HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
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HVAC
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 air
conditioning, or 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, preventing 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 dehumidifier (if applicable)
– 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 two-foot 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, offer cost savings
through adjustable timing and consistent
temperatures throughout the house, and
optimize your HVAC system.
If all else fails, put your trust in the hands of a
professional who will ensure that your HVAC
system is ready for spring.
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couch for a workout. If you’ve always thought you didn’t have the
space for a pool table, it may be easier to fit than you think. Tables
come in 7, 8, 8.5 and 9-ft. options.
Above all, your game room should reflect who you are. It can be
fun and funky or classy and elegant. It’s all up to you!
HOME SWEET OFFICE
Are you one of those lucky individuals able to work from
home? The world just seems like a nicer place when you’re
dressed in your pajamas, doesn’t it? But work is still work. You
need a place that’s organized, designed well, and in which you feel
comfortable. Chances are, you may also need a degree of privacy
to do your best work.
One of the most overlooked factors in productivity is
lighting. Many studies demonstrate that natural lighting is best
whenever possible, and results in more productivity among
workers and a more positive attitude toward the work itself.
Lighting can have a profound effect on your mood and can
even influence your hormones.
If placing your home office in an area with windows is not
possible, try the soft lighting of a lamp instead and try to avoid
harsh fluorescents. Adding a silk plant or two, along with a picture
of the outdoors, will help to transform a windowless area into a
more inviting space. Warm colors such as reds, yellows and orange
will also help warm up an otherwise dark office area such as a
basement.
Next, you’ll want to design your workspace with cabinetry
where office supplies and files can be tucked neatly out of sight.
Shelving that is custom-designed for the way you work can
transform even a tiny space into an efficient work area. Having
cabinets and shelves that are suited to your exact purpose will
eliminate a great deal of frustration and overwhelming feelings of
disorganization. A designer and expert carpenter can help you
get the most from your workspace.
Just because you don’t have an entire room in your house to
dedicate to your home office doesn’t mean that you can’t have
a dedicated workspace. Even a closet can be transformed into a
workspace with the right planning, and the whole office can be
put away at day’s end by simply closing the closet door.
If you have even less space to work with, try a wall-mounted
desk that can be extended when in use and can collapse flush with
the wall when it’s not. Cubby holes built into the interior wall
area can also provide places for storage in a tight space. A creative
builder can help you make the most of your available space.
If your office is not separated from the rest of your home and
building a wall is not an option, there are still attractive ways to
define your workspace. For example, tall wooden shutters can be
linked together with hinges and painted to any color to create a
private area. Though not soundproof, they can create an intimate
atmosphere of privacy when needed for oneself or seeing clients.
Tall silk plants, such as a series of ficus trees, can also be used to
divide the space.
Don’t skimp on your office chair! It’s likely a place where you
will be sitting for several hours every single day. Make sure that it’s
comfortable and provides plenty of lumbar support, in addition to
being an attractive addition to your office. Visit Spine-Health.com
for some helpful suggestions on choosing the right chair that will
work best for you.