Do you have a cracked window at home that you’re dreading having to replace?

It doesn’t necessarily take a lot to crack one of your windows. A stray ball that your child throws into it, a rock flying up from your lawnmower, or an unsuspecting bird missing its target – all of these could crack your window.

It’s painful to have to fork over the money to replace a cracked window, especially when it’s in good shape. If you want to save money, then you’ll need to perform your own home window glass repair.

Today, we’re going to give a few glass repair tips that’ll prolong your windows after a crack. Keep reading and you’ll be able to avoid imminent costly window replacement.

Things You Can Use for Home Window Glass Repair

There are a few methods that you can use to temporarily repair your residential windows on your own. For instance, you can simply fix tape over the crack and get by for a decent amount of time. Use a strong adhesive tape and make sure it’s clear so your repair is inconspicuous.

Tape isn’t the most elegant solution, so you may want to use nail polish or glue to seal the crack as best you can. Again, make sure the substance is clear. Apply it over the crack, wait for it to dry, then put a second coat on and you’ll be surprised at how well the crack is sealed.

Those are both at-home solutions, but you can go out and buy epoxy from your local hardware store. It won’t cost much and will give you the best window seal repair and the most transparent look.

Applying Epoxy

The first thing you’ll want to do is wipe the crack with some dish soap. You’ll want to make sure there’s no dust, fingerprints, or oil, then wipe it with a damp cloth.

Mix the epoxy together is per the instructions and apply it to the crack. Once you mix it, it hardens quickly, so you’ll only have a few minutes to cover the crack. Using a putty knife, make sure the epoxy is thoroughly applied, then scrape the excess off with a sharp edge.

When complete and dry, wipe down the surface with a glass cleaner.

When You Need Professional Glass Repair or Replacement

There are scenarios where you won’t be able to effectively repair the window on your own. You may need home window glass replacement if you see any of the following:

• The broken glass has been dislodged from its casing
• Your cracked glass is part of a two-pane window and the crack broke the seal
• The cracked glass is uneven and impossible to seal with epoxy

Don’t Leave Your Cracked Window Too Long

These are a few great home window glass repair tips, so when you get a crack in one of your windows, you’ll know exactly what to do. Applying tape or epoxy can buy you time, but it’s not a permanent solution. When you can afford it, find a glass repair and replacement company near you and get your broken windows replaced.

Did you find this post helpful? Come back soon for more home and lifestyle tips.

Granite countertops are still the most popular types of countertops in this country. More than 60 percent of new homes come with granite countertops in their kitchens.

But it’s worth noting that there are also some other great countertops that you should consider when you’re picking out countertops for a kitchen. For example, quartz countertops have turned into an excellent choice.

One reason why people have fallen in love with them is that there is a wide range of quartz countertop colors. You’ll be able to choose from lots of different colors of quartz countertop when you go with quartz.

So, what is the best color for quartz countertops in 2022? It’s hard to say! Here are some of the best options.

Arctic White

If you want to brighten up a kitchen that might feel dark otherwise, arctic white quartz countertops would be perfect. Of all the quartz countertop colors listed here, these will shine the brightest.

They’ll go great with darker-colored kitchen cabinets. They’ll help to balance things out and bring your kitchen to life.

Calcatta Classique

Would you like to make it appear as though you’ve had marble countertops installed in your kitchen even though they’re quartz? Then this color might be right up your alley.

It’ll make your quartz countertops look just like marble countertops. You can really class up any kitchen space with the quartz countertop colors found here.

Chakra Beige

If you’re going to have a bunch of warm, rich colors scattered throughout your kitchen, you can’t go wrong with the colors found in these types of countertops. They feature several different shades of brown that will add a nice contrast to the colors found elsewhere.

These color countertops will also be a great fit for those who have natural wood cabinets in their kitchens. You won’t need to have the granite vs. quartz countertops debate since quartz will be the obvious choice.

Eternal Marquina

A lot of the different quartz countertop colors feature a whitish foundation. They tend to be on the lighter side.

This color stands out because it’s on the darker side, which means it will complement kitchens that have lighter-colored cabinets and paint in them. It might not work for all kitchens. But if you want to avoid having your kitchen be too bright, it might be worth considering.

Choose The Best Quartz Countertop Colors For Your Kitchen

These are just some of the quartz countertop colors that will be available to you when you decide to go with quartz over something like granite. There will also be tons of other colors that you can think about using.

You should look around at all your options and pick out the best color for quartz countertops. It’ll allow you to make the most of all the benefits of a quartz countertop from the beginning.

Get more great tips on shopping for kitchen countertops by reading through the other articles our blog has to offer.

Every year in the United States the roofing industry grows by around 3.8%.

This means that every year more and more people need to have their roofs replaced. If your home and roof are getting older, you may want to know how to replace a shingle roof. Shingles are the most common form of roofing material you’ll interact with, so knowing how to work with them will help the most.

Let’s take a look at what you need to know about replacing shingle roofs.

Local Ordinances

One thing you’ll need to research before you get started is what your local government or HOA requires. In a lot of cases, they will want the roof to have no more than one or two layers of shingles. This means that you’ll have to remove the old roofing materials before you put new shingles on.

The reason for these requirements makes sense because more shingles on the roof increase the chances for a leak. You don’t want to have to deal with water damage inside your home, and having multiple layers of shingles will increase the cost of roof repair.

Roofing Tools

You’ll want to take an inventory of the tools you have available, and compare it to a list of what you’ll need. This is a list of basic tools, you may find that you’ll need more than this.

The tools you can’t do without are:

• Roofing Nail Gun

• Hammer

• Utility Knife

• Shingle Removing Tool or Shovel

• Hammer Tacker Stapler

• Air Compressor

• Scoop Shovel

• Pry Bar

In addition to these tools, you’ll want to make sure you have a dumpster ready to go. The number of shingles that come off of a roof can surprise people. The removal and clean-up phase are vital, or else your yard will have bits of shingle and even screws or nails.

Strip the Roof

The first step when you begin roof replacement is to remove all the old shingles. This will also tear up and remove the felt paper that is underneath. As the roof becomes clear of shingles, check for damage on the decking or wood shake that is under the shingles.

If you notice any damage, you’ll have to replace those areas before you can begin to shingle the roof. Damage to the decking of your roof will often be noticeable in discolored sections, bulging or sagging sections, or rotted areas. If you see any of this, it is important to cut out and replace those sections of wood.

Apply Felt Paper

With the old shingles removed, you can now move on to the roof installation. The first thing you need to do is to apply a layer of felt paper to the roof. This will help to seal the roof, preventing moisture and water from reaching the wood.

Felt paper comes in rolls, and you will need to unroll it on the roof as you go. You can then use a staple gun or a nail gun to secure the felt paper to the roof decking. If this is your first time roofing, don’t worry too much about mistakes, felt paper is cheap.

Shingle the Roof

There are many different roofing types, but shingles are by far the most popular. Once your roof is covered with felt paper it will be time to begin to move to shingling the roof. This will require you to place the shingles and then put in one nail per tab.

Make sure that as you put on more shingles they overlap, this way they seal together and don’t allow for water to find its way into your home. If the roof is too steep to stand on you’ll need to anchor wood platforms to the roof so that you’ll have somewhere to stand while working.

You’ll want to make sure that the weather is right for roofing. You don’t want to roof in cold weather, because the shingles won’t seal together and can be blown off much easier. This is why summer is the best time to replace a shingle roof.

Prepare Peaks and Valleys

With peaks, you’ll need to cut shingles down to the right size so that they’ll fit. Often this means removing the first and third tab on an angle. Once you’ve done that, make sure to keep the shingles you’ve modified off to the side, you’ll need them later.

For valleys, there are two ways to take care of them. The traditional way is to lace the shingles together to create a valley, but that isn’t the preferred method these days. It is more common now to lay in aluminum paneling which is built for valleys, so that water doesn’t get trapped or seep into the roof.

Apply Peak Shingles and Finish Valleys

Now you can put the peak shingles you’ve made onto the roof. Remember they have to lace together to create a solid peak, so that water will flow off of the roof. Once the metal for the valleys is in place, make sure that they too are shingled in, so that there are no catches or places for water to invade the roof.

Be Ready to Make Mistakes

If you don’t know how to replace a shingle roof, prepare to make mistakes. Between the cost of tools and materials, there’s a reason why so many people turn to a roofing company. It is a lot less work, but also a lot safer to have the work done by a professional service.

Any mistake that you make and don’t correct can lead to a lot of expensive damage later.

How to Replace a Shingle Roof

Knowing how to replace a shingle roof is not the only thing required, experience helps a ton. Knowing what to do and doing it are two different things. Make sure to research in your area, and take all necessary steps for the proper installation of your roof.

If this article has been helpful or informative, please take a second and look around our website.

How to become a better cook is one of those topics that has no simple answer, but is high on many peoples’ wish lists. Whether you are cooking for yourself or family and friends, everyone wants to be a better cook.

Preparing a delicious meal by yourself, from scratch, and then enjoying it (shared or not) is, after all, one of life’s more satisfying experiences.

Paraphrasing Julia Child, it doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated. Just make good food from fresh ingredients. The question is, how do you get to that point?

Want some proof of how universal the desire to become a better cook is? Just look at the popularity of the Food Channel or any of the other cooking shows on TV.

And cookbooks are selling better than ever, too. More than 17 million were sold in the first half of 2018 in the United States alone. That marked a staggering increase of 21% over 2017.

Clearly, a lot of people want to become better cooks. Read on as we take a look at some top cooking tips from the experts.

Keep Cooking and Be Critical

A common theme from professional chefs and cooks alike is simple. Keep cooking. Every time you try something, you’ll get better at it.

Don’t only listen to the folks you cooked for. They will almost always tell you it was good. After all, they have a vested interest in being complimentary. You cooked. They didn’t have to.

Instead, be critical of your work. Was the seasoning right? Was the protein cooked to perfection? How about the timing? Were the veggies done before the main course? What could you have done better?

What will you change when you cook that same recipe again? And you should. Remember, keep cooking.

Read the Entire Recipe: Start to Finish

Have you ever gotten most of the way through a recipe and then, yikes! At the last minute, you discover you are missing a key ingredient.

That’s not fun. If you’ve got people waiting to eat, it can be a disaster. And it’s preventable. Read the recipe, start to finish. Think through all the steps and estimate the time involved.

That’s the key to no surprises. You’ve planned ahead. You’ve got everything prepped and ready. Now it’s just a matter of following the steps.

Plan Ahead: Make a List and Check it Twice

Cooking should be fun, not a stress-induced nightmare. One of the best ways to have your cooking flow without snags is simple. Take a few minutes to plan and make a list of what you will need. It’s a simple step and one that’s often ignored.

Now you don’t have to get down in the weeds and make a five-tab spreadsheet. Some people will. You won’t.

But you will make an ingredients list. And if you’re cooking a whole meal with several dishes, you’ll make some notes on what to start when. You’ll know how long each dish takes so it all comes together seamlessly.

Getting Fancy: Mise en Place

That’s a fancy French term all professional chefs learn the first day in school. It’s that important. But what it means is not very fancy. It means, ‘everything in its place.’ Simple, right?

Like Read the Recipe and Make a List, it’s all about prepping and organizing. Before you start cooking, make sure everything you need for each dish is out and ready. Remember? Planning and prep eliminate stress.

Onions chopped, garlic minced, cabbage shredded, spices ready. No surprises, right? That applies to your equipment, too.

The Sharpest Knife in the Drawer

It might be nice if you could afford it, but the truth is you don’t need the most expensive and newest knives, utensils, and equipment. Remember, nobody cares what kind of paintbrush Van Gogh used.

You do need sharp knives and reliable utensils. You do need good cast iron pans and good pots in the right sizes. And you need to know how to use them and take care of them.

The same goes for your oven, your cooktop, and any other equipment you are going to use.

That sweet new grill? Use it a few times before you invite the gang over for a fancy Sunday barbeque. All of these grills and smokers have a learning curve. Don’t practice when it’s game time.

Get Fresh: Get Local

There’s a reason professionals get up early and do their shopping before the rest of us are having coffee. They need to make sure they get the best and freshest local produce, meats, and fish.

It makes a difference in how your meals will taste. A big difference. Fresh is always better than frozen. Local is always fresher – and usually less processed.

Ingredients shipped across the country or around the world need to survive the trip. Local came from the farm down the road this morning.

Buy the best ingredients your budget can afford and buy what’s in season whenever you can. When you’re looking at recipes, ask yourself what’s in season where you live? Using those ingredients means fresher and local.

If you happen to be living in Antarctica, that’s going to be a problem. For most of us, it isn’t. Cooking what’s in season means better tasting food and it’s good for our local economies, too.

How to Become a Better Cook: Keep Cooking

Practice makes perfect. Before you know it, it’s no longer cooking for beginners. You’ll have developed a great sense of what ingredients pair well with others, which spices and condiments are complimentary, and the benefits of contrasts.

Recipes will become starting points. You’ll see a recipe and think, hmm, if I take that and change this, substitute this for that. When you get to that point, you are officially a good cook!

How to become a better cook? Plan and prep. Read recipes from start to finish. Have the equipment you need and know how to use it. Buy the best, freshest and local ingredients you can. Cook with the seasons in mind. Most of all, relax and have fun!

For more great articles about everything from home to business, finance to tech, check back with us often!

Coupling an adjustable bed with a good quality mattress is the best formula for a good night’s sleep. Adjustable beds are no longer limited to hospitals. Having such a bed in your bedroom helps improve sleeping experience and improving back health. This eventually has a strong impact on your quality of life.

Good night sleep is what keeps you energized the entire day, and ignoring it puts your health at the risk. To improve your sleep, it’s crucial that your bed is comfortable. It shouldn’t make squeaky noises and have a sturdy base. Consider getting a new adjustable bed if your old one is over eight years old. To motivate your further, here we have compiled a list of all the incredible health benefits of adjustable beds:

Lightens Back Pain

One of the leading benefits of adjustable beds is that they help lower severe back pains. Putting the right sized mattress on the bed will allow you to lie in the right position, putting equal pressure on your back and the rest of the body. There are even special mattresses for people with medical conditions. You should consider studying the features of mattresses and their best strength to decide which one is most suited for you.

With an uncomfortable bed and mattress, the back pain can get severe. Get yourself one of the adjustable beds to solve this issue. Not only will you be able to get painless sleep, but you will also feel more comfortable. However, you should still visit a doctor and follow his instructions.

Lessens Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Even those who don’t munch on heavier meals at dinner are vulnerable to severe heartburn and acid reflux during sleep. After all, when you lie flat on your stomach, the acids around your belly move to the esophagus that makes you feel uncomfortable. Experts recommend everyone to sleep, reclining their heads between 6-8 inches, in order to avoid an upset stomach or sore throat.

As a result, one has a stronger immune system and experiences better digestion. On the contrary, sleeping on your stomach will put your health at the receiving end of the damage. If you are suffering from such a condition, avoid eating too much at dinner and go for a walk before going to bed.

Eases Insomnia

Having encapsulated the lives of over 3 billion people globally, insomnia has become a well-known disease. It is defined as the inability to sleep timely. Therefore, folks with insomnia are always looking for ways to put themselves to bed on time. Regardless of whether it is caused by pain, an anxious mind or overexposure to technology, an adjustable bed might solve your problem to some extent.

Once you achieve the perfect sleeping position, it will provide a better sleeping experience and improve the oxygen flow in the blood. As a result, you will fall asleep faster and avoid constant tossing/turning.

Relieves Arthritis

Long story short, chronic arthritis can be very frustrating if left untreated. After all, the pain will go on for a long time and take a big toll on the rest of your body. Thankfully, the aching and stiff joints can easily be treated by lying on the right mattress. Secondly, the adjustable beds can be used to treat morning stiffness, which is the result of pain issues.

On the other hand, the sleeper will help raise the head and lower your foot. Eventually, the bed will feel more comfortable and you will have a peaceful sleep. Because arthritis has affected more than 100 million people globally already, experts have recommended adjustable beds as a better option.

Better Circulation

Good circulation of blood is essential for the overall health of the body. Unless your body doesn’t have oxygenated blood running around in every artery, it will be hard to sleep timely. Secondly, with the help of an adjustable bed, sleepers can also manage their positions to cut down the pressure that flows to the heart.

For those who have circulation issues, the adjustable beds will be equivalent to a breath of fresh air in their lives. Hadn’t it been for the adjustable beds, many people would have still not gotten out of chronic back issues.

Lights Leg Swelling

Most people are stuck with swollen legs, from those affected with a certain type of illness to pregnant women. However, lying flat allows for fluids to pass through, thus, causing severe inflammation and swelling. This results in sleepless nights and chronic pain. As a result, most people wake up in agony, not being able to focus on work and have a good time throughout the day.

Not to forget, leg swelling makes it harder to walk, focus on daily tasks and let yourself loose. However, once you incorporate an adjustable bed base, It will help keep your body in a defined position.

Further Independence

Whether an illness, age, disability, accident or even a certain health condition, any of them can create issues of mobility for any individual out there. This is a major problem for everyone who needs to get out of bed. Thankfully, the perfect bed base is the right aid for anyone who wants more independence when it comes to walking freely.

Even if the base of the head side is raised, it will help in decluttering the mind and giving a good night’s sleep. No wonder, being restrained within the four walls of the house can be very frustrating. Especially when you’re stuck with a major health issue, adjustable beds can easily add value to your life.

Better Lifestyle

Attempting to get a comfortable position using pillows to sit up in bed, work or read can be very frustrating and consuming as well. Because pillows can easily be shifted, they might cause aching in the neck, back and shoulders. However, the incorporation of an adjustable bed in the room will make the place more comfortable.

After all, the adjustable beds allow everyone to achieve a better lifestyle and lead a good quality of life. Now that the concept of a better lifestyle has encapsulated everyone’s attention, people are going the extra mile in terms of their comfort.

A pair of adult male hands feeling the flow of air coming out of an air vent on a wall near a ceiling. Man with hands in front of an air vent feeling for air flow.

Did you know that the global market for HVAC products is worth more than $240 billion? Having an air conditioner in your home is a great way to make it more comfortable, and this is especially true if you live in areas with hot and humid climates. An HVAC system is a big part of building or upgrading a home but there are a lot of things to consider.

You’ll need to look at and evaluate HVAC companies and HVAC contractors, but you’ll also need to think about the type of HVAC system that you want for your home’s needs. The good news is that you’re in the right place to learn more about the things to consider when choosing HVAC products for your home.

Keep reading this article to learn more.

Types of HVAC Products

There are a number of options to choose from when you start looking at the different HVAC products that are available for heating and cooling your home. Knowing your options will give you the most flexibility when it comes to meeting the needs of your household. Here is a closer look at the different HVAC options to consider.

Split System

A split system is one that is growing in popularity across the globe and with good reason. It has a unit for cooling the home and a separate unit for heating your home. It is efficient and easy to use which makes it great for any type of home or building.

Hybrid System

The hybrid system is similar to the split system in how it works and operates. The big difference that sets it apart from the split system is the efficiency that it works with. It uses a hybrid electric heater which allows it to use far less energy to keep your home comfortable.

Ductless System

Another great option for keeping your home comfortable throughout the year is a ductless HVAC system. This system uses an air conditioner unit that is outside of the home for keeping your home cool during those hot summer months. It also has a heat pump that is perfect for heating your home up when winter rolls around.

Packaged System

Packaged systems offer some of the best quality when it comes to providing heat and cool air to your home. The best part is that everything is combined into one powerful unit that gets installed outside of the home. It is a wonderful fit for homes that don’t have a basement.

Choosing HVAC Products

There are a number of other considerations to make when it comes to getting HVAC products for your home. It is important to have information on hand like the size of your home and the climate that you live in when you’re shopping for an air conditioner or HVAC system.

System Size

A big thing to think about when you’re in the market for a new HVAC system is the size of your home and the size of your system. Many older homes don’t have the right sized HVAC system for keeping all of the home warm and cozy. Getting an HVAC system that is too large will cause it to cycle more often which takes years off of its operational life.

You’ll also get a lesser degree of heat or cool air when you need it most in your home by getting an HVAC system that isn’t right for your home. Your best bet is to get in contact with local HVAC contractors in your area that have experience with Bathroom Heating and HVAC repair.

Their expertise will come in handy when it comes to picking the right system for your needs that will go well with the size of your home. The calculations involved are a bit complicated so it is best to consult with the experts before choosing HVAC products.

Efficiency

Efficiency is the name of the game when it comes to heating and cooling your home. It is best for the environment and it will save you money on your energy bills each month. You owe it to yourself and the earth to look into the most efficient options on the market when it comes to shopping for HVAC products.

Not only will it use less energy and produce less harmful byproducts, but it will also save you a nice chunk of money over a long period of time. Always opt for the most efficient option when you’re looking at getting an air conditioner or HVAC system.

HVAC Contractor

You’ll also want to make sure that you’re working with a great HVAC contractor when you’re going through the process of getting a new HVAC system for your home. Make sure that you’re reading online reviews of the different HVAC companies and contractors in your area.

A good contractor will evaluate your home and find the best HVAC solution for keeping your house comfortable no matter the season. They’ll also have the experience necessary to cater your HVAC system to your lifestyle and needs. You also need to make sure that your HVAC contractors are licensed and insured before working with them.

Warranties

You should never purchase a large investment like an HVAC system without looking into the warranties that you’ll get. The last thing that you want is to spend a ton of money on something and it breaks shortly after. Having good warranties will make sure that you get HVAC repair if anything happens to your HVAC products.

With a good warranty, most repairs will get covered by the HVAC companies rather than taking that money out of your pocket or your bank account.

Now You’re Ready to Shop for HVAC Products

Getting the right HVAC products for your home is a big investment and not something that you should take lightly. Your HVAC system will keep you warm during the coldest winter nights and keep your home cool when the temps go up outside. Make sure that you’re working with the best HVAC contractors and getting the right system for your home.

For more helpful articles, check out our blog today!

When it comes to your home, you want to feel safe and protected. A home security bundle may be an investment, but it’s one of the best investments you can make for yourself and your home.

House safety should always be prioritized when it comes to you and your family. Using the right system and understanding the many positives, a home security system is the right choice.

1. Secure House Safety for You and Your Family

Whether you live alone or with your family, keeping you and your loved ones safe is crucial. Feeling safe in the comfort of your own home can be hard to come by with rising burglary cases per year and so many home safety options.

A home security system not only can prevent burglaries from occurring but can catch any attempted break-ins. Cameras and alarm systems can prevent possible break-ins. Break-in prevention is guaranteed with both camera and alarms system that notify authorities immediately.

2. Fire and Monoxide Safety

For home fires, having a camera system and heat detectors can help notify authorities before any severe damage occurs. Whether you’re in your home or out and about, a security system can notify you and authorities of danger.

Carbon monoxide, on the other hand, has limited identification. Both odorless and colorless, identifying toxic gas is difficult. A home security system can both detect toxic gas and notify outside help.

3. Lower Energy Costs

Many security systems today come with remote access. Being able to check in on your empty house prevents loss of valuables, and also costly bills. It’s incredibly common for us to leave appliances on, especially overhead lighting.

With remote access, you can monitor any movement in your home and turn off any appliances left on. This is a simple yet significant benefit of a home security system, that will save you money and ensure home safety.

4. Insurance Costs

When buying a home, finding home insurance is an important step. Home insurance plays a key role in replacing any valuables lost and damage was done after a break-in. Without a home security system, break-ins may cause increases in cost after a claim.

With a home security bundle, this will regulate any insurance costs, and also, many insurance companies grant secured homeowners a discount.

5. Emergency Medical Help

Whether you are home alone, or elderly, having access to fast medical help is always beneficial. A home security system equipped with medical alert products can ensure fast medical help.

Once medical alert products are activated, immediate medical help is dispatched. With a home security system, access to immediate help is immediately accessible.

Reasons To Invest In A Home Security System

Investing in one of the many security system options, the sense of house safety that is gained is unmatched. With accessibility for emergency help, overall lower insurance and energy bills, and keeping a watchful eye on family, home security systems are the right investment for all homeowners.

For more information about home security and general maintenance, check out our home and garden section!

Are you thinking of going solar but you’re afraid of the up-front costs?

There’s no denying that purchasing solar panels for your home can be pricey, especially if you want to get a system that’s big enough to eliminate your energy costs. They can run well into the tens of thousands of dollars, but there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to installing solar.

Yes, there are ways to get cheap solar panels. In this post, we’re going to go over how you can do this and tell you why going solar is the best thing for you, your finance, and the planet.

Solar Panel Cost…

The cost of your solar panels depends on a few key factors. One is actually where in the country you reside, as the price of solar differs based on various factors, namely latitude, and climate. The other main consideration you need to make is how many solar panels you need to power your home.

Obviously, buying more solar panels costs more money, so finding the right balance is important. If you go for a cheaper solar panel system and it doesn’t quite cover your energy costs, then you still have to factor monthly bills in. A larger system might cost more initially, but you do save money on bills in the long run.

The average solar panel installation costs somewhere around $25-30,000.

Can You Buy Used Solar Panels?

People often wonder how to get cheap solar panels and the truth is, the best way to go is new. That being said, you can scour local listings for used solar panels, which people are always selling.

These are usually best when you’re using solar for a smaller project. Since panels degrade over long periods of time, if you don’t know how old they are or what condition they’re in, you don’t want used ones on your house.

Lowering the Up-Front Cost

There are ways to lower the up-front cost of solar panel installation. One of the most interesting is zero down solar, which requires you to pay none of the panel or installation cost at the time of installation. Instead, you pay it off in monthly installments, which are usually going to be offset by your energy savings.

The other thing to consider with solar installation is how much money you get back through rebates and tax breaks. The federal investment tax credit for solar panels alone cuts the cost of solar installation by 26%. There are various state and local rebates available as well.

If you produce excess energy, you’ll get renewable energy certificates. You can, in turn, sell these to local power companies, which are required by law to produce a percentage of its energy through solar. This is just another way to make back a bit of money to offset installation.

Cheap Solar Panels Are Possible

As you can see, through various means, it is possible to get cheap solar panels. Whether you decide to go with the riskier option and buy used or you decide to finance your panels with zero down, there’s no reason that a lack of finances should prevent you from lowering your carbon footprint and helping the planet.

If you enjoyed this post, come back again for more on advertising, tech, and home tips.

Did you know that carpet prices range from $.65 to $12 per square foot! Rug prices vary even more. High-end, luxury rugs can run upwards of $10,000!

Whatever type of soft flooring you choose for your home, you have an enemy to look out for. Enter, the carpet moth!

Do you know the signs of carpet moths and how to get rid of carpet months if you find them? This blog can help arm you with the information you need to protect your carpet or rug investment.

Keep reading for carpet moth treatment tips and more!

Signs of Carpet Moths

The first thing to keep your eye out for is the moths themselves. They are smaller than a common house moth and typically a light brown color. While they hop instead of fly, their wings usually have three distinct dots on them.

The moths follow a lifecycle of egg, larva, cocoon, adult moths. The larvae feast on natural fibers in carpets, rugs, and even clothes. If you don’t see the moths but see threadbare patches on your carpets or rugs, that’s another sign.

They prefer areas of lower traffic and less-frequent vacuuming. Occasionally move your furniture and check underneath to assess the condition. The earlier you can spot an infestation, the better.

How to Get Rid of Carpet Moths

The larvae eat natural fibers because the fibers have keratin in them. Keratin is their food source. It can be found in dust, pet hair, human hair, and even skin cells we shed daily.

The first step of treatment is to thoroughly vacuum to remove excess food sources, eggs, or cocoons. Vacuum the whole surface of the carpet, paying particular attention to the edges, corners, and spots usually covered by furniture. Be sure to empty your vacuum outside into a trash bag that is then tied tightly and immediately disposed of.

Next, use a steam cleaner on your carpet or rug. The heat from the steam eradicates any remaining larvae or eggs. Follow carpet/rug care directions carefully or call in a professional.

If you need an added level of protection, there are carpet moth killer products such as sprays, powders, and fumigation treatments that you can use as well. Each of these treatments has its own instructions that you should carefully follow.

Carpet Moth Treatment Tips

So now you know how to spot the moths and treat them. Here are some other tips when it comes to carpet moths.

Act Preventatively

Many carpet cleaning services, like Cleanville, proactively spray your rugs and carpets with a carpet moth deterrent. This keeps the moths away before they become a problem.

Avoid Natural Fibers

If carpet moths are a recurring problem in your home, it may be time to switch materials. The moths are attracted to natural fibers. If you choose synthetic fibers like nylon, polyester, or olefin, the moths won’t be attracted.

Fight for Your Carpet Fibers

Now you’re prepared to wage war against the pests feasting on your fibers. Use your skills in carpet moth treatment and prevention to protect your home from those hungry invaders.

You know now how to fortify your home, check out our blog for other posts to fortify the rest of your life.