home, garden and lifestyle

Archive for the ‘home improvement’ Category

Windows are the eyes of the house. It gives depth to any homey abode. And as such, those wishing to dress them up a bit, look for easy, no-fuss solutions that are readily available at their neighborhood hardware store. Whether wanting to scratch one’s decorating itch or simply desiring a bit of privacy, homeowners all over the world agree that using a static cling window film is one of the best, if not, the most practical solution in home improvement.

But what exactly is this wonder material? For those without a handyman’s prowess, a static cling window film is a heavy-duty window material usually made from vinyl. These handy treatments are used to lessen harmful UV rays from coming in contact with the residents of the home and even from damaging one’s furnishings. Studies have shown that aside from the harmful bodily effects UV rays can inflict on human beings, constant and prolonged exposure to it can likewise fade and damage a home’s interior furnishings, flooring, and window treatments, among other things. Installing a static cling window film can actually help combat these disastrous effects by blocking up to 99% of these rays from entering one’s living quarters.

There are two known varieties of this wonderful and extremely useful product. There is what is known as the partially private types, which are usually semi-transparent in nature and allows a liberal amount of light to pass through the treatment. This type is ideal for those who wish to still enjoy the view from their windows but would want to filter in and lessen the amount of UV rays from their homes. Another type is what is known as the private variety, which is usually opaque and allows very little or no light at all to pass through the treatment. Both types are easy to install, even without the help of a professional and usually lasts around five years or more without any significant fading or cracking on its surfaces.
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It’s common for people to wonder if solar pool blankets actually work. The answer is a definite yes! For the consumer who has been searching for a cost-effective way to save money and help the environment, a solar pool blanket is the answer. It is important to remember that a solar pool blanket is not the same thing as one of those very pricey pool covers – they are much more affordable.

The cost of energy is on the rise; so many consumers are turning to the sun as an inexpensive way to generate the energy needed for their heating and cooling needs. It can be quite expensive to heat a pool, but by using the power of the sun, our most abundant natural resource, consumers are able to cash-in on this renewable energy source and cut down on their energy bill. In fact, many people are switching over from their gas and electric heating to solar power.

By using a solar pool blanket consumers often times experience huge savings. Using a solar pool blanket will cut down on the cost to heat the pool in order to use it, cut the cost of cleaning due to less debris getting into the pool, and allow consumers to cash-in on solar rebates from local, state, and federal government agencies. The majority of a pools’ water is lost due to evaporation. This evaporation is caused by harsh rays from the sun and gusts of wind beating down on your pool. By having a solar pool blanket covering your pool these sun rays will be used to heat the water and cut down on evaporation.

Consumers looking to save even more should combine their solar pool blanket with a solar pool heat pump. This combination will save money and heat the pool faster. When using this combination one can expect their pool to be heated in a matter of minutes, rather than hours.

For consumers living in colder climates, a solar pool blanket is a great way to extend the use of your pool. A solar pool blanket will provide heat throughout the day, while keeping the water warmer at night. It will also reduce much of the nighttime evaporation. This is a great way to cut down on heating costs. Even in warmer climates like Arizona, a pool can be too cold to use even in warm months like May. Combining a solar pool blanket with a solar heating system will get you many extra months out of your pool. Considering how much you paid for your pool in the first place, this is a great investment. Read the rest of this entry »