Special Section : Home & Garden Renovation Guide
With an outdoor kitchen , grilling is not just for summer either . Having a cover for rainy days and outdoor heating available , it can be done virtually year-round . Although just a simple oven and grill can change the way you live , a sink with running water and a fridge can really make cooking outdoors convenient .
For entertaining , the outdoor kitchen offers a way to spend time with your guests while preparing the meal . There ’ s also an entire line of in-ground sound equipment and specially made outdoor TVs . The televisions are completely waterproof , and three times as bright as a normal TV so they can be viewed even in strong direct sunlight .
Make Your Bathroom a Great Escape
Though your bathroom may not spring to mind as the place to hold your next cocktail party , with the right accoutrements your bath can be a great place to hang out and enjoy life . And if you live with family members , it may be the only place in your house where you can truly be alone for a bit .
Besides just being a place to “ get ready ” to meet the day , it ’ s also a relaxing space to recharge your batteries after a long week at work . Hydrotherapy is one of the best ways to relieve stress and help tired , overworked muscles . With tons of specialized showerheads , you can have everything from the sprinkle of a gentle rain to an invigorating massage to bring your body back to center . And a nice relaxing bath in a soaker tub can make the world go away for a while .
Does all this sound like a fantasy ? Maybe not . You may be able to make updates to your bath for less than you might expect .
SPRING CLEANING LIST
As the final snowflakes melt away , it ’ s time to start thinking spring . Most of us start our spring cleaning checklist by sweeping out the garage or uncovering stored patio furniture . But the real cleaning should start from the inside . It is critical to give attention to heating , ventilation , and airconditioning ( HVAC ), to ensure comfort inside your home . Follow the checklist below to give your home the boost it needs before spring sets in .
• Check and replace filters . Changing the filters in your furnace and air conditioner about every three months ( depending on your filter type ) keeps the air in your home clean and allows for your system to continue to run efficiently . Be sure to first turn off equipment before replacing anything .
• Dust and wash bathroom fans . Clean exhaust fans help with bathroom odor and keep moisture out , guarding against mold and mildew . To clean , remove the bathroom fan cover from the ceiling and wash with warm , soapy water and allow to dry completely . Be sure the electricity to the fan is off before you dust the fan blades .
• Drain and air-out the dehumidifier . Dehumidifiers have several health benefits for your family , including reducing allergens such as dust mites , mold , and mildew . Empty and clean the water collection tank with warm , soapy water and vacuum the intake and exhaust grills to keep your dehumidifier running clean .
• Remove plants around the air-conditioning unit . Allow for maximum airflow around your air conditioner unit by clearing any encroaching weeds or plants , keeping a twofoot radius around the system .
• Install a programmable thermostat . If you ’ re in the market for a new thermostat , consider a programmable one . These thermostats increase your home ’ s efficiency and offer cost savings through adjustable timing and consistent temperatures throughout the house , optimizing your HVAC system .
If all else fails , put your trust in the hands of the professionals . They ’ ll ensure that your HVAC system is ready for spring .
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