Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2024-10-17T06:01:00

(BPT) – If you think this year has been especially severe for hurricanes, you’re not wrong. Back in August, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) upgraded the 2024 hurricane season forecast to predict 17-24 named storms this year, which could make it one of the busiest on record. Unfortunately, this prediction is coming true, with the Atlantic Basin already seeing more frequent and much more intense storms.

While severe weather can cause conditions that are nearly impossible to fully prepare for, you can take some steps to help safeguard your family and property ahead of time.

“It’s best to assume a storm will hit your area at some point, so you can be proactive instead of just reactive,” said Craig Fugate, former administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “There’s no substitute for advance planning and preparation.”

Here are recommended actions to help you be more prepared for stormy weather.

1. Create or update your emergency kit

If you don’t have a household emergency kit, or you haven’t updated yours in a while, take time to stock up on items your household may need in case of a severe storm in your area. A great resource for packing your kit is Ready.gov/kit. Recommended items include bottled water, non-perishable food, a battery-powered radio, flashlights and batteries, plus first aid supplies.

It’s also a good idea to have a “go bag” for each family member, packed with essential items in case you need to evacuate your home.

2. Maintain your property

Another crucial way to help weather-proof your house to some extent is to make sure your home and property are in good repair. If your home’s roof, siding and windows are in top condition, they may be better able to withstand at least some of the elements. Regularly inspecting your home to look for damage is recommended before, during and after storm season.

Another key component to help prevent one source of storm damage is ensuring that trees are not growing too near your home, and that they are in good health. Having your trees trimmed by a professional arborist can help ensure you’ll have fewer dead or damaged limbs that could fall on your home, car or power lines.

3. Protect your access to power

One of the toughest things to get through during and after severe weather events is the loss of power. Without electricity, food will spoil, and you can’t cook, access the internet or use other vital home electronics.

To help you power through the aftermath of a storm, Jackery offers an innovative new solar generator, the E2000v2, that’s capable of powering an extensive range of high-power appliances including refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, high pressure washers and more. It also features multiple outlets so you can power smaller devices such as routers, and is equipped with 18W USB-A and 100W USB-C ports to support smaller electronic needs. The generator also offers powerful, quick and convenient charging in as little as two hours.

Best yet, the E2000v2 is small and light, offering 30W uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for instantaneous emergency backup power in less than .02 seconds, making it a reliable solution for backing up vital electronics.

Unlike traditional gas generators that require further costs for fuel and maintenance, the E2000v2 can be combined with solar panels to harness power from the sun to serve as a renewable energy source, producing clean and free power with no ongoing expenses. Gas generators also create toxic and potentially deadly emissions, but the clean power provided by E2000v2 is coupled with silent operation — making it safe and convenient to use indoors.

Because of its small size and portability, you can use the E2000v2 for many other purposes, including tailgating, RVing, overlanding, camping and more. Its UL-listed safety, shock and fire resistance also make the E2000v2 ideal for working outdoors with tools that require a steady power supply.

Visit Jackery.com to learn more.

4. Be prepared to evacuate

Most importantly, make sure you’re ready to evacuate if needed. Having your go bags in an easily accessible spot, knowing how to turn off the electricity and gas to your home before you leave (to help prevent fires) and planning for a place to go with your family are all important steps to help you feel confident that you can leave quickly when necessary.

“Your local government officials are the best source when it comes to the conditions on the ground where you live,” added Fugate. “So it’s always important to tune in to what they’re recommending for residents in your area before a storm.”

Taking steps like these now can help you feel more prepared and secure, no matter what nature throws your way.

2024-10-16T17:55:00

(BPT) – Whether or not you wonder about the air quality in your home, everyone can benefit from breathing better air inside — this is especially true for those with allergies, asthma or other respiratory health concerns. So, if you’re someone who experiences any of these issues or it seems like your indoor air is too dry, humid or dusty, you may want to take action to improve your indoor environment.

Air quality is often overlooked because it’s largely an invisible problem. Particulate matter (PM) in the 2.5-micron range are smaller than the diameter of human hair, yet some of these pose the greatest risk. They can infiltrate air passageways, causing respiratory issues and asthma attacks, which is why it’s crucial to ensure you and your family can breathe easy when you’re spending time indoors.

In honor of National Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Awareness Month, here are recommendations from the residential HVAC pros at Trane^® for assessing your home’s air, identifying the common culprits for air quality problems, and taking steps to improve your indoor environment.

Test your indoor air quality

An indoor air quality monitoring device measures the air quality for pervasive issues like pollen or other allergens. You’ll want to find one that monitors temperature, humidity, CO2, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Alternatively, you could have an HVAC specialist run tests in your home to identify contaminants. Your trusted local HVAC dealer, such as a Trane Comfort Specialist™, can provide a whole-home indoor air quality assessment to identify contaminants and find solutions based on your family’s unique needs and concerns.

Humidity imbalance in your home

Depending on the season and where you live, indoor humidity levels can vary a great deal. Maintaining humidity levels between 35%-60% in your home is key to resolving many indoor air quality problems, because mold, dust mites and other air pollutants tend to thrive outside that range. Air that’s too humid can also cause issues such as warping or cracking of wood furnishings and floors, and air that’s too dry can lead to irritated skin or respiratory issues.

The best way to control humidity in your home is by monitoring levels using a reliable HVAC thermostat, then managing humidity with a whole-home dehumidifier and/or humidifier.

Indoor pollutants

Air pollutant sources inside your home can include pet dander, mold, mildew, tobacco, wood burning fireplaces, gas stoves, cleaning products, household paints and more. Pollutants can also enter from outside (like pollen, smog and smoke). When contaminant levels in your home are high, you may experience eye, nose or throat irritation, headaches, dizziness and fatigue.

Eliminating some indoor air pollutants may help alleviate your symptoms, like removing carpeting and rugs to reduce dust and pet dander buildup or making sure to ventilate your home well (consider wearing an N95 mask while doing so!) while vacuuming, cleaning or painting. You can also consider a whole home air filter or electronic air cleaner for additional protection from indoor air pollutants. For example, the Trane CleanEffects^® Whole Home Air Cleaner helps remove dust, pollen, pet hair and dander, dust mites and mildew, while also reducing airborne pollutants and certain bacteria and viruses. It’s also certified Asthma and Allergy Friendly^® by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Inadequate ventilation

Because it’s difficult to remove all indoor air pollutants, it’s recommended to supply clean, fresh air to your indoor environment while exhausting stale and polluted air back outside — but that’s not as simple as just opening a few windows (especially when the temperatures outside are frigid). Opening windows allows for air exchange but doesn’t block outdoor allergens or asthma triggers, like pollen, from entering your home.

The best way to ensure that fresh air is being adequately supplied into your home is by using a filtered mechanical ventilator to bring fresh air in and expel stale and polluted air back outside. Newer homes, built with energy efficiency in mind, may not “breathe” as well as older homes. With the help of mechanical ventilation products, your indoor air will stay fresh all year long.

Malfunctioning HVAC system

Do you have an older HVAC system that hasn’t been consistently maintained or cleaned over the years? Has it been a while since your HVAC filter was replaced? An HVAC system clogged with contaminants, or that’s not working well, can increase indoor air quality problems.

As the seasons change, schedule maintenance for your HVAC system to ensure it’s functioning at its best, and consider upgrading your unit if your air quality is consistently poor.

If your system is in good condition, make sure to change filters regularly by setting reminders and writing the date on your filter whenever you replace it. High-quality filters like the ones from Trane help filter out common allergens, make your home’s air fresher, and allow your HVAC system to run more efficiently. You can also opt for a reusable filter — but in that case, make sure you set reminders for cleaning it every 1-3 months, according to manufacturer recommendations. Whichever filter type you use, consider cleaning or replacing it more frequently than what’s recommended if someone in your household has allergies or asthma.

To learn more about products to help improve your indoor air quality, visit Trane.com.

2024-10-11T17:01:00

(BPT) – Recent natural disasters have affected people across the United States. For some, dangerous storms have significantly impacted their lives and property. The greatest concern is everyone’s safety. Next, it’s assessing cleanups and addressing damage.

The insurance industry plays a critical role in the cleanup and response efforts for people impacted by storms like Hurricanes Helene and Milton. One company making a difference is State Farm^®. Alongside 19,000 agents across the country, they have the State Farm Catastrophe Response Team and fleet, the largest in the insurance industry.

These teams are deployed and staged early for strategic response once the storms pass. Trailers and RVs serve as on-the-spot claims offices, complete with workstations, computers, tents, power generators and satellite access for phone and internet communications.

State Farm teams also offer support, guidance and assistance during critical times when customers need them most, diligently handling claims and providing assistance during the recovery and rebuilding process. Based on covered damages, an advance on claim payments can be provided to customers to meet immediate needs such as temporary housing, transportation and food.

Here are some examples of this support in action:

Asheville, North Carolina

State Farm Agent Rebecca Sandoval was in the middle of the crisis following Hurricane Helene. She immediately set up satellite communication and provided food and shelter for 8 of her displaced neighbors despite losing power and water herself.

She also did what it took to open her State Farm office — getting drinking water, power cables, charging devices, food and any supplies needed to open her doors and offer help, hugs, support and basic necessities to those she serves.

Despite her own personal losses and property damage, she showed up every day to help customers. Her team describes her as a warrior who is helping them find the joy in the moment.

Nearby is Claims Team Manager Clinton Waller, who has been without power and water but is busy volunteering cutting trees off the roads so first responders can get through. He’s distributing water and cooking meals for others to make a difference.

Easley, South Carolina

State Farm claims employee Rodney Johnson found himself wearing two hats — chief of the local volunteer fire department and State Farm appraiser. Recently, he started his day at 4:00 a.m. removing a downed tree and then returned home to take claims calls.

While without power for the week, he used the firehouse generator and worked from his car using the phone charger. “It was important for me to find any way I could to start helping customers as soon as possible. Our goal is to serve customers and help get their lives back on track. That doesn’t happen without us doing our jobs.”

Greenville and Columbia, South Carolina

Claims appraiser Isaac Burgess started working as soon as possible after the storms, using his phone as a hot spot since his power was out.

Appraiser Antwone Mack pulled out the grill and fryer so he could feed his neighbors through the power outage, because he said, “Being boots on the ground calms people down.”

Claims appraiser Andrian Hargett from Georgia put it best: “I see working for State Farm as similar to that of a first responder, because our customers need us to get back on their feet. Even though we may not have all our needs met, the customers still need us to help them,” he said.

Learn more at statefarm.com.

2024-10-10T14:01:00

(BPT) – Fall and winter are peak seasons for home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). To protect your home this Fire Safety Prevention Week, take proactive steps to safeguard against fires, and to be sure your family is ready in case of an emergency.

Here are practical things you can do to prevent fires from starting, and to respond quickly when necessary.

Check your smoke detectors. Every fall and spring check your detectors and replace batteries annually. It’s vital to have working smoke detectors on every level of your home, outside bedrooms and near the kitchen (but at least 10 feet from cooking appliances).

Schedule an electrical inspection. For older homes, or if you haven’t had electrical work done for years, it’s recommended to make sure your home is properly wired and up to current safety codes.

Keep a close eye on kitchen safety. The NFPA reports the kitchen as the most common place for house fires to start. Unattended cooking is a common culprit, so make sure to always closely monitor your stovetop and oven while they’re in use.

Always keep a fire extinguisher handy, and make sure you and other family members know how to use it. Be prepared to use a pan lid to smother a grease fire if one should arise, as water will make it worse.

Consider kitchen appliances with built-in safety features. Some older appliances don’t offer safety features that up-to-date technology has made possible. Today’s electric and induction ranges are considerably safer than traditional gas ovens and stovetops, as there are no open flames, they don’t produce indoor air pollution and they’re not capable of causing gas leaks.

In addition, if you’re concerned about your stovetop accidentally getting turned on, you can now find electric ranges and cooktops that come with a safety locking device that can stop their functions. For example, these models from LG have a built-in safety feature that prevents the burners on the cooktop from being heated when the Lock function is set, even if the touch buttons are pressed: the LG STUDIO 6.3 cubic foot InstaView^® Electric Slide-in Range with ProBake Convection^® and Air Fry (LSES6338N) and the LG 6.3 cubic foot Smart Wi-Fi Enabled ProBake Convection^® InstaView^® Electric Slide-In Range with Air Fry (LSEL6335F). It is always recommended that you read the owner’s manual to ensure that you use the product as intended in the safest possible manner.

Safeguard your laundry room. Another potential area of concern for fire safety is your laundry room, specifically your clothes dryer. While you may remember to clean the lint filter, many homeowners forget about the dryer’s duct. With too much lint build-up in the duct, restricted airflow can cause dryers to overheat, which could lead to a fire.

To help you remember this important chore, consider an LG Dryer that offers FlowSense^® Duct Clogging and Lint Filter Indicators with the LG ThinQ^® app — which sends you notifications when it detects a reduction in airflow, prompting you to clean the duct. Regular cleaning based on these alerts helps maintain proper ventilation, reducing risk of overheating and ensuring safer dryer operation.

Models offering this feature include the LG 7.4 cubic foot Ultra Large Capacity Smart Front Load Electric Energy Star Dryer with Sensor Dry & Steam Technology (DLEX5500W), plus larger models like the LG 9.0 cubic foot Mega Capacity Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Front Load Electric Dryer with TurboSteam™ and Built-In Intelligence (DLEX8980V) and the LG 9.0 cubic foot Mega Capacity Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Front Load Gas Dryer with TurboSteam™ and Built-In Intelligence (DLGX8901B). These dryers include the ability to access smart functions to monitor drying cycles and more through the LG ThinQ^® app.

Review your emergency plan. Make sure that everyone in your household knows what to do if a smoke detector goes off or there’s a fire in progress. Hold regular family meetings to review exits from each room, and practice where to meet outside in case of emergency. This can make a difference when there are only minutes to exit your home safely.

Being proactive, choosing appliances with safety features and reviewing your emergency plan will all give you more peace of mind when it comes to fire safety this season.

2024-10-10T08:17:00

(BPT) – If your walls could talk, what would the paint color say about you? You’re bold? Calm? Sophisticated? Whatever the answer would be, painting a wall multiple colors is an affordable, yet impactful, way to uniquely express your personality. A two-toned wall is an interior design technique that utilizes two paint colors on the same wall, allowing you to express your individual style and add dimension to a flat surface. No matter your comfort or skill level, follow these steps to achieve professional-level results and showcase your creativity.

• Prepare to paint: To get ready for painting, gather all necessary supplies, like a drop cloth, primer, a paintbrush, a roller and painter’s tape. Remove as much furniture as possible, covering any large items with a tarp. Using a sponge, wipe the walls with warm soapy water, then repair any cracks or holes with putty and sand the surface smooth. If you’re painting over a dark color, apply a primer as a base coat to ensure an even foundation.
• Measure and mark: To create a dynamic color-blocking effect on your walls, start by determining where the colors will meet and mark the spot with a pencil or chalk, using a straight edge for precision. Color blocking can be executed horizontally or vertically, or with additional creative options like diagonals or geometric patterns. A horizontal scheme splits the wall, making the room feel longer, while a vertical approach enhances the sense of height and openness, especially in open floor plans.
• Apply painter’s tape: Regardless of your chosen approach, using painter’s tape, such as FrogTape^® brand painter’s tape, is essential for achieving clean lines. It’s treated with exclusive PaintBlock^® Technology to seal tape edges and prevent paint bleed — critical in this type of project. Apply the tape along the marked line to create sharp edges where each color begins and ends. Use a firm plastic tool to eliminate gaps and seal edges. And, be sure to tape adjacent surfaces, including baseboards, ceilings and walls.
• Paint the light color: To achieve full coverage, apply the light base color one coat at a time, starting by “cutting in” along the tape with a paintbrush and then using a roller to fill in the rest of the section. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next, using as many coats as needed for the desired look.
• Paint the dark color: After completing the light color, repeat the painting process by cutting in along the tape with small brush strokes and using a roller to fill in the rest of the section. Keep adding coats until you achieve the finished product you have in mind.
• Remove the painter’s tape: For best results, remove the tape while the paint is still wet, pulling slowly at a 45-degree angle to reveal a room that pops with personality.

Two-tone walls can transform a space to reflect your style with just a simple change. With the right supplies, techniques and color selections, you can create a look that you’re proud of, regardless of your skill level. For more step-by-step project tutorials, tips and tricks and creative inspiration, visit FrogTape.com.

2024-10-06T23:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re a professional or DIYer, laying tile is one of those skills that looks easy when it’s well done, but can be complicated and physically demanding. The fun part is choosing the beautiful tile, but it’s a lot harder to install it. One of the best-kept secrets of the trade is that when it comes to laying tile, using great grout matters.

To ensure your tile installation goes smoothly, looks perfect and lasts for years, it’s crucial to choose the right grout, gather your tools ahead of time and read the installation instructions before you begin.

A smarter choice than traditional grout

Want grout that requires no mixing, no guesswork, is ready to use and easy to clean? Prism^® SCG Ultimate Performance Pre-Mixed Single Component^® Grout is your best bet. It uses a proprietary acrylic formulation that cures as hard as cement grout, but is the easiest to install. It also offers superior performance, with unsurpassed stain resistance and color consistency from bucket to bucket. Prism SCG is a professional-grade grout that’s crack-resistant and efflorescence free, with MicroBan^® protection to inhibit mold and mildew growth.

This grout is great for DIYers and pros alike because it’s easy to spread and clean — and requires no sealing. Best yet, you’ll have 40 designer-inspired colors to choose from, so your kitchen, bath or other project can achieve the desired look.

Not sure what color will best complement your tile choice? Contractors, architects, designers and DIYers can discover the perfect grout color before installation with the new web app from CUSTOM. You can also see examples of the product being used in this video.

Note: It’s normal for grout to appear lighter in color directly out of the bucket, but as it dries, it will darken to match the expected color, shown on the color chart or grout stick.

Applications

Prism SCG grout works well with porcelain, glass, ceramic, mosaic, quarry, terrazzo, polished natural stone and grout-able luxury vinyl tile with joint widths between 1/16 inch and 1/2 inch. You can use the grout with interior and most exterior residential, commercial, high-traffic and intermittently wet areas including countertops, backsplashes, tub surrounds, shower walls and floors.

Note: Prism SCG Grout is not for use in industrial applications or areas subjected to harsh or continuous chemicals (high or low pH), high heat or high-pressure cleaning. For heavy industrial tile installations, use CEG-IG 100% Solids Epoxy Grout.

Tools for the job

After you’ve selected your tile and grout color, you’ll want to gather your tools. Fortunately, with Prism SCG Grout you’ll only need a solid urethane float, margin trowel, bucket of water and microfiber towels to remove grout haze. It’s ready to use right from the bucket, with a resealable lid.

Read the Installation Guide before you begin.

Tips for best grout usage

Prism SCG is designed to be installed at surface and ambient temperatures between 50°F (10°C) and 90°F (32°C). You can expect longer or shorter working times depending on the temperature conditions of your environment and tile porosity.

You’ll use a solid urethane float to apply the grout. Start with small areas (about 10-20 square feet) at one time, then you can expand the area as your proficiency grows. Professionals or anyone comfortable with the process can control up to 100 square feet at a time. The advanced formulation prevents this grout from drying out during extended open times.

Residual grout is easiest to clean while still wet, using a damp microfiber towel or cloth. One of the biggest advantages of Prism SCG is that it’s cleanable immediately — or within 30 minutes of applying — which means no more waiting for grout to set before you can clean grout haze. And you don’t have to come back later to seal it.

It’s recommended to do a final drag with a damp microfiber towel to pick up leftover grout haze immediately after installation. However, for up to three days following installation, grout haze can be removed with water and a sponge. After three days, grout haze should be removed using a neutral PH tile or grout cleaner like Aqua Mix^® Concentrated Stone & Tile Cleaner. Prism SCG Grout will cure by the next day for light traffic applications, and after three days for shower applications. Curing time will be longer in high humidity conditions.

Note for professionals: Prism SCG meets ANSI A118.19 and aligns with ANSI A118.7 and A118.3 performance characteristics.

More questions? You can find answers to frequently asked questions here.

It’s time to step up your grout game! Use the new revolutionary Prism SCG, available at tile distributors and coming soon to The Home Depot near you. For more information about this or other CUSTOM Building Products, visit CustomBuildingProducts.com.

2024-09-30T12:01:00

(BPT) – As the days get shorter and cooler, it’s the perfect time to turn your attention to your heating system. Before it gets too chilly, you’ll want your HVAC system to be in great condition — clean, tuned up and ready to go.

The pros at Aire Serv, a Neighborly company, offer safety and money-saving tips so your home will be comfortable during the colder days to come.

Check the basics

Experts recommend periodic checks that all heating and return vents around your home are unobstructed. Making sure furniture and other items don’t block air from moving freely means a consistent temperature from room to room, and your furnace won’t have to work as hard.

Also, clear areas around your water heater, clothes dryer (including the vent) and fireplaces to reduce the risk of fire and other hazards.

Pro tip: Close your fireplace damper when not in use, so warm air can’t escape.

Schedule your fall tune-up

Even if you consider yourself handy, it’s best to have a trained HVAC service professional perform the tune-up and cleaning so your HVAC system and furnace can operate efficiently — saving you money on energy bills all year, keeping your home more comfortable and ensuring the system is safe.

Don’t wait for the first frigid day to get your furnace serviced, as many service professionals receive increased calls during extremely cold days due to system breakdowns. A fall service means you’ll have prioritized service and have no down time. And definitely don’t wait until noticing things like bad smells to call your service professional. While it may be normal to smell burning dust at the beginning of the season, it could also be a warning sign of a dangerous problem.

Consider a duct cleaning service to clear dust and debris from your home’s heating ducts. Experts recommend that with some exceptions, duct cleaning should be completed every 3-5 years.

Remember: If you smell gas, leave your home immediately and call 911, then contact your service professional.

Change your furnace filter frequently

If you can’t recall the last time you changed the furnace filter, chances are it’s overdue. Experts recommend swapping HVAC air filters every 30 to 90 days to ensure no dust or debris builds up in your system.

When air can flow freely through the unit, your system doesn’t need to work as hard to heat your home. This translates to lower energy bills and a fresher home. If anyone in your family struggles with asthma or allergies, prioritize this task, and consider changing the filter more frequently — especially when pollen is high.

Pro tip: Write the date on the side of your filter when you change it and put a reminder for the next swap on your calendar.

Thermostats make a difference

To help save money on heating costs, take time to learn how your thermostat works. Turning down your thermostat is one of the most effective ways to save on heating: You can save approximately 15% of your heating bill just by lowering heat 7 degrees over an eight-hour period.

It’s common to react to short-term temperature changes by bumping it up and down, but constant changes cost more. If you don’t have one, get a programmable thermostat so you can “set it and forget it.” Set lower temps when you’re away from your home or asleep, but no lower than 67 degrees, to prevent issues like freezing pipes.

Pro tip: If your HVAC system isn’t working well despite regular maintenance and cleaning, your thermostat could be the culprit. Upgrading to a new programmable thermostat, or smart thermostat you can operate from your phone, could be a great step toward a more efficient heating system.

Consider HVAC upgrades

If you have an older furnace, you may want to consider a new, more energy-efficient unit. Most older homes have ducted systems, but ductless heating systems (also called ductless mini-split systems) have an outdoor compressor connected to multiple indoor units so you can heat or cool specific zones or rooms.

Your service technician can help you learn the pros and cons of each system and assess issues like purchase price versus operating expense, your home’s floor plan, existing ductwork and aesthetic differences.

Dislike dry air in your home? The answer could be a whole-home humidifier. Furnace heating systems can cause havoc on your skin, making air dry and difficult to breathe — and negatively impact wooden furniture. A furnace humidifier installed on your furnace can distribute moistened air equally throughout your home.

To learn more and find an experienced Aire Serv service professional to help keep your home warm, safe and comfortable, visit AireServ.com/tune-up.

2024-09-19T20:01:00

(BPT) – When you’re young, an injury from a fall may sideline you for a few days or weeks, but a full recovery is usually quick. As you get older, the consequences of falls are more serious, setting up a sequence of events that can have longstanding implications on independence and health.

Although falls become more common and can be more serious as you age, they are not a natural part of getting older. In fact, most falls are preventable. Knowing the risk factors and steps to prevent falls is important.

Risk factors for falls include overall health (e.g., physical fitness), environment (e.g., hazards at home), and behaviors (e.g., rushing around).

Simple steps to help prevent falls

Stay active. Exercise helps increase or maintain coordination and muscle tone that can keep you steady on your feet and sharpen your reactions. Walking, gardening or taking an exercise class are just a few ways to keep your heart healthy and your muscles toned.

Manage underlying chronic conditions. The better your overall health, the lower your risk of falling. Chronic conditions like diabetes, depression, osteoarthritis, obesity and high blood pressure can increase your risk. Managing conditions by seeing your health care provider regularly, taking medication as prescribed, eating a healthy diet and choosing appropriate exercise can help prevent falls.

Review medications. Some medications’ side effects and interactions can cause dizziness, which can increase the risk of falling. Types of medicines associated with an increased risk include sedatives and diuretics, as well as those used to treat high blood pressure and anxiety. Talk to your health care provider about all prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines you take.

Get your eyes checked. Vision changes as you age, so it is important to get your eyes checked once a year to make sure your prescription is up to date and to be screened for any eye-related diseases like cataracts and glaucoma, which are usually treatable when caught at an early stage.

Assess your home. Look around your home for potential hazards. Consider enlisting the help of a family member or friend who may be more likely to notice things you don’t. Make small changes like installing grab bars in your bathrooms, getting rid of slippery throw rugs (or adding a rubber backing), and keeping passageways inside and outside your home well-lit and free from clutter and debris.

For more tips and information, visit acl.gov/fallsprevention.

2024-09-12T08:01:00

2024-09-09T14:01:00

(BPT) – Heating and cooling often make up the bulk of utility bills — and the right HVAC system can make a world of difference in both energy bills and home comfort. Recently, heat pumps have become a trending topic in the news for their ability to address both of these needs by providing sustainable home comfort while simultaneously lowering utility bills. But can they really do both?

To answer that question, it’s important to first understand how a heat pump works. When the thermostat temperature is raised and heat is needed, the system pulls heat energy from the ambient air outside the home to heat the home. When air conditioning is desired, it does the opposite, removing heat from inside the home and expelling it to make the home cooler.

Because heat energy is moved around rather than being produced directly, heat pumps can provide more sustainable — and more efficient fuel source alternatives. In addition, recent advancements have made heat pumps far more efficient and more reliable than ever before — even in colder climates. As a result, both federal and local agencies are offering money-saving incentives to help more homeowners switch to heat pumps making it an ideal time to invest in a new heat pump.

But even with these benefits, there are still a lot of myths about how heat pumps work. We’re debunking some of the top heat pump misconceptions.

Myth 1: Heat pumps won’t work in cold climates

Fact: Today’s heat pumps can provide efficient heating in colder climates than ever before

In the past, some older heat pumps could struggle to heat a space efficiently when outdoor temperatures were especially cold. However, today’s heat pumps are engineered to function as the primary heating source in almost all geographic regions, even when temperatures drop below freezing.

The key to providing sufficient heat capacity in especially cold climates is the compressor — the part of a heat pump that moves heat through the system. In the past, heat pumps typically relied on single-speed compressors that functioned like an on/off switch, making it harder for the system to cope with extreme swings in temperature. Today’s more advanced heat pumps leverage variable-speed compressor technology to make incremental adjustments that keep pace with changing temperature more efficiently and more accurately. In addition, many heat pumps rated for cold-climate use now feature vapor injection technology, which further boosts cold-weather heating performance.

Myth 2: Heat pumps don’t really save money

Fact: 90% of homeowners can reduce their utility bills with a heat pump

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that almost all homeowners can expect to see cost savings by switching to an energy-efficient electric heat pump. Today’s heat pump offerings are wide-ranging and can meet the unique needs of almost any home, comfort level, or budget. Innovations in energy efficiency mean less electricity is used to cut costs in most homes. For example, the newly launched YORK^® HH8 Side-Discharge Heat Pump can precisely match a home’s changing comfort needs while reducing homeowners’ energy bills by up to 50% compared to less efficient HVAC systems.

Myth 3: Heat pumps are noisy

Fact: Many heat pumps are as quiet as a dishwasher

No one wants to hear excessive noise coming from their HVAC system. Premium heat pumps combine insulated cabinets and low-sound fan designs to deliver whisper-quiet performance when operating in both heating and AC modes.

Myth 4: Temperatures will be inconsistent

Fact: Heat pumps seamlessly move between heating and cooling for consistent comfort

We all want to feel comfortable in our homes. Variable-speed heat pumps automatically move between heating and cooling modes throughout operation to maintain precise temperature and humidity levels. These seamless adjustments provide unmatched home comfort while helping to maximize energy efficiency, especially when compared to single-phase heat pumps that simply turn on and off and provide inconsistent inside temperatures.

Myth 5: Heat pumps require a lot of space

Fact: New compact designs are 30% smaller than traditional equipment

Innovative, new heat pump designs like the YORK^® HH8 Side-Discharge Heat Pump offer top-tier efficiency and variable-speed performance in a compact size. The side-discharge design allows the heat pump to be stacked, placed under raised decks, or installed in zero-lot-line neighborhoods.

Myth 6: Installing a new heat pump is expensive

Fact: A wide range of rebates and incentives are available now

A historic number of savings programs are available to help offset the cost of installing a high-efficiency home heat pump. Through a combination of immediate discounts, tax rebates, and utility and manufacturers’ offers, some qualifying homeowners can offset 100% of the cost of installing a heat pump. Additionally, some manufacturers offer simplified financing options with fixed monthly payments to make the investment more manageable.

Learn more about today’s heat pump innovations and cost-saving programs from YORK^®: https://www.york.com/residential-equipment/heating-and-cooling/split-system-heat-pumps.