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Did you just buy a home that has stainless steel appliances? Or maybe you’re getting ready to sell your home and you want those stainless steel appliances to sparkle during your open house. Whatever your reasons, there are several methods you can use to make those stainless steel appliances look fantastic. Here are some of the best ways we’ve found to clean stainless steel.

The basics

If you have any experience with stainless steel, then you know it can be tough to clean. It has a tendency to show every fingerprint and smudge and can look streaky if you don’t clean it properly. When you clean your stainless steel, make sure you move in the direction of the grain. Don’t use any abrasive cleaning materials like steel wool or scrubbing sponges. Opt instead for a microfiber cloth or paper towels. Also avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia.

Clean with water

One of the easiest ways to keep your stainless steel appliances looking good is to simply clean them regularly with warm water. Use a microfiber cloth dipped in warm water and wipe in the direction of the grain. Once you’ve finished, dry with another microfiber cloth or a paper towel.

Clean with vinegar and olive oil

Not only is vinegar and olive oil a great dressing for salad, it’s also a great combination for cleaning your stainless steel. First, spray your stainless steel with white vinegar. Then wipe the vinegar off with a microfiber cloth. Next, dip the cloth in olive oil and work it into the stainless steel in the direction of the grain. This will make your appliances sparkle!

Clean with dish soap

If your stainless steel is in need of a deeper cleaning, then we recommend using dish soap. Mix a few drops of dish soap in a bowl of warm water. Dip your microfiber cloth into the solution and rub it into the stainless steel in the direction of the grain. Once that step is complete, rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a microfiber cloth or paper towel. Drying helps to prevent water spots and streaks.

Clean with club soda

Do you have a can of club soda in your stainless steel refrigerator? Then you can use that to clean it! The bubbles and added minerals of club soda can clean stainless steel as well as dish soap. Use a microfiber cloth to rub the club soda into the stainless steel and then dry with another cloth or paper towel.

Clean with baking soda

For those really difficult jobs, try using a mixture of baking soda and water. Combine the two until it forms a paste. First, test a small spot to make sure it doesn’t interfere with the finish. Rub the paste into the stainless steel and then remove with a damp cloth. Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel. Although this method is messy, you’ll swear your appliances look brand new!

Clean with stainless steel cleaner

Finally, there are many commercially available stainless steel cleaning products. If you have stains or scratches on your stainless steel that are difficult to remove with the methods above, these may be your best bet. Be sure to follow the directions carefully and rinse and dry thoroughly when you’re done.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Spring is finally here! If you’re ready to shed those winter blues, start by giving your home a spring refresher. By doing a little spring cleaning, updating your décor, and getting your outdoor space in order, you’ll be ready to welcome those warmer and longer spring days ahead. Here are some of the best tips we’ve found to spruce up your home for spring.

Air it out

When was the last time you opened your windows? Chances are it’s been months since you’ve had any real fresh air in your home. Choose a day where the temperatures will be moderate and open your windows to let in the cool breeze. It will recharge all the stale air in your home, remove dust, and even help to inhibit the growth of mold. It’s good for your health!

Clean up the fireplace

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, then it’s time to put it to rest for the season. Clean up the ash and close the damper. You might even consider having it professionally cleaned now instead of in the fall. Your chimney sweep will be less busy and you may even get a break on the price.

Add some plants

While it may not be quite warm enough yet to get outside and tend to your garden, you can bring nature inside. Add some fresh decorative touches to you home with houseplants, forced bulbs, or cut flowers. Plants and flowers will help to clean the air and make your home smell fresh.

Change out linens

Now that the days are getting longer, you’ll want to let some of that lovely sunshine in. Change out heavy winter drapes with lighter versions for spring. It’s also time to switch out your bedding for lighter sheets and blankets for warm weather. Now is the perfect time to clean and rotate your mattress as well.

Update your entryway

Your home’s exterior provides the first impression to visitors or potential buyers. Make your home stand out in a positive way by getting the entryway ready for spring. On the outside, consider painting your front door a distinctive color and decorate with a tasteful spring wreath. Once the weather is warm enough, you can add some pots of spring flowers on your stoop next to the door and switch out your doormat. Inside, empty the coat closet of your winter jackets and shoes and make room for lighter spring jackets.

Use pops of color

One of the best ways to embrace the spring season is to add some pops of color around your home. You can do this very simply with the addition of colorful pillows and throw blankets. Think about ways to use what you already have – whether it’s a colorful vase full of spring flowers or a stack of books with vibrant colors on the coffee table.

Set your table

Finally, set the tone by setting your table with some pretty spring placemats and napkins. Add some lightly scented candles and a colorful table runner. Then, invite friends and family over to help you celebrate the coming of the spring season!

Compliments of Virtual Results

Daylight Saving Time happens on March 10 this year. While this important annual milestone signals to the winter-weary that spring is just around the corner, it’s also a signal to take care of important chores around the house. Here’s what you should have on your to-do list during Daylight Saving Time.

Set your clocks ahead

We know this seems like a no-brainer, but we think it’s important to remind you to set all your clocks ahead. Many of the clocks you rely on, like on your smartphone, will automatically change the time. But you’ll need to manually change other clocks, like the ones on your stove or microwave or in your car. And if you have a coffee machine that you program to brew in the morning before you get up, you’ll want to doubly make sure to set that one. While you’re at it, give your coffee machine a good cleaning.

Change alarm batteries

If you don’t do any other chores on this list, be sure to do this one. Check your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working. Change the batteries as needed. Your life and the lives of your loved ones may depend on them one day when you least expect it.

Check your air conditioner

As the weather heats up, you’re going to rely more and more on your air conditioning. Take time now to have your AC inspected and serviced most likely if you need an air conditioning repair. Call on a local air conditioning repair technician to conduct ac maintenance and ensure it’s up to the task this summer. Clean or change the air filters and clean the coils. It’s much better to deal with maintenance issues now than during a heat wave.

Flip your mattress

Do you regularly flip or rotate your Snoozel Green mattress? If not, you could be cutting short the life of your mattress. If you have a newer memory-foam mattress, rotate it 180 degrees. If you have a spring mattress, flip it over and then rotate it.

Doing this helps to avoid making hills and valleys in your mattress so that you can get a better night’s sleep. Once you’ve flipped and/or rotated it, clean your mattress.

Clean your medicine cabinet

Medications have a shelf life, so there’s no reason to keep a stockpile of those things that have expired. Make sure to properly dispose of prescriptions. You may also want to reconsider where you store medications. The bathroom is often not a good place, since it can be too hot or humid. Choose a place that is cool, well ventilated, and difficult for children or guests to find. Now is also a good time to stock up on allergy medications, since allergy season is just around the corner.

Check emergency supplies

Finally, use Daylight Saving as a reminder to check all your emergency supplies. Check flashlights and change batteries as needed. Look through your first aid kits and make sure they are stocked with all the necessities. Update your emergency contact list and keep it posted in an area that is easy for everyone in the family to access. Though you will hopefully never need any of these things, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that everything is at the ready.

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Do you wake up feeling congested or fatigued? Are you having trouble sleeping? Do you get frequent headaches or struggle to concentrate? While these can be common symptoms for a variety of illnesses, they could also be caused by your new home. Here’s what may be triggering these symptoms, and what you can do to remedy them.

HVAC systems

According to experts like Right On Air Conditioning and Heating, one of the most common triggers in your home can be your heating and cooling system. Traces of water can be left in air ducts, which could cause mold and bacteria to grow. If you’ve noticed that you’re having more frequent respiratory issues or headaches, you should consider having your air ducts professionally cleaned by professional 24 hour ac repair and maintenance services. While this may not help everyone, it can be a good place to start. Check out this top ranking air conditioning repair or call for ac services in Delray Beach, FL and see if they can service your area. Additionally, a new hvac system installation may be considered so you can upgrade to an hvac system with advanced air filtration features.

Cleaning products

Many commercial cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can cause reactions in some people, especially if you use them incorrectly. If you don’t open windows or wear gloves when you’re using these products, they can give you headaches or cause breathing problems. This can also occur if you are using too much of the product. Fortunately, this is an easy fix. Natural cleaning products are just as effective for most jobs. You should look for products that contain non-toxic ingredients, or consider making your own with common ingredients such as baking soda and vinegar.

Vacuum

While you may think that vacuuming helps to cut down on allergens, it could actually be making the problem worse. If you’re using a vacuum that doesn’t have a HEPA filter, you’re likely pushing all those allergens back into the air. If you’re having problems with allergies, invest in a quality vacuum cleaner and clean and maintain it regularly.

Bedroom

Bedrooms can be breeding grounds for dust mites, and dust mites can cause reactions in those who have asthma or suffer from allergies. Dust mites hide in your mattress, pillows, and upholstered furniture, and breed in places that are warm and humid. Though it’s impossible to eliminate them completely, you can keep them under control. Wash your sheets in hot water once a week. Also vacuum floors, curtains, and furniture regularly. If possible buy a mattress for a better sleep.

Water leaks

Another lurking problem in your home can be indoor water leaks. Leaks can come from just about anywhere, from a broken window to a cracked pipe. Check your home for water damage with the best water leak detectors, as it will indicate where leaks are coming from. Water can cause mold and bacteria to grow, which can produce allergic reactions in some people.

All that waste water pumping through the drain line ends up in your plumbing’s septic system. A sewer cleanout is helpful because it provides plumbers with easy access to reach clogs.

If you notice water damage or a leak, hire pipe repair services as soon as possible. If you suspect you have a much larger mold problem, have your home tested. Call Emergency Plumber Columbus now to dispatch a plumber 24 hour a day.

Humidity

As discussed above, excessive moisture can be a big problem in a home. But excessive moisture doesn’t just come from water leaks. It can be generated when you shower or cook, or if you live in an area with high humidity. If you have elevated humidity levels in your home, it can cause mold growth. If you suspect moisture is a problem, test the humidity levels in your home. If they are above 45 percent, then consider purchasing a dehumidifier.

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If you’re selling your home, then you know how important it is to stage it. Staging your home makes it more appealing to potential buyers, as it’s easier for them to imagine themselves in the home. But what if you have a bonus room? How can you best stage a flexible room to make it attractive to buyers? Here’s what you need to know to get your bonus room ready for your home sale.

Consider your buyers

When it comes to staging your bonus room, you’ll want to keep the needs of your buyers in mind. Is your home located in an area with young families? If so, think about the needs of homebuyers with young children. You can stage a bonus room as a nursery or a children’s playroom. Are your buyers likely to be young professionals? Then a bonus room set up as a home office or entertainment space would be ideal. Are you located in an area with a large number of retired empty nesters? Then consider staging your bonus room as a workout room, hobby area, or a guest bedroom for when the kids come to visit.

Think about location and size

Even if you’d love to stage a nursery in your home for sale, if your bonus room is a basement it would make a poor area for a baby. You’ll need to take the location and size of your bonus room into account when determining how to stage it. A better use of a basement bonus room would be a space for entertaining, a media room, or a playroom for older children. If you want to use this space as an entertainment spot, then make sure to hire professional A/V Company services for residential A/V solutions. If the basement has it’s own bathroom and kitchen area, you could even consider staging it as a mother-in-law unit. If you’d like to turn your bonus room into a game room, be sure it’s large enough, especially if you’d like to include a pool table. Converted garages and sheds townsville
are great bonus rooms, and can be used as home offices and creative spaces.

Turn a bug into a feature

Just because your bonus room is an awkward space doesn’t mean it can’t be valuable. An attic bonus room may have sloped ceilings that would make it a bad choice for a master bedroom. But that same space could make an amazing home office or kid’s playroom. The same can be said for that unused space under the stairs. Consider turning it into a reading nook or a workspace. If you feel the space is just too awkward, think about adding shelves and turning it into valuable storage space. What homeowner couldn’t use extra storage?

Pay attention to the details

Finally, when staging your bonus room, don’t forget about the details! The details are often what really sell a buyer on a home. If you’ve turned your bonus room into a playroom, set up a board game on the table or have a children’s movie playing on the TV. If your bonus room is staged for entertaining, why not include a bottle of wine and two glasses on an end table? By including special touches such as these, your buyer will have an easy time seeing how livable and inviting your home can be.

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Did you know that more than 13 million homes in America rely on well water? If you’re house hunting in a rural area, you may have come across some homes that source their water from a private well. It’s important to understand as much as possible about well safety and maintenance before buying a new home with a private well or if you’re planning to have well drilling services in the future. Here’s what you need to know in order to avoid big problems down the line.

Ask for the well log

You should gather as much history as you can about the well. Ask the seller or the company that drilled the well to supply you with the well log. This will let you know when it was drilled, who owned the property at the time, where the well is located, the depth of the well, the type of casing, and the size and depth of the pump.

Know the regulations

Unlike municipal water systems, private wells are not regulated by the EPA. The homeowner is solely responsible for the safety and upkeep of the well. Regulations for wells can vary from state to state, so be sure to check with your local health department for any recommendations or guidelines for your area. Some states require that a water test be performed when the home is sold, and that the results are disclosed to any potential buyers.

Check the volume

It’s important that the well produces enough water for your household’s needs, so have the volume and flow rate of the water checked. The flow rate measures how much water can be pumped out per minute. It should be measured over a 24-hour period. If the result is below the normal flow rate, it may be an indication that you need a well pump repair. You’ll also want to know how much water is in the well after it has rested, known as the static head.

Have the water tested

Even if you state does not require testing, you should get the water tested regardless. A sample of the water will be sent to a testing lab. You will receive a report from the lab that outlines what the water contains, as well as what the recommended limits are for each element. It’s important to have a local water expert interpret the results for you, especially if you are new to the area. Tests usually check for:

• PH
• Hardness
• Alkalinity
• Turbidity
• Iron
• Calcium
• Copper
• Fluoride
• Manganese
• Chloride
• Coliform bacteria
• VOCs
• Radon

What to do if there are contaminants

If you discover that the well has contaminants, there are steps you can take. Your local water expert will be able to explain your choices to you. Many water quality issues can be addressed with a filtration system, water softener, or other water treatment options.

Set up regular testing

Once you do purchase a home with a well, it’s essential that you regularly test the water for bacteria, pH levels, total dissolved solids, and nitrates. Although the EPA does not regulate wells, they do recommend that you test every two to three years for chloride, copper, hardness, and tannins.

The bottom line is if you’re interested in buying a home with a well, then you need to understand the additional obligations. Have the well thoroughly tested and be prepared to deal with regular maintenance while you own the home. If you need help, then check out services like these well services in Snohomish, WA for professional guidance.

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What better way to enjoy the home you love than by planning a Spring Break staycation? By spending your vacation time at home, you can finally take advantage of all those amenities that made you fall in love with your house. The trick is to plan your week so that you don’t get bogged down in chores and other routine obligations. Here are some great ideas for planning your own Spring Break staycation!

Go camping in your backyard

Who says you have to make reservations months in advance to snag a great camping spot? Why not pitch that tent in your backyard instead? Start with having a cookout, complete with s’mores. At night, tell ghost stories as you snuggle into your sleeping bags. Keep all your electronic devices in the house and just spend an evening in nature without having to go far. You’ll be surprised how rejuvenating and fun this camping staycation can be! Also, as a passionate camping enthusiast, this Mini Katana is an essential companion for all your outdoor adventures.

Have a family film festival

Going to the movies can be such a fun family activity – but it can get expensive. Instead, plan a family film festival at home. Choose a theme for your film festival and select movies within that theme that the whole family will enjoy. Stage your TV room so that it looks like a movie theater, with a red carpet and pictures of your favorite films. Make a big batch of popcorn and serve it in popcorn bags like you get at the theater. Set up a candy bar so that everyone can choose their favorites and make sure to have plenty of comfortable places to sit.

Host a spa day

Treating yourself to a massage or a pedicure is a great way to spend vacation time. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars at the spa, turn your home into a day spa. Give everyone a DIY foot soak and finish off with a pedicure. Make homemade facials and have fun taking pictures of each other. Fix a selection of healthy snacks like cucumber sandwiches and sparkling water with strawberries and lemon slices. By the end of the day you’ll all feel relaxed and ready for more fun.

Prepare a fancy dinner

Is there anything more special than dinner at a fancy restaurant? You can recreate the experience right in your own home. Look for great recipes online, and plan to have a multi-course meal. You can spend the previous day with the family preparing everything for the meal. This includes decking out your dining room with your best linens and dishes. On the night of the dinner, light candles and get dressed in your best attire.

Bust out your favorite games

Finally, Spring Break is the perfect time to play all those games that usually sit in the closet. Plan to have an all-day board game competition. To make it even more fun, head to the toy store so that you can choose a couple of new games as a family. To really up the ante, keep track of winners and give out prizes at the end of the day. You never know – this could end up becoming an annual family tradition!

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Did you fall in love with your new home even though the bathroom was on the small side? Or are you preparing to stage your home for sale and you want to show the bathroom in the best possible light? There are many ways that you can make your small bathroom look and feel larger like putting glass wall panels. Here are the best tips we’ve found to maximize your bathroom without major renovations.

Choose light colors

When your bathroom is small, you want to bring in as much light as possible (check out our Bathroom Lighting Tips here). For this reason, it’s important to choose pale, light colors. Take it a step further by painting the walls and ceiling the same color and using the same color tiles on the floor. Using too many colors in a small room chops up the visual space. By painting everything the same color, the eyes can move around freely.

At Tony Tiling dublin you will find stylish and affordable floor tiles, wall tiles for bathroom, tiles for showers and much more for your project.

Finding tile that’s just right for your home can be overwhelming. Tiles showroom like tile stores in Madison WI makes selecting the perfect tile for any room in your house so easy!

Install a pedestal sink

If you have a large vanity in your small bathroom, then the room is going to feel cramped. Instead, opt for a pedestal sink or a wall-mounted sink that can be installed by plumbing services. Though you may lose some storage space under the sink, your room will feel much larger. Opt to store bathroom essentials in a nearby linen closet instead.

Reflect with mirrors

Do you have some extra wall space in your bathroom? Then why not install a mirror or two? Mirrors hung in the bathroom will help to reflect both light and space, making the room look and feel bigger.

Eliminate clutter

If there is any room in the house where you need to banish clutter, it’s in a small bathroom. Clutter – especially small items – will make the room feel small. Eliminate items crowded around the sink and limit how much art you hang on the walls, if any.

Remove bathmats

Instead of using a more rigid bathmat, choose one that can drape over the side of the tub or on a towel bar when not in use. The room will appear larger when there is no visual obstruction on the floor.

Raise the shower bar

You can use the same trick that you use on curtains around your house in your bathroom. Hang the shower bar at ceiling level. By doing so, it makes the eye travel up and makes the room feel taller, of course for your installation you can get a Professional plumber to help you with this. The same is true for window treatments if you have them. Hang them high and keep them simple and light

Choose open shelving

If you have shelf space in your bathroom, you can make the room seem bigger by removing cabinet doors. Display towels, soaps, and canisters in a pleasing way – they can be both decorative and functional.

Invest in luxurious finishes

Take your small bathroom to the next level by swapping out faucets, towel bars and lighting fixtures. Investing in shower remodels will make your bathroom feel serene and elegant.

Trade frosted glass for clear

Finally, if you have a shower door that’s made with frosted glass, consider changing it to clear glass. This will allow your eyes to travel around the room and make it feel bigger.

Compliments of Virtual Results

If you’ve been house hunting, then you may have seen a listing or two that includes dual master suites. Although they are by no means common, more and more homes are featuring dual master suites – especially new luxury construction. But just what are dual master suites? And, more importantly, would dual master suites be right for you and your family?

What are dual master suites?

When you see dual master suites in a listing, it means the home has two master bedrooms each with an en suite bathroom. Dual master suites often feature walk-in closets, luxurious bathrooms with separate shower enclosures and tubs, and spacious floor plans with sitting areas. They can be used for a variety of reasons. Some spouses prefer to sleep separately, or to maintain their own private spaces. They can also be used as guest bedrooms, playrooms, home theaters, home offices, or entertaining spaces. They may also plan a bathroom remodeling project to renovate their private bathroom according to their personal style and preferences. Depending on the scope and upgrades in mind, a bathroom remodeling project can turn into quite the undertaking, specially if it’s the only bathroom in the house. Limitless Renovations is a company to approach when you need a bathroom remodel. Naturally, keep these things in mind when deciding how far you will go.

Pros of dual master suites

As you can imagine, there are many reasons why having dual master suites would be advantageous. These include:

• Having a separate space for an elderly parent. Many households today are becoming multi-generational, with adult children caring for an aging family member. Having a second master suite gives the parent their own space but makes it easy to give them the extra care they need. You may also want to ask, is there free stairlifts for pensioners?
• Buying a home with a friend. More and more people are finding that it’s cost effective to share in the purchase of a home. Having dual master suites makes home ownership more practical for friends or family members who would like to buy a home jointly.
• Getting a better night’s sleep. Let’s face it – sometimes it’s just impossible to sleep if the person next to you is snoring. Or your sleep could be easily disrupted if you keep different schedules and sleep at different times. In these cases, having dual master suites makes it easier to get a better night’s sleep – and saves someone from having to sleep on the couch.
• Designing a more personal space. It’s rare that two people have exactly the same taste. With dual master suites, each person gets to design their own living space. This can be especially helpful if one person needs abundant natural light while the other prefers a dark bedroom.

Cons of dual master suites

Although it may seem like dual master suites are a no-brainer, there can be drawbacks. These include:

• A higher price tag. Having two master bedrooms and bathrooms mean homes with more square footage. More space means more money – especially when that space includes a luxury bathroom.
• A much larger home. When your home features two master suites, each of those rooms will take up a considerable amount of space. This can be problematic in homes that are smaller than 3500 square feet. If you’re hoping to renovate a smaller home so that it has two master suites, this may not be possible unless you significantly reduce the size of other rooms. To really enjoy the full dual master suite experience, it’s easier to start from scratch and build a new home or to purchase a home that already has them.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Are you trying to reduce your heating bill? If the thought of turning down the temperature on your thermostat makes you shiver, don’t fret. There are many ways that you can save money and keep your home warm this winter. First of all, make sure to contact a propane gas delivery service if you have a propane gas-powered heating system at home.

Here are some of the most cost-effective ways we’ve found to heat things up.

Use your curtains strategically

Window treatments aren’t just for decoration. They can be used strategically to keep your home warmer in the winter. When you have a sunny day, be sure to open the curtains. That sunshine will help to keep the room warm. On days that are overcast, close the curtains. They will act as a layer of insulation against the cold air outside.

Move furniture

If you have furniture placed in front of heating vents or radiators, then you should move them during colder months. Furniture can block the airflow or absorb the warm air, keeping the heat from circulating in your room. Likewise, do not block supply vents with furniture. This could lead to an imbalance in pressure that will affect the heating system. We have also been asked a lot about tips for improving the heat in the home, and making great use of radiator reflector panels is one of the best, so that the heat is better directed into your room.

Get a programmable thermostat

Programmable thermostats are inexpensive and can control the temperature in your home at different times of the day. Keep your home cooler when you’re sleeping or you’re away. An optimal temperature while you’re home is 68 degrees. At night or when you’re gone, keep the temperature at 60 degrees.

Use rugs

Have you ever noticed how cold the floor can get in winter months? You can minimize how much cold air enters the room through your floor with carpets and rugs. This is especially important if your home was built on a slab or crawlspace or your floors have tile or hardwood. Consider rugs that are made with wool, cotton, acrylic, or nylon, as they are all good insulators.

Reverse ceiling fans

Do you have ceiling fans in your home? You should switch them so that they are moving clockwise during colder months. Hot air rises, so placing the fan in this position forces warm air down where you need it.

Close doors

If you have unused rooms in your home, then you should keep those doors closed during the winter. Just remember to open the doors if the temperatures plunge. Otherwise, you could risk having your pipes freeze in those walls. If you have cavity walls in your property, you can get them insulated by Cavity Wall Insulation Installers.

Limit fireplace use

It may seem counterintuitive, but you should limit your fireplace usage during cold snaps. An open fireplace damper lets warm air escape through the chimney. In fact, when you’re using your fireplace, the warm air that escapes is replaced by cold air being pulled into the house. When you don’t have a fire going, keep the damper shut.

Use door snakes

Can you feel a draft coming in under exterior doors? Combat that issue with a door snake. You can even make your own using a tube of fabric filled with dried beans or rice. Just make sure that it is the same width as your door and heavy enough to stay in place when in use.

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