Home Tech

As technology has evolved over time, so has real estate with the two merging together to form homes of the future. Investors are interested in technologically-advanced properties as they are attractive to homeowners and renters who find them safe, easy to manage, and environmentally-friendly. If you’re looking to invest in a contemporary home these attributes, take a look at the following hi-tech features which will help you generate massive returns with a forward-looking investment.

Smart automation tools

Since the rise of The Internet of Things, which is the name for the interconnected system that brings different technologies together, homes have become more automated. Companies like Google have capitalised on this need for connectivity by buying out Nest, which is now a branch of Google that offers smart products. This includes speakers, tablets, smart security and more which are all connected via the Google Assistant, which can be controlled by voice demands.

Other companies like Amazon and Apple have their own smart assistants which can be merged with various products that make home life more manageable. These big corporations are always in competition with each other to make their products as automated as possible. Many landlords choose to implement this technology into their properties to increase demand as well as rental returns.

Energy-efficient fixtures.

In today’s climate, buyers and renters tend to look for properties that benefit the planet, which is possible with the help of eco-efficient devices. This includes hi-tech lighting which can be controlled by the aforementioned smart assistants. Many residents now have access to lighting control from the comfort of their own home, which helps them reduce their energy bills. Property experts RWinvest have found that automated lighting is also a great addition, as they are controlled by motion sensors, so they only switch on when you enter the room. This is beneficial to those who tend to leave their lights on, enabling them to reduce their carbon footprint significantly.

Another essential feature of futuristic real estate is solar energy, which developers must always consider when designing contemporary properties. This includes fixtures such as solar panels which are used to generate electricity in the home. It is not only an environmentally-friendly feature as it uses the sun’s energy but is also a great way to reduce outgoings, with many investors saving a significant amount enabling them to boost their cash flow.

Convenience technology

While all of the above could be classified as convenient, there are some forms of technology that are created with the homeowner’s chores in mind. There are now devices available to help with everything from hoovering to shopping and more. For example, there are now smart fridges available to buy which can actually order your shopping for you, which experts believe will be in the majority of homes by 2040. This is something for investors to think about especially if they are offering furnished properties with white goods included, as having a smart fridge will give their property their advantage.

If you want to keep up with future trends, you may have the opportunity to offer the most convenient service of all – a robotic chef. This, of course, will be a highly-expensive purchase, however, this will be a desirable feature, as it allows residents to miss out on the cooking and instead relax after a long day at work.

 

Not all of the home insurance companies are innovating yet with smart technology, or ready to reward their customers for implementation of it, but in the near future according to Insure4Retirement, your home insurance premiums could be reduced if you implement smart technologies which will reduce your chances of making an insurance claim.

So now is the time to start thinking about investing in smart technologies which add not only convenience to your home, create energy efficiencies, but may also enhance your security, reduce risk of water leakage and therefore reduce your home insurance premiums.

What type of smart devices should you consider investing in?

Smart Water Leakage

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), Escape of Water (so water leaking within the home from plumbing rather than external flooding) causes a massive 30% of domestic insurance claims, which cost the insurance industry and of course the consumer £3.9m per day. Thankfully there are now smart devices on the market which not only detect a water leak, but will notify you of it, and allow you to respond by shutting off the water supply from your smart phone. The potential for money saving is massive really when you consider how many claims are the result of water leakage, and the cost of repairing a property that has had internal water leakage. This might include replacement of the plumbing, carpets, decoration, and damage to furniture and technology across one or more floors.

Smart Cameras

The next obvious consideration when it comes to home insurance claims is damage to property and burglary. Pre-smart technology most homes had an alarm system installed which was triggered by doors or windows being breached when the system is turned on. In fact this is still the security system most people rely on, oh yeah, and possibly a dog!

However, smart cameras take domestic security into the realms of the high security we used to think was only affordable for museums and high net worth mansions. Placed throughout the property, smart cameras, provide a constant recording of footage throughout the property, and alert the owner’s smart devices when movement is detected. The owner can set up automatic responses or can manually trigger responses via the smart apps, creating lighting or audio deterrents to scare away intruders.

Smart Sensors and Doorbells

As well as Smart Cameras, smart sensors and a smart doorbell can be incorporated in the home security system. Smart sensors are a cheaper alternative to smart cameras and detect movement, triggering alerts and responses. If combined with smart cameras, most entrances and angles can be covered so that the whole home is ready for action. Smart doorbells are a great addition and for some people are the only smart security device installed, as they cover the front driveway providing video and movement sensing. When someone presses the doorbell you can answer remotely, speaking to them via the device.

With 79% of the UK adult population having a smartphone in 2019, these smart systems are viable for most home households.

If you’re here reading this you already know what Hydroponics is, and perhaps you’re at the stage where you just want to decide which Hydroponics system you should choose which will meet your needs and your budget. Progrow provide three different types of domestic scale Hydroponics systems, so here’s a run down of the pros and cons of each one, so you can decide which will meet your growing requirements the best.

Drip Irrigation Systems

Dripper systems are those used by most commercial horticulturalists, because they allow for larger scale systems, and are less susceptible to failure of the timing system because a reserve of nutrient is held by the inert growing medium for a period of time.

Basically a dripper system drips nutrient solution onto the inert medium that the plants are grown in. Inert medium might be clay pebbles, rockwool or foam. The solution remains on the medium as it slowly drains through and feeds the plants roots as it goes. In plants that are susceptible to disease it is more than possible to set up a contained dripper system for each plant so there is no transfer between plants.

The drip system is a closed loop so excess solution drains through the medium into a reservoir and is pumped back to the feeder to be recycled. It allows very precise control of the quantity and content of nutrients.

The drawbacks of the dripper system for domestic grows is that it can be more expensive than other methods especially if each plant has its own system. It is more complicated to set up and maintain, and isn’t as aesthetically pleasing as other systems.

Ebb & Flood Systems

Again using a growing medium such as Rockwool, Perlite or clay pebbles, the ebb and flood system mirrors the natural cycle of rain falling in large amounts for a short period, and then draining through the growing medium to provide nutrients and drawing oxygen into the roots.

Electronics control the regularity and volume of the flooding process and nutrient solutions can be adjusted to cater for each species of plant being grown. Ebb and Flood systems are the most aesthetically pleasing of the Hydroponics systems, and provide high growth rates, and a lot of control over growing.

Plants can be kept in an ebb and flood system for a long period of time, because the medium keeps them anchored as they grow larger. Plants can also be easily removed from the system and new ones added at any stage without too much work.

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

NFT is impressive to see as no growing medium is used, the roots grow directly in a continuously circulating nutrient solution. This is probably the simplest growing method and is economical because it doesn’t need drip feeding tubes above. Growth rates are usually high and of good quality. Nutrient levels can be adjusted within the solution to allow for better results, and separate reservoirs for different plant species can be utilised to apply different solutions.

 

From mobile phones to home computers to office workstations and industrial systems, technology is quickly evolving. This has brought endless possibilities for everyone to excel, including hackers.

To protect your devices from digital harm, you need to understand what’s at stake and how attacks happen. Here are a few details covering cybersecurity threats for home, business, industrial, and government technology.

Cybersecurity is a wide range of high-tech fixes and low-tech mistakes. The tech world knows enough to avoid a lot of common problems, but it doesn’t matter if you’re not a part of the tech world.

First, understand that nothing is unhackable. There are many excellent ways to patch up a system and protect it from sophisticated attacks that would make non-technicians gasp in amazement (or fall asleep during the explanation), but it can all be undone.

Defending Against Phishing

Phishing is one of the more successful, low-tech ways to circumvent any technology. The concept is simple; instead of learning some complicated code to break into a robust security system, trick someone into letting you in.

The most common forms of phishing involve sending fake files/attachments on emails and relying on someone to open the email. It still happens, and training is needed to reduce email/attachment phishing incidents.

It’s not a young versus old issue; there’s a lot of psychology that could be discussed, but members of younger generations still have people who are inexperienced or merely uncaring when it comes to technology.

Some people don’t know or care about the risks until something terrible happens. Antivirus systems and security scans can defend against some problems, but a better company security culture does a better job.

Bad Browsing Habits

Along with opening risky files in emails, how freely do people in your household or business use the internet? While home users may need freedom to browse as they please, companies need to put careful thought into their internet use policies.

The problem is decades old: many professions need the internet for research, resources, or other parts of the job. You can’t restrict every bad website individually because new sites appear daily, and basic firewalls may block needed resources.

The key is nuance. Firewalls and web filters only work as well as they’re designed, so having a team that can advise and edit your security policies will help unlock blocked resources while keeping the bad areas at bay.

Piracy? Not in the Office!

Don’t avoid the topic. Some people pirate games, videos, music, and software. This isn’t condoning anything, but ignorance about the subject is a weakness.

For most businesses, it’s best to simply keep piracy out of the workplace. There’s no reason to use illegal filesharing services in a workplace setting because many sites and services have malware traps that could lock down the entire business.

Any files procured through any manner should be scanned for threats and installed correctly. If you need help with keeping a legitimate business and keeping a clean network, a risk and compliance professional can help.

Physical Security Policies

Some businesses allow personally-owned computers, storage drives, discs, and mobile devices to connect to business devices and networks.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s another possible path for attacks. Attack vectors—places where systems can be attacked—get bigger with every device.

Your business needs a documented policy about bringing external devices to the work network. Devices need to be scanned, period. While there are privacy concerns, tech compliance may be a bigger headache than arguing with an employee about their laptop.

Taking Control of Wireless Systems

Wireless connectivity creates a massive set of attack vectors, but it’s necessary in many businesses.

While physical ports can be physically closed off and you can potentially see or track an intruder who sits at a computer, wireless signals can be hacked or accessed from long-distance, hidden areas.

The technology behind Wi-Fi, CDMA, GSM, BlueTooth, infrared, and many other wireless methods require easy access to a receiver. The security happens after the receiver.

This means you need reliable security after the receiver—at the endpoint—and clear distance limits so that you know how close an intruder needs to hide or place their devices.

How to Protect Against Attacks

For most of these risks, you can train employees on proper technology behaviors. But training isn’t a secure enough measure to protect against attacks. As best practice, you should install security software.

There are different types of protection programs, from antivirus to ransomware protection to endpoint security software. While the first two are self-explanatory, endpoint security software is more complicated.

What is endpoint security? For starters, an endpoint is any end-user device connected to a network. It doesn’t have to be a computer; hackers could connect to a smart security camera, smart speaker, a network-connected printer, or any Internet of Things (IoT) device.

Endpoint security is protection for those devices. The difference between this and antivirus or ransomware is endpoint security programs protect against all types of threats, not one specific branch.

Especially with IoT use and IoT compromises growing, you need to be aggressive with endpoint security. Contact a cybersecurity and system protection expert today to discuss better security for your tech needs.

What is the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions home security? Those of us old enough to remember when home security was in its infancy tend to think of things like noisy burglar alarms that disturbed everybody in the neighborhood when they went off. Noisy alarms still exist, but home security in the modern era goes well beyond preventing burglary.

A modern home security system can protect against all sorts of security threats that range from property crimes to acts of nature. A modern system can also be fully integrated with home automation technologies to make a home smarter, more energy-efficient, and more comfortable to live in. The sky is the limit as long as you have the money to spend.

Protection Against Burglary

Most of us think of burglary in the home security realm because preventing it was the impetus for creating home security systems to begin with. So many years later, they still accomplish that fundamental goal. Burglars still say they are more likely to avoid homes with working alarm systems. They would rather target unprotected homes instead. But why?

Burglars are, in reality, cowards. They choose the most vulnerable targets with a plan that allows them to get in, snatch a few items, and get out quickly. Your typical burglar does not want to spend more than a few minutes in a home. He or she certainly doesn’t want to encounter an alarm system that records his/her presence and alerts the authorities of a burglary in progress.

Home security is, therefore, an effective deterrent to burglary. It is an effective deterrent to a wide variety of property crimes – from vandalism to breaking into cars. But there’s more on the table here.

Fire and Carbon Monoxide

Vivint Smart Home, a leading provider of home security and automation equipment in North America, explains that the typical home security system these days also includes monitoring for fire and carbon monoxide. This takes the burglar alarm to the next level by protecting occupants from other dangers.

The thing with fire and carbon monoxide threats is time. The longer occupants are in a burning house or one filling with carbon monoxide, the more likely it will all end with tragic results. Early warning is key to staying safe.

A smoke detector provides early warning of fire by monitoring for smoke and sounding an alarm at its presence. A carbon monoxide detector identifies a deadly gas that has no odor or color. It can pick up even trace amounts that are not yet in high enough concentrations to be dangerous.

Natural and Unnatural Flooding

If a homeowner is so inclined, he/she can include flood monitoring in a home security package. Monitoring for flood involves placing sensors in key locations in the lowest points of the home. If those sensors detect the presence of water, an alert is immediately sent to the homeowner.

This sort of monitoring is ideal for both natural and unnatural floods. A natural flood would be one caused by rain, an overflowing river, etc. An unnatural flood would be one caused by a ruptured water line, a leaking water tank, and so forth. Both kinds of floods can be financially devastating to a homeowner.

Full System Customization

The technology now available affords so many opportunities for customization. Start with a basic home security system that includes several video cameras, motion detectors, door and window sensors, and monitors for both smoke and carbon monoxide. Add to it a few home automation features and see what happens.

You can create a fully customized system that guards your home when you are away but makes it more pleasant to live in when you’re not. A smart thermostat can automatically control indoor temperatures for maximum comfort and efficiency. Automated lighting can reduce energy waste and create just the right lighting scenes for every hour of the day.

The list of things you can do with integrated home security and automation goes on and on. Space doesn’t allow for discussing all the possibilities here. Needless to say that the home security systems of the 1970s are a thing of the past. Modern systems can do a whole lot more than just preventing burglaries.

 

If you’re a tech specialist working from home, it’s extremely important that you set your office up in a way that maximizes your productivity. As a tech specialist, there are some things you’ll want to make sure you have in your home office space that other professionals may not find as essential.

For example, you’ll have to think more about the technology you need, and how to integrate that into your home. You may also have to think more about security. And since you’re likely to be seated during most of your workday, it’s also essential to think about your comfort. If you’re just getting started setting up your home office, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed, and wondering exactly how and where to start.

The good news is you can keep reading this article to find out the best way to create a home office space that is specific to your needs, maximizes your productivity and is comfortable to boot.

Desk

Especially if you’re just starting out working from home, you might be really excited by all the latest developments in desks in the tech world. But you may want to hold your horses for just a little bit. Try out the home office life for a few months before you go big. In the meantime, start with a DIY palette desk.

OK, you’re a tech specialist, so you might not be the craftiest. But you’ve got a crafty friend, right? Have them show you how to make an eco-friendly desk from a used pallet, and simply add some cylindrical metal legs to it. Voila! You’ve got a desk that has built-in storage. You may even like it so much that you don’t find you want to upgrade, even after you’ve been at it for years. In fact, some of the best home office desks are the results of simple DIY projects.

Computer

As a tech specialist working from home, you’ll want to start by considering your most essential piece of equipment: the computer. You may be wanting to save some money if you’re just starting out, but really, you need the best computer you can find. The latest model laptop is a crucial investment here. You’ll also want to invest in a reliable desktop, so you can get that double screen action. If you aren’t using two screens let, you really don’t know what you’re missing. Once you use two screens, you’ll likely find it difficult to ever return to just one.

Internet and security

Since you’ve saved money on your desk, that means you can go all out on fast internet. As a tech specialist, you know that fast internet connection speed is vital to the success of your business.

Once you’re connected to your high-speed internet, make sure that you get a VPN. This will reassure your clients that you’re committed to their security and confidentiality. You don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money on your VPN either. There are plenty of free versions that offer secure connection.

Communication

Working from home doesn’t and shouldn’t mean that you are disconnected from the outside world. In fact, many tech specialists they find that they can stay quite connected with others who are freelancing or employed at the same company. You may also need to stay connected with your clients. So whether you’re working solo or with a team, frequent communication is a must.

This doesn’t mean you need to go all out for the highest end video conferencing system, (although you certainly can). But it does mean having a proper mobile or landline that you reserve for your professional calls. That way if a client calls you, they won’t end up listening to your silly answering machine message and getting the wrong impression.

If you are working with a team, Slack is a great option that many remote workers claim they really couldn’t live without. With programs like this, you can set up daily goals, record your workflow and keep track of chats with other members of your team.

As far as video calls go, as long as you splurged on the best internet connection, you shouldn’t have any trouble connecting with your monitors built-in camera.

You may also want to purchase a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones. That way you can talk to your clients without being distracted by the neighbors’ kids playing outside. In general, if working at home, noise-cancelling headphones are a good idea, because there might be more outside noise that could distract you.

Canteen

It might sound silly, but staying energized is imperative if you want to keep your production levels high. And that means keeping fueled with the proper food and hydration. As a tech specialist, you’ll probably find that you are glued to your screen or screens for the greater part of the day, and you might get so focused that you forget to eat. And who wants to have to interrupt their workflow to walk all the way to the kitchen to grab a snack.

Plus, who knows who you could encounter along the way to distract you? Kids home from school, a dog that wants to go for a walk, a friendly neighbor? No, it’s best to keep a store of food and drink easily available in or near your office. That way you can refuel without breaking your groove.

The chair

If you’re a tech specialist, chances are that you’ve already got a totally awesome gaming/office chair, fitted with all of the accessories you could ever imagine. But just in case that’s not your situation, you need to invest in a comfortable office chair. Your chair should have adjustable height, rolling castors and adjustable lumbar support. It should also have a mesh back for breathability, so you don’t end up with a sweaty back—ew!

Keep to a schedule

It may not be part of your physical office space, but sticking to a fixed schedule is extremely important when working at home. Many people who work at home make the mistake of not sticking to a schedule and end up having to work at night and on weekends! That’s not the life you imagined for yourself when you dreamt of working from home, is it?

Pick an eight-hour window every day and stick to it. It can be eight to eight, nine to nine or ten to ten, whatever matches you best. You should set an alarm for every hour, or every two hours, and when that alarm goes off you should make sure to get up and stretch for a couple of minutes.

Additionally, make sure to let friends, families and neighbors know that just because you’re working at home, doesn’t mean you’re any more accessible than you were when you worked in an office.

If you’re taking the plunge and deciding to join the millions across the globe who are choosing to work at home, congratulations! There are so many benefits that outweigh the potential cons of leaving the office. Many people who work at home are happier, more relaxed and actually more productive.

However, as a tech specialist who’s planning on working at home, there are definitely some things you’ll need to consider as you set up your office. But with the right internet connection, workspace, and communication abilities, you should be more than prepared to start your new life as a remote professional, without breaking the bank!

 

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are an essential part of any home or commercial building. HVAC systems keep you comfortable at home or in the office throughout the year. They also help to improve your health by improving the indoor air quality in your home.  In this article, we will discuss the different repair and installation services that are available for your HVAC system.

There are different types of HVAC units, and they all come with their own installation requirements. It is important that you allow licensed professionals carry out the installation. The following are some of the different HVAC installation and repair services:

Installation: Split System

For this type of HVAC system, the indoor and outdoor mechanisms are split in two. The outdoor unit has what is usually called the air-conditioner while the indoor unit has the blower, which circulates air via ducts and the furnace if you have central heating in your home.

Installation: Mini Split System

The mini-split system has the same mechanical setup as the split system. However, the main difference is that it has many air handling units placed in throughout the home and therefore does not need a central network of ducts.

Installation: Heat Pumps system

This system has a heat pump placed outdoors and an indoor air handler. Heating and cooling are generated either through the air or from a ground source. A central blower works with ducts or a ductless system to either remove or add heat to the air before it is distributed in the home.

There are some common problems that come up with your HVAC system that require fixing. You may be able to carry out some of the repairs yourself, but others will require you to call in an HVAC repair professional to fix them. The following are some of the common issues your HVAC system might develop, along with some easy solutions:

Repair: No Cold Air

When you expect to get cold from your HVAC system but you get warm air instead, first check that the fans are running. if they are, you should check outside to ensure the outdoor unit is not covered with dust or debris. You can also replace the air filters and let it run for several hours.

Repair: No Airflow

If your system does not turn on when it is supposed to, first check the thermostat. You should ensure that it is set to an appropriate temperature, and make sure that it has a fresh battery if it uses a battery.

Repair: No Warm Air

When you get cold air instead of warm air, you should check the thermostat and the registers around your house. You can also replace the air filter. If you are still not getting the warm air after allowing system to work for a few hours, you should call in the HVAC repair experts.

Your HVAC system works hard year round to keep you comfortable in all weather. You should give it the best maintenance possible so that it can serve you efficiently. If you are not able to handle the installation or repair services for your HVAC system, you should call in the professionals to help you out.

 

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems keep you at comfortable temperature all year round in your home or offices.  HVAC systems also remove air pollutants inside residential or office buildings, which improves indoor air quality. There are several service providers that can help you with the repair and installation of your HVAC system in Charlotte. In this article, you will learn how to choose the best HVAC system service providers.

Installation Methods for HVAC Systems

 

The following are some of the different installation methods for HVAC systems:

• System layout and design
• Heating and cooling load calculations
• Correct system sizing
• Full-service system installation

Benefits of Proper HVAC Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation and good preventive maintenance provided for your HVAC system on a regular basis can give you reliable comfort and excellent performance for many years. The following are some of the benefits of providing the best maintenance and allowing professionals to carry out the required repairs on your HVAC system:

• More consistent indoor relaxation in winter and summer
• Better system performance with better heating, cooling, and humidity control
• Higher energy effectiveness, which cuts down your utility bills
• Less frequent repairs
• Longer system lifespan

Choosing the Right Service Providers for HVAC Repair and Installation

The following are some of the ways to choose the right service providers for your HVAC system in Charlotte

Use Certified HVAC Providers

The best HVAC providers are professionals and the best way to know this is through their certifications. Most service providers will have their certifications listed on their websites, which is a good first place to check. Two of the major organizations that issue HVAC certifications are the North American Technical Excellence (NATE) and The Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI).

Choose HVAC Service with Electrical Expertise

You should choose HVAC service providers who are also licensed electricians. HVAC services are often closely related to electrical services, and it will help if you don’t have to start looking for electrical service providers when your HVAC service provider is already working.

Check the Reviews

It is very easy today to find customer reviews on major services including HVAC technicians. Online reviews help you to get first –hand information about a company offering HVAC repair and installation services. You should do a quick internet search to find out what others are saying about the company before you call them.

Look for Fast HVAC Service Delivery

Since it is your comfort and the safety of your home on the line, you should expect the HVAC service provider to be available on time and also to provide you with fast service delivery. You should contract service providers who can offer you the services you need promptly when you need them. A 24/7 HVAC provider will be ideal for this.

Choosing the right service providers for your HVAC system is one of the most important decisions you will make to ensure your HVAC system gives you the right performance and the longest life possible.

 

A home energy audit is the process whereby you evaluate all of your home energy usage to find out whether and where you are losing energy. The goal is to improve energy efficiency in your home. Experts advise you perform a home energy audit every two to three years. You can carry out home energy audits on your own or hire a professional to perform the service for you.

The average American household spends a considerable amount of money on energy to light and heat their homes and power their appliances. Given the high costs of energy inefficiency, it is necessary that you learn how to carry out energy audits to ensure you are optimizing the use of energy in your home.

If you don’t want to go through the process, or the expense, of hiring a professional to do the job for you, you can try to do it yourself. If you have your previous bills available, you can make the task a bit simpler and get a decent idea of where your biggest energy expenditures are coming from.

However, If doing a home energy audit yourself would be too time-consuming or you aren’t sure where to start, you may want to hire a professional to do it for you. A professional will of course also do a more professional job than if you do it yourself. In this article, you will learn some of the benefits of getting a home energy audit.

Save Money

The first benefit of carrying out a home energy audit is that it will help you to save money on your utility bills. When you make upgrades based on your home energy audit, you could save between 5% and 30% on your electricity bill by increasing your energy efficiency.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

When your energy needs are reduced, your carbon footprint will automatically be reduced. This can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is good for the environment.

Save Energy

By fixing improper insulation and leaky windows, you will be reducing your energy requirements considerably. Sealing leaks helps your HVAC unit work more efficiently.

Ensure Safety and Health

During a home energy audit, evaluations are performed to discover if there are any electrical or other hazards that can harm your family. Tests are carried out to check the wiring system, fuel leaks in the furnace, and other health and safety hazards.

Increase Market Value of Your Home

An energy audit can also increase the market value of your home. When the yearly energy cost for your home decreases, the market value increases. Potential buyers will begin to consider the property’s operating expenses, and will be more likely to buy a home that is well maintained.

In summary, a home energy audit evaluates energy intake and costs in your home. A good audit can help you make changes and develop measures to eliminate waste and maximize efficiency, thus saving you money. A proper home energy audit will always bring maximum returns on your investment.

 

When it comes to kitchen and home appliances, cleaning them every once in a while is a must. Finding good and effective cleaning tips for the home appliance can be a little tough but don’t worry, it isn’t impossible. Several ways do come in handy when it comes to keeping your things in the best possible condition. If you are struggling with everything around, we do have a list of things that you can look into without further questions.

Let us walk you through some of the best possible cleaning hacks for your home appliances, shall we?

Use some salt

As weird as it sounds, salt is an amazing way to clean your appliances without imposing any kind of negative impact on the same. This is specifically amazing for the kitchen appliances if you have burnt the food and the stains seem very persistent. The salt helps in peeling off the burnt area with ease and gets rid of all the issues you could very well be facing around with this. All you need to do is sprinkle some salt and some water and let it stay like that for a few minutes and then scrub it off.

Use some citrus

Another amazing way to clean the home appliances is by using some citrus. Lemon does work amazingly because of its cleaning properties that it has. Don’t directly rub the lemon as the acidic property can react with the appliance material. But, dilute it with some water and then scrub the appliance you are trying to clean. It is amazing for microwaves too if you want to get the stench of something too strong. It also comes in handy for removing any kind of grease marks around on the appliances. For this, rub lemon directly on the stain and then wash it off.

 

Vinegar

Yet another quite popular cleaning hack is with the usage of vinegar. It is amazing to clean the inside of a mini-fridge or even the microwave that you have been struggling to get the stench off of. The vinegar helps in getting rid of any kind of grease and even the smell that you have been trying to get rid of. Don’t apply the vinegar directly but instead ensure that you dilute it with some water and then apply it.

Soap and water

The last but not the least is the most traditional one with soap and water. The combination is quite effective in getting rid of the oil and grease and even get rid of the unnecessary smell and marks that you have been trying to get rid of. Mix a good quantity of soap with the water if you don’t want the remnants to be visible. This is a necessity above anything else.

Keeping your home appliances clean is a necessity. If you want them to last you for a long time, you must clean them from time to time. This ensures maximum longevity without any kind of extra maintenance.