Easy Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Home Cooler

When the weather gets too hot to handle, many homeowners simply crank up their air conditioning to stay comfortable. But what people may not realize is that the combination of cold air and high humidity could lead to leaks. So what can you do to stay cool without putting your home at risk? Here are some tips: 

Keep the filter clean. 

A dirty filter can cut your air conditioner’s efficiency in half, so be sure to replace or wash it at least once a month during the summer. Not only will a clean filter enable more cold air to come through the unit, but it will also decrease the amount of pollen, dander, and even mold that you could be breathing in. Many people don’t know that air conditioning units are rated by their MERV, which stands for minimum efficiency reporting value or, more simply, the effectiveness of the filter. MERV ratings are between one and 20, with most home air conditioning units rating between one and 12. If you’re in the market for a new filter, choose one at the top of the scale as it can trap smaller particles and protect your home from mold spores, dust mites, and other nasty contaminants. 

Make sure your windows are leak-free. 

Window A/C units are tough to fit and often result in large gaps where the hot air outside can come in. Make sure all the space around the air conditioner is sealed up tight with foam for bigger gaps or simple foil tape for smaller areas. The materials you’ll need can all be found at the local hardware store and you’ll be shocked by the difference in air temperature by just plugging up those holes. 

Run the unit on a timer.

There is no point running your A/C on high when you’re at work or away for the weekend. A digital timer will lower the unit’s output when you’re not at home, and then bring the house to a comfortable level by the time you walk in the door. By programming a timer to your preferences, you can lengthen the life of the unit and lower your energy bills without noticing a difference in the level of comfort. If you don’t rely on Alexa, you can buy a smart plug for your outlet to control your A/C from your phone.

Up your insulation.

If your attic isn’t properly insulated, it’s going to be a sauna up there. You don’t even need to go up to check - you can tell simply by touching your ceiling. If it feels hot, then imagine how hard it is for a window unit or even central A/C to compete. A well-insulated and ventilated attic will ensure that hot air can escape while keeping cool air circulating in the living areas of the home. Plus, proper insulation comes in mighty handy during the cold months of the year.  

Watch for leaks. 

Central air conditioning units are notorious for leaks for three reasons: a cracked or broken drain pan, a clogged air filter, or a plugged-up condensate line. If water can’t drain properly, it will end up in your ceiling or walls which can cause serious and expensive damage. If you see even the smallest leak, shut down the unit and inspect these three areas. A simple fix might save you thousands in damage if you act quickly. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Eight Ideas for Easy Bathroom Upgrades

With people spending more time at home, upgrades and renovations are all the rage right now. But did you know that you can still breathe new life into your house without taking on a major project? Here are eight ideas to give your bathroom a boost without spending a fortune.

Health & Safety

If your bathroom doesn’t have proper ventilation, you will end up with mold and mildew growing on the walls and ceiling. A replacement fan will cost under $100 and you can install it yourself to ensure that the moisture caused by the shower is being extracted properly. Remember, you’ll need to measure the bathroom first to ensure you get the right fan for the job. 

Environmentally Friendly

If you want to do your part for the environment, you can update your bathroom with water-saving fixtures. Both Lowes and Home Depot carry eco-friendly lines that can cut water flow by upwards of 30 percent, making for a healthier planet and a happier utility bill. 

Neat & Tidy

If you can’t stand cleaning the shower, this one's for you. Today you can find shower doors that are finished with a water-resistant coating that sheds the droplets that leave unsightly little stains. If you’re constantly walking around with a squeegee in hand, this upgrade might just make your weekend cleaning routine just a little easier. 

Semi-Custom

If you’re looking to replace your cabinetry, take a look at some of the semi-custom options available from the major retailers. There are even companies that spruce up IKEA cabinets to make it look more personalized and stylish. If you can’t afford to replace the cabinets, a new lick of paint can breathe new life into old wood.

Get Organized

If your cabinets are in good shape but they are tough to reach or annoying to get into, a cabinet organizer might be for you. Most systems include sliding surfaces which make reaching items in the back a whole lot easier. No more digging in the dark. 

Lights and Mirrors

Dated mirrors or lighting fixtures can bring a bathroom down. Kick it up a notch and keep an eye on the sales flyers for accent pieces to give your bathroom a boost for very little effort.

Counters

Granite countertops are a pricey remodeling project, but these days you can get the look for less by getting creative. Talk to your local countertop expert about where to look for remnant slabs, or consider cheaper options like a preformed laminate finish.

Spa Touches

Make your shower more luxurious by replacing the old head. I personally love a rain shower, but a handheld sprayer can feel great after a long day and it makes cleaning a cinch. You can also replace your old shower curtain with a more modern update for less than $20. You won’t believe how a little change can make a big difference. 

This list is just the tip of the iceberg and I bet you have a few creative ideas on how to update your bathroom for less. I’d love to hear from you. Send me a message on Facebook at www.facebook.com/odonnellbros.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Home is Where the Money Is

With so many questions about what our future holds, there has never been more focus on life at home. A place for us to work, play, and rest, homeowners are becoming increasingly interested in a multi-functional space that can feel both comfortable and luxurious at the same time. Factor in soaring real estate prices and our investment in where we live makes a lot of sense. Thinking about an upgrade yourself? Here are five home design trends that aren’t going away anytime soon. 

Entertaining Spaces

While the state is open for business and the worst of COVID-19 seems past us, there are still many people who are limiting their time in public places. Intimate dinner parties and gatherings at home will be more popular than ever before, especially as the weather cools and the holidays get closer. With people spending time in their houses, focusing on dining rooms and spaces within the home to gather is an interior trend that we’ll be seeing a lot more of. 

Home Offices

Even though many businesses are back open, plenty of office workers will be staying put, opting to work from home at least part time. Home offices will continue to be a focus for families who need a place to work quietly away from the happenings in the rest of the house. From converted closets to basement renos to small additions, this is a trend that people value both from a real estate and a sanity perspective.

Indoor Outdoor 

Warm weather has given us plenty of opportunities to relax, dine, and entertain outside. But as we all know, these Connecticut summers fade into autumn quickly. I have been getting a lot of calls for french doors and large scale windows, which make rooms look bigger and give the feeling of the outside indoors. Recently, I helped my son-in-law rebuild a three-season porch for an extra living area that will serve their family well into the fall. For many people, nature brings a feeling of calm which we could all use plenty more of.

Bright Accents

Incorporating yellow into your home decor is a great way to brighten up a space without having to commit to a major overhaul. Taking inspiration for the 2021 Pantone Color of the Year, Illuminating, many interior designers are loving a pop of sunshine indoors. From throw pillows to artwork, using bold yellow as an accent is sure to lighten the mood. 

Supporting Local

COVID has had a huge impact on small business owners and local craftsmen, which makes now the time to support the people in your area who are building, making, and creating. In addition to having something in your home that is handmade, you also get an opportunity to allow local talent to keep doing what they do best. The next time you need supplies, decor, or materials, consider a small scale operation in your community.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.