Real Estate Information Archive

Should You Tint Your Home's Windows?

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

by Tucker Robbins

Window tinting, or filming, can be a budget-friendly way to take your home’s windows to a higher level of energy efficiency, especially if it is not in the budget to upgrade all the windows in your home. Learn more about this alternative to new window installation:

Window film comes in three types: decorative, privacy, and solar.

- Decorative films are just that--for aesthetics. They are not necessarily energy efficient.
- Film in the privacy/security category is made of a thicker material than decorative, and its purpose is to keep prying eyes out of your home, as well as help keep glass together in case of breakage.

- Solar film is made in different ways, but the sole reason homeowners have it installed is to reflect or absorb UV rays. Some more costly films will work both ways--reflecting and absorbing UV rays--so your home and energy bills benefit from the changing temperature needs of your home.

Other varieties include removable/reusable film, semi-permanent, and permanent. Your window’s film/tint depends on the type of window and needs you may have. Learn more with a free e-book from the International Window Film Association.
Many electric companies offer a rebate when a homeowner installs energy-saving window film. There is also a federal tax credit for making your home more energy efficient!
Added benefits to using window film in your home’s windows are protecting furniture, carpets, draperies, and even wood flooring from the damaging long-term effects of UV exposure.
In case you have newly installed windows, check your paperwork, or call the manufacturer, as adding window film to the glass can void the warranty.

Window film is available at home stores and online, and there are many DIY instructions online, so it can be done yourself. Application does require some patience; if done in a hurry, you can leave unsightly bubbles throughout the film or uneven trim around the window glass. When hiring a pro for this job, you may receive added protection from some film manufacturers with an offer of a lifetime warranty on their product when it is professionally installed.
When purchasing the type of film, you want to apply to your windows, make certain the product is certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council.

Protecting your belongings and energy consumption from the effects of the sun’s rays coming into your home can be taken care of with window film, but again, make sure the correct type is installed. Whatever your reason for applying film to your windows, rest assured it is a less expensive process than installing all new windows and can even be more cost effective when it comes to making your HVAC system use less energy.

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.

Photo credits: techno faq

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Hosting the Perfect Backyard Movie Night!

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

by Tucker Robbins

Weekend family movie nights may or may not be a tradition for you and yours, but there is no better time to start one! The investment is certainly worth it, as you can have family or close friends over for an evening of outdoor fun without the extra work and clean-up of a cookout. Create your own “drive-in” theater using these tips:

Supply list: outdoor extension cords, outdoor power strip, projector, movie source, speakers, screen, flat surface for the projector, seating, tables (optional items) outdoor lighting, insect repellent, and snacks.
For as little as $100, you can purchase an outdoor projector. Not in the budget? Check out a projector from your local library or find a local rental store that carries them. Make sure you have the correct cables and cord to connect to your movie source.
While a Blu-ray player is the easiest player for your outdoor cinema, your smartphone or a tablet will work just fine. Check the Wi-Fi signal to make certain there will not be a lot of buffering during play. If the signal is not strong, use a Wi-Fi booster or download the movie to your device before showtime. A Bluetooth speaker is an inexpensive option if the projector does not have them built in.

Your screen should be secured to a wall or fencing, or build a frame from which to hang a sheet, tablecloth, or painter’s drop cloth. Whatever method you choose, be sure your screen is smooth and braced against winds that may breeze up.
Seating is important, and while some will be comfortable with a cushion or floor pillow while reclining on an old blanket, you will need chairs, and maybe even a few tables. Just make sure that items you use can get damp and/or dirty from being on the ground.
Unless you ask others to bring their refreshments, ready-made snacks and drinks will be the most convenient and will keep you from being stuck at a table serving concessions. Have a “buffet” of pre-packaged goodies in baskets or on serving trays with drinks on ice.
Consider showing your movie out front where neighbors can sit in family groups around the front yard or even on the sidewalk.
Remember to keep an eye on the weather for a few days in advance so you do not risk ruining equipment with rain.

Talk with your neighbors about your plans, and if they are concerned about noise, promise to keep it down. It is especially useful for movie-goers to connect their phone’s Bluetooth to the sound, so the main speaker’s volume does not have to be turned up. Keep the screen out of the line of sight of your neighbor’s windows so the light will not disturb them if they turn in early. Outdoor movie nights should be fun, relaxing, and memorable for everyone!

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.

Photo credit: parents.com

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Helping Your Air Conditioning Keep Its Cool

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

by Tucker Robbins

You may or may not have already used your air conditioning this year, but now is always a good time to do what you must to help keep it running smoothly, as well as saving money on your energy use. The hottest part of the year is coming, and you want your unit in the best shape so you can stay cool!

Before doing any maintenance on an outdoor unit, be sure to locate the power supply and turn it off or remove the supply pack.

- Use a gentle spray from your water hose to clear dirt and debris from the condenser fins to help airflow and improve performance.

- Check the drain tube on the unit and clear anything that could keep condensation from flowing freely and away from your house. Use a small piece of wire or very small bottle brush to clear out any gunk that has built up on the inside.

Sometimes homeowners will hide their unit with shrubbery or other plants. Air needs to flow unobstructed around the unit, so if anything is growing too close, it should be trimmed to a distance of two feet away.
Changing the intake filter monthly may not be necessary, but checking it is. If it is noticeably dirty, replace it. What if you do not have an extra on hand? Give it a quick clean with the brush attachment on your vacuum and get a new filter as soon as possible.
While it might sound sensible to close the doors and vents of unused rooms, it is not. Airflow is important inside, so keeping interior doors and vents slightly opened is better than closing them tight.
On that note, if your nest is getting empty, you could consider replacing the central unit with ductless air conditioning.
When your home has ceiling fans, use them! Make sure the fans are turning in a counter-clockwise direction so that it gives a wind chill effect, but turn them off when you’re not in the room to save energy.

Window air conditioners can use a sprucing up as well, and an hour or two spent cleaning it will keep the unit running smoothly.

When you need to replace your unit, do some research to decide what type of system will fit your needs and be sure the contractor you hire is installing the correct size unit for your home--even a unit that is too large can cause problems. Just remember that keeping it clean and helping air flow freely are the two most important things for an air conditioning system.

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.

Photo credit: keystone heating and cooling

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Home Repairs and Maintenance for New Homeowners

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

by Tucker Robbins

Calling the landlord or apartment superintendent when something needed repair was the norm as a renting tenant, but now that you are a homeowner, there are simple skill sets that do not require a call to your local handyperson! All you need are a few tools and the willingness to learn something new!

Basic tools needed: claw hammer, screwdriver set, adjustable wrench, plunger, drain snake, tape measure, stud finder, plier set, putty knife, and a handsaw. These tools will help you in making simple repairs.

Plumbing Finding your water main shut-off is one of the first things a homeowner should get familiar with. Other water-related things that can be done easily: replacing an O-ring in a leaking faucet, unclogging drains, installing a new showerhead, and repairing a running toilet. The Family Handyman covers other simple jobs that do not need an expensive call to a plumber.

Electricity While an electrician is best for complete rewiring, many homeowners switch out old light fixtures or change them to ceiling fans on their own! Probably the most important thing to know about your new home’s electricity, however, is getting familiar with the circuit breaker box, and knowing how to turn them off or reset them.

Wall Repair Most homes have drywall, and accidents happen, so DIY repairs are a must. Plaster walls can be a bit trickier, but for minor problems, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/walls/21016734/how-to-fix-damaged-plaster

Painting DIY television shows make painting a room look simple, and while that may be, there are more steps to achieving a well-done paint job than using a good quality paint roller.

Home Safety It is imperative to know how to safely use a fire extinguisher as well as how to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Cleaning the HVAC Unit This simple job can make a big difference in how well your unit runs and it saves money because you are doing it yourself.

Yard Care After years of apartment living, many new homeowners simply do not know how to keep their grass trim or maintain a lawnmower! Bob Vila offers some great mowing tips for a great-looking lawn.

So many small fixes can be handled by you and your family as you learn to take care of your new home! Sure, you are protecting your investment, but knowing you can tackle some of the “small” stuff gives great satisfaction, knowing you are taking care of your family and your home.

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.

Photo credit: karpov construction

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Summertime Water-Saving Tips

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

by Tucker Robbins

Now that the weather is warming up, thoughts of lounging by the pool are on the horizon, and it is time to wash winter grime off the car, and clean winter linens and clothing for storage. While all of those are important things to do, conserving water is important this time of year, and there are lots of ways to save!

When the car needs cleaning, take the bucket and sponge to a car wash instead of washing it at home. This could save one hundred gallons of water per wash.
If you have a sprinkler system, set the timer for morning or evening. Pay close attention to the weather and turn off the timer whenever a good chance of rain is predicted.
Use a drip irrigation system instead of sprinklers or hand-watering with the hose for your veggie garden and landscaping. This allows water to soak directly in near the roots.

Growing native plants and grasses will help cut down on water usage, as they are adapted to your local climate. Contact your local cooperative extension agent to find out how to plant a native plant garden.
Trees and large shrubs can be hydrated efficiently by placing a five-gallon bucket with small holes drilled in the bottom nearby and filling the bucket with water. The holes will allow the water to trickle slowly, soaking the ground and roots--not the leaves.
Use a pool cover on the pool to help keep the water from evaporating. There are plenty of ways you can conserve while enjoying your pool.
Shortening your shower time by just two minutes per day saves 150 gallons of water per month!
Bathe fresh veggies in a bowl filled with water instead of under running water. Once they are clean, use the leftover water for houseplants or potted plants outside.

Keep a pitcher filled with water inside the fridge for a thirst quencher instead of running water from the faucet and waiting for it to get cool.

Not only will your bank account appreciate some water conservation, the environment benefits as well. If you are interested in learning more about using less water year-round, check out the Water Calculator website to get an idea of your water footprint, and learn how to use it more efficiently.

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.

Photo credit: prestige pools and spa

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