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Here are just a few reasons why reclaimed wood might be the right choice for you!

Its an eco-friendly option, so youre helping to preserve natural resources. You can feel good about using timber that would otherwise go to waste.

Each piece of reclaimed wood is unique, and has often already developed a patina.

For a long time, reclaimed wood was only used in traditional or rustic design; however, these days, it can be found in almost any setting.

Unlike new materials, theres a story behind reclaimed wood that gives character to your home.

While certain styles come and go, salvaged wood has timeless appeal that continues to improve with age.

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Attic fans, also called full house fans, can be an effective and cost-efficient way to cool a home. They bring in cooler air from outside through vents and push the hot air outside. Doing this means less reliance on your air conditioner, particularly in late spring and early summer when nights are still relatively cool, resulting in lower energy bills. During the hot, humid summer days, youll need to use air conditioning because the outside air is warm and wont cool the home.
An attic fan can be a nice selling point, but only if its fully operational and well maintained. It doesnt require much maintenance, but following these steps will lengthen the lifespan of your fan.

Check the vents. Ventilation is required for attic fans to work effectively so that the hot air can escape your home. Make sure the soffit vents in your attic arent blocked and are clean to allow air flow. In particular, make sure there isnt any insulation blocking the vents.

If your attic has blocked soffit vents and is not properly sealed from the rest of the house, attic fans will extract cool air out of the house and pull it into the attic. This will use more energy and make your air conditioner work harder, which will increase your utility bills. Installing rafter vents”which create a channel for air to the soffits”can help with this issue, especially if your attic floor is covered with insulation.

Attic fans are essentially a hole in your ceiling that needs to be sealed to protect against outdoor exposure, especially rain. In fact, if you have a leak and cant determine the source, have the fan area checked and make any necessary repairs. Proper sealing will also ensure that cool air flows through your home.

If your attic fan has oil ports to help the motor run, they need to be cleaned every few years. The same goes for vents and blades”clean blades will make the fan more effective. If youre selling your home this is a good time to make sure everything is in the best condition possible.

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Here are a few tips for creating a laid-back living space that captures the essence of Scandinavian style.

Neutral and Natural

Typically, a Nordic-inspired home utilizes a neutral color palette, with earthy materials like wood, stone and natural fibers to warm up the atmosphere.

Modern Touches

Modern light fixtures, geometric prints and clean lines are synonymous with Nordic style.

Mix and Match

The farmhouse aesthetic is also commonly paired with Scandinavian design to achieve just the right balance between modern and rustic.

Keep It Clutter-Free

Functionality is key when it comes to Nordic design, with the goal being to create an environment that feels warm while encouraging simplicity in your life.

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One feature that many people look for when buying a home is a fireplace, but not everyone understands what exactly goes into getting a nice fire roaring.

Knowing the terms can help. For instance, the fireplaces flue allows smoke to move through the chimney, and the damper is an opening you can adjust to control the intake of air and temperature of the fire. And dont forget, the flue needs to be open before a fire is first lit.

Of course, youll need to gather some wood to burn, which can be done by contracting with a provider of seasoned firewood, who will deliver and even stack it for you, or you can simply buy firewood at your local grocery store. Also, try searching Craigs list for free firewood in your neighborhood.

Firewood should be stored in a dry place so that its ready to burn. Never use wood from trees that have just been cut down, even if you have a bunch of it in your backyard from a fallen tree. That wood will most likely contain high levels of moisture that will result in more smoke than burn power, and it could lead to deposits forming on the inside of the chimney.

Once you get your fire going, use a mesh metal screen or glass fireplace door to keep errant embers from shooting out. This sort of protection in front of an open flame is especially important when the room is unoccupied.

Its always a good idea to close your fireplace down when youre done for the season. This can be done by removing all the burnt wood and debris and washing any soot that is visible. Use a vacuum cleaner to pick up ashes from around the opening.

Spring and summer are also great times to get your fireplace and chimney cleaned and inspected by an expert. Chimneys can get dirty quickly, as creosote, a highly flammable substance, can build up inside your flue lining. Animals also like to build nests in chimneys, and leaks and cracks can happen.

Doing this off-season can ensure youre prepared for the next crisp day when youre ready to enjoy another evening by the fire.

Published with permission from RISMedia.