(NewsUSA) - They say blonds have more fun, but there are non-frivolous reasons for choosing pale or light-finish hardwoods for floors, cabinetry, paneling, and millwork in your home. “Many species of Real American Hardwood^®—white oak, maple, birch, ash, poplar, beech, and sycamore among them—are naturally blond,” notes Linda Jovanovich of the American Hardwood Information Center. “These pale-tone woods can help create bright and airy residential spaces that readily adapt to the homeowner’s preferred style of décor, from the comfortably traditional to the boldly contemporary.” More than just a collection of pretty faces, they all share hardwood’s well-known durability, flexibility, and sustainability—qualities that make it an ideal material for use in today’s most Instagram-ready interiors. Here are six examples of how it’s done. 

In remodeling this Chicago kitchen, designers Rebekah Zaveloff and Kat Andrejevic of KitchenLab Interiors (@kitchenlabinteriors) achieved an invitingly informal feel by choosing white oak for the massive island and chunky open shelves, the gorgeous honey-toned wood adding warmth but no visual bulk to the sizeable elements. Refinished light-stained hardwood floors, the island’s single-slab marble top, dark-green custom cabinets, and white subway-tile walls complete the crisp but welcoming look. Photo by Michael Alan Kaskel

Subtlety is the name of the game in this Sleepy Hollow, New York, bathroom by Studio Dearborn (@studiodearborn), where designer Sarah Robertson has used rift-sawn white-oak millwork finished with a custom pale-mushroom stain to enliven what might otherwise be a bland color and materials palette: Calacatta Gold marble for the counter and floor, smoke-gray subway tile for the backsplash, and pure white tub. Nickel-finish faucets, hardware, and sconces add sparkle. Photo by Adam Kane Macchia 

The traditional kitchen in an Arts & Crafts–inspired farmhouse in Charlottesville, Virginia, by BRW Architects (@brwarchitectscville) is a masterclass in how to give a fresh, modern look to a beloved classic style. Blonde maple cabinetry in a clean Shaker-like design is joined by red-oak flooring, green-granite topped island, stainless-steel appliances, and an abundance of natural daylight, all of which help amplify the contemporary vibe without violating the room’s period spirit. Photo by Virginia Hamrick 

Renovated by Ectypos Architecture (ectypos.com), this 1950s ranch house in Seattle now includes a library, thanks to a handsome wall of built-in light-oak shelving that turns a former corridor into an attractive reading nook. The golden-hued wood glows under strategically placed ceiling lights, ensuring that the narrow space, which connects the living and dining areas, is warm and inviting—a place to linger in rather than a mere passageway. Photo by Joe Iano

The owners of this contemporary town house in Austin, Texas, asked Breathe Design Studio (@breathedesign) to give them minimalist, midcentury-modern interiors—a request that the sleek, sophisticated kitchen with its polished-concrete flooring, waterfall island, wireframe stools, stainless-steel appliances, and pure white walls more than delivers on. Custom, solid-birch cabinetry with a natural finish renders the space cool, calm, and collected rather than cold and clinical as it could have become. Photo by Chase Daniel 

A wall of vertical poplar slats sets off a white-painted brick fireplace in the family room of a Danville, California, house renovated by Kimberley Kay Interiors (@kimberleykayinteriors). The individual wood battens are stained slightly different shades of light khaki, creating a sense of organic color variation across the wall that contrasts pleasingly with the regular rhythm of the neatly tailored millwork. More texture and visual interest are added via textiles and woven-straw baskets. Photo by Life Created 

Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about using blonde American hardwoods in your home. 

(NewsUSA) - As Americans prepare to spend more cold cash to keep warm this winter, it’s more important than ever to learn how to leverage the benefits of The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) is the largest ever climate investment in American history expected to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) and cut home energy costs by incentivizing the adoption of highly efficient electric appliances – including heat pumps. In fact, the IRA specifically highlights the vital role of heat pumps to achieve its objectives.

A Heat Pump Primer

Heat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners for all climates and seasons.

The most common type of heat pump is the air source heat pump (ASHP) which provides optimally efficient heating and cooling by extracting heat from outside into your home in the winter and pulling the heat out of your home in the summer. Today's systems can reduce electricity use for heating by approximately 50% compared to units such as furnaces and baseboard heaters and is about one-half the cost of oil heat.

For homes without ducts, ASHPs are available in a ductless version called mini-split heat pumps. Mini-split systems, offered by companies including Fujitsu General, provide maximum energy efficiency, saving homeowners up to an additional 25% of utility bills by simply eliminating wasteful ducts. Duct losses can easily account for more than 30% of energy consumption.

Further, heat pumps are better for the environment because they don’t burn fossil fuels. In fact, even under conservative modeling assumptions, 98% of U.S. households would cut their carbon emissions by installing heat pumps today, according to Rewiring America.

Acting on The Inflation Reduction Act

The benefits boil down to two categories: Tax credits and rebates. Specifically, there’s the 25C Tax Credit and two rebates (coming soon) including the High Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) and the Home Owner Managing Energy Savings (HOMES) Rebate Program.

• Energy Efficient Home Improvement (25C) Tax Credit: 25C provides households a 30% tax credit for heat pumps capped at $2,000 per year. The credit resets each tax year, effectively becoming available again for additional projects. 25C also includes a 30% tax credit up to $600 for an electrical panel upgrade, but only if it’s upgraded in conjunction with another upgrade covered by 25C (like a heat pump).
   
• High Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act: The High Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act provides point-of-sale consumer rebates to enable low- and moderate-income households to electrify their homes. For low-income households, the program covers 100% of heat pump costs up to $8,000. For moderate-income households, they cover 50% of costs up to $8,000. The rebates may be implemented differently in each state, so final amounts, eligibility, or timeline may vary.
   
• Home Owner Managing Energy Savings Rebate Program: The Home Owner Managing Energy Savings Rebate Program will provide funding to State energy offices to develop and implement a rebate program for whole-house energy saving retrofits including certain HVAC equipment. Unlike the HEEHRA program, the HOMES rebates program is not income restricted but is rather performance-based with modeled or measured energy savings from energy efficiency upgrades.

With home heating and cooling accounting for nearly half of home energy use, don’t let rising utility bills leave you in the cold this winter. For more information about the IRA benefits, visit Rewiring America and www.constantcomfort.com to find a heat pump system that would suit your home’s needs.

(NewsUSA) - Despite increased interest rates and inventory challenges, you can still be a homeowner this year.

Many first-time homebuyers may not realize that there are many ways to make home ownership happen, and not all of them involve a 20% down payment.

The need to put down 20% of the cost of a home is a general misconception according to Freedom Mortgage, a residential mortgage lender with experience originating conventional, FHA and VA loans. They are an independent, non-bank, full-service, residential lender whose mission is to expand opportunities for first-time homebuyers, especially military personnel and consumers with low down payments.

One secret to securing a successful loan is to work with a loan officer who is experienced in the wide range of available home loans, especially those backed by the U.S. government. That way, homebuyers are aware of all potential financing opportunities and companies who offer those options. A good loan officer will walk you through the process and find a loan that works for your budget. Remember—even if your credit history is less than stellar, or if your resources for a down payment are limited, owning a home is still within reach.

Government-insured loans for first-time homebuyers that don’t require a 20% down payment include:

• VA loans. If you are a Veteran—either active military or retired—you may be eligible for a VA purchase loan through the federal government with no down payment.
• FHA loans. A Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan allows for lower rates, flexible credit terms, and low minimum down payments (approximately 3.5%). FHA loans are designed for individuals with lower credit scores (minimum 550) and can be used for refinancing, too.
• USDA loans. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans help people seeking to buy homes in rural (and some suburban) areas. USDA loans are not available everywhere, but they are an option in many states. Benefits include competitive interest rates and, in many cases, no down payments. USDA loans have no limits on the loan, and low mortgage guarantee fees. The minimum credit score is 620.

For homebuyers with good credit and finances, a conventional loan may be a good bet, because these loans allow you to finance a wider range of houses than other mortgage types do. Conventional loans also may allow you to borrow more money to finance a more expensive home.

The bottom line is that home ownership can—and should—be available to everyone. A lender such as Freedom Mortgage can help identify the best loan that lets you purchase a home sooner and start to build wealth through home equity.

Visit www.FreedomMortgage.com for more information or call 833-687-1212 for assistance.

(NewsUSA) - Spring and warmer weather means more time outside, and finding the right swing set for your yard is a great way to get your kids and their friends (parents, too!) energized and enjoying outdoor play.

When choosing a swing set, several factors to keep in mind include safety, convenience, and style.

Backyard Adventures has been providing premium, wooden modular swing sets for more than 40 years. The company’s continuing mission is to help families discover the joys of simple outdoor play through fresh air, friendship, exercise, and imagination. The company offers customizable outdoor playsets that enable hundreds of different configuration possibilities to suit a range of tastes and yard sizes.

“Outdoor playtime is critical to the healthy development and growth of kids, and we have continued to innovate and offer new designs and playsets that appeal to homeowners,” according to the company. “The customization of our back yard swing sets coupled with the unmatched quality is what continues to set us apart.”

Backyard Adventures’ new Treehouse Peak Series, for example, is designed for larger spaces. Special features include high-quality forts, swings, and customizable accessories such as slides, playhouses, and monkey bars with ninja style training features. Best of all, the Treehouse Peak Series is designed for parents and children to play together!

Other series of swing sets include the Peak Playsets, which can be customized with rope ladders, climbing walls, and classic style tire swivel swings. Bridged swing sets allow even more options with the ability to combine two fort structures or more into huge backyard playscape.

For smaller spaces, the Space Savers playsets don’t compromise on quality or fun, and can also include climbing walls, picnic table, gang planks, and sandboxes that bring adventure to any backyard.

With prices starting at $2,500 for smaller swing sets to upwards of $50,000 for deluxe models, there is a swing set for every family, backyard, and budget. All swing set models feature an attractive two-toned stain and natural cedar wood.

Backyard Adventures wooden playsets are available through trusted dealers across the country, and the company website helps families locate the dealer nearest to them. In addition, check out the online playset designer and create your family’s one-of-a-kind outdoor play space.

Visit www.backyardadventures.com for more information, or follow Backyard Adventures on Facebook and Instagram.

(NewsUSA) - Spring and warmer weather means more time outside, and finding the right swing set for your yard is a great way to get your kids and their friends (parents, too!) energized and enjoying outdoor play.

When choosing a swing set, several factors to keep in mind include safety, convenience, and style.

Backyard Adventures has been providing premium, wooden modular swing sets for more than 40 years. The company’s continuing mission is to help families discover the joys of simple outdoor play through fresh air, friendship, exercise, and imagination. The company offers customizable outdoor playsets that enable hundreds of different configuration possibilities to suit a range of tastes and yard sizes.

“Outdoor playtime is critical to the healthy development and growth of kids, and we have continued to innovate and offer new designs and playsets that appeal to homeowners,” according to the company. “The customization of our backyard swing sets coupled with the unmatched quality is what continues to set us apart.”

Backyard Adventures’ new Treehouse Peak Series, for example, is designed for larger spaces. Special features include high-quality forts, swings, and customizable accessories such as slides, playhouses, and monkey bars with ninja style training features. Best of all, the Treehouse Peak Series is designed for parents and children to play together!

Other series of swing sets include the Peak Playsets, which can be customized with rope ladders, climbing walls, and classic style tire swivel swings. Bridged swing sets allow even more options with the ability to combine two fort structures or more into huge backyard playscape.

For smaller spaces, the Space Savers playsets don’t compromise on quality or fun, and can also include climbing walls, picnic table, gang planks, and sandboxes that bring adventure to any backyard.

With prices starting at $2,500 for smaller swing sets to upwards of $50,000 for deluxe models, there is a swing set for every family, backyard, and budget. All swing set models feature an attractive two-toned stain and natural cedar wood.

Backyard Adventures wooden playsets are available through trusted dealers across the country, and the company website helps families locate the dealer nearest to them. In addition, check out the online playset designer and create your family’s one-of-a-kind outdoor play space.

Visit www.backyardadventures.com for more information, or follow Backyard Adventures on Facebook and Instagram.

(NewsUSA) -  

Have you considered using solid hardwood cabinetry and millwork in your bathroom, but hesitated given the constant humidity? In fact, as long as the room is properly ventilated, and the wood surfaces treated with a moisture-resistant finish—like tung oil, polyurethane, or varnish—such favorites as oak, walnut, cherry, and maple will stand up well to a steamy environment. “Real American Hardwood® products can be used in the bathroom to add warmth, texture, and character to a space that may feel cold and clinical,” says Linda Jovanovich of the American Hardwood Information Center. “And it adapts to any style, from the cozily traditional to the coolly contemporary.” Here are six bathrooms that do just that.

Everything’s bright and breezy in this Minneapolis bathroom by Swan Architecture (@swanarchitecture) and Lucy Interior Design (@lucyinteriordesign): nickel-gap shiplap on the end wall and bath surround; shiny chrome sconces and sink fittings; canvas duck Roman shades. But the beachy, upbeat vibe is cleverly balanced by the custom walnut vanity, a solidly handsome piece that strikes a more substantial note without being overly serious. Photograph by Spacecrafting

Architects Hsu McCullough (@hsumccullough) show mastery of subtle color and texture in this Los Angeles bathroom. Slate-gray cement tiles on the floor and pale-smoke marble tiles on the walls provide a quietly glamorous setting for the main event: a custom vanity of lightly bleached white oak with a clear matte sealer—Rubio Monocoat, derived from natural plant oils—that allows the full beauty of the wood to shine through. Photograph by Dan Arnold Photo

Cerusing—also known as “liming”—is the application of white-pigmented, non-toxic wax sealers to porous wood to bring out the natural grain without changing its color. Architects Michael McKinley and Associates (@mckinleyarchitects) make expert use of the finish for this custom cerused-oak vanity in a Connecticut bathroom. White subway wall tiles, chrome fittings and mirror frames, and oak flooring set the honey-tone cabinetry off to perfection. Photograph by Jason McGrail

Two firms, Milieu (@milieu_design_spokane) and Designology (@designologyluxuryinteriors), worked on the makeover of the guest bathroom in a Wellington, Florida, equestrian estate. The glass door lets the great outdoors in, but the interior is totally urbane. A pair of vintage mirrors salvaged from an old steamship set the sophisticated tone, which is echoed in the polished bronze faucets and matching pulls on the custom maple vanity—a sleek design finished in Rustic Gray stain by Sherwin Williams. Photograph by Ken Hayden

For the renovation of an undistinguished 1980s colonial house in Minneapolis, architect Meriwether Felt turned the bland main bathroom into a sophisticated retreat with a somewhat rustic feel by installing characterful cherry moldings, trims, and casings. “The stained wood warms up the bathroom and provides richness,” Felt says. “The client asked for a luxurious yet elegant feeling, and cherry fit the bill perfectly.” Photograph by Susan Gilmore

Modern Scandinavian design inspired the main bathroom in a Santa Monica, California, house by Hamilton Architects (@hamiltonarchla); ergo, the clean lines, warm materials, and uncluttered forms that characterize the effortlessly chic, spa-like space. Chief among the scene-setting elements are the sculptural tub, graphic black faucets, and the custom floating vanity. The rift-sawn white-oak cabinetry is an unbroken expanse that’s free of hardware or other visually distracting details. Photograph by Paul Barnaby

Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about using American hardwoods in the bathroom.

If your New Year’s resolutions include maintaining a clean and tidy home, fulfilling that goal is made easier with pr

(NewsUSA) - Inverter generators and portable battery stations are trending solutions for take-anywhere power. Small footprints, manageable weights, and simple charging or fueling options make both inverters and batteries an ideal solution for off-grid excursions, working where power is not available, or providing needed electricity during a power outage.

Inverter generators and battery-powered portable power stations have unique characteristics that can make the choice a little more challenging. The power experts at Generac Power Systems have outlined how both categories of ultra-portable power solutions stack up for use around the home.

The Mutual Benefits of Portable Inverter Generators and Battery Power Stations

Sized for Easy Transport and Storage. Lightweight design, built-in handles, and a compact footprint are all hallmarks of both portable inverters and battery power stations.

From Quiet to Silent. Don't worry about being a noisy neighbor while using an inverter generator, thanks to their fully enclosed design helping with quieter operation. Battery-powered portable power stations go the extra mile, operating silently.

Suitable for Sensitive Electronics. Generator energy has a THD – total harmonic distortion – percentage. Electronic devices like laptops and mobile devices require a lower THD. Portable inverters produce energy with a THD below 5%, making them generally suitable for sensitive electronics, tools, and appliances. Similarly, battery-powered power stations are also an ideal solution as they provide clean, emission-free energy.

Key Differences Between Portable Inverters and Battery Power Stations

Emissions. Inverter generators cannot be used indoors or in enclosed spaces due to the production of carbon monoxide. All gas-, diesel-, or LP-powered generators must be operated outdoors and away from windows and doors. Battery-powered solutions are ideal for use inside or outside of the home, as they release no carbon monoxide or other emissions.

Fuel and Charging. The Generac Portable Power Station can be charged via a wall outlet, 12V car outlet, or by compatible solar panels for truly on-the-go power. Charging sources can even be combined for an even faster recharge. Small inverter generators are powered by gasoline via a splash-lubricated engine that requires routine oil changes.

Price. As an emerging technology with indoor-outdoor capabilities, battery-powered solutions are typically priced higher when compared to inverter generators with a similar output. Over time, a battery powered solution doesn’t require any additional fuel or oil, making it a higher initial investment without downline costs.

Maintenance and Care. The difference between a gasoline engine and a battery creates a very different maintenance regimen for each unit. The splash-lubricated engine of an inverter needs adequate oil in order to run, and it’s best to check on the oil status before any planned use. Additionally, you should do an annual maintenance check on inverter generators. Meanwhile, for portable battery stations, follow the usual best practices for charging most battery-powered electronic devices: don’t let it fall all the way to 0% charge, try to reach above 80% when charging, and ensure its stored in a temperate environment.

Open-Frame Generators for Powering Even More

With tubular frames, large tires, and visible components, an open-frame generator is likely what comes to mind when one thinks of portable power. The product marketplace for open-frame generators is vast, and no one model is one-size-fits-all. While open-frame generators are available in significantly higher outputs, you can hear them run, and they offer less portability than fully enclosed generators.

If short term emergency backup power is a main concern, open-frame generators provide the best dollar-per-watt value on the market. For more information, portable generator sizing tools can be found at: www.generac.com/portable-sizer.

(NewsUSA) - When temperatures drop and snow starts falling, portable generators of every size need a quick check-in to make sure that they’re ready to go before a possible power outage during inclement weather.

The experts at Generac shared five tips to help you prepare your generator for the winter-weather season.

Easy-to Access Storage: When it is not in use, make sure that your generator is stored in an easy-to-access place in a garage, shed, or other area where it can be accessed during inclement weather. While it’s important to keep it in a dry space when not in use, most storage places are not suitable for a running unit. Any fuel-powered generator must be operated outdoors, away from doors, vents, or windows due to potential carbon monoxide buildup.  

Check, Change and Prepare Oil: Check your service manual for recommended timing between oil changes and be sure your unit is ready to run at a moment’s notice, including the use of oil stabilizers and winter-ready oil, if recommended.

Have Safe, Stable Fuel on Hand: Fresh is best. Gasoline begins to break down and become less effective at about 30 days and diesel, while more stable, runs the risk of developing sediment or sludge, particularly in low temperatures. Be sure fresh fuel is available for your generator and add stabilizers as recommended by your owner’s manual.

Double-Check the Components:  It’s important to give your generator a thorough check for any damage that may have occurred while stored. Make sure nothing is out of place and there is no corrosion or rust in critical areas. Rodents, bugs, and birds are also known to nest in engines, so clear any pest debris before operation. Manual choking to bring more fuel into the engine on an electric-start generator may also help with low temperature starting.

Maintenance: To ensure that your winterizing efforts have worked, regularly check up on your generator, running it for five minutes to ensure that it’s fully operational. Take this time to double check any of the above concerns and rest assured that your backup plan is in its best condition for an outage.

Generator technology has come a long way. While portable generators can easily power up a few appliances straight out of the box, automatic home standby generators offer greater peace of mind, starting automatically when the power goes out, and with the ability to run continuously until utility power is restored. Sitting outside of the home similarly to a central air unit, a home standby connects via an automatic transfer switch, either wired to power the entire house or just select critical circuits. The power of these generators is tailored to a home’s size and power requirements and is a failsafe for power outages while you’re away from the home. Larger fuel capacities or a direct connection to natural gas lines provides longer term, less complicated protection when properly maintained. Learn more about portable and home standby generators at www.generac.com.

(NewsUSA) - America’s homeowners can expect to shell out more cold cash to keep warm this winter as they face the highest home heating costs in more than a decade -- making optimal energy efficiency more essential than ever.       

Here are the financially frostbiting facts: The average cost of home heating is expected to increase by 17.2% since last winter from $1,025 to $1,202, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA). Those who heat with natural gas will confront the largest spike, with their cost predicted to soar 34.3% over last year. Conversely, homeowners who use electric heat are forecasted to see the lowest increase at 6.9%.     

The good news is that families can prevent a utility bill blitz by following a few simple tips. With home heating and cooling accounting for nearly half of home energy use, small steps can go a long way.     

• Ease Into Electric:  According to Columbia University’s Earth Institute, electric systems are a solution to decarbonize home climate control. Among the most energy-efficient heating and cooling products, electricity-powered ductless mini-split systems, offered by companies including Fujitsu General America, can save as much as 25% on your energy bill. Plus, they are effective with temperatures as low as -15⁰F. Mini-splits use thin copper tubing to pump refrigerant from an outdoor compressor directly into an indoor air-handling unit, where the air is quietly distributed to the interior space.     

• Get “Smart” About Climate Control: When it comes to smart home temperature control, there are Smart HVAC Systems and Smart Thermostats. Smart HVAC systems have built-in Internet capability and can be controlled directly without additional equipment. Smart Home Thermostats create “smart” systems by enabling remote temperature control via a mobile or Internet-connected device or voice-operated home automation system.     

• Voice Your Preference: Take control of your comfort. Most HVAC manufacturers offer apps that enable systems to be controlled from anywhere using a mobile device. Voice-control capability uses digital assistants, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, to verbally dictate home temperatures. Easily controlling the temperature more closely allows homeowners to be more comfortable and improve energy savings.     

• Find Your Efficient Comfort Zone: Many of us live in homes designed for bigger families, but have yet to downsize. If you find yourself using a fraction of your home on a regular basis, consider upgrading to a zoned ducted, or ductless, system. This will allow you to save energy by not heating and cooling spaces where you and your family don’t spend a lot of time. With the need for less cooling and the gain from a more efficient system in the spaces you do still use, you can multiply your savings.     

• Try Low-Tech Fixes: Simple changes can have a big impact. Take advantage of the sun’s energy to heat your home by opening your south-facing curtains at sunrise to make best use of “passive solar gain.” Denser, cooler air stays closer to the ground, and warmer air rises. Force it downward with a low-speed fan. Another change you can make is to insulate and fill the gaps. Warmed air leaking out around poorly sealed window frames, power sockets, recessed light fittings, and other gaps is a big source of heat loss in homes. Additionally, thick curtains help to insulate glass at windows.     

If you’re looking to freeze out these record-breaking bills, a ductless heating and cooling system is definitely a worthwhile investment. Many Fujitsu systems with the Energy Star rating are more than twice as efficient as the minimum standard set by the government.     

To learn more or find a contractor near you, call 888-888-3424 or visit www.constantcomfort.com.