4 major benefits of installing a whole-house humidifier

4 major benefits of installing a whole-house humidifier

Bad air and pollution aren’t just problems when you are outdoors, they can also be an issue in your own home. Having dry air at home can dry out your skin and your respiratory system, affecting congestion or cause sore throats. It can also affect asthma and allergies by making them worse.

That’s why when it comes to both comfort and health, it’s important to keep your home humidity levels and air quality at its best.

Red Seal Heating and Cooling in Edmonton are a professional HVAC company who provides furnace, A/C and humidifier services. They share some of the benefits that a whole-house humidifier offers you and your home:

1. Improve your overall health 

A humidifier works alongside your heating and cooling system by adding moisture back into the air. In the winter months, in particular, the drier air dries out your skin causing itching or even cracks. Adding moisture back into the air though can help prevent this. It also helps bring back moisture into your nose and lungs, which can become easily dried out. If you often find yourself short of breath, coughing or getting nosebleeds, it’s likely the dry air.

If you’re also looking for an extra combatant against colds, humidifiers help your body and home do just that. Many viruses and allergens that thrive in low humidity, won’t survive long in a high humidity household.

2. Boost overall comfort

In addition to the health benefits, a humidifier will also help you sleep better at night. High humidity will save your respiratory system from drying out in the middle of the night. If you’ve ever been woken up or woke up yourself with a dry throat or coughing, this will help prevent that. It also helps people who normally snore, to snore less. Dry noses make it harder to breathe, which results in more snoring. But the right moisture in the air will keep away the dryness and the snoring!

3. Keep your home in better shape 

If you have real hardwood floors in your home, a humidifier will help keep them from drying out and cracking. Drier air also makes finishing and furniture more vulnerable to shrinking, warping and cracking. Paper, such as books or photos, are also affected as the dry air makes them more brittle. A humidifier though will help keep the air at just the right level of moisture to keep your home in top condition. This will also save you money from any costly repairs as a result of the dry air.

4. Save both energy and money 

The less you find yourself needing to reach for the thermostat, the more money you will save. Luckily, a humidifier can help do that. High humidity actually helps air retain more heat, meaning you will actually feel warmer. So, come those chilly winter months, instead of reaching for the thermostat, use your humidifier instead! Likewise, come summertime, lowering the humidifier will help keep the air cooler.

A whole-home humidifier is attached to your home’s existing HVAC system, so it uses less energy to add humidity to your home. This way, your whole family can benefit from clean air, instead of just one room, and at a less overall expense.

HVAC Companies in Edmonton 

Red Seal Heating and Cooling are a family-owned and operated business that offers quality heating and cooling services. They pride themselves in guaranteeing the best experience and service for each of their customers. Whether you need an installation, repair or just a tune-up, they are the ones to call.

Contact Red Seal Heating and Cooling for a free quote today!

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RenovationFind Certified is a symbol of integrity held by only the most trustworthy companies in home improvement, service, maintenance.  It increases consumer confidence in your business, giving you an edge over your competition while validating you as the best.
More than an online directory, we are Western Canada’s fastest growing marketing platform for promoting and connecting the best trades, service, and home improvement companies to homeowners.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

4 questions to ask yourself before choosing a new patio door

Picking the right patio door is a matter of both functionality and style preference. After all, your patio door will play a role in how much light is let in and will affect energy efficiency and the style of your home. Just as your front door is the feature of your entrance, the patio door is the feature of the back of your home. This is why there are a few questions to ask yourself before you settle on a new patio door.

Networx Windows, Doors, Exteriors in Vancouver are the experts for all thing’s windows, doors, and exteriors. They share some questions to ask before you pick your new patio door:

1. What style do you want? 

First things first, choose a style! Patio doors come in a few different styles that will either complement or add a different style to your home. Sliding doors are both functional and great for small decks or pool sides. French doors are sleek, modern and definitely make your patio entrance a real feature. Or, if you want to really transform your space, consider installing moving glass walls. These will not only maximize light into your home, but it will also give your home a really luxurious look and feel.

2. How much energy-efficiency do you want or need? 

Just like energy-efficiency plays a major role when you pick new windows, so should it play a role in your new door. If you are going for more window space to allow in more light, then look for thicker panes and Low-E coatings. It’s important to invest in your patio glass since it’s a major culprit for heat loss. Particularly so, when the winter months roll around.

Don’t forget to also take the material into consideration. Wood, aluminum, fiberglass, and vinyl, are all popular and available options. Vinyl and fiberglass are particularly high for energy efficiency ratings, whereas aluminum and wood are both low maintenance, and wood offers a touch of ageless beauty.

3. What colour do you want? 

Unlike the front door, your patio door colour won’t affect your curb appeal, but it will play a role in the design of your home. As an easy rule, your patio door colour should match the area around it. Do you have a pool area with tables and chairs? Then go for more pastels and matching blues or whites. Or, do you have a grill or an open garden? Try drawing colours from those, such as greens, pinks or reds. Keep in mind too, that you can paint the interior one colour and the exterior another. That way your patio door will match your home both inside and out! Need ideas? Check out these photos of patio doors for some creative inspiration.

4. Have you considered security? 

Don’t forget to pick a patio door that has the right security measures in place. The type of locks you choose will depend on where the patio door is and what style it is. For example, does it open out onto a raised deck or balcony? Or is it ground level and opens out into your garden or pool area? If you have a sliding glass door, consider adding a security bar for extra safety. For French doors, dual-locking will help double up on security.

Doors in Vancouver 

At Networx Windows, Doors, Exteriors, their goal is to ensure that you get a fit that perfectly meets your budget, design, and energy efficiency goals. Improving your lifestyle and home and making sure it’s at its best is their top priority. When you work with Networx Windows, Doors, Exteriors you can be sure your happiness is their number one goal.

Don’t hesitate to contact them today!

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RenovationFind Certified is a symbol of integrity held by only the most trustworthy companies in home improvement, service, maintenance.  It increases consumer confidence in your business, giving you an edge over your competition while validating you as the best.
More than an online directory, we are Western Canada’s fastest growing marketing platform for promoting and connecting the best trades, service, and home improvement companies to homeowners.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

When to Upgrade Your Circuit Breaker

A circuit breaker is an important electrical feature of any home or building. They keep the electrical system regulated and act as a control panel for all the power in the building. Over time, however, they may be in need of a replacement to keep you and other occupants safe and keep the system running without any problems.

Here are some ways to know when your circuit breaker may need an upgrade, from Can Electric Ltd. in Edmonton.

There’s an electrical overload

When your breaker experiences an electrical overload, it means that the breaker can’t handle all the appliances it’s meant to power. This may cause it to trip more often. Installing a new breaker that allows for more devices to run will leave you will less electrical problems. It’s also a safer choice, as a breaker can heat up and lead to the wires fraying. Having an electrician check out your breaker and see if an overload is present will also let you know what you should do next.

The switches are loose

The switches on your breaker should never be loose when switching between the on and off functions. If you find that the switch moves freely between the features, or doesn’t click when set to one side, this may be a problem. This may cause more short circuits, or fuses to be blown more regularly.

Your appliances are performing poorly

Lights flickering, kitchen appliances malfunctioning, or televisions turning off suddenly may be signs that the breaker isn’t working properly. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t always trust it’s an issue with the appliance itself. Their poor performance may have the circuit breaker to blame, if it’s acting faulty, smoking, or hot to the touch.

Electricians in Edmonton     

Can Electric Ltd. is home to your local, Edmonton-based your local, electrical service specialists. They have a wealth of electrical installation and maintenance experience to help create the best customer service possible, offering solutions for almost any residential and commercial electrical services and installation applications. Their professional electricians will provide you with quality services for your homes and businesses promptly and safely.

Need electrical help? Check out Can Electric Ltd. today! 

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RenovationFind Certified is a symbol of integrity held by only the most trustworthy companies in home improvement, service, maintenance.  It increases consumer confidence in your business, giving you an edge over your competition while validating you as the best.
More than an online directory, we are Western Canada’s fastest growing marketing platform for promoting and connecting the best trades, service, and home improvement companies to homeowners.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Tips for Painting an Accent Wall

If you’ve watched HGTV or kept up with interior design trends over the last few years, you’ve seen accent walls in action. Accent walls are walls painted a different color to help accentuate features of the room like the color scheme or architecture. 

But what goes into picking and painting an accent wall? Believe it or not, it’s a lot harder than just picking a wall and painting it a different color. While trends come and go, there are some things that painting services craftsmen keep in mind when consulting on accent walls. 

What type of color should I paint my accent wall? 

The color you choose will come down to your personal preferences and the details of the room you’re painting. It’s always good to pick colors that have a nice juxtaposition or compliment each other. 

Bold colors used to be very popular colors for accent walls, but going with a more neutral tone is probably a better choice. You can always work your way up to a bolder color, but it’s hard to come back from a bold choice.

Which wall is the natural focal point? 

When you walk into a room, where does your eye naturally go? Is there a specific wall that your eyes just gravitate to? If so, then that’s probably the wall that you’d want to paint a different color. 

The focal point will depend a lot on the arrangement of the furniture and structure of a room. With that being said, make sure that the wall you paint will work as a focal wall despite arrangement of the furniture. A painting services company will help you find an accent wall that works. 

What if I don’t want to paint? 

Accent walls don’t necessarily have to be painted. You can add wallpaper, texture or even a unique design to an accent wall to make it pop. 

Whatever you’re leaning towards, Handyman Connection’s skilled craftsmen will be able to help you. Reach out for a consultation today. 

*Not all services provided in all areas, check with your local office.

The post Tips for Painting an Accent Wall appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Waking Up Your Stairs: 8 Ways Painted Stairs Breathe Life Into Your Home

Are you looking for an unconventional way to transform your space? Well, have you considered giving your stairs a makeover?

Whether you’re looking to add some flair to your home or you want to transform a new space, taking a risk with bold colors, beautiful patterns, or cool textures can help you reach your design goals.

In this post, we are going to explore some ways painted stairs can enhance the appearance of your space.

1. The Rainbow Effect

Shake up your painted stairs and try adding a different color to each stair riser. Not only can this add some a pop of color to your stairwell, but you can go as dramatic or as subtle as you would like to go.

2. Add Some Words of Wisdom

Do you have a favorite inspirational quote? Or maybe you have a few of them. That is okay! The possibilities are endless. If you want, you can add a quote to each riser.

3. By The Numbers

Something simple and creative when it comes to design is sometimes the best way to go. Grab a stencil of your favorite font, pick your paint, and get to work. Adding numbers to your staircase can be a simple way to transform your staircase.

4. Keep It Simple

What is more simple than black and white painted stairs? This simple idea can be the perfect statement piece you’ve been searching for. Whether you decide to keep the surrounding area simple or go bold with wall decor or bright paint, you have the option to do so with a simple black and white staircase.

Read >>>>> 10 Ideas for painting stairs

5. Pattern After Pattern

If you are creative, you can grab your favorite stencil and paint of your choice and get to work. Creating a beautiful pattern on each stair riser can transform your space. If you deiced to go a simpler route, you can choose your favorite wallpaper and add it to each stair riser for a completely new look.

6. Consider Tile

Whether you want to hand paint your own tile or buy tile already painted with your ideal pattern, a beautiful tile can give your staircase a whole new feel. Depending on your design goal, you can try a few different tiles on each stair riser or stick to one consistent pattern.

7. Paint The Stairs

In most cases, paint is added to the stair riser, but in this case, try adding it to the stairs. Whether you want to try a bright color or a more neutral hue, you can completely transform your space to suit your design needs.

8. When in Doubt, Go Distressed

Sometimes, the unfinished look is what’s in. If you’re going for a more industrial design style or want a nice break in style in your home, you may want to try the distressed look for your staircase. The fun part of this design style is that it doesn’t have to be perfect. If you wanted, each stair could have its own unique paint job.

Want More Design Ideas For Painted Stairs?

Whether it is painted stairs, stair refinishing, or another project, explore some more design styles and get some more inspiration for your next home design project with us. Contact New look painting if you are searching for staircase painting services in Calgary, AB.

New Look Cabinets & Interiors is a RenovationFind Certified Painting company in Calgary. They specialize in interior painting, line painting, as well as cabinet painters Calgary, cabinet refinishing and furniture refinishing. They offer superior workmanship, excellent customer service and are passionate about every project they work on.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

How do you put together an estimate for a painting project?

Painting projects can seem pretty straight forward. But how much does it really cost? How much time will it take and how much money will you need to spend? Do you really need cans of paint, or do you need less?

These are some of the questions that can pop up as you’re considering painting one or more of your rooms. The good news is, the answers to these questions are pretty straight forward! While any good painting services company will be able to help give you exact estimates, here’s an inside look on how we do it. 

What expenses go into painting? 

The painting expenses are pretty simple and straightforward: 

  • Paint: This is the most obvious, but paint is going to cost money. How much money will depend on the brand of paint you’re using and how much paint you’ll need for your room. Larger rooms will require more paint and potentially, more coats.
  • Materials: Things like paintbrushes, masking plastic and paper, tape, and primer. The materials needed will vary job to job and in some cases, these might be things that a professional painting services company already has. 
  • Labor: This can be the hardest to measure. While any painting services company will give you an exact breakdown on labor, keep in mind you’re paying for their expertise as well as their time and energy. 

Why should I go with a professional service? 

If there was any part of your remodel you could get away with doing, it would be the paint portion. But skill and expertise can make a huge difference between a sloppy paint job and a seamless one. 

At the end of a remodel, you want your room to look polished and perfect. Working with a professional painting service can help guarantee that level of quality. Call Handyman Connection today to get an estimate for your home.

*Not all services provided in all areas, check with your local office.

The post How do you put together an estimate for a painting project? appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Should I Paint My Cabinets?

We’ve all seen the horror stories about painted cabinets.  The paint chips off, it doesn’t clean well, it doesn’t look as nice as if you had just gotten new cabinets installed. It doesn’t have to be like that! Cabinets can be painted so that they look and feel brand new again.  If this is something you’ve been thinking about, you probably have some questions about it.

Distinctively Paint in Calgary shares the answers to some common questions homeowners have about painting their cabinets.

Will it be durable?

When painting cabinets, the most durable, washable product available must be used.  Choose only products used in professional high-end cabinet shops.  There are several products that are tried and true for cabinet refinishing which are designed specifically for that purpose.

Think about the fact that brand new, high-end, custom-built cabinets are finished locally on-site and in a commercial spray booth.  When painting your homes existing cabinets, demand the very best finishes such as those used on new cabinetry. This will ensure your cabinet finish is durable, beautiful and washable.

What colours can I pick?

When picking colours to paint your cabinets, the sky is the limit!  You can choose literally any colour available in any paint line.  The team at Distinctively Paint loves helping clients with colour selection and can offer some great tips.

Don’t forget about lighting: Be sure you don’t just pick a colour a friend used or something you saw online. Consider that colour is greatly affected by lighting and other colours in the space.

Consider two-tones: Two tone kitchens have been growing in popularity in the last few years.  A neutral colour on the perimeter cabinets and a fun, bold colour on the island is a great way to get a little creative on a smaller scale.

Enlist professional help: For best results, have our colour consultant come to your home. They can help you choose the colour that goes perfectly with your counters and backsplash and also looks great under your lighting. The right colour choices make everything look like a cohesive package to give you that designer feel.

Look at popular paint colours: Of course, there are several popular colours that get used repeatedly for painting cabinets.  For example, Benjamin Moore’s Oxford White and White Dove are 2 popular off whites to use.  If you are in love with the dark blue island trend, Hale Navy is a beautiful option.  If a warm charcoal island is more your style, take a look at Iron Mountain, also by Benjamin Moore.

Will people be able to tell it’s painted?

When finished by a professional cabinet painting company using industry specific products, your kitchen will look and feel brand new.  Your neighbours won’t be able to tell the difference.

How long will it last?

Properly painted cabinets will last a decade or more.  It all comes down to choosing the right finishing product, and a thorough preparation process.  Cabinets need to be repaired of any defects and thoroughly sanded.  Old silicone must be removed and the correct primer, designed to chemically bond with both the topcoat and substrate, must be applied prior to the final finish being sprayed.

Can I make changes to my kitchen at the same time?

Is your island shape dated?  Would you like to remove the cabinet above the stove and insert a big beautiful hood fan?  Perhaps you’d like to add a crown molding or an additional row of cabinets to go right to the ceiling.  Distinctively Paint can help with all of that.  With Distinctively Paint and their trade partners, they can update your island, make edits to your cabinets, change the backsplash or add a new stone or quartz countertop.

Once everything is painted, you won’t be able to tell where the old cabinets stop, and the new improvements begin.  It will all appear as though you had an entirely new set of cabinets installed – for a fraction of the price of brand new.

Painters in Calgary and Cabinet Refinishing in Calgary

At Distinctively Paint, respect, quality, and timely work are the three key principles that the company upholds. When you work with them, you can be guaranteed that your home is in the best hands possible and that you will love the results. They pride themselves on ensuring absolute customer satisfaction every time. Plus, if you aren’t sure about what colours to choose, their house colour specialist will come in and help you choose.

Ready to get painting? Contact Distinctively Paint today! 

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RenovationFind Certified is a symbol of integrity held by only the most trustworthy companies in home improvement, service, maintenance.  It increases consumer confidence in your business, giving you an edge over your competition while validating you as the best.
More than an online directory, we are Western Canada’s fastest growing marketing platform for promoting and connecting the best trades, service, and home improvement companies to homeowners.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Time is Running Out for New Savers to Get a Help to Buy ISA

The government-backed Help to Buy ISA is only available until 30 November to new savers, before it is pulled on 1 December.

The Help to Buy ISA has been scrapped in favour of the Lifetime ISA, which is also designed to make it easier for first-time buyers to move into their home. 

If you opened your Help to Buy ISA before this date then you can keep saving into your account, but time is running out for new savers to open an account before the deadline.

While the ISA scheme is ending, the Help to Buy equity loan scheme will run until 2023. However, it will be restricted to first-time buyers purchasing newly-built homes.

What is the Help to Buy ISA?

The Help to Buy ISA is a tax-free savings account introduced in 2015 to help first-time buyers save up a deposit and get onto the property ladder. 

For every £200 saved, the government adds an extra £50 (25%), up to a maximum of £3,000 on savings of £12,000. 

The minimum amount needed in order for the government to issue a bonus is £1,600 (which leads to a £400 bonus). Once savings have reached £1,600 the government bonus can be claimed at any time. 

Accounts can still be opened with just £1, and savers will not face penalties for withdrawing funds early. Anyone who owns an account in advance of the deadline will need to claim their bonus by December 2030. 

Building for the Future

As an alternative, first-time buyers can now purchase a Lifetime ISA, which also provides free government cash on savings up to 25%. 

Moreover, because self builders and custom builders are ineligible for Help to Buy, the National Custom & Self Build Association (NaCSBA) is working to create a Help to Build Equity Loan Scheme.

Help to Build will mirror the existing Help to Buy loan scheme, except the loan is paid to the mortgage lender upon completion of the self build rather than to the builder upon legal completion of the sale of the new build.

According to NaCSBA, “It would ensure the delivery of more and better homes that more people aspire to live in and that communities are happier to see built. It would help move the UK off the bottom of the world league for the number of self build homes that are built.”

It was reported in 2018 that the Help to Buy ISA scheme would be ending, following figures suggesting the scheme was only favouring the wealthy, and that the average household benefiting from Help to Buy earned £55,000. 

The scheme had also been criticised for helping to spike the cost of housing due to the increased demand, without compensating for the supply. 

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

Repainting 101: When and Why should I repaint?

It’s hard to know when or even why you should repaint certain rooms or areas of your house. Paint can fade over time, but if you’re around it all the time, you might not notice it fading. 

Repainting can be an easy way to add a clean, fresh look to your home. A professional painting services company will help you figure out when you need to repaint, but there are some basic guidelines to follow. 

When is it time to repaint? 

Depending on the area of your house or home, you might need to repaint sooner than later. For example, you might need to repaint the outside of your home before you repaint your kitchen. Your house is exposed to harsh weather and sunlight, which can cause fading over time. 

Any rooms or walls inside your home that get exposed to a lot of light might need touch-ups too. If you notice fading, especially with darker colors, that could mean it’s time to add a fresh coat of paint. It might be helpful to have an outside eye, like a painting services company or someone who isn’t around your home every single day. 

Another sign that your house is in need of a fresh coat is bubbles or cracks. This is especially common in various rooms of your house. While fading might be less obvious, bubbling, cracking and peeling are the sure-fire signs that your home is in need of repainting. 

Why should I repaint? 

In some cases like we’ve said, repainting can help your home look new again. In other cases, it’s better to repaint than to deal with paint that’s already starting to peel and bubble. If you’re planning on selling your home, repainting is almost a necessary step.

If you’re not sure if you should repaint, a professional painting services company can help you find and look for the signs of aging paint. 

Need some guidance? 

Call Handyman Connection today to book a free consultation. We’ll walk through your home and point out any areas that are in need of repainting. 

*Not all services provided in all areas, check with your local office.

The post Repainting 101: When and Why should I repaint? appeared first on Handyman Connection.

4 Reasons You Need Aluminium Bifold Doors

Content supplied by Aanco

Although bifolding doors have long been the favourite for self-builders and home-improvers, deciding on the right material can be a tough decision with so many product on the market. Aluminium bifold doors offer a sleek and contemporary look that will last decades.

Fast Installation Easier Project Management

Whether you’re project managing a self-build, working on a DIY renovation or just looking to spruce up your existing house, aluminium bifolds are a great option when time is of the essence. By choosing a product that cuts down on installation time to make your home weathertight, you can spend more time enjoying your home and working on interiors. Look for doors that come pre-assembled with pre-drilled mounting holes for the simplest install.

Aluminium Doors Keep Homes Safe and Secure

External doors are the barriers between your home and the outside world, so, with the move towards an increase in glazing in our house design, demanding the technology for safer and more secure doors is essential from manufacturers. Protect your home from unwanted visitors by choosing bifolds with 3-star Yale cylinders and crimped and PUR bonded corners. 

Increased Thermal Efficiency in Aluminium Bifold Doors 

Airtightness and thermal efficiency are now key concerns when working on a homebuilding project and the devil is in the detail when it comes to thinking about bifold doors:

  • Reduce leakage. Concealed hinges reduce the chance of potential air leakage areas when gaskets meet. 

  • Thermal breakage. A bigger break in profile means better U values, so bifolds have a greater chance at helping to keep your home warm.

  • High performance glazing. Double or triple glazing with an air or gas such as argon work best, along with many other strides in glazing technologies that make modern glazing the most efficient it has ever been.


Slim Sightlines Maximise Views

What’s the point of investing time and money into a project or house if you can’t enjoy it once finished? The beautifully slim sightlines of aluminium allow better views of the outside, not only meaning your new home will be filled with natural light, but also developments in de-cluttering modern products will influence the overall finish of a bifolding door. Ultra-low thresholds create a stunning contemporary look while fully concealed hinges and guides influence a cleaner, tidier look. 

The new Korniche bifolding doors which will be showcased at the upcoming National Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Birmingham (26-29 March) prior to full production manufacturing in 2020

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

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