How To – Page 5 – Shop Room Ideas

The cold season is approaching as the demand for more energy consumption increases. While the heating and cooling system is working hard to keep your house cozy, their energy requirements also escalate.

Finding methods to save on electricity usage this winter can be challenging, but it’s possible by making some simple changes to your daily routine. By simply making some adjustments, you can cut your electricity bills significantly.

There are several ways to keep your house warm and conserve energy consumption during winter. Here are some of the most effective methods you may want to implement.

1. Change Your Filters Monthly

If you have a forced-air heating system, it’s best to change the filters monthly. One of the easiest things to save on energy this winter is changing the filters as scheduled.

When you use a dirty filter, it takes more energy for your furnace to heat your home. Additionally, you’ll have to clean the air ducts and vents much more often if they’re exposed to dirt and dust from a dirty filter. You can buy high-efficiency filters for a fraction of the cost. They might be more expensive to purchase up front, but they’ll save you money in the long run.

Moreover, you may want to check out your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system to ensure it’s functioning correctly. This system has a vital role in getting your home ready for winter.

If there are any issues with your HVAC, then it’s best to contact a professional to make the necessary repairs. You may visit https://www.dmselectservices.com/boyce/ or any other website to find a reliable HVAC contractor in your area.

2. Adjust Your Water Heater Thermostat

One of the highest sources of energy consumption in the home is water heating. It takes longer for the water to heat up, and most people will turn the heater up higher. This means the water heater works overtime and consumes more energy than necessary.

Set the thermostat down on your water heater, just a few degrees, approximately 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You won’t even notice the difference in water temperature, but you could see a significant reduction in your monthly energy bill.

Another way to save energy on water heating is to install a timer on the heater. It’ll allow you to set a schedule for when the heater is on and when it’s off. This approach can be helpful during the colder months when you’re not home as often and don’t need the water heater running all day long.

3. Get Rid Of Air Leaks And Drafts

Air leaks and drafts can cause your home to lose heat and energy. If there are any cracks or openings around the windows, doors, or walls, then you should seal them up.

For instance, if your windows aren’t sealed correctly, it can cause air to escape from your home. This way, the cold air will come in, and it’ll be much harder for you to heat your house. The gap under your door can also disrupt how well-insulated your home is.

There are many ways to fix drafty areas where cold wind is coming in. If you have any cracks or openings, you can seal them up with caulk or weatherstripping. You might also want to install door sweeps at the bottom of your doors to keep the drafts out.

4. Use the Sun For Natural Light

Another way to help your home stay warm is by using the sun for natural light and heat. Open up the curtains and windows to allow the sun in during the day. The sun can provide a lot of heat, which will help to warm up your house.

In addition, take advantage of natural light whenever possible. It doesn’t require electrical lightings, which is an energy-consumption source. You can turn off your light fixtures when you’re not using them and try to utilize all the available daylight hours. This way, you’ll be able to make your home more comfortable while also conserving energy.

5. Keep Your Curtains Closed At Night

Keeping the curtains closed at night is one of the simplest ways to help your home stay warmer as windows can be a source of heat loss. They’re typically the weakest link in a home’s insulation. By keeping the curtains closed, you’re trapping the heat in and preventing it from escaping out the window.

However, if you don’t want to close the curtains, window treatments can help conserve energy. Thermal drapes might be the best option because they insulate your windows and keep the heat in. They’re a good choice if you want to keep the view out your window but still want to save energy.

Conclusion

While winter is coming, you don’t have to dread the cold weather. It may seem like a daunting task, but it’s much easier than you think. Make these guidelines a priority in this cold weather. Doing so will significantly reduce electricity consumption and save you money while being more comfortable in your home.

Figuring out the wall art arrangement is one of the problems you often face in interior designing. Unfortunately, when you hang wall art improperly, it sticks out similar to a sore thumb. But getting the right wall art arrangement can be daunting. The way you display wall art is critical when you talk about home decor. You must know some of the unspoken tricks that you must follow. It is a wonderful way to add interest and style to the interiors.

Follow the tips below to arrange the art pieces like a professional and dress walls of a room for an impressive look:

Match Artwork to Interiors

There are many types of artwork including, trending abstract art, photo collage, metal prints, etc. So, choose pieces for the walls that match with other colors of space. Your art piece can introduce an extra accent shade, but it should complement the overall scheme.

Your living room is much more than the transit space. It gives the first impression and is a way to determine how other rooms will look. So, decorating it with art pieces is the perfect business card.

Design a Gallery Wall

Do not worry if you don’t have a big piece to fill blank space and create a focal point. You can showcase smaller pieces you have by designing a gallery wall. You can arrange artworks in grid form or showcase asymmetrical designs. If you put all the art pieces in similar frames, it will create a uniform look. However, if you mix and match frames with different textures or colors, it will give a vibrant and unique view.

Keep Spaces Between all Frames

If you display more than one art piece, always keep enough space between frames to avoid uncluttered wall arrangement. Make sure to leave at least 1 to 2.5 inches of space in between smaller artworks. However, if the wall art size is big, keep 2 to 3 inches of space minimum to achieve a balanced or professional look.

Size Matters a Lot

In the case of wall art displays, size plays a vital role. Choosing the more miniature artwork is as bad as selecting oversized print. So you can take a picture of a wall. Check if the painting consists of light colors; its size will look smaller than the original. At the same time, art pieces made of darker shades absorb the surroundings and create a feeling of a bigger size.

Install Floating Shelves on a Wall

Floating shelves are an innovative and intelligent way to add 2-D art pieces in the empty space. These shelves do not cost much and are easy to create. You just need a plank to attach with the blank space. Then, paint that plank with the same shades as the rest space. Since shelves will blend in on the vertical space, any object like tiny sculptures or books will add a dimension to the room.

Develop a Visual Balance via Artwork

You can hang wall art at any part of a living room, but make sure not to disturb the already set theme. You can usually see art pieces behind the seat or above a fireplace in the common area. You can be a bit creative too. So, while hanging portrait art, take a paper to draw arrows on it. They allow you to indicate the way your subject is observing.

Put Composition

When paintings on a wall have similar sizes, frames, or finishes, they will create a neat result. Its view and outcome are prettier than art pieces with different features. To achieve an asymmetrical composition, always set equal spaces between the art pieces.

The Lean

It is a myth that you can only hang artwork on the walls. But in actuality, you can show off single or multiple art pieces on a long and shallow shelf. To achieve a more casual look, always lean wall art on shelves. Choose different sizes or orientations to have a layered look. If there is extra space, add a small vase or an antique object in front of the artwork to create a visual appeal. Make sure to swap out the art pieces often. This style will look great then.

A Focal Point

A gallery wall makes a statement in the room; similarly, an oversized artwork gives a focal point to the space. It can be a painting, print, photograph, mirror, or other décor elements for an accent wall. It suits well, especially with anchoring large furniture items like bed, sofa, desk, etc.

Bonus Tips

While creating a wall art display, test your arrangement before hanging the art pieces. Because sometimes, you are not sure whether you prefer an asymmetrical or grid pattern. So, pick adhesive tape and mock-up the wall display arrangement.

Once you are satisfied with the view, use a hammer or nails to hang art pieces. Always remember to use low-quality adhesive tape to prevent paint from peeling.

Category - How To

How To Keep Your House Warm & Save Energy This Winter