Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Category: Home Maintenance

  • Essential Home Maintenance Tips for End of Winter Storms

    If you haven’t performed your annual home maintenance checks this winter, don’t think you can avoid them because the season’s almost over. End-of-winter storms are wreaking havoc on homes across the country, and homeowners who don’t maintain their properties to combat storms will likely incur costly repairs and possible health risks.

    Heavy wind, rain, ice, and snow can threaten your home’s structural integrity and damage critical systems. Frigid winter temperatures usually force homeowners to rely on indoor heating systems that mail fail if not taken care of properly. Don’t be caught off guard because the weather is fine now. Attend to crucial yearly maintenance as soon as possible to save money, stay safe, and keep peace of mind.

    Here are some essential home maintenance tips you can review and take action on to avoid the surprise of damaged property, unsafe conditions, and costly repair bills.

     Inspect Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors

    Chilly weather often prompts homeowners to fire up the furnace or gather around the fireplace. For those who don’t have properly functioning carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, however, warm days and nights indoors might turn into family health risks. Make sure you test your detectors and change the batteries at least once this season, and keep in mind that carbon monoxide detectors typically last for three to five years, while smoke detectors last for eight to ten years.

     Protect Pipes

    Don’t neglect your plumbing if you live where water freezes. Protect your pipes from freezing and bursting by taking preventative measures like installing frost-proof spigots or closing interior shut-off valves leading to outdoor faucets. Wrap pipes in unheated areas, such as in basements and attics, with insulation.

     Get a Furnace Inspection

    If you haven’t had someone inspect your furnace this winter, it’s time to hire a professional. Faulty furnaces can cause fires that put homes and lives at risk. Additionally, older furnaces aren’t as energy efficient as modern ones, so having an expert check your system could lower your heating bill.

     Inspect and Sweep Fireplaces and Chimneys

    Fireplaces and chimneys cause almost three in ten fires associated with heating systems. This is reason enough to get a winter safety inspection on these systems if you haven’t already. But, consider too that you can get carbon monoxide poisoning from a blocked chimney or flue. Homeowners are also wise to do an annual check themselves for anything flammable set within a three-foot zone of a fireplace opening.

     Clear Gutters

    Before the next winter storm rolls around, ensure your gutters are clear of leaves, branches, and other debris that can cause water to pool and freeze over, leading to a blockage. If you see icicles hanging from your gutters, this is a good indication that a problem already needs immediate attention. Ice dams in gutters can fall and injure someone or build up to the point where they threaten your home’s exterior.

     Check Exhaust Vents

    Natural gas appliances like furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces work overtime during winter storms, all emitting exhaust that must be directed outdoors. It’s important to check your exhaust vents for blockages and ensure all flap traps open correctly. Otherwise, hazardous fumes may enter your home and pose a health hazard. Additionally, blocked vents and traps can be a fire risk if materials trapped inside get too hot and combust.

     Maintain Outdoor Utility Equipment

    Outdoor utility panels and meters must be clear of ice and snow to function properly and safely. If you haven’t given your utility equipment a winter check, do it before the next storm hits. Remember that you should never use heat to melt ice or snow from a utility panel or meter. Also, avoid hitting the panel and meter if you have to shovel snow around them.

     Put an Emergency Kit Together

    Harsh and violent winter storms may cause power outages, block exterior doors, and bring on other issues that disrupt your comfort and safety. Be prepared by having a well-stocked emergency kit in your home. Stock your kit with extra food and water (for babies and pets, too), an emergency blanket, foot and hand warmers, medications, bandages, clothing, a flashlight, an ice scraper, a Swiss army knife, and a two-way radio (hand, battery, or solar-powered). As extra safety measures, ensure all household members know your family’s evacuation plan and all pets have an  ID tag on their collar.

    Do you want to talk to a real estate professional about getting your home ready to sell this winter or in the upcoming months? Contact Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® for a consultation.

  • 7 Things Plumbers Say You Should Never Pour Down a Drain

    Sometimes we pour things down the drain without a second thought. Other times, we do it and realize we shouldn’t have after its too late.

    Pouring the wrong things down a drain can lead to a plumbing nightmare.

    You can avoid a plumbing disaster with a little knowledge. There are some things you should never pour down a drain.

    Take time to understand why certain things are so detrimental to your pipes and you’ll save yourself time and money repairing the problem. Not to mention, a plumbing emergency that can wreak havoc on you home’s other systems and your foundation.

    If you’re a homeowner, you need to become a drain expert. Learn how to avoid inconvenient and costly backups or pipe damage, and bigger potential issues.

    Prioritize your pipes so they provide you with years of perfect use.

     1. Grease

    builds up inside pipes and can clog them. Greases like those from meats, and oils like coconut oil, cool when they solidify, which can clog pipes.

    If you run hot water down the drain, you might melt the grease but it will just settle somewhere else and cause a clog.

    To prevent pipe problems, let grease cool and then throw it in the trash.

     2. Coffee Grounds

    Don’t empty your k-cup, French press, or coffee filters in your sink. Throw them in the trash or use them as nourishment for your plants (coffee grounds are acidic and boost soil acidity, providing nutrients and deterring pests). You an also add them to compost.

    Coffee grounds, even a little, can build up over time.

     3. Egg Shells 

    Can cause major blockage, even little pieces of shells. They can get stuck on gunk in your pipes and their sharp edges will catch other pieces of kitchen refusing, turning a small buildup into a major clog.

    Toss them into the trash or your compost bin.

     4. Fibrous Foods 

    Cooked pasta, potato peels, broccoli, and other fiber-rich foods, once broken down, love to cling to the inside of pipes. The fibrous material will build and build until its formed a clog that will be difficult to deal with.

    Throw these foods in the trash or compost bin.

     5. “Flushable” Wipes 

    It may be obvious that you shouldn’t throw flushable wipes into a sink, but experts advise that you NEVER flush them down the toilet. They don’t break down easily and can get caught on anything clinging to the inside of your pipes, causing an even bigger mess and a huge backup that will likely be costly.

    Ignore what the label says and don’t flush; throw these wipes into your bathroom trash and then outside.

     6. Paper Products 

    Toilet paper is the only paper product that should go in the toilet. It is designed specifically to disintegrate in water. Even soft tissue paper can clog your pipes. And, definitely no paper towels, cotton balls, make-up pads, or other bathroom-oriented paper products.

    Properly dispose of these items in your bathroom trash and then in your outdoor trash receptacle.

     7. Feminine Hygiene Products 

    Do not flush personal hygiene wipes, tampons, maxi pads, or other feminine products down the toilet, even if they say they’re flushable. Dispose of these items in your bathroom trashcan and then in your outdoor trash receptacle.

    Are you looking to sell or buy a new home? Let Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® walk you through the process.

     

  • How to Refresh Your Home for a Quick Sell

    Are you planning to sell your home but unsure what repairs or updates to make before you list? While it’s wise to tend to fixes and upgrades prior to putting your home on the market, you need to think carefully about what to makeover if you want to attract buyers and get the most money from your sale.

    Experts agree that checking comparative properties and considering your return on investment is an excellent initial step in deciding how to refresh your home for a quick sell. Since every home seller has different circumstances, we’ve compiled a list of general guidelines to help you figure out what you might want to renovate.

    Here are some of the fastest and most affordable ways to update your home for a quick sell in the new year.

    Freshen Up Paint

    Real estate agents frequently advise clients to paint their homes before they sell. Scratches, scuffs, chips, and peeling areas accumulate over the years, and while the homeowner may not notice them, buyers typically do. Additionally, many homes’ paint colors are faded, outdated, and unattractive to modern buyers. You don’t have to have a huge renovation budget to invest in a new coat of interior or exterior paint. If money is tight, find a good and affordable one-coat paint and then choose a neutral color to create a blank canvas for buyers. Freshly painted properties often sell quicker and command top dollar.

    Declutter

    Cluttered homes tend to look disorganized and unkept, and they can prevent a buyer from seeing a property’s full potential. Decluttering, therefore, is one of the most effective refreshes you can make before you sell and it’s one of the cheapest. To declutter your home and turn it into a space that buyers can envision as their own, go from room to room, eliminating anything unnecessary. Store, give, or throw away knickknacks, furniture, and other personal belongings that you don’t use or that don’t add to the picture you want to paint for a future buyer. Think about model homes you’ve been in or staged rooms you’ve seen in magazines. This is the image you need to present to buyers if you want to sell your home fast. Don’t forget to declutter drawers, cupboards, and closets and organize what’s left.

    Maximize Curb Appeal

    Maximize your home’s curb appeal if you want to sell quickly. You can get a realistic look at how your property’s exterior appears to potential buyers by walking the route leading from the street to your front door. Stand from a distance and inspect your house numbers, mailbox, garage door, gutters, walkway or entry steps, porch or deck, and front door. Pay close attention to landscaping, exterior lighting, railings, and fixtures like door knobs and doorbells. Does anything need to be fixed or refreshed? How can you make your home stand out from the crowd, either in cleanliness or design?

    Update Window Treatments

    New window treatments make a massive difference in how a home presents to potential buyers. Old, antiquated, and torn or broken blinds, curtains, and shades can make an otherwise acceptable property look outdated and even like a fixer-upper. For a small investment, you can update your window treatments to modern versions that help brighten a room and delight buyers. When choosing new window coverings, consider options that allow privacy while letting natural light in. Also, take note of the new smart designs with high-tech and hands-off controls for ease and efficiency.

    Remodel Your Kitchen

    Remodeling a kitchen returns 98.5% of a homeowner’s investment and promotes a quick sell. Even if you don’t want to or can’t do an extensive kitchen makeover, consider a minor refresh with a new backsplash, coat of cabinet paint, hardware set, major appliance, or statement light fixture. New kitchen tile can make the difference between a dated space and a modern room that’s ready for a new buyer.

    Focus on Fixtures

    Great lighting makes a massive impact and produces a ‘wow’ factor that can convince buyers your home is what they’re looking for. Today’s lighting trends include textured and subtle pendant lights, hidden lights, and mixed-metal fixtures. When refreshing the lighting in your home, remember to ensure all bulbs match. Additionally, for a fast sell, focus on refreshing door knobs, electrical outlets, cabinet hardware, and faucets. Replace any that are dented, scratched, not working, or past their prime in appearance in any way.

    Ready to start prepping your home for a quick sale this year? Let Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® help.

  • Higher Costs Cutting into Your Home Improvement Budget? Opt for These DIY Solutions

    Renovations can add value to your home and increase the enjoyment of your dwelling, but the costs for various projects also have the potential to pile up. What do you do when you want to prepare a home for sale or give it a makeover without going into major debt or depleting your savings?

    Many homeowners turn to DIY solutions that may take some time and a bit of research but often prove worth it in terms of money saved and happiness gained.

    Projects like painting and power washing typically require only a few days to a week of your attention. Others, such as laying tile or resurfacing floors, may demand a lengthier commitment, but with the right attitude, they can produce years of benefit for little cost.

    Here are some DIY solutions you might want to take on if your budget is tight but your inspiration lofty.

    Paint Your Home

    Interior walls with scratches, scuffs, and outdated colors can use a new coat of paint. Fresh paint will likely make a dramatic difference in the overall look of your home and present it nicely to future buyers.

    Depending on your style and interior design goals, you may want to play with color, for instance, painting a statement wall or an entire room in a bold hue. Homeowners who plan to sell in the near future should heed expert advice that says to stick to a neutral shade carried throughout the house.

    Painting an exterior might take a little more work, especially if you have a two-story home. But, those not opposed to erecting and climbing ladders and scaffolding may want to dive into this project.

    With any painting project, it’s important to properly prep your surfaces, research the different paint types and materials, and test your color on a small section. While involved, this DIY solution is usually a much cheaper option than hiring someone to do the job.

    Update Fixtures

    Swapping old outlet covers, switch plates, curtain rods, door knobs, light fixtures, and faucets can be a cheap and easy way to give an outdated home a quick update. Often, homeowners overlook these minor parts of a home until they look so bad they can’t be ignored or it’s time to sell.

    Consider that attractive switch plates and outlet covers typically cost less than $5 each. Additionally, you can usually get modern curtain rods and door knobs cheaply. Good quality light fixtures and faucets may run you a couple of hundred dollars or more (especially for luxury versions with touch or sensor technology built in), but consider their impact on your home for a relatively low cost.

    And, remember that instead of paying a handyman, electrician, or plumber to install fixtures, you can do it yourself and save money. Some great video tutorials available online walk you through every step of the process. Of course, when working with electricity and plumbing, it’s wise to research ways to keep you and your home safe before you begin.

    Upgrade Window Treatments

    Shabby curtains, shades, and blinds don’t add value to your home and they may, in fact, decrease it. For just a small cost, you can upgrade your window treatments yourself to lighter, brighter, and more contemporary versions that provide privacy while giving your home an airy and open look.

    There are plenty of low-budget options available for beautiful drapes, shutters, and horizontal or vertical blinds. Some of the most impressive window treatments we’ve seen, however, require a bit more of an upfront investment (i.e., smart shades and blinds with voice-activated opening and closing) but are still a cost-effective solution if installed yourself.

    Restore or Reveal Hardwood Floors

    It’s possible to bring original or replacement hardwood floors back to their like-new splendor with a little time, elbow grease, and money. Consider that flooring often makes or breaks a room. Imagine, for example, how much more dramatic a dining room or study could be with pristine hardwood to set the mood.

    Likewise, pulling up old flooring to reveal hardwood underneath can be worth the effort, especially in a period home. Not sure if you have hardwood underneath your laminate, tile, or carpet? Some homeowners are willing to take the risk of time and money to pull up a small corner of old flooring and potentially reveal a treasure underneath.

    Stain or Paint Kitchen Cabinets

    Purchasing and installing new cabinets, or even new cabinet doors, is not cost-effective in many markets. Instead, homeowners often trade a little time for a fresh coat of paint to breathe life into a stale kitchen or bathroom.

    As on walls, new paint on cabinets and cabinet doors can completely transform a room. Depending on your design and real estate goals, you may want to paint cabinets a neutral shade or go bold with a dark or bright hue, or lather on an ultra-high gloss.

    Remember, though, that before you start this DIY project, it’s essential, again, that you research methods for prepping your surface and choosing the right materials.

    Are you considering fixing your home and putting it on the market? Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® can help you when you’re ready.

  • Budget-Friendly New Year’s Renovations to Boost Your Home’s Value

    Whether you’ve moved into a new home and want to make it your own in the new year or are readying your property for sale, you can make some budget-friendly renovations to boost value instantly.

    Turning a recently purchased property into a dream home or getting more money from the one you’re leaving starts with making wise decisions about makeovers and upgrades.

    The key to choosing what to remodel first, or at all, is often a personal preference but can lie largely on what future buyers want. It should also depend, however, on careful consideration of the return you’ll get on your remodeling investment. And, since renovations always come with a cost, a detailed look at the money you have available is important when deciding what home improvement job to tackle.

    If you’re a homeowner who needs to be budget-conscious when taking on renovations, look to the following for inexpensive projects to start the new year.

    Add Exterior Lighting

    Landscape or exterior lighting might seem like a costly renovation, but there are many low-voltage lighting systems that homeowners can install themselves to forgo electron costs. Consider the abundance of DIY solar and smart lighting kits on the market. Or the easy-to-install and affordable deck lights or exterior wall sconces. Outdoor lighting adds a level of safety to a home and enhances its architectural features when thoughtfully planned, boosting value.

    Paint Inside and Out

    A fresh coat of paint is one of the best ways to quickly spike your home’s value. Paint instantly transforms and updates a property’s interior and exterior. Considering the average cost of a gallon of one-coat paint is roughly $38, you can see a tremendous visual gain for a relatively small investment. Neutral paint colors are on trend year after year as they provide a blank canvas for homeowners to create the look they envision within nearly any design style.

    Replace Your Entry Door

    Adding a new steel or fiberglass door bolsters home security and adds to a property’s resale value. It can provide homeowners with greater privacy, makes an excellent first impression, and is likely to recoup 85% of its cost upon the sale of a home.

    Upgrade the Garage Door

    Replacing a garage door is a fantastic way to improve a home’s curb appeal. For roughly $4,302 (the average price of a new garage door), you can increase your home’s resale value by $4,418 with this budget-friendly renovation. A garage door replacement is one of the few home improvement projects that typically lets you get your money back and then some when it’s time to sell.

    Add Siding or a Stone Veneer

    Depending on its use, stone veneer can impart a classic or modern vibe. Whatever your design style, you’ll probably find that improving your home’s exterior with a stone veneer – even on just part of it – can make the difference between boring and beautiful. Likewise, new siding can instantly boost a home’s visual appeal, and appraisers often look at the structural benefit of siding when determining a home’s value.

    Install Smart Home Technology

    Installing smart home technology quickly modernizes a home for little cost. It’s a great way to get more enjoyment from a property and make it more efficient and safe. The best smart home devices to boost value include connected lights, sprinkler systems, water leak detectors, appliances, window treatments, and security cameras.

    Make Small Fixes

    Sometimes, the littlest things make the biggest impact. Don’t overlook the value of new doorknobs, electrical outlets and covers, faucets, screens, and cabinet hardware on your home. For a minor cost, you can significantly upgrade your property’s exterior and interior and boost its worth.

    Add Low-Cost Landscaping

    Low-cost landscaping, such as colorful shrubs and trees and water-wise plants and gardens, are easy on the average homeowner’s budget while adding anywhere from 5% to 12% to a home’s value (depending on property location). Nearly every landscaping expert advises planting trees, which can add up to $9,000 in value. Drought-friendly and sustainable yards are cheap to design and save homeowners money in the long run by reducing energy costs.

    Lay New Floors

    Homes with old rugs and torn linoleum quickly get a value upgrade with a flooring replacement. Laminate floors that look like hardwood are popular among homeowners because they’re budget-friendly and beautiful. Cork, carpet, and ceramic tiles are great options to instantly bring style and appeal to an outdated property.

    Are you looking to buy and renovate a new home in the near year or update yours and sell it? Let Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® help you when you’re ready.

  • How to Make a Compost Pile

    Making a compost pile in your yard yields one of the most effective and affordable tools for gardeners looking for eco-friendly alternatives to using harmful chemical fertilizers. Even better news – composting is easy. By reducing your yard and household waste, you can create the perfect, nitrogen-rich soil for thriving flower and vegetable gardens for free! So, read on for some of our favorite tips for how to make a compost pile in your yard.

    Green Compost Materials

    As you start the planning to make a compost pile in your yard, note that you will need to create a blend of biodegradable matter that falls into “green” or “brown” categories. Your kitchen is likely to be the primary source of green material, which is typically food waste like vegetable peels, fruit scraps, and coffee grounds. 

    Is all kitchen waste suitable for composting? No. Try to avoid oily foods or meat and dairy. Why? EatingWell explains: “animal products such as dairy, bones, and meat, … can attract pests,” and food like “mayonnaise, peanut butter, salad dressing or vegetable oils” can present difficulties during decomposition. Fish should not be composted either. 

    Experts are often asked if the green material that is sourced from the kitchen should only be organic. While that is a great goal, don’t feel pressured to throw out viable produce scraps just because they weren’t organic. The next time you shop, Real Simple suggests that you “look for ‘pesticide-free’ signage even more so than ‘organic’ labels.”

    Also, before you toss your banana peel or leftover store-bundled greens into the compost pile, be sure to check them over. Real Simple warns: “If you’re making the effort to compost, take extra care that scraps (fruit and veggie peels, and paper bags) are free of labels, twist ties, rubber bands, and other synthetic, non-biodegradable parts.”  

    Yard waste can also be part of your green supplies. Are you looking for a good use for your grass clippings? Keep them for your yard’s compost pile. Are you forever pulling weeds from your garden? The good news is that your compost pile will thank you for them. 

    Brown Compost Elements

    Brown compost materials include carbon-rich elements like wood chips, straw, and pieces of bark. Martha Stewart Living reveals: “Newspaper and hay make good brown matter,” but be sure to shred the newspaper so that “it doesn’t form a mat” and “avoid glossy or colored paper.” Falling autumn leaves can be one of the most readily available forms of carbon available. And the leaves are free! Martha Stewart Living offers this helpful tip for leaf-gatherers: “Since they’re abundant for a short time, … stock up once they fall and use them throughout the winter.”  

    Do you know those cardboard pizza boxes that you cannot place in your blue recycling bins? Good news! As long as you rip the boxes into small pieces, the experts at EatingWell give the thumbs up to including them as your brown compost materials. 

    A Shovel-Full of Neutral Soil

    While not absolutely necessary for starting the composting process, Martha Stewart Living does recommend having at least a small supply of neutral soil on hand. They reason that when neutral soil is added to the middle of the compost pile in your yard, it “helps to protect the compost while supplying the organisms needed for the breakdown process.” 

    Cold Composting Method

    Cold composting, also known as anaerobic composting, is often the easiest and cheapest way to begin to make a compost pile in your yard. The actual method is quite simple. As EatingWell advises: “[Anaerobic composting] involves piling the greens and browns and letting nature handle the decomposition process unaided.” While the compost pile should not smell particularly intense, there will be decay, so choose a spot away from your home and your yard’s leisure spaces, just in case. And although starting a composting pile takes relatively little time, the entire decomposition process using cold composting can take up to two years. 

    Aerobic Composting

    Aerobic composting is very similar to the cold composting approach, but it requires an infusion of oxygen into the process, which increases the internal temperature of the pile. The higher temperature then speeds up the decomposition process. While this sounds like it could be time-consuming, it really isn’t. According to EatingWell, this just “requires turning (or mixing) the materials every so often to give it exposure to oxygen.” A standard garden shovel will do the trick.  

    How to Make a Compost Pile in Your Yard

    Start by laying down a bottom layer of your brown materials. Because this forms your base, you’ll want it wide enough to support the layers above it without collapse. The next section should be from your collection of green biodegradable material. Expert gardener and herbalist Leslie Bish recommended to Real Simple that the general composting rule is to employ a “two-to-one ratio of brown to green materials” as you build the pile. When you reach what is projected to be the middle of your compost pile, shovel in a small amount of neutral soil. 

    Your yard’s compost pile should be kept damp, but you do not want it to be waterlogged. Heavy bouts of rain can not only impede decomposition but displace some of your biodegradable material. The last thing you want is for your pile to fall and spread to other areas of your yard. If you live in a region with abundant rainfall, consider putting up a protective tarp to keep the pile from being soaked. The pros at EatingWell also suggest “[adding] sawdust to dry it” as needed.  

    If it looks like your compost pile is not beginning the decomposition process after a reasonable amount of time, it might need some attention. Leslie Bish advised Real Simple that in these cases, “‘It might be too dry, or not have enough nitrogen, so add a little water with the hose and more green material.’” 

    When is the Compost Pile Ready For Use? 

    If you chose the turning (aerobic) method for maintaining your compost pile, you might have compost ready for use within six months unless you experience a sustained winter. Cold compost piles can take up to two years before they are viable as organic fertilizer. In general, Martha Stewart Living recommends not using the compost until it is “dark brown, free of recognizable ingredients, and safe to smell.” While you might be eager to start using your new soil enhancer, it is essential to wait until decomposition is finished. Otherwise, professionals warn, it could prove dangerous to your trees or garden plants.

  • Long-Term Eco-Friendly Home Investments for a More Sustainable Future

    Eco-friendly home improvements can significantly benefit the planet and your wallet. While making choices like purchasing energy-efficient appliances, replacing windows, and switching to renewables to power your home will require an up-front investment, over time, they can make a remarkable difference in the amount of energy you use and waste. Read on as we reveal some of the long-term investments you can make to reduce your carbon footprint while creating a comfortable and eco-friendly home.

    Convert Your Home from Gas to Electric

    As cleaner, renewable energy sources become more available, the benefits of converting your home from natural gas to electric multiply. Air source heat pumps are considerably more energy efficient than gas-powered furnaces. And while gas line leaks are relatively rare, carbon monoxide poisoning from home equipment is a consideration, particularly during the winter months when windows aren’t open for venting.

    The advantages of electric kitchens alone may make you consider electrifying your home, despite the cost of capping off gas lines. Rachelle Boucher, executive chef, electric kitchens expert, and founder of Kitchens to Life, explains to Martha Stewart Living: “‘Natural gas creates unacceptable amounts of pollution with methane and particulate matter in the air. With induction there’s less need for air conditioning and ventilation.’” You are also eliminating open flames in the kitchen, which reduces the chances of you (or your children) being burned or sparking kitchen fires. You might be surprised at another advantage of transitioning to an eco-friendly induction cooktop: faster, precision cooking.

    Choose Air Source Heat Pumps

    If you have a traditional combustion or electric resistance furnace (or boiler) and want to create a more eco-friendly home, it may be time to transition to an air source heat pump. A modern air source heat pump (aka mini split) is a cooling and heating system that is highly efficient, provides consistent temperature comfort (even in frigid weather), and offers precise temperature controls. It also can save up to 40 percent off your energy bills. Existing state and city energy programs may be available to subsidize your transition — making this investment even more attractive.

    Invest in Eco-Friendly Solar Power 

    One of the best ways to save energy and design an eco-friendly home is to make the switch to solar power. Zillow Lifestyle Expert Amanda Pendleton advises Real Simple: “‘Not only can adding solar panels to a home save energy costs and help the environment, but Zillow research finds homes with solar panels sell for 2.6 percent more.’” While the initial investment is pricey (approximately $15,000), you will start seeing your energy savings immediately. On sunny days, you are likely to generate far more energy than you need to consume; that energy can be traded to the utility. On high-usage days, you still have access to the grid, should you need more power. Additionally, your bill will not fluctuate the way it does when it is tied to fossil fuel prices. There are also numerous tax credits and rebates (federal, state, and municipal) to help pay for your new solar system. In fact, you can get about 30% of the total system costs refunded to you through a federal tax credit when you file your annual income taxes.

    Martha Stewart Living recently highlighted the Solar United Neighbors organization that represents “solar homeowners, community-based solar projects, and clean energy” as a resource for anyone thinking of making the change. Think of it as a “Solar Co-Op” where neighbors commit to enjoying the benefits of investing in sustainable energy together. The Magazine applauds: “SUN is especially unique in that it helps homeowners throughout the entire installation process, from recruiting co-op members, to assessing your roof and finding the right installers.”

    Add New Layers of Insulation 

    When your home doesn’t have the optimal amount of insulation, your heating and cooling systems strain to keep your rooms comfortable. The pros at Better Homes & Gardens advise that “[adding] fiberglass insulation to your attic floor and house walls [can] save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs,” as it can significantly mitigate energy loss. Other insulation products, like mineral wool, polyisocyanurate panels, sheep’s wool, and denim insulation are also environmentally friendly options The Spruce recommends.

    Install Skylights

    Maximizing your home’s access to daylight can be critical to keeping energy use low. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens suggest hiring contractors to “install skylights in rooms with no windows.” As the Magazine advises, well-positioned skylights can bring so much daylight into your space that “during the day, you might not need to turn on a light.” Skylights can also help you warm the room naturally during the colder months. And not only can skylights improve the value of your home, but you may be eligible for tax credits to help offset the cost of installation.

    Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows

    If you want to upgrade to a more eco-friendly home, it might be time to invest in new windows. Real Simple is a fan of installing double-pane options. The Magazine reports: “According to the Edison Electric Institute, heat leaks through a single glass pane about 14 times faster than it does through a well-insulated wall.” The experts at Better Homes & Gardens agree and suggest looking for “Energy Star-rated windows” that are “labeled low-emissivity (low-E) or spectrally selective,” which reduce “thermal heat transfer.”

    Buy a Tankless Water Heater

    If you have started assessing your options for replacing your current water heater, you’ll want to consider the benefits of transitioning to a tankless system. While swapping your system will require a bigger investment than replacing it with a more conventional model, experts estimate that tankless water heaters can reduce your energy usage by up to 25 percent and significantly limit water waste – a particularly appealing benefit if you live in areas of the United States that are plagued by drought.

    For homeowners, a whole-house tankless water heater is likely to be more beneficial than installing point-of-use tankless heaters because, as The Spruce explains, these “units have higher GPM flow rate capacity and can handle the demand for more than one fixture at a time.” Among the units favored by the Magazine, the “Rheem Performance 7.03 GPM Tankless Electric Water Heater” gets a nod for the best overall electric unit because of its performance and ease of operation.

    Purchase Energy Star Appliances

    Better Homes & Gardens cautions: “Major appliances are your home’s third-biggest energy hog, behind heating, cooling, and water heating.” It’s not surprising that investing in eco-friendly Energy Star appliances can lead to a significant reduction in energy waste and sizeable savings on your bills. The Spruce reports, “appliances carrying the Energy Star rating typically are 10 percent to 20 percent more energy efficient than non-rated models.” Check the bright yellow EnergyGuide labels that specify each appliance’s annual energy consumption and the costs of operating the machine while investigating which models will work the best in your home.

    Landscape to Save on Energy Costs

    Creating eco-friendly homes includes making smart landscaping choices. In regions that will support them, Better Homes & Gardens proposes “[planting] deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your house” because [in] summer, the leaves will shade your house; in winter, the bare branches will let the sun through for added warmth.” In areas experiencing water restrictions due to drought, consider removing grass in favor of sustainable native plantings that require less water while still attracting and supporting birds, butterflies, and bees.

  • How to Clean Your Home’s Surfaces

    Are you searching for tips on how to clean your home in the most effective and sustainable way? You are not alone. Over the last few years, people started looking for better ways to clean, sanitize, or disinfect their homes and quickly realized that not every product is suitable for every surface. In fact, some can be downright harmful. Below, we reveal some of our favorite tips for choosing the best products to clean your home’s surfaces. 

    Glass Windows

    Well-crafted glass windows and furniture can make your house or apartment sparkle. However, it can be tricky to figure out how to clean your home’s glass surfaces properly, which products to use, and how often to use them. For example, the experts at My Domaine recommend window washing every six months to allow for much-needed natural light to stream into your spaces. The pros at the Magazine are fans of using commercial cleaners on them or “a DIY mixture of one cup water, one cup rubbing alcohol, and one tablespoon vinegar,” which is often a less expensive way to break through residue for a streak-free result. Use a lint-free cloth (like microfiber cloths) so that you don’t have to worry about leaving fuzz behind. Save some of the DIY solution for weekly use on your glass tabletops to keep them fingerprint-free.

    Stainless Steel

    Many modern kitchens are filled with sleek stainless steel appliances. And while you may love the look, there is no question that these surfaces reveal fingerprints and spills more quickly than other finishes. Start by knowing the basics – you don’t want to apply flammable cleaning products to a gas stove or oven. You’ll also want to ensure that your new appliances don’t offer you specific warnings against using certain products before you begin cleaning. 

    Generally, you should avoid using oil-based formulas, glass cleaners, or alcohol-based cleaning products on your stainless steel appliances. Instead, Leanne Stapf—the Chief Operating Officer at The Cleaning Authority, suggests to Martha Stewart Living that people try “using products like baking soda that can revive dull stainless steel.” All you need to do is apply a small amount of baking soda to a damp, soft cloth and then buff it out and rinse. 

    Synthetic Stone Countertops

    While pretty solid-surface countertops are made to resemble stone, these attractive synthetic alternatives have different cleaning requirements. To keep these seamless counters looking their best, use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe them down daily. For stained areas, gentle dish soap or ammonia-based products (like glass or all-purpose cleaners) can be used. Are you stumped on how to clean tougher stains from your solid-surface counters? For more difficult stains on shiny synthetic stone countertops, the experts at The Spruce suggest using “a liquid, mildly abrasive cleaner, while stains on non-shiny (matte) finishes are easily cleaned with a baking soda and water paste.”  

    Granite Counters

    If you are wondering how to clean your home’s granite countertops, experts agree that a gentle cleaner, like a Castile soap or dish soap, is your best bet. Jennifer Parnell, the co-founder of Humble Suds, tells Martha Stewart Living that the advantage of a gentle cleaner over more abrasive ones is that it “will prevent the erosion of the granite countertop’s sealant and won’t cause any physical damage to the stone.” She also advises the Magazine that before using all-purpose products on granite surfaces, “ensure they do not contain citric acid, bleach, or ammonia.” Dry the surface with a soft microfiber towel to remove any remaining residue or water, as both can stain granite countertops if left to sit for too long. 

    Marble Surfaces

    Marble tabletops and counters are beautiful to look at but surprisingly delicate and challenging to maintain. Scratches, chips, and stains can happen easily, although sealers should offer protection for a couple of years. According to Martha Stewart Living, the best way to clean your home’s marble surfaces is by dusting the surfaces regularly with a soft cloth and “[washing] the marble periodically with a cloth dampened with warm water, and, if necessary, a bit of mild dishwashing liquid.” Then, wipe down the surface again with another damp cloth. Never use abrasive cleansers on marble. Spills should be blotted and rinsed immediately to avoid staining. The Magazine also recommends “[applying] marble polish (available in hardware stores) on a regular basis to maintain the stone’s luster.” 

    Bathroom Tile

    While it makes sense that people might want to use bleach on all-white bathrooms, it may not be the best option if you want to preserve the longevity (and shine) of your bathroom tile. And bleach should never be used on colored tile surfaces. Instead, Better Homes & Gardens is a fan of using DIY cleaners, even on stubborn soap scum. The Magazine recommends “[mixing] 1/2-cup white distilled vinegar with a gallon of warm water.” This solution works well when scrubbing wall tile and counters (except those made of granite or marble) and mopping floors. 

    Shower Doors

    Shower doors can be challenging. You are often doing battle with hard-water build-up, mold, and soap scum. The experts agree that you should try to clean shower doors whenever you clean the bathroom – about once a week. While many heavy-duty products are on the market for this type of job, a variation on a DIY favorite can be effective. My Domaine recommends that you fill a clean spray bottle filled with a solution that is “2 parts white vinegar and 1 part dish soap.” Shake up the solution, spray it on the shower door, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Wipe the shower door down with a microfiber cloth, sponge, or eco-friendly Swedish dish cloth.  

    Wood Furniture

    When deciding how to best clean your home’s wood furniture, you’ll want to focus on cleaning products that enhance the piece’s natural shine while also protecting it against future sun damage. The Spruce loves Weiman’s Furniture Wipes because the wipes “not only clean dust and dirt off your wood surfaces, but they also polish them.” These wipes only use plant-based ingredients, so using them is safe for your kids and pets. As a bonus, the Magazine reveals that “[the] wipes also use a micro-filling technology to remove scratches and protect the surface from future scratches.”  

    Upholstered Furniture

    Better Homes & Gardens advises that you take a multi-step approach to deep cleaning your upholstered furniture: vacuum, spot clean, and sanitize. Regular vacuuming is ideal for removing pet hair and crumbs, and it’s a great place to start when deep cleaning. Spot cleaning with soap and water can quickly take care of the occasional spill, and it works well when dealing with “heavily soiled” areas. The final step to sanitizing your upholstered furniture, according to Better Homes & Gardens, may be using products “like OxiClean Laundry and Home Sanitizer or Febreze Antimicrobial Fabric Spray.” But before you begin, the Magazine cautions, “as with any cleaning agent or fabric surface, it’s always best practice to test your sanitizing products for colorfastness on an inconspicuous spot before using it on the entire surface area.” 

    Household Electronics

    Our households feature a lot of electronics that need a delicate hand when cleaning and disinfecting. While you need to stop moisture from getting inside your electronic devices, you still want to remove grime, germs, and dust on your screens, remote controls, gaming systems, and computer peripherals. Editors at The Spruce hailed Weiman Electronic Cleaning Wipes as the best way to clean your favorite electronics. The Magazine explains: “Weiman Electronic Wipes are designed to remove dust, dirt, and fingerprints without leaving behind lint or streaks. The formula creates a protective film on your devices that prevents scratches and repels the static that attracts dust and dirt.”  

    For disinfecting your portable electronic devices, you may need to turn to Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. Just be sure to squeeze out any extra liquid from the wipe before using it on your phone or tablet. Then dry the surface with a microfiber cloth to get rid of any residue. 

    Hardwood Floors

    Knowing how to clean your home’s hardwood floors can be challenging because you want to deep clean them without warping them or leaving them scratched. Start by removing loose dirt using a cloth duster, vacuum with a hard floor attachment, or soft broom. Next, Mary Gagliardi, the Clorox in-house scientist and cleaning expert, tells Martha Stewart Living that mopping hardwood floors with a solution of “one-fourth cup of Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner … with a gallon of water” once a week will get rid of grime while making the floor shine. 

    An Ace Hardware helpful expert, Lou Manfredini, cautions against using vinegar on hardwood flooring. Why? Manfredini explains that “vinegar is an acid and long-term use will dull the floors.” If you are searching for a natural-based cleaning solution, he instead recommends to Martha Stewart Living that people should choose an option “like Bona No Scent Floor Cleaner Liquid,” which can be sprayed onto the floor directly, left to sit for two minutes, and then mopped up without a need for rinsing.

  • Simple Ways to Create More Eco-Friendly Homes

    Committing to create a more eco-friendly home may yield benefits beyond improving your carbon footprint; it can also save you money. Reducing your energy demand, saving water, choosing greener cleaning products, and making sustainable décor choices are all options that can significantly reduce the strain on local resources. And these improvements do not necessarily require professional contractors or a substantial investment. In fact, many of these changes take only minutes to make. Read on as we reveal some simple steps people can take to create more eco-friendly homes.

    Change to Eco-Friendly Indoor Lighting

    The first step toward a more eco-friendly home is an easy one. Take a moment to assess your indoor lighting. Do you have high-wattage bulbs in areas that could benefit from a more subtle lighting design? Choosing a lower wattage bulb will save energy and introduce an intimate glow that can warm up nearly any room.

    Next, swap your incandescent light bulbs for LED ones where possible. It takes only minutes to do, and yet, as the experts tell Better Homes & Gardens, you can see a remarkable upgrade in your home’s energy efficiency, as the latest LED light bulbs “use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.”

    Choose Greener Cleaning Products

    While you once would have had to mix your own “green” cleaning products, there are now dozens of options to keep your home sparkling clean while avoiding harsh chemicals. Are you interested in revamping your cleaning process with an all-purpose cleaner? Try a pure castile soap. The experts at The Spruce are fans because “the solution does it all—use it as an all-purpose cleaner, a shower scrub, a veggie wash, laundry detergent, dishwashing soap, hand soap, shampoo, floor cleaner, bug repellent, and more.” The Magazine explains why they named “Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap” as their overall favorite: “It received excellent scores from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) because it’s made with over 90 percent organic ingredients and over 70 percent certified fair trade ingredients. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and readily biodegradable.”

    Pick The Proper Cooking Pan

    Just being mindful of the size of the pan you use on a given heating element can help transition your house or apartment into a more eco-friendly home. Why? Real Simple explains: “A 6-inch pot on an 8-inch burner wastes over 40 percent of the burner’s heat.” Another easy cooking trick to keep in mind – a covered pot of water will boil faster and maintain its heat using less energy than one that is left uncovered.

    Monitor Your Refrigerator

    Grab a refrigerator thermometer and monitor your refrigerator and freezer settings. Real Simple reports: “Recommended temperatures are 35° to 38°F for the fresh food compartment and 0°F for freezers—anything colder means wasted energy.”

    Cover Leftovers

    Do you leave leftover food and liquids uncovered in the refrigerator? According to Real Simple, leftovers release moisture that requires the compressor to work harder and use more energy when left uncovered.

    Switch to Showers

    While relaxing in a full tub of water is a wonderful indulgence, switching to short showers occasionally can save water, energy, and your pocketbook. Better Homes & Gardens reveals: “A seven-minute shower with a 2.5-gallon-per-minute showerhead uses less water — and heat — than a full bath.”

    Lower the Water Heater’s Thermostat

    Is your water heater set at 140 degrees Fahrenheit? Better Homes & Gardens advises that reducing the temperature to 130 or 120 degrees can significantly reduce the amount of energy used to heat your household’s water. The water will still reach perfectly comfortable temperatures – in fact, you are likely not even to notice the change until your lower gas or electric bill arrives.

    Shift to Cold Water Laundry

    According to Real Simple, “up to 90 percent of energy spent on washing goes towards heating the water.” Luckily, many laundry detergents are now formulated to work best with cold water. If possible, wait to wash and dry your laundry until you have full loads. Also, swapping out your regular detergent for an eco-friendly option is another simple tip for creating a more sustainable laundry process.

    Rethink Using Your Dryer

    Do you live in a warm, dry climate and have the space to line dry some of your clothing? You may want to try it. Obviously, this isn’t ideal for small apartments or particularly rainy regions. But if you can do it, even making this choice occasionally will save energy, lessen the amount of lint blown out through your vents, and reduce maintenance costs.

    Consider Using Wool Dryer Balls

    When you do need to use your dryer, consider switching to eco-friendly wool dryer balls for your drying cycles instead of traditional fabric softeners or dryer sheets. While still helping to dry clothes quicker, wool dryer balls are chemical-free, naturally softening, and are sold with less wasteful packaging. The balls are reusable; some brands claim that you can reuse them for up to 1000 loads. You’ll be saving yourself money while also protecting the planet.

    Reset Your Programmable Thermostat

    You already know how easy it is to use a little less air conditioning or heat during peak hours. But if you are setting your temperature and leaving it, you could be wasting energy. If you are going on vacation or work away from home, Better Homes & Gardens suggests that you “set times for the air-conditioner or furnace to run” so that your system “won’t waste energy on an empty house.”

    Close the Fireplace Damper

    When you aren’t using your fireplace, remember to close the damper. When left open, your home risks wasting energy, and you’ll be left wondering why it takes so long (and cost so much) to heat or cool that space.

    Attach Weather Stripping

    Speaking of drafts, you probably have more air leaks around doors and windows than you realize. Take a quick look around to assess where there may be gaps. When you add weather stripping or caulking to doors and windows to help seal your home, you’ll immediately reduce its energy loss.

    Clean Your HVAC Filters

    The more dirt that builds up on your HVAC system’s filters, the worse your air quality becomes. It also forces the HVAC to work overtime, wasting energy and racking up bigger bills. Simply washing your filters every three months and replacing them when they start to wear will improve your air quality and reduce the need to replace or repair the system.

    Decorate with Organic Fabrics

    Decorating using sustainable textiles and fabrics has never been easier. Today, more furniture designers and builders than ever are joining the Good Future Design Alliance and pledging to reduce their waste by half over the next five years. Alliance member Niche Interiors tells The Spruce that consumers can choose beautiful, custom pieces that are also eco-friendly and will stand the test of time. As they explain to the Magazine, “Niche Interiors likes to avoid mass produced furniture upholstered with petroleum-based flame retardants and work with local artisans to build custom upholstered pieces made from natural latex foam wrapped in organic wool.” So, the next time you shop for chaises, chairs, ottomans, or sofas, check their origin and shop organic.

    Apply Eco-Friendly Paint

    If you plan to add a fresh coat of paint to any (or many) of the rooms in your house or apartment, consider using environmentally friendly paint instead of conventional formulations. You’ll want ones that are low- or zero-VOC. VOCs are chemical compounds that are known to be harmful to your health or air quality, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. But consumers don’t have to sacrifice style to achieve more eco-friendly homes. As Martha Stewart Living reveals, “readily-available brands like Benjamin Moore, BEHR, and Farrow & Ball all offer eco-friendly paint options, [and] you can still find your ideal color for any DIY project.” Many of these natural paints are also terrific at helping your walls resist mold and mildew, as well as being certified as allergen-friendly and cruelty-free. Some paint companies are even opting to develop vegan paint options.

    Use Solar Outdoor Lights

    Review your outdoor lights. Are you running extension cords to draw power and illuminate your outdoor spaces? Motion sensor security lights, landscape path lighting, lamp post fixtures, and vintage-inspired string lights can all be powered using solar panels.

    You’ll be amazed at security products like the “Sunforce Solar Motion-Activated Outdoor Triple Head LED Area Light.” The Spruce applauds the amount of the light it generates; “This area light gives off an impressive 1,000 lumens of illumination”… with a “built-in motion detector [that] identifies movement in a 180-degree range and within 30 feet….”

    For entertaining, there are few lighting choices that enhance an outdoor space more than vintage-inspired bistro lights. Charming options like the “Brightech Ambience Pro Solar String Lights” will dazzle guests. Better Homes & Gardens recommends this appealing set because it “has an antique-looking aesthetic with exposed LED Edison bulbs,” which can be easily installed “over a patio via poles, along a fence, and under a pergola for a magical ambiance under the stars.” Charging is quick – one sunny day with at least 6 hours of exposure should get your set fully charged and ready to welcome your guests. After that, the lights will recharge automatically without drawing electricity from your home’s system.

    Purchase Energy Star Appliances

    If your plans include upgrading to more energy-efficient appliances, you’ll want to review the Energy Guide to choose the best Energy Star appliances for your needs. The Spruce explains: “Appliances carrying the Energy Star rating typically are 10 percent to 20 percent more energy efficient than non-rated models. This means you’ll not only save money by purchasing an appliance with the lowest Energy Guide rating, but you’ll also reap additional energy savings if that appliance is also Energy Star qualified.” Making this change will measurably reduce your energy usage, and it can go a long way toward creating a more eco-friendly home.

  • Eco Friendly Cleaning Products to Keep You Healthy

    Traditional, old-fashioned cleaning supplies are made with excessive packaging, non-essential ingredients like extra water and harmful ingredients. Sure, some of these really clean well but in the end the risks outweigh the benefits. You might end up with a sparkling and shiny countertop, but you could be adding to the nation’s overflowing landfills, poisoning the oceans and making your family sick. Now could be the time to refresh your cleaning routines in a good way. So what kind of eco-friendly cleaning products also keep you healthy?

    Reducing Waste

    One of the easiest ways to cut back on paper towel use is to swap them out for bar towels, a great idea shared by Martha Stewart. Those made from microfiber are highly recommended because they absorb a lot of liquid and are also great for degreasing surfaces, cleaning up bacteria and dusting. They are also good for cleaning windows, drying produce and cleaning off cars and bikes. Once the towel is dirty, simply toss it into the laundry hamper. They are also inexpensive, and you won’t have to shell out so much dough for paper towels.

    Another way to reduce waste is to buy some of the newer cleaning products that are sold in concentrate form. Hand soap is one example – you can purchase one soap dispenser and a set of soap pods. Drop one in, add water and presto – liquid soap. When it runs out, add a new pod and water; no need to buy a new dispenser each time.

    There are also companies that make multi-purpose cleaning concentrates in tablets and other forms that are made from biodegradable ingredients. Look for ones that are fragrance-free or made with plant-based scents or essential oils. If you really want to be eco-friendly, also buy from companies that donate a portion of their profits to environmental nonprofit groups.

    Say Adios to Harsh Chemicals

    When it comes to healthier cleaning practices, simplicity is the way to go. Many of these products are only made with plant-based ingredients and are packaged in refillable containers. Be sure to read those labels, and look for phrases like “sustainably sourced” and “certified non-toxic.”

    If you aren’t sure where to start with switching over to eco-friendly, healthier cleaning, Better Homes & Gardens suggests checking with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s list of “signal words.” The EPA website has an “Environmental Working Group’s Label Decoder” that explains how to read labels and identify more harmful ingredients. Products that contain these can be avoided.

    As an example, the word “antibacterial” on a label means that the product has pesticides in it that kill viruses, molds and bacteria. While this could be effective for eliminating germs, it should be avoided in cleaning products. Enzymes are another watchword, because they are thought to cause respiratory problems and asthma in factory workers who make those products. Another one to look out for is fragrance, which can be produced from chemicals or natural sources. 

    Healthier Cleaning Product Ingredients

    The cleaning products industry does not heavily regulate its ingredients, so consumers have to be educated enough to understand what certain words actually mean. Words like “non-toxic,” “organic” and “natural” are actually used as marketing terms, and should not be given serious consideration when making healthy choices. So instead of simply buying something that is labeled as organic, look for the USDA Organic logo or the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “Certified Organic” logo.

    Green Seal and EcoLogo are two independent agencies that offer independent certifications for eco-friendly cleaning products. They have manufacturers send in data to show product effectiveness, and the agencies ensure that the goods meet the current green standards. Look for these certifications on commercial cleaners, but you can also find them on some household cleaners.

    What About Allergies?

    Eco-friendly cleaning products can be better for your health and the environment, but some can produce allergic reactions. Many green products are made with essential oils that provide pleasing scents, but they are known to trigger allergic reactions in some people. If you want to try a cleaning product made with an essential oil, use it very sparingly at first just in case – and never pour it right onto the skin. People with allergies can stick to fragrance-free cleaners to avoid any problems.

    Speaking of allergic reactions, another way to prevent them is to buy a HEPA vacuum cleaner. Better Homes & Gardens explains that effective HEPA filters can remove about 100% of airborne allergens, as well as the normal debris, dust and dirt. You can find upright, handheld and cordless vacuums with HEPA filters, and rest assured that using them will help you and your family breathe easier.