A recent client of mine was very particular about her kitchen and bath. I stress “very” because, well, we all are. And also because I think her close friends and family will fully appreciate it…

But she’s also incredibly smart on her financial situation. Not all people understand what it really means to be smart on your own financial situation and they could learn a thing or 200 from this client of mine.

Know Your Home Renovation Budget

She knew her budget down to the penny and was realistic about what she’d really be willing to give up in terms of lifestyle changes to accommodate “more house”. Many people get caught up in the emotion of “the hunt” and are suddenly willing to increase their monthly mortgage payment by surprising amounts to allow for a higher sales price. Is this realistic? Not usually. So this client was super realistic about her budget and her priorities–namely floor plan and location. With patience and time, her ideal floor plan in her ideal location became available. It did not, however, come with her ideal kitchen and bathroom. But she knew that those could be changed with time, while location cannot. 

She prioritized her home renovations, knocking out items like paint before moving in. Then she started to plan for the big stuff. She tackled the kitchen first with a budget of about $3,000. She was able to achieve this by doing some of the work herself. 

Kitchen Renovations

She started by refinishing the cabinets white, which was $2,400 to have done by a professional. She could have done it herself (there are lots of YouTube videos on DIY how-to), but white shows all imperfections, so she chose to have a pro do it. She added a Calcutta marble backsplash herself to give it some pop. Materials for the backsplash were $500, hardware was $50 and painting the walls gray was about $30. Total kitchen budget- $3,000.

Check out the before and after photos.

Big impact on a very reasonable budget with a little sweat equity. By doing the kitchen herself, she was able to save money for the projects that are not recommended as DIY- namely plumbing and electrical work. So the bulk of her reno budget was put into the master bath.

Master Bathroom Renovations

This was a complete gut job, down to the studs, and ran her $11,000. She purchased the materials at Home Depot for $4,000 and labor ran $7,000. She did the design plans herself with lots of research, then obtained quotes from four contractors to find the best possible price. Many people aren’t willing to take the time to meet with multiple contractors, but that often costs money. After reviewing the four quotes she went with the least expensive company that had the best reviews on HomeAdvisor. 

The frameless shower is the real stunner with patterned tile in the niche accenting the simple floor and wall tile. The bench is not only functional, it provides different color and texture to break up the tile. And that wall color! It works so well with the shower tile and vanity–fresh, pretty and a really great pop of color. 

I was really blown away when she sent the photos. These are such great before and after transformations, but what is just as impressive is how accessible they are. So many people shy away from homes that require work because they think projects are either too much work or too expensive. This is such a great example of what you can do with smart planning and budgeting, especially if you’re willing to take on some of the work yourself. 

 What’s the smartest home renovation project you’ve accomplished in your home? I’d love to hear about it! And if you’d like help finding your dream home, or just next home, give me a call !

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Almost every single conversation I have with a new client begins with “the estimates say it’s worth…” These companies do not go into your home or the homes in your neighborhood to assess factors like upgrades. And some of the information on the public records that are used in the algorithm can be wrong. I’ve seen it on more than one occasion.

Read on to learn why you shouldn’t let a website tell you your home’s value. 

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In fact, according to a One Poll survey on behalf of ClosetMaid, 57 percent of women admitted having an organized closet would make finding what they’re looking for faster and easier while 3 out of 10 said an organized closet would make mornings less stressful.

However, treating yourself to your dream closet and introducing a new level of organization can help alleviate those worries and provide a fresh perspective. To get started on your closet makeover, consider these tips:

Assess Your Needs
 
Before diving headfirst into a full-blown closet makeover, start by assessing any budgetary constraints as well as the physical aspects and size of your space. Determine your ceiling height and available wall space to give yourself a feel for what your area can accommodate; you may even want to consider converting an adjacent room into your dream closet. Remember to account for any sloped walls and whether you prefer a simple reach-in closet or a more elaborate walk-in. Once you’ve determined your preferences and completed your measurements, turn to your wardrobe to assess whether you need more hanging space, shelving, shoe storage, accessory drawers or something else entirely.

Make Your Dream a Reality
 
Whether you’re a motivated DIYer intent on completing the project yourself or would prefer to work with a team of designers and professional installers, there are plenty of options available to bring your dream closet to fruition. One closet system to consider if you’re seeking a completely customized, designer-inspired space is ClosetMaid’s MasterSuite 27th Avenue collection. The professionally installed line can be cut to nearly any configuration and offers a range of matte and premium wood finishes, three drawer styles, elegant hardware options and high-end accessories, allowing you the design freedom to ensure the features and aesthetic match your vision for the space.

Customize Your Space
 
No closet is complete without some personal touches. Make your closet work efficiently with some luxurious organization accessories such as jewelry trays, shoe shelving, wire baskets and drawers, sliding mirrors, valet rods, scarf racks and more. Once you have the necessary accessories and hangers, set up a systematic flow by using the zone principle. Keep frequently used items in prime real estate, accessories within reach and tuck away those rarely used items.

With your dream closet complete, the only thing left to worry about is keeping it in tip-top shape. For more closet makeover tips and solutions, visit ClosetMaid.com.

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Home maintenance records include important information to help you stay on track with your home while you live in it, and can help when it’s time to sell. How many times have you had an issue with the water heater (or furnace, dishwasher…) and couldn’t remember what happened the last time? Knowing that this is the second time you’ve had the same issue with a part and you’ve already spent X amount of money on it could help to make the decision to replace it. On the other hand, knowing this is the first issue with a part could mean a simple repair is in order. Either way, knowing the history allows you to make an informed decision. The best way to keep up with this is by keeping proper home maintenance records.
 
Detailed home maintenance records could also help fetch a higher sales price when you sell. Think about it- when you’re in the market to buy, you want to know not just when major utilities were replaced, but that the 6-year old furnace has been carefully maintained, as well as the exact colors used for painting. Big ticket items, like pipes that have been upgraded, may just help clench the sale. And while extra paint and tile probably won’t, they sure can build goodwill when it comes time for the home inspection negotiations.
 

What to Include in Your Home Maintenance Records

 
Keep detailed records for major systems, such as:
 

• Roof
• HVAC
• Water heater
• Plumbing
• Flooring

It’s also important to document ALL maintenance, repairs, upgrades with:
 

• Date
• Room/ System
• Work completed (detail, detail, detail! and photos!!)
  o Was it routine maintenance or were you repairing an issue?
  o If issues were discovered, how they were resolved.
  — The old item you replaced is just as important as the new item,
  example: “Replaced galvanized pipes in bathroom with copper or CPVC”
  — Paint colors (if you need to just touch up and can’t match exactly, you’re
  painting the whole room again… $$$)
  o Where purchased (Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc.—different stores have different brands and codes)
  o Brand
  o Type (semi-gloss, flat, matte, etc.)
  o Color
  o Mix code
  — Example: Home Depot, Behr, Ultra Interior Flat Matte, Porpoise, 790E-3
  — Having even just a sample size of each color is a nice bonus for buyers
  (I’ve never had a buyer that didn’t ask for this)
  — Aesthetic or functional? (if the landscaping job is a drainage system in
  addition to aesthetic, make note of it)
   
  Plan Ahead for Future Repairs 
  It’s smart to buy extra materials for future repairs. This way, you know you’re getting a proper match and won’t have to worry if your specific tile, etc. isn’t available at a later date.
   
  Be sure to purchase extra of the following:
   
  • Paint
  • Tile
  • Quarter round and transition pieces for flooring (matching these to tile colors later can be difficult)
  Do you have additional tips for maintaining your records? Let me know! And if you’re interested in selling or looking for your next home, let’s talk!

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Some home upgrades are aesthetic, and some are for function. These ideas, all with better home safety in mind, show there’s no reason you can’t have both.

If you tend to think of home safety in strictly functional terms, you may be relieved to know you don’t have to abandon your designer sensibilities when it comes to improving your home’s overall safety. In fact, these tips from the decorating experts at JCPenney show just how easy it can be to make safe look sensational.

Appliances
 
Outdated appliances aren’t just an eyesore and drain on your home’s energy resources; they can actually be dangerous. Over time, electrical components and other mechanical functions can wear down, which may result in a higher risk of fire or water damage. A new suite of appliances can give a tired kitchen an instant facelift, and with the wide range of options available, you can create just about any look you desire, from an ultra-modern sleek motif to a farm-style design that blends modern convenience with yesteryear charm.

If replacing your home appliances isn’t in the budget, it’s important to ensure they’re being properly maintained. This applies to the kitchen, of course, but also other appliances throughout the house, such as the climate control system, water heater and water filtration system. Regularly cleaning and assessing operations can help you keep on top of potential concerns. Also keep up on regular service schedules so an expert can evaluate problems that may not be immediately apparent and ensure your appliances are operating at peak efficiency.

Window Treatments
 
Windows, and more particularly window treatments, can often play a significant role in a room’s ambiance. Custom-made drapery and other window treatments are ideal for giving any living space a personal feel. However, upgrading your window treatments isn’t just about creating a delightful new space. Cords on window treatments pose a significant risk, especially in homes with small children and pets who may become tangled in the cords.

 

A new window covering safety standard by the American National Standards Institute requires a vast majority of window covering products sold in the United States to be cordless or have inaccessible or short cords. By early 2019, corded window coverings will only be available on custom-order products, as corded products are still needed by a wide range of consumers, including the elderly and those with disabilities, those short in stature and those with windows in hard-to-reach locations.

 

To ensure your window treatments meet both your safety and functional needs, it’s a good idea to work with a certified window treatment expert who can meet in your home to find the perfect window treatments to complement your style, decor and budget. From energy-efficient shades and cordless shutters to blackout draperies, privacy blinds and decorative hardware, a JCPenney Decorating Consultant can work one-on-one with you to bring your vision to light. For added peace of mind, their professionally installed window treatments include a one-year guarantee.

 

Doors
 
An attractive, inviting door is an important element of your home’s exterior facade, but it’s also an important safety feature. For the door itself, a solid wood door is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound, but if your budget can stand it, steel is even better. Avoid pretty window panes that can be easily broken, giving access to the locks. Be sure the frame is in good order, as well, as even the sturdiest door can be forced off a weak, rotted or poorly installed frame.

A deadbolt that extends at least an inch into the doorframe is a basic must. It’s also a good idea to forgo the push-button knobs and opt instead for a more secure keyed doorknob, which is more difficult for an intruder to manipulate. Also remember the same principals apply to every entry point to the house, not just the front door.

Start planning upgrades to your home’s safety at jcpenney.com.

Window Treatments That Work
 
There are a wide range of window treatments available today, including blinds, draperies, valances and shades. With more than 9,000 unique patterns and colors, plus countless more textures and materials available, a JCPenney Decorating Consultant can recommend window treatments that are attractive, well-constructed and suited to transform nearly any window into a functional and inspirational view.

Style
 
Many window treatments serve dual purposes, such as adding visual beauty while controlling light flow, which can greatly impact the overall feel of the room. Treatments with a horizontal orientation create a casual feel, while a vertical orientation adds height and stature. Treatments with patterns or diagonal lines draw attention to the window, but they can be distracting if not defined by another style element.

Color
 
Warm colors like reds and oranges can be used to make a room feel cozier, while greens and blues can make a room feel cooler. Colors that contrast with your walls can be used to fill the space in a room while other colors can be selected to blend with the walls. The amount of natural light in a room also plays into color selection, as changing light alters the colors’ appearance throughout the day.

Texture
 
The material can also factor into the overall look and feel of the room, ranging from more formal to more casual. Patterns or shapes can create depth and invoke a feeling of formality or fun.

Cords
 
New safety standards dictate that the majority of window treatments be cordless or have short cords. However, depending on the placement of the window covering or your personal needs, you may require special accommodations that are available through custom orders. A certified window treatment expert can help you determine what cord style best meets your needs and order custom treatments with the features you require.

Fit to the Room
 
Symmetry and balance are important considerations. Heavy treatments can overpower a space, while treatments that are too light can blend in or get lost. Simple treatments are typically used in smaller rooms, while more ornate treatments are best for larger spaces. Put simply, you’ll need to decide whether you want the window treatments to be a focal point or accent.

 
SOURCE:
JCPenney

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When chilly weather arrives and the days get shorter, chances are good you’ll spend the majority of your days indoors. Before you start your hibernation, it’s a good idea to ensure your home is up to the task. Put your well-being at the top of the list with these ideas to help ensure a health-conscious home that’s ready for the dark days of winter.

Encourage better air quality
 
When the house is closed up tight to keep out the cold, you may be trapping in some undesirable air pollutants. A well-sealed house may not have the best circulation, and that’s the ideal environment for dust mites and other allergens to accumulate.

 

A thorough cleaning is the first step toward better air quality. Do a deep vacuuming of all carpets, including under furniture and around baseboards. Be sure to launder linens that aren’t typically part of your regular washing routine, like window treatments and comforters.

 

You may want to consult a heating and cooling specialist to determine whether your ductwork is due for a cleaning. Especially if your system didn’t get much use through the summer months, there may be a fair bit of dust just waiting to infiltrate your home once the furnace begins to blow.

 

Be sure to change filters, clean vents and air returns and, if necessary, consider adding an air purifier that helps filter any remaining particles for the best quality air. When opening windows isn’t comfortable during cold winter weather, letting the sunshine in can still help to improve indoor air quality. A study by the University of Oregon’s Biology and the Built Environment Center showed rooms with increased sunlight have fewer viable bacteria.

 

“Until now, daylighting design has been primarily about visual comfort or circadian health, but now we can say daylighting influences air quality,” said Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg, co-director of the BioBE Center and co-author of the study.

Let in light
 
Natural light plays an important role in overall health, and reduced daylight in the winter months can have a big impact on productivity and sleep, according to a recent survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Velux. For example, nearly two-thirds of respondents said they believe daylight affects their productivity and mood. Light is also an important cue to the body’s circadian clock, and proper exposure to natural light during the day can help support better sleep when darkness falls.

 

What’s more, sunlight is a natural antidepressant, and there is ample scientific evidence that associates daylight with better health and quality of life, such as improved mood, less fatigue and reduced eyestrain

It may be tempting to keep the drapes closed when it’s blustery outside to ward off a draft, but with well-sealed windows, there’s no reason to block that all-important natural light. In rooms with ample natural light available, take advantage, especially in the morning when exposure to daylight can benefit your circadian rhythm.

However, not every room is situated to maximize your access to natural light, and that’s when you can get creative. One solution is skylights, which add natural light to virtually any space. An option like a Sun Tunnel Skylight offered by Velux Skylights lends brightness to even the smallest spaces, like a bathroom or hallway. For a larger room, a fresh-air skylight can help address air quality concerns, and some models offer smartphone connectivity to open and close the skylight and even raise or lower blinds with a few quick taps of the finger. Learn more at whyskylights.com.

Keep out the cold
As a child, you were probably warned to bundle up in cooler weather to avoid catching a cold. As an adult, you likely realize that germs, not temperatures, cause illness. However, there is some truth to the old wives’ tales associating cold with getting sick. The viruses that cause colds and the flu thrive in cooler temperatures, for example. This means that, at least indirectly, a cold environment may indeed make you sick.

To ward off a chill in your home, safeguard against drafts around windows and doors. If seasonal weather-proofing is impractical, consider temporary solutions like draft stoppers or mats you can place at the base of doors. Add insulation, if needed, in areas that commonly release a significant amount of heat, such as the attic and garage.

Daylight Makes a Difference
As the days become shorter and colder, the importance of getting enough daylight is even more acute to sleep patterns, mood and productivity. These tips can help you get a better night sleep:

• Increase your exposure to natural light during the day. Take a lunchtime walk at work or, if you can’t get outside, sit by a window while you eat.
• Install blackout curtains in your bedroom to block light from street lamps and the moon.
• Turn your thermostat down in the evenings to create a cooler bedroom to sleep in.
• Establish a good bedtime routine. For example, read a book instead of spending more time looking at a screen. Blue light from electronic devices mimics daylight and can trick your brain into staying alert.
• Use red or orange bulbs in kids’ night lights as these are some of the least disruptive to sleep.

 
SOURCE:
Velux Skylights

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As more homeowners opt to remodel their current homes for accessibility and safety, those concerns are taken into consideration especially for kitchens or bathrooms.

Special considerations often should be made for those falling in the Baby Boomer age group, who especially should take into account the accessibility of their homes and improvements that can be made.

Incorporate universal design strategies into your next remodeling project with this five-step guide from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), which offers certification in universal design to provide contractors with the knowledge and training to ensure accessibility in kitchen and bathroom designs.

1. Understand Your Needs
   Before starting any remodeling project, take the time to define your needs. Ask simple questions such as:
   • How do you live in your current home?
   • What health issues – current and future – should be considered?
   • How can a remodel help make your space safer and easier to use?

2. Identify Structural Mobility Changes
   Mobility addresses the ability to move freely in a space. While mobility issues can impact older adults, it is not limited to only the elderly. While you might not need mobility assistance today, take a walk through your home and identify structural items that should be addressed, such as:

Doorways

• Widening doorways to 32-36 inches so walkers, wheelchairs or even large household items may easily move through
• Removing thresholds that may create a tripping hazard

Hallways

• Expanding hallway widths to 36-42 inches
• Well-lit hallways can improve safety

Clear Space

• Incorporating clear space, especially in front of kitchen appliances
• Best practices suggest clear space of 30-by-48 inches to allow for easy access

3. Safety First
   Stairs pose a considerable hazard for those with decreased mobility. Ensure the first level of your home provides space for sleeping, eating and has at least one full bathroom. Other safety considerations include:
   • Incorporating non-slip flooring surfaces
   • Removing the need to go up or down stairs
   • Creating well-lit rooms

4. Kitchen Updates for Ease of Use
   Cabinets and counter heights, as well as the location of appliances, can improve the cooking experience. Other checklist items include:
   • Dishwashers in drawer units eliminate the need to bend over when loading or unloading
   • Push button controls for dishwashers for easier use
   • Refrigerators with drawer unit options or side-by-side models
   • Ovens and microwaves placed in the wall at appropriate heights

5. Bathroom Best Practices
   Adjusting counter and toilet heights are two ways to make bathrooms more accessible. Wall-hung toilets should be approximately two inches higher. A first floor or main floor bathroom should incorporate:
   • Structural bracing around the tub, shower and toilet for grab bars
   • Walk-in tub or curbless stand-up shower with no threshold
   • Levered handles for faucets
   • Adjustable showerhead

For more information or ideas to incorporate universal design, visit NARI.org.

SOURCE:
NARI

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Why Your Pet Should Have a Resume

 
I advise my clients to create a “resume” for their pet to include with the rental application. This should provide basic information about the pet, as well as details that can help the owner feel more comfortable about renting to you.
 
Your pet’s resume should include:

• Breed
• Age
• Sex
• Training: Is your pet crate-trained? Has s/he received obedience training? Did s/he receive a certificate for being a stellar “student” in class? Include it!
• Personality traits: Is your pet low key and doesn’t jump around much? Or is s/he a high energy dog, but gets plenty of walks?
• Standout behavior habits: If your pet doesn’t chew, scratch, etc. make sure to include this info!
• Grooming: If your pet is a breed that sheds a lot, let the owner know what you do to overcome it. If s/he doesn’t shed and is hypoallergenic, by all means include that!
• Proof of vaccinations
• Disclosure of any previous incidents

Don’t embellish your pet’s resume and certainly don’t lie. But if your pet is an awesome housemate, let the owner know. The goal here is to provide enough information to remove the unknown and uncertainty for the owner of the home.
 
If you’re ready to find the perfect home for you and your pet, let me know! One of the reasons I chose Old Town Alexandria as my home is how dog-friendly it is. Even so, it can be tricky to find the dog-friendly restaurants and stores. This is why I started documenting where I take my dog, Rummy on LeisurePup.com. Check it out, and let me know if I can help you find your next pet-friendly rental home!

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How to Remove Pet Hair from Furniture and Carpet

 
I love our dog and cat, but I don’t love the hair they leave behind on our sofa and carpet. In fact, it kind of grosses me out. That’s why I was thrilled to learn this nifty hack. To remove pet hair from furniture and carpet, simply use a squeegee. Run the squeegee across the chair or carpet and you’ll soon have a ball of fur to toss in the trash.
 

How to Clean a Mirror 

 
I love mirrors. I love how they reflect the sunlight, I love how they make a room look larger, but most importantly, I love that I can check my teeth after eating spinach. I don’t like how they attract smudges though, and with kids in the house, you can be sure those smudges are everywhere. At least there’s an easy way to clean them. Brew a strong pot of black tea. Dip a lint-free cloth into the tea to moisten it and rub little circles on the mirror. (Don’t saturate it as it can leave black tarnish marks if the liquid seeps into the silver coating.) Dry with a clean, dry cloth.
 

How to Clean Windowsills

 
I love opening the curtains each morning and letting the sun shine in, waking me up. But I don’t like seeing dirt and gunk in my windowsills. You’d be surprised how much accumulates. It’s not too pretty. To clean this narrow area, grab some Q-Tips and vinegar. Dip the Q-Tip in the vinegar and wipe inside the windowsill. Ahhh…clean again. Now that’s a beautiful sight!
 

How to Clean Baseboards

 
Baseboards add such a nice touch to homes, but they accrue dust quickly. To keep dust away in the first place, dust your baseboards with a dryer sheet. Not only will this clean your baseboards, but it will also repel further dust from gathering. (And, bonus – the dryer sheets make your house smell nice and fresh!)
 

How to Clean Lampshades

 
Lampshades are one of those sneaky areas that accumulate an obscene amount of dust. Using a duster seems to just move the dust to my nightstand rather than eliminate it. Not anymore! Instead of using a duster to clean lampshades, use a lint roller. The sticky pad picks up dust and removes it rather than making it settle on your furniture.
 

How to Clean Blinds

 
Blinds are one of those things that tend to get overlooked, but go look at yours right now. I bet they’re covered in dust. Fortunately, cleaning them is simple. Put on a cotton glove and run the blinds through your fingers from side to side. It’s as simple as that.
 
With these cleaning hacks you can keep a tidy house – and your sanity! What kind of hacks do you use? Don’t hold out on us, share!

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(Family Features) Home technology devices have come a long way, and many homeowners are discovering that their features aren’t just for convenience and comfort. A growing number of technology-enabled home features promote a healthier living space for you and your family.

From boosting indoor air quality to cutting back on dust, dirt and germs, these ideas are the perfect way to add functional upgrades that improve your quality of life.

1. Minimize floor debris.
The floors in most homes are grounds for an unsettling array of dust, dirt and other unsavory elements, many of which are tracked in from outdoors. A robotic vacuum can help you keep these and other allergens like pet hair under control with next to no effort. Some models even know when they’re low on battery, return to their docking station to recharge then rely on memory to pick up just where they left off. Many are also self-emptying for a virtually hands-free cleanup job after the initial setup.

2. Create climate zones.
A zoned approach to cooling and heating systems allows homeowners to cool and heat their homes in multiple zones, reducing energy consumption in spaces used infrequently. Today’s systems take climate management one step further. In addition to regulating the temperature, a system like Mitsubishi Electric Zoned Comfort Solutions offers advanced, multi-stage filtration that constantly cleans the air to capture and remove contaminants which may trigger allergy and asthma symptoms, spread germs and impact air quality. In addition, features like platinum deodorizing filters on select systems use nanotechnology to absorb and neutralize odors.

3. Wash away germs.
It’s only natural that a device you use to wash dirty hands is often one of the most bacteria-laden elements in a home. However, if you don’t have to touch a faucet, concerns about germs may diminish. Hands-free faucets are hardly new; they’ve been the norm in public restrooms for years. Now these models are more accessible (and affordable) for homeowners, offering the same germ-minimizing and water conservation benefits as their commercial counterparts.

4. Monitor for danger.
Fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are obvious essentials for any home, but smart models take protection even further by letting you know about a problem even when you’re not at home. By connecting the monitors to a smart device, such as your phone, you can be alerted to potential concerns before they become major threats to your health or even life. An added bonus: many models will also send notices about issues like low battery life, so if you get the alert while you’re already out, you can save yourself an extra trip.

5. Reduce ductwork.
Humidity can cause heating, ventilation and air conditioning ducts to become damp and breed mold, mildew and bacteria, but eliminating or reducing ductwork means less dust or bacteria circulating throughout your home. You can further manage air quality with options such as a Mitsubishi Electric Zoned Comfort System. These cooling and heating systems are available in both ducted and ductless configurations and use filters that are easy to access, remove and clean. Typically homes only use one type of cooling and heating system, but some home designs, such as room additions or retrofits, may require a hybrid system with a mix of ducted and ductless products with short duct runs and robust filtration.

In fact, Mitsubishi Electric ducted air systems use less ductwork than traditional systems. Less ductwork results in less chance of air leakage, which reduces energy loss, and less contaminants building up in the ductwork. For homeowners looking to go the ductless route, the simplicity of an option like the MLZ One-Way Ceiling Cassette indoor unit is an aesthetically friendly solution that blends into the ceiling. This system easily slides between standard 16-inch joists.

6. Let there be light.
Most experts agree that natural light is good for your overall wellbeing. Among the benefits are its mood-boosting abilities, and some research indicates it’s better for your eyes than the harsh glare of artificial bulbs (assuming you don’t stare directly at the sun, of course). Make it easy to fill your home with ambient natural light using smart technology for your window coverings, including blinds or drapes. Whether powered by a remote control or your smartphone, you’ll have the ability to create a lighter, brighter room at your fingertips.

7. Don’t overlook the outdoors.
A lawn that is over-watered is a breeding ground for mold, insects and other threats to your health. A smart irrigation system can help regulate your sprinklers to monitor the weather and avoid unnecessary watering. In addition, some models allow you to program the exact type of grass or vegetation to help keep tabs on lawn and flower bed moisture levels and make automatic adjustments to strike a perfect balance between drying out and oversaturating.

Explore more health-conscious solutions for your home at MitsubishiComfort.com.

SOURCE:
Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating

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