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5 errors to avoid while buying a home generator

5 errors to avoid while buying a home generator

Each season brings its own delights, but the occasional severe storms that tag along can cause a lot of trouble, especially by knocking out power grids. With the storms lasting from hours to days, households have to make arrangements to get essential appliances running. Here, a backup home generator can help in dealing with such situations. However, while purchasing a generator, one may want to avoid the following common mistakes:

1. Skipping a power audit
Conducting a power audit is a key step before buying a home generator. This will help one determine the right seized generator that would work for the house. Otherwise, the generator may not be able to handle the power load for the entire household. With a power audit, the total wattage and amperes required in a generator will also become clear. To conduct an audit, one can simply add up the wattages of all the appliances and electrical fittings in the house. Another option is to hire a professional technician for a more accurate assessment.

2. Ignoring fuel availability and source
Another common mistake while buying a home generator is not checking the fuel source and its availability. Generators typically run on diesel, propane, gasoline, or propane. But, not all of these fuel types might be easily available in the area where one resides, especially during emergencies such as storms. Further, some fuel types are difficult to store safely inside the house. So, one should always check the fuel source and availability and choose one that is easy to find and store. Then, one can choose a generator compatible with the fuel type.

3. Not choosing a reputable seller
One may be scammed into buying a used generator, trusting the sellers who claim the generator is new, only to see signs of wear and tear later. To avoid falling for such scams, one should always look up the brand and the seller and assess their reputability. One should read online reviews left by past customers. It is also important to do some research on the company to check how long it has been in business. One should only trust a company that has been in the generator sales and repair business for more than 5 years.

4. Not testing the generator
Skipping an inspection is another mistake to avoid. Even if the generator is purchased from a reputable brand, it is important to test the machine under full load. When it is thoroughly checked, one can be assured that they are buying a new, top-notch product. Further, if there is a manufacturing defect or the generator does not perform as claimed, one can ask the seller to replace it with an intact, fully functional one before making the payment.

5. Not checking the return policy
The return policies differ based on the seller. Some may offer a full refund and allow returns up to a certain number of days following the purchase, while others may not. So, one should always check the return policy offered by the specific seller. It also helps to have everything in writing so that the seller does not go back on their word.

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5 common vacuuming mistakes to avoid

Most individuals rely on their vacuum cleaners to help clean floors, carpet, tiles, sofas, upholstery, and sometimes hardwood floors. Though the vacuum is a versatile and sturdy tool, you may be unknowingly doing things that could damage its parts or body in the long run. After all, they are not indestructible and surely not always cheap. In order to keep them in good working condition, you should avoid making the following mistakes with your vacuum cleaner. Vacuuming things you shouldn't Dry foods like salt or sugar spills can be cleaned with a vacuum. But bits of wet food left on the floor, like pieces of tomato or baked beans, should not be vacuumed. They contain moisture that can clog the pipes and ruin the motor. Small and heavy objects like screws, coins, or large pieces of broken glass could cut the dust bag if vacuumed and damage the internal parts. Used coffee grounds are another thing that should not be vacuumed. They can block pipes, destroy motors, and result in the growth of mildew. Avoid vacuuming long clumps of hair, too, as they can get stuck inside the machine. Running the vacuum when the dust bag is full Whenever the dust container or bin is full, it should be emptied. On the off chance that you don't do that, the performance of the vacuum cleaner will be affected. You also risk overheating and harming the machine. However, time after time, we're in a rush and run the machine when it's overfilled. In the event that you notice the vacuum cleaner doesn't appear to have as much suction, take a look at the bin or dust bag first. More often than not, emptying these can have a tremendous effect on the vacuum's performance. It will likewise lessen the weight on the motor and extend the life of the machine. Throwing away the vacuum prematurely If your vacuum cleaner isn't suctioning things like it used to, don't just assume it's old and broken. There are various easy ways to fix the machine. First, check if the dust bag is full. Most vacuum cleaners perform poorly when the dust bag is full or nearly full. If this doesn't work, there could be a clog somewhere. Unplug the machine and remove its parts carefully. Check if the hose or its surrounding openings are blocked. Your brush-roll could not be running smoothly because of too much hair or carpet fibers stuck inside. Clean the clogged parts and your vacuum will start running just fine. Assuming the motor is broken Sometimes vacuum cleaners stop working mid-way. This is not because the motor is broken. It could simply mean that the machine has overheated because of a full dust bin. Empty the bag and try running the machine once it's cooled down. Some machines have a manual reset button that needs to be pushed to reset the motor. Read the instructions booklet on how to resolve this issue. Not cleaning the filter All vacuum cleaners have a filter that can get blocked due to excess dirt. They prevent dust from recirculating back into the air. The process of cleaning the filter is different for every model. Some have washable filters while others need to be replaced. Read the instruction manual and take the necessary steps to clean it accordingly.

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5 mistakes to avoid when choosing a front door

A stunning entrance can leave a lasting impression on visitors. Even though doors are such an important part of homes, people often forget to pay enough attention when choosing them. This can lead to wonky aesthetics, safety issues, and higher energy costs as well. To help one choose the right front door for their house, here are some of the most common mistakes they should avoid while making a purchase decision: 1. Choosing the wrong material To ensure one gets a strong, durable door that keeps the home safe, it is important to carefully consider its material. One can choose from the following common materials: Fiberglass: This material is durable and easy to clean. One can choose between two types of fiberglass doors—with and without glass panels—depending on their daylight requirements. This material gives a sleek finish to the home and is known for being energy efficient. Steel: For those living in regions with harsh weather, steel doors can be perfect. They require very little maintenance and often feature an added layer of foam for enhanced energy efficiency. Wood: A classic choice, wood has been the favored material for doors around the world. Thanks to its warm, natural appearance, it gives a welcoming finish to every home. However, it can be difficult to maintain and prone to splitting or peeling off in adverse weather conditions. 2. Forgetting about home aesthetics The door cannot be chosen in isolation. It is generally the first thing visitors see, which is why it must blend well with the architectural style and interior design of the home. Additionally, one must also pay attention to window and door heights—they must complement each other. Or else one runs the risk of things looking out of place. 3. Ignoring energy efficiency Considering the door’s energy efficiency performance can help one reduce their current electricity bills and increase the resale value of the house. Experts say that new doors can offer up to 15% improved energy efficiency! Generally, solid doors without glass panels are considered the most energy-efficient. Alternatively, one can opt for Low-E (low emissivity) glass coatings to reduce infrared radiation or argon-gas-filled panes to improve the insulation of the door. 4. Focusing on just the price Of course, it is important to work with a budget. However, don’t let this be the sole deciding factor when choosing a door. Nevertheless, the following categorization based on the budget can help one make a well-rounded decision: Low budget: Steel or metal doors tend to be cheaper than other materials but are energy efficient and come in a variety of styles. Mid-range budget: For this budget range, fiberglass may be the best choice. It’s an affordable way of achieving a wood finish without having to go all out. Luxury: If price is not a concern, it is best to opt for a wooden door. There are a variety of wood types on the market, and one can choose the right stain and finish as per their preferences. 5. Buying only for looks While looks are important, they aren’t everything. For instance, a glass door may look good but does not offer much security or privacy. So, one must carefully consider other factors, such as energy efficiency, durability, safety, privacy, and security, when choosing a door for their home.

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