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The Beginner’s Guide to the Best Smart Thermostats

January 31, 2019 by admin

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Our homes are getting smarter. Not only is this saving us from menial tasks and little issues, like struggling to remember if we have enough milk, but it’s also saving us money. The smart thermostat is the shining example of smart home technology. The best smart thermostats help us live more comfortably in our homes, conserve energy and keep more money in our own pockets. It’s a win-win-win.

But there are a lot of thermostats on the market today and all of them seem pretty smart. How do you choose the right one for your home? Which bells and whistles do you need? Is it worth paying more for the top-of-the-line option? We had these same questions, too, and now can help you narrow the field. We’ve listed six of the best smart thermostats worth checking out plus the features that really wowed us about them. Ready to get smart about this smart home technology? Check out our picks below.

The Ecobee4 is a one of the best smart thermostats. Image: Ecobee

Ecobee4

The latest generation of Ecobee makes your life easier through its voice control. In fact, it’s got a built-in Alexa speaker. Not only can it adjust the temperature, but it can also tell you the weather, how your favorite team is doing, a joke and more. The Ecobee isn’t Amazon specific, either. You can use it with your Google Assistant or Siri. Plus, its app is a breeze to navigate.

Aside from all the great ways the Ecobee4 can integrate with your other home tech, it’s important to note that it’s a great thermostat in and of itself. It allows you to place sensors throughout your home so it can measure temperature throughout the day, keeping different spaces the temperatures you want them on the schedule you set up. It also geofences, which means it uses your smartphone to track your location. If you leave the house, it can moderate the temperature accordingly. And it can track you as you approach, ensuring you come home to your house just the way you like it.

You can program your Nest to show whichever face you prefer, including analog and digital clocks. Image: Nest

Nest Learning Thermostat

Nest was the first big name in smart home technology and has been the go-to in best smart thermostats for years. Today, other companies are giving them a run for their money, but they’re still a solid choice. The Nest Learning Thermostat builds on their strong legacy. After one week it learns and adapts to your schedule, getting smarter and saving you more energy. It also geofences and works with Alexa or Google Assistant.

Plus, if you’re looking for a totally connected home, Nest also offers security cameras (Nest Cam) and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (Nest Protect).

If you don’t want to pay the bigger price tag for Nest’s top offering, check out the Nest Thermostat E. Built from plastic instead of Nest’s signature glass and stainless steel, the price is set lower.

The Lyric T5 from Honeywell gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Image: Amazon

Honeywell Lyric T5

The Lyric T5 is pretty regularly touted as the winner of the budget category for best smart thermostats. And it’s not very hard to see why. It’s got almost all of the bells and whistles of other smart thermostats for a fraction of the price. The Lyric T5 gives you total connectivity from your mobile devices so you can control it from anywhere. It has 7-Day flexible scheduling so you can set it up to work with you throughout the week. Plus, it features geofencing capability, smart alerts to let you know when you need a filter change and works with Amazon Echo and Apple HomeKit.

The Sensi‘s large, easy-to-read display is a major plus. Image: Sensi

Emerson Sensi Touch

The Emerson Sensi Touch is a little simpler than many of the other thermostats on this list – and that can be a good thing. Its streamlined features make it easy to use. The app makes it simple to control temperature from any location with wifi, it works with the usual suspects (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit) and it’s got geofencing capability. Plus it boasts a large, easy-to-read display.

That display is its main selling point. It’s got an attractive backlighting feature that can make it easier to use in low lighting, plus it glows certain colors during heating and cooling to let you know it’s on the job.

The OLED display of the GLAS thermostat makes it easy to integrate into any wall. Image: Amazon

Johnson Controls GLAS Smart Thermostat

If you want a thermostat that will help you have a healthier home, GLAS is worth checking out. It’s got the basics covered – a vibrant OLED display and integration with Alexa, Google Assistant and Microsoft Cortana – plus it offers air quality monitoring. It measures relative humidity, VOCs and CO2 levels indoors plus pollen and other air quality indicators outdoors. Armed with that information, you can adjust the smart circulation and smart ventilation in your home to protect your air quality.

The GLAS also comes with an app that gives you voice control power over your thermostat from virtually anywhere, tracks energy usage and makes it simple to use the integrated smart scheduling feature.

best smart thermostats - kono

The KONO is designed to work with your existing decor. Image: Amazon

Lux KONO Smart

The Lux KONO Smart Thermostat seems like it was designed for Freshome readers. Before we get to the thermostat’s functionality, let’s talk about its aesthetic. Not only is the off-the-shelf option pretty attractive with its modular black stainless design, but it gives you options. The sections snap off so you can replace them with new covers that best suit your style. Whether you want a trending sage, a natural wood grain or a bolder look with mid-century blue or red, it can deliver.

As a smart thermostat, it covers the bases. The app is well-designed. It’s got geofencing capability. It integrates with Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant. Plus, the KONO’s current price is a steal.

Now that you know six of the best smart thermostats, it’s a matter of choosing which has the features and price that best aligns with your needs. Talk to your local HVAC dealer about how a smart thermostat can make a difference in your monthly heating and cooling bill.

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Quiet Appliances Make a Noticeable Difference

January 31, 2019 by admin

Quiet appliances can make your home a more restful, relaxing place. Hero Images/Getty Images

The noise generated by the appliances in your home can add up quickly and make quite a racket. With washers, dryers, dishwashers, heating and cooling units, vacuums and more in modern homes, the sound can easily overwhelm you. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to decibels (dB) when choosing quiet appliances for your home.

Some brands offer appliances designed to run silently or, at least, much quieter than older models. The last thing you want is for a load of laundry or your home’s heating system to drown out a conversation or your favorite TV show.

Okay, so you know you want quieter appliances. What should you look for when shopping? Here are important tips for finding quiet appliances for your home.

How to find quiet appliances

The important number to remember is 60 dB, the level of an average conversation between two people. You don’t want to buy any appliances that run louder than that. Otherwise you’ll have to compete with your dishwasher for the last word during dinner.

That said, appliances with a dBA rating of 38-40 dBA are considered to be silent. Which means you won’t hear it over your conversation and other background noise. Many common appliances do creep above the conversation range — garbage disposals and blenders usually operate in the 80’s. But these are usually less of a concern since they only run for short periods of time.

You should focus on appliances that run for extended periods, like your dishwasher, washing machine, dryer or air conditioner. When you shop for appliances that are located inside your home, look for a rating between 40-50 dB. Equipment that’s normally outside of your home, like an HVAC system, can rate a little higher at 70 or 80 dB, since you won’t be exposed to the sound all the time. To make it easy on shoppers, most product websites will display their decibel ratings. For example, Trane does this for its air conditioners and other systems.

Benefits of quiet appliances

Thinking about the sound generated by appliances in your home has several benefits. Purchasing quieter appliances can make your home both more peaceful and more energy efficient. Many quiet appliances use less energy and offers smart home applications. It can also increase the value of your home when you sell your house, if you aren’t taking the appliances with you.

When shopping for quiet appliances, remember that the average conversation is around 60 dB. Consider how long appliances will run during a normal cycle, if it’s located indoors or outdoors and how close you’ll be to the appliance during your day-to-day routine. These factors will help you decide if an appliance has the right decibel rating.

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Our Favorite Stores to Shop on any Budget

January 23, 2019 by admin

We hope you like the products we recommend. Just so you are aware, Freshome may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.

Creating your dream home can be a lot of fun, but it can also turn into a very frustrating experience. Even if you’re a DIY whiz, there are some pieces that you just need to purchase. You might be a master re-upholsterer but no good at art. Or you might be an artist with cold, echoing floors. Whether you’re shopping for that perfect area rug, piece of art or couch, it’s annoying when money gets in the way of your vision. Fortunately, we’ve done some homework and want to introduce you to four of our favorite stores to shop on any budget.

We polled our Freshome team to figure out which stores we all turn to when we need to buy something major for the house without creating a major disruption in our budget. The stores in the list below are all affordable and all offer a huge variety. They make it easier to find that perfect piece at the perfect price. Let’s get to it! Here are four of Freshome’s favorite stores when designing on a budget.

The Greyleigh line from Wayfair sets you up with everything you need for a gorgeously designed room. Image: Wayfair

Wayfair

Wayfair makes shopping easy. They’ve got just about everything you could need. In fact, their selection is so big it can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we love their curated collections, like the Eider & Ivory bedding line or the Greyleigh line, which makes it easy to put together a completely designed room.

Of course, Wayfair is a go-to for great deals on furniture, but don’t miss out on their design elements. They have pieces that can help you take your home to the next level. Check out thie Louvered Pine Shutter to really dress up your exterior or fantastic accent mirrors (check out the Monico Accent Mirror or Brynn Accent Mirror) to add brightness to your interior.

Want to score a real deal? Check out their Daily Sales. Plus, Wayfair offers free shipping on orders over $49 so you don’t have to dedicate any of your budget to transportation.

Amazon’s curated lines like Stone & Beam and Rivet are chock full of great pieces you can grab on a budget. Image: Amazon

Amazon

Who doesn’t love Amazon? Prime has made two-day shipping commonplace and Amazon’s huge network of vendors make it possible to buy virtually anything you can imagine. The problem is finding exactly what you need from among their seemingly endless options. That’s where Scout can come in. Amazon’s new automated helper makes it easier than ever to shop for furniture.

Enter Scout using the link above and you’ll be shown furniture, home decor and other product category options. When you “like” and “dislike” products, Amazon’s automated system gets better and better at recommending items you’ll love. Or you can check out Amazon’s own home brands, like Stone & Beam and Rivet, for already-curated selections of great pieces at great prices.

Plus, Amazon is a leader in the smart home technology game. If you want to automate your home and make your life easier, shop their gadgets.

International flair meets affordable pricing with pieces like this Cactus with Gold Frame art and Natural Rattan Fallon Cocoon Chair from World Market. Image: World Market

World Market

World Market is much more than just a place for international tchotchkes and fun candies. Their furniture collection is seriously impressive. If you’re looking for pieces that will wow your friends without shocking your budget, World Market will be one of your favorite stores – if it isn’t already.

If you want to get a feel for their offerings, check out their Shop by Room categories. At a glance, you can get plenty of inspiration for your living room, dining room and more. If you find a room you love, World Market makes it a breeze to shop the pieces and create the look yourself.

They also make life easier with a very handy How To section on their site. So if you’re looking for interesting home pieces but don’t want to spend too much time, money or energy hunting them down, head to World Market.

No surprise here: Target is one of Freshome’s favorite stores for home decor shopping thanks to affordable, quality pieces like the Loring Writing Desk. Image: Target

Target

Maybe you call it Target. Maybe you call it Tarzhay. However you refer to this shopping mecca, you probably know the danger of walking in for a couple things, only to leave pushing a full red cart. And it’s no surprise that we just can’t seem to control our buying impulse when we’re surrounded by so many great options. Target’s big on letting the pros curate collections for them. They have impressive offerings from the likes of Chip and Joanna Gaines and Chrissy Teigen.

If you’re just moving into your first apartment, Target is a great place to go for the basics, like a white cotton duvet set, a beautiful bookcase with a small footprint, or the coupe glasses you’ll need for your housewarming party. Even if you’ve been in your home for years and have it completely styled, Target can take you into the digital age with tech like the Google Home or an electronic entry door lock. All of this at budget-friendly price points? It’s no surprise Target is one of our top spots for home shopping.

What are your favorite stores to shop on a budget? Let us know in the comments so we can check them out for ourselves!

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The Top 5 Household Emergencies and How to Deal with Them

January 12, 2019 by admin

Unexpected household emergencies aren’t just inconvenient— they can be expensive, too. Whether it’s a problem in the middle of the night or you’re just looking for ways to stay prepared, there are steps you can take to prevent a small emergency from turning into a large— and costly— one. Here are our tips to help you prepare for and deal with the most common household emergencies.

Getting locked out

Taking the wrong steps to get back inside when you’re locked out can make a bad situation worse. Instead of trying to get in by yourself and potentially damaging your locks, try these two tips instead.

Look for a spare.

Who has your spare key? While it may inconvenient, it’s smarter to call a friend than to break your locks. If you don’t have a spare already, consider buying a key hider for future lock-outs.

Call a professional.

Call a local locksmith and wait for them to let you back inside, rather than damaging your door.

Losing power

The way you handle a power outage is important to both your safety and your wallet. Before you head to the breaker panel during this household emergency, take care of these things first.

Shut the fridge.

Leaving the refrigerator door closed seals in the cold air and minimizes the chance of your food spoiling. This can prevent you from getting sick and spending money on new groceries.

Unplug electronics.

Random power surges can damage or destroy anything still connected to an outlet. Avoid costly replacements by disconnecting sensitive electronics.

Pipes freezing

When the weather cools down, the last thing you want is the hot water to stop flowing. Frozen pipes are at a real risk of bursting during the winter season, but being prepared can save you thousands of dollars in flood damage and more household emergencies.

Turn off the faucet.

If the water in your faucet has slowed to a trickle or even a full stop, you might have a frozen pipe getting ready to burst. Turn off the faucet to prevent further damage and call a plumbing professional.

Turn up the heat.

If the blocked pipe is behind a wall, turn up the heating in your house and wait for the ice to thaw, or use a hair dryer to heat the area manually.

Toilet overflows

When your toilet is backed up and overflowing, you’ll need a combination of quick thinking and immediate action. Avoid water damage and expensive repairs by knowing what to do for this common emergency.

Take control of the water flow.

Don’t worry about towels for now — stop the flow of water. Take the lid off of the toilet, press down on the flapper valve, lift the float to cut off water supply, and wait until the water level drops back to normal.

Take matters into your own hands.

If you’ve got a plunger nearby, it’s time to take action. Make sure there’s enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger, and keep plunging until the suspected blockage is gone.

Air conditioning or heating goes out

In the heat of summer or cold of winter, it’s important that your heating and cooling system is up and running. Have a plan to stay comfortable in extreme weather and keep your HVAC unit in good shape.

Get out of the house.

Extreme heat or cold isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous to your health. When your HVAC system breaks down, don’t lose your cool. Take the family out for a pool day or matinee, grab a bite to eat, or visit some friends.

Maintain your system.

Don’t wait until your HVAC system is on its last legs to give it some TLC. Make sure you’re replacing your air filters when they get dirty, and take note of any strange noises coming from your HVAC unit. While it may cost a bit in the short-term to replace parts as they wear down, the money you save long-term by preventing household emergencies is worth the extra time and preparation.

Get help from a professional.

If your heating and cooling system breaks, don’t try to fix it yourself — leave it to the experts. Make sure you call a local professional to get HVAC equipment up and running again. It’s also important to schedule seasonal maintenance service to make sure you’re ready for whatever weather comes your way. Additionally, here’s our home maintenance checklist for fall with tips to make sure your home is ready for the cooler weather.

The post The Top 5 Household Emergencies and How to Deal with Them appeared first on Freshome.com.

How to Create a Home that Helps You Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

January 8, 2019 by admin

Last year, Stastisa revealed the most common New Year’s resolutions – and they probably won’t surprise you. The top five were: eat healthier, get more exercise, save money, focus on self-care and read more. If you’re setting your own resolutions for 2019, some of those might resonate with you. But this list can also be discouraging. If we’ve all been trying to eat healthier year after year, why haven’t we pulled it off yet?

Now, we’re not going to try to solve the New Year’s resolution problem in one fell swoop. Your local gyms will probably still be packed in January but a ghost town by early March. We can, however, make some recommendations to help you stick to your resolutions next year. Making some small changes around your home can make 2019 the year where you reflect on your resolutions with pride come next December. Here are a few things you can do to create a home that sets you up for success.

An organized pantry stocked with healthy, easy-to-grab food makes healthy eating easier. Image: Inspired Closets Nashville

Resolution #1: Eat healthier

Are you trying to get on board the healthy eating bandwagon? Us, too. This is a hard one when you’ve got coworkers who bring in cookies or friends who love to eat out. But you can at least make your life easier at home. First things first, clean out that pantry. Give yourself the challenge to stop buying groceries except for fresh produce until you’ve eaten all your pantry staples (and, yes, those extra bags of chips while you’re at it). Now that you’ve cleared out all those refined grains and trans fats, restock with healthy, whole food. As a rule, the less processed food is, the better it probably is for you. Check the ingredient list. Fewer ingredients, and especially fewer items you can’t pronounce, usually means a healthier selection.

Keep your pantry organized and stocked with healthy options. It’s a whole lot easier to eat right when you’ve got a bag of almonds or a banana waiting for you when hunger strikes. Similarly, make it a point to keep healthy options within reach and at eye level, where you’re more likely to grab them. Even if other family members aren’t on the health kick with you, you can protect yourself by shoving those Oreos to the back of the pantry and putting a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter.

Put your gym in your house so you have fewer excuses to avoid working out. Image: GM Construction

Resolution #2: Get more exercise

Who among us couldn’t use the physical and mental health benefits of getting moving more often? But with the busyness of life, actually getting to the gym can be a real hassle. Instead, why not create a workout space in your home?

If you have the space, setting up a full-blown home gym is motivating. Every time you walk past it, you’ll get a little nudge to get your sweat on. If you’re working with a more compact footprint, a yoga area doesn’t need to take up much space. Queue up a YouTube video to guide you and you’re ready to go! Or, if you’re trying to go the cardio route, set up an area near your front door where you can lay out your sneakers, headphones and whatever other gear you’ll want. This visual reminder to get moving can help you keep your new year’s resolutions in 2019.

LED lighting doesn’t just look cool. It’s also more energy efficient. Image: Roundhouse Design

Resolution #3: Save money

This is another one of those resolutions that pretty much everyone can agree would be great to pull off. If you’re looking to end 2019 with a little more padding in your wallet, your home can definitely help. Make some high-efficiency changes to cut back on your utility expenses. We’ve got five easy ways to get started. Swaps that will take you just minutes – like changing out a light bulb or turning down your water heater – can help you tuck away savings throughout the entire year.

Another great way to save money is to encourage time at home. It’s a whole lot cheaper to have a friend over for drinks or a movie than it is to go out for the same activity. Set up your space for entertainment and see some serious savings next year.

Imagine how relaxed you could be in 2019 if you added a meditation space like this. Image: Veneshe Master Venetian Plastering

Resolution #4: Focus on self-care

This resolution captures a wide range of sentiment, from people just trying to get more sleep to those who are feeling seriously burnt out and need to scale their commitments back in a major way. However you want to practice self-care in 2019, a comfy, cozy bed is key. Upgrade your bedding to encourage yourself to the get the rest your body needs.

If simply catching more zzz’s isn’t your goal for next year, create a physical space in your home where you can take care of your body and your mind. If you love chilling in the bath for its calming effects, create a spa-like feel in your bathroom to amplify the benefits. Or if you want to explore meditation, make a meditation room so you can minimize distractions. Think through what you want to do for yourself to feel more relaxed and balanced next year. Then, create an area in your home where you can regularly revisit that practice, keeping your New Year’s resolutions and keeping yourself healthy.

A cozy reading nook could be just what you need to keep your New Year’s resolutions. Image: Hudson Home

Resolution #5: Read more

If the digital revolution of the last few decades has shown us anything, it’s that finding time to unplug is key in maintaining our sanity. Diving into a good book is a perfect way to both relax and stimulate the brain. So it’s no surprise that when coming up with new year’s resolutions, so many of us are resolving to read more. Making a change to our homes can definitely help us keep that resolution.

If you’ve got the space, why not add a home library? That awkward area under the stairs or unused corner can transform into a place that inspires you to crack open a book. Or, if you’re not keen on adding a bunch of bookshelves, at the very least carve out a reading space. Place a comfortable chair in a location with a nice view. Add a soft throw and a table where you can place a mug of tea or a cool drink and you’re ready to read!

What are your New Year’s resolutions? Are you making any changes to your home or apartment to help yourself keep them in 2019? Let us know in the comments!

The post How to Create a Home that Helps You Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions appeared first on Freshome.com.

Things to Consider When Installing Outlets

January 6, 2019 by admin

We hope you like the products we recommend. Just so you are aware, Freshome may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.

While it might not be as fun as choosing countertops or paint colors, planning your new home’s electrical outlets can impact your daily life more than you realize. After all, how often are you left searching for a place to plug in your charger or install a new light fixture? Your architect will include an electrical plan with your blueprints, so designing outlets will be part of the process. Don’t leave it to your architect to guess where you want outlets. Consider these factors and you’ll always have the power you need.

Tuck outlets under cabinets for quick access. Image: Gilmans Kitchen and Bath

Beyond the wall

Your architect will plan around city codes when it comes to placing outlets. Your city or county will dictate how far spaced your outlets must be. But you can still have input on where they go, or if you want outlets in specific places. Obviously, most outlets will be placed in your walls, but think beyond the wall to really make sure you’re covered. Imagining how you’ll use the home and live your daily life can help you visualize the best places for outlets. Here are some clever places to make sure you have power:

In kitchen drawers and cabinets. Drawers and cabinets are a sneaky way to run more power through your kitchen. Whether you need to charge a phone, run a hand mixer or even plug in a small light, having power tucked away in your drawers gives you easy access that doesn’t disrupt your decor. You can also use cabinet outlets to light some of the darker corners of your cupboards.
Under cabinets. Under-cabinet lighting is a cool feature, but it can be expensive. What’s more, you might find yourself changing out pricey specialty bulbs, or just leaving them burned out. Plugs underneath the cabinets let you choose less expensive lighting and serve up space to plug in electronics and kitchen gadgets without taking up counter space.
In the island. If you have a kitchen island, consider running power up and into your island with an outlet on the side. Even if you have other counter space, you’ll likely use your island for prep work. It’s annoying to have to move food to another workspace in order to plug in a mixer, blender or food processor. The island is also the perfect place to serve up pancakes hot off the electric griddle.
In the entryway. Why add outlets to the entryway? It’s just a place to take off coats and shoes, right? Well, think about how many times you plug your phone into an outlet in the house, only to forget it? Or how many times have you guests who need a charger? Adding plugs to your entryway gives you a convenient out-of-the-way place to charge phones and electronics so they’re always ready when you are.
Living room floors. Don’t want to trip over cords and plugs? Putting outlets in your living room floor means you can plug lighting exactly where you need to, hiding the cords under furniture instead of causing a constant trip hazard.
Bathrooms. Your architect will definitely plan for plugs in the bathroom, but you can design their placement so they’re more functional. Think about how you use bathroom electronics like shavers or hair dryers. Remember that it’s unsafe to string cords over sinks so plan accordingly. Addicted to quiet baths and reality TV? Your architect can also help you find a safe place to put an outlet for a TV in the bathroom.

Add outlets in the floor to reduce trip hazards. Image: The Orpin Group

Smart outlets

Old, outdated plugs might do the trick, but new smart outlets make life so much easier. Check out some of the new smart outlet options to see if they’re an upgrade you want to make.

USB outlets. Why worry about USB converters at all? If you’re placing outlets where you know you’ll want to charge your phone, just install a USB outlet and you can plug directly into the wall.
Bluetooth outlets. Make your house a smarthome on the cheap by using smart outlets and plugs to control your electronics from your phone. They use Bluetooth to connect with your electronics, so you don’t have to get out of bed just because you forgot to turn off the a lamp downstairs.
WiFi outlet. Wondering how much power it takes to run your home? WiFi outlets can send information about your power usage and even cut off certain appliances or electronics when they meet a quota. This can save you major money in the long run.

They might not be the most visible part of your home, but plugs might be some of the most important. They are a small thing that make a big difference in your daily life. Slowing down the design process to choose and place them properly means you’ll love your home that much more.

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Here Are 5 Easy Ways To Make Your Home Warmer And Cozier For Winter

January 4, 2019 by admin

We hope you like the products we recommend. Just so you are aware, Freshome may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.

It’s going to be a long, cold winter this year, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. Editor Peter Geiger explains, “The real teeth-chattering arrives mid-February, especially in the following zones: Northeast/New England, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, Midwest and Southeast.”

It’s time to set up and hunker down for winter. We’ve got five easy ways you can make your home warmer and cozier.

When temperatures drop outside, it’s time to start layering your rooms with plenty of cozy blankets and rugs. Image: Elle Decoration UK

The following five tips don’t require a big time or money investment but will go a long way to make your home warmer this winter. And the best part is you’ll not only feel more comfortable in your home, you’ll also save money on your heating bill.

1. Load Up On The Right Winter Textiles

Chunky throws, an area rug and lots of throw pillows can warm up and “cozify” a space. Image: Etsy

Blankets, rugs, throws and curtains all insulate a room for a cozier and warmer space. Here are some ideas on how to use the right winter textiles to make your home warmer this winter:

A small runner next to your bed, large area rug in the living room or bath mat in front of your bathroom sink will keep you (and your feet) away from the cold floor.
Swap your sateen or percale sheets for flannel or microfiber. They’ll feel warmer to the touch and insulate better.
A down (or down alternative) comforter will hold your body heat in best.
Hang heavier insulating curtains that keep the cold air out and the warm air in.

2. Deal With Drafts

Hang heavy curtains to close up large open areas and create a warmer, cozier environment. Image: Colour and Design

Doors, windows and cracks can leak cold air into your home. To keep your house as warm as possible, you’ll need to isolate the gaps that let the cold air in. Here’s how to find the drafts and fix them, stat:

The most common drafty culprits are windows, doors and wiring holes. Start there.
To find other drafts, wait for a windy day, close all windows and doors and light a stick of incense. Hold it in places you suspect drafts are originating. If the incense smoke looks unsteady or wavering or gets blown into the room or sucked out, you’ve found a drafty spot.
Keep doors closed to all your rooms.
Keep the fireplace flue closed when not in use.
Have an entry that opens up to the living room? Hang a curtain rod and a heavy curtain to keep cold air out of the living room when you open the front door.
Use caulk or expanding foam to seal up wiring holes or a leaky window.
Stick self-adhesive weatherstripping in windows or doors that have a noticeable gap to seal them.
Place a “draft snake” or rolled up towel at the base of your door to keep a draft out.

3. Use Smart Heating & Cooling Wisely

A smart thermostat works as your home’s comfort-on-command center. Image: Trane

Smart heating and cooling systems are readily available to make comfort on demand easy. You can wirelessly control your home’s heating system nowadays, thanks to a smart thermostat and home zoning.

The secret to the warmest, coziest and most cost-efficient smart heating and cooling system is to set up your home in zones.

Home zoning means that cooling or heating goes to the areas you’re likely to be using most. Efficiently running a home zoning setup like the ComfortLink II Zoning System means that you’ll save money and energy by focusing heating and cooling in the areas you use most frequently.

To run and schedule your home zoning comfort-on-demand system, you’ll need a smart thermostat. It’s your home’s energy command center where you can program what zones you want to heat and when. You can also access the smart thermostat remotely or view live weather on the color touchscreen display.

4. Rearrange Your Furniture To Make Your Home Warmer

how to make your home warmer this winter

Move seating away from cold, drafty windows for comfort. Don’t block heat registers or radiators so warm air can flow properly. Image: House Beautiful

It’s time to get strategic on where your room’s furniture sits to avoid cold air from windows and walls and enjoy the few days of warm sun. If you work from home during the day, place your desk near a sunny window to take in the sun’s heat. Move your sofa, armchair or bed away from a cold, drafty window or poorly insulated wall to keep yourself warmer and cozier.

Move your sofa and other larger pieces of furniture away from your heating ducts or radiators so the heat can flow freely in a room.

5. Run Your Fan The Opposite Way

Run your fan to spin clockwise in the lowest setting possible to push warm air back down. Image: Forsite Studio

Did you know that most fans have a tiny switch on the base of the mechanism near the blades? This switch allows you to turn the fan to “winter mode.”

Heat rises. And if you have tall ceilings, the warmest place in your home is near the ceiling. Set the fan’s switch to reverse mode so the blades spin clockwise instead of counterclockwise to push warm air back down where you can enjoy it.

This trick works best if your fan has several speed settings. Run your fan at the very lowest speed possible. You don’t want to run your fan too high, creating a draft and cooling the room.

Warming up your home for this long winter doesn’t require a lot of work. And the reward will be stylish spaces that feel more inviting so you can cozy up and relax with a nice mocha.

The post Here Are 5 Easy Ways To Make Your Home Warmer And Cozier For Winter appeared first on Freshome.com.

5 Smart Design Hacks for Hiding Ugly AC Vents

December 12, 2018 by admin

If you’re working on a room’s design, that last thing you may think about is an ugly AC vent or other air vents. However, they can often detract from the style of the room. AC vents have a way of looking too modern for rustic or retro styles, too industrial for more whimsical artistic styles and too outdated for those sleek modern styles. This is especially true in older homes, where vents tend to have ugly grating or outdated panels on them that clash with nearly every home style.

But rather than replacing those HVAC vents, why not try to hide them? There are several ways to hide AC vents without obstructing airflow. Take a look below for ways to hide those vents.

A doormat can make a classy vent covering. Image: Debbie Doo’s

Find a doormat covering for AC vents

Probably one of the neatest hacks you’ll find is covering air vents with doormats. This sounds counterintuitive, but it’s actually a wonderful way to add some style and class.

The photo above shows how a basic open-design doormat fits right over an ugly AC vent. All the homeowner had to do was spray paint the mat to give it a more metallic texture. That helped it look like a stylish and more expensive grate. Two small nails on the top of the mat were all it took to hang the piece. And with that, the vents leading from the air conditioner cooling system are an eyesore no more.

A simple spray paint job on the vent grating can make the vent fit in with the room’s style. Image: You’re Like Really Crafty

Spray paint air vents to match

Another simple idea is to remove the AC vents and spray them to match the surrounding paint. You can usually remove vents easily enough by undoing two screws. Then a can of spray paint turns that previously ugly vent leading from AC units into a color or finish that can match any home style.

You might try the styles you see in the photo above. The vents actually just blend in with the surrounding wall paint. You could also get artsy and creative with the idea. Try painting the vent the same color as a bold accent shade in the room, like a bright cherry red. Or, go for a more metallic shade that stands out if you have an industrial theme. Feel free to get creative while painting those vents.

You can actually find stylish and intricate vent covers. Image: Swoon Worthy

Use a cover

There are also plenty of attractive covers that can fit right over the AC vents, or even larger vent eyesores, like this radiator cover in the photo above. A style like this is a creative way to add some geometric classiness to the space. But the open design still means that you’re not obstructing air flow.

You can also paint an item like this to fit in with any room’s color scheme. See how the white cover in the photo above fits in with the light color scheme on the wall. The piece is so well designed that it looks like it belongs there.

Combine an air vent covering with some shelving. Image: Pinterest

Go for shelving

For a more comprehensive approach, add some piece of carpentry over ugly wall vents that lead from the HVAC system. An example is the gorgeous piece in the photo above. You can see the air vents are sitting behind the open diamond-shaped pattern.

The added shelving on the top makes the pattern part of a cohesive piece. Plus, there’s the benefit of adding usable shelving in your home this way. You may need a carpenter to complete this project if you’re not one yourself. But it may be well worth it to cover those ugly vents leading from the air conditioning or heating system.

Furniture can go in front of an ugly AC vent, as long as it has an open design at the bottom. Image: The Sister Sophisticate

Put a piece of furniture in front of the AC vent

This idea may seem counterproductive. After all, putting pieces of furniture in front of AC vents seems like it would restrict air flow in the room. However, there are pieces of furniture with open doors at the bottom.

An example is the cabinet in the photo above. You can see how the doors at the bottom have an open design to them. All you would need to do is remove the back of the cabinet so that air from the air conditioning could come up through the doors. Any piece of furniture with an open element where the vent sits would work.

Remember while decorating to make sure your HVAC system is in working order. It may be time to do routine maintenance, filter replacements, repairs or total system replacements. Schedule an inspection with your local HVAC professional to be sure your system works properly.

Do you have any other design hacks for air vents or covers? Let us know in the comments.

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How to Make Your Vacation Rental Appealing to Winter Guests

December 4, 2018 by admin

With over 4 million short-term vacation rentals competing for bookings on sites like HomeAway and Airbnb, catching the eye of a great guest can be tough. Keep your vacation rental top of mind this winter by making it look like a cozy space for vacationers to rent. Make a few wintertime tweaks, update your listing and off you go!

Warm up your decor

You don’t have to completely redecorate, but making a few adjustments can quickly add a wintry getaway feel to your Airbnb or HomeAway rental. Think fuzzy blankets, lots of textures and warm colors. Create an island vibe with greens, blues, oranges and yellows. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Add seasonal throw pillows and cozy textures with deep, lush colors. Complete the theme with seasonal decor. Replace summery sisal rugs with warm, comfy rugs. You can also turn your bathroom into a comfortable space with a fresh, new shower curtain and seasonal scented soaps. This can make your vacation rental feel warm and inviting.

Fill a mason jar with water and pop in some beautiful blooms. Put up your most memorable vacation photos, maps of local attractions and cool travel art. Include some locally-sourced decorations in your space. This could be as easy as filling a small dish with stones or other mementos you’ve picked up on your own travels. Use keepsakes from your favorite trips to decorate the rooms, inspire your guests and spark conversation.

Play up winter activities

Your guests aren’t just sleeping and showering at your rental property — they’ll be hanging out, having fun and ready to live it up like a local. Help them enjoy their stay even more by giving their winter adventures a jump start. Winter essentials like these will make them hit that Book button!

Indoor dining and lounging area with great furniture
Fire pit for friends and family to gather around
Cozy couches for afternoon relaxing
Local guidebooks and magazines, plus a personal list of your favorite activities and restaurants
Books and board games for rainy days

Showcase a warm air conditioning unit

There’s nothing worse than arriving at a beautiful vacation rental and discovering that it’s freezing cold and you can’t sleep at night. Make sure your guests’ environment is as comfortable as their own home — with the right air conditioning unit.

Before your winter rental season starts, change your air filters and get your air conditioning unit serviced. You should also consider investing in a regular maintenance agreement that includes spring and fall service, so you’ll be ready for guests year-round. It’s an affordable way to have peace of mind that your renters will be comfortable during their stay.

If you’re outfitting a new Airbnb rental or upgrading your HVAC unit, look into getting a ductless cooling and heating system. Ductless systems are very popular for rentals and allow your guests to control their own temperature and comfort. And because ductless systems are a closed system with no ductwork, they’re more energy efficient and will help you save money on electric bills.

Spread the word and share pictures

Once you’ve turned your space into a vacation haven, be sure to take new photos and update your rental listing. Don’t forget to update your property’s title and description to mention the updates you made for the winter travelers. It could be as simple as GREAT WINTER GETAWAY. These words and images will paint the perfect picture, so potential guests can imagine themselves enjoying the ideal vacation week or weekend in your home-away-from-home.

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Freshome Holiday Gift Guide: Smart Home Gift Ideas For The Tech Lover

November 26, 2018 by admin

An automated home that you can run from your smartphone or voice-activated hub is no longer a thing of the future. Here are some unique tech accessories and smart home gift ideas for the tech lover in your life.

1. Google Home Mini (2-Pack)

Powered by Google Assistant to answer your questions, each Google Mini can also play music, control appliances, find a lost smartphone or broadcast messages to other rooms. Google Home Mini (2-Pack) at Bed Bath & Beyond, $78.

2. Roku Streaming TV Stick

Plug the stick into any TV or screen with a USB to stream movies, shows and video. Comes with 1 month free Hulu service. Roku Streaming TV Stick at Target, $50.

3. Withings/Nokia Body+ Smart Body Composition Wi-Fi Digital Scale

Smart home gift ideas can also help you get healthy. This scale monitors weight, body fat, water percent, muscle & bone mass and sends the info to your smart phone wirelessly. Withings/Nokia Body+ Smart Body Composition Wi-Fi Digital Scale at Amazon, $100.

4. Audio Pro T3 Speaker at Pottery Barn, $249

smart home gift ideas and best bluetooth speakers

This portable Bluetooth speaker has a retro look and delivers 25 Watts of sound. Audio Pro T3 Speaker at Pottery Barn, $249.

5. Smartphone Pocket DJ Mixer at Amazon, $100

smartphone accessories and tech gift ideas

Connect the Pocket DJ to your smartphone to create your own custom music mixes on the fly.

6. TP-Link Kasa Mini Outlet Smart Plug

Plug this into a wall socket and turn nearly any home electrical device into an automated smart home device. Alexa compatible. TP-Link Kasa Mini Outlet Smart Plug at Amazon, $27.

7. Wemo Dimmer WiFi Light Switch

This sleek wall switch is Wi-Fi-enabled to communicate with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Home Kit so you don’t have to get out of bed again to turn off or dim the lights. Wemo Dimmer Wi-Fi Light Switch at Amazon, $50.

8. Touchscreen Mist Cleaner at Amazon, $10

An award-winning device that uses a fine mist to clean touchscreens gently.

9. Rocketbook Everlast Reusable Smart Notebook

A reusable notebook that can be wiped clean after you sync your notes or doodles to Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, Box, OneNote, Slack, iCloud or email. Rocketbook Everlast Reusable Smart Notebook at Amazon, $30.

10. Weber iGrill Mini

smart kitchen decides and tech cooking gifts

There’s a free app for this digital thermometer so you can remotely adjust temperature and get notifications when your food is ready. Weber iGrill Mini at Amazon, $28.

11. Nest Thermostat E

Save money and control your home’s temperature with this smart thermostat that knows when you’re home (or gone) and can be remotely controlled via a smartphone app. Nest Thermostat E at Jet, $169.

12. Drop Wireless Charger

Place your iPhone on the non-slip base of this wireless charger and it will charge without plugging it in. Drop Wireless Charger at CB2, $60.

13. Ember Temperature Control Ceramic Mug

For those who are picky about how hot their coffee or tea is, this ceramic mug will maintain a hot drink at the precise temperature set. Ember Temperature Control Ceramic Mug at Amazon, $80.

14. Petcube Bites Wi-Fi Pet Camera with Treat Dispenser

Send your pet some love while you’re at work. This wireless camera can be viewed remotely from your smartphone. And if your pet is smart enough to check in with you by approaching the camera, you can remotely release a treat for them to enjoy. Petcube Bites Wi-Fi Pet Camera with Treat Dispenser at Amazon, $222.

What are your favorite smart home gift ideas? Let us know in the comments.

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