Create a habit of taking a series of pictures of your home. Why it matters: Time and date stamped pictures can help you in the event of an insurance claim or in a dispute with a contractor. ⚙️ How to get started: First, create an album on your phone using your address as the name of […]
📷 Get the pictures Read More »
You can stop receiving the majority of junk mail with a few easy steps. Why it matters: Unsolicited catalogfs and credit card offers create clutter and can increase your exposure to identity theft. ⚙️ How it works: Use these free or low cost options for the following: 👉 Credit and insurance offers 👉 Catalogs and other junk mail
🛑 Stopping junk mail Read More »
Since our homes aren’t as air tight as they should be, we need to be aware of the contents in the connected spaces. Why it matters: Air is moving from your connected garage, attic and/or crawl space into your living space. 🖼️ The big picture: Reducing the number and kind of pollutants in connected spaces leads
🤔 Is that air getting in there? Read More »
I’m spending the day with a building science expert and author of A House Needs to Breathe … Or Does It? Why it matters: We spend the majority of our lives indoors and a huge percentage in our homes. 🔬 Zoom in: What is home performance? A high performing home is … 👉 Comfortable — Where you
🏠 🫁 A house needs to breathe? Read More »
The Texas power grid operator (ERCOT) is predicting record demand this summer. Why it matters: If peak demand is greater than the grid’s capacity we will experience brownouts. 🥊 The bottom line: If you have experienced brownouts in the past, you are likely to again. 💡 Know your options. 👉 Use one or more UPS Battery Backups to
🏭 Getting ready for summer grid outages Read More »
At the time of this writing, the City of Dallas is still working to contain a ransomware attack it suffered Wednesday. Why it matters: Some city services temporarily shut down, including the courts and Dallas Water Utilities billing department. 🖼️ The big picture: Individuals are not likely to be targets of a sophisticated attack like this.
🥷 Ransomware attacks: What’s happening? Read More »
Upcycling is the process of reusing an object or material in a way that creates a higher value or quality than the original. Why it matters: Instead of discarding or recycling, you can put some items to good use. 🤔 Glass jars can be used in lots of creative ways. 🔬 Zoom in: To clean and prepare
💡 Upcycling your jars Read More »
Catch up with Part 1 and Part 2 Filing a claim requires the right mindset. Why it matters: Homeowners often approach claims with a passive and trusting mindset that results in underpaid claims. 💡 Know your rights. 🐖 It’s your piggy bank 🥊 The bottom line: Insurance companies are represented by powerful and well funded lobbyists looking out
🐖 The insurance process — Part 3 Read More »
With an ever increasing number of online accounts, smart devices and apps, the number of passwords we need has become unmanageable. Why it matters: The old method of creating a few memorable passwords to use on multiple accounts puts you at risk. 🥊 Reality check: Using a password manager is the easiest and safest way
👏 Only 1 password to remember Read More »
Statewide elections are being held May 6, 2023 for mayor, city council, school board and ballot measures. Why it matters: Odd year elections see low voter turnout giving your vote a greater impact. 💡 Vote411.org is a nonpartisan resource to give you information for what’s on your ballot. ✅ For your Smart Homeowner list Best, Travis
🗳️ What’s on your ballot? Read More »
