Preferred Properties of Texas

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Keeping Your Water Heater Strong All Winter Long

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It is never easy to have your own water heater to stop functioning, but it’s worse throughout the winter. To make certain your water heater is appropriate to survive the whole season, here are a few hints for regular maintenance which you are able to perform.

As you pay these things, you could even run a mini-assessment of your water heater well being to spot any warning signals or possible dangers that might have to be adjusted prior to the temperature drops.

Assess the Valve
Even only a couple of minutes of yearly maintenance can stop unnecessary malfunctions and tumultuous breakdowns.

If a lot of stress builds up, however, your own water heater tank may actually burst. To discharge pressure and make sure yours is in tiptop shape, put a bucket underneath your water heater’s discharge pipe and then raise the pressure-release valve. Water must release at this time. If it does not, the valve has to be replaced.

Get the Tank Flushed
Among the most typical water heater repair tasks is that a tank cleaning. This eliminates built-up residue, sediment and dirt which accumulate through the year. Experts advocate yearly imports, which may be achieved at an inexpensive price. Possessing a tech run the cleaning may also guarantee your heater is working properly as they will also do an expert review. If they detect any other difficulties, they can notify you about the danger and provide possible solutions. You are able to add these fixes to the present task or schedule them later at your own convenience.

Set the Temperature
If your heater does not have an integrated temperature indicator, you may use a typical cooking thermometer to check the water temperature.

Your tank may require flushed or there might be a mechanical problem that needs dealt with.

Insert Insulation
If your water heater is just a decade old or more older, it may not be suitably insulated. Newer versions come insulated to reduce heat loss and preserve system stability. Nevertheless, older versions will need a fiberglass coat. If you are not certain the way to security insulate your furnace along with its own plumbing, this task can easily be achieved in a couple of hours by a licensed plumber.

Nobody wishes to take care of cold water at the midst of winter. To make sure your home’s water remains warm and nice all season long, assess your water heater and also do some simple maintenance. If you are unsure about something or you observe a issue, have an expert come have a peek at it. The earlier you catch potential issues, the easier they are to look after!

Choosing the Right Housing for the Elderly

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As the population ages, what affordable, safe housing that is well connected to services is available? Here are options that may suit your care situation and budget:

Aging in place. Live in your own home or with family with access to in-home caregivers, cleaning, meal delivery and other services. Simple modifications can make homes safer: wheelchair ramps, bathroom grab bars and a medical alert system, for example. This arrangement works best when there is help from nearby family and friends.

Low-cost living options. If you’re age 62 or older and your income is limited, you may qualify for an apartment in an affordable senior housing community that’s funded through HUD Section 202. Rent is based on your adjusted gross income, which is calculated by subtracting approved medical expenses from your income. You pay 30% of AGI for rent.

The village concept. This operates like a retirement community but you get to stay in your own home. Help comes from other village members, younger neighbors and/or youth groups doing community service. Sometimes, you can pay an annual fee — averaging $600 — in return for transportation, yard work and bookkeeping.

Independent living. You live in housing designed exclusively for seniors in a retirement community, retirement home, senior housing or senior apartment. These communities free the elderly from such daily chores as house maintenance and cooking while giving them opportunities for socialization.

Residential care home. This option consists of personalized service to small groups of adults, especially for those who need more individual care in a home setting. Lodging, meals and assistance with daily living activities are included. This can be a less expensive option than a nursing home or traditional assisted living.

Continuing care retirement community. This living environment is part independent living, part assisted living and part nursing home. It works especially well for spouses who require different levels of care. All residents live in an independent section and move to other parts of the community as the need for additional care increases.

Cohousing. Residents participate in designing the community. Residences are clustered and shared amenities include playgrounds, a pool, and clubhouse, garden, kitchen and dining facilities. You manage the community and maintain the property, sharing common meals, meeting to solve problems and helping each other with such daily tasks as shopping.

Assisted living community. Seniors live in small apartments in a care community where residents can live independently but with some assistance. Staff is available 24 hours a day to manage medication, bathing, dressing, housekeeping and transportation. Residents dine in a common dining room.

Nursing home/skilled nursing facility. This is the option for those with severe or debilitating physical or mental illnesses who are unable to care for themselves. For the most seriously ill and disabled, it includes 24-hour supervised care with meals, activities and health management. A physician supervises residents’ care, with nurses and other medical professionals always on premises. Often, physical and occupational therapists are on staff and special services such as dementia care are available.

Not all options are available everywhere and costs can vary widely based on location and services offered. Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, make sure to read and understand the fine print before signing any contracts. Finally, know that at nursing facilities local ombudsmen can be on your side if any problems come up.

Decorate with Winter Color Schemes — Year-Round!

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Winter means different things to different people depending on where you live in the country. Some areas experience a winter wonderland from November to February as the landscape is blanketed with thick snow. In other areas, trees lose their leaves and the weather gets crisp, but even a light snow dusting is a major event. But if you love the feeling that winter gives you — even if you live in Orlando or San Diego — you can bring it inside to make your home feel festive no matter the time of year. Here are some ideas for decorating with a winter color scheme.

Cool Colors

With winter comes cold colors like blue, silver and even pure white. These are great colors to use to decorate your home and give it a wintery feel. These colors are also calming, so rooms decorated in these shades can create a sense of peace and serenity.

Pop of Warmth

Of course, too much cold can make for an uncomfortable winter. The same is true in your design scheme. You always want to include a pop of warmth to spice things up and make your home feel cozy. Common warm winter colors include shades of red, including variations like magenta and violet. You also can use rich browns to give your winter space a rustic feel.

Inspiration from Nature

Green may be one of the most underrated winter colors. When paired with red, you might think of an over-the-top holiday display, but it can be used in the right way to inject a pop of color in your winter scheme. Green is the color of evergreen trees that dot the landscape in the winter. Incorporate deep shades of green into your decor for a beautiful natural look.

Use of Texture

Although not a color, texture can enhance your winter decor. What do you associate with the cozy feel of the season? Cable knit comes to mind and can be used for pillows or throw blankets. Faux fur also lends a luxurious feel to your winter home-scape. Other textures, like birch bark and evergreen branches, can introduce a feeling of the season into your home.

 

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