Simon Hopes

You might have heard of various things about the use of an air conditioner at home. For instance, some may say it’s best to set the temperature low for quick cooling or buy a bigger unit to cool the room fast. Unfortunately, not everything you hear is accurate, and following them may even cost you more money. To prevent you from spending more due to the wrong information on the use of AC, we have listed some myths on this matter and the truth behind them. Set the temperature low for fast cooling If you get home on a hot day and set the thermostat low in the hope of making the room cool fast, you will be disappointed because it will not happen. No matter what temperature you select, the AC will work at the same pace, so it will reach the temperature you set after a specific time, depending on its speed, not the temperature you set. Get a bigger unit to cool the room quicker There is the misconception that bigger units work better. It still depends on the area that it needs to cool. You will need a bigger unit if it needs to cover a bigger space. The best option is to get one that is recommended for the area that you have. If you have a small room and get a bigger unit, it will constantly turn on and off because it will quickly reach the set temperature. It can damage your air conditioning, and it may cause premature repair or replacement. Air conditioner maintenance wastes money Some homeowners think it’s unnecessary to get AC maintenance, and it’s just a waste of money. However, it’s recommended to get regular air conditioning maintenance service to keep your unit at its best state and to prevent problems that may result in costly repair or replacement if left unattended. If you live around St Charles, an HVAC St Charles company can take care of the regular maintenance of your air conditioner and even your entire HVAC system. Turn AC off when you are out of the house to save money It’s common for many homeowners to turn their AC off when they leave the house for work or when running errands. However, it may not save you as much money as you thought. When you turn your AC on when you get home, it has to work harder to reach the set temperature again. However, if you set it at a higher temperature when you leave and adjust it to a lower setting when you get home, it doesn’t have to start the process all over again. It will be faster to reach the ideal temperature that way. That’s unless, of course, you are going on an extended holiday, which will require you to turn off all appliances. Fans will make the room cool faster Turning on the fan to cool the room faster while the AC is running is also a myth. The fan does not make the air cooler; but instead, it helps distribute the air around the room. You might be surprised that the things you always knew about the use of AC were not true. Keep these in mind to avoid the costly mistakes brought about by the said myths.

It may seem like an impossible and daunting project, but DIY bathroom renovations are attainable. Interior design ideas and pegs would seem to cost an arm and a leg. However, bathroom makeovers do not entail fixture replacements right away. Keep in mind that it only takes choosing economical alternatives to achieve a clean, tidy, and functional layout. Seeking and selecting cost-efficient alternatives doesn't have to mean low quality and cheap-looking. Affordable bathroom upgrades appropriately executed can add value to a home. It’s best to align and collaborate with reliable contractors for a stress-free home makeover project.  Check out local remodeling and construction companies that specialize in inexpensive yet quality home renovations like Cross Country Construction. Here are eight budget-friendly bathroom renovation ideas you can work with. Bathroom vanity and countertop Install your bathroom together with the vanity top. Typically, vanity countertops are in stock assembled and an easy and quick plug and play. This convenient and hassle-free ensemble can cut costs significantly. In addition, these fused fixtures can eliminate caulking challenges in the future. Utilize inexpensive raw material alternatives Use lower-cost materials without compromising quality, integrity, design, and functionality. Nowadays, DIY shops feature similar-looking materials, but prices may vary due to the brand and other factors. Take time to scrutinize and compare. For example, luxe vinyl flooring does not look far-off from the wooden plank, expensive counterpart. Similarly, high-definition laminates and quartz can rival granite to its authenticity in looking like a natural stone. Faux ceramics and porcelains can mimic the general appearance of marble. A reputable company like Cross Country Construction can lend a helping hand in sourcing out raw materials that can fit your renovation budget. Carefully assess the need for major plumbing An effective cost-saving measure is to retain plumbing like the toilet and bath facilities in their original position. Moving drainage systems and water sources can tremendously elevate costs materials-wise and construction aspects. Plan out the renovation project Services acquired in bulk in remodeling projects may turn out to be cheaper than enlisting a separate technician for a job. For example, contractors can facilitate toilet installation and water hookups while integrating the cost into the entirety of the renovation project. Install a new sink faucet Without replacing the entire countertop and vanity, improve the overall look by installing a new sink faucet. In this way, the sink sparkles along with the minor upgrade. Try prefabricated shower A built shower unit costs massively less than site-built tile showers and bathtubs. Conduct due diligence in finding the best-prefabricated fixture that fits your style and preference. DIY interior painting Interior paint does not entail high-level painting skills. For an entire house painting, it's best to consider a professional. However, bathrooms do not require large-scale painting as most wall surface areas are occupied by mirrors, walls, and bathroom fixtures. Retouch your tub Touch up your bathtub and get rid of nicks, gouges, caulk, and peeling paint. There are a lot of repair and maintenance accessories that can help non-skilled DIYers in retouching and refinishing, like the Super Glue White Porcelain. Takeaways Ultimately, with the boom of do-it-yourself and one-stop-shop contractors, home renovations can turn out to be quick and affordable. All it takes is careful planning, actively sticking to a budget and a consultation with skilled professionals.