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While the demand for smart homes is rising, cost is still a barrier. However, some devices can help you enjoy the benefits of smart technology without the trouble of a complete overhaul. You can use a smart plug to turn the lights on or off with a voice command, or even control the temperature of your home from your smart phone.
Gas appliances, like stoves, furnaces, water heaters, and even dryers, generate heat by burning natural gas, propane, or another alternative fuel. Furnaces use this heat to warm up the house, water heaters heat the water in the tank, and dryers heat the clothes as they tumble around inside the drum. Stovetops and ovens also rely on this heat source to cook and bake.
Power outages happen, but if it's out long enough to spoil your groceries, it's more than just inconvenient. Whether a storm, fallen tree, or power grid problem is to blame, having to toss food as a result is a pain for some and a significant financial burden for others. Fortunately, there’s help available for homeowners and renters who have had to discard spoiled groceries after a power outage. Here, experts explain how to be reimbursed for the loss. Katie Irey is senior vice president of property insurance product design and lifecycle management at Allstate Insurance Company.
A gas fireplace is a coveted amenity that provides warmth and unbeatable ambiance to any living space. Since the fireplace is fueled by gas instead of wood, you don't even need to worry about fetching logs to keep the fire going well into the evening. The one major consideration of a gas fireplace is that it will only function properly if the pilot light is on. So, before attempting to start a fire, it's important to check the fireplace pilot light.
According to the 20/20 rule, you shouldn’t have your air conditioning set more than 20 degrees higher or lower than the outdoor temperature. In other words, if it’s a blistering 100 degrees outside, the lowest you should set your AC to is 80 degrees. But is that realistic during a heat wave? And, will it hurt your air conditioning unit (or cost you more money in energy bills) if you surpass the 20-degree temperature difference? To find out whether the is rule is legitimate or just a myth, we turned to Andy Fox, a filtration and indoor air quality specialist. Ahead, Fox weighs in on the rule and shares tips for how to maximize the unit’s efficiency to keep summer utility bills down.
An incessant beeping sound in your home can be extremely frustrating, especially when you can't pinpoint where it's coming from. Common culprits include smoke detectors, appliances, and security systems. Identifying the origin of the noise often involves moving from room to room, much like playing a game of whack-a-mole
