Smart Homeowners
Daily tips and resources to help you improve, care for and protect your home.
I will give you something every day so you can live smarter. With my team of experts, we’ll cover what matters to you: security, energy efficiency, maintenance, home improvement, finance and insurance.
🧧 Ready your envelope – Part 2
Ready your envelope – Part 1 is an overview of the role of a tight building envelope. “A house needs to breathe” is a cliche in the world of contracting that is just … false. Why it matters: This is a way to describe a leaky house and a leaky house cannot maintain the cold […]
😎 4 Prime Day Deals for you
If you want to take advantage of some of the good deals, here are my top 4. Why it matters: It’s Black Friday and July! 😁 👏 YoLink hub and temperature and humidity monitor 2 pack — $49.99 From one of my favorite ecosystems of monitoring products 👏 Amazon Smart Thermostat — $55.99 I’ve had the 4x […]
🧧 Ready your envelope – Part 1
Click here to read the intro to this series. Let’s dive into understanding your building envelope. Why it matters: Your home is a system consisting of 2 primary components. The building envelope + the mechanical systems (HVAC) 🥊 The bottom line: The tighter your building envelope, the more control you have over the conditions inside. ⛏️ Dig […]
🔋 Ready with power – Part 2
Ready with power – Part 1 gave simple tips for refrigeration, staying cool and powering essentials. You can provide backup power for part or all of your home over multiple days. Why it matters: If the grid is down for an extended time, sheltering in place can be your safest option. 🥊 The bottom line: Gas […]
🔋 Ready with power – Part 1
Click here to read the intro to this series. Readiness with shelter means having a plan for backup power. Why it matters: If you experience an extended power outage, what you can and cannot power will determine your strategy. Hot weather and cold weather prep have different requirements. We’ll focus now on hot weather. 🖼️ The […]
🥫 Ready with food
Click here to read the intro to this series. In the event of a long power outage, you need to be prepared with the right food supplies. Why it matters: Stocking food that does not require refrigeration, cooking, water or special preparation can get you through multiple days. Don’t forget a manual can opener and […]
🚰 Ready with water
Click here to read the intro to this series. Access to drinkable water is the first priority for emergency preparedness. Why it matters: FEMA recommends one gallon per day per person in your household. For at least 3 days. 📝 Consider your options 👉 Store drinking water Bottled water is a good option —> a $4 case […]
🗽 Reflections on Independence
As we reflect on our nation’s independence this July 4th, let’s consider the role of independence for us as smart homeowners. Today is part 1 of a series on this topic. Why it matters: From natural disasters to systemic failures to economic uncertainties, different challenges require us to be prepared. How should we think about […]
🎆 🐶 🐱 Get ready for the noise
Special email today for pet owners who need a strategy for dealing with the fireworks tomorrow night. Why it matters: Many pets are terrified by the noises. Which go on until the wee hours in my neighborhood. 😩 📝 What to do next: Get ready with some items that can help your pet stay calm. White […]
👏 Natural DIY bug spray
I can’t decide what I dislike more — mosquitos or bug spray! 👨🍳 It’s DIY time Check out this recipe for a natural bug spray 2 cups witch hazel 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin 20 drops citronella essential oil 20 drops lemongrass essential oil 16 oz spray bottle Directions Combine ingredients, pour into bottle and shake vigorously […]