Turn Your Garden into a Cool Kids Playground

Not only will your kids love you for this, but you as parents will reap the rewards too. Making the most of your outdoor space so your kids can get plenty of exercise and fresh air has its obvious benefits, and there are many more reasons why it’s a great idea to make the garden a place the kids want to spend time. While going to the park can still be on the agenda, having your own outdoor play area gives you the flexibility to stay home and invite friends over when the trip out feels too much, you’re waiting in for a delivery or when there’s work to be done at home.

For those of you who have kitchens overlooking the garden, it can make tea-time a whole lot easier if you can give the kids a run out in the garden while you get on with prepping the evening grub. Obviously this applies to younger children, as older ones won’t require such a watchful eye. Having friends and their kids over also means adults can relax over a cuppa, watching the little ones make the most of the inventive playground you’ve worked hard to create. You can get nostalgic and relive your childhood joining in with fun and games outdoors too. It can be a great tool for getting your older ones off their screens for a while too.

Here are 12 great ideas for giving the kids the garden playground they’ll love.

1.       A chalk board; kids love to draw on walls right? Install a large chalkboard on your fence. Kids will have hours of fun chalking up some giant pics for the family to admire.

2.       A zip line will give the kids hours of fun and great kudos with their mates. If you are lucky enough to have a big garden, and especially if you have a large tree, setting up a zip wire safely will make your garden the go to place for all the kids in your street.

3.       There’s nothing cooler than a tyre swing. You’ll need an old tyre (great to recycle), some chain and/or rope, as well as something to hang the swing from (most likely a large tree). Be sure to test it’s safe before giving the kids a go.

4.       Teepeescome in all sizes and let’s face it are the coolest of tents. Red indian outfits can make a great addition to the dressing up box and making a totem pole (big or small) could be a great creative family project.

5.       Sandpits come in all shapes and sizes and can easily be bought or handmade. Be creative; it doesn’t have to take over your garden. Sand in a large tin flower tub can be just as fun. You can bury treasure in the sand for the little ones to find.

6.       The ultimate treehouse is a fantastic project for the DIY enthusiast and a big hit with the kids. You’ll obviously need a tree you can safely put the magical sky house in.

7.       If you don’t have any trees for a treehouse project, then a playhouse is just as good a space for kids to ramp up their imaginative play and to feel they have their own space to hang out in the garden. Playhouses range from tiny one room plastic options to luxurious wooden 2-storey creations with balconies. It’s just a question of budget and aesthetics.

8.       A hammock is always a winner and a great place for you to relax on a balmy summer evening with a glass of your favourite wine once the kids are in bed.

9.       Trampolines are all the rage these days, but a quirky way of adding it to your garden is to sink it into the ground. It may take a bit of back-breaking work to dig the hole, but it makes it less of an eyesore in the garden, and you could even make a wooden cover to go over it, making a funky raised sitting area.

10.   Little ones will love an outdoor kitchen for making mud pies. It’s a great way of recycling your old pots and pans and kitchen utensils too. It doesn’t need to be elaborate – a small table with an oil cloth cover, a washing up bowl and a chopping board make a great play kitchen.

11.   A water feature is great for the summer months. Having a pool might not be an option, but splash pads with fountains can be a compromise and feel safer for the little ones. Failing that a sprinkler (while perhaps not ethically great for conserving water) can be a cheaper option for giving the kids a fun treat on hotter days.

12.   A vegetable patch might not sound quite the thing for an adventure playground, but you’ll be amazed at how fascinated kids can be with growing and tending things in the garden. There’s the planting project, the feeding and watering and the harvesting, not to mention the cooking sessions. If you’ve invested in a playhouse, you could even add on a mini veg patch as the garden to that.

Article provided by Mike James, an independent content writer working alongside a selection of
companies including UK Log Cabins, who were consulted over this post.

from Home My Heaven: UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2016/09/turn-your-garden-into-cool-kids.html

The Understated Value of Electric Radiators

Designer radiators are taking over our households. And with good reason too: with nearly all other elements of a modern room receiving closely-considered design treatment, radiators can no longer afford to skimp on design. Today’s homeowners want a room to bear a congruent style, something that inspires and relaxes in equal measure. Though traditional radiators are reliable defaults to the problem of interior heating, it’s hard to deny that they can be difficult to set up, and may require temperamental pipe routing – not to mention a painstaking balancing process.

Given the nature of classic radiator installation, then, it would be difficult to find a more convenient radiator than an electric one. Firstly, electric radiators are 100% energy efficient, which means that all electrical energy used converts directly into heat for your room. Unlike a boiler controlled by central heating, this radiator configuration wastes no energy before it’s released from your radiator. They’re also easier to set up than traditional radiators. You can place them almost anywhere and turn them on; there are no pipes to set up, no balancing to concern yourself with, and none of the inevitable consequential stress.

Perhaps with these undeniable conveniences in mind we’ll see more of these types of radiators flood radiator retailers. With designer radiators taking up a growing region of the domestic heating market, we may see consumers seeking even further convenience with their purchases. A product that; foregoes the preparation and installation process, is attractive aesthetically, works as intended, and is operable straight out of the box; may be the next logical step to take. Another thing worth taking into account is the increased relevance of global warming in today’s world. With traditional radiators accounting for a significant amount of atmospheric carbon release, these electric alternatives are going to appear even more attractive to those shopping for radiators which also achieve a smaller carbon footprint.

Electric heaters are undeniably forward-looking: they run equally well by harnessing sustainable fuel sources, rather than their gas-powered counterparts, which are expensive to run and damaging to the environment. Fossil fuels are becoming scarcer – this is no longer a point of contention in the energy world. Renewable energy is beginning to dominate global energy sectors, with many governments taking little delay in passing the appropriate energy use reduction laws.

It would be premature to underestimate how valuable this consideration will become in nearing years. Planet-friendly brands are already reshaping consumer habits and culture; coffee cups are often completely recyclable, cars are running on cleaner or totally renewable fuels, clothes are used and re-used, and cycling to work is all too often touted as a better transport solution.

What’s more is that these changes are advertised wherever they’re found. Edibles will almost always market themselves based on their planet-conscious approach. It has become a cultural matter of pride to produce and consume sustainably, and it’s only a matter of time until this trend permeates the housing infrastructure market.

Depending on their impending effect on traditional radiator setups, it could be a welcome change.

Electric radiators are available in a wide range of world-class designs at Designer Radiators Direct. They’re best paired with a thermostat, as this extra element gives you even greater control over your comfort and wellbeing – choose the exact temperature you would like, sit back, and enjoy the warmth. Installing a thermostat remains a much more convenient process than installing a house gas network.

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How Drain Relining Can Fix Your Drain

Home sweet Home, we all love our homes. Whenever we’re tired or away for days, we miss the comforts of home. We have precious memories because most of us have spent our childhoods or other valuable times in our life there. Obviously, home improvement is one such task which everyone does sooner or later because no one wantss to live around unhealthy or uncomfortable surroundings.

With time, your home becomes older and so do the materials used in the home like the furniture, pipes, wires etc. With pipes and drainage systems, you will usually encounter leakage or breakage over time. In this article we will specifically discuss how drain relining can fix your drain.

Pipe and drain relining

Drains and pipes which are located externally are more prone to damage. They can get damaged for many reasons and these damages can leave the pipes unfit for use. Damage can depend on the location and environment you live in. For example, in humid areas like Brighton, there can be a higher chance of drain damage.

So what does pipe and drain relining mean?

Usually, when a pipe damages, we look to the simple solution of replacing it. But this is not always as straightforward as you may think because of difficulties such as digging trenches. The cost of replacing drains can also be high.

So another option is relining the pipes. 

Pipe relining is a process of repairing the pipes rather than replacing them. A sewer line or an entire pipe work can be repaired by constructing a new pipe within the existing one. This is done by no dig or trenchless techniques.

Advantages of pipe and drain relining

Here are some advantages of implementing relining:

• Save money, time and effort – Relining techniques do not require digging, so this can save a lot of time, effort and digging costs.

• Repair a range of damages – These techniques can be used to repair leaking joints, tree root intrusions, big cracks and minor and major pipe failures.

• Varied applications – Relining is suitable for domestic, industrial and commercial applications.

• Permanent solution – Relining is a permanent solution to all the drainage related problems and offers highly improved flow characteristics. The minimum length of 0.5m can be installed using relining.

• Government Approved– Relining is a government approved technique.

When should drain and pipe relining be used? How is it done?

Sites, scenarios and working are always different but in most cases, relining is a successful solution. The relining technique is initiated by passing a camera through the pipe. This helps to identify the spots where damage has occurred and which method must be used next. The process is known as the detailed drain camera inspection technique.

Critical situations in terms of drain relining may occur when the diameter of the pipe is small. The tolerance of a thick pipe is obviously greater than that of a thinner pipe.

Tree roots are a major threat to pipelines as they can break the pipeline. Tree roots are very strong and slowly push their way out from a pipe.

 Once inspected with a drain camera, weak spots are identified. It’s not always that the complete pipe is damaged. In most cases, only a few spots are damaged.

After calculating the diameter of the original pipe, the next step is to repair the pipe using relining. The thickness of the new pipe is decided by the experts and that’s it, your drain problem is solved.

Conclusion

Drainage and pipe problems are not a new thing. They have been there since the existence of pipes and drainage. Solving such problems using newer techniques is the optimum solution in most of the cases as it cuts down expenses, efforts, time and is eco-friendly.

If you have drain problems, you can get more information from experts such as those at Detection Drain Services.

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from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/how-drain-relining-can-fix-your-drain/

Quick Tips for Laying Laminate Flooring

While most people prefer to trust the professionals to lay their laminate flooring, it is often possible to install your own laminate if you have decent DIY skills and are reasonably confident. It goes without saying that this will be easier in a regular shaped room with an even floor, straight walls and minimal awkward spaces or features.

If you are determined to have a go yourself, here are a few simple tips that should help you to avoid common problems.

Prepare thoroughly

You will need to check the integrity of the sub-floor and ensure it is level. Minor depressions may not be a problem when laying new flooring, but any large dents in your floor must be dealt with if you want to avoid damaging your laminate. Check the type of underlay recommended for use with your laminate and make sure it is suitable for use on your specific type of sub-floor. Using the wrong underlay can cause irreparable damage to your new laminate.

Allow your flooring time to acclimatise

Many people, when laying laminate for the first time, underestimate the importance of letting their new flooring acclimatise to the conditions in their home. This is a hugely important step. You will need to bring the packs of laminate into the room in which your flooring will be laid and leave them to adjust to the temperature and conditions. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to see how long you should leave your floor before laying it, which will generally be around 24 hours. Skipping this step could lead to your new floor buckling, cracking or splitting, depending on the conditions in your home and where the planks were previously stored.

Always follow the instructions

It might seem obvious, but read, re-read and re-read again the manufacturer’s instructions before you start work on your floor. Even if you have previously laid laminates, there is no harm in refreshing your memory and you may find the fitting process is a little different if you are using a different brand or line. It is easy to become impatient and rush through the more tedious parts of the job, but a lack of attention to detail is one of the main causes of bad DIY jobs. If you follow all the manufacturer’s instructions and take your time on every step of the installation, you will also find that you are more likely to be covered by the manufacturer’s guarantee in the event of something going wrong or your floor being damaged.

If you wish to know more about laminate flooring in Liverpool or are looking for a new carpet for your home, please visit Carpet Design and Flooring for more information.

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How Bristol Residents Are Expanding Their Properties Through Loft Conversions

Currently in the area of Bristol, UK, many of the more ambitious and affluent investors are seeking to maximise their existing properties.

This is because there are a multitude of benefits in relation to this, including the following (but not limited to):

• Increasing the value of ones’ home. Converting a loft space into a usable room is an excellent way to increase the value and subsequent sales’ price of a home.
• It provides a base for which to receive rental income from tenants inhabiting the loft space, meaning that you can give yourself an additional channel and income from your investments.
• It enables you to have more space in your existing property for whichever purpose you may find appropriate, it could be a new bedroom with an en suite, it could be a home office, or a home cinema, a loft conversion suits many different purposes.

However having a loft conversion requires consideration, as there are many different elements that have to be taken into account before proceeding with this home improvement process.

1/ You need to find suitable building professionals to carry out the work

This is especially important due to the fact that builders can vary widely in their abilities and skill sets. A good course of action would be to review the portfolio of any building companies before you move forward with converting a loft, because you want to be sure that you are working with a company that has the appropriate skills and certifications, and all of their work must observe and adhere to building regulations.

2/ Planning permissions

Certain types of loft conversion in Bristol will inevitably require planning permission. Certain types of dormer conversions or mansard loft conversions may require local planning permission. It is a good step to consult with your local authority in relation to this: to find out exactly which type of loft conversion and associated dimensions land within the bounds of “permitted development” or whether or not you require additional permissions to proceed with the build.

3/ Plans with the architect

It is good practice to engage the services of an architect early on the in planning phase of a loft conversion. This is because an architect will be able to advise on what is appropriate for your particular property, and advise on what would suit both aesthetically and structurally.

In summary it is important you make sure to do your due diligence if you are looking to expand your home through a loft conversion. It can be a worthy exercise that increases the usable space in your house, however it is not without it’s potential issues. You should exercise caution, choosing a company that fully understands and can accommodate your requirements is preferable, as is making sure that you have a clear idea and image for how you want your loft to look and feel upon completion of the project.

If you wish to know more about loft conversions in Bristol & are looking for a potential builder, feel free to visit Bristol Conversions for more information.

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from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/how-bristol-residents-are-expanding-their-properties-through-loft-conversions/

The Best Mattress for Back Pain

I’m only in my thirties but I already have horrendous back pain. I work in construction so I’m constantly bending over and lifting heavy supplies. Over the past few years, it’s gotten progressively worse.

I tried to mitigate the issue with yoga (corpse pose is my favorite), acupuncture (helped the first time…not so much after that though), and even cortisone shots in the back (not fun and very temporary)!

I recently talked to a friend who’s a chiropractor and he suggested I get a medium-firm mattress around 6-7 on the firmness scale. I had a pretty hard Serta innerspring mattress at the time. I had bought it only 6 years ago when my back just started to ache and the salesman at the mattress store told me it was the best firm mattress.

My wife hardly slept the first week…and my back hurt even worse! We ended up getting a mattress topper to soften it up.

Turns out because I sleep on my side most of the time a firm mattress was actually hurting my back!

What is the best mattress for back pain?

So I did some digging on the best mattress for back pain and side sleepers and sent over a few top rated mattresses to my chiropractor friend. I really wanted to avoid another salesmen (I hate being pressured to buy) so all of the choices were beds in a box that could be shipped directly to my house.

He said based on what he knew about my sleeping habits the best mattress for my back pain would most likely be Crave’s Luxury Firm mattress.

I was pretty happy that the price was also the cheapest ($780 for Queen – I used the code SaveWithCrave50 to get $50 off) compared to Casper ($850) and Helix ($900).

I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first considering Crave’s luxury firm mattress is brand new and didn’t have any reviews on it yet. However, they do have a 100 night trial and if we didn’t like it they would come pick it up and give us a full refund.

We ordered the queen size mattress and foundation. The foundation was only $300 and my wife is a fan of anything grey so we decided to get that as well. It arrived within 3 business days.

Crave’s foundation consists of 4 sides, a middle beam, and two sheets of fabric covered planks that roll on top and support the mattress.

Now, you might have noticed I don’t typically do reviews on my blog. I personally think paid reviews are kinda spammy. And to be honest, I wasn’t even planning on doing a review for this mattress…until I slept on it.

You guys have to try this mattress!

I’m absolutely shocked at how much better my back feels in just one month of sleeping on this mattress!

My wife also loves it! She said it reminds her of the bed we slept on for our honeymoon at the Sheraton Hotel.

One thing I wasn’t expecting is how much cooler it is to sleep on. It does have a layer of latex foam on top of memory foam. The foundation was also very easy to set up. It didn’t take more than 5 minutes for us to put up the foundation and open the mattress which inflates itself within seconds (really quite fascinating!).

I know I’m not the only one out there who has back pain so I really wanted to share my experience with you guys. Of course, everyone sleeps different. Don’t listen to any propaganda that claims they are the perfect mattress for everyone! The best bed for you might be a firmer mattress if you sleep on your back or stomach.

And if you do buy a bed-in-a-box and don’t like it, have them take it back! The trial is there for a reason you shouldn’t feel pressured to keep a mattress if you don’t sleep like a baby after 100 days have passed!

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Step-by-Step Guide to Finishing Your Basement

You’re ready to make your basement a more useable space, but you really have no idea how to get started. Should you take on the project yourself or hire some help? The answer really lies within you and your personal skill level and the time you have to complete the project, but you will likely need to hire an expert for parts of the job.

A good way to decide which parts you can do yourself is researching all of the steps involved in the process. This guide walks you through finishing your basement from beginning to end.

Step 1: Get Those Creative Juices Flowing

In order to do the work to finish your basement, you need to know how you want it to look when the project is completed. You can focus on the details and include wall color, flooring and furnishings to create a completed space, or you can just plan how you will use the space.

Where do you need to add walls? What purpose will each area serve? These components are critical in this planning phase because you need to know what materials you need and where everything will go. Write this plan down on paper or draft it through a computer program, depending on what resources you have available. Either works!

Some people look through magazines or online resources to find basement design ideas so they can think more about what they want their space to look like. This is a good step to take because you may realize you want something in your basement that you wouldn’t have thought of before looking at the pictures. If you have an outside entrance, a mudroom could work perfectly.

Step 2: Obtain Necessary Building Permits

Obtaining a permit isn’t really difficult in most cases and it isn’t always required depending on the project — but the requirements vary based on your location, so do your research. At the minimum, you need to have the plan for your basement ready when you fill out an application. Once the permits are approved, you pay for them and you’re on your way.

One major benefit of getting a building permit is that you can contact an inspector during the construction process and ask any questions you may have. Additionally, if you should ever sell your home, you want to provide the permit showing that everything is safe and up to code. If you don’t have that, you might as well not have a finished basement.

Step 3: Do the Necessary Prep Work

Since basements are underground, there are moisture and water issues that you want to prepare for. To be safe, you may need to waterproof the space so you don’t have any issues in the future. Some decide to take on this step alone while others hire an expert.

This next part is very important, but often overlooked. You need to be certain the space is ready to be a living space before you start construction. That means making sure that you don’t have any mold or other toxins that can harm your family. You can inspect your basement for signs of mold and if you find any, purchase a home test kit and send off the samples to determine what kind of mold you have. Knowing the mold that you are dealing with is essential to proper removal.

Another important health concern in basements is radon. Radon is odorless and invisible and can be found in any home, no matter the location or the age. The best thing that you can do is test your basement for radon and find out if you have a problem. If you do, you want to have a professional fix your radon issue so that your family isn’t exposed to the harmful gas.

Step 4: Frame the Walls 

When it comes to framing your walls, build them and put them into place — or you can build them in place. The easiest method for doing it yourself is to go ahead and build the wall in place. With this method, you don’t have to worry about making sure you have enough clearance to bring the framing in, and you won’t have to add shims to put the wall at the appropriate height.

Do your measurements twice and order your supplies, but only order as much lumber as you are going to use in that day or that weekend. Otherwise, the lumber could warp as it sits and make the job much more challenging.

This is the first real step of the construction phase, so it can be intimidating, but don’t let it be. Measure out your wall and your placement and start building.

When you break the process of framing a wall down, it goes something like this: install the bottom plate (a 2’ x 4’ board), install the top plate (another 2’ x 4’ board) and then mark where your wall studs will be on your plates. Once you have the studs marked, install them. Then install boards in between the studs — your blocking. Repeat the same process everywhere you need a wall in the basement.

Step 5: Install the Plumbing

Plumbing is one of the tougher jobs, but it’s possible to do on your own. If you don’t feel ready to take it on, just hire a professional and focus on other aspects of your basement.

If you decide to do-it-yourself, the first step is the rough-in plumbing. You may already have pipes in place. If you designed your layout around those pipes, your job is a little easier. If you don’t have pipes or they aren’t in the right location for your basement plumbing needs, you need to install rough-in plumbing below the floor. This requires breaking up your concrete with a jackhammer and installing the piping below the floor.

Once you have proper rough-in plumbing pipes in place, you can run the rest of your plumbing for your toilet, shower, sinks and laundry if applicable. When the piping is all ready, work on installing your fixtures and doing any necessary tile work for the bath or shower.

Of course, if you don’t want plumbing in your basement, finishing your basement just got a lot easier!

Step 6: Hire an Electrician and HVAC (if necessary)

This is a step that you could also do by yourself, but since wiring can be very dangerous if done wrong, your best bet is to hire a professional to take care of your wiring needs. Ideally, you will have a basement subpanel installed in your basement to handle of the power down there. An electrician can take care of this job as well as wire your entire basement safely and efficiently.

The electrician should install all of your switches, outlets and lighting so that you don’t have to worry about any of that. Once he is finished, you are a step closer to enjoying your basement.

If you don’t have air conditioning and heat in your basement, you can also opt to hire a HVAC pro to put it in. Many homeowners choose not to add it since a basement usually keeps cool during the summer and an electric fireplace can be used to warm it up in the winter when you want to use it.

Step 7: Finish the Walls

Once you have all of the plumbing and electrical taking care of, you’re ready to turn those wall frames into actual walls. If you decide to hang your own drywall, know that it is time consuming and has to be accurate, but you can do it with proper knowledge and patience.

Drywall may sound easy, but it can get difficult to get it all just right. After the drywall is installed on your studs, you need to tape and mud it. Next, you need to finish it with joint compound and sand it so that your drywall is very smooth and can take on a finish such as paint or wallpaper.

Step 8: Put Up the Ceiling

If the ceiling in your basement isn’t finished yet you’ll need to decide whether to add a drywall ceiling or a suspended ceiling (also called drop ceiling). While drywall looks nicer, dropped ceilings allow you to access any plumbing or wires that may be in the basement ceiling.

Many homeowners also find it easier to install suspended ceiling tiles vs drywall on their ceiling. For supplies, they are just about the same cost.

Step 9: Complete the Finishing Touches

Now you have all of your walls finished, your wiring done and your plumbing fixtures installed, you need to complete the finishing touches to make your basement look nice. This includes any woodwork such as hanging the doors and any trim work.

A major part of the finishing touches is the flooring. If you want to keep the concrete, have it stained or painted. Other options include carpeting, hardwood, tile or vinyl flooring to give the basement the feel and look you desire.

Once you have the floor taken care of, it’s time to think about the walls. You can finish with paint (or wallpaper or panels but those usually don’t look good) depending on your preference. After everything is dry and had the proper time to set, you can bring in your furniture and start decorating your space. Have fun with it and enjoy all of your hard work. This is a space that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.

Now that you know the steps in finishing a basement, it’s time for you to get started on your project. Roll-up your sleeves and get to work, but don’t be afraid to call in an expert when needed.

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Choosing Between Geothermal, Oil, Gas and Electric for Your Home

Deciding on a new — or replacement — home heating system is a difficult process. Needs and costs differ from person to person, region to region, month to month.

Of the heat sources available, electric, oil, natural gas and geothermal heating remain four of the strongest contenders on the market. Each has their own fervent supporters and vicious detractors.

Constantly Changing Variables

When it comes to choosing a home heating system, your decision will be highly personal due to the enormous number of variables that factor into such a decision.

Deciding on a home heating system isn’t as easy as asking Google which is cheapest. The costs, benefits, concerns and restrictions will vary greatly depending on how you answer a multitude of questions:

• Are you purchasing a system for a new construction or existing home?
• How long do you plan to stay in the home you’re renovating?
• How old is the system you’re considering replacing? What’s its efficiency?
• What’s the efficiency of your new unit?
• What region of the country do you live in?
• What are winters like in your state, county, town, etc.?
• How many months per year do you run your heat? How many hours per day?
• How high do you set your thermostat?
• How dedicated are you to upkeep and maintenance to keep your system running efficiently?
• How concerned are you about the environmental impact of your system?
• What are the fuel costs this week, month, year, decade?
• Are there federal tax incentives based on your choice? State or local incentives?

The non-exhaustive list of sample questions above clearly demonstrates the difficulty of acquiring a quick comparison of installation costs or monthly costs for heating systems.

To get the best possible picture of costs, get installation and monthly cost estimates from local HVAC businesses and fuel suppliers. For a quick, broadly generalized estimate of installation costs, monthly heating costs, system lifespans and environmental impacts for electric, oil, natural gas and geothermal heating, see the chart at the end of this article.

Here’s a chart comparing electric, oil, natural gas and geothermal energy:

Importance of Maintenance

No matter which system you ultimately chose, regular maintenance is the key to longevity and efficiency. Angie’s List recommends biannual, professional tune-ups at an estimated cost of $70 to $100 per tune-up. DIY maintenance efforts like changing the filters regularly — according to your unit’s recommendations — also make a big impact on lifespan, efficiency and repair needs.

When it comes to maintenance, your heating system is like anything else: If you want it to run well, you have to take good care of it.

Little Changes for Greater Savings

Again, no matter which system you choose, there are many things you can do to lower your heating bill.

Simple changes like wearing an extra layer, using a programmable thermostat or lowering the thermostat at night can make a big impact on your bill.

Projects like adding or replacing curtains, caulk, weather stripping, insulation, new windows, etc. may require more effort or upfront cost, but they pay off in efficiency and savings.

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