by Milcarsky's Staff | Nov 4, 2021 | Appliances
Everyone uses energy every day to power their homes and to make their lives run more smoothly. And many people are considering the possibility of using more sustainable energy options to keep things going. But if you change the energy source you use, will it impact the way you use the appliances you have in your home? That is a question that deserves to be answered carefully and with the thought and care it takes to make sure it is answered correctly.
Different Kinds of Energy
The first thing you should know is that there are many different kinds of sustainable energy available. And that means that those different energy sources can impact your use of energy in various ways. Many people are familiar with solar energy for home use and it is a great sustainable energy source, especially if you are in a sunny climate. One great thing is that if your area experiences varied seasons, you can remain on the grid with solar energy so you can use solar energy when you have easy access to it and you can use traditional energy sources when you can’t get enough solar power.
Wind energy is another energy source that people tend to be familiar with and it is highly sustainable, though it sometimes works best in conjunction with other sustainable power options, especially in residential settings where a huge turbine is impractical. Propane is another more sustainable option that you should look into. Propane tanks allow you more freedom to shop around and choose different companies
One Energy Source
Some appliances tend to be powered by multiple energy sources if you have electric and gas like many traditional homes do. Depending on the sustainable energy source you use though, you will likely only need one energy source to power those appliances. This is nice because it is easier to track your energy use and to know how efficiently your appliances are working. Switching between gas and electric can also cause energy to be lost in the transition, which is not good for your overall efficiency. This means that converting to a single sustainable energy source will do a lot of good for your overall efficiency. And having less energy sources to worry about can make your life as a homeowner much simpler and more manageable.
Upfront Costs
The costs that you spend switching to sustainable energy up front can be a worry for some homeowners. And it is true that these costs can be expensive, especially if you haven’t prepared for them in advance. However, you have some options at your disposal that can help you to mitigate the upfront costs of installing sustainable energy options. One thing you should definitely keep in mind is that you can actually get tax breaks for your sustainable energy that can help to cut those costs down. There are federal breaks available for sustainable energy, but many states also offer tax breaks on top of the federal offers. That means that together these two breaks can greatly decrease your upfront costs. You can also apply for grants to help cover some or all of the upfront fees.
Decreasing Your Costs
One benefit is that sustainable energy will actually be able to help you decrease your costs over time. This means that if you are worried about the upfront costs of installing sustainable energy for your home, there is some good news for you. The savings you will have on your energy bill over time can be an incredible asset. If you are able to produce enough energy on your own that you are no longer required to rely on the grid at all you can essentially remove your energy bill all together. Some homeowners are also able to sell energy back to the grid so that they can actually make money off of their sustainable energy source. This is a huge advantage that can help you to make up for the upfront costs very quickly.
Pairing with Efficient Appliances
The appliances you choose will have a lot to do with how effectively you are able to use the sustainable power you choose. Different appliances have different levels of efficiency that can cause issues for your overall sustainability. But if you upgrade to new efficient appliances you can conserve energy and require less to do all the things you do.
While you are working on decreasing your energy consumption, you may as well decrease water waste as well. You want to choose low-flow fixtures so that you can use as little water as possible to keep your home running smoothly.
Improving the Overall Efficiency of Your Home
You shouldn’t simply choose sustainable energy and then leave the rest of your home as it is. Instead, you should work to make sure that your home has the energy efficiency it needs to make the most of sustainable energy. This means investing in things like insulation and modern windows and doors so that energy isn’t able to escape that way. It also means changing some of your habits to be more sustainable. Food waste and general trash is a huge issue for sustainability and working to decrease that waste and recycle whenever possible can help you to live more sustainably. Making sustainable choices every single day will help you to take full advantage of the sustainable energy sources you are using for your home.
Most people want their homes to be as sustainable and efficient as possible. Some people are more concerned about the environment while others are focused on keeping bills low. Whichever type of person you are, it’s important to make smart choices that move you towards a more sustainable life. And with more sustainable homes with more sustainable appliances you can save money and the environment all at the same time. This will put you in an ideal position to live your life more sustainably and fully, no matter how you like to spend your time and your budget.
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by Milcarsky's Staff | May 12, 2021 | Appliances
Having a washer and dryer in your apartment is highly unorthodox. Most of the time, people have their own laundry room to wash, dry, and fold their clothes. But this is not realistic for many people renting small apartments. Learning to cope with this situation can help you feel good about your home.
Hide Them Away in a Closet
The first way you can give your laundry its own spot is by hiding it away in the kitchen pantry or closet. According to DigsDigs, this can keep laundry smells away from the kitchen, keeping the two regions apart. It can also seem a little more professional if you are worried about the appliances looking “trashy” in the kitchen.
It can also keep your laundry detergents and other things in a spot close to the washer and dryer. You can set your stuff on shelves nearby, allowing for easy storage within the closet. You truly get the best of both worlds by having a nearby hiding place for these essential appliances.
Stack Them Up
One way you can minimize the amount of space the washer and dryer take up is by stacking them on top of each other. Homeowners tend to forget to use the vertical space in their homes. According to Pierce Design + Build, stacking your set can fit the needs of a smaller kitchen.
This works especially well if you have a tight closet that can’t be used for much else. This can give that specific closet a purpose while also hiding your washer and dryer in your kitchen. This is becoming incredibly popular as a DIY project, so if you are interested in hardware and need to move your appliances, this can be a great way to try your skill.
Set Them Under the Counter
Another way you can conceal your washer and dryer is by building them underneath a counter. This is a great way to make your home look professional while maintaining its ease of use. While you shouldn’t place it underneath your kitchen island, it can go great underneath a counter you won’t be cooking on frequently.
If you don’t have a lot of free counter space, this likely isn’t the solution for you. It works in more flexible layouts. The appliances may also vibrate the counter, which would be kind of loud and annoying in some circumstances. According to The Organized Home, it’s important to keep this in mind before you select this option.
Nobody wants to have a washer and dryer in their kitchen, but sometimes it’s necessary. A washer and dryer in the kitchen can be workable, but it is usually a niche circumstance. If you do need to make it work, these are some great options that you can use.
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by Milcarsky's Staff | Apr 7, 2021 | Appliances
When you’re looking for a home, it can be difficult to know what you’re looking for. You might have some ideas, but don’t forget the kitchen. You should be looking for modern appliances, a bar, and an island. Each of these things will help give you the kitchen you’ve always wanted.
Modern Appliances
There are many benefits of modern appliances in the kitchen. If the appliances have been upgraded recently, then you will know that you won’t need to replace them anytime soon. You can use them with some peace of mind that they’ll work for a long time. They also look great in your kitchen. Stainless steel appliances are becoming very popular and can give your kitchen a more modern look. With upgraded appliances you can be assured that you have the best technology that might still be within it’s warranty, just in case.
A Bar
A bar in your kitchen can add a lot to a kitchen. By providing a place to put dishes, a kitchen bar can free space on your dining room table. Having extra counter space is never a bad thing. You can add some bar stools and create a good place to hang out in the kitchen with your friends and family. It can be your go-to spot in the morning when you’re having your coffee and your kids are eating their cereal. A bar is a practical addition to a kitchen.
An Island
A kitchen island might not be for everybody, but it’s a great addition to your kitchen. It has a lot of benefits and you won’t regret having one. It can add storage area and extra cabinetry. Your kitchen might be lacking in storage area, but an island can help. It can provide extra seating if you have guests. It can be an informal kids table. It can also give you more space to put your kitchen amenities like preparation sinks, refrigerator drawers, and additional counter space. An island might not seem like a practical addition to a kitchen, but it really is.
As you are house hunting, you need to know what you want in your kitchen. You should look for modern appliances, a bar, and an island. Each of these things will be great additions to your home.
If you have a kitchen in need of new appliances, check out our inventory!
by Milcarsky's Staff | May 5, 2020 | Appliances, Design
Renovating your kitchen is often the last project to tackle in a house. Unfortunately, because the kitchen is the room that works hardest in your home, this renovation is often the most disruptive. Before you tackle this area, it’s important to consider what you need from the space now and what you’ll need in the future.
Determine the Layout
The wide variety in kitchen cabinet styles and countertop options means that you can create any number of designs for your kitchen. Islands can be movable or permanently placed, and some appliances such as dishwashers can be portable or countertop. Before you tear into any kitchen renovation, spend some time in the space determining the footprint or layout. Consider work triangles. For example, raw ingredients come from one corner of the triangle (refrigerator), and tools are collected from another corner (cabinet). Cooking is finally accomplished at the third corner (stove).
Don’t Forget the Walls
Drywall can get pretty beat up when you’re moving large appliances around. When stripping the walls, check for any potential damages to the drywall in order to prevent further problems down the road. Additionally, if you have to open any walls to run power, water or gas lines, you may need to patch or repair the sheetrock before setting cabinets and appliances in place. If you do end up opening a wall and running new utilities, take photos of the changes for future reference before you seal up the opening. Provide these images to the new owners when you sell the house.
Work Slowly
If you’re doing any of the work yourself, do your best to work in a slow, organized fashion. You can save money on the project by doing your own demolition but not if you hurt your back moving the refrigerator. Reduce lifting requirements for cabinets by undoing the hardware and removing the doors. Before you pull the screws, set a brace or a block under the cabinet so you can lower the casing gently. Keep your walking paths clear of debris, tools and supplies. Finally, always wear your safety gear to protect yourself.
Renovating can be exciting. If you have a clear vision of how the new space will work and how much easier cooking and cleanup will be when you’re done, your renovation will be worth the hassle, mess and disruption. Be certain to spend a lot of time in the space determining the best working layout before you get started.
If you’re looking for some new appliances to put in your renovated kitchen, take a look at our cooking appliances!
