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☀ Home Improvement: Adding Attic Insulation 🆒

Back in 2003 when we moved into our 1974 house, we were excited about everything it offered. But our first summer brought a heat wave that lasted for weeks, and the inside of our house became unbearable, reaching a sweltering 30°C (86°F). It felt like we were living in an oven, and without AC it was just too much.

Desperate for relief, we started looking into ways to make our home more comfortable. We found out that adding more attic insulation could help. We only has about 4 inches so we decided to add a foot of blown-in insulation to our attic, and the results were amazing. By opening up all the doors and windows at night the temperature inside our house dropped from 30°C (86°F) to a comfortable 20°C (68°F) in just a couple days. Here are some of the benefits we noticed from adding more attic insulation.

Better Temperature Control

One of the first things we noticed was how much better the temperature was throughout our home. Before adding the insulation, our house was boiling in the summer heat, and dam cold in the winter. The new insulation created a barrier that kept a lot of the heat from entering our living spaces. This made the indoor temperature much more comfortable and consistent, no matter how hot it got outside.

Lower Energy Bills

With the new insulation we didn’t have to run a fan in every room to try and cool down the house. This meant we used less energy and saw a noticeable drop in our utility bills. Proper attic insulation helps keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, so you don't need to use as much heating and cooling. Over time, the savings on energy bills can pay for the cost of the insulation.

More Comfortable Living

The big drop in temperature inside our home made it much more comfortable to live in. We could finally relax without feeling overheated, and get a decent nights sleep. The insulation also helped reduce noise from outside, making our home quieter and more peaceful.

Higher Home Value

Investing in attic insulation isn’t just about being comfortable and saving money now; it also adds value to your home. When people look to buy a house, they often want energy-efficient features, and a well-insulated attic can be a big selling point. By improving your insulation, you're making your home more appealing to buyers and increasing its value.

Helping the Environment

Using less energy also means reducing our carbon footprint. Better attic insulation lowers the demand on power plants, which means fewer greenhouse gas emissions. It's a small change that can have a big impact on the environment.

Adding attic insulation was a game-changer for us. It turned our house from a hot, uncomfortable place into a cool and cozy home. If you’re dealing with high temperatures and high energy bills, think about adding more attic insulation. The benefits are huge, from better comfort and lower bills to a higher home value and helping the environment. It's a smart investment that makes your home a better place to live.

Click here to see how much insulation you should have

DIY Projects: Garage Screen Door

Installing a garage screen door is a great way to let fresh air into your garage while keeping bugs and debris out. Having gone through a couple of these, I’ve learned what works best. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you install your new, high-quality garage screen door.

Materials Needed:

• Garage screen door with Velcro attachment

• Measuring tape

• Scissors

• Rubbing alcohol or a cleaning solution

• Cloth or paper towels

• Ladder (if needed)

Step 1: Unpack and Inspect Your Screen Door

1. Unpack the screen door from its packaging and lay it flat.

2. Inspect the screen for any damages or defects. This is especially important since you’ve invested in a better quality screen this time.

Step 2: Clean the Installation Surface

1. Measure the opening of your garage door to ensure the screen door will fit properly.

2. Clean the surface where you will attach the Velcro. Use rubbing alcohol or a cleaning solution and a cloth or paper towels. This step is crucial for the Velcro to adhere properly.

Step 3: Attach the Velcro Strips

1. Lay out the Velcro strips that came with your screen door.

2. Measure and cut the Velcro strips to fit the top and sides of your garage door frame.

3. Peel off the backing from the Velcro strips and carefully stick them to the cleaned surface of your garage door frame. Press firmly to ensure a good bond.

4. Wait 24 hours to let the Velcro stick properly before attaching the screen

Step 4: Position the Screen Door

1. With a helper, lift the screen door up to the garage opening.

2. Align the top edge of the screen door with the top Velcro strip on your garage door frame.

3. Press the screen door onto the Velcro strip, starting at the top and working your way down the sides. Make sure the screen is taut and even.

Step 5: Secure the Bottom

1. Make sure the weights at the bottom of the screen door are in place. These help keep the screen door from moving and ensure it stays in place.

2. If your screen door came with additional weights or magnets, attach them to the bottom edges for extra security.

Step 6: Test the Screen Door

1. Open and close the screen door to ensure it functions properly. The middle should open easily and close securely.

2. Adjust as necessary, ensuring the Velcro is holding well and the screen door is aligned correctly.

Tips for Longevity:

• Regularly clean the Velcro strips to maintain their adhesive strength.

• Check for wear and tear periodically, especially around the edges and the opening in the middle.

• Store the screen door properly during off-seasons if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a bug-free and breezy garage space. With better quality materials and workmanship, this screen door should serve you well for years to come.

I bought it off Amazon. Here’s the link Click Here

Home Maintenance and Repairs:13 Must Have Tools

Are you a proud homeowner but feel a bit lost when it comes to maintaining your property? Don't worry – having the right tools on hand is key! Whether it's for simple repairs, everyday maintenance, or more complex renovations, owning the right tools can make a huge difference. Here are 13 must-have tools that every homeowner should keep in their toolbox to keep your property in top shape.

Owning the Right Tools is Essential for Home Maintenance

Having the proper tools is crucial for successful home maintenance. A screwdriver, hammer, and drill are some of the most basic tools you need. Other useful tools include a saw, level, tape measure, and pliers. It's important to choose the right tool for the job. For example, a saw is perfect for cutting through wood, while a level is ideal for checking if a shelf is balanced. With the right tools, you can handle many home repairs and improvements yourself.

Must-Have Tools for Homeowners

While you might not use a screwdriver or hammer every day, these tools are essential for basic repairs. A screwdriver can tighten or loosen screws, while a hammer can pound nails into wood or remove them. These tools can be used for various repairs, from fixing a cabinet to hanging a picture frame. It's important for homeowners to have these basic tools on hand for quick repairs. If you don’t have these tools already, investing in them can save you time and money in the long run.

1. Hammer: Great for pounding nails and general demolition.

2. Screwdriver: Essential for tightening and loosening screws.

3. Wrenches: Useful for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts.

4. Tape Measure: Important for measuring spaces and materials accurately.

5. Socket Set: Helps with a variety of projects, especially automotive repairs.

6. Pliers: Great for gripping and bending materials.

7. Flashlight: Crucial for working in dark or hard-to-see areas.

8. Utility Knife: Useful for cutting materials like carpet or cardboard.

9. Level: Ensures your projects are perfectly horizontal or vertical.

10. Allen Wrench Set: Needed for assembling many types of furniture.

11. Crescent Wrench: Adjustable and useful for various sizes of bolts.

12. Saw: Essential for cutting wood and other materials.

13. Clamps: Hold materials in place while you work.

Keeping Your Toolbox Handy

A well-stocked toolbox is essential for handling small repairs and maintenance tasks quickly and easily. By having the right tools, you can prevent bigger problems from occurring. Some of the most important tools to have in your toolbox include a screwdriver set, a hammer, a wrench set, and a tape measure.

There are many toolbox kits available for purchase that include most of the essential tools you’ll need. When storing your tools, keep them organized and in a safe place where they won’t get damaged. This will ensure they are ready to use when you need them. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using any tool.

Home maintenance doesn’t have to be daunting or expensive. By investing in a few must-have tools, you can handle small repairs and prevent bigger problems down the road.

Just a word of advice. Buy the best quality tools you can afford. Better quality tools will last way longer than cheap ones.

Home Technology & Gadgets: Robo-Vac

Imagine coming home to a clean house without having to lift a finger. This futuristic scenario is now a reality thanks to robot vacuums. These smart devices are transforming the way we keep our homes clean. Here’s everything you need to know about robot vacuums and why they might be the perfect addition to your home.

My Journey with Robot Vacuums

Owning two robot vacuums myself, I can tell you firsthand how amazing these gadgets are. They’ve saved me countless hours of cleaning, allowing me to focus on more important things. Here’s a glimpse into how these little helpers work and why they’re worth considering.

What Are Robot Vacuums?

Robot vacuums are small, disc-shaped devices that move around your home, cleaning floors without any help from you. They use sensors and smart technology to navigate through rooms, avoid obstacles, and clean under furniture. Most robot vacuums can handle different types of flooring, from hardwood to carpet.

How Do They Work?

Robot vacuums are equipped with sensors that help them detect dirt and debris. These sensors also prevent them from bumping into furniture or falling down stairs. Some advanced models even have mapping capabilities, allowing them to create a layout of your home and clean more efficiently.

Here’s a step-by-step look at how a robot vacuum works:

1. Charging: The vacuum stays in its charging dock when not in use.

2. Start Cleaning: You can start the vacuum with a button, remote control, or smartphone app.

3. Navigation: The vacuum moves around your home, using sensors to avoid obstacles and drop-offs.

4. Cleaning: It uses brushes and suction to pick up dirt, dust, and pet hair.

5. Return to Dock: Once the cleaning is done, or the battery is low, the vacuum returns to its charging dock.

Why I Love My Robot Vacuums

Robot vacuums offer several benefits that make them a great investment for any home:

1. Convenience: They do the cleaning for you, freeing up your time for other tasks. I love being able to set them on a schedule and forget about vacuuming entirely.

2. Consistency: Regular, scheduled cleanings keep your home consistently tidy. My floors have never been cleaner!

3. Accessibility: They can clean under furniture and in hard-to-reach places. I no longer have to move heavy furniture to clean underneath.

4. Ease of Use: With smartphone apps, you can control and schedule cleanings from anywhere. I can start a cleaning session even when I’m not at home.

5. Adaptability: They work on various floor types and adjust their cleaning modes accordingly. Whether it’s my hardwood floors or carpets, they handle it all.

Tips for Choosing the Right Robot Vacuum

When selecting a robot vacuum, consider the following factors:

1. Battery Life: Look for models with longer battery life if you have a larger home.

2. Navigation: Advanced navigation features help the vacuum clean more efficiently.

3. Dustbin Capacity: Larger dustbins require less frequent emptying.

4. Smart Features: Models with Wi-Fi connectivity can be controlled via smartphone apps.

5. Price: There are options available at various price points, so choose one that fits your budget.

Popular Robot Vacuum Brands

Here are some of the most popular brands I’ve come across:

1. iRobot Roomba: Known for its reliability and advanced features.

2. Eufy: Offers affordable yet efficient models.

3. Neato: Known for its unique D-shape design for corner cleaning.

4. Shark: Provides powerful suction and smart navigation.

5. Roborock: Combines mopping and vacuuming functions.

Robot vacuums are revolutionizing home cleaning by making it easier and more efficient. With their smart technology and user-friendly features, they are an excellent investment for any modern home. Whether you’re busy with work, school, or just want to spend more time relaxing, a robot vacuum can help keep your home clean with minimal effort.

Trust me, as someone who owns two, they’re make life easier. So why not embrace the future of cleaning and add a robot vacuum to your home today?

Check out the Reddit form on Robot Vacuums