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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN
DIRECT MAILED MONTHLY TO SELECT HOMEOWNERS - TO ADVERTISE CALL: (559) 440-6115
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN
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5 tips for safe, stunning outdoor lighting 2. Ensure everything is outdoor-rated Only use bulbs, fixtures, cords and outlets specifically rated for outdoor use. Fortunately, with the near-infinite range of outdoor lighting styles on the market, you’ll never have to sacrifice on aesthetics. Choosing correctly rated equipment lets you enhance the appeal of your property, highlighting architectural features and landscaping focal points, without risking failure, fire or other calamities. 3. Only use GFCI outlets GFCI or GFI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter outlet. These outlets will shut off power almost instantly if any plugged-in devices contact water. GFCI outlets have only been required in homes since 1971, according to the National Fire Protection Association. So, if your home was built before then, calling in an electrician is a wise decision. 4. Avoid risky placement (BPT) - According to a recent a recent survey, one in 12 U.S. homeowners surveyed do not have outdoor lighting for their house. As the days get shorter here in the northern hemisphere, adding or upgrading outdoor lighting can help homeowners live their best outdoor life 24/7/365 with perfect visibility and comfort. However, outdoor lighting also presents a few hazards, some of which could utterly ruin your al fresco free time. To keep things safe and beautiful, here are five simple tips you can follow this fall. 1. Leverage your lighting for security and visibility Well-planned outdoor lighting accomplishes two things. First, it safely and comfortably extends your usable living space. Second, it deters intruders from prowling your property. To pull off this double duty, pay special attention to ensuring all pathways, social spaces and entrances are illuminated. Also, instead of motion-activated lighting, consider an always-on approach. This can be a better deterrent before a ne’er-do-well enters your yard. And thanks to LED bulbs, leaving a few outdoor lights on doesn’t have to cost a lot or create a lot of heat.
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Unless specifically designed for it, outdoor lights shouldn’t be directly on grass. Prone to being either wet or tinder dry, adding electricity to grass just isn’t a smart move. Also, if your wiring will be buried, make sure it isn’t under anything highly flammable, such as mulch or woodchips. An experienced electrician can help you find safe and attractive solutions, such as installing directly on concrete or in gravel beds. 5. Respect the maximum wattage Screwing a 100-watt bulb into a fixture with a 75-watt maximum will, at best, waste your money on bulb replacements. You’re also likely to cause permanent damage to the fixture itself. To steer clear of these issues, always choose a bulb where the wattage is equal to or less than the fixture’s maximum. This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice brightness. With LED bulbs, you can get the same or greater illumination as incandescent bulbs with just a fraction of the wattage. When in doubt, call a professional Anytime you’re unsure about your outdoor lighting safety is a good time to get in touch with an expert. With the combination of their experience and your vision for easy outdoor living, the future can’t help but look bright.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN
5 ways to save money on any home’s heat and air conditioning conditioned air leakage into unconditioned spaces, potentially leading to prolonged HVAC system operation. In regions with hot or warmer climates, installing blinds or solar shades can effectively mitigate the entry of the sun’s heat, minimizing the reliance on air conditioning. 2. Regulate the home’s humidity levels Effectively managing the humidity within the home contributes to maintaining optimal comfort and reducing costs. During the winter, introducing humidity into the living space prevents dryness and also enhances comfort at lower temperatures. In the summer, maintaining lower humidity levels promotes comfort even at higher indoor temperatures. In both scenarios, controlling home humidity lessens the operational duration of the HVAC system required to sustain a comfortable environment. (BPT) - HVAC systems not only enhance home comfort but, when operating efficiently, can also contribute to cost savings. As colder temperatures begin to sweep the country, many homeowners are wondering how to best utilize their HVAC system to avoid costly heating bills. Similarly, these tips apply to warmer temperatures and savings on cooling bills. Here are five strategic ways in which a home’s heating and air conditioning system can optimize the climate and serve as a savvy tool for trimming down home expenses. From smart usage practices to regular maintenance tips, these insights can help any homeowner’s HVAC system to last for years to come and provide additional comfort and savings. Maximizing the efficiency of a home’s current system is key to ensuring it works optimally over the years while continuing to provide utility bill savings due to efficiencies. Consider implementing the following strategies to minimize expenses with an existing HVAC system: 1. Enhance the home’s weather resistance The operational dynamics of an HVAC system are significantly influenced by how well the home functions. A well-functioning home correlates with an efficiently operating HVAC system. Weatherizing the home not only amplifies its overall effectiveness but also elevates comfort levels while reducing energy expenses. Weatherization entails sealing all windows, doors, attics and basements to thwart heat loss. If the home has an older duct system, consider sealing it to prevent
3. Get smart about the thermostat Take charge of temperature settings to suit your preferences, whether at home or away. Utilize solutions that enable seamless temperature adjustments from any location. Leveraging geofencing technology, EcoNet intelligently detects the homeowners’ presence, adjusting the heating or cooling settings to maximize energy efficiency based on whether they are home or away. 4. Implement energy-efficient practices Incorporate energy-conscious practices as part of a daily routine to optimize the efficiency of your HVAC system and achieve substantial long-term savings on home energy bills. Begin by ensuring that doors and windows are closed when the HVAC system is in operation, preventing the unnecessary loss of conditioned air and ensuring that the home maintains a consistent and comfortable temperature. Utilize ceiling fans strategically to enhance air circulation, promoting even distribution throughout the living space. These straightforward yet impactful habits collectively contribute to heightened energy efficiency, translating into tangible and lasting reductions in overall energy expenses. 5. Keep current with routine maintenance inspections. Scheduled service checks guarantee the optimal and efficient operation of any HVAC system, simultaneously averting potential major issues that could jeopardize both efficiency and the overall health of the system. It is advisable to conduct maintenance checks at least biannually, ideally before the onset of significant heating and cooling seasons during the winter and summer.
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN
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Fresno/Clovis Home Magazine 559-440-6115 P.O. Box 2406 Bakersfield, CA 93303
Visit www.FresnoHomeMag.com and check out our online edition. Everything for your home and garden you’ll find it here!