7 summer energy efficiency tips for homeowners

(Family Features) As temperatures soar during the summer months, many homeowners find themselves relying heavily on air conditioning to stay cool. Comfort doesn’t have to come at the cost of high energy bills, however. With a few smart strategies and routine maintenance, you can efficiently and affordably keep your home cool. Here are some top tips to maximize your air conditioning system’s energy efficiency this summer. 1. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance Just like a car, your AC unit runs best when it’s well-maintained. A dirty or poorly functioning system uses more energy to do the same job. Maintenance checklist:

• Inspect or replace air filters every 2-3 months. The frequency of air filter replacement depends on several factors, including the type of filter, the system and living conditions.
• Check and clean the evaporator and condenser coils.
• Clear debris from around the outdoor unit.
• Have a professional HVAC technician inspect your system annually, ideally before peak usage.

2. Install and Use a Smart Thermostat Smart thermostats are one of the easiest and most effective upgrades you can make to your home’s cooling system. For example, Carrier’s Smart Thermostat allows you to control your home’s temperature remotely via smartphone and comes with learning features that adapt to your schedule and preferences. Set your smart thermostat to raise the temperature while you’re away and cool the home down just before you return. Even raising the thermostat by 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day can save up to 10% a year on cooling costs. 3. Seal and Insulate Your Home Cool air escaping through leaks or inadequate insulation forces your air conditioner to work harder. Ensuring your home is sealed and insulated properly can significantly improve efficiency. Quick fixes:

• Use weatherstripping on doors and windows.
• Seal leaks around ducts, vents and pipes.
• Add insulation to attics and walls, if needed.

4. Use Ceiling Fans Wisely Ceiling fans don’t lower a room’s temperature, but they help circulate air, making you feel cooler. Efficiency tip: Use ceiling fans in occupied rooms only and make sure they’re spinning counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air down. 5. Block Out the Sun Sunlight streaming through windows can significantly increase your home’s indoor temperature. Simple solutions:

• Close blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day.
• Consider installing reflective window films or insulated blackout curtains.
• Use awnings or plant shade trees to block direct sunlight.

6. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Unit If your AC system is more than 10-15 years old, it might be time to consider upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient model. Look for units with a high SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating and the ENERGY STAR label. As a leader in modern day air conditioning, Carrier offers some of the most innovative and efficient central air conditioning units available. Many manufacturers and utility companies offer rebates for installing high-efficiency systems and some tax credits may still be available. 7. Avoid Heat Buildup Reduce the amount of heat your home generates during the day by being mindful of appliance usage. Tips:

• Cook with a microwave or grill instead of the oven.
• Run dishwashers and dryers at night.
• Switch to LED lightbulbs, which produce less heat than incandescent ones.

By combining smart technology, routine maintenance and simple home adjustments, you can enjoy a cooler home without sacrificing energy efficiency. You can help lower monthly bills but also extend the lifespan of your air conditioning system, keeping you comfortable all summer long. Find more information, including additional rebate information, by visiting Carrier.com.   SOURCE: Carrier

Cracked Concrete

(Family Features) Concrete is a strong, durable and easy-to-maintain material that is popular for driveways, walkways, patios and more. Like most materials, though, it can inevitably wear down over time. When signs of failure show themselves, homeowners commonly face two options: repair or replace. Prepare and plan for eventual concrete deterioration with this advice from the experts at Thrasher Foundation Repair, which has served more than 150,000 families over the last 50 years. Reasons for Concrete Failure Natural elements like weather, water and earth are often to blame, but man-made mistakes can also contribute to concrete failure.

1. Poorly compacted soil: When a home is constructed, a lot of soil is moved around and put back in place. This often results in loose, poorly compacted soil, which allows water to seep in, saturate and dry out. The constant expansion and contraction can create voids beneath the concrete, which it eventually sinks into.
2. Weather: During hot weather, concrete expands and causes pressure throughout the slab, often resulting in cracks. Conversely, during cold weather, the moisture in the ground freezes and can cause the slab to shrink, causing concrete to lift, heave and crack.
3. Excessive weight: Concrete is strong but not indestructible. Excessively heavy objects, like snow, can cause cracking.
4. Shrinkage: When concrete is installed, water is used to facilitate mixing and pouring. As concrete cures, excess water evaporates and causes a reduction in concrete volume, sometimes leading to cracking.

Defects: Improper installation or a poorly prepared concrete mix may lead to a weak slab that’s prone to cracking. Signs of Concrete Failure Identifying failure can help you address issues before they get out of hand. One of the most common signs is cracking – while a few hairline cracks that aren’t actively growing aren’t typically a problem, larger cracks that spread can affect drainage, aesthetics and structural integrity. If you notice water collecting in areas following heavy rain, that may indicate a soil issue that can lead to concrete failure. Pitting, flaking and staining are also signs of damaged concrete. Uneven surfaces or sinking concrete are serious signs that concrete slabs are struggling with external factors that need to be addressed. Options for Addressing Concrete Failure When homeowners notice signs of failure in their driveways, sidewalks or patios, they often assume replacement is the only option. However, concrete repair can revitalize slabs without a full replacement, typically at a lower price. Repair: New technology makes repairing concrete less invasive, more affordable and quicker than total replacement. Consider Thrasher Foundation Repair’s PolyLevel process, which refers to a system using a two-part polyurethane polymer to fill voids and lift concrete slabs to their original position. It’s injected through a pencil eraser-sized hole and expands into a structural foam that compacts the soil. Quick, noninvasive and aesthetically pleasing, it’s a fast installation process with a curing time of 15-20 minutes so the surface can be used the same day. This repair process is recommended for cracks, settled and unlevel slabs or sunken steps. “Repairing concrete, rather than full replacement, can save homeowners as much as 50-80%, depending on square footage,” said Dan Thrasher, CEO of Thrasher Foundation Repair. “It’s often a more economical solution that provides peace of mind, visual appeal and long-lasting results.” Staining: After a repair, slabs may appear mismatched. Staining concrete adds visual appeal while helping to prevent pitting, flaking, cracking and moisture-related issues. Replacement: As a long, disruptive and inconvenient process, full slab replacement can be overwhelming, both in terms of time and money. Some situations do call for full slab replacement, however, such as concrete older than 30 years, deep cracks and large potholes or a poorly installed base. When choosing the right way to address concrete failure, it’s important to consider your time and budget. When in doubt, contact a professional who can walk you through the process by visiting GoThrasher.com.   SOURCE: Thrasher Foundation Repair

(Family Features) A freshly remodeled bathroom is a welcome addition to any home, from aesthetics that reflect your personal style to the glossy, untouched surfaces and the refreshing scent of a newly finished space. Done right, even more rewards come from the practical touches that enhance your everyday use and how they make you feel. Bathrooms are among the most common spaces for home renovations, whether you’re updating outdated fixtures and decor or reimaging features to better suit your lifestyle. In a world where every dollar matters, transforming your bathroom into a personal haven that blends your style with functional purpose makes it a smart investment you’ll appreciate long after the renovation is complete. For a renovation that not only represents a worthwhile investment for today and tomorrow but also delivers emotional ROI, consider these ideas from the experts at Bath Fitter, a leader in stress-free custom bath and shower remodels. Quality Of all the rooms in the house, the bathroom may be where quality materials and workmanship matter most. Because it’s a confined space that sees a great deal of moisture and humidity, it’s essential that you use quality materials that stand up to the task and enlist professionals who know how to incorporate effective measures to prevent mold, mildew and other water-related damage. Paying attention to quality throughout your renovation is also likely to bring you greater functional benefits, as well as increased home value and an overall more pleasing result. Durability Especially if you’re planning to be in your home well into the future, it’s a good idea to plan for durable features that can stand the test of time. Be sure to select premium materials and consider their durability and maintenance requirements. Some of the latest design options offered by Bath Fitter deliver the perfect blend of beauty and functionality, ensuring long-lasting durability. For example, the Lucca wall, a sophisticated textured and seamless Chevron tile pattern, offers the ideal combination of modern design and classic charm. Another design-forward selection is the Sorrento wall, a large-scale 12-by-24 grout-free tile pattern featuring a textured design and a durable, easy-to-clean surface. Unlike tiles and grout, these walls combine on-trend beauty and innovative materials so homeowners can enjoy their bathrooms rather than stress about maintenance. Perfect for minimalist designs and traditional bathrooms alike, Ovation is a sleek and stylish skirted tub. The full line of brushed gold accessories, from trim kits and shower rods to doors and grab bars, can add a sense of warmth to your space. Aging in Place The wet and slippery surfaces in bathrooms can lead to injuries. While the risk can affect anyone at any age, bathroom safety is especially important for older adults with reduced mobility. Planning ahead for your retirement years, or considering the needs of a future buyer, can help create a safe environment and reduce the risk of serious injuries. Some potential problems can be fixed with simple adjustments like rearranging the shelving, installing grab bars, adding seating or increasing lighting levels. In addition, a bathtub’s edge can be hard to navigate, but walk-in showers have a narrower edge, or can even be edge-less, making it easy for wheelchairs to roll in and out the shower. Ease of Installation Another important consideration is how the installation process will be carried out in your home. Installing a beautiful tub or shower doesn’t have to be complicated. A custom solution designed to fit your space and requirements may be more attainable than you expect. For example, with an option like Bath Fitter, you can have a premium-quality tub installed right over your existing one so there’s no demolition or mess involved in the remodel whatsoever. It’s the perfect blend of beauty and functionality without the stress and disruption of a traditional bath or shower remodel. Because a local expert is with you every step of the way – from dreaming up the concept and selecting finishes to measuring, manufacturing and installation – there are no surprises. The result is a tub or shower with a seamless, grout-free watertight wall system that’s easy to keep looking great for years to come. All backed by a transferable lifetime warranty to provide peace of mind. “As a renovator, I’ve seen firsthand how a bath or shower upgrade can completely transform not just a space but the way people feel about their homes,” said Scott McGillivray, HGTV star and home renovation expert. “That’s why Bath Fitter has been my go-to. Their installers provide high-quality workmanship while homeowners are left with the consistency, reliability and durability of beautiful products with lifetime warranties.” Safety A well-placed grab bar can mean the difference between a confident step and a dangerous slip in the bathroom for those aging in place, young children and everyone in between. Knowing where to place grab bars in the shower and around the tub creates a safer, more accessible space for everyone. Proper placement reduces the risk of falls and can bring added peace of mind and confidence to you and your family. Professionals can guide you through selecting the best grab bars for your bathroom by considering the layout, your needs and design preferences, as well as ensuring your grab bars are installed at the correct height and securely anchored for maximum safety and convenience. Discover more inspiration and design ideas to boost the long-term value and enjoyment of your bathroom renovation at bathfitter.com.   SOURCE: Bath Fitter