Different Types of HVAC Systems

Heating, ventilation and cooling systems are some of the best things you can have in your home. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they also improve the quality of life for those living in your home. Just like many other things on the market, there is more than one type of HVAC systems. It might be a good idea to know the differences so that if you install one in your home or work building you will know which type is the best fit. Read further about the four main kinds of HVAC systems.

Hybrid Heat Split System

Hybrid Heat Split Systems are especially attractive because they are the most energy efficient options. While all HVAC systems have qualities that reflect energy efficiency, the Hybrid Heat systems are top of the line for being green. There is a heat pump included in the system that provides the opportunity of electricity-fueled air conditioning and heating in addition to furnace-supported heat. A Hybrid Heat Split System that is cost effective will include a heat pump, furnace, ducts, evaporator coils to convert refrigerant and control of the thermostat to manage the temperatures inside the home. In addition to these features, you can also customize your system by adding air purifiers, humidifiers, ventilators, air cleaners and UV lamps as well.

Packaged Heating and Air Conditioning System

Packaged Heating and Air Conditioning Systems are ideal for homes or offices that do not have the space to accommodate split systems. They function great for one room studios and even entire homes all in one set up, and this can be pretty helpful if you have a larger home that needs many spaces heated and cooled. A typical package for this kind of system includes a heat pump or air conditioner coupled with a fan coil, a thermostat or control to manage the structure’s temperature and optional indoor air quality accessories. Some of the extras that can be put into this system also include air purifiers, UV lamps, ventilators, air cleaners and humidifiers.

Duct-Free Split Heating and Air Conditioning System

Not all homes, buildings and inhabited structures can use a system with conventional ducts, and that is when this kind of HVAC comes in handy. These systems are put together with a bunch of things in one package such as a heat pump or air conditioner, a compact foil coil, control or thermostat to regulate the temperature and a variety of air quality accessories such as an air purifier, UV lamps or ventilators.

Traditional Heating and Air Conditioning Split System

Lastly, there is the Traditional Heating and Air Conditioning Split system as the fourth option for getting a HVAC system installed inside your home. This system involves using an innovative carrier split system that uses units both inside and outside your home for heating and cooling purposes. In the typical heating and air conditioning split system package you are often given a number of things in one. These things include an air conditioner, ducts to circulate the air, a furnace and evaporator coil and also a control or thermostat. Like all other HVAC options, there are accessories that are available for purchase to enhance your domestic heating and cooling experience such as UP lamps, ventilators, humidifiers, air cleaners and air purifiers.

Written by Ashley Hansen of Wayne’s Heating & Cooling in Moberly, MO who is the go to company for HVAC service!

DIY Tile Floor Cleaning Basics for Homeowners

Tile flooring can make for a beautiful addition to your home that enhances the functionality of certain living spaces and attracts more buyers when you decide to sell, potentially even increasing the value of your home. Unfortunately, there's a little more to cleaning and maintaining the tile flooring in your home than, say, vacuuming the carpets. And if you fail to properly clean and maintain your tiles, you could end up with a product that is dirty or damaged beyond repair (or that will require pricy rehab to restore to its original state). In other words, you can actually save yourself a lot of time and money by treating your tile well with regular cleaning. Here are just a few basics to get you started.

The first thing you need to consider is the material and finish you're dealing with. There are all kinds of tiles used for flooring, although the most popular are natural stone and ceramic. If you're not sure what you're working with, there are a couple of things you can do. If you happen to have any remnants (i.e. extra tiles) lying around the house, simply take one to a tile shop to ask what it is. Or you can call in a professional floor cleaning service when you first move in - these professionals should be able to tell you what type of tile you have. The reason this is important is that you will need different cleaning products and procedures depending on the sort of tile you're working with.

Ceramic tile, for example, can stand up to a lot of abuse, including harsh chemical cleaners in most cases (although scrubbing products may remove the finish on the tile). Natural stone, on the other hand, will need specific products if you want to avoid damage like staining, pitting, and deterioration. It may also need to be sealed periodically to prevent problems and maintain a particular appearance. Knowing what materials and finishes you're working with is crucial to cleaning your tile flooring properly.

From there, you should take a couple of basic steps where cleaning and maintenance is concerned. You can start with regular sweeping or vacuuming to remove the dust that filters through your home all the time. You should mop following sweeping in order to pick up any remaining dust, dirt, grime, and germs that can permeate your flooring surface. Again, you'll need the right cleaning agents to keep your floor looking beautiful. And think about skipping a sponge mop, which can push grime into your grout, in favor of a rag that will do a better job. When cleaning a tile floor, you want to make sure you cover every inch, including the grout between tiles.

And just like you might steam clean your carpet annually, you should probably also give tiles a deep cleaning. Ceramic tiles can benefit from steam cleaning that removes any built-up grime or residue left behind by standard cleaning products. But when it comes to natural stone flooring, you should probably check in with the experts at a tile retailer. There's a good chance your floor will require annual sealing due to wear and tear. If all else fails, you can always order replacement tiles from an outlet like Tiles Direct. But if you want to protect your investment, regular and proper cleaning and maintenance is the key.

5 Simple Home Decorating Tips for Summer

Whether you're someone who likes to do a lot of entertaining during the summer or you simply want to do some minor remodeling as the warm weather approaches, this article has a few helpful suggestions that you may want to consider. Over the course of the next couple of minutes, you're going to get some fun and affordable tips for how you can decorate your home just before the summer season arrives.

Change your window treatments. If you happen to live in an area that tends to have some pretty brutal winters, you may have thermal curtains up. Now that summer is on its way, how about changing your window treatments? Curtains that are made out of organic cotton or silk, Roman blinds or light-colored blinds are all nice touches. You can even have your windows professionally tinted so that you can leave your treatments open without worrying that people on the outside can see in.

Rearrange your furniture. Do you have a fireplace? If so, there's a pretty good chance that your furniture is situated in such a way that the fireplace is the room's centerpiece. During the summer, rearrange your furniture in such a way that your windows are the focal point. It's a small thing that can make a really big difference.

Recycle a piece of furniture. Even if you can't afford to totally renovate your living room, you can always upcycle a piece of furniture that you already own. If you're not familiar with the term, it's basically taking something that is old or used and upgrading it to something better. As it specifically relates to furniture, you can always reupholster a dark-colored chair or ottoman. Or you can strip a wooden coffee table and then paint it a light color. For tips on how to reupholster furniture, visit Mother Earth News, Instructables, or BHG and put "reupholster furniture" in the search field. For tips on how to paint wooden furniture, visit The Frugal Girl and put "how to paint wooden furniture" in the search field.

Accent with lighter and brighter hues. If you're someone who enjoys walking through furniture stores like Stash Home to get some interior design ideas, when it comes to summer layouts, you may have noticed one particular thing: lighter and color hues. This is not only the case when it comes to major pieces like sofas and love seats, but accessories such as throw pillows, light fixtures, and art pieces, as well. If you're curious to know what some of the best summer colors are, visit HGTV and put "summer colors and how to use them" in the search field.

Add some plants. Something that offers a truly topical feeling while also improving the air quality inside of your home are plants. The other awesome thing about this recommendation is that they are very affordable and can make your house feel extremely inviting. So what are some of the best houseplants? Plants that go on top of the list include the Spider plant, the Gerber Daisy, and the Golden pothos. If a part of you is hesitant about adding a couple of plants simply because you don't consider yourself to have a green thumb, that's OK. There are websites to walk you through how to properly care for indoor plants. One of them is Gardeners. Go to the site and put "caring for indoor plants" in the search field. For a list of other indoor plants that you may want to incorporate into your summertime decor, visit MNN and put "houseplants for improving indoor air quality" in the search field.

How to Find the Best Builder for Your Remodel or Renovation

It’s extremely important to feel confident in your choice of builder when beginning a home remodel or renovation. You are entrusting your money, resources and home with the contractor you choose. Make sure you find the best builder for your project by following the steps listed below.

Step 1: Obtain Referrals

Contact the builders you are considering and ask for referrals. This will allow you to see their work history. It is best to visit the locations if you have the time, even just one or two sites if you can’t see them all. This will allow you to view the results of their past work in person.

Step 2: Get a Quote

Request a quote that includes everything. This should be very detailed and go over all aspects of the job and include a breakdown of charges as well as the total cost. The quote process should start with an on-site inspection. This is also a good time to discuss your expectations and priorities for the remodel or renovation.

Step 3: Check Licenses

It’s easy for a builder to tell you they have a license. Make sure you ask for proof and verify that the license is current. This also applies to subcontractors that your chosen builder may hire to work on the project.

Step 4: Compare Quality and Price

Don’t let price alone be the determining factor when choosing a general contractor. If you go for the lowest rates, rest assured you will get the lowest quality results. Find builders that offer a good balance between affordable pricing and high quality craftsmanship.

Step 5: Conduct Builder Interviews

The final phase in the builder selection process should involve a compatibility interview. Create a question list and set up a time to talk to the builder. As you get answers to your project-related questions, also make sure you monitor how easily you and the builder communicate. Do you feel confident or uncertain during the conversation? Are you comfortable discussing the project with this person? Use this as an opportunity to finalise your choices so you select a contractor that is reliable, skilled, affordable and easy to communicate with.

Author Bio:

Melrose Design Build are experts at heritage restoration/roofing building work, maintenance and remedial restoration.

They can also do bathroom and kitchen renovations as well as new builds.

If you live in Sydney and are planning to restore or renovate your current home or investment property or build a new house contact Melrose Design Build today.

Visit their site to sign up for a free measure and quote at: www.melrosedesignbuild.com.au