With the increase in pollution levels, the concern for water contamination is on the rise. This also extends to drinking and cooking with such contaminated water as it can lead to health complications. To avoid such problems, it is advisable to install water purifiers. It helps access contaminant-free drinking water and keep oneself hydrated, essential for maintaining good health. However, one has to filter through numerous options and find a purifier that suits the requirements. Tips for choosing the right water purifier Check water quality It is first necessary to check the quality of water before selecting a water purifier. Depending on one’s residing location, one might have to deal with one or more water contaminants, varying from place to place. The contaminants present in the water would determine the type and quality of purifier required. Assessing the water quality beforehand can assist in choosing a purifier that efficiently eliminates all the contaminants and improves the quality of drinking water. Set a budget Before making any purchase, it’s important to set a budget. This helps filter out irrelevant options and allows one to focus on the important features of the product that will be useful in the long run. By sticking to cost-effective options, one can appreciate their purchase without overspending. Think about maintenance If one plans to purchase a water purifier online, remember to carefully read about the required maintenance practices. This may involve the frequency of filter replacements and service sessions. On the other hand, if one purchases from a store, ask the sales representative or agent for all the necessary details. Some shops might also provide a warranty and servicing options, which include sending technicians for regular maintenance and other requirements. Check for authenticity In order to stay within the set budget range, avoid purchasing a low-quality water purifier without checking its authenticity.

All homes do not have access to clean and safe drinking water, which isn’t available to everyone today. Water-borne diseases and health issues caused by unsafe drinking water can pose a serious risk and cause harm to one’s health, and as such, water purifiers can ensure clean and safe drinking water. Here are a few reasons a water purifier is a good investment for one’s health: 1. Removes chemical contaminants Tap water is treated very often with chlorine by municipal water treatment facilities. While these disinfectants neutralize parasites, bacteria, and pathogens, they could also leave behind harmful byproducts like trihalomethanes and chloramines, whose long-term exposure has been linked to serious health issues like cancer. Reverse osmosis water purifiers and activated carbon filters absorb the chlorine molecules, bind them to a surface, and prevent them from passing through the filter. The removal of chlorine also improves the taste and odor of water and may reduce any ill health effects that could result from drinking water with very high levels of chlorine. 2. Ensures added security Contaminants from pollution, outdated or faulty water pies, residue from pesticides (in the case of well water), and even extreme weather conditions can put a strain on municipal water treatment facilities. Having an extra layer of protection by way of a water purifier to remove any residual impurities is always a good safety net to ensure clean and pure drinking water. 3. Acts as a defense against microorganisms Water-borne diseases can lead to severe infections, and tap water must be purified before drinking to ensure these microscopic parasites don’t end up in one’s system, causing diarrhea, vomiting, cholera, and dysentery. People with weakened immune systems, in particular, should be careful. Some water purifiers have pore-size membranes used for reverse osmosis, small enough to stop both viruses and bacteria.

Proper roofing is integral to the structure of a house, and sometimes, even small errors in roofing, like a misaligned nail or using sub-standard shingles, can cause damage. While carrying out renovations on roofing, there are a few things to keep in mind, and not adhering to these can cause water damage, mold, and rot to permeate through the roof. Check out these common roofing mistakes that can occur during roofing renovations. Fitting a new roof over the old roof The only way to know what’s wrong with the old roofing is to tear it down and inspect it. Only after this can one ensure a correct roof repair or replacement. Installing a new roof over an old one without finding out the underlying issues is just covering up the problem and could result in costly repairs down the line. Also, the additional layer could increase the weight of the roof and put added pressure and stress on the walls. Using sub-standard shingles Buying shingles of strong and lasting quality is important so that they can withstand harsh weather conditions. Skimping on shingles during roof renovation only means that one may need to replace them sooner than usual, defeating the purpose of trying to save money in the first place. Getting a cheap deal or buying from second-hand sellers is one of the biggest mistakes one can make during roof renovation. Using nails incorrectly It’s essential to use the right kind of nails, enough nails, and nails in the right spots. If the nails are too short, they will not reach the roof decking, and the shingles could come off. If used in the wrong place or not tucked under the shingles, the nails could rust over time, allow the wind to lift the shingles, or allow rainwater in. Nails with big enough heads and barbed shanks should be driven into shingles at the correct spots and angles to ensure this common roofing renovation mistake doesn’t cost more in the long run.

Maintaining doors and windows does not seem that difficult, but if one does not keep up with it, the doors and windows could endure damage and excessive wear and tear. This could prove costly in the long run. Cleaning them only counts for something if care is taken to maintain their structure and moving parts. From irregular oiling to skipping caulking and sealing, here are some common door and window maintenance mistakes that most people make: 1. Irregular cleanup Dust and dirt tend to accumulate near tracks, frames, and corners of doors and windows, making them look shabby and affecting the movement of the hinges. Regularly cleaning these areas with mild detergent and soft cloth that won’t leave scratches and checking for signs of wear and tear helps improve the appearance and performance of doors and windows. 2. Overlooking moisture-related issues Moisture and wood do not go together, and continuous moisture can deteriorate the wooden frames of windows and doors, encouraging rot, mold, and mildew. Maintaining proper ventilation in the home, using exhaust fans in high-humidity areas, and immediately fixing any water-related issues helps maintain the strength and integrity of doors and windows. 3. Using harsh cleaning products Using ammonia-based cleaners and rough scrubbers to clean glass windows and wooden doors can lead to scratches and material damage over time. So, using mild, non-abrasive cleaners meant specifically for glass and wood, along with microfiber cloths, can help in cleaning doors and windows without damage. 4. Skipping lubrication Hinges, locks, tracks, and rollers are all moving parts of doors and windows that require regular lubrication to work well. Further, not oiling these parts can cause quicker wear and tear, requiring more repairs and maintenance and incurring more expenses in the process.  5. Rough handling Forcefully opening and closing doors and windows can damage them, from the frame to the hinges and even the locks and glass panes.

Pests can spread infections and become a menace for those staying in the house. While sprays, coils, and baits may help reduce their number, they may not be long-term solutions. Regular pest control is necessary to ward off these insects for longer periods and prevent them from forming colonies. Selecting a pest control company requires some research and thinking. These four tips can help one choose the right provider for their needs. Find out which methods the company uses While there are different ways to get rid of pests, not all are 100% effective. Moreover, some companies use solutions that can harm people if they inhale them. So, one should ask the pest control company which methods and products they use and check if those options are safe and effective. Understand the specific pest control requirements Although general pest control can stop pests, one may sometimes need specific solutions depending on the type of pests thriving around one’s house. Rodent control, termite control, and bug control are some options companies provide. One should inspect the place to find out what type of pests prevail the most and check with the pest control company if they can cater to these requirements or not. Check the company’s expertise and reputation Before shortlisting a pest control company, one should check whether it is reliable and genuine. It is important to assess the firm’s experience and expertise in the field and read online reviews to determine if they can do their job correctly. Consulting one’s friends, family members, and neighbors can also help gauge their credibility to a certain extent. Besides having a solid reputation, the company should be licensed by an authorized industry association, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Evaluate their customer care service While this step may not seem very important when shortlisting pest control companies, it proves crucial in the long run.

Carpets are a significant part of the home’s aesthetics. However, not many people know how to care well for them. This results in frequent mistakes that can damage the carpets and cost a lot of money. These have been recognized by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration (IICRC), and steering clear of them can help extend the life of the upholstery. Read on to learn about seven carpet cleaning mistakes and ways to avoid them. Scrubbing vigorously Scrubbing carpets too hard is not an effective way to remove the stains. In fact, it causes more damage to the fibers and can push the stain in deeper. Instead of scrubbing, try a blotting motion to lift any stains before following up with cleaners. Acting too slow Don’t wait for a spill to dry up, as this can make cleaning tougher. During this time, the spill seeps through the carpet fibers and reaches the padding, increasing the risk of mold growth. Try to clean it up as quickly as possible. Using the wrong products Today, carpets are made of a variety of fabrics. Each of the fabrics requires special care and attention, including certain cleaning products. Using the wrong cleaners can damage the integrity of the fibers and worsen fraying. Always check manufacturers’ instructions before trying new cleaning products. Forgetting to do a patch test When using any new chemical agent, start with a patch test. This initial process will show how the chemical reacts with the fabric. Do this in a hidden section, such as behind the door or under the couch. Relying too much on deodorizing powders Well-cleaned and maintained carpets rarely need deodorizers. Moreover, these powders can gunk up and make the carpet appear shabby and unclean if not used correctly. Using high amounts of chemical Knowing the correct amount of cleaning products to use is just as important as using the right products.

Installing new windows in a home is an excellent way to give it a new look. Home improvement projects like this are a lot of fun to manage, especially if they are DIY projects. However, if one does not have enough experience with such projects, one may end up making some common mistakes that can cost one dearly. This article lists a few such mistakes one can avoid when installing windows at home. Incorrect measurements It is extremely important to get the measurements of the window right. The window can be built to any size, so one must always be careful when taking measurements. If the window is of the standard size, it may be easy to work with as these are readily available. However, if it is a custom size, one must carefully tailor the requirements accordingly. Wrong-size jambs Jambs are critical in supporting and securing the window during the installation process. When measuring the window, it is also important to measure the width of the jambs. This ensures a snug fit of the window, which is important for its proper functioning. Improper weather-resistant barrier When the weather-resistant barrier is not installed properly during construction, it can lead to various issues in the future. These include a loss of energy, lack of tight seal, the inability to keep the air from entering or leaving, and possible moisture infiltration. These issues can affect the comfort of the home and lead to increased utility bills and energy consumption. Not checking the window placement It is important to ensure that the window placement is checked properly during construction or work. It is crucial that the window remains centered and leveled throughout the process and is not sealed without checking. Failure to do so can lead to unwanted gaps around the window and compromised insulation, and it can also make it difficult to manage the functionality of the window.

Maintaining a house and keeping it in good shape is not easy. Many people get overwhelmed by the long list of pending repair tasks. It may include repairing the roof, mending broken furniture, fixing leaky pipes, etc. Each problem must be addressed so that it does not reoccur and cause inconvenience. One way to achieve this goal is to stay away from these four common home repair and maintenance mistakes. Overlooking routine maintenance Skipping regular maintenance is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make. Periodic inspections are crucial because they help catch potential issues early on and fix them. Property owners should create a checklist of all the home repair and maintenance tasks, covering everything from the smallest to the biggest ones. This proactiveness can help owners stop minor inconveniences from turning into major issues later on. Using the wrong tools People make mistakes when they use tools without proper knowledge or use the wrong equipment to fix a problem. These mistakes can result in shoddy repair jobs and subpar results, damaging the property. Homeowners who decide to DIY their home maintenance and repair tasks must first learn to use tools properly. One should also use quality raw materials and spare parts for the best outcome. Not prioritizing safety Another common home maintenance and repair mistake is not prioritizing safety. One must use proper safety gear like gloves and goggles when working to avoid injuries and accidents. Moreover, individuals should take extra care when dealing with electrical appliances and switch them off before beginning. Caution should also be used when individuals work at heights. The right safety measures can protect homeowners against liabilities and avoid unnecessary trouble while maintenance is underway. Skipping HVAC maintenance It is crucial to maintain the HVAC system regularly. Neglecting its care can lead to increased energy bills, inefficient cooling, and, in some cases, premature system collapse.