This is a great quick video from The Clutter Diet about how you can use Saferacks to organize your garage! Senior.com is a leading distributor of all saferack products. You can’t beat our pricing! Senior.com sells all sizes and accesories for self install, or purchase the racks professionally installed. What a great way to clean the clutter, add value to your home and claim your garage back! Now that’s home improvement worth celebrating! Saferacks Video on Organizing your Garage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=14&v=Cw4A2gy6N4w
Select your sizes and accessories and we will ship to your house for FREE!
SafeRacks is the premier overhead garage storage system. These high quality storage racks help to make your garage a more functional space for your vehicles and toys. SafeRacks is designed first and foremost for maximum strength and durability. Each product boasts a heavy duty design and is manufactured with industrial grade steel. The support structure of each rack is independently tested to hold up to 600 pounds. If you need garage storage solutions for your home, which allows you to optimize space and steer clear of clutter, check out Senior.com. We offer a wide variety of robust overhead garage storage devices, storage racks and garage shelves. At Senior.com, we will not only help you to make the most of your available space, but help you save time and money.SafeRacks
Safety & Fall Prevention
You might believe that caring for your lawn is really a easy job but there is a great deal to consider. It is a very important aspect of home maintenance. Lawn care consists of cutting the grass every week, weeding the front of the home and removing the random pieces of trash on the property. This is something that you could do yourself or you could hire someone to take care of it for you. Right Type Of Mower For Your Lawn
Most lawn care service companies pricing depends on a number of factors including plot size, intensity of work required and what area you live in. Usually you will find that most basic lawn maintenance for an average sized property will cost around $30 a week. If you can’t afford this then you will want to look at investing in some lawn care equipment and other garden products. Two of the very best types of garden products to help maintain a healthy lawn are a garden lawn mower and fertilizers. Right Type Of Mower For Your Lawn
An excellent fertilizer that helps to promote grass growth and kills weeds is the best type to get. These usually contain chemical herbicides as well as synthetic fertilizers which will help to do the job. If you use these types of fertilizer properly then you can have a lovely, green front lawn.
Nearly everybody has used mowers at some stage in their life and they’re a familiar sight during the summer time. A great lawn mower won’t just mow the grass, it can help to mulch the cuttings and leave your lawn in a healthy state. They range in price from a couple hundred US Dollars to a few thousand US Dollars, depending on type, make and model. Despite this you will find truly only two main types of lawn mower, the type that you are able to ride or the sort that you push. There are other, more substantial lawn mowers but these tend to be used within the farming industry instead of in everyday homes.
It is a great idea to look at the various advantages and disadvantages of the various types of lawnmowers to ensure that you can make the very best decision for your house. Among the initial steps in the decision process really should be, looking at whether an electric mower or a petrol mower is going to be the right mower for you.
If you have a big area of grass that you need to mow then you might want to look at getting a ride on mower, in the event you do not then it’s likely to be unnecessary, unless you have some sort of personal injury that prevents you from using a push lawn mower. For those who have a large area of lawn but your budget won’t quite stretch to buy a ride on lawnmower, then you might want to look at choosing a used one, as you can find plenty of bargains.
In the event you have a small budget then it could be much better to look at buying an electric lawnmower. Whilst they are cheaper to buy you will want to calculate how much it will cost you in power bills. In order to have a lawn mower that gives a good cut, then a petrol mower would be a better choice than an electric one but these can sometimes be more expensive.
Right Type Of Mower For Your Lawn
Former secretary of HUD Henry Cisneros’ mom lived in the house she and her husband bought in 1945 until last month, two weeks after her 90th birthday, when she was hospitalized, and the doctor said it wouldn’t be responsible to let her go home because her disorientation and forgetfulness would likely result in another incident. Cisneros reluctantly helped her moved to a memory care facility, and the visits are wrenching. “The truth is she doesn’t want to be there; she wants to go home. She ends up crying, and I want to go out to the car and cry,” Cisneros said in his keynote speech at a conference on housing and aging yesterday. Is Aging In Place A Pipe Dream?
Housing is the linchpin of our well-being, according to the AARP Foundation and the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies which held the conference in conjunction with the release of a new report, Housing America’s Older Adults—Meeting the Needs of An Aging Population. The experts explored the mismatch between the nation’s housing stock and Americans’ desire to age in place at home. And they issued a warning: as the baby boomers age and the number of Americans over age 85 swells (triples!) to 20 million by 2030, “our country must face the basic fact that we are aging and we are not ready,” Cisneros said.
Cisneros’ mom, Elvira, intended to live out her days in her 1920s bungalow in the West Side neighborhood of San Antonio, Texas where Cisneros was mayor before he headed the U.S Housing and Development Agency under President Clinton (he now heads housing developer CityView). Cisneros even held her up as a model of aging in place in his 2010 book “Independent for Life: Homes and Neighborhoods for an Aging America.”
The reality is that for some people, you can age in place—but only up to a point. Most Americans live in isolated detached, single family homes in suburban or rural neighborhoods without access to transportation services. “The existing housing stock is unprepared to meet the escalating need for affordability, accessibility, social connectivity and supportive services,” the report concludes. The conference speakers offered a range of solutions. The audience favorite: Age-Friendly NYC’s program that enlists doormen (through the building services union) to refer tenants to city agencies and social services if they show signs of elder abuse or cognitive decline.
Here are some ideas for the rest of us. Is Aging In Place A Pipe Dream?
Pay off your mortgage. More than 70% of homeowners aged 50 to 64 are still paying off their mortgages in 2010, with an average loan-to-value ratio of 56%. And 40% of homeowners aged 65 and over are paying off their mortgages, with an average loan-to-value ratio of 45%.
Trying to get to a situation where you’re not facing mortgage payments in retirement is key, says 53-year-old Chris Hebert, acting managing director of the Joint Center. Herbert said he’s aiming to pay down his home loan in the next 10 years. If your house is paid off, you can better handle property insurance, taxes, and day to day expenses, and have a cushion to pay for health care and caregiving services.
Renovate with universal design. “Where older people live now is likely where they’ll be living,” Herbert says, noting that people are making decisions about housing they’re going to occupy later in life in their 50s and early 60s. He tried to get his 63-year-old brother-in-law who was embarking on a major home renovation project to think ahead, but he didn’t do anything to make his house accessible. Nobody in the process—the architect or builder—egged him on to do so. One thing that allowed Cisneros’ mom to stay in her house as long as she did was ramps and an accessible bathroom that were originally installed for her late husband.
The five key features for an accessible home are: a no-step entry, single floor living, wide doorways, accessible electric switches and outlets, lever-style door handles and faucets. Only 21% of houses have at least three of these features.
Talk about who will help mom. Between 2015 and 2035, the number of people over the age of 75 living alone will nearly double from 6.9 million to 13.4 million, the majority of whom will be women. And the majority of those women will have caregiving needs. About one in four older adults has a cognitive, hearing, mobility or vision difficulty. By age 85, however, more than two in three adults face at least one of these difficulties.
The family care ratio is going in the wrong direction, notes Herbert, who says he pools resources with four siblings to care for his mom, but he and his wife have only two kids to eventually call on for caregiving support. And then there are the childless who will rely on friends and extended family to help them through old age. Of the youngest baby boomers, aged 50 to 59, 16% do not have children who might take care for them in older age, the Joint Center found.
“The Joint Center is often referred to as the Joint Center for gloom and doom,” Herbert jokes. But the message he hopes people will take away is that individuals and their families need to recognize these issues and take steps now to prepare.
By Ashlea Ebeling,
FORBES STAFF
Is Aging In Place A Pipe Dream?
Due to their small size and heavy usage, bathrooms can become a messy, cluttered area for many families. They are also are important spaces to keep clear for safety reasons. For seniors, most falls occur that occur in a home, happen in a bathroom. Clear the Bathroom Clutter Fo
For those with smaller bathrooms, storage solutions can be even harder to find. Here are some organization tips to make your bathroom a clean and functional space for every member of the family: Clear the Bathroom Clutter
- Assess the mess: Go through all the cabinets and drawers to clear out unused makeup, health care products and medications. Make sure the items you keep are only those used on a regular basis. Items used sparingly should be placed in an alternate location.
- Go vertical: Medicine cabinets can quickly get stuffed when combs, toothpaste and other toiletries are stored horizontally. Use organizer cups with suction adhesives to contain items vertically and save on space.
- Hang up in style: Old coat racks and ladders make perfect solutions for larger families to hang multiple towels. Snag an old one from a thrift store and paint it a bright hue, like red or turquoise, for a stylish bathroom accent piece.
- Avoid spills and squirts: Hair products, such as gels, mousses or hairsprays, can create sticky, tough-to-clean messes if thrown into a drawer or cabinet. Avoid such mishaps by placing these types of items in a plastic tub instead of directly in the drawer.
- Divide and conquer: Bathroom drawers can become unruly if not organized. To keep items separate and tidy, insert a divider, such as those used for kitchen utensils. These often come in fun materials, such as bamboo or stainless steel, to add a fresh look.
- Assign cabinets: Try to use a large enough cabinet so each member of the family has a drawer. This will limit the amount of items high maintenance members can bring into the small area. Plus, it makes it easier for everyone to find their stuff.
With these easy tips, you’ll be able to transform your bathroom into a clean, organized environment, regardless of its size.
Whether you’re remodeling your home for resale or to improve it for your own enjoyment, safety during the process is a key concern. But one thing that often gets overlooked is the safety of the home’s electrical system. Wired For Safety
Each year, electrical fires claim approximately 485 lives and cause $868 million in property damage. If you’re planning on doing any home improvement, take some time to make sure your home is wired for safety.
Many remodeling projects impact the home’s electrical system: tearing down a wall, putting one up, adding lighting fixtures, moving wall receptacles or replacing the wiring. Before you get started, make sure you have a clear idea of what your electrical needs will be and how you can meet them.
Homeowners should obtain the appropriate permits and have the work inspected as called for in local code requirements. Check with your local government to find out what the requirements are in your area. An important note: some jobs are best done by a qualified electrician – it’s better to consult one early in the planning stages than to try and take on a dangerous job by yourself. Wired For Safety
Electrical Plan Wired For Safety
Lighting. Adding or changing the lighting plan for a room requires electrical work.
- What kind of lighting will you use? Ceiling fixtures, wall-mounted fixtures and recessed lights all need interior wiring; table or floor lamps need outlets.
- Will you be changing to a dimmer switch or adding additional switches?
- Is there proper support for the new fixtures?
Electronics. Think through the electronic devices that will be used in the room and make sure you have the proper electrical service for those needs and protection for the devices, such as surge protectors.
- Computers and peripheral equipment
- Televisions, DVD or Blu-ray players, gaming systems
- Power tools
Appliances and other equipment. Adding a bathroom or wet bar adds to your electrical needs.
- Ventilation fan
- Refrigerators
- Exercise equipment
- Heating and cooling elements
The electrical needs associated with a bigger remodeling project may require the installation of additional circuits to the home’s existing load center. This is a job best done by a qualified electrician.
Do a Box Check Wired For Safety
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) recommends checking your fuse box or circuit breaker regularly – the start of a remodel project is an excellent time to look for the following:
- Is your fuse box or circuit breaker box appropriately labeled? Labeling helps to easily identify what circuits power each room in your home.
- Are you regularly resetting tripped circuit breakers? Circuit breakers that are constantly tripping indicate that the circuit is overloaded or that other electrical hazards exist. Consult a qualified, licensed electrician.
- Is your home protected by Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)? AFCIs are devices that replace standard circuit breakers in the electrical service panel and that greatly reduce the risk of home electrical fires.
Arc Faults and AFCIs
Arc faults occur from damaged wiring, overheated or stressed electrical cords, worn electrical insulation, wires and/or cords in contact with vibrating metal, damaged electrical appliances and other conditions.
This potentially dangerous situation creates high-intensity heat – which may exceed 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit – resulting in burning particles that can easily ignite surrounding material, such as wood framing or insulation.
AFCIs are special circuit breakers that detect electrical arcing. They are designed to recognize when arc faults occur and automatically shut the circuit down before it becomes a fire hazard. AFCI technology is already required in all new home construction, according to the National Electrical Code. However, AFCIs can also be retrofitted to older homes, where older wiring and outdated electrical work may increase the threat of an electrical fire.
If you are interested in having AFCI protection added to your home, consult a qualified, licensed electrician. AFCIs can be found at electrical distributors, hardware stores and home centers across the country for approximately $30 to $35 each, not including the cost of installation, which is essentially the same as a standard circuit breaker.
When it comes to remodeling, put the safety of your family and home first. Investigating and preventing potential electrical hazards lets you enjoy your improved home with peace of mind.
For more on AFCIs, visit AFCIsafety.org.
Make Sure You’re Protected
In addition to installing smoke detectors, CO2 and radon detectors, help protect your home and family from fire and shock hazards with these devices.
- Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Healthy Homes report lists lack of AFCIs among the primary residential hazards associated with burns and fire-related injuries.
- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) – GFCIs are special outlets that have saved thousands of people from electrocution over the last three decades. If GFCIs were installed in older homes, experts suggest that 70 percent of the approximately 400 electrocutions that occur each year in the home could be prevented.
- Tamper-Resistant Outlets (TROs) – TROs protect small children from inserting foreign objects into them. These specialized outlets have been so effective in preventing injuries to children that the 2008 National Electrical Code requires that tamper-resistant outlets be installed in all new homes constructed.
- Surge Protection – Surge protection at the loadcenter and at the point of use protect your electronic investments. Protection on the power, cable and telephone will ensure your electronics are protected from surge voltages that can damage, if not destroy, this equipment.
These devices serve as silent guardians, looking for suspicious activities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Having them installed is one more way to protect your home.
When to Get Inspected
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) recommends that homeowners have their homes inspected by a qualified licensed electrician if:
- The home is 40 or more years old.
- The home is 10 or more years old that has had major renovation, an addition or major new appliance.
- You are the new owner of a previously owned home.
Are you looking to increase energy savings and help the environment? The latest energy advancement in technology is the LED light bulb. If you haven’t switched the bulbs in your home or work, consider why LEDs are the best choice for energy savings. Energy Saving Led Light Bulbs
Positive Aspects of LED Light Bulbs
LED light bulbs have been developed to take the place of incandescent light bulbs or halogen light bulbs because they save energy, their efficiency is nearly double that of normal halogen bulbs and they do not have any harmful substance such as mercury. Moreover, these bulbs are environment-friendly because they can be recycled and they do not produce any heat. The durability and life expectancy of LED bulbs is in the region of 50,000 hours, which is much higher than that of the earlier bulbs. As such, once you have installed these LED light bulbs, you can forget about any cost of replacing them in the near future.
Energy-Saving Feature Energy Saving Led Light Bulbs
The earlier incandescent or halogen light bulbs used to dissipate a large amount of energy by producing heat. This meant that the electricity bill was unnecessarily high. LED light bulbs have been created after a lot of research to eliminate the energy wasted due to heating, This has resulted in the creation of the latest innovative LED bulbs that do not produce any heat and consequently use much less energy to light up a room. Energy Saving Led Light Bulbs
Whereas the halogen bulbs were using 85% of the electrical energy to produce heat and only the 15% balance was being used to produce light, the LED light bulbs utilize 90% of the electrical energy to produce light. Halogen bulbs were fitted with filaments through which electricity was passed in order to produce light but these filaments heat up and consume nearly 90% of the electricity for heating. In the case of LED bulbs, which use light emitting diodes for producing light, almost the entire electrical energy is converted into light energy without wasting any energy for heating. By using LED bulbs you can save 80% of your previous electricity bill. By using the LED bulbs you can make sure that you are contributing towards lessening global warming because no heating from the bulb is being dissipated into the atmosphere.
Cost Aspect Energy-Saving Led Light Bulbs
Although LED bulbs are more expensive than the halogen bulbs, it is almost a one-time expense because these bulbs have a long life, which means they do not need to be changed for a long time. The extra initial cost will easily pay for itself over the years. Moreover, since these bulbs use so little energy, they are environment friendly and do not add to pollution. The LED light bulbs have standard bulb fitting features making them convenient to install and replace anywhere. Energy Saving Led Light Bulbs
GU10 LED Bulbs
GU10 LED bulbs are the most common replacement LED bulbs. Though they are similar to the normal LED bulbs, they have many similar LED lights placed in one fitting. GU10 LED bulbs have a specific type of fastening and in most commonwealth countries such as the UK, New Zealand and Australia; the standard fastening is the bayonet mount. These types of LED light bulbs are mostly used in offices, shops, commercial spaces and in showrooms. They are high in style and efficiency. Energy Saving Led Light Bulbs
The weather conditions in the US are unpredictable. The summers are humid, hot and uncomfortable whereas the temperature considerably drops in winters. In order to beat different weather conditions one must have properly maintained Air Conditioning and Heating systems. Most importantly, picking the right HVAC contractor will offer your peace of mind and that your unit is getting best care and is frequently serviced in case of an emergency. Here are some tips that will help you choose the right HVAC Company. How to choose the right HVAC Company?
Learning about their product line
Choose an experienced company
An experienced HVAC company will provide you the kind of expertise and professionalism required to maintain right temperature in different seasons. It is essential to know how long a company has been working in the same field and what measures do they take to fulfill your needs. You must also know how much time the company will take to complete your job. Reading the testimonials of the previous clients would brief you about the experience of the company and the satisfaction level they provide.
Ask about their customer service
It is essential for a company you choose to have a customer service support. Customer service will help not only in pre-sales of HVAC products and services but also you get post sales assistance. The heating maintenance systems installed by the professionals need occasional service. Building a relationship with company that provides 24by7 customer service will assist in the time of crises. Some major HVAC providers may impress you with their image and identity but often lack in customer service and intimacy to help you use their products efficiently. So it is important to check the local expertise and customer service of the company you choose.
By following these above mentioned tips you would hopefully be able to find the right Heat maintenance Nashua Company that will offer you brilliant services for years.
How to choose the right HVAC Company?
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One of the best home improvements you can do yourself is improve your energy savings. Here are 5 things you can do to successfully reduce your home energy consumption and save money: DIY Energy Saving Tips
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Seal the leaks around windows and exterior doors.
This is easy to do, and will help your home keep the heat in. Caulk, spray foam or use weather stripping and it will have an impact on improving your comfort and reducing utility bills. If you don’t want to fuss with this then hire a handyman, or a reputable window, insulation or painting company. Many of them provide this service.
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Fix your insulation situation.
Insulation is typically the #1 way to save energy in your home. According to the Department of Energy (www.ornl.gov) heating and cooling account for 50 to 70% of the energy used in the average American home. Inadequate insulation and air leakage are leading causes of energy waste in most homes. And according to EnergyStar, you could save up to 10% of your total annual energy bill just by sealing and insulating.
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Clean and seal heating ducts.
Almost 20% of the air that moves through your duct system is lost due to leaks and poorly sealed connections. Over time, ducts can sag or collapse. Vermin and other animals can chew holes in crawl space ductwork. Ducts can also come apart at the seams. When this happens, any air that should be going to the rooms in your home is instead being wasted by ending up in your attic, your walls, or under your house. If duct tape was used on your ductwork originally, it’s best to have it replaced with aluminum or foil tape. Traditional duct tape deteriorates quickly. Metal seams should be cleaned and then sealed with duct mastic, which doesn’t crack. It creates a permanent seal.
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Let your equipment breathe.
Your heating and cooling systems depend on a flow of air to maximize their efficiency. Homeowners can take easy steps to help change the furnace filter, and check for leaves/debris around an outside heat pump or air conditioner. A clogged air intake outside or dirty indoor furnace filter limits air flow to the equipment and causes it to function inefficiently. It can eventually lead to costly breakdowns and repairs. This is similar to changing the air filter in your car. Electronic filters typically need cleaning at least twice per year and paper filters need replacing. Check your product warranty for your manufacturers specific instructions.
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Open those registers.
Many people close floor registers to push heat into certain parts of their house. Since about the late 60’s the products installed in homes have been forced air furnaces. These are designed for a specific amount of air to flow thru the furnace while operating. The ductwork is designed for this amount of air also. When air registers are closed it reduces the airflow and allows heat to buildup in the system. That heat has to go somewhere, and that somewhere is up the flue and out of your house. Closing 1 or 2 registers is fine in rooms that get too hot. Keep as many registers open as possible so your furnace can operate at maximum efficiency. This is the same for heat pumps and central air conditioning. Airflow is key to efficient heating and saving money.
Not sure where to start to make your home energy efficient? Consider a home energy audit. A certified audit uses the latest technology to analyze your house, measuring heat loss, combustion and air leakage. An audit will show you how your home uses and wastes energy. This will help you prioritize what you can do to get the most energy savings.
Your home is your paradise and if you are planning to renovate your home, go for the changes that are not only eye catchy but also comfortable for you and your family. Remodeling of the home is associated with revolutions and amendments adjusted in every nook and cranny of the home. If you are going to change the flooring of your home there are some tips for flooring of different parts of you house. Home Flooring Ideas
Bedroom flooring: Home Flooring Ideas
There are plenty options when it comes to flooring in your bedroom. Being the most private and personalized part of your home, your bedroom is the place which grabs a big part of your budget whenever you are remodeling your home. You can use carpet, tile, hardwood, bamboo, cork or laminate. Play with different materials in different rooms. You can opt for striped light and dark shades in your boy’s room so that if your son is going to create mess, which is unavoidable, the flooring can withstand the burden. Also the flooring can bear heavy traffic of the folks coming in the bedroom. For more powerful scratch and water resistant flooring you can choose laminate.
Living room flooring:
It is the most used part that withholds most of the traffic coming in and out of the house. It is highly recommended that the flooring should be strong enough that it can endure all such amendments done with your furniture or to the increasing and decreasing ratio of visitors. For this purpose you can opt for hardwood flooring. Being classy and sophisticated in look it is the perfect choice for your living room whenever you are remodeling your home.
Kitchen flooring:
Design the floor of your kitchen in such a way that it not only looks pretty but also gives a practical impression. You can choose from vinyl, tile, natural stone, wood, cork or laminate. A floor covering that is water resistant and durable such as tile is a best choice to protect against potential water damage.
Make sure when you choose your floor to order a little extra of the product in the event that you drop something like a pot on your floor. If the flooring material is damaged, you will be sure to have enough to repair the floor because often floor manufacturers have high turnover of their products to insure a continual buying cycle. Most flooring contractors add 5-10% additional square footage of the flooring product to their purchase order to insure they have enough for the project and to provide the client with a little extra flooring for future use.
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