Category: House and Home

Ever walk into your attic only to feel the suffocating rush of hot air, then quickly turn back around, shut the door and abandon your reason for going in there?

If so, you’re familiar with the fact that it’s one of the top spaces in your home known to trap a ton of heat and moisture.

The reason? Attics are often poorly ventilated. When the sun beats down on the roof, that solar radiation becomes stuck, quickly heating up the air — and leaving it that way.

That’s where solar attic fans come in.

Designed to fit into your roof, these handy devices convert sunlight into power then use that energy to properly ventilate and cool your attic space and improve the overall air quality in your home.

Today we’re taking a look at five reasons you can’t afford to live without them!

Ready to get started? Let’s go!

1. Solar Attic Fans Give Your Roof a Boost

Once your fan is installed into your roof, it will begin its work of capturing solar power and restoring proper airflow both around and within your home.

One of the benefits of this process is that it prevents warm, moist air from building up on your roof. Traditionally, this humidity is known to cause mold and mildew to grow on your roof’s surface, especially under your shingles. Naturally, the problem is exacerbated in the hot summer months.

In this sense, solar attic fans play an important role in extending the life of your roof, helping you avoid the negative effects that heat damage can cause.

2. Reduced Moisture Leads to a Cleaner Home

Chances are, you’ve got more than a few things stashed in your attic that hold sentimental — if not monetary — value. Yet, without a fan designed specifically for that space, you run the risk of losing some of your most cherished items to rust or rot as a result of excess moisture.

When an attic isn’t equipped with a solid ventilation system, your mementos — and the insulation surrounding them — aren’t the only things that could be compromised.

In fact, a moist home is more susceptible to the growth of fungus and mold, which could lead to significant respiratory problems. By attacking one of the main moisture sources, these fans help circulate clean, healthy air throughout your home.

3. Energy-Efficient Solutions Save You Money

Did you know that if you install a solar-electric property, such as a solar attic fan, into your home, you may be able to claim a tax credit that covers 30% of the associated expenses?

In this sense, not only will going green save you money in the long run by making your home more energy-efficient, you could offset much of your initial installation and purchase expenses by cashing in on this tax break.

4. Your HVAC System Can Take a Load Off

By keeping your home naturally cool all year long, solar attic fans reduce the load on your HVAC units.

Not only does this save money on your subsequent power bills, but you’ll also keep your heating and cooling systems from working overtime, allowing them to remain as efficient and long-lasting as possible.

5. Improved Circulation Prevents Ice Damming

So far, a majority of our discussion on the benefits of solar attic fans has centered on how the systems are truly a lifesaver in the sticky summer. Yet, it’s important to note that these fans are equally beneficial in colder months as well.

One key way? By facilitating more direct and effective air movement, they prevent melted ice from damming.

Ice damming occurs when melted precipitation refreezes onto the edge of your roof, preventing excess water from properly draining. As a result, the backed-up water can leak into your home.

The fans help keep moisture and precipitation at bay, ensuring against this type of damage.

Want More Economical Home Solutions? Start Here!

Are you interested in learning more about how little household changes can add up to a big impact? If so, you’ve come to the right place!

We offer valuable tips and tricks to help you save money and live frugally, all while doing so in style.

Got a question, or want to learn more about any topic? Feel free to contact us and start saving today!

Fur is fun. But when most people think about fur clothing their minds immediately go to fur coats.

Don’t fall into that trap! Why be typical when there are so many other great clothing options when it comes to fur!

Plus, just like last minute travel deals, or finding beauty product savings, being a little flexible in your approach to fur can save you a lot.

Even fashion models and former PETA activists like Naomi Campbell can’t help but applaud for the beautiful possibilities of fur clothing.

If you are looking to revamp your wardrobe or stay up to date with the latest fashion fur is the way to go. But get beyond the coat.

Here are some great fur possibilities to dress like you belong on the catwalk:

Best Dressed In The Vest

A great way to start to dabble in fur is with fur trim. One of the best fashions that is swinging back into style are winter vests for men and women with fur trim.

You can also go for a full fur vest like the ones at Furclearinghouse.com. There is a great variety of styles with vests that can accompany any event.

We love the long length vests with belted waists. You also can’t go wrong with a zippered look of plush multi-colored rabbit fur.

Get The Boot

Sometimes the worst part of winter wear is hiding all that hard work we do all summer. Whether you are running your butt off in the summertime or sweating off the pound in hot yoga, not everyone loves the bulk of winter clothes.

For those of us who want to wear great fur without hiding behind it, boot covers are the way to go.

The festive, puffy look of the boots seems to make legs longer and leaner too. You get the best of both worlds with this fur item– fashion and fun.

What’s That? We Love Fur Earmuffs

Fur is great because of the beautiful soft textures it creates. It’s almost impossible to resist petting fur or wanting to touch it.

And for those of us who spend long hours in the beauty salon getting our hair just right, there’s nothing worse than crushing it down with an ugly hat at times.

Fur earmuffs are so great because they offer a beautiful accent to hairstyles and can be an elegant highlight to our winter attire.

Plus, if you haven’t tried a pair of earmuffs yet, get ready! There’s nothing like fur for keeping your ears and head warm on those cold winter nights.

Fur Clothing For Everyone

Looking for something more daring and iconic? What about something to wear without snow falling in the background?

It may make no sense, but Raquel Welch’s fur bikini is still considered one of The Top 10 Bikinis in Pop Culture— and that’s more than 50 years after she wore it on the big screen! The two-piece helped crown Welch “the most desired woman of the 70s.”

But for those of us who prefer our bikinis a little more traditional, there’s no shortage of options for fun with fur. From coats to accessories, vests, and hats– fur has something for everyone.

Don’t forget to take a look at our latest deals. And let us know in the comments below what your favorite fur fashion is.

Fragrant, beautiful roses are a fantastic addition to any home. But roses don’t always come cheap. You can potentially take a big hit to your budget if you want to fill your home with roses all the time.

But it’s not too difficult to purchase your roses for cheap, as long as you know a few secrets.

Here are 5 tips for buying beautiful roses on a budget:

Buy Beautiful Roses Wholesale

Search the internet for online wholesalers or wholesale retailers in your area. There is a good chance that you will be able to find high-quality roses at a low price from these providers.

Purchasing roses from a wholesale retailer enables you to cut out the middle-man. You won’t have to cover certain inventory costs that are often passed on to the consumer.

Look for Discounts

Many florists and big-box stores will have occasional discounts on roses. For example, you may get a price cut if you buy the roses in bulk.

This is a good option if you are looking to purchase a lot of roses, as you will save money in the long run.

Try Local

If you are having a hard time finding cheap roses at a traditional retailer, try your local farmer’s market!

Farmer’s markets often feature local businesses that produce high-quality flowers. These flowers will likely be less expensive and fresher than at other stores.

Wait For Off-Peak Times

You obviously will not be able to find the cheapest roses on Valentine’s Day. Retailers often raise the prices of roses and other flowers around holidays, especially Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Christmas.

Don’t fall victim to their money-making schemes. Sometimes, it may save you a lot of money to just purchase your roses a few days before a major holiday.

They will be much cheaper because there is less demand. However, you don’t want to buy them too far ahead of time, or they might wilt before you get a chance to give them to your loved one.

Consider Single Stems

If you’re at a loss and you cannot find a bouquet of beautiful roses within your budget, consider buying a single stem rose!

At first, you may think that single roses are not as impressive as a bouquet, but they can be very romantic gestures.

Be creative. Put your rose in a gorgeous narrow vase and impress your loved one with its simple elegance.

The rose is a delicate, graceful flower that is full of meaning. But just because they are beautiful, doesn’t mean that you have to break the bank to have them in your home.

For more tips on how to save money for you are your family, check out our frugal living section!

 

Summertime is here! And you know what that means – plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Whether you’ve been looking forward to a camping trip all year or you’re planning a last-minute vacation, it’s essential to have the right gear.

You probably already have items like backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags on your list of outdoor gear. But what about flashlights?

Flashlights are an often overlooked but essential item for any outdoor adventure. How do you know which type of flashlight you need?

Here’s a list of the best flashlights for your upcoming excursion.

Handheld Flashlights

For a camping trip or day hike, a standard handheld flashlight should be sufficient.

Here are a few of the best flashlights:

• 511 Tactical Light For Life. Used by ETMs and police officers, this flashlight charges in just 90 seconds and lasts up to four hours.
• Lumens Pelican 3310PL LED Flashlight. Perfect for overnight trips, this flashlight features a glow-in-the-dark shell and a run time of up to 190 hours.
• PeakPlus Flashlight Kit. This versatile flashlight can zoom in or light an area up to 100 yards. It also has an SOS mode in case you run into trouble.
• LE Adjustable Focus Mini LED Flashlight Torch. This lightweight but dependable flashlight is small enough to fit in your pocket.
• Fenix E Series. Bright, compact, and economical, these flashlights are some of the most popular LED devices on the market. Use this link for more information on Fenix flashlights.

Headlamps For Camping and Night Hiking

For hands-free illumination, a headlamp may be the most practical choice.

Some of the best headlamps on the market include:

• Fenix HL10 Series. Easy to use and incredibly bright, these headlamps are perfect for any nighttime activity. They’re waterproof for up to 30 minutes underwater.
• Shining Buddy LED Headlamp. With four settings and a lamp that swivels down 45 degrees, these headlamps comfortably fit any head or hat.
• Luxolite LED Headlamp Flashlight. This headlamp features two buttons – one for a white light and one for a red light. It also has a long battery life of 30 hours.

Camping Lights and Lanterns

For anything you need to do around the campsite after the sun sets, a lantern is a practical choice.

Here are a few of the best camping lanterns:

• Etekcity 2 Pack Portable Outdoor Camping Lanterns. These lanterns feature 30 low-powered LED bulbs to illuminate your campsite or the path to the restroom. Because they’re water resistant and battery operated, they can be safely used inside a tent, a camper, or outside.
• SUBOOS Gen 2 ULTIMATE Rechargeable Camping Tent Lantern. Perfect for backpacking, this small, lightweight lantern features three light settings and a hanging clip.
• Suaoki LED Camping Lantern. For those who love to go green, this compact lantern features a solar panel for daytime charging.

Final Thoughts on the Best Flashlights

With so many flashlights on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your needs. Now that you know the best flashlights, you’re ready for your outdoor adventure!

Need ideas for your upcoming trip or other family-friendly activities? Be sure to check out my family life section for fresh inspiration.

A wood burning stove supplements a home’s heating system during those chilly winter months. Proper maintenance is crucial to a top-performing, long lasting stove.

Without it, the stove will not function as intended. A poorly functioning wood stove can lead to smoke damage or cause a fire.

Below are 5 tips for maintaining wood burning stoves.

1. Sweep the Chimney

A blocked chimney creates a risk for carbon monoxide poison or fire so a qualified chimney sweep should be called in once a year. The best time to sweep the chimney is before the weather starts getting colder. In very cold climates, where the stove gets heavy use, more frequent cleanings are recommended.

Be sure your chimney sweep is approved. In the US, the Chimney Safety Institute of America certifies chimney sweeps. The National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS) is a UK certification body.

2. Arrange an Annual Stove Inspection

When calling in a chimney sweep for annual cleaning, it’s also a great idea to have a complete stove inspection done. The chimney sweep will check for cracks, warps and leaks. In addition, they’ll check for corrosion in the stove pipe.

Any issues found should be fixed immediately to make certain the stove and chimney are in perfect working order.

3. Keep the Glass Clean

Nothing makes a wood stove look better than clean glass, inside and out. This is especially important for a double side wood burner. Leaving the glass uncleaned makes tar deposits thicker and harder to remove.

Luckily, there’s something inside the stove that helps with cleaning the glass.

Ash.

A word of warning – never, ever clean a hot wood stove. Let it cool completely before cleaning. Put a moist rag or newspaper into the white ash inside the cool stove.

Rub the damp ash on the glass insert of the stove. This works because of the calcium carbonate in the ash. Calcium carbonate is a liming agent with a high pH. This, along with its abrasiveness, cleans the glass easily.

Wipe the glass clean with the same moist towel then grab a clean, soft towel and polish.

4. Keep the Air Intake Vents Clear

A great way to make sure the stove operates efficiently is to keep the air intake vents clear of excess ashes. This lowers the amount of oxygen needed for an efficient fire. Note the amount of smoke coming from the chimney. Less smoke means a cleaner burn.

5. Burn the Right Type of Wood

While some wood burning stoves use coal or wood, the vast majority are wood only. Not just any type of wood can be used either.

Avoid burning trash, driftwood, treated wood, plywood, MDF, chipboard or artificial logs. Also, avoid unseasoned wood because of the high amount of water it contains. Burning unseasoned wood can create problems with smoke, odor, and creosote build-up.

Seasoned wood that’s been drying outside for several months is recommended for wood stoves. Seasoned wood is identified by its darker color, cracked ends and hollow sound. Softwoods like spruce and pine are good but hardwoods like maple and oak burn longer and smoke less.

Time to Fire up Your Wood Burning Stove

When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing better than coming inside to a toasty warm home heated by a wood stove.

These maintenance tips, along with advances in wood stove technology, will keep your wood burning stove in perfect working order. This means more time spent enjoying the warmth and less time fixing problems.

Stoke the fire, grab a drink and curl up in your favorite easy chair.