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January 29th, 2015 at 4:00 pm

Save energy in your kitchen

Energy conservation is on the forefront of many of our minds. Who wouldn’t want to save a few dollars on their utility bill when possible? When it comes to increasing your energy efficiency, the kitchen is a great place to start. Think of all those appliances and just how much energy they must be using. You can start by making a few small changes, or if you happen to be remodeling, it might be time for larger ones. Here is a list of changes you can start making today to increase your energy efficiency and save money.

Lighting

When it comes to lighting, perhaps one of the most impactful things you can do is make sure you turn off kitchen lights when you’re not in the room. Too often we leave lights on when we don’t need to. Replace your standard light bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs. You can find these right alongside standard bulbs, typically labeled with an Energy Star.

Extra credit: Replace your light fixtures with energy-efficient features. (more…)

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January 22nd, 2015 at 2:00 pm

Leaky-faucet

Leaky faucets are a common problem in the homeowner world. Before you call the plumber in for any major repairs, try fixing the faucet on your own with these easy-to-follow instructions.

  1. Remove the handle. Unscrew the screw attaching the faucet handle. Note that it may be under a decorative cover that you’ll need to pry off.
  2. Use a wrench to tighten the packing nut. Find the nut at the base of the handle’s stem. This could be the root of your leak. Tighten nut and see if your leak has stopped. If not, proceed to step 3. (more…)

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December 24th, 2014 at 10:00 am

Kitchen Innovation

Technology is a part of our everyday life. It’s changed the way we travel, work, communicate and so much more. It seems there are few things in our daily routines that haven’t been simplified and streamlined by technology. If you’re anything like us, there’s one place where we could always use a little more convenience and a little more organization: the kitchen.

See some of our favorite kitchen innovations in the latest issue of Prestige. This equipment is not only a timesaver, but also a conversation starter when you’re next entertaining.

 

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December 23rd, 2014 at 10:00 am

Fireplace safety

Few things are quite as cozy as sitting next to a warm fire. Now that cooler weather has arrived and the holidays are almost here, you might be ready to light a fire in your own fireplace. Most Southern California residents probably don’t use their fireplace year round. These tips will help you to stay safe when you’re using your fireplace.

  1. Keep up with your fireplace’s maintenance. Have it checked and cleaned annually. Neglecting to clean your fireplace can result in a chimney fire. Be sure to also clear the area around your fireplace of any flammable debris.
  2. Between inspections, monitor your fireplace for soot buildup. (more…)

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December 9th, 2014 at 12:00 pm

Nontraditional fences

Although a white-picket fence can be a lovely accent to your house, taking a nontraditional approach to fencing can also enhance your home’s curb appeal. You have so many options for fencing, and many can serve dual purposes.

To avoid confusion, help you shop smarter and get results you’ll be happy with for years to come, start by deciding the main purpose of your fence. For example, are you building a fence to provide an enclosed space for children or pets, ensure enhanced privacy, a boundary, or simply to add an exterior-design accent? Knowing what you want your fence to accomplish will ease the stress and work involved in the planning process.
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