter, by reducing your home environment impacts such as carbon dioxide emission, you are saving on your bills by ensuring that your water pumps, heater, and water treatment systems are working efficiently.

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Landscape

By Debra McCoy / December 27, 2016

Dense planting is always useful for lessening weed growth, but another strategy is often required. Organic weed killers are not generally comprised of unsafe chemicals. They are considered eco-friendly, as well as safe for home landscape use. If you use organic weed killers, then you don’t have to worry about endangering plants, pets, and people.  This gives a perfect alternative to using harsh chemical products.

Acidic Characteristics

While there are different sorts of natural weed killers, most of them have acidic characteristics.  Organic weed killers which are acidic in nature lower the pH levels of weeds to kill them. The acids disappear quickly, which means these types of weed killers are not dangerous to nearby plants. You can likewise purchase organic weed killers from retail shops as they are commercially available. For example: Spectracide is very powerful as a weed killer because of using deet in the formula.  We have found it to be much more effective than Roundup.   Spectracide is great and can be used to kill weeds in driveways, lawns, beds, and gardens.  These weed killers can be purchased at Home Depot.

Obviously one important consideration with weed killers is to keep your pets away. It is very common for cats and dogs and other pets to move around the yard and lick the grass. This can be very hazardous if they are licking toxic chemicals intended to kill weeds. Just make sure when you are treating your lawn or landscape, that your pets are indoors or they are tied up away from the area.

If you need some help with your landscape, here is some advice on finding a tree service company.

Home Improvement

By Debra McCoy / December 27, 2016

A house cleaning checklist is basically a kind of chore list that incorporates all those things that must be done to clean the house. Many folks make checklists as a reminder of what should be done; different cleaning tasks, then can be checked off after the completion. A checklist might likewise used to split up cleaning tasks among family members, so that everyone takes care of their duties. It is especially helpful with your children, as it gives them a sense of responsibility and work ethic which many children do not have.

One of the first priorities in house cleaning is your carpets. We always feel that if your carpet is not clean, then nothing else matters. So in addition to the vacuuming that should be on your list, we also strongly encourage professional carpet cleaning at least twice each year as it really takes the dirt and germs out of your carpet, and really provides much needed sterilization. We stayed in Daytona Beach last year and used a company that cleaned our carpets in our rental home, and the carpets were dry in less than two hours. It was really very convenient.

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Landscape

By Debra McCoy / December 27, 2016

The crop cultivation process needs a great deal of diligent work, patience, as well as the knowledge about the crops.  And crops can mean major planting on a farm, or a garden bed for your home.  This covers all the basics for each kind.  All the guidelines are different when it comes to crop cultivation, because each crop has different characteristics, diseases, pests, and growth patterns.

However, some general tips serve as a guide for the process of crop cultivation:

• Preparing the area
• Planting the crops in the best possible manner
• Tracking the progress
• Pest management
• Proper irrigation
• And more

Selecting the Type of Crop & Preparing the Soil

Select the type of crop you want to plant; this is the first step towards crop cultivation. Choose something that is suitable to the climate and determine the characteristics of the plantation area. After analyzing area and the climate, you need to determine the type of soil that is suitable for the location. It is better to create a checklist before starting the process so that you won’t forget anything. You should also consider other factors like the availability of resources important to improve the selected crop. After deciding everything, you need to think about preparing the plantation area. This would include clearing unwanted objects like weeds and debris from the area. To loosen the soil, the plantation area needs to be tilled and this requires specific equipment like plows, cultivators, and tractors.

The most important thing is a strong foundation, in for a crock your strong foundation is the soil. You’re trying to garden or farm on soil that is not healthy and fertile then it will always be nearly impossible produce a good crop.  So it is imperative to always make sure that your soil will produce a good and healthy crop.

Landscape

By Debra McCoy / December 27, 2016

Tree service specialist are experts who skillfully and appropriately care for trees. The need for this particular service comes when dying or dead trees becomes a threat. Property owners who have many trees on their land also need tree service specialists. Choosing a tree service specialist is not difficult. In fact, selecting any type of service is not difficult if you know what to find or look for in that particular service.  The main thing is to do your homework on tree service companies in your area that have good reviews and excellent customer service.  You might also ask for referrals so that you know what you are getting and can be trusted when they come to your home or business.

For Tree Removal

Not every tree service company is the same; prefer a firm that can carry out the tasks and handle all your tree care needs professionally and efficiently. For instance, you need a tree service company to remove an unsightly or dead tree, you should check whether they are insured and bonded, and you should also make sure that they will eliminate all the left over from the tree. The process needs to be safe as well as efficient. We have used this company for years and they always do an excellent job on tree removal.

It is always best to call the experts if you need a tree removal for your home or business. This can be a very dangerous operation, and many people assume they can perform a tree removal and it turns into a hazardous project. It is never worth, and always best to let the professionals handle these projects.

Home Improvement

By Debra McCoy / December 27, 2016

House cleaning is a task that is not jovial for a lot of people. However, most individuals have to do it or things get very messy! One of the most important things to remember is to keep up the cleaning task throughout the week and not complete in a single day. Single day cleaning tasks are lethargic, boring, and exerting. Apart from this, plan in advance and store all the cleaning supplies in advance.

Get Started As Soon As You Can

The most effective tip is to clean up as soon as possible, do not delay and clean as soon as the mess occurs. Obviously, most individuals will clean a spill asap; however, many others will let it pile up on the surface. So try to clean up messes as soon as you can; it won’t take a lot of time. Most homes and carpets get very dirty just because homeowners often let things get very bad before they start the cleaning process, and by that time it is very hard to get things back to normal. That is why time is of the essence when it comes to cleaning your home and cleaning your carpets.

This is also an issue of having a sanitary home. So many people do not put any effort into cleaning their home, results in a build up of dirt, bacteria, fungus, and even mold. This is a very unhealthy living environment for your family, and even your pets. So it is imperative to take the time to properly clean and maintain your home. Your family will appreciate that a great deal, and you will also experience less sickness if you’re home is kept clean and healthy. Here are 50 great tips for a super clean home.

The video below we’ll give you some great tips and even some motivation on the best way to develop a proper cleaning routine.

Green Homes

By Debra McCoy / December 27, 2016

A passive solar home is a house that is designed to get the benefit of the sun’s heat during winter; adequately warming the home without any mechanical devices or electricity. Passive solar houses also reflect the sunlight in the summer. The passive houses are built using “passive solar building design”; a collaboration of room designs and heat absorbing materials that advance the characteristic development of heated air. Overhangs that guard windows during summer as well as windows that deal with the winter sun are additional key tools. Passive solar building design is advantageous due to lower heating as well as cooling expenses.

It has been determined by the government that homes which invest in green and solar technology not only will save significantly on their monthly power bills, but will also improve the value of their home and also help our earth.  New Smyrna Beach solar panels are a wise investment that will help you to achieve a passive solar home, and will also save you a lot of money.  There are many New Smyrna Beach solar contractors that can help you to determine the best and most cost effective solar product investments for your home for your business.

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Green Homes

By Debra McCoy / December 27, 2016

Spray foam insulation is a great alternative to traditional insulation.  Although it is more expensive than traditional insulation, it is a great deal more energy efficient.  When properly installed, your attic area will be completely sealed and there will be no air flow in or out of your attic space.

When you achieve a sealed attic, this is what produces the energy efficiency.  When you have a sealed attic, your attic temperature will generally be 50 degrees cooler than a non-sealed attic.  This results in truly amazing energy efficiency for your home.  Instead of the AC turning on and off 10 times in the summer time, your AC might only have to work 3 or 4 times in an hour which will significantly reduce your power bill.

We have had three homes in our neighborhood have their attics sealed with spray foam insulation over the past year, and they have been very happy with the results.  Their power bills have been reduced by about 25-35%, and they also have better storage areas in their attics.  The work was done by www.sprayfoamorlando.org and they also can do an energy analysis on your home, which is nice.

Another terrific benefit of spray foam is that your attic will be dry and insect-free.  When you have your soffits open like most homes are constructed, this result in insects and critters entering your attic space.  There is just no way to avoid it.  They are so efficient at entering this space that it is nearly a losing battle.  However, once you seal your home attic with spray foam, then you won’t have to worry about these critters setting up house in your attic.  And what a relief this is!

Click to learn more about energy efficient tips.