Everything You Need To Know About BPA Free Spring Water

BPA free has been quite the buzzword for the past few years since the FDA banned its use in a few product segments back in 2012. A very thin BPA (bisphenol A) liner was and is used in food and beverage containers to prevent the contents from coming into contact with the container. Sounds great and safe, right? I mean why would you actively want your bottled water coming into contact with plastic until you drink it or your canned vegetable sitting on a shelf coming into direct contact with a steel can? Insert science and we figured out that the idea of a liner is great, just not one that contains BPA since the BPA liner can actually leech into your products. Having high levels of BPA in your body can lead to some health risks like high blood pressure, heart issues, and diabetes. The FDA has actually only limited the use of BPA liners in consumer-packaged goods designed for infants and young children, not the general public. 

So the simple solution is - don’t use BPA liners anymore, and most companies do not. However, studies have shown that about 10% of consumer packaged goods still use a BPA liner.         

Let’s get back to water - how can we make sure that you are buying BPA free water bottles? Most companies like to mention somewhere on their packaging that they are “BPA Free Spring Water” or that they are a “Bottled Water BPA Free Brand” to let consumers easily identify that they have BPA free water, so that’s easy enough. Surprisingly enough there are no regulations that require a company to list if the product contains BPA or if it is BPA free, so you might want to air on the side of caution and choose a water brand that proudly states they don’t use BPA water bottles and actually put some thought into their product. However, it is worth mentioning that even BPA free plastic (PET) bottled waters still have chemicals like phthalates that have been shown to seep into the water they hold, especially when they’re exposed to extreme temperatures or stored for a long time (maybe rotate out that case of water that’s been in the back of the pantry for a while or the bottle rolling around the floor of your car). It’s almost liked these companies decided to take a step in the right direction and use BPA free water bottles only to take two steps back and use a PET product that leeches other chemicals into our drinking water. So, beware of plastic bottled waters that proudly carry the “BPA Free Water” statement because you might not be drinking BPA but you might be drinking other chemicals instead. I won’t even go into how little these PET bottles are recycled or how they can only be down cycled when and if they are actually recycled. 

So, you have to be thinking - is any bottled water actually good for me (and also the planet if you try to be green)? I think we can all agree that you should start with BPA free spring water since it’s natural and doesn’t have things removed/added in like purified, reverse osmosis, or municipal waters and you’re checking the box of BPA free. Next, we should think about the packaging holding our water and how it affects our water (can’t forget the PET stuff and all the phthalate problems), and here’s where we choose BPA free aluminum water bottles. Aluminum is now and always will be the simplest answer to our plastic dependence as well as the growing problem of plastic leaching into our drinking water. BPA free spring water brands are everywhere, but how many bottles in aluminum? Not many. As consumers, we are shifting our purchasing habits toward more sustainable and healthy choices every day so it is only a matter of time before we see more planet friendly choices on the shelves. Choose the best option for you and your family, simply because BPA free spring water makes the most sense: water that is natural and planet-friendly and when you accompany it with an aluminum bottle, you’ve got a winner. 

RAIN prides itself on being a BPA free spring water brand that bottles natural spring water right at the source. We’re committed to sustainability from the water source deep in the Appalachian Mountains, to the 100% recyclable aluminum bottles that we fill. RAIN uses a thin non-BPA acrylic liner to keep your natural spring water from coming into contact with the aluminum bottle - making sure that there is nothing harmful in any bottle you open. Unlike our PET counterparts, we make sure that the water you’re drinking is just that - water. There are a lot of BPA free aluminum bottled water companies out there so next time you are in the store, pick one up and make sure the company lives up to its promises. If they say they’re sustainable then check behind them; if they say they’re natural spring water, look and see where the source is. Do a little homework to make sure you’re making the best and most sustainable choice, and when in doubt - reach out. Most companies will be happy to answer any questions on their products and what goes into each. 

Now that we have all learned a little bit more about what bisphenol A is and what it means when a product is not “BPA Free” we can apply that logic to more of our consumer packaged goods choices across the board. When it comes to our water, BPA free does not always mean nothing is getting into your water, as noted with traditional plastic (PET) where microplastics can seep in, even with a BPA free liner. I know the next time I am in the store looking for a cold bottle of water I’m going to run through my checklist and make sure that I’m picking a BPA free natural spring water in a planet friendly aluminum bottle. 

Guest Contributor: William Ethan            

7 Tips for Decorating a Combined Living and Dining Room

We all spend a lot of time in our living and dining rooms. The biggest challenge people face when decorating these rooms is how to make them attractive yet usable. So how can you create a cohesive space that is not looking overburdening? 

Consider the function

Start by studying the space and examining your habits. If you love to watch your favorite TV show while eating at the living room table, focus more on the living room of your dreams and equip the dining room with a smaller table. On the other hand, if you have a habit of enjoying meals with your family and friends, a bigger dining table with plenty of seating will be necessary for your needs. 

Define traffic flow

If you have to swerve around furniture and storage to get from your living room to your dining space, you need to rethink your design. In most cases, the sofa is placed against the wall, leaving the center of the room empty. This allows good traffic, but it also looks boring. Another option is to place the sofa in the center of the living room with the dining table behind it. With this layout, you still have enough floor space to move around, but you don’t have to stare at the dining table and kitchen all the time. 

Connect the space with color

Unless you thrive in Bohemian and eclectic spaces, it’s best to keep your color palette simple and neutral in an open floor apartment with combined living rooms and dining rooms. Select your base color and use its varying shades to create coherent space. For instance, white can be your dominant color used to bring together all design elements. To break the monotony, you can use bright warm colors in details and accessories like art, pillows, dining plates and even chairs. 

Match bigger pieces of furniture

To create an even more coherent look in your small space, use bigger pieces of furniture that match. No matter the style you’re going for, timeless Amish dining furniture has a recognizable look and exceptional quality that can perfectly connect the space together and stay with you for a long time. For instance, you can grab a dining room set and combine it with a beautiful Amish hutch or a buffet. Since these bigger pieces attract the most attention, their matching nature will tie everything together even if you include some details that will separate the dining room from the living quarters. 

Separate the space with furniture

If you’re trying to divide your shared living room and dining room into two distinct spaces, the easiest way to achieve that is by using large furniture pieces to draw the visual line. After you place your sofa in a way that cuts the space in two, you can also reach for a heavy kitchen island that will keep the kitchen and dining room separated from the rest of the house. If your space is too small to create a full dining room, you can grab a smaller desk and place it directly against the back of your sofa. 

When you have friends over, just slide the bench tucked underneath and you can enjoy a nice dinner without a huge dining table overburdening the space. But if you have enough room, make sure to nicely define your dining room with a dining room set with chairs or benches and a proper table. 

Boost storage with smart solutions

One of the biggest issues in small spaces with shared living rooms and dining rooms is storage. But with built-in shelves and double-duty pieces you can neatly store your book collection, seasonal decoration and all other knick-knacks. Think an ottoman with under-the-seat storage, couch with draws, coffee table with shelves underneath and cabinet base tables. 

Anchor the space with lighting

As a rule, every functional area should have independent lighting, so think two ceiling fixtures for general lighting, separate task lighting and separate ambient lighting (under the dining room island or around art). Don’t forget to illuminate even the dark corners to make the space look larger. 

We would all love to have huge homes but more times than not, all we can afford are small apartments with shared living and dining rooms. Luckily, now you know many ways you can make these shared spaces work together and provide you with all the functionality and comfort you need. As long as you’re happy and healthy in your small space, a few of these aforementioned design tricks is all you need in your small apartment. 

Written by Mike Johnston

Why is personal and workplace hygiene very important in 2022?

Proper hygiene in the workplace has been a priority since a long time ago. Simply put, all parts of a workplace need to be clean and hygienic both for employees and visitors’ sake. And this goes for all industries, not only certain ones such as food preparation industries. Lack of hygiene in the workplace can lead to unsanitary working conditions, which can cause diseases. Some of these diseases can spread pretty quickly, endangering the lives of your employees as well as your business. In addition, some of these illnesses can even be life-threatening. For all these reasons, we must be mindful of workplace hygiene practices. We’ve always known this, but the recent, still ongoing, seemingly neverending coronavirus outbreak, has reminded us of the importance of maintaining hygiene in the workplace. 

So, in order to know how to maintain hygiene in the workplace, we must first be aware of the concept of basic hygiene. Basic hygiene in the workplace includes personal hygiene, workplace bathroom hygiene and office kitchen hygiene. Workplace hygiene is quintessential for several plausible reasons - more on that a bit later. In order to protect our workplace from bacteria and viruses thriving, we need to employ several practices. These practices encompass regular cleaning of the premises, washing hands and sanitising regularly as well as maintaining personal hygiene.

Basic hygiene in the workplace

Let's start with the notion of basic hygiene in the workplace. What does basic hygiene actually mean? It includes a few essential aspects: personal hygiene, workplace bathroom hygiene and office kitchen hygiene. All of these combined make a workplace clean, safe and hygienic. 

Personal hygiene

Personal hygiene is every individual’s obligation. All the employees need to maintain their personal hygiene at high levels in order to ensure a healthy workforce. A healthy workforce takes less sick leave, which is an advantage for you as an employer. This is in your interest as an employer as a healthy workplace is a happy workplace. And a happy workplace leads to a more productive workplace. 

Workplace bathroom hygiene

One of your obligations as an employer includes providing a functional bathroom. Such a bathroom provides employees with toilet paper, hand soap and towels or dryers. You should encourage your employees to wash their hands thoroughly after using the facilities. Many companies use motivational posters for that purpose. Another thing to keep in mind is that you should hire commercial cleaning services to clean the bathroom(s) regularly, every day. If it’s a huge company with many employees, cleaning should even be done a few times a day. It’s essential to keep these facilities spotless as unhygienic bathrooms provide a perfect spot for thriving germs. 

Office kitchen hygiene

Another room in the company that is used by all employees and that requires special care is the office kitchen. It is the place where employees eat and make coffee. The surfaces need to be cleaned and sanitised whenever used in order to ensure top cleanliness. If the surfaces or the sink are dirty, bacteria thrive easily and can get into your food by air, thus transmitting the bacteria to your body. Depending on the bacteria, it can cause certain illnesses.

The importance of workplace hygiene

Workplace hygiene is important for many reasons. It starts with the employers as it is their duty to provide their employees with a healthy working environment. It includes keeping up with the standards of cleanliness as well as providing their staff as well as customers with safe premises. Not only that but these standards refer to products and services being sold. These hygiene requirements differ from industry to industry. Some are more susceptible than others, so they might require some special measures as there is a risk of some dangerous bacteria thriving. By maintaining proper hygiene in the workplace, we can prevent these bacteria from harming us. 

How to protect your workplace from bacteria and viruses thriving

There are certain measures that both employers and employees can take to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. The first step is up to employers, providing the basics and following rules set by the law. The second step refers to employees following their duties and employers making sure that the employees are conducting according to the set rules. In order to keep your workplace clean, you need to promote good hygiene standards, thus reducing the risk of bacteria and viruses emerging and spreading. There are certain things you can do to protect your workplace. These include cleaning regularly, washing hands and sanitising regularly as well as maintaining personal hygiene. 

Clean regularly

We’ll start with overall workplace cleanliness. In order to provide your staff and customers with a clean and safe working environment, you need to keep it clean. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the size of the company and the traffic. By cleaning your company regularly, you can prevent viruses, such as the coronavirus from spreading.  Proper cleaning practices include cleaning the bathrooms and the kitchen thoroughly, as already mentioned. It also implies deep and periodic cleaning of all the premises, including the surfaces and floors. Disinfecting surfaces and hotspots in high traffic areas is also crucial for maintaining optimal levels of hygiene. 

Wash hands and sanitise regularly

Another hygienic practice that is highly encouraged, especially when it comes to preventing the spread of coronavirus is washing hands frequently. You should provide your staff with clear guidelines on how and when to wash hands. The technique is essential for properly removing germs from hands. You can put up some posters, illustrating your point. Placing sanitisers all over your company and keeping them full also helps in preventing the disease from spreading. 

Maintain personal hygiene

You should encourage your employees strongly to wash their hands regularly and keep them sanitised. That means disinfecting hands before touching shared equipment, for example. Employees should be advised not to touch their faces as well as to use a tissue when coughing or sneezing. 

Workplace hygiene should be at high levels, regardless of the industry. If it involves people working and people using services or buying products, there is a danger of bacteria and virus spread caused by disregarding hygienic practices, which is something we want to avoid at all costs. 

 Guest Contributor: Frank Robertson

5 Tips to Effectively Take Care of Your Backyard Trees

Trees are the most important part of our landscape. Apart from having a relaxing effect, trees are a great way to add some much-needed lushness to your backyard. However, some people forget that they truly need our full attention in order to grow their lovely green crowns. Your backyard trees’ long-term development and health depend on regular upkeep. Here are some ways to maintain your trees in good health.

Take care of the weeds and grass

Controlling the root zone is an important consideration when starting a new tree planting project. Keeping weeds out of your yard is clearly important, but so is ensuring that the roots of your trees have enough room to enable them to flourish. To ensure that your tree has enough space to develop, it is important to keep an eye out for any grass that may be competing with its roots. When you start pruning around your tree, be very careful not to damage its root system.

Plant the right tree species

Let’s go back to the basics! If you want to have trees thriving in your backyard, it’s highly important to have the right species planted. To ensure a full and healthy life for your plant, choose one that is well-suited to the soil, light, and space conditions of your Australian yard. The finest trees for the Australian climate are the Japanese maple, magnolia, and red silky oak, among many others. If you’re still having troubles with picking out the right tree and maintaining it, call your local tree surgeon. A professional arborist in Northern Beaches will know this area and soil best and give you the right recommendation and treatment for your backyard babies.

Be effective when watering

Water is essential for all life and the same goes for your plants and trees. Therefore, watering them correctly is key to their health and well-being. You'll need to water your trees often throughout the warmer months to keep them from drying out. As opposed to a constant sprinkling of water, an occasional soak is much more beneficial. Also, you don't need to water your trees throughout the winter, unless they were just planted. Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that not every tree species has the same watering requirements, so doing some research is crucial. Too much water can be as detrimental to the tree’s health as underwatering.

Pruning and trimming is key

Keeping an eye on your trees as they mature is a necessary part of their growing process. Pruning and trimming of damaged or dead wood will be required in order to restore the proper balance between the canopy and the root system. You should keep an eye out for any wood that may pose a threat in the future as trees mature. Branches that appear like they could rub together or intertwine should be observed for any codominant growth that might lead to future weaknesses. If you notice that you can’t help the tree from developing in the wrong manner, consider removing it from your backyard.

Don’t forget to mulch

Mulch is a tree's greatest companion since it insulates the soil and helps protect it from the extremes of both heat and cold. As a result, the tree does not have to compete with weeds and water for nutrients. Soil compaction is prevented and lawnmower damage is reduced by mulching. These are all the reasons to keep mulching at the top of your tree-care priority list!

Having a healthy backyard is not something you should take lightly. However, if you follow the aforementioned tips, you should have no issues having thriving and luscious backyard greenery. Being smart when watering, pruning, and mulching your trees are all great ways to care for them, provided you’ve planted the adequate species for your climate.

Guest Contributor: Diana Smith

10 Tips to Helping Couples Survive a Home Renovation Project

Home renovations can be fun and exciting when it’s all said and done but the time between initial planning and full completion can be, well, disruptive to say the least. Not only is your home flipped upside down during the project, but your relationship may be strained as you and your partner make big decisions on lasting details. 

Before beginning a major home remodeling project, there are many things every homeowner must consider: the budget, a realistic timeline, dueling design aesthetics, your ability to do the work yourself vs. hiring professionals, the mess and dust in your home, packing away items for months, planning for water and electric shutoffs, protecting kids and pets, and the disruption to your family routine. The one item most people do not consider — and the one that has the potential to do the most damage — is the impact that home renovation can have on a couple’s relationship.  

While it may look easy on television, home renovation is among the most stressful projects a couple can undertake. Over time, the project can expose or even cause serious relationship issues. You should be aware that most couples who renovate a home together do not agree on every last detail. Whether their relationship survives or falls victim to the wrecking ball has far more to do with the way they communicate than the colors they choose for their new space. 

For tips on how to protect your relationship during these trying times, check out the guide below!

Renovating Your Home? 10 Tips To Protecting Your Relationship from The Wellness Counseling Center

Guest Contributor: Grant Kamperschroer

These are 6 of the Hottest Window Blind Trends You Should Look Forward to in 2022

2022 is here! We’ve put together six of the hottest window blind trends that’ll help you select the right fit - one that not only goes well with your home or office  décor but at the same time offers the highest degree of comfort.

From aesthetics to privacy to technological advancements, we’ve taken several points into consideration to help you level up your home’s interior and visual appeal.

Following are the six window blind types we’ll be discussing throughout the blog post:

• Cordless Blinds

• Zebra Shades

• Roller/Solar Shades

• Cellular Day & Night Shades

• Smart Blinds

• Eco-Friendly Blinds

 Window Blind Trends for 2022 and Beyond!

 1.  Cordless Blinds

If you’ve ever used corded blinds, you may already know how dangerous they can be – as children can find themselves entangled in them real quick.

Fortunately, they have now been banned from stores.

As a result, cordless blinds have begun gaining traction and are turning out to be incredibly popular, all thanks to their style, function as well as safety options.

When it comes to cordless blinds, all you need to do is simply raise or lower them.

That’s all.

You don’t have to waste your valuable time untying knots and untangling cords.

Apart from being highly functional and safer than other window treatment options, cordless blinds are attractive as you won’t have to deal with and hide ugly cords, resulting in windows looking uncluttered and streamlined. At the same time, cordless blinds are available in a wide range of styles and colors to choose from, which will help you find the right fit that goes perfectly well with your home furnishings and décor.

According to Anthony Rees., Commercial Director at Factory Direct Blinds, “Cordless blinds are a perfect and safe alternative to corded ones. Not only are they safe, but they are highly functional and available in different styles and colors, which is what makes cordless blinds so revolutionary.”

2.  Zebra Shades

Believe it or not – Zebra Shades has taken the window treatment industry by storm.

At first glance, they look just like roller blinds. But as you use them, you’ll notice that Zebra window shades feature a unique combination of solid and sheer fabric in a single shade.

Upon using the pull-cord to pull them up or down, the fabric loop scrolls up and down over a tube, leading to front stripes passing over the back ones. This, in turn, results in lining up of solid over sheer or solid over solid stripes.

Not only are Zebra shades popular for their unique design but the alternating solid-sheer mechanism results in better light and visibility control.

The lineup of solid over solid stripes leaves the sheer stripes uncovered, which in turn results in the light entering the room. Or, if you require darkness and privacy, you can just move the solid stripes over the sheer ones.

As simple as that!

You can always lift the shades completely to enjoy the view without any obstructions.

Just like Cordless Blinds, Zebra Shades are incredibly popular and are available in a wide range of textures, fabric, and colors. This means – you don’t have to worry about not being able to enjoy Zebra Window shades due to lack of options that go well with your home décor.

Another added benefit of Zebra Shades is wire-free, battery-operated rechargeable motorization option that’ll help you operate them with ease via a handheld remote. Either you can operate them individually or simultaneously, helping you not only save your time but also leaving a great impression in front of your guests.

 According to Anthony Rees., Commercial Director at Factory Direct Blinds, “Zebra shades are so ahead of time. Their advanced solid-sheer mechanism allows people to have better control over their light - which is not the case with many other window treatment options out there.”

3.  Roller & Solar Shades

Designer fabric Roller Blinds or screen material Solar Shades, have been popular for decades – and they still haven’t lost their touch. We are seeing more and more people selecting and installing these window shades over other window treatment options.

Not only are roller shades affordable, but they are available in a wide range of styles and color options.

Roller shades are durable and easy to maintain. Unlike traditional blinds, all you'll have to do in the case of roller blinds is wipe them with a moist or dry cloth. At the same time, they can protect you and your loved ones from harmful ultraviolet rays, as they are designed such that they can help manage the amount of sunlight entering the room.

Roller & Solar shades are available in different styles and color options. One of the big reasons why they are so popular is their simple design. Not only will they help you ensure that your windows look uncluttered and clean, but Roller Shades will also level up your home’s aesthetic appeal.

And just like Zebra Shades, you can operate Roller Shades with ease via remote control, all thanks to battery-operated rechargeable motorization.

According to Anthony Rees., Commercial Director at Factory Direct Blinds, “Roller and solar shades will hands-down go in the history books as the window covering options that never lost their touch. From their ease of use to countless options to simplicity, consumers like everything there is about these shades and they never get bored.”

4.  Cellular Day & Night Shades

Cellular blinds look just like pleated shades and are made up of two different material pieces. Excellent insulation is the main reason why they are incredibly famous and one of the hottest window blinds trends in 2022. These shades trap the air inside and guard against both heat and cold.

Installing cellular shades is a great way to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, which in turn helps homeowners save huge on their light bills. That's another reason why cellular shades are gaining traction. 

These shades are available in different cell sizes to fit the needs of different windows. Cellular shades feature light-diffusing capabilities. Blackout shades can darken the room entirely. On the other hand, light-filtering shades will fill the room with a warm and soft glow. At the same time, darker-colored or double-cell shades can block more light.

Apart from their advanced mechanism, cellular blinds are popular because of their clean and contained look, which will help you find the right fit that goes perfectly well with your décor.

According to Anthony Rees., Commercial Director at Factory Direct Blinds, “It’s cold out there? Don’t worry - cellular shades will warm up the room. If it’s too hot, again - don’t worry, these shades will guard you and your loved ones against heat as well. From their excellent insulation to their light-diffusing capabilities, consumers who’ve purchased these shades from us have never been disappointed.”

5.  Smart Blinds & Shades

Rapid technological advancements have resulted in the rise of smart blinds, as now you can sync and control your blinds via your smartphone. And you can do them individually or in groups.

Or you can just program them to open or close at fixed intervals. This means – you can kickstart your morning by programming your blinds to open exactly at 6 AM or 7 AM – whenever the sun comes up.

The miracles of technology!

Apart from being technologically advanced, smart blinds are available in different styles and color options, helping you level up your décor.

At the same time, you can integrate your smart blinds with your smart home hub to minimize the consumption of energy and save on your electricity bill. Doing so will allow the smart blinds to capture and monitor data points like time of day, weather, in-home temperature – and based on these data points, they can act accordingly.

According to Anthony Rees., Commercial Director at Factory Direct Blinds, “How far has the human race come in the past two decades! And we’re nowhere near the end of the revolution. Imagine being able to control your window coverings from the comfort of your couch. Yes - you don’t need to get up anymore, thanks to their battery-operated rechargeable motors. At the same time, you can save hundreds of dollars on your electricity bill by just integrating your smart blinds with your smart home hub - and the thought of itself is so revolutionary. We’re excited to see what’s next.”

6.  Eco-Friendly   

Not only is a green home durable, but it's also water and energy-efficient. Also, it has better indoor air quality when compared with non-eco-friendly ones. Energy-efficient blinds can help save up to about 40% on power usage. At the same time, they can block up to over 90% of direct sunlight.

Sustainable and environmentally friendly materials is a huge emerging market.

And with demand for eco-friendly products on the rise, companies are taking note with creative and innovative approaches. Companies are producing blinds by recycling textiles or from repurposed ocean plastic waste.

And it goes way beyond fabrics. Even synthetics are being developed to cut pollution and help energy management. And with the demand for eco-friendly and sustainable materials rising, we'll be witnessing more and more people switching to eco-friendly blinds.

According to Anthony Rees., Commercial Director at Factory Direct Blinds, “As important as it is to plan our journey ahead, it’s equally important to preserve the resources we’ve right now for our future generations. At the same time, it’s our moral duty to protect the planet we live in. Hence, we predict blinds with strong eco credentials will be big in 2022 and beyond.”

Conclusion

You’ll be shocked to know how window blinds can level up your home’s aesthetic appeal, especially when you choose the right fit that goes perfectly well with your home décor.

With 2022 right around the corner and different types of window blinds available in the market, it makes sense to kick off new beginnings with exciting and thrilling yet small home décor changes – like installing window blinds or shades.

Guest Contributor: Chloe Miller

This Is Exactly How You Do A Garage Makeover

Garages are so often forgotten in the home. They are huge spaces that can often go unused - even when they could be put to good use to store gardening supplies, bicycles, or anything else you need but don't have room for in your home. So before you get started on your garage makeover, check out this list of things you should consider!

Declutter and Create Storage Room

This is your first task - get rid of all the clutter. If you haven't used something in a year, it's time to let it go. Take everything out and sort through it carefully. You don't want to end up selling items that you need or use! Once everything has been removed, pressure-wash the floor and walls if necessary, sweep away any remaining dirt and debris, and put down tarps so you don't damage the surface while you work. This way, you'll have more space for your Overhead Garage Storage that can help you declutter even more and make room for the things you need. You can also hang hooks on any wall for hanging tools, garden equipment, or anything else. A pegboard can be used for organizing larger items like shovels and rakes so they don't take up too much space on your shelves. Use open shelving options so you can see what's stored where at a glance without having to rummage around.

Maintain Your Garage Floor

Don't neglect the garage floor! A good coat of paint will help maintain its appearance for years to come, even as those dents and scratches inevitably begin to accumulate over time. You may choose bright white paint with a semi-gloss finish if you want to make everything in the garage stand out, but there are also gray paints that will make your home's exterior appear more cohesive. And remember - use a roller brush to apply the paint instead of spray paint, at least for this project - you'll get better results with less hassle.

Incorporate Your Decor

This is the fun part - decorating your garage makeover! You can display some artwork, photos, or memorabilia over a wall-mounted TV for a nice personal touch. If you love to garden, replant some indoor plants in larger containers and put them on shelves for an easy arrangement that won't take up too much room. Or hang a hammock from the ceiling and relax there after a long day of work. You can even make a home gym out of your garage so you can work out after a stressful day. Or, consider making it a place where the kids can hang out. Layout some floor covers and make it a place where they can play, whether indoors or outdoors. The options are endless.

When you follow these steps, you'll end up with a personalized garage makeover that makes your space both functional and beautiful. Garage renovations are one of those projects that can be as simple or as complicated as you want them to be. Just remember that small changes go a long way, so don't overwhelm yourself with hundreds of ideas before actually anything!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day from Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing!

Why Should You Hire Professional for Water Heater Installation?

Assuming you're contemplating introducing another water heater all alone, you should reconsider in the wake of assessing the risks. It's anything but a simple assignment, and missteps can have disastrous ramifications. The Self-establishment of a water heater might seem, by all accounts, to be the most practical choice. It is risky to embrace without adequate preparation and expertise, except if you are an expert. 

Since most Water Heater Installations are controlled by gas, even minor establishment slip-ups can bring tremendous expenses, property harm, individual mischief, or even passing. 

Dangers of Fire and Explosion due to Plumbing:

Most water heaters in New Mexico utilize flammable gas, which expects burning to warm the water. Since these fills are profoundly combustible, any establishment mistake can bring about an enormous fire or blast! The do-It-Yourself establishment does not merit putting your family's security or taking a chance with harm to your property. 

Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: 

Gas water heaters require ventilation. CO develops because of helpless ventilation. Carbon monoxide harming is a possibly deadly health-related crisis that can cause deep-rooted mind harm or demise. 

A break would go unrecognized since carbon monoxide has no scent (except if you have a practical carbon monoxide finder). Indeed, even minor missteps in establishing gaseous petrol gear could have significant results. 

Plumber's Product Knowledge and Expertise:

Remember that the more significant part of the web and retailers don't have some expertise in water heaters. Indeed, even all that aims can't rival the item information on a certified and authorized handyman.

The distinction between a proficient and wasteful water radiator is not entirely set in stone by an accomplished professional. Counsel an expert to pick the best Water Heater Installation for your family. They might even have the option to show you the distinction between a protected and a risky situation.

 

Concerns about Home Resales:

Later on, it would be best if you sold your home for some reason. To continue with this, you should have your property analyzed and supported. In any case, passing an investigation might be interesting on the off chance that you introduced your water radiator.  For one's purposes, assuming that a review fizzles, fixes or Water Heater Installation might be fundamental. 

Subsequently, you can wind up paying more expenses and charges! Who might need this sort of stress and bother while selling their home? Your water radiator will be allowed and code consistent when introduced by a skilful handyman. In this way, save yourself the problem and pick a dependable specialist organization that gives an assurance or guarantee on their work.

Safety and Peace of Mind with plumbing:

Picking a prepared handy person gives you and your family inner harmony. It would be incredible to sell your home more than well-being measures without managing property harm, medical problems, or other home worries connected with the water radiator. 

Is it true or not that you need water heating appliance establishment administrations in Houston? Call us and get a no-commitment citation at this moment! Houston Water Heaters has introduced many tank less water radiators beginning around 2008 and can vouch for their reliability. On-request tank less water heaters are quickly overwhelming capacity tanks. Maybe the time has come to embrace some house remodels.

Some Rundowns:

Notwithstanding, a few ventures might be more secure left to the experts. One model is introducing another water heater. It might appear to be a basic DIY Water Heater Installation project. However, whenever instructed erroneously, a water radiator can prompt various dangers or risks, including 

●      Gas spills

●      Start issues or even flames

●      Outrageous water pressure can harm the tank or cause a blast

●      Broken venting can permit poisonous burning gases to enter home

●      Water releases that can break individual things or the home's construction

●      Burning because of ill-advised temperature setting

●      Legionella microorganisms development

●      Set up that all, and there's little wiggle room while introducing another water radiator which is the reason we suggest having an authorized proficient do the work.

Advantages of Involving an Expert for your Water Radiator:

1. Grant and proper establishment - You can depend on an authorized handy person to get a license (where expected) as well as follow nearby construction laws and producer suggestions.

2. Review: If your district requires an investigation for another water heater, you have a superior possibility of passing it when the unit is expertly introduced. Whether an examination isn't needed could give you genuine serenity, realizing that a specialist took a gander at the framework.

3. Right settings: Plumbers know the intricate details of the gear they introduce. They can ensure every one of the settings is great and tell you the best way to make changes assuming that need is accurate.

4. Support: Once the water heater is introduced, ordinary upkeep should be performed to keep it working really and productively. An authorized handy person can keep the support anticipate plan.

5. Boost water radiator administration life: Regular support and accurately making little fixes can assist you with getting the longest life out of your water heater. The normal assistance scope of a water radiator is 12-15 years.

6. Guarantee: Having your water heater introduced and kept up with by an authorized handyman can assist you with remaining inside the particulars of your unit's guarantee.

Proficient Water Heater Establishment and Administration:

Since you realize that utilizing an expert handy person is the most secure and sharpest method for having another water radiator introduced in your home. If a warrant issue emerges with your framework, it will come helpful (and set aside your cash). It diminishes or dispenses with the problematic situations that we referenced before.

Conclusion:

Regarding the genuine articles, we must hand them to the experts. They have the right stuff and ability to give us astounding help and effortless home life. With this savvy move, you will not get just an establishment; however, you can acquire information about your water radiator by requesting guidance, tips, and data! It's a shared benefit for everyone!

Author Bio:- Karl Brown

Karl, a marketing manager at EZ Leak Detection, loves to write about plumbing and HVAC services to make the life of the reader easier. Leakages in your property can be dangerous but not all the leaks are easily accessible. He has given extensive information about water leaks and slab leaks and tips to detect them quickly along with quick solutions to prevent you from inconveniences and health hazards.

Leakage problems and malfunction of appliances demand comprehensive solutions. Also, regular maintenance is not the thing to be missed for leading a life with zero hassles. Read our recent post related to leakage detection and repair, alerts for HVAC shutdown and how to repair it, and installation of AC and water heater in San Diego.

How to Easily Have Your AC Repaired

Even if the outside temperature is pleasantly mild, your air-conditioning system can still be underperforming. If you're noticing that your home's cooled air isn't quite as comfortable as it used to be, you may want to have your AC repaired. There are a lot of ways that your AC could be malfunctioning without you even realizing it. Here are some signs that may indicate there's something wrong with your AC and how to repair it.

The Air Conditioner Keeps Turning On and Off

If your air conditioner is turning on and off frequently, it could be because there's a problem with the thermostat. Try adjusting the settings to see if that helps. If you have a digital thermostat, it may need to be reset or replaced to work properly again. One reason why an air conditioner might keep turning on and off is that it's not getting enough power. Or, you can see some of the common issues on this website. This could also be due to a tripped breaker or a dirty filter. To fix this, check the breaker box to make sure that the air conditioner's circuit hasn't been tripped. 

If it has, flip the switch back on. Also, check to make sure that nothing is blocking the vent that leads outside of your home. If you get a lot of leaves in it during the fall and winter, for example, they can block air from moving through it. Once you've done this, try using your air conditioner again. If this doesn't work, then there may be something wrong with your air conditioner itself, which means that it would be best to call a repair company to avoid causing further damage to the appliance. The last thing that you want is for your AC to break in the middle of summer when you need it most!

The Air Conditioner is Making Odd Noises

If you hear odd sounds coming from your air conditioner, it might be damaged or have something obstructing the way that it's working. If the blades are obstructed or bent, they can cause a rattling noise when they move. To fix this problem, check to see if leaves are resting on the blades and clear them away if so. 

You may also need to have your AC repaired if anything is blocking the ventilation in the unit. If you hear a grinding noise, it's usually because the AC is working too hard to keep your house cool. If this sounds like your air conditioner, then you'll need to have it repaired promptly. Some vents may be clogged with dirt and dust which can make the unit work harder than necessary to expel hot air. You can easily fix this by removing any obstructions or vacuuming these vents out thoroughly.

The Air Conditioner is Making a Loud Noise

If your air conditioner is making uncharacteristic loud noises, there could be something wrong with the compressor. This part of the unit generates pressure that sends cooled air into your home, so if it isn't working properly, you will notice that your AC isn't performing as well as usual. This means that you'll need to have this part repaired or replaced by a professional to avoid further damage to your AC.

The Air Conditioning Unit is Leaking Water

If you notice that water seems to be leaking out of your AC, then there could be an issue with the refrigerant lines. A professional will need to inspect them before more damage can be done to the appliance itself or surrounding areas in your home where water could damage the floor and wall. Also, you should check the drain on your AC unit for any blockages. If it's not working properly, then water can build up around the appliance and cause damage to the floor beneath it.

Your Electricity Bills are Skyrocketing

You may think that high electricity bills can only occur when it's summertime and you're running the air conditioner nonstop but this isn't always the case! If you notice that your electricity bills are abnormally high throughout the year, then there may be something wrong with your appliance. In some cases, it may be too old and inefficient at cooling your home which means that you'll have to replace it with a new AC unit if this is the case. On the other hand, your air conditioner might not be cooling your home enough which means that you'll need to have it repaired or replaced if this is the case.

If you keep experiencing these problems with your air conditioner, then it's probably time to get it looked at by a professional. Call in an experienced technician who can fix the issue and prevent further damage from occurring. When an appliance is damaged, it's often best to get help from someone who knows exactly what they're doing so that you can avoid causing further damage to your AC.