Lessons to Learn About Preparing Your Home for Changing Seasons

As the seasons change, it's important to take some time to prepare your home for the upcoming weather. Whether you're dealing with extreme cold or hot temperatures, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that your home is ready for whatever Mother Nature throws its way. Below are some tips and tricks for getting your home ready for the changing seasons.

Check Your HVAC System

No matter what season you’re in, it’s always important to check the condition of your HVAC system. Have an HVAC technician, like one from STA SO COOL HVAC, come out and inspect your air conditioning and heating units, replace any necessary filters, and make sure all components of your system are in good working order. This will not only help keep your energy bills low but also ensure that your family is comfortable no matter what temperature it is outside.

Inspect Windows and Doors

Check each window and door in your home to make sure they're secure and well-sealed. If they aren't, you'll be losing a lot of energy (and money). If you feel air coming through them or find cracks around their edges, consider replacing them with newer models that are more energy-efficient. You can also buy weather stripping tape or caulk to seal any gaps in windows or doors if needed.

Clean Out Gutters and Drains

Cleaning out gutters and drains is another important task for preparing your home for the changing seasons. Leaves, twigs, debris, etc., can clog up gutters and cause water build-up on rooftops or near foundations which can lead to costly repairs down the line. It's best to clean gutters twice a year—once at the end of fall/beginning of winter when leaves have fallen off trees and again at the end of spring/start of summer when trees have bloomed once more.

Preparing your home for the changing seasons doesn't have to be complicated or expensive; it just takes a little bit of effort on your part. From inspecting windows and doors to cleaning out gutters and drains, there are plenty of simple tasks that can help protect both you and your family from extreme temperatures outside while saving money on energy bills inside. Taking these steps now will ensure that you won't have any surprises come springtime.

Green Spring Cleaning: How to Clean Your Home the Eco-Friendly Way

Spring is finally here, and there's nothing like a good deep clean to shake off the winter blues and welcome in the new season. However, with so many traditional cleaning products available, it's too easy to forget about their effects on the environment and our health. If you're someone like us who values a clean home and the environment simultaneously, finding effective yet green substitutes for conventional cleaning products is crucial. That's why, in this article, we'll go over some practical tips on how to clean your home the eco-friendly way! 

Ditch Traditional Cleaning Supplies

Did you know that most conventional cleaning products contain chemicals that may be hazardous to your health and the ecosystem? For instance, many popular home cleaners contain harsh chemicals like ammonia and bleach that are poisonous if ingested or inhaled. They often contribute to indoor air pollution, harming those with asthma or respiratory issues. Although the physical safety of your home is a huge priority, when choosing cleaners, you need to consider your physical health too. Even when you don't consume them and instead just flush them down the toilet, these products can end up in waterways and have a horrible environmental impact. 

Not to forget, their manufacturing requires a significant amount of resources and energy. And, when you finish using them, since they're not recyclable, the packaging of these products often ends up in landfills, further polluting our planet.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Alternatives

First, you must use green alternatives to traditional cleaning products to pull off green spring cleaning. So, switch your countertop cleaner with some diluted vinegar and start scrubbing. Use baking soda paste to remove stains, unclog drains and deodorize carpets. Believe it or not, these alternatives can be as effective and often even less expensive.

Instead of purchasing new cloths each time you need to clean your home, get some microfiber cloths. They're reusable and can be used and washed over and over again. And, if you need more cloths, consider using your old shirts or teared-up bedding to wipe the dust off your shelves or wash your windows. When it comes to cleaning your home the eco-friendly way, there's nothing more eco-friendly than reusing and upcycling. Throwing away your old cleaning products because they're not green isn't a good solution since you'll still be creating unnecessary waste.

Adopt Other Green Practices

If you want to clean your home the eco-friendly way, it's not enough to just have green supplies. There's slightly more to it, like these sustainable cleaning practices that will further reduce your environmental impact:

Reducing Waste 

As we already said, using all products is very important until they're empty. Don't just jump to buy a new cleaning product because it's new and green when you haven't yet used up all your home products. That will help you avoid overconsumption or creating unnecessary waste. Regarding brooms and mops, look for sustainable and durable materials like bamboo or recycled plastic. Everything that can be reused should be reused. 

It's a similar logic to when you're packing for a move. According to experts at hnmovers.com, it's much more environmentally friendly to get used boxes from a store than to purchase brand-new boxes and then throw them away after one use.

Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances

When it comes time to replace your cleaning appliances, choose water-saving and electricity-saving versions that are energy-efficient; this goes for all your appliances. For instance, a high-efficiency washing machine uses less water and energy than a conventional one. That saves you money on electricity costs while having a minor negative effect on the environment. Or, if your AC needs repairs or replacing, opt for a more energy-efficient and eco-friendly option rather than the cheapest option on the market. While it might cost less initially, it will save you money in the long run.

Avoid Over-Cleaning

While maintaining a clean and orderly house is essential, going overboard with the cleaning can harm the environment. That is because, even in small quantities, cleaning products can discharge dangerous substances into the atmosphere and waterways. Use fewer cleaning products than required and only clean when necessary to reduce impact.

It's one thing to clean your home deeply before you move into a new place. It's another to scrub your entire home daily with cleaning products. The first is to make your new place safe by disinfecting it, while the other is over-cleaning and using too many products.

Green Spring Cleaning

If you want to clean your home the eco-friendly way, the first thing you need to do is to declutter. Sort through your possessions and dispose of anything you no longer need by recycling or donating. Aside from boosting your home decor, this will also benefit your mental health. It's been proven that cluttered spaces harm the mind.

Then, once it's time to clean, go room by room. Start with one at a time and concentrate on thorough cleaning. Use eco-friendly and sustainable cleaning supplies to make everything appear and smell new. Cleanse and refresh the air in your house by using natural air fresheners or essential oils.

Final Thoughts

As we head into spring cleaning season, let's take this opportunity to make positive changes in our cleaning routines. Let's purge our houses of clutter, load up on eco-friendly cleaning supplies, and adopt green cleaning techniques. Doing this can improve the ecosystem for ourselves and future generations. Remember, you don't have to make all these adjustments at once. If you want to clean your home the eco-friendly way, it's okay to start small. Don't be afraid to make small steps and move at your own pace. Ultimately, even the most minor changes can make a huge difference!

Ready for Spring? How to Keep Your House Prepared for Rising Temperatures

As the temperatures begin to rise, it's time to start thinking about spring maintenance. After a cold winter, your home needs some TLC before you can fully enjoy the warm weather. There are a few things you can do to ensure that your home is ready for spring. Let's take a look at what steps need to be taken in order to make sure your house is prepared for rising temperatures.

Exterior Checkups

Perform an exterior checkup of your home by inspecting all of the windows and doors, looking for any cracks or gaps that need repair. It's also important to make sure that all of your gutters and downspouts are clear from debris in order to help prevent water damage or leaks inside the home. If necessary, you may want to consider investing in professional gutter cleaning services as well as window and door repair services if there is any damage detected.

Check for Drafts and Leaks

It's also important to check for drafts and leaks around windows, doors, walls, and other areas of the home where air may escape. This is especially important during the warmer months when air conditioning will be running more often than normal. Any drafts or leaks should be sealed up with weather-stripping or caulking so that you can reduce energy costs while still keeping your house cool and comfortable during those hot summer days.

Air Conditioner Maintenance

Now is also a great time to have your air conditioner inspected by an AC service technician if it has not been done recently. This will help ensure that everything is running smoothly when you turn it on for the first time this season. They will check components like filters, refrigerant levels, electrical connections, and more so that your unit runs efficiently while providing optimal comfort throughout spring and summer months.

Spring maintenance doesn't have to be overwhelming. By taking care of these simple tasks now, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home is prepared for warmer temperatures ahead. A thorough inspection of windows and doors along with checking for drafts and leaks will help reduce energy costs while also making sure that your air conditioner is running efficiently when needed most this season. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at us this year.

Getting Your Windows Prepared to Spring: Addressing Windows' Common Problems

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The winter season in Canada comes to an end, but it can be harsh on windows due to extreme weather changes, which can cause damage to them. It is always a good opportunity to assess the durability of windows and determine if it is time for a replacement before the spring season. Expert Ecoline Windows reviews provide insight into the five common problems that could affect windows during winter, along with solutions to address them.

Why Might Windows Experience Problems in Winter?

Winter brings excess moisture and temperature fluctuations that can build up pressure over time. This built-up pressure can seriously affect some window parts, especially if the old units lack insulation and modern energy efficiency properties. Over time, windows may show signs of damage they take during winter.

Common Window Problems Before Spring?

1. High Energy Bills

Windows with poor insulation properties or damaged seals are prone to air leakages and cold drafts, leading to increased energy bills. Air leakages force the HVAC unit to work harder to keep a room warm, resulting in a large energy bill at the end of the month. According to the National Resources of Canada, the average Canadian household spent over $2,102 on heating and cooling their homes in 2019, with heating bills making up 64% of the entire energy utility bill, which means $1,345 was spent on heating alone. A damaged window can further increase the energy bill. 

Investing in the best windows in Alberta equipped with double or triple glazing will help lower energy bills and bring more comfort to your house.

2. Ice on Windows

During the cold season, the moisture remains inside your home and ultimately appears on the window pane. When the surface temperature outside gets below the dew point, the water vapour transforms from gas to liquid, which then freezes and builds ice crystals. Over time, the ice buildup can cause the window glass to warp, leading to visible cracks or outright breakage. It is essential to clean off the excess moisture that might build up on the window before it turns to ice, especially if using old single-pane windows.

3. Condensation on Windows

Condensation can appear as slight frost or visible condensation caused by high humidity and is visible on the inner, outer, or middle layers of the window glass. A dehumidifier indoors or switching on ceiling fans can reduce the impact of condensation. Plastic insulation kits for windows can also help reduce the amount of condensation on windows.

4. Rotting of Wood Frames

Wood frame rot is often a problem for old-style homes with old wooden-framed windows. Aside from warping, the temperature change can lead to a buildup of moisture, leading to damaged frames and resulting in increased energy bills. To prevent this, check and inspect the windows for any signs of rot before, during, and after the winter season.

Window experts recommend replacing wood windows with modern Canadian vinyl windows for better durability, noise-cancelling properties, and energy efficiency.

5. Leaky Windows and Drafts

The main use of windows is to prevent elements from entering the house. Cold drafts or air leakages indicate that the seal features of the windows are worn out. 

Replacing the window with a better energy-efficient unit or working towards fixing the worn-out seals on the windows can solve this issue. Checking for damaged exterior caulking, re-sealing the glass to the gasket with clear silicone caulk, and ensuring the sill at the bottom of the window frame is pitched downward to drain water in the exterior direction can help reduce window leaks.

Solutions to Improve Thermal Performance and Save Money

By utilizing the solutions above to address the problems that could plague windows during the winter season, homeowners can significantly boost the thermal performance of their homes and save money. If old windows are damaged beyond repair, replacing them with a more durable, energy-efficient option before or during the winter season can provide more comfort and peace of mind, saving a lot more energy and money in the long run.

Additional Tips to Improve Window Performance during Winter

In addition to the solutions listed above, homeowners can take additional steps to improve the performance of their windows during winter, such as:

1. Utilize window treatments: Window treatments, such as curtains or blinds, can help reduce drafts and air leakages.

2. Install storm windows: Storm windows offer an extra layer of insulation and help reduce heat loss during winter.

3. Maintain proper humidity levels: Keeping the humidity levels inside the house between 30% to 50% can reduce the chances of condensation forming on the windows.

4. Use weather stripping: Weather stripping is an effective way to seal gaps and air leakages around windows, helping to keep the home warm during winter.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, winter can cause significant damage to your windows, resulting in increased energy bills, wood frame rot, ice buildup, condensation, and leaky windows. Homeowners can combat these issues by investing in energy-efficient windows, conducting regular maintenance checks, and utilizing window treatments, storm windows, weather stripping, and maintaining proper humidity levels. With the right approach, homeowners can improve the thermal performance of their homes and save money in the long run.