How to Build an Outdoor Kitchen on a Budget

Outdoor kitchens are slowly warming up to the hearts of many homeowners. However, some people are still skeptical about building one because it requires a lot of work and is likely to dent their pockets.

Have you been wondering how to build an outdoor kitchen on a budget? You are in the right place. 

Outdoor kitchens are an excellent way to host a large group of friends or simply enjoy some fresh air.

It can be an intimidating project, but with the tips shared in this article, it doesn’t have to be such an uphill task.

Plan

Any successful project requires adequate planning to take off. Begin with scouting for an area in your compound that will be the most suitable for your new kitchen. If not sure about the right place, involve professional outdoor fireplace builders to advise you on the right fit or look for inspiration online.

Where you decide to set up your outdoor kitchen will set the pace for all other activities and create the perfect space that fits your preferences. 

Note down priority areas that will need to be worked on immediately and those that can be updated later.

Budget

Operating on a tight budget is what makes people shy away from an outdoor kitchen. Failure to plan will have your expenses off the roof, but creating a budget from the start will save you from surprises along the way.

When creating a budget, be honest about how much you are willing to spend and work around the figure. This will allow you to source materials you can afford and work with what you have.

Repurpose old items

You will be surprised how much you can save by using old or unused items. That old baby cot can be repurposed to be a vegetable stand or a grill stand. 

The options are endless. 

Repurposing old items saves you money that can be directed to other activities to complete your outdoor kitchen project.

Avoid new installations

Unless you really need one, avoid building any new installations, such as an outdoor sink. This is because you will be required to call a plumber for piping and other installations. If the goal is to save on costs, this will definitely shoot up the expenses.

Ideally, an outdoor kitchen is supposed to be close to the indoor kitchen. 

You can put a small wash area with a small basin and a makeshift faucet for handwashing but leave the dishwashing to the large sink in the house.

Do it yourself (DIY)

Instead of calling a professional for every stage of the project, you can take on some activities and save on labor costs. Activities such as painting do not require a professional, and you can learn from the hundreds of online tutorials available.

The good thing about doing it yourself is that you can change your mind as many times as you like without incurring additional costs.

Take advantage of garage sales.

Be on the lookout for garage sales or people who want to sell things they are no longer using. These items are usually in excellent condition and come at a steal. 

You will end up saving a lot of money than if you bought them at their original sale price.

Bottom Line

Building your outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to be an uphill task. You need to put your finances in order and have everything planned. 

Take advantage of sales and avoid cost-consuming installations. 

If you are a dab hand at DIY projects, put some of your skills to task and do some of the work yourself instead of hiring outdoor kitchen contractors Long Island

By doing this, you will realize you don’t have to break the bank to bring your outdoor kitchen to life.

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How Long Should a Washing Machine Last?

washing machine

No one wants to invest in a home appliance that will need a commercial appliances repair professional to replace it the following year. When the time comes to upgrade your old, worn-out, crumbling washing machine, there are several factors to consider before investing in your next purchase. 

One of the main factors is how long the machine will serve you. So you are trying to get a general idea of how long should a washing machine last? If this is you? You have come to the right place. This article will give answers to your question. 

The Average Lifespan Of A Washing Machine?

According to research by Consumer Reports, a washing machine has an average lifespan of 10 years. However, the exact lifespan of your washing machine can be higher or lower depending on various factors. 

However, unlike their older counterparts, the new model of washing machines does not last too long. Due to higher demands of white goods and generally all consumer goods, many home appliances are now made cheaply and therefore do not meet the quality standards to allow them to serve for longer. 

Here are some factors that determine how long your machine will serve you:

The quality of the model

When it comes to home appliances such as a washing machine, cheap is expensive. The cheaper models in the market do not meet the quality standards to make them strong and durable.

They are manufactured cheap to meet the market demand faster without much thought put into it. If you want your washing machine to last at least a decade, it is crucial to consider investing in a good quality machine. It might cost you more, but it will be worth it in the long run.  

The washing load

When washing, overloading the machine puts unneeded strain on the machine’s interior mechanics, causing accelerated wear and tear. This is not to mean that you should under-load your machine as this will also lead to energy and time wastage.

If you want your washing machine to be more efficient and serve you for longer, observing the manufacturer’s load guidelines is crucial.  It will ensure that you get the best service from the machine, for longer and without wasting your precious time. 

Maintaining a regular maintenance schedule

Like every other home appliance, it is crucial to ensure that your washing machine is checked and repaired often. Do not wait until the machine stops working for you to call the repairman.

This will cause a strain on the parts of the machine that are not even broken, causing them to wear out more quickly.

Using the Right Detergent

Do not just use any kind of detergent that is on sale if you want your machine to last longer. Each washing machine comes with instructions on the kind of detergent that should be used. Ensure that you follow these instructions, and your machine will thank you for it. 

Many people ignore these instructions and just use any detergent that they get on sale that month. Although this might save you a few coins in detergent, it is eating down the lifespan of your machine. 

If you are unsure of the type of detergent to use, give your machine manufacturer a call to get better clarification.

Conclusion

Although a washing machine’s average lifespan is ten years, several factors will determine whether it will survive two years or fifteen years. It all depends on the level of effort you put into ensuring that your machine is of good quality and is always in good condition. 

If you are not sure what is a good quality washing machine, you can consult your local commercial kitchen appliance repair professional to guide you through and help you acquire one that meets your needs. 

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What Is the Best Month to Build a Pool?

swimming pool company

Now that you have made up your mind that your home needs a pool, you are probably wondering when is the best month to build a pool? 

Does it even matter when I start? Can I just start when I am ready and found experienced pool builders

Well, the truth is, you can build a pool at any time of the year. However, some seasonal installation differences might make you think otherwise. Each season has different pros and cons that you should consider carefully before starting your pool. 

This article helps you discover the best time of the year to build a pool.  

When Is the Best Time to Build a Pool?

The best time to buy and install a pool is in winter. As a matter of fact, winter is the best time to do any outdoor construction in your home. 

Here are reasons why these two seasons are your best bet. 

Best deals and offers on materials

Very few people are thinking about pools during winter. Most people tuck away their summer gear and switch their wardrobe (as well as their mind) to winter garments. Not many people consider the advantages of building or remodeling a swimming pool in the winter, which means sales are a bit slow for the pool business. 

As such, it is easier to get the best deals on both the pool materials and labor. You are likely to get a lot more discounts and save alot more than you would in summer. 

Friendly weather conditions

Summer heat can be vicious. Working in summer weather can be miserable for both yourself and the workers working hard to build your pool. This can lead to many delays as workers tend to take a lot more breaks to prevent getting sick from the harsh weather. 

The same is the case with spring, as rain can happen anytime, thus stopping or delaying the construction. Hence, winter is your best bet. 

The weather is kinder to your landscaping.

Messing with your lawn during the summer can take a toll on your landscaping. The plants dry out faster, and it takes a lot more energy to keep them alive. However, in the winter, the weather is a little more kind. 

The plants get the time to grow back and get back your yard into a healthy shape before the weather heats up again. 

No rush

In many instances, the workers do not have other clients lined up waiting for the service. Also, the kids are not too excited and keep screaming, ‘when will the pool be ready?’. 

Therefore, you will have the time to plan appropriately, and the workers working on your installation will not need to rush the job, so they get to the next contract.

Your pool will be ready for the summer fun.

If you start your pool construction in the summer, there is a high chance you will not get to use it until the following summer. No one wants that, right. 

Hence, starting your pool construction in winter ensures that you and your family will have a new and fun hobby in your backyard to begin when summer rolls around. Even if you are installing a customized pool or spa, winter provides plenty of time to get everything ready to go by the time the summer heat comes around. 

Conclusion

Most people think that summer and spring are the best time to get your pool ready. But the truth is, there are many reasons why you should consider winter instead. 

So if you are considering starting your pool project, consider getting in touch with swimming pool builders and taking up all the advantages that winter has to offer and get your pool ready for a fun and exciting summer with family and friends. lagrass

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How to Clean a Chimney Without a Brush

Are you motivated to clean your chimney today but do not have a brush? Worry not! You still can do this with a little bit of creativity. 

You do not need to call chimney cleaning services every time your chimney needs a sweep. Knowing how to clean your chimney DIY is essential to ensure that your home is safe and it also saves you time and money. 

But what if you do not have the special brush used to clean a chimney? Continue reading to find other creative ways you can get your chimney clean even without the brush. 

Why Do Chimneys News Regular Cleaning?

A chimney that is not regularly cleaned is hazardous and can potentially cause harm to the house and the residents’ health. Every time you light a fire in your fireplace, the smoke forms into tiny balls of soot called creosote.

The creosote forms inside the chimney in three phases; In the first stage, tiny dust-like particles can easily be blown out using a vacuum cleaner. If these flake-like substances are not cleaned at this stage, they harden to form black and more refined debris. 

At this stage, the creosote will need a gentle push with a brush to get it out. The last stage is more stubborn. The substance from stage two slowly hardens to form a shiny tar-like substance that is gooey and extremely hard to remove. 

If your chimney is at the last stage, it is advisable to call in a professional chimney cleaning service. Attempting to clean out the chimney DIY yourself at this stage is not only hard but might also lead to damages to your chimney. 

If not often cleared, The creosote can lead to chimney fires or block the chimney leading to smoke buildup inside the house. This smoke can easily cause serious problems like fatal suffocation. 

This is why according to National Fire Protection Association, chimneys should be cleaned regularly and inspected at least once a year for soundness and correct tuning. 

DIY Chimney Sweep Without a Brush

Removing chimney soot is easy – especially the first two stages. But you will need some sort of a tool that will go inside the chimney, clearing the soot on its path. This tool does not have to be a store-bought brush. You can make a DIY brush from a plastic bottle or just improvise with any device you feel will get the job done. 

How to clean the chimney

There are various ways to clean a chimney. But the two most straightforward ways are;

Top-down

After you have already made your homemade brush, climb to the top of the roof and find a stable balance next to the chimney. Then you need to unscrew and remove the chimney cap. 

With your brush secure fastened on a rob or a sinker, steadily lower the brush into the chimney and sweep inside in circular motions to ensure you get all the corners. Keep going down until you reach the lower end of the duct.

This method is the most common because it is the easiest and leaves the least mess. It allows you to seal off your fireplace to prevent soot from spreading around your living area. 

Bottom-up

This method is suitable for people who are not good with heights. However, it also leaves the most mess as you are not able to seal off the fireplace. The best you can do is cover your furniture to prevent soot from spreading on them. 

However, the cleaning process is the same as top-down, except you are now pushing your brush up the flue. After cleaning, you can use a flashlight to check if you got all the corners. Repeat the process until you are satisfied that the chimney is clean. 

Conclusion

Cleaning a chimney that has a first or second stage of creosote build-up is pretty straightforward – and you do not need professional equipment to get the job done. With a simple homemade brush, you can get the chimney squeaky clean in just a few minutes. 

However, call a chimney sweep services  Ellicott City professional because the chimney has gone without cleaning and has accumulated stage 3 creosote. It is a lot harder to clean at this level and might need professional equipment to get the job done. 

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What Should You Not Do When Remodeling a House?

home remodeling

Every home requires some form of remodeling or renovation every once in a while. Whether it is something as complex as adding a few more rooms or as simple as changing some materials to improve functionality, a house remodeling is bound to be in every homeowner’s future. 

While it may look like a fun project to help improve your living conditions, home remodeling architects reckon that there are many rookie mistakes and pitfalls that can quickly turn the whole project into your worst nightmare. Hence, this article breaks down what you should not do when remodeling a house. 

Do Not Assume You Know What It Takes

‘How hard can it be?’ Well, the truth is, it will be very hard. This should be your mindset if you are looking to start a remodeling project in your home. Do not think that since you have already completed a few construction projects, the small project will be a walk in the park. 

Every remodeling project is different. While some are simple and can be done with simple DIY skills, some are more complex and require more complex skills and expertise.  

For example, adding an extension to the kitchen takes much more than just knocking down a wall and constructing a new one. It will need you to understand the drainage and electrical system of that side of the house to ensure that you do not damage the systems when going about your business. 

Do not Forget the Local Building Codes and Regulations. 

Many first-time homeowners tend to skip this step – because they are not aware that they need specific permits to carry out construction. It is normal to assume that any alteration you do on your property is fair game. 

However, the world doesn’t work like that. Depending on your state, you need to consider local building codes and statutes before starting your project. For some tasks like changing the structural foundation or digging an inground pool, you may need a building inspector to review the project for safety. Hence, it is advisable to do your homework before you commit your money. 

Do Not Assume That You Won’t Go Over Your Estimated Budget.

Everyone likes to work with a budget. So you probably did your homework and already figure how much you need for your components – materials, labor, and miscellaneous – and you have already set aside money for the project, which is all great.

However, keep in mind that the world is unpredictable. The chances are that there will be unforeseen circumstances that might only crop up after the project starts. For example, opening a wall can lead to the whole electrical system going down. Keeping this in mind, it is useful to keep your budget a bit higher than you think you need.  

Do Not Start the Project Until You Have Confirmed Purchase for All the Components

While you may be excited to start the project and get your hands dirty, it is advisable to wait until you have all the components or at least a confirmed purchase. You might start knocking down the bathroom fixtures before finding a replacement and then take days to find the right component and get it delivered.

This will render the bathroom inoperable for days while waiting for replacements. You should start the project by finding all the materials you need before starting the actual labor. 

Final Word

All said and done, a successful remodeling project depends on how well prepared you are. Therefore, take your time to put together a proper project plan, get the right tools and the right materials, and you might just pull it off. 

To avoid making the above mistakes, do your research and plan meticulously. It also doesn’t hurt bringing experienced architects builders DC on board. 

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How to Save a Tree That Has Fallen Over

tree services

Trees topple over and fall quite often. This is especially common when strong winds and rainstorms hit areas with weak and soft ground. But what if the tree is precious to you and you are not ready to let go yet? Can the tree be saved?

According to tree services providers, yes, it’s possible to save a fallen tree. In fact, this article gives you a step-by-step guide on how to save a tree that has already fallen. 

Rescuing a Fallen Tree

Whether this project will be successful or not depends on the size of the tree. Younger trees of about 15ft. in height or less are more likely to survive than older and much bigger trees.  

This is because Roots are the anchors of a tree. In most cases, fallen tree roots are significantly damaged and cannot sustain the tree’s weight. Smaller trees are likely to survive once replanted because the weight above the ground does not overwhelm the support under the ground. 

The tree’s survival will also depend on how big of a shock it got from the fall. So keep in mind that some trees may not grow back to health even after following the proper process to replant them. 

That said, here is a step-by-step guide on how to save a tree that has fallen over. 

Step 1. Keep the roots moist.

When a tree falls over, it is likely to have some roots sticking out of the ground while still attached to the ground on one side. The first thing you need to do is ensure that you keep the sticking roots hydrated to keep them from drying up. Pour water on them as often as need – recommended once every few hours. 

Step 2. Prepare a hole big enough for the exposed roots

The next step is to clear up and make a huge hole in the side of the tree where the exposed roots initially sat. This will make it easy to tuck back in the roots and position the tree so that it will hold the weight above the ground. This is the only way the tree will survive and regrow strong roots.

Step 3. Prune any damaged branches and roots

When the tree falls, the impact is likely to leave the branches and roots of the tree jagged and damaged. Pruning the branches will reduce the weight on top while cleaning the roots ensures that the damage does not cause rot once they are underground. Remember to use extra sharp tools to ensure that the cuts are as clean as possible. 

Step 4. Straighten the tree

Once steps 2 and 3 are done, you are now ready to replant the tree. You can use a machine or get a few people to help pull up the tree to its original position. Ensure that the exposed roots are well in the hole prepared. Remember that you will need to use props to support the tree because it is still weak to stand on its own. 

Step 5. Fill the hole

Carefully fill back the soil that you dug up from the hole. Ensure that the process is done with care as too much impact can damage the roots. 

Step 6. Aftercare

It might look like you are done saving the tree, but the actual work starts right after replanting. Since the tree is now weak and in critical condition, it will need a lot of care and attention. The most crucial part of the care is to ensure that the tree is always hydrated. Watering it often will ensure that the tree stays hydrated, and the soil around the tree is always compact and saturated, making the tree stronger. 

Conclusion

When replanting a fallen tree, each case is different. However, the above steps give you a complete summary of what you could do when trying to save your precious tree. It is, however, recommended that you speak to an arborist services MD if you are not sure what to do. 

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How Long Should a Dishwasher Last?

How long should a dishwasher last? Is it durable enough to serve you now and serve your generations to come? Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but that is very unlikely. 

Although this is what many homeowners desire, most appliances today do not survive even a single generation. They even die faster than appliances from your grandmother’s era when they lasted for at least 25 years. So today, let’s discuss approximately how long your dishwasher is going to serve you. 

What Is the Life Expectancy of Your Dishwasher

According to appliance repair professionals, most dishwashers will last an average of 10 years – the period depends on the amount of TLC you give to your dishwasher. 

A dishwasher with a good maintenance routine will serve you even up to 16 years before it completely wears down. On the other hand, an appliance that doesn’t receive much care will start acting up (or even break) within the first five years of service. 

So how do you ensure that your dishwasher receives enough love and care? Here are some tips and tricks to help you make your dishwasher last longer. 

Do Not Load Dishes Together With Waste Solids.

Although most dishwashers do not require a pre-rinse, ensure that you scrap solid waste from the dishes before loading your dishes – toothpicks, bones, etc. These hard objects can easily tear the filter or even damage the pump and damage your dishwasher. 

Do Not Overfill

Overloading your dishwasher makes it work extra hard to clean the dishes. This can speed up the wear and tear process and lead to early malfunctions. When loading, ensure you leave enough space between the dishes to avoid making your dishwasher strain. Refer to your user manual if you are not sure how much is enough. 

Clean Your Dishwasher Often

A dishwasher will keep your dishes clean, but it needs you to keep it clean as dirt as grime reduces the dishwasher’s efficiency, making it strain when washing the dishes. More so if you in an area where you have to use hard water for cleaning.

If you are using hard water to run your dishwasher, it is more likely to develop mineral film residual and discoloration. Cleaning once a month with citric-acid-based dishwasher cleaner will help remove these residuals and keep your dishwasher in top shape. 

Do Not Use Your Dishwasher to Clean Anything Other Than Dishes

Some people use their dishwashers to clean random things and brag about how their dishwashers can multitask. This is a bad idea. For example, many videos online explain how you can wash car parts inside your dishwasher. 

However, these videos don’t tell you that your dishwasher interior is not designed to handle the harsh and thick grease of the car parts. The grease can easily clog and ruin your dishwasher pump and filter. 

Factors That Determine How Long a Dishwasher Lasts.

In addition to the level of TLC you give to your dishwasher, here are the other factors that will determine your dishwasher’s lifespan. 

Frequency of use

The frequency of use affects the number of years the dishwasher is likely to serve you. A dishwasher used every day is expected to wear much faster than a dishwasher used once or twice every week. 

Quality

Just like everything else, there is a quality for every price. Investing in a high-quality (Trusted brand-name manufacturer) gives you a guarantee that the machine is made from top-quality parts that will last longer. 

Repairs

The quality of spare parts used and the technician’s level of knowledge play a big part in how long your dishwasher will last. Of course, an experienced appliance repair Springfield will better placed to avoid future breakdowns than a technician who isn’t well trained and experienced.

Conclusion

Every homeowner wants their home appliances to serve them for as long as possible. However, many people do not realize that these appliances are just like babies—you need to take good care of them.

Therefore, follow the above tips, and your dishwasher should be able to serve you for at least ten years before you need to replace it. 

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What Does an AC Service Include?

AC repair

Your air conditioner needs regular servicing for it to continue functioning correctly over a long time. Trust me! It wouldn’t be funny if your AC were to die during one of those crazy hot summer days. It can get your blood boiling. Quite literally! 

But what does an AC service include? This article goes deeper into the details of what you should expect from AC repair services providers. 

What to expect from an AC service 

Whether you are doing the servicing yourself or have scheduled an appointment with a professional company, here is what to expect for a complete and thorough air conditioner service. 

Cleaning and dusting

Cleaning and checking the air filters, condensing fins, and other system components and replacing them in case of damages. Dust and debris that accumulates over time on these components will impact the overall performance of your AC affecting the air quality of your home. 

A technician will clean and remove dust and dirt during AC maintenance and make filter replacements. You can easily do this by yourself, although a professional may point out better options.

Testing the components

Testing and visually inspecting essential components, such as capacitors, fan blades, motors, and ductwork – make sure they are operating correctly. 

An AC technician mostly does this as it is wise to identify problem areas and faults before they begin to wear out other components within the air conditioning unit. He may suggest repair or replacement as required.

Check the thermostat settings.

Checking and calibrating your thermostat settings is an essential part of the general AC service as it ensures that the temperature control is in good working condition. Setting the thermostat to low when not at home is a sure way of saving money. Keeping them away from all heat sources is also a way of protecting your air conditioning unit.

Checking the condition of the AC electric cables

Inspecting electrical connections and voltage to ensure they are operating safely. Checking for damaged, loose, or malfunctioned wiring and repairing and tightening electrical connections minimizes the risk of AC failure.

Check for leakages and any other damage.

Checking fuel lines and connections for leakages is also an essential part of your AC service. It is also equally important to check for clogging and any other damage and carry out repairs or do replacements as required. 

A technician will check for gas leakages on transport lines and do repairs when needed, and also, in case of accumulated soot in the burners, remove and unblock clogs.

Why does your AC need servicing?

Even if it looks perfectly okay, putting off your AC service for too long may lead to a breakdown that will come at a cost. Therefore, it is reasonable to take your Air conditioner through an inspection at least once every year to prevent unforeseen serious malfunctions.

Doing timely AC serving is a sure way to avoid high costs that come with repairing an already broken AC and, in the worst case, the cost of replacing it altogether. A well-maintained AC is bound to give you years of good service. 

Without proper maintenance, an AC is likely to lose its efficiency over time and therefore cost you a bit more energy bills. However, a well-maintained AC works at optimal efficiency and is quicker to regulate the temperature while spending as little of your money as possible. 

Final Thought

Just like routine medical check-ups are necessary to ensure that your body is in sturdy condition, your AC also needs regular checkups/inspections to ensure functioning correctly. 

Keep in mind that AC servicing is not rocket science. You can do it yourself if you know your way around. However, if you have any doubts, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with an air conditioner repair services Smithtown to help out.

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What Happens If AC Is Not Serviced?

As a homeowner, you have been hearing that you need to hire air conditioning service repair professionals to maintain your unit. And this is good as it keeps the air conditioner in good shape, but have you asked yourself what happens if AC is not serviced? Well, plenty of things can happen with the major ones being:

The air filters will accumulate dust

Every air conditioner has air filters that filter the air getting into the house. When you don’t service your air conditioner for a long time, it means you don’t clean or replace the air filters, and as you might expect, this leads to the air filters accumulating a lot of dust.

With the air conditioner filter being clogged by dust, the AC consumes a lot of energy cooling the house and this is reflected in your monthly energy bill.

The presence of a lot of dust in the air filter also means inefficiency as the air filter allows some of the dust to get into the house. The result of this is the indoor air being too dusty and uncomfortable to breathe.

The AC gets you unaware

During maintenance, the AC contractors inspect the unit and fix even minor issues. When you don’t service your unit, it means the contractors don’t inspect it.

What is the consequence of this?

The unit develops problems without your notice. The minor problems that you could have picked during maintenance enlarge to the extent that they bring the AC to a halt.

If the AC fails in the middle of a hot summer, you have no way out other than to hire an expensive emergency repair professional to fix it.

Your allergies flare-up

If you suffer from allergies, failing to maintain your air conditioning system puts you at the risk of worsening the situation. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, your allergy doctor might have told you to stay indoors during peak allergen hours.

In addition to filtering dust and dirt, air conditioner filters also filter pollen and other allergens and prevent them from getting into the house.

Unfortunately, since you aren’t maintaining the AC, the filter is out of shape and allows the allergens to find you even in your safest place—your home.

As a consequence of this, your condition worsens which sees you spending a lot of money controlling the condition. In some cases, you are admitted in a hospital and you end up spending more money and miss your work and other responsibilities.

You can prevent all this by servicing your AC

If you have lagged in servicing your air conditioner, move with haste and service it. While you can do some of the tasks such as cleaning or replacing the filter, you can’t do the more technical and crucial tasks so you are better off hiring a professional to help you out.

The contractor you hire will:

  • Clean the evaporator and condenser coils
  • Lubricate the blower and condenser fans
  • Inspect and clean the drain pan and drain line
  • Check the thermostat for proper operation
  • Inspect the electrical wiring and controls
  • Inspect and clean the ductwork and air registers
  • Check the refrigerant levels
  • Inspect the blades and fan motor
  • Check the blower assembly
  • Check the refrigerant tubing
  • Inspect the compressor
  • Inspect all the wiring, connections, and electrical controls
  • Check the ductwork for any leaks and other issues
  • Run a general system test

While there are many air conditioning companies you can work with, don’t hire the first company you come across. Take your time and find reputable and experienced AC repair services Chantilly to work with. The company should also be insured to protect you in the event of an accident.

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Types of Italian Marble

Italian marble is quarried in Italy, and it’s known for its high luster and ability to change the house’s appeal completely. Like Indian marble and other types of marble, there are many types of Italian marble. The most common Italian marble countertops being:

Statuario marble

This marble features the same subtle gray hues you find in Carrara and gray veining common in Calacatta slabs. The stone’s unique feature is it has an extremely bright white color, which makes it highly valuable.

Statuario is heavily used in Italy in carving statues, but you can confidently use it in your home countertops. The bright white countertop looks extremely beautiful and will automatically change the appeal of the house.

Carrara marble

Carrara marble is one of the most popular marble countertops, and it’s characterized by a clean look and subtle gray hues. When you are in the store, you can tell Carrara marble by looking at the type of veining contrasted against a white/light gray background.

The veining is usually thin, linear, and feathery, so if you are interested in buying the marble and you don’t see this veining, it’s probably not Carrara.

Some of the best places to use this white marble are fireplaces, shower halls, backsplashes, and tile flooring.

Calacatta marble

This is a classic Italian marble that comes from a quarry in Carrara, Italy making it one of the most valuable and favored Italian countertops.

The stone has a warm white tone and contains a mixture of grey veins and gold that vary in size. You can practically use the stone anywhere. You can use it in fireplace surrounds, wall slabs, kitchen, bathroom countertops, and even large tiled floors.

Botticino marble

It’s Italy’s most notable marble countertops, and like other marbles, the stone features a distinctive appearance that is attractive to both designers and homeowners. The beauty of it is you can use it in a variety of ways. Some of these ways include:

As backsplashes: Since it has a unique appearance and complements beiges and browns, it’s an excellent stone to use in constructing kitchen backsplashes, especially in brown kitchens.

Vanity tops: Its distinct look gives a room a classic look and feel, making the stone an excellent choice for bathroom vanity tops.

Black marble Negro Marquina

It gets its name from Basque county quarries where it’s mined. It features irregular white veins concentrated to a lesser or greater extent by the slab you are installing.

The stone has dark black color and a more or less irregular background. Some stones have more white veins and irregular black color.

Taking care of your Italian marble countertops

Regardless of the type of marble you buy, you need to take good care of it. How do you do this? Here are tips on how to go about it:

Protect the countertops from stains

Since marble is highly porous, it tends to stain easily if you don’t take good care of it. To ensure it doesn’t stain, avoid placing materials that can stain it directly on the surface. This calls for you to avoid placing coffee, tea, juice, and other colored liquids on the countertops.

If you have to drink on the counters, always place the drinks on a pad.

When spills happen, move with haste and remove them before they get to the stone’s inner layers and become hard to get rid of.

You also should seal the countertops at the time of installation. For best results, let the sealing be done by experienced granite installers Rockville or other certified professionals.

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