Last updated Sep 1, 2020 | blog
Are you having trouble picking up a tv signal? Are you unable to watch your favorite programs? Well don’t worry, we’re here to help.
Not being able to pick up a television signal is incredibly frustrating. You pay all that money for channel subscriptions, only to not be able to enjoy them. You may as well throw $50 in the garbage once a month.
Luckily for you, there are multiple solutions to the problem.
In this article, we’re going to share with you some digital tv antenna reception tips. This means you can get back to watching the shows you love in no time.
Read on for more information.
1. Position The Antenna Near a Window
The fewer obstructions you can get between your antenna and the broadcasting tower, the better. You should know that most things can be obstructions, even curtains.
Try and place your antenna on a windowsill or as near to a window as possible. You may start receiving a better signal instantly, so if so, keep it there.
Just be aware that outside obstructions such as large trees can affect the signal as well. Finally, make sure your antenna doesn’t overheat from the sun. This can cause damage to the antenna or perhaps even a fire.
2. The Higher The Better
Outdoor antennas usually receive the best signal because they tend not to have obstructions. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t get a great signal from an indoor antenna.
If you can, position the digital tv antenna high up in the room, but make sure it’s still by an outside facing wall or window. If your antenna is in the basement, you may need to move it up a few stories in your house. If you do this then use a longer coaxial cable.
3. Point It
The third digital tv antenna tip on our list is another simple trick that could allow you to pick up a signal quickly.
A lot of antennas are directional and need to be pointed towards a broadcasting tower. Again, if you don’t know where your nearest broadcasting tower is, you should be able to look it up on the internet.
Once you know where it is in position to your house, point it in the direction of the tower. Hopefully, this allows you to receive a much better signal and the stress is over.
If you still need help picking up a digital tv antenna signal, check out this digital antenna guide. Hopefully, this can answer all your questions.
Digital TV Antenna Reception Tips
We hope you have enjoyed reading our article and have learned some digital tv antenna reception tips. Hopefully, you now have a great tv signal and can enjoy your favorite shows.
As you can see, there are many things you can do if you’re struggling to receive a signal. Hopefully at least one of these will work and you’ll know what to do in the future. It’s also worth noting that you should regularly perform channel scans, especially if you change antennas.
Check out the rest of our blog for great home maintenance tips.
Last updated Aug 31, 2020 | blog
There are a lot of material options for a deck. Whether you are building a new deck or replacing an aging structure, it’s essential to know which material is best for your needs and budget. One of the most popular deck materials is pressure-treated wood.
Wood decks have a beautiful natural look. You can choose to stain or paint them to complement your home’s exterior. Wood has a lower up-front cost than other deck options.
Once you have decided to build a deck, your first question is likely, “How long do decks last?” In this article, we’ll look at some of the conditions that affect a wood deck’s lifespan. We’ll also look at ways you can make it last as long as possible.
How Long Do Decks Last?
An untreated wood deck can last up to 20-30 years with proper care. Using pressure-treated lumber can extend the life of your deck. Pressure-treated wood decks are tougher than those made with non-treated wood.
Even though wood decks are durable, they need regular attention. Like any part of your home, routine and preventive care can go a long way.
What Causes Damage to a Deck?
Water and moisture are common culprits of wood deck damage. If you don’t seal your wood deck, it can be damaged over time by rainwater. It would be best if you sealed your deck every few years to protect it.
Poor structural support is also a leading contributor to deck damage. If your deck was constructed by someone inexperienced, it might not have the support necessary to withstand frequent use. Always work with a qualified contractor when building or repairing your deck.
How Can I Make My Deck Last Longer?
A deck is an integral part of your home. It is often the most popular area of your house for gathering with friends and family. You want it to last as long as possible.
There are many things you can do to prolong the life and usefulness of your deck. Washing your deck regularly and keeping it free of debris is important. Sealing your deck can also keep excess moisture from eroding the wood fibers so quickly. Read this post to learn nine ways to make your deck last longer with proper maintenance and cleaning.
While there are many things you can do to increase a wood deck lifespan by yourself, some maintenance issues require a contractor.
Long Live Your Deck
How long do decks last? As you can see, a lot of that depends on your commitment to maintaining it. With regular care and cleaning, and the occasional help from a professional, your deck can last a long time. If you enjoy your wood deck, and want to make sure it’s part of your home for decades, develop a maintenance plan and stick with it.
You, and your deck, will be glad you did.
Last updated Aug 30, 2020 | blog
Converting to residential solar energy is one of the smartest decisions you can make as a homeowner.
It can seem like an expensive option, but when you look at all the benefits, you’ll see that it will more than make up for the initial costs.
5 Benefits of Residential Solar Energy
People often think about changing to solar power, but don’t take the leap. Here are 5 important benefits of making the switch.
#1 Solar Saves You Money
If having lower energy bills sounds good to you, then you’ll love how much cheaper your power bill can be with solar sources of energy.
While the initial cost of installing solar panels seems high, the money you save will add up quickly.
The average household savings from using solar power is about $1,400 a year.
#2 It’s Better for the Environment
It’s hard to argue that climate change isn’t an increasingly rapid problem.
Solar energy helps conserve clean freshwater, which the UN Fund warns we could begin to run out of by the year 2050.
Conventional methods of producing electricity burn fossil fuels, releasing methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide. Environmentally-friendly home power uses clean energy to decrease air pollution.
#3 Forget About Power Outages
Using solar power products allows you to go off the grid, literally. Battery storage saves energy for you to use as a backup when needed. It allows you to store any extra energy for things like storms and power outages.
You can also draw from your battery more in times of low sunlight when it’s not as easy to harness the sun’s power.
#4 Solar Energy Tax Incentives
Many people don’t realize that installing solar panels can actually save you more money come tax season.
The Federal Solar Tax Credit makes it possible to deduct 26% of the total price it costs you to install a solar energy system in your home. This is a significant deduction
#5 Increase Your Home’s Resale Value
Another benefit some folks tend to forget about while they’re considering the costs of installing a solar energy system in their home is how it can increase the resale value.
The average value of a home with an installed solar energy system is 4.1% higher than a home on the market without one.
That’s just the average. If your home is located in a desirable location or a high-value real estate market, you can expect that percentage to increase substantially.
Where to Start?
If you’re sold on solar power but you don’t know where to get started, PoweredPortableSolar.com is a great place to find more information.
Do some research to find out the best kind of solar energy system for your family.
Final Illuminations
You can see why residential solar energy is an excellent choice when it comes to your energy choices.
Using this environmentally friendly method save you money, gives you more freedom with your power usage, and increases the value of your home.
Check out solar power today and see how easy it is to curb energy expenses and be kind to the earth.
Last updated Aug 29, 2020 | blog
There are certain innovations we have access to today that were unachievable dreams only a few decades ago. Automatic doors, cellphones, video chat — now, we can add the stain resistant carpet to that list.
If you’re in the market for a new carpet, you have to consider a stain resistant carpet. Learn how stain resistant carpets work, and whether or not they’re worth the price below.
How Does a Stain Resistant Carpet Work?
Stain resistant carpets work through the modern-day miracle of stain-resistant fibers.
While polyester is also a top choice, the most common stain resistant carpet material is 5th generation nylon. The nylon is dyed during production with an acid-based, stain resistant dye. This dye has a high-acidity pH level, which is key to its stain resistant properties.
Staining agents like food coloring (common in soda, wine, and many other stainable liquids) hold a positive charge — the opposite of the acid-heavy pH level of the carpet. This causes the spilled property to match the color of the carpet.
So, Stain Resistant Carpets Can’t Stain?
Just because a carpet is stain resistant does not mean it’s stain proof.
Stain proof would mean the carpet can’t be stained no matter what. Stain resistant means the carpet is made to reduce the chances of stains. If you do happen to spill on a stain resistant carpet, the staining agent will be much easier to clean without sinking into the fibers.
For the moment, a completely stain proof carpet is beyond our capability, unfortunately. Let’s cross our fingers that some carpet scientist is working on the solution right now.
What Kind of Stains Do Stain Resistant Carpets Stop?
With a stain resistant carpet, you can expect to fight a lot of terrible stains. The better your stain resistant carpet, the more it will repel.
Pet Stains
If you’re a pet owner, you probably know how frustrating it is when they run through the house with muddy paws.
The truth is, while we love our furry friends, there are plenty of ways they can stain a carpet. If you have pets, seek out a pet stain resistant carpet. Some companies make stain resistant carpets with pets in mind specifically, knowing the struggle that pet owners go through every day.
Pet stain resistant carpets may be made our of polyester or olefin rather than nylon. Ask the carpet manufacturer/installer for the details before settling on a choice.
Kid Stains
Nothing will stain your carpets quite like a child. We all love our kids and all, but man can they cause a mess.
As we learned before, stain resistant carpets are made with nylon that specifically fights the pH balances of food dyes found in things like juice. Many of the stains your kid causes include this substance, meaning you’re covered. So, let your kid eat and drink on the carpet — there’s nothing to worry about.
You Stains
We’re all responsible for spills from time-to-time. If you’re prone to spilling and staining things, a stain resistant carpet offers you protection from yourself.
Whether it’s a spilled glass of wine during a get-together, or a food stain while watching TV and eating supper, your carpet is going to be okay. A quick scrub and that stain resistant carpet is good as new.
Are Stain Resistant Carpets Worth It?
A good stain resistant carpet is going to cost you a bit more than your typical carpet.
For an area rug alone, you’re looking at an estimated price between $50 and $100 based on Amazon prices. However, to get an accurate price, you need to get quotes from a few carpet installers near you. Each company prices their stain resistant carpets differently, based on the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Expect to spend well-over $100 installing a stain resistant carpet in any substantially sized room in your home. Even at a higher price than regular carpeting, though, stain resistant carpet is worth it. It’s especially worth it if you have pets, children, or any family members prone to spilling.
Carpet cleaning gets expensive, and worst of all it doesn’t work all the time. Some stains are so bad you need to replace the whole carpet after, leading to a much larger cost than a one-time purchase of stain resistant carpet. Stain resistant carpet is an investment in this way, plain and simple.
What Is the Best Carpet for Stain Resistance and Durability?
There are a lot of companies getting on the stain resistant carpet train, meaning you have a lot of options to choose from.
Try finding a stain resistant carpet from a reliable, established brand that’s proven to work. Resista Carpet, for example, makes carpets that actively repel liquids for easy cleanup. You can get great warranties through them, and they offer a lot of different carpet styles to cover all bases.
You could also consider something like Stainmaster or Innovia Xtreme Clean, both top-of-the-line stain resistant carpet manufacturers. Always ask your carpet pro for suggestions, and find out what they have in stock. Do some research before deciding — always read user reviews, or get suggestions from people you know with stain resistant carpets.
How Do I Get a Stain Resistant Carpet Installed?
Now that you’ve been convinced that stain resistant carpets are the way of the future, it’s time to get one installed.
You could install the carpet yourself, but that can take a long time and a lot of money, especially if you’re a novice. If you want the job done quick and right, hire a professional like the people at Carpet Meridian. That way, you can kick back and know that you’re getting a job well-done.
Step Into the Future With a Stain Resistant Carpet
The stain resistant carpet may not sound like much, but it’s an innovation we can’t take for granted. A stain resistant carpet can save anyone money, whether you have a kid, a pet, or a clumsy spouse. You may end up paying a little more than average, but you’ll be thankful you did when someone inevitably makes a spill.
If you’re in the market for new bedding, including comforters, pillows, and quilts, check out the rest of our website.
Last updated Nov 27, 2020 | blog
Did you know that thousands of people die and experience serious injuries in and around their own homes every year?
One of the common reasons for these terrible happenings is ill-repair and lack of safety design around the home. If you have a problem like a deck that isn’t safe, you should look into deck repair cost before someone gets hurt.
Continue reading this article to learn more about deck repair and the basic costs.
Keeping Your Deck in Good Repair
The ideal situation is to keep your deck in good repair, but sometimes it isn’t possible. Despite how much maintenance you do on your deck and how clean you keep your home, there still might be issues. When you see that your deck isn’t what it used to be, that’s when you need to look into repairs.
Paying for a Deck Repair
If you don’t want to do a deck repair on your own, you need to hire a professional.
If you’re having a few boards replaced and getting the railing fixed, you’re looking at over $500 to get this done. On the other hand, if you only need simple work done like replacing some nails, you’re looking at a much lower bill of likely less than $200.
When you need your whole deck looked over and fixed up, that can get into the thousands of dollars. Depending on your deck size, you might need to have a considerable budget to get what you need completed.
Signs You Need Deck Repair
Many people put their deck repair off too long. They are worried about deck replacement cost and how much of a dent it will put in their budget.
If you have a wooden deck that has a lot of cracks in it, this can get very dangerous. You might see the cracks, but you might not see spots that are rotten. Falling through a rotten deck is no fun.
Another big sign that you need deck repair is a moving deck railing. If you can’t lean on the railing without hearing it creak and feeling it move, it’s time to fix the railing. One day you will lean on it, think it’s going to support you — and over you’ll go.
Stairs pulling away from the structure and sudden noises when you’re walking on the deck are also your deck’s call for help. It’s better to fix the deck a few weeks or months before it needs it than to get hurt walking on an unsafe deck.
What Do Deck Repair Costs Look Like? – Now You Know
Now you have an idea of what deck repair cost figures look like. Instead of leaving a rickety old deck in place, you can fix it and feel confident that when people are on your deck, they are as safe as possible.
Do you want to learn more about home improvement? Go through our blog for more.
