If you live on the West Coast or in the Southwest United States, you may be bracing for yet another long, hot summer of crispy lawns and low crop productivity. However, certain communities and homeowners' associations (HOAs) have begun to crack down on homeowners who have allowed their lawns to go dormant for too long, fining or otherwise penalizing those whose lawns have become an unsightly brown due to drought conditions. If you were considering the installation of a lawn irrigation system prior to the onslaught of the drought, you may be wondering whether an irrigation system is still a worthwhile investment.
Fireplace inserts that run on natural gas or propane instead of wood provide heat and beauty without the hassle of lugging around logs. Many models fit directly into masonry fireplaces with few modifications to the chimney, especially if there's already a metal or concrete liner. However, missing a few design improvements and skipping routine maintenance chores can lead to a chimney so corroded from the inside out that it's a danger to the rest of the home.
There are few things worse than your heating system breaking down on one of the coldest days of the year. This scenario can definitely happen if you neglect to take care of your heater. Just like any other appliance, a heating system will wear down faster if it is not maintained properly. Here is some helpful advice on how to take better care of your heating system:
Give the Heater a Break
Cloth diapers, which are used by many parents, are made to be highly absorbent. Hard water, however, can make them less absorbent and ineffective. If you've recently had a baby and plan on using cloth diapers, make sure hard water doesn't ruin the diapers you purchase. Test your home for hard water, and invest in a water softener if it's hard so that your diapers don't start leaking.
Hot Water Harms Cloth Diapers
When you're decorating a room, it's important not to overlook the importance of drapes as a decorating tool. In addition to controlling the amount of light that is or isn't able to get into the room – which can be an important decorating choice in and of itself – drapes add depth and texture to the overall look of the room. Choosing the right colors and patterns is an important part of decorating with drapes, but it's also important to hang them properly if you want to get the desired effects.
