Home & Garden

El Cajon experiences average daily temperatures of around 29°C. Hence air conditioners have become a vital part of every household in the city. The functional value it provides makes it must-have equipment in your daily life.

It helps you control and maintain the room temperature and also filters and purifies the air inside. Your unit needs to be replaced when it becomes irreparable. A trusted El Cajon air conditioning company can handle your AC replacement needs efficiently.

The Unit’s Life

Air conditioners typically come with a lifetime of up to 15 years. Some modern air conditioners even promise a maximum useful life of two decades. Timely repairs and regular maintenance can keep your AC healthy.

The durability may also vary depending on how often you use your air conditioner. If you skip yearly repairs or use it excessively, your AC may sustain damages and break down sooner. Even advanced ACs that offer higher performance need repairs. It is recommended you replace the AC once the promised lifespan is over.

An Unusual Spike in Electrical Bills

A dysfunctional air conditioner can lead to a rise in utility bills. Look out for utility bill spikes that don’t match your usage. This could be because your air conditioner is malfunctioning.

If the problem persists even after a repair, you should consider replacing it with the help of an El Cajon air conditioning company.

Government Regulations

Freon was phased out by the U.S. federal government a few years ago. If you own an air conditioner that uses a refrigerant called R-22 Freon, it is recommended you replace it.

Experts found out that R-22 has adverse effects on the environment. Hence the EPA phased out the production of Freon.

Expensive Repairs

If you are incurring expensive air conditioner repair bills, it may be a good idea to replace the whole unit instead. Every AC, no matter how advanced, has a lifespan. Once it exceeds that lifespan, the likelihood and frequency of issues popping up rises. A replacement may be the cost-efficient decision in this case.

Frequent Breakdowns

If your AC breaks down frequently, you should consider replacing the unit. It could stem from extensive usage or inadequate repairs. Replacing the air conditioner is economical and more convenient.

Moving to a Different Building

There are over 32,000 households in El Cajon. When you switch places or localities, it may not always be viable to carry your air conditioner to the new place.

It is important to understand the requirements like size, power usage. Make sure to consider all of these while trying to decide if you should relocate your existing AC or just get a new one instead.

Unusual Sounds Coming From the Unit

If you hear unusual sounds coming from your air conditioner, you may need to initiate a repair. But usually, this problem stems from the wear and tear of the motor or belt inside the unit. In such cases, it is better to replace the unit or part rather than try to repair it.

Every residential and commercial building requires a fully operating plumbing unit because of the health benefits and comfort associated with it. The structural integrity of the building will be maintained if the plumbing system is in good working condition. A leaky system, on the other hand, causes the building to deteriorate due to the accumulation of water in the wrong places.

If your unit is leaking, you will most likely not relax until it is repaired. In this case, you’ll need to get a good plumber to assist you in resolving the issue. Attempting to solve the situation yourself, regardless of its lack of severity, is a decision you should avoid.

Hiring a professional is always the best decision to make. However, some people may find it difficult to find an experienced plumber to fix their plumbing issues. If you live in or around Southwest Florida, you can easily find reputable professionals to hire with a little search. You can also visit: https://www.armstrongbrosplumbing.com/sarasota-fl/ for more information.

This post will discuss some common plumbing issues and other relevant tips to guide you.

Common Problems Associated with Plumbing Units

Here are some problems that you may experience with your unit:

Faucets That Are Leaking

The sound of a leaky tap can be bothersome, and it has a way of becoming stuck in your head for a long time. Aside from the obnoxious noise, it can significantly raise your water bill. This is because a drip per second equates to 2600 gallons per year, which can make a significant difference in your bill.

So, what exactly are you supposed to do? Make a call to a plumber and have them conduct a thorough examination of your unit. They will certainly figure out the source of the problem and fix it.

Worn Out O-ring

A faulty O-ring is easier and less expensive to replace. The O-ring is a little rubber ring that passes through the stem screw and helps to keep the handle secure. Over time, the ring deteriorates, especially as it is dragged and stretched. You’ll notice a leak after a while, which normally occurs near the base of the handle of your tap.

Leaking Pipe

This is one of the most prevalent plumbing problems, particularly in older structures. If a leaky pipe is not repaired promptly, it can lead to further damage to the building, which is a situation you do not want to be in.

Valve Seat Fault

Between the faucet and spout rests, the valve seat acts as a holder. A leak will very likely develop at the spout if the connection wears out. Mineral spouts are also a common culprit since they damage the valve seat.

Toilet Issues

Toilet leaks almost never go unnoticed. You will find that a toilet that has a leaking tank can waste many gallons each day, thus it should be repaired as soon as you notice it. The main cause of tank leakages is usually the rubber flapper because it fails to seal correctly, especially when it loses form.

Water Pressure Is Low

Low water pressure could be the cause of your tap hardly releasing water. If this is the situation, it’s best to call a plumber to have a look at it. A buildup of dirt or other objects in the pipe or a problem with the central water unit are the most common causes of low water pressure.

Factors to Consider When Searching for a Plumber

The following are some important considerations:

Experience

The plumber’s experience is a critical thing to consider when hiring one. You don’t want a newbie to mess up the entire system, so taking the time to find someone with a lot of experience will be a good idea.

License

It’s risky to work with an unlicensed plumber. A plumber’s license certifies his or her ability to install and repair plumbing systems. While this is not always a guarantee of the professional’s ability to deliver, it does go a long way toward establishing their credibility.

Insurance

If the plumber has an active insurance policy, you will be covered if your facility is damaged during the repair. Working with no insurance, on the other hand, means that both parties will figure out how to fix problems that happen during the project or after it is completed.

If you feel compelled to complete the project on your own and require a DIY tutorial, you can watch videos explaining simple plumbing tips that you can immediately adopt.

Finding a Good Plumber
If you need a plumber to repair your system, here are some suggestions to help you find one:

Check Out Local Options

It’s possible that you’ll come across some establishments in your area. You can check out their website to see what services they provide and how they can help you. The accessibility and the cheap cost of employing local companies are two advantages. This is because transportation costs are eliminated, and because they are in your town, you can quickly reach them.

Check Online

A quick search on the internet will reveal plumbers in different geographical locations. You can then choose which plumbing firm to engage based on your judgment. Before working with a company, it is critical to assess their reputation. You can learn more about a company’s services by reading reviews and comments on its website.  When reading reviews, be cautious because they might be manipulated to suit a narrative. If you need help determining which online reviews are phony, go to https://www.marketwatch.com/story/10-secrets-to-uncovering-which-online-reviews-are-fake-2018-09-21

Make Use of Referrals

A simple way to find a professional plumber is to ask family, friends, or coworkers for recommendations. This is because they may have previously used their services and can assess whether they are qualified to work for you.

Conclusion

Maintaining the plumbing system in good working order is a good place to start if you want to retain a building’s integrity. We’ve included some of the problems you might have with your unit, as well as where you can find qualified professionals to help you fix them.

 

Selling your home is a major life decision, as it’s one of your most significant investments. Apart from the emotional attachment you may have towards your home, the decision to sell isn’t easy, and it requires time and a lot of thinking to avoid any regrets in the future. However, some of the reasons to sell your home may be beyond control, leaving you with no options. In this article, we’ll discuss a few telltale signs that it’s time to sell your home.

It’s the seller’s market

A seller’s market occurs when the demand for housing is higher than the supply, putting you at a greater advantage. During this time, buyers are ready to buy your home as it is. Although selling a house during the seller’s market is beneficial for you, don’t over exaggerate the asking price. You also don’t want to forget to vet your buyers to ensure they’re qualified so deals don’t fall apart later on.

How do you know it’s already the seller’s market? It’s a seller’s market if homes are consistently selling above the asking price or they’re selling quickly. In addition, if there are bidding wars among potential home buyers, it could be a sign that its seller’s market.

You’ve outgrown your home

As time passes, families grow, and homeowners fill their homes with appliances and other home essentials. If, after decluttering, you still feel that you need more space, it could be time to sell. In addition, if you start working from home and there isn’t enough space to set up a home office, you may want to sell your home.

High maintenance costs

If you notice that you’re always doing one repair after another, it could be time to sell your home. Home maintenance isn’t cheap, especially when it’s a recurring expense, as it could eat up your cash and break your budget. If you feel that selling your home is cheaper than maintaining it, it could be a good idea to do so.

If a remodel won’t increase your home’s value

If you are considering remodelling your home to suit your changing needs, you may first determine whether a remodel will pay off when the time to sell your home comes. Depending on your home’s neighborhood, its value may not improve much even after remodelling. Additionally, it could be time to sell if you have neglected your home’s maintenance to the extent that even renovation can’t fetch a high return on investment.

If you’re emotionally ready for the selling process

A home selling process can be overwhelming. It requires time, effort, and energy to get the house ready for buyers. The decluttering and the negotiation processes can be emotionally draining. Being emotionally prepared eases the selling process.

You are ready to downsize

If your children have grown up and moved out of your family, you may want to move to a smaller home that is easier to manage and maintain.

Endnote

Selling a home isn’t easy, although it’s inevitable at times. These are some of the signs that you are ready to sell your home.

 

A fireplace not only keeps you warm but also adds extra style to your home which sets a cozy atmosphere. While an open fireplace may appear classy, it might pose safety hazards like accidental fires.

Glass doors contain flames, ash, and combustion exhaust into the hearth and prevent them from flying out. Adding a glass door to your old fireside is also a cheaper way of enhancing its appearance.

Moreover, they come in different finishes and designs that work well with both gas and wood-burning fireplaces. In this article, we will discuss the various reasons why you need to fit your fireside with a glass door.

If you are a real fan of glass doors for your fire place, you can go ahead and try bi fold fireplace glass doors and see how good it will look in your home.

• Beauty and style

Glass fireplace doors have a spectacular design meant to enhance the appearance of your fireplace. They are transparent, practical, refined, and incredibly beautiful. Likewise, you can find them in multiple shapes, designs, and finishes.

This means finding one that compliments your décor is easy as well. Whether you want a modern rectangular or square design, a vintage iron door, or a classy arch-shaped appearance, there is a glass door for every design.

Moreover, these doors are built to fit perfectly and enhance any masonry. They can also give your old and warn-out fireplace a new and modern feel.

• Protection

Safety is the most important factor to consider when installing a fireside. You will need something that can protect your home and households from accidental fires.

Some units come with a mesh screen to keep the fire inside but these cannot prevent sparks and embers from landing onto nearby furniture or carpeting. Glass doors allow you to enjoy the warmth from your hearth safely by containing the sparks inside.

They also prevent smoke and carbon monoxide poisoning and increase the quality of air indoors. As such, your kids and pets are kept safe from flames and toxic fumes. See this link to learn more about choosing fireplace doors, https://www.dailydreamdecor.com/2020/01/how-to-choose-right-fireplace-doors-for-your-home.html.

• Increase energy efficiency

This unit can act as a good upgrade to a traditional masonry hearth by helping the fire burn better. Leaving your fireplace open may alter the temperature of your room whereby warm air exits your home during winter and cool air escapes through the chimney on hot summers.

Luckily, doors block hot air from escaping which helps to keep the room at comfortable temperatures. Additionally, closing the hearth increase the heat of a burning flame. Recent research provides that, using glass fireplace doors triples the overall heat in your space.

Keep in mind that you should always keep these doors open if you are burning a large wood fire or gas logs.

• Reduced fireplace clean-up

Wood-burning produces ash and may leave behind traces of cinder, wood chips, and other debris.

This means you must clean your fire pace regularly to prevent dirt build-up. The task of sweeping up debris after a fire can be tedious especially if you have to do it daily. Fireside doors contain the debris and eliminate the need to clean up the mess more often.

It also protects furniture, carpets, and the walls nearby from getting ash smudges and dirt. Also, wind may blow up ash from the hearth when doors are opened and this could affect the quality of air inside.

Cleaning the glass is also easy. It only takes a commercial glass cleaner or vinegar and a piece of cloth to wipe it clean.

• Prevent Critters from Entering

Small animals like birds, rodents, raccoon, and squirrels can enter your home through an open fireplace or get stuck in the chimney. If this happens, they could cause chaos or damage your property.

At times you may have to call animal control especially if they got stuck in the chimney. There are two-fold operations involved to keep the animals away.

First, you must seal your chimney with a mesh topper then secondly, invest in a fireplace door so that it is easier to capture any trapped animal. Keep in mind that the material mesh topper you use should be able to allow smoke and combustion exhaust to exit.

• Cost-effective

As mentioned, open fireplaces act like open windows wherein they allow air to leave or enter your home.

This is why it is important to seal the hearth and the chimney properly. Fireplace doors improve the insulation of your home by ensuring your home stays warm during winter and cool during summer.

A properly installed glass door can help to reduce the reliance on an HVAC, therefore, reducing operational costs. Click here to see how you can improve your home by adding a fireplace to it.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are numerous reasons why you need a fireplace glass door. From increasing your energy efficiency to improving the safety of your home. You also spend less on heating and cooling costs and increase the value of your home. If you have an old masonry hearth, you can add these units to update its look. Plus, you don’t have to worry about your furniture and other properties getting damaged by ash and other combustion debris.

 

Winter is here, and it’s time to get your home plumbing system ready for the colder temperatures. Coldwater pipes will freeze sooner than hot ones, especially if they’re unprotected, ventless units. Winters can be tough on your water pipes and plumbing system. Whether you have a gas heating system, oil heating system, or electric heating system, it’s crucial to ensure your home is ready for winter.

Tips to Keep Your Plumbing System in Tip-Top Shape During Winter

During the winter, plumbing fixtures and pipes can freeze and crack if water isn’t flowing through them. It’s therefore essential to take measures to keep your plumbing system working irrespective of what winter throws at it.

Clean Out Your Drains and Gutters

The best way to ensure another winter of worry-free plumbing is to prepare your system before the cold weather arrives thoroughly. Clean out your drains, downspouts, and gutters to ensure they are free from debris and keep your home flowing freely in the winter. You can consult with qualified local plumbers for cleaning and repairing your plumbing system for winterization.

For longer-term protection against freezing weather, connect your drains and gutters to the city sewage system, or you can install a “honey-bucket” apparatus that will channel wastewater into big enough gallon drums set up outside.

Check for Leaks and Drips

Leaky faucets and dripping toilets waste up to 2,000 gallons of water a year. Additionally, leaks waste energy and cause pipes to freeze and burst when exposed to cold air. It’s therefore essential to fix leaks now before winter hits if you have a leak or drip in your home.

If you live in an area that sees heavy snowfall during the winter months, it’s essential to check all your faucets and toilets for leaks. A small leak that goes unnoticed can become a big problem when faced with freezing temperatures outside.

Check the toilet tank to ensure it doesn’t run, and shut it off if it does. Also, check all faucet handles and showerheads to make sure they turn freely without leaks or drips. Any leak or drip can signify something more serious, so call a plumber if you find any.

Insulate The Exposed Pipes

Don’t leave pipes exposed during cold weather since they will be highly vulnerable to the freezing temperatures that the winter provides. Insulation around exposed pipes will keep the water pipes from freezing. Using foam insulation is the easiest way to protect exposed pipes.

The general rule for exposed insulating pipes is to add an inch of quality foam insulation board to each piece of water pipe between the ground and the underside of the top floor’s ceiling and use a humidistat. Humidistats automatically turn on your heater when the humidity in your basement rises past a specific point, ensuring that you don’t get any moisture in your house.

It’s also essential to look for any exposed plumbing elbows and joints and insulate them using foam insulation. You can consult a plumber for other plumbing insulation methods, such as the thermostat wiring.

Fix Outdoor Faucets That May Freeze

As winter approaches, freezing temperatures can turn a garden hose into a solid block of ice. Whether an outdoor faucet is frozen or leaking, most blade-type taps are simple to repair.

When temperatures fall below freezing, water in your outdoor faucets and pipes can freeze, causing them to break wide open and spew out water uncontrollably. Before that happens, it’s a good idea to fix the faucets and the pipes before winter. The simple repairs will ensure a smooth transition from summer to winter and ensure that your plumbing stays in optimum working condition.

Sealing outdoor faucets for winter is one of several steps you can take to winterize your outdoor plumbing.

Ensure Your Water Heater Is Working Properly

Call a professional to inspect the water heater and pressure valve for any issue that can increase your home’s energy costs.

If you have a defective water heater, a huge blast of cold water from your faucet can result in a major plumbing disaster. Avoid costly repairs and potential flooding damage by taking the time to check the condition, age, and energy efficiency of your heating unit. Adding an anti-freeze will also keep the water from freezing.

Conclusion

A little extra preventative care before winter begins could save you from an inconvenient situation during the cold months. Winterizing your plumbing system can help save on energy costs. Exposed pipes may also be prone to freezing, causing water damage and costly repairs. To prevent freezing, your first line of defense is efficient insulation. Plumbing system freeze-ups can cause sewer back-ups and water damage, resulting in property damage and further costly issues. For warm and cozy winter months, you can call your local plumber for professional assistance.

Self-care has always been a very important conversation in mental health spaces, but with the pandemic wreaking havoc on the world, these conversations have taken the center stage. There’s a certain power in taking charge of your well-being instead of leaving it up to external factors, which is why a lot of people are taking self-care more seriously now than ever before.

Self care can take many forms. For a lot of people, it means using tools like calming baths, relaxing teas, and maybe some hi-tech solutions to help them wind down after a stressful day at work. For others, it’s distancing themselves from their social life for a bit and taking some time out for themselves.

In this article, we’re going to talk about self-care and how you can incorporate more of it into your life, so keep reading!

Get Help Calming Down

People with stressful routines and hectic schedules don’t usually find it easy to wind down and relax at the end of the day. This is why a lot of sleep-related disorders are usually associated with high-stress jobs – how can you fall asleep after being tense all day? It’s even harder when the exhaustion hits, and instead of putting you to sleep, it ends up making your feet or your body aches.

This is when you need some extra help to relax sometimes. From traditional blends and things like melatonin to more Hi-Tech gadgets like the one from Hapbee device, there are a lot of things out there catering to this very need. And they’re great.

Next time you have trouble sleeping, take a hot bath, drink some calming tea, and make sure you dim the lights. If it’s not registering in some part of your brain that it’s downtime now, you make it listen, because sometimes self-care is forcing yourself to take a break when you know you need it – even if you don’t feel like it.

Take a Break From Life

There is so much going on in the world that it might be next to impossible for you to care about it all and still stay sane. If you feel like it’s getting too much you can just disconnect from it all for a bit. Trust us, you deserve it!

Social media breaks, not getting back to your friends for a few days, and taking some time off just to do things you enjoy or to sit in your bed and watch Netflix can do wonders for your mood and stress levels. If you start feeling sad or depressed, or if you feel like your body is close to its breaking point because of all the stress in your life, treat yourself like you’re sick.

Take extra care of yourself, eat the food you love, and spend extra time on your skincare routine.

Make to-do Lists for Chores

Sometimes the smallest things in our life cause us the most stress – we all have these days. If you feel like you’re constantly being weighed down by the never-ending list of chores and things to do, if you feel the procrastination bug creeping up on you from behind, and if you still somehow find yourself sitting on your bed doing nothing, you’re not alone. The good news is that there’s a way to fight against this sense of impending doom.

Make a to-do list that contains some of the easiest things you have to do on the top. Get up and take your diet dishes from your bedroom to the sink. You don’t have to worry about washing them just yet, because for now, you can celebrate that you did one thing on your list. The next step can be something like washing your face or cleaning your bed.

As long as you keep the items on your list simple, you’ll be able to get a lot done and feel much better than you did before.

Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

Alcohol seems very tempting when you’re stressed, and caffeine can sure as heck get you through a hectic day at work, but neither of these things will help you when you get home. Instead of depending on caffeine to keep your energy levels up during the day, try to cultivate a healthy sleep routine that will have you waking up feeling energized. Instead of drinking alcohol to make yourself feel better, call a friend or do something else that makes you happy.

You can even take walks, spend time with your pets, go on a road trip with a friend, or just get yourself a delicious meal instead.

 

There are many roofers in every major city around the country. If you require roofing services, therefore, you just need to search the internet and do a comparison of the top roofers. This will help you choose the right roofer. Please note that while many roofing companies may claim to offer the best roofing services, only a few firms can live up to client expectations. Therefore, it pays to exercise patience when conducting your background research.

You may be looking for a roofer to carry out roof repairs or to install a new roof on your old home. You may also need roofing services for a new structure you’re putting up. Whatever the case, it is recommended you consider the following factors as you carry out your background research:

i) Licensing

This is a crucial requirement for any roofer especially in St. Louis, Mo. Only licensed roofers should be hired to do the roofing job. Therefore, your shortlist should only comprise of roofing companies with valid licenses. The issuing authority, license category and expiry date should all be in order. Licensed contractors have met all the legal requirements and can offer the highest quality of service possible. That is why they should be given special consideration.

ii) Insurance & Bond

The ideal contractor should be insured and bonded. This is because you do not want to be exposed to any liabilities. For instance, you don’t want to be sued for any physical injuries that the workers may sustain during the roofing job. In case of delays, you want to be compensated for the financial losses you may incur. Similarly, you don’t want to pay for damages or loss of property that may occur during the project. That’s why it is crucial you only consider licensed and insured roofing companies.

iii) Financing

Roofing projects are usually costly, especially roof replacement and new installations. Since you may need a new roof urgently, but don’t have the money, you will need financing. Therefore, it’s recommended you look for roofing contractors with affordable financing. The interest rate charged, down payment required and repayment period offered are key factors to take into consideration when comparing financing packages and payment plans. Fortunately, most roofers nowadays offer financing and payment plans.

iv) Experience

The best contractors are usually those with plenty of experience handling similar types of roofing projects. The more the roofing projects a firm has handled, the higher the quality of service they can offer. Therefore, be sure to give special consideration to the most experienced roofing contractors. Do not just check the number of years a roofer has been around because the number and types of projects previously handled matter a great deal. If you need roof repairs in your home, then only residential roofing contractors should be considered.

v) Reputation

After handling different types of roofing projects for a long time, a roofer would have developed a certain reputation. This can be a bad reputation or a wonderful reputation. It is crucial you read reviews, check ratings and go through testimonials to learn about the reputation different roofing contractors have developed over the years. Only trusted and reliable roofers with a track record of offering high-quality services should be given any consideration.

vi) Cost

Obviously, all the roofers on your list are going to charge different rates. Therefore, it is recommended you request estimates from all the roofers on your list and do a comparison to identify firms with the most competitive pricing. This is crucial because you would like to get value for money. However, cost should not be the main factor of consideration during your research. After all, it’s better to pay a premium and get high quality services than to hire a cheap contractor and end up getting a leaking new roof on your home.

vii) Warranty

The ideal contractor should offer a long-term warranty on their roofing materials and workmanship. If the roofing structure or roofing material has a defect or develops a problem during the warranty period, you should get either free repairs or a complete replacement of the roof at the cost of the contractor. Warranties and guarantees help to ensure consumers get value for money, so only contractors with long term warranties should be considered.

An easier way of finding a competent roofer is to ask for recommendations. If you notice a newly-built house with a great roof, simply get in touch with the owner and ask for the contact details of the roofing company that did the roofing job. Most property owners will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Buying a new home is exciting, but buying a home you intend to fix up is an even more involved adventure. Renovating your first home means you can make it into whatever you can dream up.

Though the adventure may be inviting, don’t rush into a renovation without doing your research. Start the process before you ever pick up a hammer, and read through this brief look at some quick tips to remember as you move through the renovation of your new home purchase.

Understand the order of renovation

There is no strict point A to point B instruction booklet for properly renovating your home, but there is an order to things. For example, you want to make sure you paint the walls before you lay new flooring to avoid any paint spots under your feet.

When it’s time to tear down walls, hire professional reno people to do the job. You don’t want to remove the wrong thing and compromise the structure of your home.

Once everything is stripped, work on plumbing, heating and air, wiring, and other internal elements before moving on. Once you are ready to close everything up, start working on plastering, painting, and flooring.

Work with a knowledgeable contractor

You need some good help to cover all the different jobs that need to be done to fully remodel your new home. You also need to be able to trust the contractor you choose to work on your home.

You can’t just settle for the first Google result you find. Talk to trusted friends, and network heavily to find a solid lead on a highly rated contractor in your area. Then, make sure you have a contract approved by your lawyer before laying down any signatures.

Be smart about your material sources

You’ll need a lot of different materials to remodel your home, which means you also have a lot of different opportunities to save money along the way. You can source your materials from many different places to better serve the budget.

Try looking for fixtures and other small highlights of the remodel at thrift stores and garage sales. Hit up the Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for materials. You don’t have to pay top prices to get quality materials for your remodel.

Understand that it takes time

Before you ever begin the process of a home remodel, you need to prepare yourself for how long it could take to finish the job. A home remodel almost always takes longer than planned.

There should always be a contingency plan in the budget as well as the timeline. Make sure you’re covered on lodging if the remodel takes longer than you had initially planned.

If you’re in the market for a new dishwasher, you may be shocked by the amount of choice and the complexity of the choosing process. If your old dishwasher is no longer in production, or if your dishwashing needs have changed, picking the right one for you may be a bit daunting.

Fortunately, home appliance professionals from Lars Appliances shared a simple guide which explains what different features do and whether you need them. Armed with this knowledge, you can continue your hunt for the best dishwasher with more confidence.

Dishwasher Type

Let’s start with the type of the dishwasher you need. Depending on the space you have, different types might be more or less suitable. Built-in dishwashers are the most common, with most American kitchens designed with a spot under the countertop for a dishwasher to be installed. Keep in mind that these dishwashers have unfinished side panels as they are meant to be installed inside the cabinet.

If you don’t have a spot in the kitchen designed to hold a dishwasher, but you do have enough space, you may want to go for a portable model. These resemble miniature fridges in their design. They can be freely moved and put wherever there is need. Keep in mind that these models need access to fresh water and your sink for depositing dirty water, so you will be limited in that respect.

Finally, if you don’t have too much room in your kitchen, you might consider a countertop type. These devices are smaller and also need to be close to the kitchen sink to empty the contents into the drain. Even though these can be handy for smaller dish loads, these devices tend to have fewer options than the full-size dishwashers.

Sizes of Dishwashers

The majority of dishwashers on the market today fit one of two categories – standard or compact. Both sizes are 34’’ tall and 24’’ deep. They only differ in their width, with standard being 24’’, whereas compact ones are 18’’. There are some variations in these categories, though.

For instance, tall tub machines have more internal space for dishes, even though they aren’t bigger on the outside. Think about the amount of dishes you need to wash in a day. If it amounts to something like 6 full plate settings or less, chances are that a compact countertop device should suffice. However, for anything more, you are going to need a bigger machine.

Additional Features

You expect the dishwasher to, well, wash dishes. However, apart from the basic functions, there are plenty of other features that a dishwasher can have. And, of course, the more of these you have, the more expensive and high-end your device is. Here are some of the most common (and useful ones).

Automatic temperature control will add hot and cold water respectively in order to maintain the perfect wash temperature without damaging your dishes or wasting electricity. It is quite a common feature, but not all machines have it. Zoned wash, on the other hand, is a feature which is reserved only for the top-end models. It determines whether the whole dishwasher is full and if not, it only directs water to the parts which actually have dishes in them – thus conserving power and water.

The type of filters your dishwasher comes with – self-cleaning or manual also depend on the price point of your dishwasher. We’ll let you figure out which ones are cheaper.

Finally, keep in mind that all of the dishwashers available in the US today will get your dishes clean – it’s mostly about preference and bells and whistles beyond that. Pick your machine safe in the knowledge that you can’t really go wrong.

Did you know you can create your garden entirely based on shades? Some people opt for different types of gardens like rock theme, or a rustic element, but when you choose to create one entirely based on different hues, you have more flexibility, as flowers come in all sorts of colors, and it will look incredibly gorgeous and create a bright space for you to admire and for your guests to revere.

In some countries, Spring has already arrived, and this is the time your flowers will be in full bloom. You can once again enjoy the outdoor you have meticulously created, and see the results of your hard work. However, if this is not the case, either springtime has not arrived or you haven’t done much with your backyard, then you still have time.

If you have acres of land filled with flower beds and wondering what you can do with them. Perhaps an upgrade is in order. Some people may need inspiration from their neighborhood, and others have an idea in mind already for instance a formal garden, or wild-life friendly garden, cottage garden, small garden, and more. Click here for some other ideas.

Often people choose a mixture of different plants, colors, sizes, blooms and more. But we think one color that fits any space is pink. While others can continue to read the below. We have chosen flowers that come in only pink hues for you to choose from and create the perfect pink paradise for yourself.

A Selection of Pink Flowering Plants

Lupine

Some of the prettiest flowering plants include the Lupines, they comprise floral spikes and can get up to heights of 3 feet. Amongst pink shades, these can also be grown in other shades of purple, white, blue and red. They can be kept in beds that are situated in full sunlight and require well-drained soil. Some thrive in partial shade as well.

Hyssop

Another name for these is “Agastache”, and they come in bright pink shades with spiky flowers and can get up to 4 feet when fully grown. The interesting thing about these is that if you crush the flowers they smell like anise seed or liquorice, which means they will smell nice when you walk past them. They produce bright green foliage around them. They can be grown in a garden that gets full sunlight. A few things to keep in mind when growing these are included on this link: https://www.growveg.co.uk/plants/uk-and-europe/how-to-grow-agastache/

Coral Bells

Not only does it have a pretty name but these are also some of the prettiest plants around. Some love the full sun as well as the partial sun while others can thrive in a fully shaded area too. It will depend on the species. What’s great is, because of this, you can plant them anywhere in your back yard and they will thrive into blossoming pink ornaments to adore your area.

Chrysanthemum

A highly popular flower that most gardens love is the Chrysanthemums, not only because they come in an array of different colors but they also produce large flowers. They get their name from the Greek word for “gold flower”. People also use these flowers for medicinal purposes to treat various health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cols, dizziness and swellings.

Typically blooming in late summer and throughout fall, they too love the sun to its full extent, but it is advisable to plant them in a spot that gets shade in the afternoons especially when it gets too hot during the day.

Impatiens

Any experienced gardener will agree when we say, these are some of the best plants to keep if you want to attract the likes of butterflies and hummingbirds. If they are planted in spring, they will thrive, however during winter, if not covered they could get covered with frost. Areas with the partial sun are best for these beauties.

Dahlias

They look like globes and some say they were the inspiration behind Chinese globe lanterns, but no one exactly where the information came from, nevertheless we love them because they bloom in pink! They also come in an array of other flowers from whites to reds, oranges and purples. These are perfect for summer and will stay bloomed throughout, giving your garden an exceptionally beautiful and artistic look. Make sure the soil they’re in is well-drained.

Other Options to Choose From

Besides the above, there are also other plants we have chosen that not only look good, come in pink, and are easy to grow, but these also smell nice and attract some of the lovely bugs like bees and bumblebees, which are starting to become a rare sighting.

• Anemone
• Campion
• Aster
• Begonia
• Carnation
• Petunia
• Camellia
• Peony
• Cherry Blossoms or “sakura”
• Foxglove

And more.

If you are worried that you won’t be able to choose the right ones, let the plant shop do it for you. You won’t need to lift a finger with most professional plant stores, such as Plantedpot for instance, where they can choose the plants for you, as well as get them delivered to your garden.

The best thing about cultivating a garden is, you get to see the results at the end of the day when summer or spring hits and all the plants are in full bloom. Plus, it is one of the best part-time activities, and excuses, for spending time in the sun and getting some Vitamin D. This on its own should be rewarding enough for everyone!