The Pros And Cons Of A Split Type Air Conditioner

Split-type air conditioning (AC) units are one of the most popular ACs today. They’re versatile, allowing you to cool a small room or ample space depending on your needs. You can also move them from place to place without worrying about taking apart anything too complicated. These air systems are an excellent option for homeowners without much experience with HVAC systems. 

Below are some pros and cons of using a split-type AC unit to help you in understanding split air systems.

Pros Of Split-Type Units

Here are three advantages of using this type of AC.

1. Energy Efficiency

Split-type AC units are considered one of the market's most energy-efficient. They use a heat exchanger to transfer heat from the inside of the building to the outside. 

The heat exchanger uses refrigerant gas, which is pumped through an evaporator coil to absorb heat from the inside air, then through a condenser to release the heat outside.

The main benefit of split-type ACs is that they offer greater control and efficient cooling of individual rooms or spaces compared to other types of AC systems.

2. Low Noise Level

The low noise level of a split-type air conditioner is one of its most important advantages. You can enjoy your favorite TV show or music without any disturbance from the AC. It's mainly because of the way it works.

Unlike window air conditioners, split-type ACs have an outdoor unit mounted on an exterior wall, while the indoor unit is installed inside your home or office. The external unit contains all the components to cool your room, including the fan motors and compressor. No part of the unit will be directly exposed to sound waves inside your room, resulting in lower noise levels than window units can offer.

3. Visual Appeal

Split-type ACs have a unique design and look elegant in any room or office. They offer a high energy efficiency and performance level, which is why they’re mainly used for residential applications.

The split-type design offers an excellent solution for cooling small and large areas because you can install it quickly and efficiently without causing any disturbance to the environment or structure where it’s placed.

These units are also easy to maintain because they only require cleaning every year or so, depending on how much dust accumulates inside them after regular usage.

Cons Of Split-Type Units

Here are three disadvantages of using this type of AC.

1. Unit Price

One of the disadvantages of split-type ACs is that they’re more expensive than window air conditioners. A typical window unit costs around USD$100, while a split-type air conditioner can cost up to USD$500.

The price difference is because split-type ACs use a separate condenser unit outside the home and a single indoor unit that sits near the window. The two units connect through a duct system and use electrical power from an outlet inside your house or apartment.

The condenser unit sits in an outdoor area, such as a patio or garage, where it can easily remove heat from your home during hot weather.

2. Installation And Location

The installation process is more challenging than it seems. If you have yet to experience installing electrical appliances or devices in your home, this type of appliance might not suit you.

Furthermore, installing it incorrectly may cause problems later, such as leaks or short circuits due to wiring issues or improper connections between components.

You should also consider the location of your air conditioner. You want to avoid installing it in an area that blocks essential doors or windows.

3. Maintenance

The main disadvantage of split-type ACs is that they require more maintenance than window air conditioners. Split-type ACs have three main components: the condenser, the compressor, and the evaporator/blower. 

The condenser is located outside the house and is exposed to extreme weather conditions. The compressor is located inside the house and can be easily damaged by water leaks. The evaporator/blower is also located inside the house but gets hot when used for cooling purposes. All these components need regular maintenance to function correctly.

The most common issue with split-type ACs is leaky seals around the external unit. It causes water to enter the external unit, damaging it beyond repair. If you notice any wet areas around your outdoor unit or signs of leakage in your ducts, call an AC professional immediately before it's too late!

Takeaway

If you need a powerful cooling device that’s easy to move, consider the split-type air conditioner. It provides quiet and efficient cooling, which is excellent for small to medium-sized rooms, such as bedrooms or living rooms. You can also pair it with other systems to cool larger spaces or use it alone in small areas if your home requires it.

Should a Bookshelf Be Anchored to the Wall?

Do you frequently experience nightmares where your bookcases tumble over onto your family members or pets?

Your nightmare may become true, especially if you own a large bookshelf with many books or live in a seismic area with frequent earthquakes.

In short, the solution to your problem is to anchor bookshelves to the wall.

Bookshelves should be secured against the wall with screws and metal corner brackets; if not, use furniture safety straps with Velcro strips, strong glue or adhesive, or Qdos anti-tip technology.

It is also possible to tilt the bookshelf back slightly without causing any damage by using furniture bracing, but this may be a short-term fix.

There are countless options for stabilizing your bookshelf. To properly secure your bookshelf to the wall, continue reading.

Why is Bookshelf Anchored to the Wall?

To keep massive furniture from toppling over, such as a tall bookshelf, you might want to anchor it.

The numerous examples of Hollywood films where the hero knocks one bookshelf over another to fend off enemies ought to be plenty!

When unanchored or unstrapped, the tall bookcases pose a health risk.

For instance, a small bump or an earthquake with a large Richter scale can cause the bookshelf to tumble over, injuring people, animals, and other objects.

Similarly, curious children and playful pets climbing the bookshelf to retrieve items can easily tip it over themselves, causing fatal injury or even death.

Therefore, securing or anchoring a large, tall bookshelf to the wall will prevent many tragedies.

However, you need not worry about drilling a screw into the bookshelf and wall, which may damage the décor, as there are many alternatives to drilling a screw.

How Are Bookshelves Anchored?

Anchoring the bookshelf is one proven way to prevent it from falling over.

Many regions susceptible to high Richter earthquakes anchor large furniture to the wall to prevent even the slightest accidents.

Using screws and L-shaped brackets are the best tools to anchor any bookshelf to the wall. You can attach the bracket to the wall and drill the screw to anchor it.

Otherwise, you can install one bracket into a wall and another into the bookshelf and tie both together using a solid steel or nylon cable.

Deepika Adhikari

Consultant at Thenaturehero

Consumer Reports recommend using steel cables or nylon straps instead of plastic brackets or zip ties which can turn brittle or snap.

Step-by-Step Guide for Anchoring Bookshelvesshelves to the Wall

Here are the detailed instructions for anchoring bookshelves to a wall.

1. Measure the size of the bookshelf.

Measure the bookshelf's height and weight by removing it from the wall. No more than 24′′ should separate shelving brackets from one another.

It will be held in place by at least two brackets fastened to the top. Consider adding at least three shelves to more extended desks, typically five feet long, with the brackets set 20 to 24 inches apart.

2. Attach Wood Post to the Backside

Cut at least two wood posts sized 3″ (height) x 2″ (wide) x 1″ (depth) from any spare wood.

Attach them to the edges of the backsides of the bookshelf to keep a safe distance from the wall.

Super glue or #8 screws driven through the wood can fasten them to the bookshelf.

3. Drill Holes and Attach Brackets

Start with measuring the space between the wall where the L-shaped brackets would go and mark it with your pencil.

At least two brackets installed 2 feet apart would suffice for a single bookshelf measuring 3 to 5 feet wide.

For dry walls, check where there are studs to drill holes into using a stud finder.

Next, attach the bracket to the wall by drilling screws into the bracket holes to fasten them.

4. Anchor the Bookshelf

The final step is to anchor the bookshelf to the wall using the brackets.

Move the bookshelf in place and drill eight screws through the other end of the bracket hole into the bookshelf.

Voila! Anchoring the bookshelf to the wall is completed!

Finally, nudge the bookshelf to check whether it is well anchored to the wall.

Deepika Adhikari

Consultant at Thenaturehero

How To Know When Your Roof Needs Maintenance or Replacement?

Your roof is one of the most critical parts of your home. It plays a vital role in protecting your family and belongings from harsh weather and other environmental factors. However, over time, roofs can suffer from wear and tear. And it can be challenging to determine when it's time for maintenance or replacement. By understanding the signs indicating that your roof needs attention, you should call a roof repair/maintenance contractor company to ensure your home stays safe and secure.

One of the first things to consider when determining whether your roof needs maintenance or replacement is its age.

Now, you might be wondering how long does a typical roof last?

Well, most roofs have a lifespan of 15 to 25 years, depending on the type of material. Roofs, like any other material, age and deteriorate with time. So, it's essential to keep track of how old your roof is. If your roof is approaching or exceeding its expected lifespan, it's essential to have it inspected by a professional. Getting regular roof maintenance services from experts can enhance the lifespan of your roof.

Next, let us provide detailed information about when to consider roof maintenance or replacement.

How can I tell if my roof needs maintenance or replacement?

Here are some signs that can help you decide whether you should call a roof repair contractor company or not.

1. Damage is another critical factor to consider when determining whether your roof needs maintenance or replacement. Damage can come in many forms, from missing or cracked shingles to curling or warping. Any damage to your roofing material is a sign that it's time for maintenance or replacement. Missing or damaged shingles can allow water to penetrate the underlying layers of your roof, leading to significant damage. So, it's essential to have them replaced as soon as possible is essential to prevent further damage to your home.

2. Leakage is one of the most obvious signs that your roof needs attention. If you notice water damage or water stains inside your home, your roof may leak. Leaks can cause serious damage to your roof and the interior of your home if left untreated. It's essential to have them repaired as soon as possible.

3. Vegetation growth on your roof can also be an indication that your roof is not draining water properly. Algae, moss, or other plant life growing on your roof can lead to moisture damage over time. Not only does this plant life weaken your roof, but it also traps moisture, leading to rot, mold, and other problems.

4. Sagging is another sign that your roof may need maintenance or replacement. A variety of factors, including poor ventilation, water damage, or poor design, can cause sagging. If you notice your roof is sagging, it's essential to have it inspected by a professional. Sagging can be a sign of structural damage, and it should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home.

5. Roofs have a specific lifespan, and it's essential to keep track of how old your roof is. If your roof is reaching its expected lifespan, it's necessary to have it inspected by a professional.

Regular maintenance is also essential to keep your roof in top condition. This includes cleaning your gutters, trimming back any overhanging branches, and checking for any signs of damage. Having a professional inspect your roof at least once a year can help to identify issues before they become severe. Additionally, looking for a reputable and qualified roof repair contractor company that can provide you with high-quality service and a warranty on their work is important. A good contractor will also have liability and worker’s compensation insurance to protect you in case of accidents that may happen on the job.

So, when it comes time to replace your roof, it's essential to choose a reputable and qualified contractor. A roofing contractor should have the appropriate knowledge and skills to assure proper installation, as well as liability and worker's compensation insurance to keep you safe in the event of an accident. It's also important to choose the right material for your home based on factors such as your budget, location, and the aesthetic of your home.

Your roof is a crucial part of your home, and it's essential to keep it in top condition is essential. By learning the signs that indicate that your roof needs attention, you can stay aware of when to call professionals for help.

Now, the question is how to choose the best roofing service provider near your place.

What should I look for in a roof repair contractor company?

The ideal way is to do your best research. You can look for a company that is reputable and has a team of highly-qualified and experienced roofing professionals. In addition, they should have liability and worker's compensation insurance. You can also browse the service provider's website or other reliable platforms to read the testimonials! Know what their customers are saying about them! That'll help you choose the appropriate contractor for your construction job.

3 Frightening House Defects that Cause Homeowners to Sell

Owning real estate is not always all that it’s cracked up to be. Especially if you live in an older house, it’s common for things to break which can add financial pressure to your family or overall discomfort. Unfortunately, it’s challenging to identify defects in a house that you only tour once during an open house for 20 minutes. Many items also appear in working condition to home inspectors during walkthroughs, but then break later because they are on their final leg. After suffering from blow after blow of repairs, some homeowners will throw their hands up and get rid of their property.

Here are 3 frightening house defects to keep in the back of your mind that cause homeowners to sell their houses.

1.    Cracked Walls

If you find cracks along the interior of your home, there’s a chance that it’s not a huge deal. It could simply be broken drywall that needs a quick spackle job and a fresh coat of paint. This is the best-case scenario for homeowners. Sometimes, cracked interior walls, especially towards the ceiling, could mean that there are structural issues with your home. The foundation could be damaged, causing your home to shift and small cracks to form.

For homeowners that own older properties, it’s not uncommon for structural issues to exist. Structural problems that persist and are left untreated can lead to the property being deemed unsafe by your respective city. Code violations can be placed on a house if the structural damage becomes more severe. Eventually,  many homeowners (and houses) hit their breaking point, causing them to turn around and sell. This source outlines how to sell a house with code violations tied to it. If the problem seems too overwhelming to fix, you can find a buyer who’s willing to take on the project.

 

2.    Heating and Cooling Issues

At first thought, having an issue with your cooling or heating system may not seem like a huge deal. However, if you have to replace the entire system – or put in one that has never existed in the first place – that could be an issue for some homeowners. Installing a brand-new HVAC system can be a huge project depending on the system of your home’s electrical wires and current heating source. You may need to tear down walls and add new air ducts throughout your home for the system to function.

For many homeowners who want a proper HVAC system in their house, they will oftentimes forego doing the project themselves. Calling an HVAC company can work but it’s not always the cheapest renovation. It can be extremely invasive and expensive. Instead, people would rather sell their houses without HVAC and buy a new one that already has a heating and cooling system in place.

3.    Dysfunctional Windows

Certain homeowners are very picky about their home’s aesthetics and functionality. Surprisingly, windows can be very expensive. If you live in a house with older, single-pain windows on cracked wooden frames, you may have to replace their entire window and frame to regain its proper function. For homeowners that live in a place that has frigid winters, having thick windows that close properly is essential. Instead of replacing the entire set of windows and frames throughout a house, people oftentimes decide to sell it and walk away.

Guest Contributor: Alex Capozzolo

4 Reasons to Install a Skylight to Your Home

Skylights have always been seen as a luxury feature, although this is no longer always the case. Modern skylights do more than just improve lighting and aesthetics. They improve comfort, promote security, reduce how much energy you use throughout the day, brighten small rooms, make the house safer for the elderly, who typically need more light to see better, and allow fresh air to circulate through the home.  Newer skylights are an improvement over the old bubble-style in many ways. For example, you can see the night sky so much better with the newer styles than you could with the bubbles-style. 

Let’s take a deeper look at why adding skylights to your home can be a good investment – especially if you’re going to sell your home.

Natural Light

Having natural light streaming into a room is the primary benefit of installing skylights, which far outweighs any savings on electricity costs. Homes with adequate lighting are safer, more comfortable places to live, and more pleasing to the eye. To save money on lighting, increase your home's access to inexpensive natural light by installing skylights of various shapes and sizes. In fact, skylights are a great option for bringing in more natural light to otherwise dark corners of your home's interior. It has been scientifically shown that people avoid places that are too dark. So why not make use of the entire house?

Health and Safety

Numerous health advantages have been linked to exposure to natural light and air on a daily basis. To begin, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is associated with a lack of sunlight; those who suffer from SAD experience low mood, increased appetite, and sleep problems during the winter months. Around 20% of the US population experiences SAD. Second, numerous health problems are exacerbated by being indoors in poor air quality. Ventilating your home with fresh air is one of the best defenses against it. Last but not least, as we become older, we require more light to maintain the same level of vision we had when we were younger (as much as 60% more light is required). The elderly are particularly at risk for injuries caused by slips and falls in dimly illuminated sections of the home. Screened skylights allow for the entry of natural light and ventilation into the home.

Energy Efficiency

When it comes to maximizing passive solar heating and minimizing heat loss, skylights are among the most popular additions to a home undergoing a green renovation. Natural light is amplified by skylights as well. Those dusty, fading plastic bubble skylights are an energy drain if they are currently installed in your home. No longer as effective at illuminating a room, and less economical to run, as modern skylights. They may be able to save around $13 per month. When compared to plastic, glass is preferable because it is more energy efficient, lasts longer, and lessens outside noises.

The Benefits of Investing in New Skylights

While installing skylights to reduce your carbon footprint may cost more than a more conventional option in the short term, the money you save on utilities more than makes up for the initial investment. Nevertheless, cutting energy expenditures shouldn't be your only motivation for purchasing new skylights. A home with modern skylights is more comfortable, convenient, visually appealing, and healthy for its occupants – all of which are great selling points, regardless if you’re using a real estate agent or using a program like Sell Fast Preston.

How to Fix Home Problems Yourself

Many people would like to be better at DIY and would like to be able to fix home problems for themselves. Well, you do not have to despair and simply assume that you are not going to be able to do anything about any common issues. Instead, the option to fix could be more readily available than you would have initially thought. Here are a few of the best ways to fix home problems yourself.

Assess the Scale of the Job

It is worth starting by looking at the scale of the job itself. This way, you are going to be much better placed to know whether it is going to be something that you can fix for yourself or whether you are going to be better off getting in the pros to take care of it all for you. The better the assessment, the more likely it is that you are going to get it right and you will not have bitten off more than you can chew. A simple search engine search can end up going a long way towards knowing whether this is going to be something that you can deal with. It’s important to be honest with yourself here, as certain jobs require professionals to complete them properly.

Check Out Online Videos

Once you have assessed the job, you can then start to go about looking at one or two online videos of other people fixing the issue. This way, you can start to see whether or not you feel comfortable following the instructions that are being laid out and if you can do something about it. Ultimately, another one of the reasons why it is worth looking at a few online videos is that you are more likely to find a personality that you connect with and one that you find to be useful.

Learn from Others

To begin with, if you have someone in your life, such as a parent or a friend, who is better at DIY than you are, it is certainly going to be worth learning from them as and when you can. This can certainly help out in ensuring that deal with the problem without a hitch. They can talk you through what they are doing and gradually start to pass over the responsibility towards you. Eventually, you should feel comfortable taking up the mantle and dealing with the issue for yourself.

Get the Right Parts and Tools

If you are going to be dealing with the problem, you certainly do not want to attempt it before you get your hands on the right parts, such as a toilet flush tank, as well as all of the tools that you are going to need as well.

All of these are among the different ways that you have available of making sure that you are dealing with any problems around the home in a manner that is successful and works well for you in the way you want.

How to Stay on Budget When Building Your Own Home

No doubt going through the process of building your own home is going to be a highly expensive one and you do not want to get into a situation in which it is going to set you back a great deal of cash more than what you had budgeted for in the first place. There are plenty of different ways in which you can successfully remain within budget, but the following blog post will be looking closely at a few of the best ways that you have of achieving this feat successfully.

Choose the Right Designers and Homebuilders

It should go without saying to begin with that you are not simply going to want to go with any old designer and homebuilder. Instead, it is going to be more than worth taking your time and selecting one that meets all your budgetary needs in a proper manner. You can take a look at this link for a potential option that may well be the right one for you. Ultimately, whoever you pick needs to know more about your budget and needs to believe that it is going to be a real possibility to complete as well.

Reassess the Budget Throughout the Project

Rather than simply assuming that all is going well in the project during it, you need to instead be ready to go over your budgetwith a fine-tooth comb to ensure that you are properly remaining on track at all times. Otherwise, you may well find that the situation you find yourself in is not matching up with your needs and requirements, meaning that you are at risk of overspending and you are not in a position to be able to do anything about it in a successful manner.

Be Prepared to Have a Contingency Plan

Beyond everything else, you are certainly going to need to have a clear contingency plan in place. For many people, this is going to be as simple as building in a little bit of wiggle room into the overall budget, ensuring that you are not going to be spending everything that you have. Ultimately, there is no point in not being properly prepared as you may well otherwise find that you are not ready to deal with any unexpected emergencies or other factors that end up getting thrown up along the way.

Learn from Others and Listen to Advice

If you have other people in your network who have already gone through the process of home building in the past, then it is certainly going to be more than worth listening to what they have to say about how everything occurred for them. At the same time, it is also going to be worth having the people on the project that you feel comfortable trusting and you are ready to take on the different advice that they give to you along the way.

All of this will help you when staying on budget.

Give Your Garden A Brand New Look With These 6 Expert Tips

Gardening is an enjoyable and rewarding activity that can bring a lot of joy to your life. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, it's always great to give your garden a brand-new look. Fortunately, there are some expert tips that will help you get the job done quickly and easily. From choosing the right plants to making sure everything is properly maintained, here are six essential tips for giving your garden a fresh new look. With these simple steps, you'll be able to create an outdoor oasis in no time!

1. Choose the Right Plants

Logically, the first step to giving your garden a new look is to choose the right plants. Consider the size, shape, and color of the plants and how they will fit into your desired design scheme. Don't forget to factor in how much sun and water each plant will need as well. In addition, because hiring services like tree pruning in LA, or garden maintenance will require your knowledge of the plants you have in the garden, you need to be familiar with the type of soil your plants will thrive in. Conversely, most garden plants will do well in soil that is pH-neutral to slightly acidic. Most importantly, watering regularly will keep your plants healthy and vibrant.

2. Add a Variety of Colors and Textures

Adding some color and texture to your garden is an important way to make it look vibrant and inviting. Consider bringing in flowers, shrubs, trees, and other plants with different colors and textures such as evergreens, grasses, succulents, and vegetables. This will give your garden a much-needed splash of life. Furthermore, you can add some extra interest by incorporating elements such as water features, bird feeders, and garden sculptures. Moreover, if you don’t have a lot of space, try planting some annuals and perennials in containers or window boxes for an instant boost of color.

3. Take Advantage of Shade Gardens

If you have shaded areas in your yard, don't forget to take advantage of them. You can make these spots look lush and inviting by planting shade-loving plants such as ferns, begonias, hostas, and astilbes. As an added bonus, these plants will also help keep the area cool during hot summer days. Shade gardens are also great for attracting butterflies, birds, and other wildlife, which will add to the beauty of your garden. Furthermore, you can use this area to create a comfortable seating space, so you can relax and enjoy your garden's beauty.

4. Make Sure Everything is Properly Maintained

Maintaining your garden is essential to keeping it looking its best. This means trimming, pruning, watering, and fertilizing regularly. Additionally, make sure any woody plants are treated correctly to prevent insect and disease problems. Finally, if you have a lawn in your garden, use a mower with sharp blades to keep it looking neat and tidy. A lawn mower will also help you keep the grass at a consistent height, which is important for reducing weeds and encouraging healthy growth.

5. Use Mulch to Help Keep Soil Moisture Consistent

Adding a layer of mulch around your plants will help keep the soil moist and provide essential nutrients. Not only that, but it can also help to prevent weeds and make your garden beds look neat and tidy. There are many different types of mulch available at most landscaping supply stores. Choose one that works best for your needs, such as organic mulch for a natural look, or colored mulch for an extra pop of color. Mulch can also protect your plants from extreme temperatures, making it an essential part of a healthy garden.

6. Incorporate Water Elements for an Optimal Aesthetic Appeal

Adding a water feature to your garden is one of the best ways to create an inviting and serene atmosphere. A pond, fountain, or birdbath can make any backyard garden look more attractive and appealing. Plus, these water elements also provide birds and other wildlife with essential resources for drinking and bathing. Water elements, generally, make a great addition to rock gardens and other landscape designs. Not to mention the fact that having a water element in your garden, almost guarantees that you have frequent visitors, such as birds, frogs, and dragonflies.

By following these six simple tips, you can easily give your garden a brand-new look. Remember to choose the right plants and add some variety with colorful flowers and textured plants, take advantage of shaded areas in your yard, maintain everything properly, use a mulch to keep soil moisture consistent, and incorporate water elements for an optimal aesthetic appeal. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can transform your garden into an oasis that everyone will enjoy.

How to Style Your Shelves Like a Pro

Have you ever had a shelf you wanted to decorate but felt like you didn’t have the right pieces to create the look you wanted? Styling shelves can be a daunting task, and it is easy to get overwhelmed by the thought of it. However, it doesn't have to be all that difficult. With just a few simple tips and tricks, you can create a stylish shelf display that will be the envy of all your friends.

In this article, we will discuss how to style your shelves like a pro, including how to pick the right pieces, arrange them in an aesthetically pleasing way, and accessorize with the right items. Whether you want to create a chic bookshelf or a stylish display of knick-knacks, these tricks will help you create an eye-catching display everyone will love.

Choose the Right Display Pieces

When styling your shelves, it is important to select the right pieces to include in your display. Choose items that complement each other in terms of color, shape, and texture. For example, if you are styling a bookshelf, consider grouping books of similar colors together or arranging them by size. Incorporating other items, such as vases, candles, or picture frames, can add visual interest to your display, too.

You can also select things that have sentimental value or personal significance to you. This way, you’ll add more personality to your space rather than filling it with generic items you can find in every other home.

Create an Aesthetically Pleasing Layout

The layout of your shelves is crucial to creating a visually appealing display. Symmetry can be pleasing to the eye, but don't be afraid to mix it up and play with different arrangements. In fact, asymmetrical displays can also work great when it comes to adding a sense of movement and energy to your shelves.

So, don’t be afraid to experiment with different layouts until you find one that you truly love. You can even consider investing in convenient custom shelves to ensure that you are able to turn your vision into reality. When arranging your items, try to create a sense of flow and movement throughout the display. You can achieve this by using items of varying heights and by incorporating diagonal lines.

Pay Attention to the Scale

When styling your shelves, it's also important to pay attention to the scale of the items you use. Make sure the pieces on your shelves are proportional to the shelf's size and each other. Mixing small and large items can create visual interest, but be sure to keep the balance.

Avoid overcrowding your shelves, as this can make the display feel cluttered and unappealing. On the other hand, if you go for too many small items, it may look sparse and unfinished. Additionally, consider leaving some negative space between objects to create a more open look.

Don’t Forget About Proper Lighting

Proper lighting is especially important if you plan to take photos of your carefully styled shelves and become a #shelfie influencer on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Lighting can create depth and add dimension to your display. You can use a combination of overhead and task light fixtures, such as table lamps or picture lights, to highlight specific items on your shelves.

This can create an interesting contrast between the light and dark areas of your display and draw attention to the focal points of your shelf. Additionally, using adjustable lighting can give you the flexibility to change the atmosphere of your room depending on the occasion or mood. You may also consider hiding some battery-operated fairy lights that you will use to add more ambiance to the room.

Consider the Importance of Continuity

Finally, it's important to maintain continuity throughout your display. This means that all the items on your shelves should have a connection or a common theme. For example, if you're styling a bookshelf, you could group all the books by author, genre, or color. If you have decorative items from different parts of the world you brought from vacation, you may want to avoid mixing them on the same shelf.

This way, you should be able to create a sense of unity and harmony in your display and make it feel more cohesive. You can also maintain continuity throughout your room by styling your shelves to complement the overall aesthetic of the space.

In Conclusion

Styling shelves can seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach and a few simple tips, it can be an easy and enjoyable process. By selecting the right pieces, creating an aesthetically pleasing layout, accessorizing with the right items, paying attention to scale, incorporating proper lighting, and maintaining continuity throughout your display, you can create a stylish and visually appealing display that will be the envy of all your friends.

Remember that styling your shelves is all about experimenting and having fun, so don't be afraid to try different things and see what works best for you. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to style your shelves like a pro in no time.

 Guest Contributor: Nina Elliott

5 Ways To Make Your Plumbing Business Stand Out

Growth doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a direct effect of months and years of hard work, effort, and determination, mainly driven by the desire to stand out. This statement applies to all types of businesses, but even more so to those in the plumbing sector, where competition is strong. Sure, you’re no stranger to all the horror stories of competitors closing their doors simply because they weren’t getting enough customers. 

Plumbing is an excellent business, given its importance in every household or commercial building. You’ve just started yours, and now you’re eager to position yourself a few steps ahead of the competition. With the right marketing ideas for plumbing business, standing out will no longer feel like an impossible goal.   

Get your plumbing business a few steps closer to that with these insights on thriving and standing out.  

1. Create A Website For Your Plumbing Business

A website is one of the greatest assets of modern-day business. Creating a website can expand your business’s opportunity to grow. Think of this as your storefront in the digital space. Hence, making a good impression is crucial. However, doing so can be challenging, especially if you lack knowledge about website development.

Fortunately, you can hire an expert to do the job for you. You can use this space to hold valuable information about your plumbing business, like: 

• Address 

• Contact information

• Marketing content

• Photos or portfolio of work done

• Past clients’ feedback 

Moreover, you can consult a marketing strategist to help you with the content and boost your website.

2. Apply SEO Strategies To Boost Traffic

Search engine optimization (SEO) plays a significant role in digital marketing success. Once you’ve created your business’s website, you should apply the best SEO strategies. These strategies aim to rank websites better and higher on search engines.  

One way to rank your website on search engine results pages (SERPs) is by using the right keywords in your content. When done correctly, your plumbing business will drive more traffic to your site, attracting more potential customers and may convert leads into sales.

3. Post Content Regularly 

Aside from applying the correct SEO strategies, posting content regularly on your website can rank higher. Moreover, quality content about plumbing-related topics sets the image of your business as an authority. It shows you’re knowledgeable about plumbing, which builds trust with new clients.  

To do this effectively, you can start by keeping a content calendar. That way, you’ll never be without new topics. Consistency is as important as quality to building rapport with your would-be clients.

4. Advertise Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) 

A unique selling proposition is that facet of your plumbing business that sets you apart from others. Because of the strong competition in the local plumbing businesses, using USP can help you get ahead of others. Moreover, this strategy can convince new prospective customers to trust your plumbing business and not the competition. 

When you’re planning your USP, it’s best to consider the following:

• The products and services your business offers

• Your target audience

• Your customers' needs

• The benefits that your customers will get from your business

Moreover, you can consider getting a master plumbing license to improve your knowledge and skills to improve your business. You could be the only tank and tankless specialist in town or be one of the few that offers more modern fixtures, some of which are new ones in the industry.   

5. Learn New Plumbing Techniques

Lastly, nothing beats an expert plumber. Clients are cautious and critical in choosing whom they hire, so there’s no settling for anyone less than the best in the area. This creates the need to train and learn new skills consistently and explore plumbing-related concerns and solutions for a more efficient result.  

It’s best to encourage your team members to join training and seminars when they’re available. Furthermore, there are plumbing courses online that you can regularly attend. Once you’ve completed each, you can post photos of your certificates and new licenses on your web and social media pages to strengthen proof that you have taken extra time and effort to improve consistently.  

Final Thoughts 

Starting your own plumbing business is already an achievement in itself. After all that hard work in the startup phase, it’s not time to let your guard down. Now, more work is needed to make your plumbing business stand out. The high demand for plumbing services is good, but competition is also strong. There are many ways to jumpstart that growth, beginning with what you’ve read above.