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Allergy season is upon us. Once those April Showers pass, May hypersensitivity begins. And instead of loading up on decongestants and eye drops, consider this: the most effective way to dodge this influx of symptoms is to focus on your HVAC system. While you may think isolating yourself indoors will protect you from the dust and pollen, you may actually be making yourself even more susceptible.
Your HVAC system is your secret weapon to eliminate allergens hovering in your home; it just has to be in the right condition. No one wants to sneeze their way through spring, so here are a couple of proactive measures you can take now to make sure your HVAC is working for you — not against you.
Is My HVAC System Giving Me Allergies?
If your HVAC system isn’t properly maintained, it could actually be contributing to your allergies. If you’re sneezing or coughing even when you’re inside, your system could be the culprit. Here are some other signs your air quality is not up to par:
- Dry and itchy skin
- Nose bleeding, sneezing, wheezing, or congestion
- Irritable and congested feeling that goes away when you leave home
- The smell of mold or mildew
- Visible dust or pollen in the air
Don’t wait until you start suffering to take action — make sure to call in an HVAC professional before the worst of allergy season gets here. Madsen will make sure yourHVAC system is keeping your air in pristine condition all season long!
How To Get an HVAC System Ready
There are many factors to consider when getting your HVAC system ready for allergy season. Here are some important tips to follow and how they’ll help keep your home allergen-free.
Filters
Clogged filters can lead to a whole host of allergy-related issues. They circulate dust and allergens through your home, affecting your air quality and aggravating symptoms. While their purpose is to trap these particles so that they don’t bother you, they’ll have the opposite effect when they get inundated with them. It also makes your HVAC system work harder than it has to, which can take a toll on its lifespan.
Having your filters changed once a month is a surefire way to maintain the best possible air filtration, but even every two or three months will improve your indoor air quality in a significant way. Changing them right before allergy season is a must!
When choosing a filter, go with a HEPA filter. These are High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters that get the job done right. Picking one with a MERV rating of at least 10 will ensure you’re getting a higher-end filter in terms of the quality of air filtration. That means it’ll capture small particles like pollen that could sneak their way through doors and windows, causing you to deal with those itchy, watery eyes you’re not looking forward to.
Vents
Vents need to be dusted and cleaned to get rid of dust or debris. If they aren’t, that debris could circulate throughout the air in your home, making you more susceptible to allergic reactions. Vents can also collect condensation and humidity, which can lead to mold and mildew. And you definitely don’t want to be breathing that in.
An annual maintenance visit from your HVAC professional can make sure your vents are clean and ready to go. They may recommend installing a dehumidifier to prevent future issues if you’re dealing with mold or mildew.
Air Ducts
Your air ducts also need to be cleaned in order to avoid the same types of issues. Mold, mildew, and pollen are particularly prone to settling in these spaces before geting picked up and circulated throughout your home, exacerbating allergies and respiratory issues like asthma.
A professional duct cleaning service and regular HVAC maintenance appointments will solve this problem. A healthy HVAC system is powerful enough to keep air moving along while being constantly filtered, so nothing gets the chance to build up in the ducts!
Air Purification & Scrubbing Devices
There are additional devices that can be installed in line with your HVAC unit to keep your air extra clean. That way, if build-up occurs anywhere in the system, you’ve already got a backup plan in place. Additional air treatment can get rid of any lingering allergens that sneak their way through your system. These devices work before the air reaches vents in your rooms, effectively protecting you from whatever they catch.
Close the Door!
Give your HVAC system a chance to do its job! While fresh air from an open window or door may be tempting when the sun is shining and the birds are chirping, you’re much better off letting that fresh air come from your HVAC system. Because that air will be filtered.
By allowing air to flow in from outside, you’re letting in all of the allergens your system’s working so hard to keep out.
Watch Humidity Levels
Humidity is key when it comes to putting allergies in their place. While too much moisture can lead to mold or mildew, dry air isn’t helpful for your air quality either. Having too little moisture is like giving irritants a free pass to roam about your house as easily as possible.
You want to aim for about 40% humidity for ideal air quality. Using a dehumidifier in very humid areas won’t only fend off mold and mildew — it’ll also keep out fungi, mites, and bacteria. Your HVAC professional can also install a UV light in humid spots that eliminate bacteria and other bio-organisms if they start sprouting up.
Let Madsen Help You This Allergy Season
If you’re ready to get ahead of allergy season, give Madsen a call! We’ll come out to your home for a maintenance appointment and make sure each of these factors are in check, so you won’t be stuck sneezing your way through the season.
Our experienced professionals are happy to help you live your best life this spring. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Most people take the New Year as an opportunity to think of ways to improve their lives. We set little goals for ourselves in hopes that we’ll create some meaningful change in our lives toward the things we want for ourselves. Creating healthy habits, setting career goals, planning to travel more — we love the feeling of newfound motivation the start of the year brings.
But while you’re concocting those personal resolutions to achieve meaningful change, we can’t forget about the role our surroundings play in the things we do and the way we feel. Yes, we’re specifically talking about your home!
We don’t always notice how much our space affects our behavior. We’re here to remind you. So why not kick off 2023 with a couple of home improvements that will help make your resolutions easier to keep! Here are a few ideas…
Re-Model Key Spaces
A little remodeling can go a long way — especially in the right spaces! In addition to adding value to your home, it can provide invaluable comfort and gratification for you as part of living your very best life.
Kickstart Your Kitchen
Starting with your kitchen is a great way to get into a healthier mindset. When you love your kitchen you’ll be encouraged to cook more, saving you money & supporting your physical goals. Investing in newer, energy-efficient appliances will only make cooking more enjoyable, but also help you save even more money in the long run. And if you remodel your kitchen, you can increase your home’s overall value, maximizing your investment in a way that keeps paying off.
Organizing your cabinets and applying a fresh new paint color is a great place to start. If you want some help remodeling your kitchen to get it in gear for the new year, reach out to our experts at Madsen!
Home Office
Your home office is also a key space where a re-model could benefit you immensely. You need a comfortable and inspiring space to be your most productive self this year — and just a couple of design and furniture updates could be the smartest thing you could do. New technology, ergonomic seating (you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for looks, or vice versa!), and storage elements can help you refresh your space and achieve all of your professional goals this year.
Bathroom
Prioritizing self-care? Where better to start than a remodeled bathroom! Investing in a luxurious space where you can unwind with those bath bombs you got in your stocking or complete that new nightly skin-care regimen can elevate these experiences tenfold. Trust us, when you really love your bathroom, it’s a lot easier to stick to those nightly routines. So if you want to dedicate a space to self-care, consider having a team of design experts help make your dream bathroom a reality.
Inspection Leads to Perfection
Homeowners can get ahead of potential problems if they take the steps to learn what they are. Inspecting key areas of your property to catch potential issues or damage to your systems can save you thousands in the long run. Waiting until a full breakdown or a major leak isn’t recommended by our professionals, so if you want the peace of mind of knowing every detail has been looked at by a pro and your home is as efficient and safe as it can be, set up a routine maintenance check with us today.
Indoor Air Quality
It may often get overlooked (because you can’t technically see it), but your indoor air quality is one of the most important factors in a healthy home. Make it a resolution to make checking your HVAC system a priority. Change the filter and schedule a tune-up so it can operate as efficiently as possible. You can also invest in air filters around the house to breathe cleaner air in every room.
Interior Elements
Inspect the floors for wear and tear or movement between boards and give your carpets a deep clean after that holiday hosting. Other tasks like clearing out your dryer’s lint ducts and refrigerator coils, inspecting your water heater, and checking your foundation for signs of termites are all important tasks to add to your routine to-do list. Make a commitment to maintaining one of your resolutions this year!
Exterior Features
Next stop, outside! Do a thorough check of your home’s exterior, from your siding to outdoor lighting, gutters, and roof. If you find any issues, such as buckled panels or fallen shingles make sure to get them fixed sooner than later to avoid worse and more costly damage. Plus, boosting your property’s curb appeal is a great way to gain a newfound sense of pride in your home!
De-Clutter Storage Spaces
Your garage, closets, attic, and cabinets might not be as organized as they could be — for many of us, it’s out of sight, out of mind. But this can be the year you can change that! Getting organized starts with clearing out the clutter. Take one storage area at a time, and start sorting out what you want to keep, donate, or throw away. And for every new item you got for Christmas or plan to treat yourself to in the New Year, make it a goal to toss out or donate an old one!
Once you’ve whittled down the haul, it’s time to organize. Whether you invest in some storage solutions or a professional organizer, create a system that works for you, so you’ll be more likely to maintain it! Make sure you can access items you use more often easily, so you’re not making life more difficult on yourself. That kind of defeats the purpose.
Create a Cleaning Plan
Creating a cleaning plan is a great way to make sure all your de-cluttering and organizing efforts actually last. Without a cleaning plan in place, you’ll simply have to put in the same amount of effort again next year. Plan out a schedule you can stick to regularly — start small and go from there.
Make a list of daily cleaning tasks by focusing on things that affect your family most often — like dishes, laundry, furniture, or floors. Set one of these tasks for each day of the week, giving yourself a day or two off to make it more manageable. Pro tip: divide your house by segments, so that maybe Wednesdays are for bathrooms and Saturdays are for the kitchen. Put these schedules in your phone calendar or planner, and take pride in sticking to it — unlike those workout resolutions last year.
Start Your New Year Right!
Following through with even just a few of these resolutions will help your home feel new again. And we just know that a rejuvenated space will catapult you to reach your goals!
Focusing on the heart of the home and making subtle changes and new routines for every room in the house will set you up for success. Let’s make it your most comfortable and cost-effective year yet! A cleaner, healthier space will promote your physical, mental, and emotional health, so make sure you start 2023 with these home improvement projects to make it the best it can be!
Home improvements are a great investment. Not only do they make your home more enjoyable — but they also increase its value. It’s a now-and-later solution to getting what you want as a homeowner. Let’s just say, they’re gifts that keep on giving.
So if you’re looking for something to ask Santa for this year, home improvements are one thing you won’t need a gift receipt for. We’ve compiled a couple of great ideas to elevate your space and add value in an affordable and meaningful way. Here are some of the best home improvements to ask for this holiday season!
Paint with Purpose
Paint is an inexpensive way to transform aninterior and bring new life to the home you love. Refreshing the walls, trim, and ceilings with a fresh color can rejuvenate any room. And our specific color choice can make a huge difference in setting the mood for work, play, or relaxation.
When it comes to home offices, a non-distracting white or mood-boosting shade of blue or green can help keep you in the right headspace. Playrooms can come to life with a combination of citrus colors, while earthy tones can make your kitchen feel sophisticated and calm. And various hues of gray, blue, or green are trendy choices to make your bathroom feel new again.
Whichever color you choose, make sure it matches your space and aligns with your goals for it. Painting with purpose is an affordable way to define and improve your home.
Rejuvenate Your Kitchen
The kitchen is commonly known as the heart of the home. And that means dealing with an outdated kitchen can throw off the vibe of your entire home. It can also turn off future home buyers as well.
Whether you’re hoping to attract potential buyers or enjoy cooking weekday dinners, preparing large holiday meals, and gathering with family more, kitchens are the centerpiece of it all. They affect the experience you have with each of these events, increasing your social collateral, happiness, and sellability of your property as a whole.
By redesigning your kitchen, you’re adding a significant game changer when it comes to your home’s value. If you ever put your home on the market, the kitchen alone can net up to 77% of the overall cost of your home!
But we also know it can be a daunting task to take on alone! Luckily, our kitchen design experts at Madsen are here to help. Improving the beauty and functionality of your kitchen can elevate every moment spent there for years to come. We’ve got the products and styles you want to make your kitchen look luxurious and new. Browse our kitchen gallery to get a little inspiration! From minor remodels to complete overhauls, our artistic professionals have got you covered.
Replace Your Windows
Old windows are rarely energy efficient. In other words, they’re letting cold air into your home all winter long. The cost for this overtime can be pricey too — notching the thermostat up a couple of degrees every day adds up to a drastic increase in energy bills
Replacing your windows is an upgrade that can make a huge difference, improving your quality of life and keeping energy bills low when winter brings its worst. It’s also much more affordable than most impactful home improvements, while adding nice aesthetic value too. Yes, please Santa!
Freshen Up the Bathroom
From upgrading countertops to getting new fixtures installed, bathroom upgrades can get an approximate 60% return for your home’s value. Bathroom remodels also improve your quality of life by making morning showers more revitalizing and evening baths more relaxing. Not sure where to start? Consider replacing an old tub, troublesome toilet, outdated ink or vanity. Even a new showerhead can make getting ready in the morning a lot more enjoyable. And for a more aesthetic-boosting project, swap out old hardware or give your cabinetry a fresh coat of paint — maybe try a fun, unexpected color!
Get the most out of your home by making sure your bathroom serves you in the best possible way. Our design experts are here to make this space everything it should be: stylish, peaceful, and valuable. Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll provide options that can achieve your goals for your bathroom. Take a look at our bathroom gallery to see how beautiful the possibilities can be!
The Best Home Improvement Choices
When it comes to choosing the best ways to improve your home, value should be the motivating factor. And that comes in a few different forms: financial, aesthetic, and quality of life.
From the kitchen and bathrooms to the windows and walls, make the most of your home — and your life in it — by asking for these improvements for Christmas this year. They’re a gift that will have a positive impact on your life every day, which is something a lot of other presents won’t. And they set you up for a more successful future. Who could ask for more?
If you need to point Santa in the right direction, have him reach out to us here at Madsen!
The holiday season is a time for fun and festive time to bring people together. For some of us, we get to spend time with family we otherwise rarely see, and for others, it’s just a wonderful excuse to throw a party with our besties. Aside from the essentials like decorations and delicious food, there’s one important thing to consider that can make or break your holiday gathering – your kitchen.
The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s not only the place where people gravitate toward during gatherings, but it’s also where you put your all into making scrumptious sides and savory main dishes that keep your loved ones’ taste buds tingling year after year.
Upgrading your kitchen before the holidays creates a space that both guests and hosts alike can enjoy spending time in. Holiday entertaining is all about creating new memories, so here are a couple of tips to help you create a space that will help make every moment memorable.
Start with the Essentials
There are some things that may not be part of your typical dinner party, but then there’s no better time than the holidays to break them out. Spice things up with the following festive essentials:
Turn up the Fun
Having a speaker or sound system can make your holidays that much more special. There’s nothing quite like bursting out into jingle bells or silent night with your loved ones. Music is essential to the holiday spirit and is one of the most enjoyable parts of sharing these times together. Amp up the volume so people can get the most out of this experience!
Have a Holiday Hot Drink Station
Another thing you might not typically need is a coffee bar, but when you’re scrambling eggs and flipping pancakes on a cold winter morning, it can totally put you in the festive mood.
Whether you’re hosting the in-laws or having friends over, having a coffee bar allows people to get their caffeine fix in their own way! Offer mix in options like Chirstmas cookie simple syrup or peppermint cream so they can personalize their drink to their taste. A little pumpkin spice syrup and an espresso machine can even get them the PSL they love without having to leave the house.
Keeping cocoa and marshmallows or cider with cinnamon sticks can make it even more fun, letting everyone in on the warm and delicious goodness of the holidays.
And hey, having a bar bar isn’t a bad idea either – just remember to stock up on peppermint schnapps!
Make the Holidays Brighter
Lighting is transformative. Poor lighting can make the most modern of kitchens feel dull and unwelcoming, and great lighting can bring life and character into a smaller space. To create that warm environment you’re looking for, you’ll need lighting that’s both functional and aesthetic.
Installing a dimmer can help make setting — and adjusting — the mood easy. Make your lighting soft or bright as the party vibes change. And consider the visual aspects of your lighting too. Metallic finishes and bronze or black accents are stylish ways to make your space inviting. Unique shapes can be conversation starters, while sconces can also bring excitement to your lighting.
Improve Accessibility
Don’t let the little things get in the way of your good time. Here are some ways to get your space organized and ready for all the holiday hoopla.
Get Your Sink in Shape
Getting a new, quality faucet in a trendy black, copper, or bronze finish can make holiday clean up. A tap that sits too low can be cumbersome, taking time away from while struggling to rinse 100 plates. A high-end or touchless faucet can also be a real conversation starter for guests! A simple swap could complete the overall look you’re going for with your kitchen design with a modern touch.
And if your sink simply isn’t big enough to do the job of a host, consider looking at larger options. Farm or double sinks are very popular designs that add tons of extra space for dishes and meal prep. A garbage disposal is also clutch for all your holiday feasts.
Get Rid of the Rubbish
Having an inconveniently-placed, visible, or smelly garbage situation doesn’t exactly scream “happy holidays.” A built-in garbage and recycling cabinet keeps trash cans out of the way for guests. Out of sight, out of mind is way better in this case. A smart garbage system also allows people to enjoy the smell of that delicious meal you’re prepping or that peppermint-scented candle you’ve got burning instead of their waste.
Open Things Up with Less Cabinets
Investing in glass-front cabinets or open shelves is an incredibly convenient choice for anyone who loves to host. Guests don’t like having to ask where certain dishes are over and over again — and you have enough on your plate than to keep having to answer.
Glass-front cabinets and accessible shelves open up the space and make it feel bigger too, so you don’t feel overcrowded with everyone in the kitchen when it’s time to fill their plates.
Switch Up Your Surfaces
Chipped paint or worn-down surfaces aren’t necessarily inviting. By switching up your surfaces, you can brighten and warm up your space to a holiday-approved temperature.
Wood That’s Not Wood
Reclaimed wood is a trendy modern option for dining tables, kids’ tables, and accents. It’s a warm look that is instinctively inviting, making people feel warm and welcome, while adding a rustic cabin vibe to your holiday experience.
Quality Quartz
Quartz countertops come in tons of patterns and colors and are a great option to jazz up your kitchen decor in a cost-effective way. They’re also durable enough to handle everything from the heat of very hot turkey pans to the spills and blows of dropped glasses or plates.
Having this type of countertop will add the good kind of drama to your kitchen and help you cook with confidence without having to worry about cracking or chipping. Let’s be honest, you don’t need anything else to worry about with 4 dishes in the oven.
Get Fired Up
If you’re looking for some inspiration to help turn your kitchen into the place to be this holiday season, consider adding a fireplace with lounge furniture to your eat-in space. There’s nothing quite like roasting walnuts or marshmallows by the fireside, and being extra toasty warm on the coldest of winter nights. Get the ideal holiday experience in full swing by going the extra mile and investing in a fireplace along with some comfy seating.
If you want your house to be the holiday hub, these additions will seal the deal — and you’ll never go to your in-law’s house for the holidays again!
Winner Winner, Who’s Ready for Dinner?
Beautiful, adjustable lighting will spark the holiday spirit. People won’t be worrying about tripping over trash cans, rinsing their plates, or navigating your kitchen. Everyone will help themselves to their favorite morning and evening drinks, and then sit to enjoy them by the crackling fire. You’ll be cooking like a pro, sliding pans over your gorgeous and practically indestructible countertop while everyone dances around the Christmas tree.
Our experts here at Madsen and here to help you design your perfect holiday kitchen. With a wide variety of available styles and products, we’ve got what you need to create the entertainment setting of your dreams.
Take a look at our kitchen gallery to see how we’ve helped others to spruce up this heart-of-the-home space. We get you the results you’re looking for so you can enjoy them during the holiday season and all year round! Contact us today to help you create the home for the holidays.
With winter creeping up as quickly as summer passed, now is a great time to get maintenance projects out of the way. Before things get too chilly, take advantage of the fall season to complete some necessary to-dos around the house that will help keep it in great shape throughout the harsher months to come. There are some tasks that really can’t be ignored to keep your home in its best condition – so make sure to take on these ones first!
Maintain Your Gutters
Whether you hire a professional pressure washer or take on the job yourself, your gutters really need a good clean before winter. Debris and wet leaves can accumulate quickly and only compound throughout the fall season, clogging up your gutters so they can’t function properly. With all the precipitation winter brings, you want your gutters to be prepared so they can protect your property from water damage.
While you’re at it, make sure your gutters are aligned properly! Ice from past winter seasons can take a toll, causing them to sit off-kilter. If they’re not straightened before winter, your roof could be swamped in the Spring.
Store Summer Away
Once fall hits, all your summer outdoor items can be stored away for winter to maintain their longevity. First, take care of all your patio furniture and outdoor living space pieces. Covering them with a blanket will help to keep them from getting damaged by the weather or in storage.
Next, take down and store your window screens. Even if you do enjoy opening them at times in the fall or winter, you certainly won’t need to keep bugs at bay. Storing your screens during these seasons extends their lifespan. But before you put them away, give them a gentle cleaning with a soapy bucket of water and brush so they’re ready for springtime.
Lastly, pack up your plants! Adding an extra layer of mulch to your flower bed will help protect your plants so they can flourish again next year.
Finesse Your Furnace
You want to make sure your furnace is ready for those chilly fall nights and frigid winter days. And bleeding your hot water radiators is an easy way to keep them from holding excess water and air. Unscrew the valve at the top, and then catch the water in a small container.
You can also change your furnace filter yourself, keeping your indoor air from getting dirty and your furnace functioning well. Pro tip: make sure to do this before the first time you turn it on for the season.
Finally, make sure you get your routine furnace maintenance inspection. That way, with the help of a pro like those here at Madsen, you can take care of any repairs before it gets too cold outside. Don’t wait to find out your furnace isn’t working properly the hard way – get your inspection done in the fall to make sure you’ll be comfortable all winter long.
Do a Safety Check-Up
Fall is also a great time to check on your detectors and fire extinguishers. Your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should both get fresh batteries. Just a note, if your carbon dioxide detectors are right next to your furnace, they might go off when you turn it on for the first time. Make sure you get your furnace inspection with Madsen to check on those carbon dioxide levels to give you peace of mind in the upcoming months.
Prep Your Space for Snow Removal
Don’t make things harder on yourself this winter. Whether you’re using a snow blower or grabbing a shovel, you’ll want to make sure your space is cleared and ready for snow removal (another great reason for putting that outdoor furniture away!). Rocks, hoses, cords, and dog runners can become big hassles if not taken care of ahead of time. Clear the path so you can get rid of the snow without any additional effort.
Taking care of those beautiful fall leaves can also be a big help in the winter. You don’t want a layer of wet leaves adding weight to the heavy snow as you shovel or clogging up your snow blower. Picking up that rake now can make picking up the shovel much easier when the time comes!
By taking care of these important maintenance projects this fall, your home will be ready for winter’s worst! And for all those furnace-related issues, we’re here to help you at Madsen! Contact us today to help you finish up your fall maintenance so you can be cozy and comfortable all winter long.