Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2026-10-02T15:01:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways

• Homeowners are seeking to make their homes more efficient, including indoor air quality solutions.
• Improving a home’s IAQ typically requires homeowners to install multiple products that don’t work together.
• Panasonic OASYS^® solves this problem by continuously bringing in fresh, filtered outdoor air that is balanced with indoor air to improve IAQ, temperature and humidity, creating a healthier living environment.

The modern home has technology layered in practically every corner. Whether it’s a smart thermostat, voice assistants, connected security, EV chargers or app-controlled appliances, homeowners are looking to make home life easier and — in some cases — healthier.

Take indoor air quality (IAQ), for example. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans spend on average about 90% of their time indoors, where the concentration of some pollutants is often two to five times higher than typical outdoor air. Although you can’t see them, these air pollutants can have very real visible effects on your health and have been associated with:

• Irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.
• Headaches, dizziness and fatigue.
• Respiratory diseases, heart disease and cancer.

There are numerous smart devices on the market to improve IAQ, including monitors, purifiers, dehumidifiers and more. However, these separate IAQ technologies don’t work together, requiring homeowners to monitor and adjust the settings themselves.

Seeing the need for connected and efficient IAQ technology that works in concert, Panasonic created OASYS^®, a whole-home air quality management solution that aligns comfort, air quality and energy management, providing homeowners with a true set-it-and-forget-it IAQ system.

Designing IAQ tech with whole-home integration from the start

Panasonic OASYS^® creates a house that breathes as intentionally as it was designed. The energy-efficient system manages indoor air quality, temperature and humidity without homeowner intervention. The result? Cleaner air, balanced humidity, fewer indoor allergens and pollutants, and consistent temperature control throughout the house from the moment you walk in.

This isn’t Panasonic’s first foray into IAQ management. The brand’s bathroom exhaust fans and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) have helped homeowners across the country breathe cleaner indoor air. The addition of OASYS^® completes this family of IAQ solutions.

So, how exactly does OASYS^® work to improve IAQ? It all begins with its fresh-air-first approach.

Improving ventilation with outdoor air is one of the fundamental strategies for reducing concentrations of indoor air pollutants. However, most home heating and cooling systems do not mechanically bring in fresh air. By flipping the traditional HVAC logic, OASYS^® provides homeowners with balanced airflow to every room, including hard-to-reach areas, supporting the consistent comfort and well-being of families in their home environment.

2026-09-28T11:01:00

(BPT) – By Ned Monroe

It happens so often we hardly notice: Head to the kitchen, grab a glass from the cabinet, fill it with water from the faucet.

Tap water is one of many conveniences of modern everyday life that we rarely, if ever, think about. And that’s by design — thanks to years of technological innovation before many of us were even born.

Behind the walls and under the streets, networks of PVC and CPVC water pipes quietly exist to safely and efficiently transport clean water from treatment plants to our taps.

Here’s how it’s done.

The science behind PVC

PVC pipes may look simple, but they’re backed by a lot of science.

PVC is a widely used plastic that serves as the foundation for many products people encounter every day. It begins with two primary building blocks: chlorine derived from common salt and ethylene from natural gas. The material can then be formulated for different applications, including durable water pipes, flooring and vinyl records. There are several different types of PVC pipes, with each made to meet the performance needs of each specific use, like small-diameter CPVC pipes supplying drinking water in your home or the large blue or teal-colored pipes carrying water from the town to neighborhoods.

So what does it all mean?

All of that manufacturing, developed and engineered and innovated over decades, is what makes your PVC pipes something you don’t have to think about much.

1. Safe for drinking water: All pipes used for drinking water, including PVC pipes, must meet NSF/ANSI 61, a rigorous international standard established using exhaustive testing methods to ensure the safety of clean drinking water. Manufacturer certification of PVC pipe to NSF/ANSI 61 means that it is safe for use in drinking water piping applications — and has been for decades.
2. Long-lasting, durable and reliable: Unfortunately, communities across the U.S. lose an estimated 6 billion gallons of treated water a day to pipe breaks, leaks and aging infrastructure, according to a 2021 report by the American Society of Civil Engineers. PVC pipe is providing an ideal solution: Properly installed, PVC pipes are engineered for long-term service and are widely recognized for their durability and resistance to corrosion. Studies of water infrastructure have found that PVC pipes can provide reliable service for many decades, contributing to their widespread use in drinking water and wastewater systems. In fact, a series of reports, the most recent in 2023, on water main breaks in the U.S. and Canada by Utah State University found that PVC pipe has the lowest overall failure rate compared to three other commonly used pipe materials.
3. A sustainable pipe choice: Communities that choose PVC for its durability also reap the benefits of a smaller carbon footprint for their infrastructure. When evaluated on a life cycle and carbon footprint perspective, PVC pipe has lower environmental impacts — lower embodied energy, lower use-phase energy and longer life attributes — compared to pipe used in similar applications made from materials like iron, cement and clay. When considering the impacts throughout the product life cycle, PVC pipes use much less energy to manufacture and transport, and they can operate for more than a century and need fewer replacements over their lifetime. (A Life Cycle Assessment of PVC Water and Sewer Pipe is available here.)

In addition, it takes up to 54% more energy to pump water through an 8-inch ductile iron pipe than it does through an 8-inch PVC pipe during the life of the system, because PVC’s surface remains smooth throughout.

Beneath our streets and behind your walls, PVC pipes are silently humming along, faithfully bringing safe drinking water to your home’s tap. Thanks to science and modern manufacturing, it’s another everyday convenience that makes our lives a bit easier.

Learn more about PVC pipe and other vinyl products you use every day at www.vinylinfo.org. Download the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association’s PVC Piping Features & Benefits fact sheet here.

Ned Monroe is CEO of the Vinyl Institute.

2026-09-25T00:01:00

(BPT) – Are you considering or in the midst of planning to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)? If so, you’re part of a fascinating trend that’s meeting multiple housing needs across the United States.

ADUs are smaller, independent residences located on the same lot as or attached to an existing single-family home. These fully equipped units have their own kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area and entrance, making them perfect for aging parents, young adults and renters.

ADUs are growing in popularity. From 2018-2024, 2.8 million ADU permits were issued nationwide. California — where affordable housing has become harder and harder to find — leads the way, accounting for 32% of all ADU permits in the U.S. However, ADUs are quickly gaining traction in Florida and Texas, owing to rapid population growth and increasing housing demands.

Whether you’re building an ADU to afford housing, take care of aging parents, help your children start their own lives or bring in extra income, there are several factors to consider before you start building. Read on to discover the five critical choices you need to make as you plan your ADU.

Choose an ADU type

When it comes to building an ADU, you need to decide whether the structure will be a detached, stand-alone residence or attached to your existing home.

If you have plenty of outdoor space, you may consider building a detached ADU, like a granny cottage or guest home. These detached units offer the most privacy and flexibility and are usually built in the back or side yard of a primary residence.

If you’re tight on outdoor space, an attached ADU may be a better fit for your needs. Attached units are usually attached to your existing home or garage, which may be easier to construct, but generally offer less privacy than a detached ADU. The types of attached ADUs include:

• Garage conversion
• Above-garage constructions
• Interior conversions (a basement conversion, addition, or attic suite)

Ultimately, the ADU type you choose will depend on what best fits your property size, existing house structure and budget.

Don’t overlook water heating

You don’t often think about your water heater until it goes out, and you no longer have hot water to shower, wash your clothing or clean your dishes. However, with a new build like an ADU, you must consider what type of water-heating unit to install.

You could choose a conventional tank water heater. However, these traditional models take up a lot of space, something that you’re already short on when building an ADU. You could install a water heater outdoors to save interior space, but you may not have enough space on your land to do so.

You don’t have to give up space to have hot water in an ADU. Instead, consider installing a tankless water heater.

These small, efficient water heaters heat water on demand, meaning there’s no need to store the water, saving you space. Some tankless water heaters, like those sold by Noritz, are about the size of a carry-on suitcase. You can easily wall-mount the heater, freeing valuable floor space indoors, which is perfect for a small ADU. In warmer climates, you can also hang these compact units on the exterior of the ADU, again saving space on the inside.

Another critical benefit of installing a tankless water heater in your ADU is the potential energy savings, helping to recover your investment. Because water is heated on demand, you won’t have to worry about continuous water heating, which can help you save up to 40% on your utility bills over the life of the unit.

Think about installing solar panels

Another energy-efficient feature to consider when building your ADU is including solar panels in your construction plan.

This sustainable source of green power doesn’t just reduce your carbon footprint. It also allows you to capture and use clean energy, reducing utility costs. According to SolarReviews, the average American household can save as much as $1,820 on electric bills a year, making ADU living even more affordable.

Installing solar panels can also reduce your reliance on the local power grid. When a power outage occurs or a blackout rolls through your neighborhood, your ADU won’t go dark. It’s a great first step toward energy independence, and it can help defray the costs of fluctuating electricity prices.

Don’t skimp on insulation

Whether you live in a hot or cold climate, properly insulating your ADU can improve the structure’s energy efficiency, while enhancing the residents’ comfort, no matter the weather.

When a home is properly insulated, it helps keep the cold air inside during the summer and outside in the winter. Not only does this keep the space comfortable, but it can also lower your heating and cooling costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, on average, you can save up to 20% on your home’s heating and cooling costs by properly insulating your home.

A few types of insulation to consider when planning your ADU include:

• Fiberglass batts: This is the most common type of insulation and an excellent DIY choice.
• Spray foam: This insulation expands to fill in spaces, reaching where fiberglass batts cannot.
• Hemp insulation: This eco-friendly insulation keeps your ADU comfy and can add to the unit’s sustainability.

Consider outdoor features

Because ADUs tend to be smaller than other housing alternatives, space is at a premium. A simple way to maximize space is to create outdoor features to provide additional living and entertaining space for residents.

What you can accomplish outdoors will largely depend on the backyard space and the climate, but some typical outdoor features include:

• Rooftop decks
• Patios
• Backyard garden

Are you ready to start building?

Building your ideal ADU requires plenty of forethought. These five considerations are some of the most important choices to make before you break ground. They will help you ultimately create a space that you, your loved ones, or your renters will enjoy living in.

2026-09-21T09:07:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

• Home cooks are seeking smart kitchen appliances that save time, reduce cleanup and make everyday meal prep simple.
• Samsung has launched two new smart appliances, the Bespoke Over-the-Range Microwave with DualVent Technology and Bespoke Smart Slide-In Range with Flex Duo™ Oven and Dual True Convection, that feature smart innovations to simplify the daily cooking routine.

Today’s home cooks aren’t satisfied with kitchen appliances that just cook food. They’re looking for smart appliances with intuitive features that save time, reduce cleanup and make everyday meal prep inherently more efficient.

This desire is part of a broader shift in how Americans are using their kitchens. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s 2026 Kitchen Trends Report, 100% of surveyed industry professionals agree that lifestyle-enhancing features will be popular over the next three years, as kitchens become more personalized, multipurpose hubs.

Smart tech-enhanced appliances like Samsung’s Bespoke kitchen appliances now pull double duty, simplifying everyday cooking with smart innovations that make your daily routine easier. Here are four important features to look for in smart kitchen appliances:

1. DualVent Technology that whisks away cooking fumes

Great meals can leave behind more than leftovers. Smoke, steam, grease and cooking odors can linger well after the plates are cleared. And with urban living, evolving work-from-home habits and growing health awareness influencing how people use their homes, there has been an uptick in demand for kitchen appliances that keep indoor air cleaner. To maintain healthier, fresher living spaces, more and more people are actively seeking ventilation and cooking technologies that minimize fumes.

Traditional over-the-range microwaves can vent some of the smoke and vapor from your kitchen, but you may still find that they stick around, along with stubborn cooking smells. To tackle smoke, steam and odors during and after cooking, look for a microwave that works twice as hard with dual vents. Samsung’s new Bespoke Over-the-Range Microwave with DualVent Technology combines a powerful front-burner vent — where most cooking happens — with standard bottom vents for a fresher, more comfortable kitchen.

The dual-vent system pulls smoke and steam away from the front and back burners simultaneously, which is especially useful during high-heat cooking and large-meal prep when you have multiple pots and pans heating at once. Compared to conventional over-the-range microwave models without DualVent, Samsung’s Bespoke model captures up to three times more cooking smoke.

Best of all? There’s no need for manual adjustment. The powered vent cover automatically opens when ventilation is activated and closes when turned off for added convenience.

2. Intelligent sensors that simplify cooking and perfect every dish

Getting the timing just right in the microwave can be tricky. Every dish heats differently, which means preset cooking times don’t always deliver the best results. Thankfully, Samsung’s Bespoke Over-the-Range Microwave with DualVent Technology eliminates the guesswork.

Instead of stopping, adjusting and restarting the microwave, the model’s Sensor Cook detects the moisture released by your food and adjusts the cooking time and power level accordingly. And thanks to the microwave’s 2.1-cubic-foot capacity, you can cook large dishes and family-sized meals with ease.

2026-09-15T10:59:00

(BPT) – From warm floors to fogless mirrors to driveways free of snow and ice, radiant offers countless solutions for energy-efficient comfort, convenience, safety and sustainability.

Have you ever walked into a home and experienced the incredible comfort of radiant floor heating beneath your feet? If you haven’t, imagine stepping out of a shower and onto cold tile. Instead of the startling chill, you’re able to relax from the warmth radiating from the floor.

That’s the beauty and comfort of radiant heating.

In a hydronic radiant heating system, warm water flows through flexible plastic piping called PEX that is installed under or within the floors. The warmth radiates up to surround people and objects in contact with the floor surface, creating a comfortable space that also promotes indoor environmental quality (IEQ).

Air Quality and Energy Advantages

With hydronic radiant heating, pumps quietly circulate water through pipes. This is in stark contrast to traditional HVAC systems that use fans or blowers to push air — along with dust, allergens and odors — through loud and noisy ductwork located in floors, ceilings and walls. In fact, many people with allergies insist on hard-surface floors with radiant heating systems due to the superior air quality of the system.

Radiant systems are also much more energy-efficient than traditional HVAC systems. This is because water has the capacity to transport energy 3,500 times greater than air. Radiant is also more energy-efficient because the warmth stays near the floor, closer to people. In traditional HVAC systems, hot air enters a room and rises to the ceiling.

Also, because radiant systems are designed in zones, different areas of a home can have different temperatures based on need. So, rooms with more use, such as living rooms, can be set to a warmer thermostat setting, while rarely used spaces, such as a guest bedroom, can have a cooler setting.

Hydronic radiant heating systems can be even more energy-efficient when paired with sustainable heat sources, such as geothermal and solar. In fact, these systems can provide a structure with free heat, which is the most energy-efficient form of comfort.

Unique Radiant Applications

While radiant heating is typically used in living rooms, basements, bedrooms and bathroom floors, there are many other applications to consider.

Shower walls can use radiant heating to help keep more warmth in the space. Radiant heating can also be used to keep mirrors from fogging up or provide warmth for towel racks.

Radiant is also a good option for quickly drying entryway floors during rainy seasons. This is not only a comfort benefit, but also a safety solution.

Another unique option is adding radiant heating to kitchen countertops. This distinctive application helps keep hot food warmer for longer periods of time.

Snow and Ice Melting

In colder climates, radiant heating can be a game-changer in winter. Instead of doing the laborious task of plowing, shoveling or salting an exterior surface, such as a driveway or walkway, a snow and ice melting system can automatically do the work for you.

These systems can be designed to automatically turn on at the first sign of snow or ice. When the surface warms above freezing, the snow and ice immediately melt on contact. No need to grab a shovel and go out in the cold.

Snow and ice melting systems help extend the life of exterior surfaces, eliminate the expense of salt or sand, and conserve gas and reduce pollution by eliminating the need for snow blowers and plows.

An additional radiant application that provides comfort, convenience and safety includes radiant heating in garages to quickly melt snow and ice off cars. Plus, it offers a warm car to get into on cold winter mornings.

Installing Radiant Into (and Outside) a Home

Whether building a new-construction home or remodeling an existing structure, radiant heating is an option for both. There are several products, controls and systems available to meet any application. However, what is most important is finding a knowledgeable and experienced radiant installer.

A properly designed system is critical for optimal system performance. Radiant heating systems require precise calculations that consider factors such as building load, thermal properties, floor coverings and more to ensure the system will perform efficiently and reliably for decades.

To learn more about radiant heating as well as snow and ice melting systems and to find a radiant installer near you, visit the Radiant Professionals Alliance, HeatingHelp.com or uponor.com.

2026-09-11T12:01:02

(BPT) – Aging in place isn’t just about staying in a familiar building. Continuing to live in your home as you age is also about preserving a sense of self, dignity and control over daily routines.

The vast majority of older American adults (ages 50 and older) would like to live in their current home and community for as long as possible, according to AARP’s 2024 Home and Community Preferences national survey. However, traditional home layouts often create mobility and safety challenges over time, making aging in place more difficult and even dangerous.

Luckily, a few smart renovations can make it more attainable for older adults to maintain independence, comfort and peace of mind as they approach their golden years. Whether you’re thinking ahead for your own safety and comfort or preparing to take care of a relative as they age, consider the following changes that can help make aging in place easier.

1. Improve a home’s layout with mobility in mind

The standard home assumes homeowners can easily navigate stairs every day, multiple times a day. As you age, stairs can become painful and even dangerous to use, limiting a senior’s ability to get around their own home.

When updating a home, focus on creating a layout that allows you or your loved one to perform all essential daily functions entirely on the main floor. Depending on your home, that could include moving the primary bedroom, full bathroom and laundry room downstairs.

Consider converting a seldom-used dining room, den or home office into a permanent main-floor primary suite. You likely won’t miss the extra space, and you’ll be grateful for the renovation down the line.

2. Create an accessible bathroom

Creating an accessible bathroom on the main floor of your home should be your top priority when renovating. The bathroom is one of the riskiest places in your home. In fact, according to UCLA Health, an estimated 80% of falls in the home occur in the bathroom.

Take stock of your bathroom and note what features could improve safety and mobility. For example, getting on and off the toilet can be more difficult for older adults. Installing grab bars and comfort-height toilets can make going to the bathroom safer and more comfortable.

Make sure you also have sufficient lighting. Without proper lighting, overnight trips to the bathroom can quickly turn into an emergency room visit. A simple fix like a night light or two can brighten a room, improving visibility and reducing the risk of a fall.

3. Trade the tub for a shower

A bathtub can add a touch of luxury and create a spa-like atmosphere homeowners can enjoy on any given day. However, they take up a lot of a bathroom’s footprint and can pose a safety risk to older adults.

Getting in and out of a tub safely can be challenging for anyone, especially if you’re not as mobile as you used to be. Instead of risking a fall now or in the future, consider removing your bathtub and replacing it with a shower. Inside the shower, make sure to install handrails and a shower seat for added accessibility and safety.

4. Build an accessory dwelling unit

For some homes, it can be impossible or at least prohibitively expensive to incorporate aging-in-place renovations. If that’s the case for you, consider adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

ADUs are secondary living spaces added to a single-family home. Some are detached structures like a backyard or granny cottage, but you can also create an ADU by renovating a garage or basement into a separate living space, sometimes referred to as an in-law suite.

For Tina, a new homeowner in the Connecticut area, one of the most appealing features of her home was the basement that doubled as an in-law suite. With exterior access, the residence would provide her elderly parents with their own private living space on the lower level.

The problem: The basement ADU only had a half bath. Tina didn’t initially see this as a problem, as both of her parents could still navigate the steps to use one of the three full bathrooms upstairs. However, soon after moving in, Tina’s father suffered a heart attack that made it difficult for him to use the stairs.

To add a full shower to the in-law suite as soon as possible, Tina’s contractor recommended installing the Saniflo Sanishower. This above-floor plumbing system allows homeowners like Tina to add a shower to an existing room, basement, garage, guest suite or first-floor space without breaking through concrete or reworking an entire plumbing system.

Using the Sanishower, Tina’s contractor finished installing the pump in just four hours. This allowed Tina to complete the rest of the bathroom remodel quickly, just in time for her father to come home from the hospital.

Making aging-in-place renovations more accessible

The Sanishower isn’t the only solution that makes aging-in-place renovations easier.

Saniflo’s Saniaccess 3 is ideal for creating an accessible full bathroom in an existing room or converting a living space on the main floor. Need to add a toilet? The Sanicompact makes it easy to add a space-saving toilet system to smaller homes, condos, guest suites or caregiver accommodations. To add a sink to an aging-in-place suite, you can use the Sanivite.

These above-floor plumbing systems are ideal solutions for retrofitting older homes, first-floor living conversions and accessible bathroom installations. They can ultimately help homeowners create safer, more functional layouts without relocating.

Aging in place is possible

You don’t have to move out of your home to age in place. With a few smart renovations, older adults can maintain their independence while staying safe and comfortable where they are. To learn more about how above-floor plumbing makes aging-in-place renovations simple and attainable, visit Saniflo.com/EN.

2026-09-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – The shift into fall often feels like a reset. Cooler mornings, changing leaves, a slower pace. But in many parts of the country, it also signals something less visible, a secondary wildfire season.

While Southern California, Texas, Oklahoma, and parts of central and southern Appalachia face the highest wildfire risk in October, dry vegetation, fallen leaves and seasonal winds can create conditions for fast-moving fires whose impact can still reach homes miles, even states, away. Once in your area, wildfire smoke can enter your home and affect indoor air quality. Learn how HVAC filtration and air cleaners can help reduce dangerous smoke particles indoors.

How Wildfire Smoke Affects Indoor Air Quality

Wildfire smoke doesn’t stay near the flames. It can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles, settling into communities far removed from the fire itself.

What makes it particularly concerning is what it carries: microscopic particles known as PM2.5. These particles can move deep into the lungs and bloodstream, impacting breathing, heart health and overall well-being, especially for children, older adults and those with respiratory conditions.

And while heading indoors feels like the natural solution, smoke has a way of following.

It can slip through doors, windows, ductwork and even HVAC systems, quietly affecting the air you breathe every day.

Microscopic PM2.5 particles from wildfire smoke can travel unseen through the air — making their way indoors and affecting the air you breathe every day. Getty

How to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Inside Your Home

Here’s the reassuring part: protecting your indoor air quality doesn’t require drastic change, just the right approach. According to the EPA, HVAC filtration and air cleaners are among the most effective ways homeowners can help reduce indoor smoke particles during wildfire events. You can use the following strategies to reduce your indoor exposure:

• Close windows and doors to limit smoke from entering your home
• Avoid adding indoor pollutants, like burning candles or cooking at high heat
• Use portable air cleaners to help reduce airborne particles
• Adjust your HVAC system to recirculate indoor air instead of pulling in outside air
• Upgrade to a MERV 13 (or higher) air filter to help reduce smoke particles

These small adjustments can go a long way. For even greater impact, consider enhancing your system with advanced air purification solutions like the Lennox PureAir™ S system, which goes beyond filtration to remove smoke particles throughout your home. For guidance on choosing the right filtration or purification solution, consider working with a trusted home comfort expert like Lennox, or a local Lennox dealer.

Closing windows is a simple but effective first step, helping limit smoke from entering your home and giving your indoor air a chance to stay cleaner and more controlled. Getty

How HVAC Filtration Can Help During Wildfire Season

Wildfire seasons are becoming longer and more intense, making indoor air quality an ongoing concern, not just a seasonal one.

The good news? Homes with effective filtration and well-maintained systems consistently experience:

• Lower indoor particle levels
• Reduced smoke odors
• More consistent, comfortable living environments

Preparing your home and air systems ahead of time can help reduce health risks and keep your space comfortable when smoke arrives.

To learn more about IAQ products, find the right solution for your home and find a dealer to test your indoor air quality, visit Lennox.com.

Lennox indoor air quality solutions are built for reliable performance, long-lasting durability and energy-efficient operation, helping create cleaner air with comfort that stands the test of time. Courtesy of Lennox

2026-08-31T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Chase Home Lending

Key takeaways:

• Buying a home for the first time can be intimidating, but there are resources that can help you feel more confident entering the housing market.
• Chase Home Lending offers first-time homebuyers a list of essential topics and tips that can help them start their journey to homeownership.

If you’ve never bought a home before, you may be overwhelmed by what you don’t know or concerned about what you think you do. Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone. To help, Chase Home Lending offers this essential primer on the key aspects of homeownership first-time homebuyers should know before entering the market.

A home lending professional can be your guide

Before you begin searching for your home, consult a home lending professional. They can help you get preapproved, navigate the homebuying market and review loan options.

Understanding the true cost of homeownership

If you’re making the move from renting to owning, you may be focused on the opportunity to build home equity but perhaps overlook the added costs like property taxes and home maintenance. Taking the time to understand the full scope of homeownership can help you decide if the time is right to buy.

Explore educational resources for homebuyers

If you’re a first-time buyer, the homebuying process can seem overwhelming. Luckily, there are many resources available to help boost your homebuying knowledge, such as how-to guides, webinars and podcasts.

Pro tip: Make sure to check the Chase Homebuyer Education Center, where you’ll find answers to mortgage questions, useful tips for buying and maintaining a home and an Affordability Calculator that can help you determine how much home you can afford.

Know what factors determine the mortgage approval process

During the mortgage approval process, lenders carefully review several factors that determine if they’ll approve your mortgage and at what rate. Two important factors that influence their decision are your credit score and debt-to-income ratio.

Your debt-to-income ratio — how much of your gross monthly income goes toward monthly debt payments like rent, student and auto loans and credit card payments — helps creditors assess your financial health and creditworthiness. Lenders typically want to see that your DTI is low, as it tells them you’ll be able to manage your monthly payments with minimal issues.

Your credit score helps determine the interest rate and other costs you pay on a mortgage loan. If your credit score is high, it tells lenders that you have paid your bills on time and that you are responsible with your money, making you a more attractive candidate for a home loan.

Understanding your options

Interest rates and fees can vary widely across lenders. Taking the time to compare options from banks, credit unions and online loan providers can help secure a better rate.

Don’t forget that loans come in all different shapes and sizes. Conventional loans aren’t your only option. There are programs like FHA* and VA** loans, plus other options like fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages*** (ARMs) and low-down-payment loans that can provide greater flexibility and help with affordability.

Stick to a monthly budget

Determining and sticking to a monthly budget is crucial to successful homeownership. Beyond the mortgage payment, you’ll have to budget for repair and maintenance costs, property taxes, insurance premiums and more.

Consider “practicing” your monthly payment to prepare yourself for what it will be like to have a mortgage. Doing so can help you get a better sense of your budget so you can be financially and mentally prepared for the investment.

Pro tip: Be sure to research property taxes and insurance premiums in the area where you plan to buy. These costs can significantly impact your overall budget and limit or expand your neighborhood options.

Don’t let a down payment get you down

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a 20% down payment to purchase a home. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2025 Profile of Home Buyers, the median down payment among first-time buyers was 10%. Also, keep in mind that some home loans may require only a smaller down payment of 3-5%.

Conclusion

This National Homeownership Month, commit to learning about the path to homeownership and make a plan to buy your dream home. To learn more about homeownership, mortgage rates, budgeting and more, visit Chase.com/Afford.

LEGAL DISCLAIMERS

*FHA loans require an up-front mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP), which may be financed, or paid at closing, and an FHA annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP) paid monthly will also apply.

** Veterans, Servicemembers, and members of the National Guard or Reserve may be eligible for a loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA is required to document eligibility. Restrictions and limitations apply.

You may be required to pay a funding fee unless the VA determines you are exempt. Exempt status is determined by the VA and confirmed through a COE. This one-time fee may be financed into your loan in most cases and is paid directly to the VA.

*** Estimated payments do not include amounts for taxes, homeowners insurance, or mortgage insurance (if applicable). Actual payments will be higher.

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. See full disclosures at Chase.com/afford.

Home lending products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

2026-08-31T13:11:00

(BPT) – An alternative approach to residential construction shows how a home can be comfortable to live in, easier to maintain and better prepared for whatever comes next.

Most homeowners don’t spend much time thinking about what holds up their walls. They notice whether a house feels comfortable. They notice the noise from the street, the repairs that keep cropping up and, increasingly, how well their home can protect the people and things that matter when severe weather strikes.

A new St. Jude Dream Home^® in Lynchburg, Virginia, offers a different way to think about all of it.

For the first time in the 35-year history of the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway, one of its homes has been built with concrete block. At approximately 2,900 square feet, the house looks every bit at home in a modern residential neighborhood. What’s different is behind the design: solid block walls intended to deliver benefits the eventual homeowner can appreciate on ordinary days and when conditions are anything but.

And soon, one lucky winner will get the keys.

A dream home with a bigger purpose

Since its start in 1991, the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway has brought builders, suppliers and communities together to build homes that help support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The Lynchburg home adds a new chapter to that legacy.

“St. Jude families embody extraordinary strength and resilience, and we wanted this home to reflect those same qualities,” said Brent Gleason, president of Dominion Block, Brick & Hardscapes. “We’re proud to support an incredible mission while helping create a home that proves resilience doesn’t have to come at the expense of comfort or curb appeal.”

Built to look and feel like home

Concrete block may be doing the heavy lifting, but it isn’t all hidden behind the walls.

Smooth, exposed block creates a contemporary two-story feature wall in the cathedral great room. Deep window openings create built-in ledges for plants, artwork and personal touches. The masonry chimney serves as a natural focal point, adding sophistication and a sense of permanence to the space.

The solid walls also give the house a substantial feel, challenging the notion that building for resilience has to mean sacrificing warmth or character.

The kind of resilience you notice every day

For homeowners, resilience isn’t just about what happens during a major storm. Much of the payoff can be far less dramatic.

Concrete block walls provide thermal mass that helps moderate indoor temperatures and reduce heating and cooling loads, while their density limits sound transmission. They are also resistant to termites and rot and, when properly detailed to manage water, can provide a durable, lower-maintenance wall system.[1]

“As homeowners, we tend to put off maintenance. Before you know it, a small issue can become an expensive repair,” said Andy Flint of L.G. Flint General Contractors. “But the mass of these block walls and the overall durability of construction is really going to make a difference.”

Those are benefits a homeowner can appreciate without giving much thought to their home’s assembly.

But there are also days when the walls’ makeup matters a lot.

Concrete block doesn’t burn and can help slow the spread of fire. Reinforced block walls can also be designed to stand up to high winds and severe weather.[2]

2026-08-28T16:03:00

(BPT) – Power outages are no longer the kind of rare inconvenience homeowners can afford to shrug off. From heat waves to overloaded grids, it’s no longer a matter of if the power will go out. Instead, homeowners should consider what will be at risk when it does: the refrigerator, Wi-Fi, work devices, lights and the ability to stay comfortable when temperatures swing, especially during the summer.

This is where home battery backup changes the conversation.

“Compared with the cost and disruption of a multiday outage, a backup system can be a relatively small investment,” said Beau, Jackery’s in-house former licensed electrician and product expert. “Ask anyone who has had to throw away a refrigerator or freezer full of food because of an outage. Backup power can pay for itself the first time it keeps a home running when the grid does not.”

Throughout his career, Beau has fielded dozens of questions about the necessity, cost and complexity of home backup power. Below are his answers to some of the most frequent questions he’s fielded as an electrician.

What would you say to someone who thinks home battery backup is too complicated or too expensive to consider?

With advancements in battery and solar technology, indoor-safe home backup is accessible to virtually all homeowners and renters. Home backup used to be limited to those with the space to run a gas generator, but power stations have made it possible to have compact, powerful and renewable energy sources in any home — from apartments to RVs to townhomes.

More importantly, you have options. For example, Jackery offers a wide range of power stations that are capable of running high-draw, crucial appliances in the event of an outage, the capacity of which you can tailor to your home’s needs and even add onto later in the case of modular units, making it easier than ever before to have reliable home backup.

Why is battery backup just as relevant for grid-connected suburban homes as it is for rural or off-grid properties?

Storms, heat waves, fire risk and more can cause an outage, leaving you without Wi-Fi, a refrigerator, the means to cook and the ability to do work. The modern home — and modern lives for that matter — are so electrified. Having a home backup, whether living in a suburban area or off grid, is crucial.

What are you seeing that makes backup power feel more urgent right now?

Climbing grid demands are really driving urgency for backup power. Heat waves, for example, are pushing utilities to their limits, and rolling outages are becoming a normal part of summer instead of a rare event.

Many people assume backup power is only useful during storm season. Why do you see it as an all-year necessity?

The truth is that outages can happen year-round. Being caught in a blackout without home backup can mean an entire fridge and freezer full of spoiled food, a workday lost and exposure to heat or freezing temperatures. Home backup is an investment in consistency. By that, I mean the ability to run what you need no matter what the grid is doing. As a bonus, you’ll have a solar-capable energy source that’s perfect for outdoor projects requiring power but that are removed from traditional AC outlets.

Some homeowners are pitched solar panels without any discussion of storage. Why should battery backup be part of that conversation from the start?

I always recommend installing a home solar system with battery storage. Rooftop solar panels are great to have, but without energy storage, you won’t have access to that energy during a storm or at night.

To get the most out of a rooftop solar system, investing in a home backup battery — even a smaller-capacity unit — means owning that free energy and the freedom to use it whenever. And it’s not just during outages that battery storage is helpful. In areas with peak electricity pricing, energy stored in batteries can be used to offset energy costs and save on your electricity bill.

How does a transfer switch make backup power more practical for everyday homeowners?

A transfer switch is ideal for homeowners who want uninterrupted power backup in multiple rooms and to save money on utilities.

For example, let’s say you pair Jackery’s Solar Generator 5000 Plus and the Smart Transfer Switch (STS). In the event of a blackout, the STS ensures seamless 20-millisecond power switching to keep essential devices running. And with the Jackery app, you’ll know exactly what you are using on each circuit and have the ability to control these circuits. Imagine not knowing there was an outage because your home backup automatically took over. Plus, the unit has an 11-plus-year battery lifespan and a five-year warranty, so you can count on it for home backup for over a decade.

Jackery also has a Transfer Switch-capable HomePower 3600 Plus that offers sub-10-millisecond uninterrupted power switching, delivering 3600W output and 3,584Wh capacity. It’s also expandable up to 21kWh, which allows you to keep large home appliances like a refrigerator powered up to 14 days. And the unit is built to last on a 6,000-cycle battery rated for 16-plus years.

Beyond a power outage, a transfer switch also offers options for load management and grid arbitrage, helping lower utility bills in areas where power is more expensive and helping keep the appliances that are most important powered for the longest time.

For homes that do not want any electrical installation, what should people know about portable battery backup options that can power appliances right out of the box?

Home backup doesn’t require installation. The Solar Generator 5000 Plus and HomePower 3600 Plus are solo-functioning portable power stations. Jackery also offers plenty of portable, compact options that are ready to power your high-draw appliances right out of the box.

These home backups can also recharge in multiple ways, including via portable Jackery solar panels and traditional AC power. Whether you need to ensure your home office, Wi-Fi and computer are connected so your workday isn’t interrupted, or you need to ensure your groceries are safe in the refrigerator, there’s a solar-capable power station that’s right for you.

This summer and beyond, be prepared for heat waves, high-demand grid events, storms and ordinary moments when you don’t expect the lights to go out. Backup power provides peace of mind and, more importantly, protects groceries, keeps work online, maintains comfort and preserves access to the essentials.

To learn more about backup power options and how buying one now is a practical investment in keeping daily life moving, visit Jackery.com.