Prepare Your Home for Winter With These Smart Home Improvement Projects

23163936_original(BPT) – Fall is here, and with it, cooler temperatures. Home renovation experts suggest now is the ideal time for homeowners to prepare their home for winter and think about home improvement plans that they can complete during the fall months.

When it comes to home improvements, building experts recommend homeowners carefully consider and prioritize their plans by looking at structural improvements over cosmetic upgrades.

Fundamental for homeowners hoping to invest smartly in their home is understanding what improvement is deemed essential and what is considered purely cosmetic. For example, a home’s “skin” is a key investment area during a renovation project. Hiring an energy inspector to examine your home will give a better sense of the required work and avoid any subsequent costly headaches.

If you’re thinking of going green, small changes such as using compact fluorescent light bulbs can contribute to reducing your home’s carbon footprint. Fluorescent light bulbs typically have a longer life and use less energy thereby reducing excessive energy waste as well as monthly energy bills.

Investing in energy efficient appliances is another effective way to live green and add value to your home. Homeowners with an old central air system can consider having a new, more energy efficient HVAC system installed. While these may come with an expensive up-front cost, the savings on energy bills over the long-term will prove to be a wise investment. Additionally, the inclusion of other energy efficient appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and dryers will contribute to lower energy bills.

Another significant way to reduce energy consumption is to adequately seal the home to stop any air leaks by considering a smart insulation material. Insulation experts homeowners should survey their house from top to bottom, and assess any trouble spots such as drafty areas or cold zones which could be caused by air leakage. Air leakage can limit the effectiveness of heating systems. According to spray foam insulation manufacturer Icynene, floors, walls and ceilings can account for up to 31 percent of air leakage in a home. Spray foam insulation, which can help combat air leakage, is growing in popularity among homeowners since it is an energy-efficient material that delivers year-round benefits. Spray foam insulation, like that available from Icynene, works well in all types of homes across the country, regardless of climate.

Spray foam insulation performs for the life of the property, ensuring that homeowners can enjoy comfortable indoor temperatures year round without overrunning their heating and cooling equipment. According to Icynene, high performance spray foam insulation can noticeably reduce monthly heating and cooling costs. Additionally, spray foam insulation helps minimize random airborne moisture and pollutants from entering the home, which is ideal for allergy sufferers.

Icynene recently released a comprehensive home insulation mobile app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, to allow homeowners understand where air leaks can occur in their home as well as how a modern insulation material like spray foam can help make a difference and why it is a smart home improvement investment.

More information about Icynene spray foam insulation can be found at Icynene.com.

10 Smart Ideas to Heat Your Home for Less

23547343_original(BPT) – As cooler temperatures begin to sweep the nation, homeowners are turning on their heat for the first time in months. With every degree increase on the thermostat, utility bills follow suit.

A warm, comfortable home shouldn’t cost you a small fortune. Luckily, there are some simple strategies for combating the chill while lowering heating costs at the same time.

 

Change the Filters

The summer and fall months are a prime time for airborne allergens and microbes, which can clog furnace filters and inhibit airflow. This makes your furnace work harder and in turn, costs you more. Change your filters monthly to help open airflow and save money.

 

Embrace the Sun

Want to help heat your home for free during the winter? Pay attention to the sun. Try opening curtains on south-facing windows and the radiant heat from the sun will help naturally heat your home. Just remember to close them at night to keep out the evening chill.

 

Use a Programmable Thermostat

You can save up to 10 percent a year on heating and cooling by simply adjusting your thermostat 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 hours a day, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Use a programmable thermostat to change the temperature for time periods you are sleeping or away from home. Some air conditioning systems can be controlled remotely through a smartphone app like “Smart AC,” which works seamlessly with LG duct-free systems, allowing the homeowners to wirelessly connect, control and monitor the temperature through an easy-to-use smartphone app.

 

Consider Installing a Duct-Free Mini-Split System to Provide Zoned Heating

Instead of moving air through ductwork as central heating and air conditioning systems do, duct-free systems deliver warm conditioned air directly into a room. Duct-free systems like those from LG provide high-performance zone heating, allowing homeowners to keep their bedrooms toasty warm at night when it’s frigid outside, while turning the heat down (or off!) in the rest of the home to help save energy.

 

Clear Heat Registers

One common mistake homeowners make is covering heat registers with furniture, toys or other items that block the heat flow. To improve heating efficiency, inspect all heat registers in your home and remove anything that’s blocking them.

 

Seal Leaks and Lock Windows

Phantom heat loss is a huge energy drain. Test for leaks by using a flashlight to see if light filters through cracks or try pulling a dollar bill through. Then, seal air leaks around utility cut-throughs, chimneys and recessed lights with spray foam. Use caulk and weather stripping to seal windows and doorway drafts. Don’t forget to close and lock windows and doors. Locking pulls the components tight against the weather-stripping to block cold air from entering the home.

 

Consider Installing an Energy Star Certified Heating System

Energy Star certified energy-efficient products provide superior performance while saving energy to help lessen the impact on the world around us. The EPA Energy Star program identifies heating and cooling products that are energy efficient and can save you money.

 

Use Your Fireplace Wisely

The warmth and ambiance of a wood-burning fireplace are hard to beat on a chilly day. But to ensure you don’t lose valuable heat when the fireplace is not in use, always remember to close the damper when the fire is completely out.

 

Fill Attic Insulation

When was the last time you checked your attic’s insulation? Heat rises – so if you don’t have proper insulation in your attic, you’re losing money. Start by checking to make sure insulation is evenly spread throughout your attic. Then, visit energy.gov/energysaver/insulation to learn recommended insulation amounts for your region.

 

Lower Your Water Heater Temperature

Water heating accounts for about 18 percent of the energy consumed in your home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Consider setting your water heater to a lower setting of 120 Fahrenheit and you’ll still enjoy hot showers without a utility bill that will scald you.

Refresh Your Home with 6 Easy DIY Paint Projects

23753150_original(BPT) – Few things are as satisfying as pulling off a DIY project, especially when the results are successful. Whether you’re looking to refresh something old or create something new, there’s no need to hire a professional. Updating your home both indoors and out can be effortless. All you need is a fresh coat of paint.

Whether a quick afternoon project, or a weekend makeover, here are some DIY projects to spark your inspiration:

Update Your Bedroom

You can change the entire look of your bedroom with a can of paint and a few easy steps. A splash of vibrant color could be just the change you’re looking for. But paint isn’t just for the walls. Take your old desk and chair set from abandoned to astonishing with a little paint from HGTV HOME(TM) by Sherwin-Williams for the perfect study corner, or add a coat of your favorite color to every piece of furniture in the room. For this project, try HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams Showcase Interior Paint. This paint was created with a Precision Color Promise and features exceptional color matching with fade resistant technology allowing you to choose the perfect color to revamp your space with confidence.

Paint a Picture Frame

Gallery walls are super trendy these days, so why not make yours even more stylish with a personalized touch? Refresh those old picture frames you have lying around, or pick some up at a thrift store and add a layer of paint. Just be sure to wipe off your frames first so the surface is clean and ready for brush strokes. After the frames are dry, slide in photos and they’re ready to hang.

Two-Toned Accent Wall

When it comes to creating an accent wall, the possibilities are endless and the quickest and easiest way to make a huge difference in any room. A subtle hint of color can elevate even the plainest of rooms in just a couple of hours. A two-toned wall is an unexpected twist that takes any room from bleak to bold with high-quality paint.

Select two hues from one of their 16 unique Color Collections. Each of the paint colors in the collections were designed to work together in harmony, so you truly can’t go wrong! Then line the wall with painter’s tape and roll on the first color. Let it dry and then apply the other. Once paint is dry to the touch, slowly pull off the tape, angling it toward you.

Try using HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams INFINITY Paint for this project. This interior paint provides a durable finish that is stain resistant and can easily be washed and cleaned, making it the perfect paint for any room in your home.

Instant Curb Appeal

Ready for the fastest and easiest ways to improve your home’s curb appeal? Give your front door, trim and shutters a fresh coat of paint. Pick a bold color (or colors) or a brightening white, but make sure they complement the other colors of your home. These simple painting projects will give your home that nice finished look that will have neighbors stopping and staring as they stroll by.

You’ll also need a paint that provides protection against even the toughest elements, such as heavy rain and intense sunlight. HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams offers a wide variety of paint products that do this, especially their Showcase Exterior Paint with WeatherTuff technology. This paint also offers a thicker coating for extra protection from cracking, peeling and blistering for a long-lasting beautiful finish.

Upgrade Your Mailbox

Dress up your mailbox by painting the wooden post to match the exterior of the home. Or take a bold approach and paint it a vibrant color!

Picnic Table Revamp

Shatter picnic table stereotypes by painting yours with a cheerful color. After all, a picnic table doesn’t have to be brown. Start by cleaning the table with soapy water to remove dirt and grime. Next sand the table, so the surface is free of splinters. Then rinse the dust away. Let the surface dry, and then it’s time to paint with a premium quality exterior paint that’s perfect for unprimed surfaces, like HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams INFINITY Exterior Paint. This paint is a one-coat paint and primer making it easy to update your picnic table in just an afternoon. It’s also mildew resistant and holds up against harsh weather conditions, keeping your picnic table bright and beautiful throughout the entire year.

Feeling inspired to revitalize the look of your home? Get started this weekend with any of these quick and easy DIY paint projects. Visit www.hgtvhomebysherwinwilliams.com for even more inspiration!

5 Ways to Prepare Your Outdoor Living Space for Fall

23720835_original(BPT) – While everyone eagerly waits for spring each year and wishes summer could last a month or two longer, when it comes down to it, fall just might be America’s favorite season. It’s warm but not hot, the air has that clean crispness that’s hard to describe and perhaps the biggest draw, pumpkin-flavored everything. And let’s not forget about all those bright, beautiful leaf colors that come with the change in weather. So why start shutting down your outdoor living space with the first sign of fall?

Packing it in early is something dynamic design duo, Colin and Justin, would never consider. The home improvement stars of “Cabin Pressure” and “Game of Homes” make the most of their beautiful Western Red Cedar deck all year around.

“Oh my gosh every single day, we’re on the deck – whether it’s summer, spring, fall, winter or whatever,” says Justin. “A deck isn’t just for three months of the year; a deck is what you want it to be. And if you love the great outdoors as much as we do, you can make it work.”

Here, then, are Colin and Justin’s top five design solutions to help extend your outdoor living well into the autumn months:

Start With the Right Deck

Just because you procrastinated, doesn’t mean you need to wait until next spring to build or start designing a show-stopping deck. Whatever your plans, though, one thing almost everyone agrees upon is that there’s nothing quite like the rich, textural warmth of a Western Red Cedar deck to create a beautiful all-season outdoor living space. Low maintenance, surprisingly affordable and easy to work with, Real Cedar can’t be beat.

“We recommend getting your big ticket items first, around which you can seasonally adjust and tailor your look with different smaller and more affordable purchases,” says Colin. “And with decks, it’s worth investing in a really good product to start with like Western Red Cedar, which will last and last and last. Honestly, it just gets better with age, improving as the years pass, and it really is a showstopper.”

Screen It In

Unless you’ve got a screened-in porch, you may still have to shield your outdoor living space from the occasional nippy breeze. For Colin and Justin, this is easily rectified with movable wicker screens that they store inside during the summer months.

“They’ve got a lovely weighty bottom to them,” says Justin. “The wind passes right through them and that’s a good tip for anyone using freestanding screens on the outside. If they’re too solid, the wind can catch them. But if they’re fretwork or open panels or cutout work, they’re good.”

Heat Things Up23720743_original

Paradoxically, as the days grow shorter, you’ll wish they would last longer. There’s no more perfect way to cap off a perfect fall day than by sitting around a fire with friends and family.

“In the autumn, we have two propane operated fire bowls that sit smack dab in the center of our Western Red Cedar deck,” says Colin. Their gas-powered fire is safely contained in a stone bowl and leaves no ashes or embers. “And those fire bowls help us stretch out our summer a little bit. We also have two big patio heaters, which we can direct inward at either end of our terrace and they really make a big difference.”

Bundle Up With Textiles

Sometimes all it takes to warm up your outdoor living space is some simple, yet chic, soft furnishings and yes, maybe even a change in wardrobe. (But don’t worry – you don’t have to say good-bye to your beloved flips flops, just “until we meet again next spring.”)

“We take out lots of really lovely textural throw pillows and rich woolen blankets – think Pendleton and Hudson’s Bay striped blankets – and we cozy up,” says Justin, adding, “And don’t forget your winter woollies. When the weather is changing, sometimes it’s less about what you add and more about what you put on in terms of clothing.”

Install a BBQ Cover

If you’re like Colin & Justin, you enjoy the thrill of the grill year round. This is where an easy-to-build, Real Cedar BBQ Cover really earns its keep. Made from nature’s most resilient building material, this sturdy and beautiful structure is going to last you a very long time. Just think of all the cookout possibilities!

“We BBQ all the time,” says Colin, “So we got a cover. That way we don’t have to worry about weather.”

For free downloadable project plans, visit RealCedar.com or for more fast facts on building with Real Cedar, download their free DIY app – available on the Apple App Store for iOS and at Google Play for Android.