Proper Insulation and Sealing

One of the best ways to save energy with your HVAC system this summer is to ensure your home is properly insulated and sealed. Poor insulation and air leaks can cause your HVAC system to work overtime, increasing your energy consumption and your bills. Check your home's insulation, especially in the attic, as hot air can enter your home through the roof, causing your HVAC system to work harder. In addition to insulation, check your home for air leaks, particularly around windows and doors. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these leaks and keep the cool air inside. By keeping your home well-insulated and sealed, you'll optimize your HVAC system's performance, resulting in energy savings and a more comfortable home.

Protecting Skin Health During the Summer

As the summer season rolls around, skin health becomes a primary concern due to increased exposure to sun's harmful UV rays. Ensuring your skin's health requires a combination of sun protection, good skincare practices, and maintaining overall health. First and foremost, protect your skin from the sun. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30. Apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every 2 hours, or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. Keep in mind that even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun's harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin. Beyond sunscreen, consider wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection. Seek shade during the sun's peak intensity hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Skincare is equally important during the summer. Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser to remove sweat, oil, and dirt. Moisturize your skin to prevent dryness caused by sun and heat. Choose a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which help to retain moisture. Finally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle supports skin health. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated, and eat a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, which provide essential nutrients for skin health.

Get Creative in Kitchen Organization

Large kitchens, small kitchens – whatever the size, almost everyone at some point wants a little more room. Or, if not added roominess, at least a better way to organize what you have. Creative ideas like these could be just the trick to help you free up valuable workspace: Crockpots don’t have to be just for cooking. They can also hold go-to utensils, such as wooden spoons and spatulas, in a convenient spot on the kitchen counter. Rein in the chaos of plastic containers. Store lids in a large plastic bag so you can see what you have at-a-glance – making it easier to match the lid to the right-size container. Use easy-to-grab bins or baskets to hold items in out-of-the-way spots, such as open spaces above cabinets or refrigerators. Repurpose desk organizers for your daily work at the kitchen sink. Hang them on a nearby cabinet or wall and use them to hold sponges, scrubbers, and dish detergent. Similarly, store rolls of aluminum foil and boxes of plastic wrap upright in a magazine file. Use a simple canning jar to hold measuring spoons and place it near the stove. Get those loose plastic bags out of your valuable cabinet space and push them into empty tissue boxes for quick retrieval without the clutter.

Get up to $5,500 in Rebates and Savings with Home Energy Improvements

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The Stewart Heating & Air Blog: Home Energy Audits

The Stewart Heating & Air Blog: Home Energy Audits: Please see the article on Redfin about Home Energy Audits.

Home Energy Audits

Please see the article on Redfin about Home Energy Audits.

Hidden Dangers of Space Heaters

Dear Friend, This “money saving” idea to heat your home can actually be quite dangerous. Get the details here.