1) Expertise

Why should you hire a professional for the job? Professional carpet cleaners bring years of experience, the necessary knowledge, and specialized tools to ensure thorough cleaning of your carpet. They also have access to industrial-grade cleaners that can effectively remove stubborn spots and stains, which you might not have at your disposal.

2) Allergens and Bacteria

Did you know that approximately 80% of allergens in your home reside in your carpet? This is a fact. Your carpet harbors numerous allergens and bacteria. The most effective way to eliminate them is by hiring a professional who can perform a deep cleaning. Professionals possess the right equipment to get rid of allergens, improving your indoor air quality and your overall well-being.

3) Stubborn Stains

You may have attempted to clean your carpets on your own, but some spots and stains simply refuse to disappear. These persistent blemishes not only detract from the visual appeal of your carpet but also jeopardize its overall health. This is when it’s time to bring in professionals, as they possess the tools and expertise needed to permanently remove these stains.

4) Time and Energy Savings

While you can rent heavy carpet-cleaning machines to tackle the task yourself, the reality is that it can be time-consuming and physically demanding. Hiring professionals not only saves you time but also conserves your energy for more important matters. Additionally, you can trust that your carpets will be restored to a like-new condition once the deep cleaning is complete.

5) Prolongs Carpet Life

Did you know that professional carpet cleaning can extend the life of your carpet? It’s true. Dirt and buildup can penetrate the carpet fibers, compromising their durability. However, professional cleaning prevents this from happening, preserving the longevity of your carpet.

Now that you’re aware of the benefits of hiring professionals, it’s time to contact them today and rejuvenate the appearance and lifespan of your carpet.

ATR031824

Tile is one of the most versatile building materials for interior and exterior design. It can be used inside to create a stunning centerpiece kitchen backsplash or outside to make your home more welcoming. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to decide which tile you should select for your project.

Don’t worry! We’ve compiled a list of 5 popular tile choices that are not only beautiful but durable to help you explore what would work best in your home.

Mosaic Tile

Mosaic is a variation of tiling. Mosaic tiles are made up of small colored pieces and are cut into small square shapes. These tiles are designed to mimic marble, which gives it a shiny and bright appearance, adding an extra dimension to any project. It is commonly used in kitchen countertops and bathtub walls. You can use glass mosaic tiles for an even more vintage look instead of the traditional ceramic ones.

Waxed Tile

Waxed tiles are durable and easy to clean and maintain. Waxed tile is famous for adding an elegant touch to any room. It can be used not just for flooring but also as a wall accent. Flooring made from waxed tiles can easily be cleaned using only water, making life much easier for busy families in the household. Tiles come in different patterns that you can use to create your design.

Brick Tiles

Brick tile is perfect for adding a very elegant touch to your home’s décor. These tiles can be used inside or outside your home and are designed to last for a long time. Brick tile gives off a rustic, vintage feel; with old-world charm that is perfect if you want something different from the classic look of ceramic tiles. If you’re going to give your kitchen a splash of color, try using red brick tiles, as they are common in rustic kitchens.

Glass Tile

Although glass tile is not as highly used yet, the demand for this type of tile has increased in recent years. Glass tile comes in different shapes and sizes and acts as an excellent substitute for marble. It is very durable, making it perfect for flooring and wall accents. Installation of glass tiles is pretty straightforward; this gives you more time to create your design rather than focusing on the technicalities of installing tiles.

Porcelain Tile

If you are looking for something more versatile than hardwood, porcelain tile is a great choice. It can be used both indoors and outdoors and in different application areas like floors, walls, and countertops. Porcelain tile is perfect for the busy homeowner as it makes tile cleaning easier; it’s highly stain-resistant, easy to maintain, and durable. Porcelain tile comes in various colors, from cool neutrals to vibrant reds.

In conclusion, there is a wide variety of tile options to choose from for both interior and exterior spaces. Try out each one to determine which might work best for you.

 

There is probably no tougher challenge in maintaining a clean home than keeping carpets clean. The effects of dirty shoes spilled food, and life, in general, seems to add more dirt and grime to the carpet than we can ever clean up.

Fortunately, there are some simple things we can do to keep our carpets from getting in such bad condition after a thorough cleaning. Try these five tricks to cut back on the amount of dirt that gets into your carpet.

Use a Carpet Protectant

Applying a carpet protector is a very good way to keep carpets clean. Many carpets are available with these products already incorporated into them at the time of purchase. Like wax on a vehicle’s paint, these protectants keep the dirt from penetrating as deeply into the fibers of the carpet, making it easier to vacuum or shampoo them up.

Plan for Shoes

Sometimes we wear our shoes into the house just because there’s nowhere to take them off without taking at least a few steps on the carpet. By setting up space in the mudroom, carport, or garage where you can sit down, remove your shoes, and store them, you can make it easy to have everyone enter with clean feet.

Keep Pets Always Inside or Always Outside

As much as we love our cats and dogs, they are notorious sources of dirt in carpets. That’s to say nothing of the fleas and other insects they may bring in. Generally speaking, it’s best for a pet to be inside all the time or outside all the time. Those that do a little of both will bring in lots of dirt.

Invest in Clean Eating

When parties or family events bring in large crowds, it’s impossible to avoid having at least some people eating in a carpeted room. Instead of having to worry about spills the whole time, buy some inexpensive TV trays to help capture spills, drips, and crumbs. You’ll see a big difference in the dirt that ends up on your carpet.

Get Professional Cleaning

Regular vacuuming is important, as is occasional shampooing. However, the best way to have a truly clean carpet is to have a professional service come in from time to time. Their equipment and materials are far superior to those that homeowners can purchase, and you’ll end up with a deeper clean that will be easier to maintain and last much longer. 

Cleaning carpets is tough work. It’s much better to avoid messes in the first place. These simple strategies will keep your home healthier and more beautiful by reducing the impact of foot traffic, pets, and food on the condition of your carpet.

Visit https://akrosteam.com/ to learn more.

There are instances whereby you may need power washing services, and they include; when selling your house or when you need to get rid of a layer of dust that has accumulated after a storm. In such an instance, you may consider procuring the services of a professional power washing service to ensure your house will have that fresh look.

Hiring the right company for the job is somewhat challenging. There are some tips that you should consider before you hire a power washing service firm, and they include:

1. Does the Firm Offer Pre-Cleansing Services?
Pre-cleansing is essential since it helps to get rid of the oil spots and other stains. The service provider is also supposed to clean the debris and dust before they embark on the main cleaning process. The power washing service firm usually uses dry absorbent chemical utilities during this process.

2. Find Out Whether the Firm is Experienced
Conduct some research to determine how long the company has been offering power washing services. Also, make sure they’re insured. If you’ll hire a startup firm, ensure they have some references to showcase the quality of work, they produce.

3. Check the Work Examples and Profile
You can check the website of the power washing service firm. If the company does not have a website, they can show you some examples of their work. If the company seems reluctant, feel free to procure the services of another corporation.

4. Proficiency and Expertise
Does the company’s level of expertise align with its references? Was the company able to handle some of the complex tasks? Did the firm provide details about their work, the same as other professionals in the field?

5. Check the Equipment and the Cleaning Techniques Used by the Company
A Hamilton, NJ power washing service firm should be ready for different situations and challenges that arise in the line of duty. A reputable company should have adequate equipment to handle any task assigned to them. A startup may end up damaging your sidewalk or patio through the use of inappropriate equipment.

6. Is the Firm Qualified?
There are some states whereby companies offering such services need to have a permit or environmental license. Firms providing power washing services should be aware of such laws within the state they offer their services.

Conclusion
Are you in dire need of power washing services? Well, you can adhere to the tips listed above to ensure you have procured the services of the right company.  

 

1. Use tape or a wet rag
When vacuums do not pick up all or most of the hair on the upholstery, using a piece of masking tape can work pretty well. Using a damp rag and dragging it across the furniture works even better.

2. Dish soap for urine stains
If you do not like the idea of using a cleaner that can possibly damage the carpet, just make a solution of water and dish soap (1 cup of water and 1/8 tsp soap). Blotch the stain with a rag and wash with the mixture.

3. Use baking soda for smells
Sprinkle a little on the desired area, let it settle for about 15 minutes, and then vacuum it up. Using pet odor eliminators afterward helps prevent more smells.

4. Vacuum mud
Letting the mud dry and then vacuuming it away has fewer risks for stains. Afterward, blotch the remains with another dish soap and water solution. Washing it right away increases the risks of stains.

5. Emptying cat litter
Before you fill your cat box with a new batch of cat litter, line the box with a large kitchen garbage bag. This makes it easier to change the cat litter and does not make it harder to clean the cat box every day.

6. Vacuum the dog
While you are vacuuming the rest of the house, try and vacuum the dog with the vacuum hose. Many dogs love the sensation and it picks up shedding hair. Make sure you slowly introduce your dog to the hose before attempting it for the first time.

7. Bath fur pick-up
If you are giving your dog or cat a bath, make sure you use something like a scrubby pad in the drain to prevent it from clogging.

8. Poop stains
Make water, soap, and vinegar solution (1 cup water-warm, 1 tbsp dish soap, and 1 tbsp vinegar) and use it to soak the stain for a few minutes before blotching it with a clean rag.

9. Baking soda for litter boxes
If the litter box smells even after cleaning it, scatter a few tablespoons of baking soda on the top of the litter. Do not worry, it is not harmful to them.

10. Store the food
Use a plastic container to store the dry food and prevent the pet from getting into the bag and scattering it everywhere.

Even the most diligent housekeepers find that they can benefit from professional carpet cleaning. Visit https://www.duracleanm.com/ to learn more.

 

The holiday season has arrived, and you will soon be welcoming both friends and family into your home to celebrate. Before everyone arrives, cleaning and organizing are essential. The following tips will help you to quickly get everything in order.

Clean Out Closets
Many people clean their closets during the spring season, but late fall is another excellent time to sort through your clothing and accessories. Anything that is old, out of style, or has not been worn in a while can be donated to a local charity. This will not only make more space for you, but it will also help other people to have a happy holiday. In your children’s closets, look for toys and outgrown clothes that can be given away.

Set a Reasonable Pace
If you have a large home, tackling the holiday cleaning in short bursts will prevent exhaustion. Start with the areas that are not normally done, such as dusty ledges, corners, and under beds, then move on to the typical routine. Placing baskets in each room will allow you to toss in out-of-place items and put them away properly. Stop and rest if you start feeling tired. You do not need to finish the job in a day. Consider hiring help such as a Melbourne, FL carpet cleaner.

Arrange the Holiday Decor
When you have completed cleaning the bathrooms, making up the beds, and wiping down the kitchen, you can start on the holiday decor. Choose a spot for the Christmas tree and arrange the furniture to complement it. Put out colorful throw blankets and holiday towels. Clean the fireplace so that it will be ready for the Yule log. A table cloth and napkins will set the tone for an attractive holiday table.

Let the Kids Help
Even if your children are small, they can assist you in preparing your home for the holidays. Assign them tasks they can easily complete and reward them with some extra allowance. Play cheerful music and sing along together while you work. When everything is done, you can bake cookies, make some hot chocolate and enjoy a movie or two before people start arriving.

The holiday season is often hectic, and you may feel overwhelmed thinking about the shopping, entertaining, and holiday cleaning. By following the tips above and not overdoing it, you will soon have a sparkling house that is warm and inviting for both you and your guests.

You need to handle a couple of things when you are ready to move out of your house, and the only way to be sure that you are going to get better results is to make sure that you are going to have a plan. The plan that you make to move out of the house has to be set up so that you can move fast, and you have to have a real plan that will do something for you. There are a lot of things that you can do, and you can try a shortlist to get started.

Plan to move the furniture in the house last. You have to have something to sit on, but you also have to have a way of packing it when you are ready. It makes more sense to have a plan written out that will help you get all the furniture packed the right way so that there will be no problems. Anyone who wants to have a good result when moving needs to be sure they really planned to move the furniture well.

You also need to get everything packed before you go. You want to be sure that you will get the items packed so that you are only moving boxes when it is time, and you have to be sure that you have done all that you can to get everything in boxes before you go. The boxes that you have packed up for the house need to be set up so that you will know what they are, and you also have to make sure that you are going to be able to use the plan to write down what is in all the boxes.

You also need to be sure that you have planned to have a sale of anything that you do not want to keep. The items that you do not plan to keep are going to be good sources of cash for you, and you need to plan to sell them as soon as you can. It is very easy for you to set up the sale, and everyone around you will be able to help you by coming out and buying all the things that you are getting rid of. It is very easy to start this process, and you will be more than ready to move when the time comes to drive the truck.

Whether you own your home and want it to look its best for the new occupants, or you rent and want your cleaning deposit back, the best and final thing to do is get the carpets clean!

 

Curb appeal is used to describe how attractive your property is. Whether you want to sell your home or stay in it for a long time, it is a good idea to take steps to enhance curb appeal. The following habits will boost curb appeal.

Trim the Shrubs

Tall scrubs that obscure the window can cause curb appeal to go down. On the other hand, you can boost curb appeal by trimming the shrubs. It will be easier for people to see around your home if you trim the shrubs.

Make Your Front Door More Appealing

Your front door is more than just the place where you go in and out of your home. It is often one of the places that people notice before they see the rest of your home. That is why you should enhance the look of your front door. You can paint your front door a different color. You will also need to clean your door. Additionally, you should polish the door fixtures.

Pressure Wash Your Home

You may not notice algae and mold on the outside of your home. However, those things can make your home less attractive. That is why it is important for you to pressure wash your home on a regular basis. You can rent a pressure washer, but it is best to have this done by a professional. Install Outdoor Lighting

If you do not have lighting around your home, then you should install it. There are several ways that lighting can enhance your property. They can highlight the trees and the other features of your home. You can also enhance safety and security. It will be safer for you to walk around your home at night because you can see everything. You will be less likely to fall. Furthermore, there will be fewer places for potential burglars to hide.

Install a New Fence

A new fence can enhance your property. A new fence will not only enhance your property but will also make the area more secure. A property that has an old fence makes your home vulnerable. Not only will it be easier for burglars to get in, but unwanted animals can get in.

There are several types of fences that you can choose from. A white picket fence is one of the most popular options because people like the aesthetics.

ATR012423

When your carpets are stained, dingy, and need to be referred, it’s time to get them professionally cleaned. Fortunately, carpet cleaning companies are easy to come by and can restore the quality of the carpets with their professional equipment and high-quality cleaning solutions. If you’re looking to hire the right company you can trust, there are a few questions to ask in advance.

Do You Provide Free Estimates?
You’ll want to know exactly how much it costs to get your carpet cleaned before you hire the company and schedule an appointment to ensure it works with your budget. Ask if they offer free estimates to avoid surprises when it’s time to pay for the cleaning. Most companies consider how many carpeted rooms you have in your home or the square footage of the space before giving you a quote.

How Long Have You Been in Service?
Ask the company how long they’ve been in business and have worked in the industry to ensure they’re reputable and are established. Hiring a new company that doesn’t have as much experience can affect the quality of the results. Preferably, look for a company that is I.I.C.R.C. certified. It’s also important to look for a company that is bonded and insured. This can protect you if any accidents or damage occurs to ensure their insurance company will cover the cost to repair the damage and replace the carpet.

How Long Will the Service Take to Complete?
It’s important to know how much time you’ll need to be out of the house as the work is performed. You can expect the work to take a few hours, and some companies will recommend letting the carpets dry for a few additional hours before you walk back into the room. There are many factors that influence how long it takes for the carpets to dry, which include the humidity levels, temperature, the number of windows open, and how many fans are present.

What Carpet Method Do You Use?
It’s important to ask what type of carpet method the company uses because it can influence the quality of the results. Many carpet cleaning companies use a hot water extraction or steam cleaning method while others use heavy chemicals. The level of experience of the technician that arrives at your house will also influence how easily the stains are removed.

Knowing the best questions to ask when looking around for a reputable carpet cleaning service can allow you to narrow down a few choices and make the best selection. You can feel confident with the professionals you hire and look forward to improving the look of the floors after reversing wear, tear, and damage that has developed in past years.

Before the New Home Move, Here are Some Things to do
When moving into a different house, there are many different things to consider. We often think that packing and unpacking is the hardest thing to do when moving, but it’s what you have to do later that makes the process more difficult.

 

Below you will find steps you can use to assist you in going through this process.

Walkthrough the house
There’s no more opportune moment to do a full walkthrough of the house than when it’s empty. So before unpacking your furniture, take a stroll around the house. You can also use the opportunity to double-check that the previous owners did all requested repairs, everything offered in the sale’s agreement is in your house, and all outlets, fixtures, and switches are working.

If there are issues that go against the contract agreement, call your broker and let them know.

Decide what goes where
You can spare yourself a lot of trouble if you decide early on where you should put different furniture, especially for big pieces that can’t easily move. Give yourself some time to consider it before moving in.

Ensure utilities are installed up properly
You should ensure you set up all your utilities in your house before moving in; this is not the time to ensure everything is working properly. Confirm that your gas, cooling, heating, and other utilities are properly set up.

Locate your circuit box and water box
Locating your water valve and fuse box before commencing everything. It’s better to know where they are before problems arise.

Do an extensive clean of the house
The ultimate thing you want to do after unpacking is purifying the house, but it’s the best thing to do at that time. If you don’t have the opportunity to do it, then you can hire an expert cleaner.

Changing your locks
It is best to replace your locks after moving in. Even though you might not be worried about the past owners, you don’t know who else had a key. In this area, it’s best to be secured than not. Schedule a time for the locksmith to come to change all the locks and install high-security locks. Re-key all the interior doors to assist you in keeping yourself safe.

Changing your address
You should go ahead and set up a change of residence at your post office. You should also notify your relatives, subscription services, loan providers, and other essential places of your address change. If you change the state you live in; you should notify your motor vehicle department to arrange for new vehicle registration and driver’s license.

There are some home repairs that homeowners can do themselves. There are also more difficult tasks that require the help of a professional. This is definitely the case when discussing electrical repairs.

It can be tempting to go online and watch a tutorial video and attempt to do an electrical repair yourself. However, if you do not have the right tools, the right training, and sufficient experience, you will find that the job takes longer, is more expensive, and is potentially dangerous.

For this reason, consider hiring an electrician for anything more complicated than changing a lightbulb. The following are some things to consider when looking for the right electrician for you.

1. Are They Licensed and Insured?
Even professionals can have accidents on the job, especially when they are working with something as dangerous as electricity. If the electrician you hire is not insured or licensed, their accident could end up costing you money. Verify their insurance status and license before having them do any work.

2. What Is Their Level of Experience?
It’s fair to assume that all professional electricians can change a light switch. However, not all electricians have the experience needed to handle more complicated jobs. If the work being done in your home is complicated, it may require a seasoned veteran. Find out how much experience the electrician you are considering has done the type of work you need to have done. More experienced electricians are going to be more expensive. But it is worth the investment.

3. Do They Have Time for Your Job?
A good electrician is going to be in high demand. If you have an electrical emergency that needs to be fixed today, you don’t want to work with an electrician who is so busy that they will not get to your project for weeks. It’s best to keep searching until you find an electrician whose schedule works with yours.

4. How Well Do They Communicate?
Communication is key when working with any contractor. When you call for help, do they pick up the phone? Or does your call go directly to voicemail? If you call with an inquiry, do you have to wait days before you get a reply? If so, this is not the electrician you want. You want an electrician who communicates quickly. Even if they cannot give a full answer, they should acknowledge your inquiry.

5. Do You like Them?
If you’re doing a long-term project with an electrician, they are going to be in your home or your office for days or weeks. You need to get along with them. You need to trust them to be in your home or in your office space even when you are not there. Trust your gut.

Finding an electrician can be a time-consuming job. But if you do your research and ask the right questions, you will find someone you will be happy with.

Visit  https://abelectricpro.com/ to learn more!

Whether you are building a new home or replacing the roof of your current house, there are many ways in which your new roof will benefit both your electric bills and the environment. New technology has changed the way that our roofs benefit our homes, and there are many materials out there with varying pros and cons for you to choose from.

White Roof
The white roof can refer to any light-colored roof of various materials. The color allows it to reflect heat off of the top of your house, lowering your cooling costs and using less energy than dark-colored roofs. They are usually an add-on color for almost any material, and their typical maintenance and repair will be based on the materials. However, if you are looking for the most eco-friendly option, choose a metal roof over a traditional shingle roof, as white shingle roofs normally are petroleum-based.

Standing Seam Metal Roof
Metal roofs are long-lasting and reflective, plus can be 100 percent recyclable. They have a lifespan of over 50 years, so the repair costs are minimal, and they are a good choice for anyone who plans on collecting rainwater for the garden. In snowy areas, the snow slides off easily, preventing the build-up of ice dams, which can be a pricy roof repair job.

Reclaimed Slate/Clay
This type is especially popular in many southern areas with a strong Spanish influence. The classic red curvy design is historical and timeless, but it also is eco-friendly and can last up to a century. However, they are also more expensive than other roofing materials.

Recycled Shingles
Recycling shingles is a great way to reuse resources for future generations. They can closely mimic the look of slate and clay roofs, giving homeowners that distinctive look without the price. The main eco-benefit is keeping old shingles out of landfills, and also saving on the processing and creation of brand new ones since the old materials often look as good as brand new.

Green Roofs
This option is often associated with hippies and tree huggers, but it is also very economical, especially if you love gardening but lack open spaces. The plants moderate the urban heat island effect and cleanse the air around your home. They add extra cooling and insulation and lower the runoff impact of heavy rains. However, adding the plants and soil is pricey and often requires structural reinforcement in existing homes.

Roofers in Paducah, KY know all about different roofing materials and can provide you with cost estimates.

Caring for the carpets in a home is important, and the one who wants their carpets to last has to make sure that they are taking good care of them. There are eco-friendly ways to care for and clean carpets, and a homeowner needs to go with an eco-friendly carpet cleaning company to do this when cleaning their home.

1. Eco-Friendly Products Watch Out for the Earth
Those who are concerned about the environment are probably careful in choosing the cleaning products that they will use in their home. Spraying products that are made of all kinds of chemicals into the air can make a person feel bad. Eco-friendly products can be used on carpets to help look out for the earth.

2. It is Easier to Dispose of Eco-Friendly Products
When a person uses a chemical-filled product to clean their home and they want to dispose of some of the product or the packaging that the product came in, they might not have a safe way of doing that. It is easy for a person to dispose of products that are free of chemicals and the containers that were used to hold them.

3. Eco-Friendly Products are Safe for Use Around Pets
Carpet cleaning products should not contain chemicals if the house in which they are being used is home to a pet of some kind. If an animal is going to be playing on the carpet, it is important to use eco-friendly products to clean it.

4. Eco-Friendly Products are Safe for Use Around Children
If children are going to be crawling around on the floor of a home, the one who is cleaning carpets in that home should use products that are safe to be used around children. The fewer chemicals put into the carpet, the safer it will be for children to play on the floor.

5. It is Important to Get Germs Out of the Carpet with Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tricks
There are options for a person to deep clean their carpets without using chemicals. Steam can be used to get deep into the carpet and get germs out of it.

6. It is Important to Use Eco-Friendly Carpet Cleaning to Keep Carpet in Good Shape
The fewer chemicals that are used when cleaning carpets, the better shape that the carpets will stay in. The more often that a person cleans their carpets and gets dirt out of them, the longer that those carpets will continue to look nice in the home.

There are ways that people can clean their carpets without the use of chemicals. It is good for a person to learn eco-friendly carpet cleaning tips and why they are important.

ATR101424

 

When deciding to sell your home, there are many steps to consider in the process. One of the first steps in the beginning process is prepping your home for potential buyers. This includes cleaning, fixing, and staging the home on the inside and outside. Cleaning and staging your home is one of the first things someone should consider when wanting to put their home on the market. Buyers like to see a potential home in its clean, natural state. Buyers want to be able to envision themselves living in the home. A clean home is bound to sell in no time.

Whether your home is filled with hardwood, carpet, or a mix of both, flooring can be a make-or-break issue for buyers. It is only natural for buyers to immediately look down at the floors and consider their state. Hiring a carpet cleaner is imperative when putting your house on the market. Whether your house has hosted friends and family, or you have a few dogs and kiddos running around, the carpet is bound to collect dirt and stains. Buyers enjoy the coziness carpet has to offer, but they enjoy a clean carpet living space even more. No matter the style of the carpet, a buyer is more apt to purchase a home with a clean carpet and flooring versus a dirty one. Investing in hiring a professional carpet cleaner could definitely make a difference in a buyer’s offer on your home. It could also increase the selling time by months. When buyers understand that the owner invested money in having the carpets cleaned, they see it as one less thing they have to accomplish when making the purchase. Clean carpets will always attract buyers, and you may end up making a little more money as well.

Deciding to sell your home can seem intimidating, especially with a list of things to prepare before putting it on the market, but it does not have to be hard. Focus on fixing and updating some essential household items, clean the space, make sure the floors are sparkling, and stage your home. Staging your home allows a buyer to imagine themselves living in the home, without all the clutter and kids toys blocking their vision. When your home is on the market, the best thing to remember is simplicity and cleanliness. If you are able to accomplish those two words, then finding the right buyer will be easy.

ATR031824

The cold weather is coming, and now is the time to make sure your home heating system is in good working order.

The DIY steps in this guide can help you detect potential issues with your furnace before they become a huge problem once the temperature drops.

1. Check the Thermostat
Turn off the air conditioner/cooling setting on your thermostat.

Switch the thermostat setting into the heating mode. Raise the temperature until it reads five degrees warmer than the current room temperature.

Listen for noise that indicates the furnace has started, which should happen within a short time.

No sounds?

The thermostat can be bad, the wiring can be loose, or the blower could need replacement. No matter which issue you encounter, calling in a professional now usually costs less, and they can schedule you faster.

2. Find and Change Air Filters
Each home may have one or several filters that clean the air that blows through your heating system.

Old, dirty filters retard the proper airflow that your furnace needs to run efficiently.

Locate filters behind the grills of air-return vents in the wall or ceiling and the primary filter that sits in the front or side of most HVAC system central units.

Oil-power Furnace Check
If your heating system runs on oil, you need to change the oil filter, clean the burner nozzle, and brush off the heat exchanger.

3. Test the Igniter
Is your home older? You may have to relight the pilot on your furnace manually. If you heard your unit kick in but didn’t feel the heat coming from the vent, your pilot may be out.

Newer heating systems use automatic electronic ignitors. You can push the reset button or check the main breaker if the electronic ignitor isn’t working.

Still no pilot? Call in a professional. DIY troubleshooting by opening up an HVAC unit or messing with wiring can be dangerous.

4. Inspect Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Change the batteries in all carbon monoxide detectors and test the unit. Carbon monoxide poisoning causes many preventable deaths a year.

5. Unblock Vents
Go around your home and check that vents do not have furniture, curtains, carpets, or other items that would block the air from circulating.

Adjust the vent openings until each space feels comfortable. Upper floors may need the vents 3/4 shut to keep the rooms from feeling too hot. Lower levels may require the vents to be fully open.

Preparation = Peace-of-mind
Knowing your heating system will run when you need it most will make your life less stressful. Taking the time to check now, before the cold and snow hit is a smart move so your family can stay cozy, warm, and safe. 

ATR041124

The holidays are fast approaching, and it’s time to start cleaning! As you prepare to welcome friends and family into your home throughout the holiday season, give yourself the liberty of cleaning your house now so you can focus on party planning, cooking and enjoying good company later.

Follow these tips to get your home in tip-top shape before the holiday hustle! Scheduling cleaning projects each weekend leading up to Thanksgiving and beyond will help you lower stress and enjoy the fun activities of fall.

Get Your Carpets Cleaned
After a summer of kids and pets trekking mud and dirt indoors, it’s time to have your carpets professionally cleaned. A professional carpet cleaning also removes deep-rooted bacteria and allergens, making your home’s indoor air quality fresher for everyone.

After your cleaning, light some of your favorite fall-scented or holiday candles to fill your home with a warm aroma.

Keep a Chore List
Stay on top of bathroom duty by having a reminder pinned to your fridge. Have a deep cleaning session each week, followed by intermittent cleaning every day or so. Wiping down sinks, cleaning mirrors, and quickly cleaning the toilet will ensure your bathroom is always clean and sanitary.

The chore list can also extend to everyday household tasks that usually get pushed to the weekend or right before the company arrives. Although it can be difficult to muster up the energy after a long day, run the vacuum and pass a Swiffer over the kitchen floor so your area stays clean and smelling fresh.

Prioritize Living Spaces
You want to ensure the spaces your guests will spend the most time in are cleaned and ready to go first. For example, the living room should be tended to before you worry about making your bed, packing up summer clothes from your closet, or decluttering the pantry. There will be plenty of time to spend indoors as the cold weather approaches, so for now, focus on doing one house-wide deep clean followed by focusing on your guest-oriented spaces.

With these tips in mind, you can create a welcoming, happy home that fills all your guests with peace and holiday cheer as soon as they cross the threshold. You don’t have to strive for perfection and remember your home doesn’t need to be immaculate to be welcoming.

If you have a lot of clutter, consider investing in some inexpensive storage solutions that will free up space and allow you to entertain more freely and comfortably during the holidays.

ATR041921

De-cluttering and cleaning are an uphill task for many people. The errand is more challenging for homeowners that are engaged in parenting, studying, or developing their careers. Are you one of those homeowners?
If you are, the following are easy and quick tips that would help you keep your home de-cluttered and clean all year long.

Identify the cause
Identifying the cause of clutter in your living space should be the first step to keeping your home clean and de-cluttered all year long. Your home might be cluttered because you are busy, you purchase items that you already have, or you like saving unnecessary items for future use.

Get the ultimate solution to eliminate the clutter

After identifying the cause, get a solution to fix the issue. For instance, you might consider donating or recycling items that you no longer need. If you are busy, create some time or hire someone to help you clean or declutter your home.

Start by cleaning one room at a time
When cleaning up or de-cluttering your home, start from one place and proceed to other rooms after you are done. Why? Planning to clean up or de-cluttering your entire house can discourage you from starting the task. So, don’t try.

Keep everything in its designated place after use
After cleaning and or de-cluttering your home, adopt and maintain the habit of keeping everything in its designated place after use. Experts say that failing to keep your clothes, books, utensils, and any other item in their designated place is one of the primary causes of unnecessary clutter in your living space.

ATR071423