Pain can crop up at any time. If it’s a pain you understand, such as a headache at the end of a long day or a backache after doing yardwork, simple fixes are available to lower your discomfort. The proper supplies, properly stored, are key.

The Importance of Keeping Medicine Within Your Home

Anti-inflammatory pain medications, such ibuprofen and naproxen can be an effective way to treat pain caused by a overuse. If you twisted your ankle on a hike, elevating the foot to reduce swelling is a crucial first step. Ice, if available, should also be applied. Adding an over the counter anti-inflammatory can help.

Acetaminophen is not an anti-inflammatory. Instead, this pain reliever works on your brain and spinal cord. If you have stomach concerns, acetaminophen may be a better pain relieving product.

Choose a Safe Storage Spot

All of these pain relieving tools come in a clever little bottle. Many of them are brightly colored. Children can be drawn to all of these products and can quickly suffer an overdose of any of these medications. If you have small children that are prone to climbing, create a space where you can lock up these medications to reduce this risk.

Like many products, pain medications need to be stored in a cool, dry spot. Your bathroom cabinet is not a great option; moisture and heat may shorten the life of even over the counter medications. If you have a small lockbox or even a locking tacklebox you can place in your pantry, this may be the safest place to store your medications.

What to Keep Within Your Home in Case of Pain

In addition to over the counter anti-inflammatory and pain medications, make sure you have the tools to create a topical pain medication. Your refrigerator can be a great start.

Heavy duty food storage bags can be loaded with ice. If you hurt your knee playing sports, put ice in a plastic bag. Lay a lightweight cloth or cotton kitchen towel on your knee and cover it with the ice bag. Use the 20 minutes on/20 minutes off rule for the first 24 hour. Always use a barrier cloth when applying ice; frostbite is possible and will only add to your discomfort. Make sure you also use a timer so you don’t ice any area for too long.

Another simple ice pack option is to fold a kitchen towel flat inside a gallon-sized freezer bag. Saturate the towel inside the bag and lay it flat in your freezer. This is an excellent ice pack for back pain. Once it’s frozen, you can wrap it in a larger towel and lay on it for 20 minutes every two hours.

Your refrigerator can also be a helpful spot for pain relief. If a loved one gets a sunburn, a bottle of non-fragrant lotion in the refrigerator can soothe their discomfort and help them fall asleep.

Other Pain Relief Items to Keep in Your Home

Make sure your first aid kit is also set up to treat pain. You need tweezers, but it’s also a good idea to stock an over the counter hydrocortisone cream. This medication can quickly take down the pain and inflammation of a wasp or hornet sting.

If you are using any prescription pain medications, do your best to store them far from little ones and to make sure they’re not exposed to light and heat. Like over the counter medications, prescription pain meds can quickly suffer environmental damage and lose their potency.

Knowledge of acupressure points can also be helpful when you or a loved one are suffering. These points can be used to treat headache as well as neck or back pain.

Fight Pain from Your Pantry

Don’t forget your pantry when you’ve got a loved one in pain. Heartburn can be extremely uncomfortable, but 1/4 cup of applesauce, particularly before bed, can soothe it. Cramps from diarrhea can be soothed with dry toast and small sips of water.

If you struggle with daily headaches or have a loved one who’s always headed for the pain relievers in the afternoon, push water throughout the day. A strong dose of caffeine can also be a terrific way to tackle a really tough headache. 

Not every pain has a known source. Maintaining access to quality pain medications can reduce stress for your entire household. Knowledge of acupressure points may help you tackle certain conditions. Safe storage of all pain medications is key.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Jessica Puckett, DACM, LAc

New housing trends appear and disappear in real estate every year, and 2024 is no different. As people’s tastes change in homes, interest rates and economic factors adjust, and the popularity of certain climates and states shift, new trends are always happening in the market.

From sustainable homes to houses with luxurious kitchens, these trends help to create unique and wonderful homes and buying opportunities. The trick is to find the current trends that suit your needs when shopping for real estate.

To keep yourself apprised of the current state of the housing market, here is a list of the five trends in real estate in 2024 to pay attention to.

1.   MIGRATION TRENDS

Moving or migration trends in the market can tell you where people are moving for work or new opportunities. They can also show you areas where people are leaving, which may signal some issues in these cities or states.

According to the 2023 report from Allied.com, Southern States are becoming a popular migration destination for many families. The increased cost of living, home prices, and other economic and lifestyle factors are driving people to move elsewhere, from states like California, Illinois, and Washington.

South Carolina is one of the biggest inbound states due to the growing job market that offers many opportunities and an affordable cost of living. Plus, the state has a pleasant climate, which is always positive in the real estate market. Other southern states, like Arizona and Tennessee, have similar opportunities that are desirable for many people looking to move states.

One reason for the mass exodus from states including California and Washington is the cost of living. Another is that many large companies, such as Tesla and Oracle, are moving to other states due to high operating costs and strict environmental regulations. As businesses leave, so do jobs.

2.   INTEREST RATE CUTS

According to the real estate company Clever, 2023 was not a good year to purchase or sell homes. 51% of Americans said that 2023 was a bad year to look at selling their homes, while 53% stated that 2023 was a terrible year to purchase a home.

This year, interest rates hit a worrying rate of 8% for 30-year mortgages. That’s in stark contrast to the 3% interest rates just a few years ago. Nevertheless, there may be hope.

According to Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve, the U.S. government expects to cut the interest rate at least three times in the coming years. That could mean 2024 will be a better opportunity for buyers. When these interest rate adjustments occur, the housing market may flourish again, encouraging people who are locked in lower interest rates to consider listing their homes and moving again, offering prospective buyers more housing options.

3.   HOUSING TYPES & SIZES

While there is a variety of homes in different styles and sizes for buyers to choose from, the current trend in housing sees buyers downsizing their homes while apartment sizes are increasing. Lifestyle changes and high mortgages are the biggest contributors to downsizing. As families are smaller, the need for fewer bedrooms has grown.

In addition, the size of condos and apartments is increasing as buyers want bigger rooms to live in. With the rise of working from home since the pandemic, buyers want to be able to work from their homes while still having space to separate work from home.

According to Sean M. Stadler, the managing principal at WDG Architecture’s Washington, D.C. office, before the pandemic, the average apartment size was around 870 square feet. These days, the average apartment size is closer to 1,000 square feet.

4.   SUSTAINABLE HOMES

With modern concerns about being eco-conscious, sustainability is one of the largest 2024 trends in the real estate market. Since the introduction of federal-backed incentives from the Department of Energy in January 2023, more energy-efficient homes are being built.

Energy-efficient homes can save up to 35% on people’s electricity bills and cut waste by 40% due to the way these homes are built. These homes cut electricity bills by using certain materials and building techniques that can sustain extreme weather conditions.  

For instance, high-grade insulation and windows help keep a balanced temperature regardless of the climate, reducing the need for heating and cooling use at all hours. Also, by using open planning, homes get more natural light, which can help reduce the amount of light sources people use during the day. And finally, solar panels can help offset energy costs almost completely.

Sustainable homes also change what materials are used in the building to help with maintenance and upkeep. This is done by using materials besides wood for framing, which is susceptible to rot, termite damage, mold, and water damage. Instead, home builders may use sustainable alternatives like recycled materials and concrete.

5.   FOCUS ON THE KITCHEN

It’s no surprise to anyone that the latest real estate trends include a focus on the kitchen. The kitchen has and always will be an important part of the home where families congregate.

These days, people are building larger kitchen spaces to accommodate more people and store more food and kitchen items. This also adds more places to decorate according to personal tastes while keeping the room practicable for cooking and dining, with updated appliances and functionality. 

For instance, a walk-in pantry helps create order inside the kitchen while still being able to grab whatever food you want easily. Furthermore, using updated appliances and plumbing like induction stovetops, pot filler faucets, and large refrigerators is a great way to make a kitchen efficient, allowing people to cook and share meals together while saving on going out.

CONCLUSION

Buying a home can be complicated, but shopping for what you want at the right time doesn’t have to be. By following the market and using this guide on the top real estate trends in 2024, you can decide what to look for to meet your family’s needs and when to search and purchase.

Water heaters, essential for every comfortable home, provide hot water for our daily needs, from showering to cooking. Yet, many do not realize that these domestic appliances can also be potential hazards. Left unchecked, water heaters may build up excessive pressure, leading to catastrophic explosions. Understanding the risks involved in operating a water heater, and more importantly, how to prevent such disasters, is vital. As homeowners, our responsibility stretches beyond enjoying the comforts of hot water; it includes ensuring the safety of our living spaces. With a little know-how and regular maintenance, we can effectively prevent any severe water heater problems.

Causes of Water Heater Explosions
Water heater explosions, while rare, can cause significant damage and injury. Understanding the causes behind them is crucial for prevention and ensuring household safety.

1. Faulty Pressure Relief Valve
The pressure relief valve safely opens to let out extra pressure from the tank if it gets too high. If a valve fails, it can cause tanks to burst by allowing pressure to build up, which is a common reason for explosions.

2. Excess Pressure Buildup
There are several causes that can culminate in excess pressure build-up within the tank. These include a malfunctioning thermostat, which might permit water to overheat, or high incoming water pressure from the municipal line. This pressurization weakens the tank’s structural integrity, leading to a risk of explosion.

3. Gas Leakages
Gas-powered water heaters have an associated risk of gas leakage. Should leakage occur and gas accumulate in an enclosed space, it might ignite due to a spark from the heater unit, leading to a violent explosion.

4. Improper Installation
Enlisting a professional plumber for proper water heater installation is often underemphasized. Improper or DIY installations can cause safety features to fail and weak connections, leading to pressure build-up and possible explosions.

Warning Signs
Recognizing warning signs is crucial to preventing water heater explosions and maintaining household safety.

• Leaks and Corrosion: This often indicates a deteriorating water heater, which can potentially lead to a rupture if ignored.
• Strange Noises: Noises such as rumbling or popping often indicate sediment buildup, which may compromise the heater’s function and safety.
• Rotten Egg Smell: A sulfur smell, similar to rotten eggs, could signal a gas leak in gas water heaters, posing substantial danger.
• Irregular Water Pressure: Wide swings in water pressure may be symptomatic of system issues that could strain and risk the integrity of the water heater.

7 Ways to Prevent Water Heater Explosions
Preventing water heater explosions is essential for maintaining the safety and integrity of your residence. Implementing the following steps can significantly reduce the risk of such potentially devastating incidents.

1. Regular Maintenance Checks
The first step to ensuring the safety of your water heater is to establish a routine of professional inspections. These should be scheduled annually, allowing experts to properly evaluate your system’s health.

The check-up involves inspecting safety valves, heating elements, and the tank’s structural condition. Equally important is verifying the anode rod and thermostat’s functionality, as their failure can lead to dangerous outcomes.

2. Test the Pressure Relief Valve
To test your pressure relief valve, start by placing a bucket under the discharge pipe for water collection. Carefully lift the valve’s test lever until water flows out, which should happen immediately.

This procedure is best performed biannually, but at a minimum, yearly verification is recommended to confirm pressure is being released effectively. If the valve is non-responsive, it’s time for an immediate replacement to prevent dangerously high pressure build-up.

3. Monitor Water Pressure
High water pressure is a common root of water heater issues. Homeowners can check water pressure by attaching a gauge to a sink and should aim for a reading between 40-60 psi. Implementing a pressure-regulating device may be necessary if the pressure frequently exceeds this range, providing consistent regulation and safeguarding against undue stress on your water heater.

4. Annual Flushing of the Tank
One significant contributor to water heater inefficiency and overheating is sediment buildup. To counteract this, perform an annual tank flush. Simply connect a hose to the drain valve and let the water run until it’s clear of debris. This will help maintain your heater’s efficiency and longevity.

5. Thermostat Settings
Temperature control is vital, with the ideal setting being around 120–130 °F. Such calibration prevents the heat from rising to dangerous levels, which, in turn, could significantly increase internal tank pressure. Regularly check the thermostat to maintain safe temperature and pressure levels.

6. Checking and Replacing the Anode Rod
The anode rod is integral to your water heater’s defense against rust and corrosion. Inspecting this component at least once a year is recommended, with replacement being necessary as per the visible wear or as per the schedule suggested by the manufacturer.

Replacing the anode rod on time protects the tank’s interior and is important for the equipment’s safe use.

7. Install Leak Detectors
A highly effective way of preemptively addressing water heater problems is by installing leak detectors. Numerous varieties, from basic to smart home-integrated systems, offer immediate alerts in the event of a leak. Detecting and responding quickly to moisture can reduce the risk of malfunctions that might cause explosions.

Conclusion
Prioritizing preventative measures for water heaters is crucial to ensuring safety in your household. The importance of regular maintenance checks cannot be understated. Remember, professional plumbing help plays an essential role in maintaining these systems. Make water heater maintenance a paramount routine to ensure your home remains risk-free.

Author Bio

Cecil A. Palmer is a blog contributor for Showtime Plumbing LLC, focusing her sharp wit on your worst plumbing nightmares. She deftly pens articles aimed at keeping your pipes in check, sparing you from the chaos of unwelcome waterworks. Through her work with SpringHive Digital Marketing Agency, Cecil crafts compelling copy for various Plumbing Service clients, blending technical savvy with relatable anecdotes. Nestled in the heart of Tennessee with her husband and two little ones, she unwinds by exploring the great outdoors and immersing herself in the world of gardening and amateur photography.

Brr! Winter is upon us, and the chill in the air demands a home warm as toast. Homeowners’ responsibility of ensuring a cozy abode falls heavily when the mercury drops.

Thankfully, a bevy of heating services exists to take the edge off the cold. They provide a wealth of comfort and savings in the long run.

This article explores the top heating services that promise a winter wonderland inside your home. Let’s get started!

TOP HEATING SERVICES TO CONSIDER

Exploring the landscape of home heating options can leave many homeowners feeling lost. Below, we outline the types of heating services to get you started.

FURNACE INSTALLERS AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES

Furnaces are stalwarts of Winter. These mighty machines operate in two cycles. One to generate warmth and another to distribute it.

They come in various fuel types, such as natural gas, propane, and electric. Regular maintenance is crucial, ensuring the unit operates safely and efficiently.

Professional services include checking the heat exchanger, burner, and thermostat settings. There might also be replacements for air filters and oil nozzles if needed.

For residents experiencing issues with their systems, Gresham furnace repair services offer timely and expert solutions. These professionals specialize in diagnosing and correcting any malfunctions, ensuring your home remains a warm sanctuary throughout the colder months.

BOILER REPAIR SERVICES

Boilers provide a steady wave of heat through a series of pipes and radiators. A professional boiler service will not only diagnose and fix current issues.

They will also offer preventative tips and maintenance tasks. A professional team can address pipe leaks and circulation pump failures. They can fix your system and calm you.

HEAT PUMP INSTALLATION SERVICES

Heat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative to traditional electric heating systems. It transfers heat from a cool space to a warm area. They perform double-duty cooling spaces in summer.

Installation, however, is no DIY job. Proper heat pump placement and set-up, considering insulation, ductwork, and more, is critical to unlocking its full potential.

DUCT CLEANING SERVICES

The unseen hero of a warm home, clean ductwork is the gateway to a healthy heating system. Duct cleaning removes mold, dust, and toxins from the air circulation. The warmth injected into your home is clean and safe for your family to breathe.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HEATING SERVICE PROVIDER

Selecting the ideal heating service provider is crucial. Below are essential points to consider when making your choice:

QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

A good service provider will have trained and certified technicians on their team. Look for affiliations with industry organizations. Ask about their continual education and training efforts.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS AND REFERENCES

The proof, they say, is in the pudding! You can trust a service provider’s skills and customer service if they have good reviews.

PRICING AND SERVICE PACKAGES

The cheapest option is not always the best. Weigh the costs against the heater repair services provided. Some companies offer service contracts. This can save you money in the long run by ensuring regular maintenance at a fixed price.

WARM UP YOUR WINTER WITH PREMIER HEATING SERVICES

It’s impossible to say enough about how vital it is to hire these top heating services. With Winter just around the corner, ensure your home is nice and cozy. Choose a service with a good reputation.

That way, you’ll enjoy a snug winter oasis with many benefits. Keep your home warm and your winters worry-free with premier heating services.

Don’t get left in the cold this Winter. Visit our blog for more insightful tips and trends in heating to ensure your home is cozy. Stay warm, stay informed!

Transforming your backyard into a personal oasis of tranquility is not a far-off dream. This is especially true if it involves adding a hot tub to your space.

But why stop there, when the true magic lies in the details? Envision a home spa that’s not just a warm pool of water. Envision one that offers an experience tailored to your every relaxation need.

That’s when the right hot tub accessories come into play, elevating the mundane to the luxurious and the uncomfortable to the indulgent.

Read on and learn how to achieve your home spa goals!

WATERPROOF BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS

With waterproof Bluetooth speakers, you can easily connect your device and play your favorite tunes. You no longer have to worry about getting your phone wet or blasting your music through a separate speaker system that doesn’t quite fit the ambiance.

These speakers are designed specifically for use in water, with high-quality sound and durability. So go ahead, create the perfect playlist, and unwind in your own private “hot tub concert.”

SPA STEPS WITH SAFETY RAILS

Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to your home spa. That’s why investing in spa steps with safety rails is essential, especially for those who have difficulty getting in and out of the hot tub.

These steps come equipped with sturdy handrails, making entering and exiting the hot tub easier and safer. They also provide extra stability when you’re using the hot tub cover as a seat, preventing any accidents or falls. If you are not sure how to install this, you can get help from a hot tub repair and installation professional.

FLOATING DRINK HOLDERS

Relaxing in your luxury hot tub is the perfect time to sit back and enjoy a refreshing drink. But, balancing a cup or glass on the edge of the hot tub can be risky and could result in an unwanted spill.

Floating drink holders are the ideal solution for keeping your drinks within reach without having to worry about any accidents. These inflatable holders can hold multiple beverages and even snacks, allowing you to fully indulge in your hot tub experience.

AROMATHERAPY SCENTS

Add a touch of aromatherapy to your hot tub experience with scented crystals or oils. These can enhance your relaxation by stimulating your senses and creating a soothing atmosphere.

There are various scents available, from calming lavender to invigorating eucalyptus. Just add them to the designated compartment in your hot tub or use a diffuser for an even distribution of the scent.

WATERPROOF PLAYING CARDS OR BOARD GAMES

Take a break from technology and have some old-fashioned fun in your hot tub. Waterproof playing cards or board games are perfect for a romantic evening with your partner or a gathering with friends.

Not only will it add an element of fun to your home spa experience, but it also eliminates the risk of damaging regular cards or boards due to water exposure. So go ahead, and challenge your companions to a game while you relax and unwind in the warm water.

KNOW WHAT HOT TUB ACCESSORIES TO SHOP FOR

Transforming your hot tub into a luxurious home spa experience is easier than ever with the right hot tub accessories. There are plenty of ways to enhance your relaxation and create an atmosphere of pure indulgence.

So take some time to browse through different options and find the perfect accessories that will turn your backyard into a personal oasis of tranquility.

Should you wish to explore more topics, visit our blog. We’ve got more!