The warm glow of lamplight on a compelling book, music streaming through your speakers while you cook, cool air lending any room of your home a comfortable breeze—household electricity is what makes such everyday conveniences and modern essentials possible.
However, like any other component of your home, your electrical system is liable to periodic malfunctions, ranging from minor hitches to total breakdowns. Whether you’re a new homeowner or a veteran looking for a refresher, equip yourself with some fundamental knowledge of this vital circuitry to help you better prevent any issues and maximize its performance.
If you ever hooked up a battery to a light bulb in science class, then you know the basic skeleton of your home’s electrical system: a circuit that wires a power source to a series of machinery and back again. The power source in question is your local electric plant, which streams energy into your home via power lines or buried connecting wires. The following elements then help manage it effectively.
Service head
Functioning as the point where power enters your home, this wiring consists of two 120-volt cables and one neutral cable, which provide power to your lights, appliances, and outlets. In some cases, all three may be used to create 240-volt circuits; these combine to power larger appliances like your water heater and clothes dryer.
Electrical service panel
In this component, also known as the circuit breaker, external wiring converts into an internal network of cables that feeds throughout your entire house. This wall-mounted box is typically installed in a utility room, basement, garage, or exterior wall. It generally resembles a safe without a lock and contains many large switches. With this system, you can “break” circuits by flipping switches, in turn cutting off power to a certain area or outlet.
Electric meter
Your electric meter measures the energy you consume, allowing your utility provider to track your electricity use and bill you accordingly. It typically sits on an exterior, first-story wall, often right by the service head, and may resemble a series of small clocks within a mounted glass cylinder.
Grounding component
Directly near the electric meter, a grounding component helps mitigate extreme power surges—and potential electrocution—by feeding a rod underground. While you never interact with this shaft, it’s nonetheless essential for you to access power safely.
Though the exact configuration of an electrical system will naturally vary from home to home, there are a few good rules of thumb every homeowner should follow to help them effectively utilize and take care of theirs.
Don’t overwhelm your outlets
A tremendous amount of power flows through your outlets, so it’s essential that you use them safely. Each one is built to handle only a certain maximum wattage, or operating power, requiring you to practice caution when plugging in anything, even when using power strips. As a general safety measure, avoid crowding more than three devices into each outlet, particularly when dealing with high-wattage equipment like your TV.
The typical result of overloading your outlets is merely blowing a fuse, but the biggest risk is an electrical fire. Common signs include seeing sparks, hearing buzzing, and smelling burning when you insert or remove a plug from an outlet as well as radiant heat and charring around it. If you notice any of these issues, contact an electrician—do not try to investigate or fix them alone. In addition, call an expert every five to ten years to check that everything is in good working order, especially for older two-prong outlets or those in high-moisture areas like bathrooms.
Label your circuit breaker
To use your circuit breaker as intended, you’ll need to label it to indicate what each switch controls. This can be handy for pausing electricity to malfunctioning outlets or resetting circuits that flipped due to being overloaded (making sure to resolve the issue before doing so). If your home had previous owners, your breaker may already be labeled, but if not, use a simple trial-and-error method, turning switches on and off and then investigating what room, area, or outlet was impacted. This could also be handy for verifying that previous labels were applied accurately if needed.
Pursue energy savings
Whether cost concerns or eco-consciousness inspires you to consider energy savings, there are several steps you can take to limit energy overuse and save money. The first is to track your current consumption, such as by reading your energy meter regularly; you can consult Energy.gov for helpful tips for doing so. Additionally, you might consider installing a smart home energy monitor to assess your usage in real time and see valuable statistics on your smartphone.
Depending on what you discover, you may want to then invest in making upgrades to maximize your efficiency. For example, you could get a smart thermostat, switch to Energy Star-certified appliances, or even add solar panels. While the latter is certainly the most intensive overhaul, it has been shown to produce significant savings. Refer back to Energy.gov for a helpful guide to calculating your potential cost reduction and pursuing tax credits for installing them.
Call an electrician
It’s critical that you avoid interacting with electrical equipment if you lack the proper training to do so—that is, beyond simple tasks like labeling your breaker box and easy DIY projects like replacing your ceiling lights or switch plates. Venturing beyond your expertise can lead to you damaging valuable components or suffering severe injuries. So if you suspect that your home is experiencing a power-system malfunction, contact an electrician rather than attempting to address this problem yourself. During their visit, you could also ask them to identify your home’s components for you. With their guidance, you can come to understand your electrical system more fully, helping you stay on top of this crucial circuitry and be prepared for any complications that could someday arise.
It’s been said that April showers bring May flowers, but this month also ushers in more gatherings. These tasty appetizers are perfect for any company, whether you’re looking to throw them together for a holiday feast or a backyard barbecue.
Think outside the box with this fusion of flavors. Featuring tender chicken and a dash of heat, the result is simply heavenly.
Finger foods can sometimes lean toward the unhealthy side—but not these minis, which are bursting with wholesome ingredients.
Tangy, velvety cheese is combined with Greek yogurt, garlic, and herbs in this unforgettable spread.
Forget the sprinkle of paprika! This recipe gives the longtime favorite a spicy kick with a hint of hot-wing flavor mixed right in.
Serves 6
Sure, these potatoes are loaded—with fresh ingredients and a sense of panache. Plus, the dish tastes as great as it looks!
Serves 6–8
Featuring fresh herbs and fresh garlic, this thick spread is an impeccable foil to baguettes, crackers, roasted vegetables—anything, really!
Serves 5–6
As spring brings blue skies and blooming flowers, people all across the country may feel inspired to freshen up their homes and clear out the mustiness. But even as you prepare for a more rigorous cleaning session than normal, you may still wind up leaving a few critical tasks off your to-do list. Include the following steps in your game plan, and you’ll be well on your way toward creating a healthier and more comfortable living environment.
Before you get started, take a moment to assemble your arsenal. Assess your current supplies to see what you already have and what else you may need, considering what specific tools may be essential for hitting any hard-to-reach areas. For instance, a long-handled duster or vacuum extension wand with soft brush attachments is ideal for getting both all the way up in the corners of your ceilings and deep underneath heavy appliances. In addition, try to purchase products suitable for a variety of tasks, such as dish soap, an all-purpose cleanser spray, and reusable microfiber cloths, to help you save money and make the cleaning process more efficient.
Even with weekly maintenance, dust and grime can gather quickly, especially in spots you tend to overlook. So besides your end tables, coffee table, counters, and other frequently hit surfaces, make sure to tackle your ceilings and walls as well this season. Before you begin, place old but clean sheets over your furniture and on the floor to protect them, and turn off your overhead light fixtures and fans for safety. Then work from the top down, starting in the highest corners with your long-handled duster and working your way toward the floor. Also take care to go over framed photos and other hanging decor as well as get behind your furniture and into every groove of your baseboards.
Don’t forget about your light fixtures either. For glass globes, gently wipe them with a slightly damp cloth or, for a deeper clean, detach them, wash them with soapy water, and dry them with a towel. Conversely, avoid using liquid cleansers or water with fabric shades since this can damage them. Instead, remove them from your fixtures and carefully use a lint roller to lift off debris.
While windows are a common target of spring-cleaning, many people often stop at just the panes. However, your screens, tracks, and frames can have just as much buildup on them following a long winter season, making it important to give them some love as well. Regarding screens, bring them to your tub or shower, spritz them with a dishwashing spray, wipe them with a microfiber cloth, and rinse. As they air-dry, use the time to wipe the tracks and frames of your windows with a solution made of a few drops of dish soap and water, being sure to really get in the creases for a squeaky clean. You can then dry them with a cloth and reinstall your screens.
Circling back to your windowpanes, go beyond just a quick clean with Windex. To make them really shine, scrub them on both sides with a mixture of two cups of warm water, a quarter cup of distilled white vinegar, and half a teaspoon of dish soap. Use a long-handled window mop with a squeegee to simplify washing their exterior-facing surfaces, and switch to a damp cloth for the insides. Finally, wipe the glass with a dry microfiber cloth to eliminate both moisture and streaks.
Your mattress and upholstered furniture can be breeding grounds for dust mites and bacteria, but you can combat this with a few steps. First, remove all the items from your bed, sofa, and chairs, then use an upholstery attachment to vacuum their fabric surfaces, making sure to also go between your sofa’s cushions and underneath each piece’s base. If your cushions have removable covers that can be laundered, toss them in your washing machine with a mild detergent and dry them according to their care instructions. For your mattress and all other fabric parts of your furniture, sprinkle on baking soda and rub it in with a soft-bristled brush to absorb sweat and odors. Let it to sit for at least twenty minutes before vacuuming it up.
Avoid using baking soda on leather furniture, though, since doing so could damage it. Instead, mix a few drops of gentle dish soap into a bowl of warm water, dip a microfiber cloth into the solution (wringing it out well), and gently wipe the fabric’s surface. Dry thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth. If the instructions on your furniture’s care tag permits it, finish by applying a leather conditioner with a soft, dry cloth following the product’s instructions.
And don’t forget about pillows and blankets! Generally, you should wash your sheets, pillowcases, and bedding at least once a week, but your throw blankets and accent pillows may get forgotten. Simply wash and dry them on the hottest setting they can handle, then return them to their spots.
Even with your precautions, some dust may still get on your floors, so wrap up your cleaning session with a widespread sweep and vacuum. Use the hose or extension wand of your vacuum to help you access hard-to-reach areas behind or underneath furniture and appliances, and consider running a carpet cleaner over rugs and carpeting to really ensure a good clean—you can typically rent one at a local hardware store. And for that extra shine on hard flooring like luxury vinyl, hardwood, or tile, run a mop over them with soapy water. Just be careful not to oversaturate wood surfaces since excess water could cause damage.
This year, go deeper with your spring-cleaning by hitting every overlooked nook and cranny. With such effort, you may soon be rewarded with a home that feels fresher and more relaxing, making it the ultimate haven.
Rugs are more than just floor coverings—they’re the underappreciated heroes of home decor, adding warmth, color, and personality to a space without much effort or skill required. Even still, there are several nuances to keep in mind to ensure that you maximize their effectiveness in your interior design. Use this guide to discover how to choose and style these pieces in your home and transform your rooms in a flash.
Deciding on the appropriate rug for the space you’re adorning marks the beginning of your search. Generally speaking, there are three main options: area rugs, runners, and accent rugs such as throws. The first can be used, naturally, to define a particular area in a room or serve as the center point for a seated space, while a runner could provide a corridor, doorway, or stairway with a bit of elegance and character. Similarly, accent rugs, which tend to be on the smaller side, can brighten a room with a burst of color or flash, whether set in a reading nook or at the foot of the bed. And don’t forget to consider style—from modern (clean lines and geometric patterns) to traditional (intricate patterns and rich colors) to casual (relaxed and minimalist looks), you have a variety of options to choose from.
Speaking of style, the material you choose can play a huge role. Make sure to factor in the purpose of the room, the vibe you envision for it, and your own flair when making your selections. As a bonus, many may even be machine washable to make cleaning a breeze; you could peruse brands like Ruggable for options (generally synthetic) designed especially for this purpose.
Natural
Natural fibers including cotton, wool, and jute are revered for being long-lasting and classically attractive. Cotton, the most popular material, is hypoallergenic, airy, and lightweight, making it perfect for children’s rooms and bedrooms. If you’re aiming to add a bit of coziness, wool offers immense warmth, durability, and softness. And jute, considered strong and environmentally safe, lends a distinctive boho or rustic look; try this rug type in an entryway for immediate impact the second you walk through the door.
Synthetic
For more affordable options that are also durable, search no further than synthetic materials like nylon and polyester. Easy to maintain, both come in a wide array of colors and patterns, and nylon in particular can offer pleasing softness underfoot. Plus, they possess excellent stain-resistant qualities and will often have an added nonslip mat to the back, ideal features for rooms that are more likely to have water or other droppings on the floor, such as the kitchen or bathroom.
Specialty
Do you want a more high-end piece for your space? Specialty materials like silk, bamboo, and mixes thereof can offer a hint of luxury and distinctive texture. Silk rugs are typically more delicate and demand special care, but they can be worth it for their exquisite sheen and opulent style. Consider trying out a smaller accent one in a room where you are looking to wow your guests before investing in a larger size.
Bamboo rugs, meanwhile, are incredibly long-lasting as well as environmentally friendly, all while lending a natural tone to a room. A dark tan one would work great in spots where there is a high amount of foot traffic, such as right by your home’s entrances. Or opt for a bamboo-silk combo rug to get the elegance of silk with slightly more durability and at a lower cost.
Other important factors to consider are size and placement, which will generally depend on the room the rug is going in. For instance, in the bedroom, you could opt for accent rugs along the sides of the bed or a large area one underneath, making sure it extends at least two feet beyond the edges of the bed frame. Likewise, in your living room and dining room, center a bigger rug in the seating area, such as in the middle of arranged couches and chairs or under a dining table. This will offer the furniture a visual basis and foster cohesiveness. For better harmony and balance, have the rug just touch the edges of seated furniture in the living room and extend a few inches beyond where chairs pull out on all sides in the dining room.
In bigger spaces, a multitiered approach, or the division of several zones with various rugs, may work nicely. This could involve using different-sized accent pieces to delineate a reading corner or play area, or make a larger one the focal point of a room, acting as a visual barrier in an open floor layout.
An easy way to add unique style to any room is by layering multiple rugs, combining several designs, colors, and materials. Lay a bigger, neutral-colored rug as a base, then cover it with a noticeably smaller, more patterned one to ensure that it’s not dominated by the other. Consider the entire color palette of the room when you are making your choices. While opposite colors provide a striking statement, similar tones can add texture and dimension.
You can also vary the type of material. For example, layering a fluffy polyester piece on top of a jute base will make it seem more opulent and inviting. Additionally, take thickness into account; if you have a heavier rug, you may want to use a thinner one or a rug pad underneath to ensure that the layers sit neatly and the floor doesn’t feel uneven as you walk across it.
Rugs offer a great range of choices, and with these guidelines, they can help you easily make over your spaces. So get to shopping to start creating a cozy haven or make a fashionable statement in your home!
