🔥 2024 Year in Review: What Was Hot in Home Improvements

We’ve packed this week’s edition with everything you need to keep your home safe, stylish, and running smoothly. Here’s what’s in store:

The Maintenance Minute: Essential tips to keep your home safe and running smoothly, from changing thermostat batteries to testing GFCI outlets and clearing snow from furnace vents.

2024 Year in Review: A look back at the hottest home improvement trends of the year—what made waves and why they mattered.

Q&A Spotlight: Ever wondered why icicles form beneath the exhaust pipes of a side-vented furnace or hot water tank? We’ve got the answer (and how to fix it).

Grab your coffee and let’s dive in—it’s time to keep your home the envy of the neighborhood!

🛠 Maintenance Minute

Where Small Fixes Make a Big Difference!

This Weeks 5 Minute Focus:

• Change your Thermostat batteries. Low or dead batteries can cause the furnace not to come on when it’s supposed to.

• Test GFCI plugs (Click here for how to test a GFCI).

• Check for leaks under sinks and around toilets.

• Remove snow or ice blockage at your side-vented furnace or hot water tank.

Pro Tip: Test GFCI outlets monthly by plugging in the tester and pressing "Test." If the power doesn’t cut, replace the outlet. Use the tester’s indicator lights to check for wiring issues, and don’t forget to test outdoor, garage, and basement outlets too. It’s a small step for big safety!

2024 Year in Review

Well, folks, 2024 was a whirlwind year in the world of home improvement. If your toolbox has been gathering dust, it's time to shake off the cobwebs and dive into the trends that had homeowners buzzing.

Let's take a stroll down memory lane and revisit the hottest home improvement fads that made 2024 a year to remember.

1. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Upgrades

Sustainability wasn't just a buzzword; it was the mantra of 2024. Homeowners swapped out old appliances for energy-efficient models, installed low-flow fixtures, and even embraced tankless water heaters. The goal? Reducing environmental footprints while shaving a few dollars off utility bills.

2. Smart Home Integration

From thermostats that learn your schedule to lights you can control with a voice command, smart home technology became the norm. These gadgets didn't just add convenience; they also boosted home security and energy efficiency.

3. Multifunctional Spaces

With more folks working from home, the demand for versatile spaces skyrocketed. Dining rooms doubled as offices, and guest bedrooms moonlighted as gyms. Flexible layouts and furniture that could adapt to various needs were all the rage.

4. Biophilic Design

Bringing the outdoors in was a top priority. Incorporating natural elements like indoor plants, green walls, and ample natural light created serene environments that connected homeowners with nature.

5. Wellness Spaces

Homes transformed into sanctuaries. Meditation corners, yoga studios, and spa-like bathrooms became common as people sought to prioritize mental and physical well-being within their own four walls.

6. Statement Ceilings

Ceilings got their moment in the spotlight. Bold colors, intricate patterns, and exposed beams turned the often-overlooked "fifth wall" into a canvas for creativity.

7. Earthy and Warm Color Palettes

The cool grays of yesteryear were ousted by warm beiges, terracotta’s, and olive greens. These earthy tones added coziness and a touch of nature to interior spaces.

8. Kitchen Overhauls

The heart of the home got a major facelift. Homeowners invested in semi-custom cabinetry, layered lighting, and sustainable materials to create functional yet inviting kitchens.

9. Vinyl Flooring Dominance

Vinyl flooring became the top choice for kitchens, edging out traditional hardwood and tile. Its durability, affordability, and variety of designs made it a homeowner favorite.

10. Maximalist Décor

Gen Z led the charge with a return to maximalist. Think bold wallpapers, animal prints, and stained glass windows. This vibrant, eclectic style stood in stark contrast to minimalist trends of the past.

Looking Ahead

As we bid adieu to 2024, it's clear that homeowners are seeking spaces that are not only functional but also reflective of personal values and lifestyles.

Whether it's embracing technology, sustainability, or comfort, the trends of 2024 have set the stage for an exciting evolution in home design.

So, what's next? Only time will tell, but if this year was any indication, the future of home improvement is looking bright—and maybe a little greener.

Q&A - Why do icicles form beneath the exhaust pipes of a side-vented furnace or hot water tank?

Let me explain this interesting phenomenon step by step:

1. The exhaust gases from furnaces and hot water tanks contain water vapor as a byproduct of combustion. When natural gas or propane burns, it combines with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water vapor (H2O).

2. These hot exhaust gases are expelled through the vent pipe, where they encounter the cold outside air.

3. When the water vapor in the exhaust hits the cold air, it rapidly condenses back into liquid water (similar to how your warm breath forms visible "steam" on a cold day).

4. If the outside temperature is below freezing, this condensed water then freezes into ice. The continuous flow of exhaust means more water vapor is constantly being added, leading to the gradual formation of icicles.

5. The reason these icicles often form specifically at the end of the pipe is because that's where:

   • The hot exhaust gases first make significant contact with the cold air

   • The condensed water tends to drip and accumulate

   • The temperature difference is most dramatic

This is actually why modern high-efficiency furnaces typically vent through PVC pipes that slope slightly back toward the furnace - to allow this condensation to drain back into the unit's condensate collection system rather than forming icicles outside.