Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2025-06-30T09:01:01

(BPT) – Now more than ever, first-time homebuyers are dialed into the interest rate environment and what it means for purchasing a house. That’s why many experts advise that buyers “marry the home and date the rate” — in other words, buy a house you love and at a price you can afford with the option of refinancing if there’s a better rate in the future.

Beyond mortgage rates, buyers also have to weigh home prices, insurance premiums, property taxes and even their own financial readiness to take on homeownership. However, not everyone can afford to wait around for the perfect scenario to buy a home.

“Whether it’s because of a new job, a major life change or seeking a new school district, we see people needing to move for all kinds of reasons,” said Ana Munoz, Senior Home Lending Advisor for Chase Home Lending. “Instead of focusing on the rates, it can be helpful for borrowers to focus on what they can control, which is their financial preparedness. If you feel ready to take on the costs of homeownership, it’s important to meet with a mortgage professional to understand your options.”

Whether you’re just starting your homebuying journey or are ready to buy this summer, the experts at Chase Home Lending offer these tips on prepping to buy a home:

Explore educational resources: Consumers planning to purchase a home, particularly first-time buyers, should start by educating themselves on the homebuying process. It’s easy to feel like you’re in over your head because you don’t know what you don’t know. Luckily, there are resources available to help boost your homebuying knowledge such as webinars, podcasts and articles, like the Chase Beginner to Buyer Podcast.

Determine when the time is right: Understand your needs and wants for homeownership, and what will best fit with your lifestyle and budget. Consider additional costs including property taxes, home maintenance and more, along with the advantages — like building home equity — to determine if it’s the right time for you to buy.

Understand the upfront costs of homeownership: Affordability is still top of mind for prospective homeowners, especially for first-time buyers. The upfront costs of homeownership, such as closing costs, a down payment and fees, may catch some buyers off guard. Online tools like an Affordability Calculator can help you determine how much you can afford.

To feel better prepared, borrowers can research and review homeowner and down payment assistance programs and grants they may be eligible for to address the initial costs of owning a home. A great tool to help you right from your phone or computer is Chase’s Homebuyer Assistance Finder, which helps borrowers find all the assistance they might be eligible for.

Work with trusted professionals: Before you begin your home search, consult a home lending professional. They can help you get preapproved, navigate the local homebuying market and review loan options. It can also be worthwhile to check with your bank since many offer discounted rates to eligible borrowers, so be on the lookout for your bank’s relationship pricing options.

Lock in your rate: Interest rates can rise and fall quickly. Being able to lock in an interest rate with a lender can give you assurance of how much you’ll pay in interest for your home loan. For example, Chase offers their Homebuyer Advantage with Lock and Shop, which lets you shop with confidence because you’ve locked in your interest rate.

Bonus: Common misconceptions about homeownership

There are a few misconceptions about buying a home that may be keeping some prospective buyers on the sidelines. Here, we break down what’s myth vs. fact about homebuying:

• Misconception 1: You have to put 20% down.
  Fact: Some loan types offer low down payment options, such as FHA and VA loans. Check out Chase’s DreaMaker Mortgage, which may allow borrowers to put down as low as 3%.
• Misconception 2: All lenders offer the same high interest rates.
  Fact: Interest rates may vary by loan type and lender. Check with more than one lender, consider all the upfront costs of getting a mortgage and lock in your rate for added confidence during the homebuying process.
• Misconception 3: I’m not eligible for any assistance programs.
  Fact: There are assistance programs at the local, state and national levels to support homebuyers on their path to homeownership.
• Misconception 4: Banks don’t close on time.
  Fact: If you’re buying a new home or investment property, you may be eligible for the Chase Closing Guarantee. Chase promises on-time closing for eligible products in as soon as three weeks or you’ll get $5,000, if you qualify. Plus, homeowners may be able to save more and tap into discounts when using a bank like Chase versus a nonbank.

Ready to start planning for your dream home? Visit Chase.com/afford.

For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described in this article or provided via links may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any business. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates are not responsible for, and do not provide or endorse third party products, services, or other content.

Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

© 2025 JPMorgan Chase & Co.

2025-06-25T17:01:00

(BPT) – Choosing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment, scheduling regular maintenance appointments and changing the furnace filter can all help contribute to a more comfortable and energy-efficient home. However, properly serviced equipment is not the only factor that contributes to a home’s comfort and energy efficiency. Going beyond the equipment to consider a “whole home” approach to caring for indoor air may help optimize a home’s energy efficiency and indoor comfort.

How much do you know about the non-equipment factors that can affect indoor air? The following quiz can help homeowners identify potential issues that can reduce energy efficiency and thermal comfort.

1. An HVAC technician should check the attic when making a service call or performing regular maintenance on heating and cooling equipment.

True. Issues in the attic — such as an insufficient level of attic insulation or problems with attic ductwork — can lead to inconsistent temperatures, reduced energy efficiency and other problems throughout the home. The EPA estimates that homeowners can save an average of up to 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces and accessible basement rim joists¹. An Owens Corning AirCare^® Professional brings a “whole home” approach to caring for a home’s air. These professionals use the HVAC System Health Check, which includes 11 checkpoints to evaluate the home’s comfort system.

2. My home is only 15 years old and was built to code, so I don’t need to worry about energy efficiency.

False. Residential building codes in the U.S. are typically updated every three years but may vary by jurisdiction. It’s important to understand that building codes represent the minimum threshold for energy efficiency. Advances in building technology and equipment innovations continue to make homes more efficient compared to those built only a decade or so ago.

3. Insulation is already installed in my attic, so I’m covered.

False. A sufficient level of attic insulation is necessary to help regulate temperatures and avoid heat escaping from a home’s interior through the attic to the outdoors. Similarly, in the summer, attic insulation keeps hot attic air from migrating into cooler parts of the home. Recommendations for insulation levels vary by climate zone. An HVAC technician should check attic insulation levels when performing a maintenance visit or service call and can recommend a proper level.

4. Condensation in the attic is always a sign of a leaky roof.

False. Any moisture accumulating in the attic should be investigated. The presence of moisture may lead to problems ranging from corrosion on metal infrastructure or mold on equipment. And while it is important to ensure a home’s roof is not permitting moisture to enter, humidity in attic air may also lead to moisture issues. Attic insulation helps provide thermal comfort within a home by slowing thermal transmission through the ceiling as part of an insulating system. Be sure to seal the ceiling prior to insulating to prevent thermal loss by way of air movement.

5. A noticeable increase in dust inside a home may be a sign of ductwork issues.

True. Over time, connections in attic ductwork can loosen, allowing particulates in attic air to enter the ducts and be distributed throughout the home. Unusual smells or odors are another sign that attic air may be infiltrating the home.

6. Equipment that cycles on frequently is always a sign of an equipment issue.

False. Holes or penetrations in attic ductwork can allow heated or cooled air to escape into the attic, placing additional strain on properly operating equipment. Additional wear and tear may shorten the lifespan of a heating and cooling system.

Caring for a home’s indoor air should go beyond the equipment and consider how conditions in other parts of the home, including the attic, contribute to comfort and energy efficiency. An Owens Corning AirCare^® Professional has the knowledge and tools to assess conditions in the attic — including insulation and ductwork — and bring a whole home approach to caring for indoor air. To find an AirCare^® professional, visit the Owens Corning online contractor locator.

1 https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/seal_insulate/why-seal-and-insulate#:~:text=EPA%20estimates%20that%20homeowners%20can,over%20crawl%20spaces%20and%20basements.

© 2025 Owens Corning.

2025-06-24T06:01:01

(BPT) – While actress Dawn Olivieri is best known for her role as Sarah Atwood in the “Yellowstone” television series, she may soon be recognized for her love of her new home state. In 2022, Olivieri left Hollywood for Arkansas in search of space, simplicity and adventure. What she found was an authentic connection to nature in a place she calls “the modern frontier.”

“I spent most of my adult years perfecting the city dweller,” said Olivieri. “I know how to order in upscale restaurants. I know what not to wear on a red carpet, and I learned how to get really good at my job. All for what, though? Well, what the masterclass of modernity taught me is that it wasn’t enough. So, I left.”

Inspired by what she’s found in The Natural State, Olivieri is producing a new documentary series that captures the people and places of Arkansas and why she chose to make it her home.

If, like Olivieri, you crave a slower pace of life and outdoor adventures, consider moving to Arkansas. In this state, you can easily achieve an enviable work-life balance. How? Read on to discover five reasons why you may want to call The Natural State your new home.

1. Enjoy a low cost of living

Get ready to live more and spend less. Arkansas has the lowest cost of living among the U.S. states, so you can save more, stress less and focus on doing the things you love with the people you love. In fact, compared to the national average, the cost of living in The Natural State is 14% lower, so you can benefit from lower grocery, utility, transportation and health care costs. Also, Arkansas has reduced taxes by 20% in the past two years.

Want to see how your current cost of living stacks up with The Natural State? Use this handy relocation calculator and find out how far your budget can stretch in Arkansas.

2. Find affordable housing

Owning your dream home with a sprawling backyard, a home office and plenty of space for you, your kids, pets and guests can become a reality. In Arkansas, you’ll find affordable housing, with an average home value of $217,895, according to Zillow. Plus, the state’s property tax rate is among the 10 lowest in the nation!

3. Explore career opportunities

Business is booming in Arkansas, which is ranked top in the nation for economic growth two quarters in a row. Jobs are plentiful, especially if you work or are looking to work in growing sectors such as technology, logistics, product distribution and supply chain management.

4. Benefit from being in a central location

Did you know that 40% of the U.S. population lives within a day’s drive of Arkansas? It’s true! Located in the heart of the mid-south and bordered by six states, Arkansas is centrally located. Whether you expect friends and family to travel to you or you regularly travel to them, living in Arkansas provides easy access to national travel by plane, train or car.

5. Spend time outdoors all year long

Because of its location, Arkansas offers visitors and residents a moderate climate with four distinct seasons. That means you can enjoy year-round recreational opportunities in the great outdoors. From pristine lakes and rivers to world-class hiking and biking trails to 52 free state parks, it’s no wonder that Arkansas is called The Natural State.

Discover The Natural State for yourself

If you want to find what Dawn Olivieri found in The Natural State, then go to Arkansas and experience firsthand why it’s the premier state for life, work and play. To learn more, visit Arkansas.com.

2025-06-23T00:01:00

(BPT) – Macerator pumps are essential for certain kinds of bathroom or laundry remodels. For example, when homeowners want to install bathrooms, sinks or laundry areas away from existing plumbing lines, macerator pumps have the ability to handle wastewater and solids. This makes them a convenient alternative to traditional plumbing — but their prices can vary widely, which surprises some homeowners. You may see macerator pump prices ranging from under $200 to nearly $1,000.

Here’s what you should know about choosing the best and most cost-effective macerator pump for your project, before you remodel.

It’s not just about cost — it’s about value

When you’re purchasing a macerator pump, you’re investing in more than just a machine that moves wastewater. You’re also buying reliability, regulatory compliance, material safety and long-term serviceability.

While entry-level units may seem similar, appearing to offer comparable functionality, they often lack the essential certifications and construction quality needed for safe, long-lasting and code-compliant installations.

Materials matter

Price differences are closely tied to how and where each product is made, and whether it meets established safety and plumbing standards. Higher-end pumps are typically manufactured under strict oversight in regions like Europe or North America, with vertically integrated processes — from motor winding to plastic injection molding and final assembly.

You’ll want to look for products that carry third-party certifications such as from the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and Uniform Plumbing Code/International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (UPC/IAPMO).

One critical example is the use of V0-rated PVC instead of regular plastic to avoid fire risk. V0-rated plastic is a flame-retardant material often required in certified units. This is not just a quality assurance factor — it is a safety requirement under CSA standards, designed to reduce fire risk.

Meeting these certifications ensures that the product is legal for use under U.S. plumbing codes, helping your installation pass local inspections and meet required insurance standards.

Lower-priced alternatives frequently skip these measures. They may look the same externally, but can lack the internal safeguards that make the pump safe and compliant. Without venting options or certified parts, they may also be rejected during home or building inspections.

Comparing macerator pumps

To understand why some are priced higher than others, here’s a brief overview of what you’re paying for:

• Value-tier brands ($169.99-$256.99):
  Produced in Asian countries that may not offer strict oversight.
• No warranty or local support
• No certification
• Use PVC materials (which can be flammable, rather than V0-rated plastic)
• No vent
• Not suitable for inspection
• Basic brands ($379-$398):
  Produced in China with a limited retail footprint and may only be available online.
• No warranty or local support
• No certification
• Use PVC materials
• No vent
• Not suitable for inspection
• Mid-premium brands ($850-$860):
  Some parts/manufacturing in China or other countries, but assembled in the U.S., with a better reputation for durability and service.
• 2- to 3-year warranties
• Local support, U.S.-based
• CSA certification
• Non-flammable PVC
• Vent
• Suitable for inspection
• Super-premium brand Saniflo ($967):
  Premium European build quality, proven reliability and wide availability.
• 4-year warranty (when registered)
• Local support, U.S.-based
• CSA, UPC certification
• Reinforced non-flammable PVC
• Vent
• Suitable for inspection

After installation: Warranty, support and long-term value

Any macerator pump that’s installed in your home may break down over time, especially those that experience heavy use. This is why support infrastructure is so vital — and a key differentiator among the higher-tier brands.

Homeowners should look for:

• 2- to 4-year warranties
• U.S.-based customer service teams
• Installation assistance and replacement part availability

By contrast, many budget-tier pumps lack any warranty coverage or local support, which can become a major issue in the event of installation complications or future breakdowns.

Make the right choice for your project

When selecting a macerator pump to install in your home, make sure to take the time to evaluate not just the initial sticker price, but also the regulatory compatibility, material quality and long-term reliability. For critical installations — especially those that must pass inspection or will be used heavily — investing in a properly certified and supported product can reduce risks to your home as well as overall lifecycle costs.

Price differences among the various macerator pumps on the market reflect distinctions in engineering, compliance and performance. Understanding these differences helps consumers and contractors alike make more informed decisions. Knowing what to look for and why is key to ensuring you’re buying the best possible product for your home renovation.

Learn more about Saniflo products at SFASaniflo.com.

2025-06-13T11:31:28

(BPT) – By Ned Monroe, CEO of the Vinyl Institute

PVC, aka vinyl or polyvinyl chloride, is a versatile component found in many of the products we use every day — from siding and pipes to medical supplies to car upholstery and record albums. Along with being safe and economical, vinyl is known for its durability. PVC pipes and other PVC products can stay in use for decades — which often leads to the misconception that PVC is not recycled or recyclable. Nothing could be further from the truth. Reusing and recycling PVC helps to cut back on waste, and adding recycled content to products reduces the demand for virgin vinyl resin. Because of this, vinyl recycling is growing across the U.S. and Canada.

PVC is reusable and recyclable

Vinyl products are trusted to protect our homes and transport our water, and have countless other uses throughout our daily lives. And many vinyl products, such as siding, roofing and records, remain in use for decades. This means that very little vinyl is available for recycling by comparison to common packaging materials like water bottles. While it is challenging to isolate PVC from other types of plastics in mechanical recycling, several new technologies can effectively handle mixed plastic streams containing PVC.

By using a variety of processing methods, and because PVC is so versatile, there is ample opportunity to reuse the material in the creation of new products. Surveys have shown that 1.1 billion pounds of PVC are being recycled in the U.S. and Canada annually¹, and the industry is making significant investments to increase recycling streams and ease takeback efforts so that even more vinyl products can be diverted from the landfill and become valuable in new ways.

For example, one company is using post-consumer and post-industrial PVC to produce car mats and other accessories. Another is recycling PVC from wires and cables for use in new products. One non-profit is reusing old billboards and converting them into high-value, long-lasting tarps for temporary roofing to protect people after disasters.

Vinyl recycling in action

The vinyl industry is stepping up in many ways. The Vinyl Institute is one of the organizations taking the lead on increasing PVC recycling opportunities. As part of its in-house Vinyl Sustainability Council, it’s providing resources and education to manufacturers, recyclers, end users and others.

One of the organization’s largest efforts is VIABILITY™, a post-consumer recycling grant program designed to increase post-consumer PVC recycling and kickstart new PVC recycling technologies. In just over two years, the program has awarded more than $2 million to 21 organizations, covering everything from equipment to logistics to education.

Just one example is the Revinylize Recycling Collaborative, which collects post-consumer residential vinyl siding; funding from VIABILITY helped Revinylize scale up its branding and operational website. Revinylize’s pilot program in Northeast Ohio helped drive the collection of more than 400,000 pounds of post-consumer PVC; without the grant, Revinylize estimates it would have taken three to four years to accomplish what it achieved in just eight months. The program has now expanded to multiple states.

How you can take part in vinyl recycling

Just like with recycling single-use cans and bottles, we all can contribute to recycling vinyl products at the end of their life — and it’s getting easier to do.

If you have PVC materials ready for disposal — whether you’re replacing your vinyl flooring or tossing an old garden hose — you can search Vinyl Institute’s Recycling Directory to find recyclers in your area.

In addition, you can reach out to your municipality to find out what they’re doing and encourage them to set up a drop-off point for PVC recycling. When opportunities present themselves, ensure your colleagues and neighbors are aware of PVC recycling options. Because PVC can be and is being recycled.

Visit www.vinylinfo.org/vinyl-sustainability/ to learn more.

(1): Nasr, Nabil, ed. Technology innovation for the circular economy: Recycling, remanufacturing, design, system analysis and logistics. John Wiley & Sons, 2024.

2025-06-11T12:01:01

(BPT) – Do you need to buy or replace your lawn mower? Because there are many different kinds of walk-behind lawnmowers to choose from, finding the right one for you can seem daunting.

For example, is a battery or gas mower best for your yard? The answer depends on the type of lawn you have. Read on to discover the top five considerations that can guide you on your journey to pick the mower type that suits your yard and needs.

1. Lawn size and terrain

The size of your lawn and the terrain are two key factors to consider when selecting a mower type. For a small yard that has fairly even terrain, a battery-powered mower is a great choice.

However, if you have a large lawn with tougher conditions — like uneven ground, hills or thicker grass — you’ll need the proven strength and performance of a gas-powered mower. A gas mower gives you the extra boost of power you’ll need to mow your yard quickly, efficiently and with great results.

2. Mowing conditions

In addition to size and terrain, mowing conditions can also have a significant impact on which mower you should choose. If you live in a fairly temperate or drier climate, a battery mower should suit your needs.

For homeowners living in wetter climes, gas is your best bet. A gas mower allows you to cut your lawn in a variety of conditions, whether wet or dry. Gas is also ideal for lawns with tall, thick grasses.

3. Mowing frequency

Sometimes, life happens and lawncare takes a back seat. Whether it’s a rainy weekend, a nice vacation or unexpected plans, mowing may not always stay on a schedule. Know that both battery and gas-powered mowers can work great when you mow regularly.

If you’re a fanatic about mowing every week — and your yard is small and drier — a battery mower is a great choice. However, if your mowing schedule gets interrupted, especially if you have a large yard and thicker grass, a gas mower will allow you to power through that longer grass without a struggle.

4. Maintenance

When you pull out your mower in the spring, before your first cut of the year, it’s best to perform basic maintenance. This may sound intimidating, but many mowers are designed with ease of use in mind. Plus, thanks to technological advancements, mower maintenance gets easier all the time!

First, regardless of which type of mower you have, check the blades. You can easily replace dull, worn-out blades with new, sharp ones so you can get the freshest cut right off the bat.

Next, if you own a gas mower, make sure to fill the gas tank, check the oil level and top it off as needed, and replace the spark plug and air filter. For electric mower owners, simply ensure you have a charged or new battery.

5. Storage

When choosing a mower, you’ll need to consider where you’ll store it. For sheds and small garages, an electric mower may be easier to fit, as many electric mowers can fold up to save space. That said, some gas mowers are designed to tip up as well with no leaks or drips!

Another storage consideration is your local climate. If you live in a colder climate, make sure to store your lithium batteries indoors, following safety guidelines, as extreme temperatures can shorten battery life.

Are you ready to have the best lawn on the block?

After considering these five factors, you’ll have all the information you need to pick the best mower for your lawn. To learn more about battery and gas mowers and make an informed decision, visit MowInTheKnow.com. Happy mowing!

2025-06-09T02:01:00

(BPT) – There’s something magical about summer evenings, with warm breezes and moonlit skies inviting everyone to linger outdoors, savoring moments together. To fully enjoy your outdoor space, the right lighting makes all the difference — allowing you to transform ordinary decks, patios or yards into vibrant gathering spots, festive dance floors, cozy family havens or romantic settings. Any ambiance you desire is possible, whether you want warm white light or colored lighting, along with the added comfort, security and functionality you can achieve with lighting options from Govee Outdoor Lights.

Here are some possibilities to help you make the most of your outdoor space, all season long.

Create a warm, inviting atmosphere

If you’re looking to elevate your dining, party and leisure areas during summer barbecues and get-togethers, Govee Outdoor Clear Bulb String Lights are a great option. They’re easy to hang around your patio, deck, gazebo or pergola, creating a cheerful, welcoming atmosphere that all your friends and family will love so you can make the most of your evening gatherings. With 111 preset scene modes, an AI assistant for crafting custom effects and full personalization via the Govee Home app, creating a one-of-a-kind atmosphere for your space has never been easier or more tailored to you.

Highlight your home’s features

Want to shine a light on your home’s unique architectural features? Use accent lighting like Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro to showcase distinctive elements like the eaves and roof contours of your home. These waterproof outdoor lights are also ideal to enhance any special occasion, including Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Halloween. The enhanced warm and cool white options will add more style to your home with a one-of-a-kind triangular effect. You can even pair DIY permanent lights with Matter, Alexa and Google Assistant for smart voice control.

Brighten up the night

Planning a big event like a backyard dinner, birthday party or family reunion? For more wide-range, high-intensity lighting to illuminate larger spaces such as courtyards, driveways or activity areas, consider setting up rugged and durable Govee Outdoor Lamp Post Lights. These lights can also serve as an effective security measure. Their Integrated Double Sensors support safety alerts and monitoring, while the brightness sensor perceives illumination changes for additional security. These lights also support smart voice control via Govee Home App, Matter, Alexa and Google Assistant.

Transform your space into a magical oasis

Imagine illuminating your garden with 16 million colors, infusing every moment with the magic of nature and intelligent lighting. With Govee Outdoor Garden Lights, full-spectrum white lamp beads simulate sunlight with a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 94 and 1100 lumens, enhancing the true, vivid colors of your beloved plants and flowers.

Enhance the romance

Hang Govee Curtain lights vertically to form a stunning light curtain effect to decorate walls, windows or gazebos for a romantic and dreamy backdrop. Even better, you can really get creative with these 520 LED light curtains to design dynamic lighting effects and even customize your own DIY light show for any holiday or special occasion. With DreamView and Music Mode, you can interconnect these curtain lights with multiple Govee smart lights for better immersive lighting — and remotely control them via the Govee Home App.

Whether you want to plan special family moments, enjoy quality “date night” vibes or create a festive party atmosphere, Govee Outdoor Lights can help you make it happen. Check out all your outdoor entertaining lighting options at Govee.com or find them on Amazon.

2025-06-02T16:01:01

(BPT) – Laundry day doesn’t have to be a drag. With a little teamwork — and the right technology — you and your partner can turn this everyday chore into a chance to connect.

LG, ranked the #1 appliance brand in the U.S. and one of America’s “most reliable lines of home appliances” by Consumer Reports, wants to help couples see the sweet side of this shared responsibility. Here are four expert-backed tips to help you make the most of laundry time — together.

1. Make it showtime

Entertainment makes chores fly by. Pick a show you both enjoy, whether it’s a 30-minute sitcom or an hour-long drama, and watch while you sort, fold and fluff. It turns multitasking into a mini date night.

Pro tip: Save that show exclusively for laundry time. It becomes your built-in incentive to get it done — and a ritual you’ll look forward to.

2. Shop for new appliances together

Replacing or upgrading your washer or dryer? Turn the task into a bonding moment. Shopping together lets you align on what matters most — whether that’s load size, energy efficiency or smart features that make life easier.

Explore the LG WashTower™, a space-saving, ultra-large capacity washer and dryer with built-in AI that takes the guesswork out of laundry. That means no more bickering about the “right” settings — it adjusts to your fabrics for optimal care.

Or check out the LG WashCombo™, an all-in-one washer-dryer that washes and dries a full load in under two hours — no transfers necessary. That’s just enough time to watch a movie together while your clothes come out clean and dry.

3. Catch up while you sort

Sorting laundry into whites, blacks, colors, delicates and bulky items can be tedious, but it’s the perfect chance to catch up. Exchange funny office stories, share a project you’re excited about, plan a date night or commiserate over a busy schedule.

Pro tip: If you find any stains, make sure to spot-treat them! Is there a story behind that stain? Don’t be afraid to share.

4. Set a laundry day

Busy schedules can make household chores feel overwhelming. Set aside a consistent day and time to tackle laundry together. It keeps your household running smoothly and gives you both a predictable moment to reconnect.

If you own LG laundry appliances, be sure to download the LG ThinQ app. You’ll be able to monitor and control your washer and dryer remotely, get maintenance alerts, and even download new wash cycles — all from your phone. It’s one more way to make chores smarter, easier and more collaborative.

Laundry doesn’t have to be a chore

These four simple tips can help you transform laundry day from a dreaded task into a shared ritual. It’s not just about clean clothes — it’s about building connection, one load at a time.

* #1 Appliance Brand in the US | Source: OpenBrand, MindShare, Quarterly Consumer Survey – Units & Dollars, Major Appliances (AHAM Core 6) Year 2024

2025-05-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – Summer brings more than just sunny days. The warmer season also ushers in severe weather that can knock your power out when you need it the most.

From storms to hurricanes to heatwaves, these summer weather events can take down power lines or overload local power grids, causing whole neighborhoods to lose power for hours to days, depending on the severity. Given that weather-related power outages are on the rise, it’s more important than ever to prepare with off-grid home backup power.

Weather-related power outages: A rising issue

Power outages caused by extreme weather aren’t new. In fact, severe weather is one of the leading causes of power outages. Strong winds, heavy rain, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes and flash floods can knock down power lines and disrupt power flow. However, the number of weather-related outages is on the rise.

According to nonprofit research organization Climate Central, the U.S. dealt with 60% more weather-related outages during warmer months over the past decade than it did during the 2000s. These heat season outages accounted for almost half of all weather-related outages during 2000-2023.

In addition to storms, tornadoes and hurricanes, longer and more intense heat waves during the summer have increased demand for home cooling. With so many people using electricity to run air conditioning, power grids can become overloaded, leading to blackouts. Without an off-grid power source, your home could be left without power for hours.

More than just an inconvenience

Power outages aren’t just annoying. Extended outages can lead to dangerous — and sometimes lethal — health consequences. For example, older folks and people with certain disabilities and health conditions that rely on electric medical equipment are especially vulnerable during blackouts.

Without air conditioning, many people may also suffer heat-related illnesses. Not to mention, lack of refrigeration can also leave families without food and damage critical medications that require cold storage.

The severe weather events that cause power outages can also make restoring power difficult, compounding existing issues. Flooding, debris and damage to the power lines and stations create delays and a significant backlog for power workers, leaving some areas without electricity for days at a time.

Keep the lights on with a tiny but mighty solution

While you can’t avoid a power outage, you can protect yourself and your family by having a battery backup on hand. Consider a model like the HomePower 3000 to power your home essentials, no matter what the summer weather brings.

Recently launched by Jackery — a global leader in innovative solar generators and green off-grid energy solutions — this portable, powerful and compact home backup power station is designed for emergencies, outages and everyday off-grid use. In addition to being one of the lightest and smallest generators in its class, the HomePower 3000 can be recharged using an array of power sources, including AC, AC+DC, solar and more.

Built to withstand the harshest conditions, the HomePower 3000 can operate in extreme temperatures (-40°F to 185°F), providing power to home essentials when you need it the most. With a powerful battery capacity and up to 3,600W of output, the generator is engineered to keep essential household appliances and tools running for 1-2 days.

Whether you’re preparing for storms, powering essential appliances during power outages due to unpredictable emergencies or simply looking to reduce your dependence on the grid, the HomePower 3000 offers peace of mind through advanced engineering and performance that’s ready for anything.

Don’t be caught without power this summer. To learn more about essential home backup and even tax rebate opportunities for securing your home with Jackery, visit Jackery.com. And for additional 3kWh Jackery home backup solutions, Jackery’s Explorer 3000v2 is available at retailers such as Best Buy, Lowe’s, and Home Depot.

2025-05-27T10:11:00

(BPT) – The right door hardware can improve both function and design in the home. Whether you’re renovating or simply upgrading, understanding options like pocket, wall-mount, bypass, multi-pass and bi-fold doors will help you make a smart choice. Each type has unique benefits that suit different spaces, from saving floor space in compact bathrooms to dividing areas in spacious home gyms. Explore five top solutions below.

1. Save Space with Stylish Pocket Door Hardware

Pocket doors slide into the wall to maximize floor space. Perfect for everyday use in tight areas like hallways, bathrooms and kitchens, the ADA-compliant 1500SC Pocket Door Frame Kit is a popular choice because little force is required to slide the door. It can be used with nearly any type of door and provides soft-closing door movement that prevents slamming and enhances safety.

2. Wall-Mount Doors Offer Privacy Without Wall Modifications

Wall mount sliding doors are simple and quick to install and give any room an instant facelift. The 200WM Wall Mount Sliding Door Hardware Kit supports extra-heavy doors and includes a soft-close feature, perfect in bedrooms, laundry rooms and home offices where a quietly closing door is appreciated.

3. Bypass Sliding Doors: Perfect for Closets

Smooth gliding and long-lasting bypass door hardware is a closet staple. From hallway, bathroom, and bedroom closets to kitchen pantries, sliding bypass doors free up floor space so you can fit more furniture in a room. Swinging doors can block walkways, whereas bypass doors keep the path free and clear.

4. Multi-Pass Doors for Modern Room Dividers

It’s easy to open up or close off larger spaces with Multi-Pass Door Hardware. Three door panels hang from a durable top track and each door slides independently from jamb to jamb. Door panels stack together neatly to widen a doorway, giving access to two-thirds of the opening.

5. Bi-Fold Doors Maximize Visibility and Function in Tight Spots

Great for closets converted into creative spaces, such as a bar nook or workshop, bi-fold door panels fold together and allow ample access to the closet contents. For best results, it is important to choose high-quality folding door hardware when upgrading a closet so your doors operate trouble-free over time.

For more information on the advantages of pocket, sliding and folding door hardware, visit www.johnsonhardware.com, or call 574-293-5664.

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