Best Indoor Plants for Your Home

Indoor plants are a pretty and simple way of improving your indoor decor. Some of us, however, have a hard time both deciding what plants to get in the first lace and then remembering to keep them alive.

There are some plants that don’t require a great deal of care and look great though! And they also have some great benefits, like improving air quality and filtering out chemicals in the air.

One of these such plants are spider plants. Just to clarify, they’re called this because of their long leaves and the spider-resembling baby plants they produce, not because spiders like to live in them.

Spider plants are great to look at and very easy to grow, plus they’re one of the best air-filtering plants you can get, helping remove toxins in the air like benzene (from petroleum and cigarette smoke), formaldehyde (from resins of composite woods, and other building and insulation materials), carbon monoxide (from gasoline, oil, coal and wood) and xylene (from paint, gasoline, cleaning products and varnish).

It’s important to note that not all of these products may necessarily contain these pollutants, but having a spider plant or two in your home can help filter them from the air if they’re there.

Aloe Vera is another great indoor plant. To explain why, here’s an extract of an article on Huffington Post by Carolyn Gregoire:

10 Best Houseplants To De-Stress Your Home And Purify The Air

The gel of the aloe plant has a number of healing properties. Not only does it soothe skin burns and cuts, it can also help to monitor the air quality in your home. The plant can help clear the air of pollutants found in chemical cleaning products, and when the amount of harmful chemicals in the air becomes excessive, the plants’ leaves will display brown spots. Just an FYI: It grows best with lots of sun.

Read the full article here.

Both English Ivy plants and rubber trees are also great, since not only are they graceful looking indoor plants that are easy to grow but they’re also fantastic at filtering your air. Bamboo palms are another one, good for filtering out benzene and trichloroethylene (from adhesives, cleaning fluids and paint removers).

Next up is the snake plant. To give us an overview of why this plant is good for in your home, Julie Knapp from Mother Nature Network:

15 houseplants for improving indoor air quality

Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, this plant is one of the best for filtering out formaldehyde, which is common in cleaning products, toilet paper, tissues and personal care products. Put one in your bathroom — it’ll thrive with low light and steamy humid conditions while helping filter out air pollutants.

You may also want to put a couple of these sharp-leafed plants in your bedroom, suggests This Old House. Interestingly, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen at night (the opposite of the process most plants follow). Sharing your room with these plants could give you a slight oxygen boost while you sleep.

Read the full article here.

Gerberas are dainty flowers you can grow indoors. They’re great for filtering out benzene and trichloroethylene, plus they look absolutely beautiful. They can require a bit more care though – they need at least 6 hours direct sunlight every day and require a light misting on their leaves a couple times a week to keep them happy.

Lastly, we have the pothos plant. For a great description on this plant, here’s an extract from an article on Today.com by Alesandra Dubin:

The 15 easiest indoor house plants that won’t die on you

Why you want it: First of all, this indoor plant has an air-purifying quality that can absorb and strip toxins like formaldehyde from materials in the home like carpet. How neat is that? It has trailing stems and works well in a hanging basket or as a climbing plant with some training onto a trellis or whatever object you like that will support it.

How to care for it: This indoor house plant can produce stems that trail eight feet or longer, so just cut them back when they get too long and your plant will continue to look full and healthy. It can thrive in an array of lighting conditions, but low light may diminish the leaves’ variegation. Allow soil to dry somewhat between watering. Pothos does well in an array of normal room temperatures.

Read the full article here.

Another important thing to remember about pothos is that it’s poisonous, so make sure if you have any small children or pets to keep it out of reach.

If you’re ever unsure of what plants you have that could be poisonous and you have small children or pets, make sure you look into it. Some plants are completely safe and others can be hazardous, so it’s important to know what you’re getting before you put it within reach of anything that might try to consume it.

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Preventing Fire in Your Home

Although many people tend to look at fire prevention as though it’s a chore, the importance of it shouldn’t be undervalued. Fire takes not just homes and property but also lives, and in many cases fires are easily preventable.

Learning to make fire prevention just a part of your daily schedule is very simple. A lot of house fires start in the kitchen, and some are caused by heating not uninstalled properly and electrical faults.

There are more house fires than you might realize, and fire can often devastate homes completely. To give you more of an idea of how common and how serious house fires are, here’s an extract from a page on ACCs website:

Fire safety in the home

Every three hours a home burns in New Zealand. The estimated annual cost of residential fire damage is around $142,000,000. The emotional cost is much, much greater. Fire kills on average 12 people each year and injures hundreds more. Children, the elderly and the disabled are especially vulnerable.

Being fire safe starts with having smoke alarms installed and maintained, but it also means taking care when cooking and when using heaters, matches, candles and electrical appliances.

It’s easy to be fire safe, and it could save your family.

Read the full page here.

So often fires are easily preventable with some care and common sense. Using electrical cords that are frayed or damaged is a fire hazard, and it’s very important if you’re a smoker to only smoke outside and to check that your cigarette butts are completely out before you leave them.

If you have children in the home this can be even more important. Keep any lighters and matches out of reach of children and make sure they’re not using the oven alone or sitting too close to heaters.

It’s easy to identify fire risks in your home. Starting with the kitchen, here’s some of an article by Alexandra Whittaker on Reader’s Digest. The statistics are based on Americans but it’s still relevant to New Zealanders:

10 Little Things That Could Be Making Your Home a Fire Hazard

One in five Americans admits to leaving food cooking unattended on the stove, found an American Red Cross survey. Walking away from food cooking in the kitchen is a serious fire risk. “The leading cause of home fires is cooking and the leading cause of those fires is unattended cooking,” says Carli. If you need to use the stove or oven, be sure to keep an eye on it.

Cranking up the heat too high can be lethal, even if you’re in the kitchen while you cook. Kevin Kelley, senior director of community preparedness programs for the American Red Cross, recommends paying close attention and turning off the burner if you see smoke or grease starting to boil while frying food.

Read the full article here.

But there is also only so much prevention can do. The fact is, accidents happen, and should all else fail it’s vital that your home is ready and that you are ready if there is a fire. Having an escape plan that the whole family knows could save a life.

Prepare for yourself and your family a plan in case of fire. It only takes a few minutes, going over the possible places to escape from (windows and doors) and allocating a place somewhere nearby to gather and make sure everyone is alright.

Working smoke alarms are the last line of defense between you and a house fire. Should a fire break out, being alerted of it before it gets to you can save your life and give you time to call 111. Here are some smoke alarm tips from the New Zealand Fire Service’s website:

Fire Safety Advice

For optimum smoke detection, long life photoelectric smoke alarms should installed in every bedroom, living area and hallway in the house – on every level. However, this is not always practical.

That’s why we suggest, at an absolute minimum, that a long-life photoelectric smoke alarm should be installed in the hallway closest to the bedrooms. This should be supplemented with other alarms as soon as circumstances permit.

Test the batteries regularly

• A significant percentage of homes fitted with smoke alarms remain unprotected due to flat or missing batteries.
• Once a month check the battery by pressing the test button. If you cannot reach the button easily, use a broom handle.
• There is nothing worse than searching for a ‘cheeping’ smoke alarm at 4am in the morning. Avoid this by replacing the battery at least once a year. Pick a time like the beginning or end of daylight savings to do this.
• Consider purchasing long-life photoelectric smoke alarms. This will give 10 years of smoke detection without battery replacements.
• You should install smoke alarms that feature a HUSH button to stop nuisance alarms.
• Keep smoke alarms clean
• Dust and debris can interfere with the alarm’s operation, so vacuum over and around your smoke alarm regularly.

See the full page here.

Other than general care though, it also helps to check your home has no unknown dangers like mold (some types of mold are highly flammable) or electrical faults. Having your home in tip-top shape and having common sense with appliances and home-wares like stoves, heaters and electric blankets are the best ways to prevent fire.

Take a moment to be safety conscious and it will potentially save lives.

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Improving Your Mental Health with Your Home

Your mental state affects how you see the world around you. In a busy world where life can fast-paced and stressful, it’s more important than ever to make sure your mental health is as well-cared-for as possible.

While this is not an easy task for everyone, there are a few basic tips that start in the home to help you keep on top. After all, your home is where you relax and rest. It should be a place where your mind can be at ease and you can recuperate.

Having a warm, dry and comfortable home is the best place to start. Your physical health can have a huge impact on your mental health, and vice versa, meaning your home should be healthy and comfortable.

For many people, having an untidy home can be bad for your mental health, even if you may think it doesn’t affect you. As clutter gathers your mind gets exhausted at the very sight of it, and if your home is unclean it can also spread germs and bacteria that will make you sick.

From TranquilGeek.com comes the following explanation to show you why tidying your home can make a massive improvement to your health:

The Clutter Clod-Hop: Can Your Cluttered Home Affect Your Mental Health?

If your home is in a constant state of chaos, with piles of “treasures” you have to walk around every day, there’s a higher than zero chance that you’re risking your health — both physical and mental. Or, the clutter could just be a symptom of a much larger problem, such as depression.

Chronic clutter can make you feel isolated, since you won’t want to invite people over when there’s no place for them to sit. And looking at all that mess can make you feel exhausted, leading to chronic fatigue that turns into a vicious circle.

Read the full piece here.

A healthy and clean home improves your mood. So does fresh, clean air, which is why having good ventilation is very important. All sorts of things can taint the air in your home, and having a ventilation system to filter out this air and replace it with clean air is incredibly good for you.

Not only does it smell nicer, but it’s better for your skin and the less harmful chemicals and gases you’re breathing in the better. In an article on HealthGuidance.org, Jonathan Pitts explains the benefits of good ventilation:

Improve Your House Ventilation

Poor ventilation results in severe health problems mostly allergies. House that is ventilated appropriately will have an atmosphere balanced with required amounts of moisture and heat. A poorly ventilated house results in build-up of moisture in the house resulting in the formation of small wet patches on the roof.

The situation is still worse in winter season, during which the ice settles down on the roof. It is therefore essential to take necessary steps during the initial construction stage to provide free ventilation to the house. It is wise to think about ventilation in the initial planning and construction stage.

Generally, hot air travels upwards, and reaches the attic and remains there until cleared. Thus, if any ventilation facilities are provided at the top of the attic, the hot air will escape out and the room will start to cool.

Now that you have made options for the escape of hot air, you should provide an inlet for fresh air to maintain the balance. Have another set of ventilators at the bottom of the room for the entry of fresh air.

Read the full article here.

Another thing that affects your mood is the amount of sunlight you get every day. Having clean windows that remain unblocked during the sunlight hours is hugely beneficial to your health; in fact, if we don’t get enough sunlight it can cause light deprivation.

To further go into details about what that is, this is an extract from an article on Mercola.com:

How Sunlight Can Improve Your Mental Health

You are probably already familiar with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is depression that occurs during the fall and winter months when sunlight is scarce. An estimated 10 million to 12 million people in the United States alone suffer from SAD, while about 25 million Americans suffer from the “winter blues,” a condition not as serious as SAD but still requiring attention.

Both SAD and the winter blues are directly related to a lack of sunlight.

Serotonin (a chemical that helps regulate your mood) levels are low in people with depression and, at least one study has found, also in healthy people during the winter.

Since serotonin levels rise in your brain on days with a lot of sunlight, bright light may boost your mood by activating neurons in your brain that contain serotonin, leading to increased levels of the chemical in your brain, researchers say.

Serotonin neuron activity also tends to be higher on brighter days than darker days, even within the same season. This suggests that levels of serotonin in your brain are directly related to how much sunlight is available on any particular day.

In this most recent study, the researchers also pointed out similar findings.

“There is a high frequency of seasonal affective disorder in high latitudes where light exposure is limited, and bright light therapy is a successful antidepressant treatment,” the researchers said.

The take-home message here?

Getting minimal sunlight for prolonged periods of time can negatively impact your mood.

Read the full article here.

Let the sunshine into your home as much as you can. You can also replace your light bulbs with special bulbs called full-spectrum light-bulbs that have the same effect on you as sunshine. For those who spend a lot of time indoors this can be a worthy investment.

There is nothing more important than your own health and the health of your friends and family. Make sure you look after yourself properly and that your home is looking after you too.

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Humidity and the Home

It’s a safe assumption that most people know what a muggy day feels like – it’s not only sweltering hot, but the air feels thick and moist as well. That’s due to humidity.

For those who don’t know what humidity is, it’s a measurement of moisture in the air. Humidity can negatively affect people when there is too much or too little of it, especially people with breathing conditions such as asthma.

You’ve probably heard the term used mostly on weather reports. From eHow on YouTube, here is a brief video giving a more in-depth explanation of what humidity is:

 

You can find this video on eHow’s channel here.

With a clearer idea of what humidity is, it’s a much smaller step to understanding the importance of it. Humidity can have negative effects on your health if its levels are too high or low, especially for those suffering from the likes of asthma.

In an article from Diffen.com these health effects are clarified and the consequences of high or low humidity are explained:

Humidifier vs. Dehumidifier

Relative humidity of 30 to 50% is recommended for good health. This is challenging in extreme conditions such as dry heat or too much moisture.

A humidifier is used to increase the level of humidity in the air and a dehumidifier reduces the humidity level of the air. A hygrometer can be used to measure the humidity of a particular area to decide whether a humidifier or dehumidifier is required. […]

Dry, itchy skin and chapped lips are common in areas with low humidity. Humidity levels over 50% result in the growth of mold spores, bacteria, and dust mites. 40% humidity is required for musical instruments to prevent finishes from crazing or cracking. […]

A place with higher temperature and high relative humidity needs moisture to be pulled out of air. Moist air helps the growth of mold, dust mites and spores which aggravate allergies and asthma. A dehumidifier removes moisture from air and is suited for this climate.

Read the full article here.

Humidity doesn’t just affect your health though, it can also cause damage to your house. A high humidity level is especially harmful, causing wood to rot and mold and bacteria to thrive.

From CriticalCactus.com these effects are explained in more detail:

10 Reasons Why Ideal Home Humidity Levels Prevent Sickness and High Costs

When indoor humidity levels are too high, condensation on windows and walls starts to cause structural damage. Damage to the house manifests in wood rot, molds, damp spots, and corroding furniture.
Costly damage caused by moisture that builds up can occur between the walls and ceilings, paint may start to peel as well as permanent wood warping/damage.

Water can also seep in between window molding and weather stripping, which can either freeze or expand depending on external temperatures, and cause damage that way.

Older homes and apartment complexes may not be as well equipped with proper insulation and ventilation and are less energy efficient. Such homes may be more susceptible to holding a surplus of moisture. Poorly insulated walls, ceilings and windows can retain an excess of moisture within the home.

Buildings that are more structurally sound are generally able to retain proper heat and moisture levels. On the other hand, modern homes are insulated to trap heat, doors and windows are weatherstripped and caulked to lock out cold outside air.

Read the full article here.

Your health and quality of life should not be compromised by water vapor. If you think your humidity levels might not be within the best range, or if you’re simply curious, there are humidity testers for measuring the level in your home.

With the results, you can decide if you need a humidifier or dehumidifier to make your home a more comfortable and healthy place for yourself and your family.

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The Basics of pH Part 2: Why You Should Test pH Levels

Having explained what pH is and why it matters, I am now going to tell you why you should be testing pH levels, whether in soil or water or even in food.

pH measures acidity and alkalinity; these levels determine the healthiness of what it is you’re testing, and can help you maximize the benefits you get.

Soil and water are very commonly pH tested because of their direct connection to us – we eat food that grows in soil and we drink water. For those in the agriculture industry, testing soil pH will definitely give you more control over the quality of crop you grow.

Bridgette Lawson from permaculturenews.org describes how soil pH affects the quality of your produce:

What Are Soil pH Testing Kits and Why They Are an Invaluable Tool

Soil pH is an important factor because it greatly affects the availability of various nutrients to the plants. The reason, is different pH levels change the chemical forms of the nutrient. Not all chemical forms of a particular nutrient can be absorbed by the plants.

For example, in ph 6-8 the highest concentrations of dissolved nitrogen will be present in the soil. Outside this range, the concentration of dissolved nitrogen will be less than ideal. Another example is about the phosphorus availability. Phosphorus is only available for plants in the soil pH range 6.0 to 7.5.

To avoid plant nutrient deficiencies, it’s important to monitor and control the soil pH levels. This way, we can maintain the health of our crops. If we can continuously monitor the soil pH, we can also make quick and necessary adjustments.

Read the full article here…

Water, too, is vital for health. Water that is leaning too far to either side of the pH scale can be very bad for you and for any plants or animals nurtured by that water.

If you have an aquarium, a vegetable garden, an aquatic garden, or collect rainwater, testing pH will be beneficial to you. Also if you just want to test the pH of the water coming from your tap.

From NutrientsReview.com, this article explains acidity and alkalinity in drinking water:

Water pH and Hardness

Acidic water (pH <6) may leach toxic metals, such as lead and copper, from pipes and cause metallic or bitter taste in mouth.

Carbonated water pH is 3-4. Carbonated water may cause transient bloating in some people but other than that it has no known side effects […]

Alkaline water at pH >8 may have a soda-like taste.

Most tap water has pH between 6.5 and 8.5, but some municipal water suppliers may raise the pH of water to 9 to prevent plumbing corrosion. Hard water, which is high in calcium and/or magnesium, is usually more alkaline than soft water.

There seems to be no convincing evidence about health benefits or dangers of drinking alkaline water.

Drinking water can be made:

• more alkaline by adding baking soda, soda ash, potassium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, calcite or lime or calcium carbonate, or magnesium oxide
• more acidic by adding white vinegar or acetic, citric, nitric, hydrochloric, sulfuric or phosphoric acid.

Read the full article here…

Just as in water, pH in food directly relates to our health and wellbeing. It also, of course, affects the taste of food, so testing pH can be beneficial to butchers, chefs, bakers, and anyone else involved in bringing food to the table.

Kyle Hildebrant from Our Daily Brine gives some examples of where pH levels in food could be measured:

The Guide to pH Measurement in Food and Drink

Quality of Meats

pH levels can be used to determine the quality of meats. For example, pork with a pH of 5.6 to 6.0 is indicative of a pig raised well and stress free, while pork with a pH of 4.9 to 5.5 indicates a pig raised poorly and/or stressed at slaughter.

Salami

Meat used to make fermented products should be below pH 5.8. Salami should be fermented to pH 5.3 or below to protect against the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. pH can also be utilized to achieve and measure the desired sourness and resulting flavor in a finished product.

Cheese

pH offers an indication of contamination from bacteria or chemicals. Milk is typically in the range of pH 6.5 to 6.7. Values above this range may suggest illness in the cow, while values below this range may indicate that lactic acid fermentation has begun. Low pH will render a cheese devoid of shape, while high pH will produce a brittle, crumbly cheese.

Yogurt

Cultured milk must be brought to a pH value of 4.6 or lower before being cooled. Fruits added must be of the same pH, or the yogurt needs to be further acidified to compensate for more basic fruits.

Fermented Vegetables

In fermented vegetables, the growth of Lactic-acid bacteria can be gauged by pH measurements. Fermented vegetables need to reach a pH of 4.6 or lower to inhibit undesirable bacterial growth.

Wine

A pH between 3.0 and 4.0 is optimal for most wines. Understanding pH prevents spoilage by inhibiting microbial growth. pH levels are used to influence the appearance, aroma, and taste of wine.

Breads and Pastas

The acidity of the water used in baking affects the finished product. A slightly acidic (<7.0 pH) water is desirable. Batter should be acidified to pH 4.6 or lower, or kept under refrigeration, to ensure pathogens are not multiplied. Yeast prefer the slightly acidic conditions of a pH range of 4.5 to 6.0.

Read the full article here…

pH affects a lot more than you may have realized, and almost everyone has a reason to be testing pH. It’s good for your health and if you’re in any industry where pH can make a difference, it’s good for your business too.

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Asbestos in the Home

When it comes to your home, there is nothing like knowing it is a safe and healthy environment. However, in many homes asbestos still lingers, and it’s a very serious danger when it’s disturbed.

Although it’s relatively common knowledge that asbestos is unsafe, a lot of people don’t know what exactly it is and why it’s so serious. This article on Asbestos.com explains:

Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that once was lauded for its versatility, recognized for its heat resistance, tensile strength and insulating properties, and used for everything from fire-proof vests to home and commercial construction. It was woven into fabric, and mixed with cement.

Its properties were so desired that the United States military mandated its use in every branch of service. Asbestos was a perfect blend to make things better – except it was highly toxic, too.

Today asbestos is a known cause of mesothelioma cancer, is banned in more than 50 countries (not the U.S.), and its use has been dramatically restricted in others.

Read the full article here…

When inhaled, asbestos is unable to be broken down by the immune system in the lungs, and it causes severe damage. It can take decades before a person exposed to asbestos shows signs of illness, but its effects are very fast once symptoms appear.

This article from AsbestosNetwork.com describes where asbestos can be found and how it gets disturbed:

Is There Asbestos in My Home?

Asbestos becomes a hazard when it is airborne. If asbestos in the home becomes damaged, asbestos fibers may be released. For example, when asbestos insulation around boilers, furnaces, and pipes deteriorates, it releases asbestos dust.

Blown ceilings containing asbestos may release fibers when they are drilled or patched. If the ceilings are in poor condition, air movement from ceiling fans and opening and closing draperies may spread asbestos dust.

Asbestos transite pipes, which have been used underground to transport water to the home and in some flue pipes, may pose another problem. Transite is an asbestos-containing cement material which deteriorates over time. As the transite deteriorates, asbestos fibers can be released from the interior of the pipe into the drinking water flowing through the pipe.

Read the full article here…

Since asbestos becomes a danger the moment it is disturbed, and because it’s impossible to tell if something contains asbestos without it being lab tested, it’s never a good idea to attempt to find out if your home has asbestos in it.

If you have any suspicions, always contact a trained professional who can detect it for you and help you work out a plan to have it safely dealt with.

This article from the Ministry of Health informs people of what to do should your home have asbestos in it:

Preventing exposure to asbestos

Testing a sample in an approved analytical laboratory is the only way to find out if a material contains asbestos.

If you need to get a sample tested, contact a health protection officer at the public health unit of your local district health board (DHB). They will tell you what to do. Do not obtain a sample without consulting them first.

If you have asbestos in your home

If there is asbestos or asbestos-containing material (confirmed by laboratory analysis) in your home, you should talk with your health protection officer about:

• leaving it as it is, disturbing it as little as possible
• sealing, encapsulating or enclosing it
• removing it.

Asbestos-containing material on decorative ceilings, walls or flooring is not likely to be a health risk unless it is damaged, deteriorating or crumbly. If the material is poorly bonded, damaged or deteriorating, fibres may be released into the air. This material should be sealed, encapsulated, enclosed or removed.

Sealing is done by applying paint to the surface. When hardened this stops the release of loose asbestos dust.

Encapsulation is when asbestos-containing-material is coated with a material that soaks through the asbestos-containing-material and hardens, stopping the release of loose asbestos fibres.

Enclosing is when a construction is placed around the asbestos-containing-material (like a false wall) to contain the asbestos.

Read the full article here…

Your health and safety is the primary concern when it comes to dealing with asbestos. Don’t hesitate to take action if you suspect your home could have materials containing asbestos in it.

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The Basics of pH

It’s a safe assumption that most of us don’t know a great deal about chemistry. However, knowing what pH is and why you should measure it is very useful knowledge, especially for those in the farming and agriculture industries.

pH is a measurement of a water-based solution, ranging from 0 to 14. Pure water has a pH of 7. Anything higher than 7 is acidic and lower than 7 is alkaline.

This extract from an article by Anne Marie Helmenstine on About.com explains how the scale works:

What Does pH Stand For?

The pH scale is a logarithmic scale that usually runs from 1 to 14. Each whole pH value below 7 (the pH of pure water) is ten times more acidic than the higher value and each whole pH value above 7 is ten times less acidic than the one below it.

For example, a pH of 3 is ten times more acidic than a pH of 4 and 100 times (10 times 10) more acidic than a pH value of 5.

So, a strong acid may have a pH of 1-2, while a strong base may have a pH of 13-14. A pH near 7 is considered to be neutral.

You can read the full article here…

The level of pH in water affects the health of anything living in or off the water. Rainwater with a pH of around 4 or lower is known as acid rain and is caused by pollution in the air.

This article from USGS.gov explains what happens when water reaches either high or low levels of pH:

pH — Water properties

Excessively high and low pHs can be detrimental for the use of water. High pH causes a bitter taste, water pipes and water-using appliances become encrusted with deposits, and it depresses the effectiveness of the disinfection of chlorine, thereby causing the need for additional chlorine when pH is high. Low-pH water will corrode or dissolve metals and other substances.

Pollution can change a water’s pH, which in turn can harm animals and plants living in the water. For instance, water coming out of an abandoned coal mine can have a pH of 2, which is very acidic and would definitely affect any fish crazy enough to try to live in it!

By using the logarithm scale, this mine-drainage water would be 100,000 times more acidic than neutral water — so stay out of abandoned mines.

You can read the full article here…

pH also affects soil. For the agriculture industry, measuring soil pH can be vital to getting the most from your crops.

Water pH and soil pH affect each other and should be monitored carefully if you want your land to be optimal to growing produce. This article from CropNutrition.com explains why:

Soil pH

The desirable pH range for optimum plant growth varies among crops. While some crops grow best in the 6.0 to 7.0 range, others grow well under slightly acidic conditions. Soil properties that influence the need for and response to lime vary by region. A knowledge of the soil and the crop is important in managing soil pH for the best crop performance.

Soils become acidic when basic elements such as calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium held by soil colloids are replaced by hydrogen ions. Soils formed under conditions of high annual rainfall are more acidic than are soils formed under more arid conditions.

Read the full article here…

To get full potential from your water and land, keeping track of and responding to the pH levels are incredibly important. Don’t waste the opportunity to maximise the yield of your crops.

Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PH

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How a Smart Home Could Be Your Best Investment

Smart home technology is gradually leaking into the everyday lives of ordinary people. Home automation is the most effective way of saving energy, improving efficiency and raising the worth of a house.

 

Saving Energy and Water, for Your Wallet and Your Planet

For the average household, smart home technology can seem very pricey. But when you consider how much money can be saved by using smart household appliances, it’s worth the investment.

This piece from Smarthome.com explains the energy saving benefits of having smart home appliances:

Save Energy the Smarthome Way

Smarthome products not only make your life safer, more convenient and more fun, they can also help you to save energy and money. As a member of the Flex Your Power energy efficiency campaign, we can show you how to be a friend to the environment and your wallet through energy conservation.

The average home spends almost $2,000 on energy costs every year. Lower your energy bills and improve comfort by making your home more energy efficient. The average household could cut a third of its current energy bill by switching to energy-efficient appliances, equipment and lighting. From lighting to thermostat control products, Smarthome offers a variety of products that homeowners can purchase to begin saving on energy costs today.

You can see the full article here…

A great example of a product that will save you in power and energy costs is a motion sensor powerstrip with 8 outlets. Michelle Smith from LifeHack.org explains why:

20 Smart Home Technology Gadgets That Will Leave You Spellbound

This smart PowerStrip conserves energy by detecting movement in the surrounding area. Four outlets automatically turn off if it does not detect human movement for 30 minutes in an adjoining space of 20 feet.

It also features three “always-on” outlets that stay on irrespective of movement.

This feature allows essential equipments, such as a router, to be left powered on.

With this smart technology, you can save energy by switching off peripheral devices when they are not in use. It is ideal for networking equipments and entertainment consoles.

Read the full article here…

Having a home that is water and energy efficient will not only save money but save precious resources from being wasted. Smart home technology provides many ways to prevent unnecessary water wastage. Nicole van Zanten from Ideaing.com explains one of these ways:

How to Save Water in Your Home with Smart Home Gadgets

As an avid gardener, I’m always keeping track of the weather. Seriously – you should have seen the rainfall we just had this past weekend. We were all rejoicing at how much of an impact the rain would have on our gardens and lawns, and I had to manually shut off my sprinkler timers for the duration of the rain.

But what if you had a garden hub that could do all of this for you to save you water? That’s possible – and I love it!

Smart garden products and hubs allow users to combine plant/irrigation monitors and sprinkler controls into one, while also monitoring the weather. This means that the smart home products will tell you when it’s time to water your gardens or lawns – with some of them even doing it for you.

Read the full article here…

While there can be some hefty costs involved in turning your home into a smart home, you can make some very cheap adjustments that will save you a lot of money and not everything you do has to cost you a fortune!

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Why You Should Invest in a Modern Heat Pump

It can seem like a great deal of money to spend when you think your current heating works fine…but there are many more advantages to having a modern heating system in your home than you might think.

The Cost of Comfort

When it comes to cost efficiency, old heat pumps have nothing on new ones. Old ones heat slower and require more power, so they cost you in the long run a great deal more than any newer system would.

With all the settings that new ones have and the ability to put them on a timer or even turn them on and off from your phone, you can save money by making your heat pump suit with your lifestyle.

Modern heat pumps also raise your house value should you ever decide to move. So as long as you live in that house you are saving money on power, and even when you leave it will still benefit you.

Heat pumps are a great alternative to any other type of heating too since it’s clean heating that doesn’t involve gas or fire, and is much safer for your whole family.

Sight, Scent and Sound

Old heat pumps are noisy, slow, power-hungry, have minimal settings and also just plain look ugly. Heat pumps designed today are designed specifically with the modern household in mind.

They’re built to be silent, so even though you may have gotten used to that constant whirr all winter you will now be able to enjoy some quiet while you read your book under a blanket.

The heat generates and spreads much faster, and you can set it to work however you want it to. With the heating and cooling settings you can keep your home at a comfortable temperature right throughout the year without stressing over the power bill.

Newer heat pumps also have cleanable air filters and so they don’t pump out dusty smelling air. They filter your air, and return it into your home cleaner and scentless.

And you will lose nothing on the eye either. New heat pumps are smooth and look modern and sleek, so you can take pleasure in having both a warm and stylish home.

How Your Health Will Benefit

The health benefits to a modern heat pump include cleaner, drier air, so for asthmatics they can be a blessing. A home that protects you from the cold boosts your immune system and helps prevent illnesses during winter months.

Moisture in your skin is sucked out by cold air, and so your skin can get dry and sore. This is most commonly noticed on the lips and hands. If your nose dries out too much from the cold it leaves you susceptible to colds, the flu and sinus infections.

There are a huge number of benefits to investing in a new heat pump system. It is a choice that would continue to be an advantage to you and to your family for as long as you live in the home, improving your comfort and quality of life for years to come.

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Keeping Your Home Cool This Summer

Enter September, and the first month of spring – finally! The days are growing slowly but surely longer and the sun is gracing us all with its presence a little more each day.

Welcoming Spring

While the beautiful spring flowers and the adorable baby lambs are always a welcome sight each year, and the idea of having some nice sunshine after the winter is heavenly, the sometimes stifling heat of summer is on its way.

But don’t sweat it. With summer’s many positives are its negatives, but your house being too hot all day doesn’t have to be one of those. There are ways to (economically) keep your house cool even on the hottest days.

Making the Most of the Shade and Air

While you want the sun in your house in winter, during the summer it’s best to avoid letting it pour in. Use blinds or lace curtains to filter the sunlight and provide your living spaces with shade.

Don’t fall for opening your windows during a still, sweltering hot day. If there’s no wind outside, it will cause heat to flood into your home, much like cold does in winter. Keep your house closed up tight to prevent heat from getting in.

Leave doors throughout the house open. This allows the air to move freely, and prevents heat from gathering up in one room and becoming an indoor glasshouse.

Cut Back on Heat-Emitters

You’d be surprised how many things we use each day that emit heat. Incandescent light bulbs are a major one – around 90% of the energy they consume is wasted on heat. Ditching these for more energy efficient light bulbs won’t just help reduce the heat, but also your power bill.

Stoves and ovens are another major one, although they are perhaps a little more obvious. Try to avoid roasts or other meals that take a long time in the oven during summer. Cold meats and salads or even an outdoor barbecue in the shade would make a much cooler alternative.

If it’s possible, you should consider investing in a ventilation system. This would be a massive help in keeping your home cool and the air feeling fresh.

At the very least, a fan in your bathroom is highly recommended, to get rid of the hot steam after showers. This won’t just make your home cooler but also help prevent dampness.

But Most Importantly, Focus on Yourself

When it comes to keeping your home cool (without cranking the A/C all summer) there’s only so much you can do. The best way to feel cool in the home is to start with your own body temperature.

Drink plenty of cold drinks and wear light clothes, and even if your house is the same temperature you’ll feel cooler. Keeping hydrated is incredibly important during the hot months.

Make use of the cooler night air too and leave a small window or two slightly open. But make sure you close them before the sun hits them in the morning.

Something to help you sleep at night too is to remove your flannel sheets and replace them with cotton ones. And your pillows could be swapped out for buckwheat pillows too if you have some – they have natural air pockets that prevent heat from gathering underneath your head.

Being aware of how heat gets into your home and how to keep yourself cool is key during summer. Having a cool house means you can focus on the more important things.

 

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The Benefits of Having a Wirelessly Controlled Thermostat

Thanks to amazing modern technology and the huge success of smartphones and tablets, many aspects of our lives are now right at our fingertips on the touch pad we keep in our pockets. We socialize with these devices, keep track of appointments, keep up with the news and take photos and videos.

Why Have a Thermostat In Your Home?

The possibilities and benefits of having a smartphone in this day and age are endless.

Your home is an essential part of your life; it’s where you eat, sleep and relax. Heating in the home is very important, and can determine the comfort in your life. Too hot or too cold and you’re left drained of energy and miserable.

Modern thermostats and heating appliances like heat pumps can be the best things you can invest in for your home. The temperature of your house becomes adjustable at the press of a button or the touch of a screen, so your comfort can always be maximized.

So, Why Wireless?

For one simple reason really: simplicity and ease. There’s no need to get up, or hurry home and turn your thermostat on, when you can do it from wherever you are on your phone.

Imagine. It’s the middle of winter, and you realize that because of the recent snow you’re going to be really late home. But you’ve set your thermostat, so it’s going to be eating through your power and costing you money while you’re not even there.

With a wireless thermostat connected to your phone you can easily deal with that problem, turning your heat pump off and saving yourself money until you want it on.

It works the same if you plan on being early home and want the house nice and warm when you go in. Efficient and smart heating can make your home a place that revolves around your lifestyle and can be adjusted whether you’re near or far.

In short, having a wireless thermostat:

• Will save you money on your power bills
• Will save you time and energy
• Will keep you comfortable all year round
• Is flexible to your time schedule and last-minute changes in your life

Your Power Bill Will Thank You

Being able to set times for your thermostat to turn on and off means that you are optimizing the heating in your home. Being able to change these settings at the last minute gives you that extra edge, allowing for life to happen and plans to change.

Yes, getting a heat pump system and a modern thermostat can be expensive and will put a dent in your pocket for a while. But you will be saving money for as long as you live in that home thanks to that investment.

When it comes to heating your house, your comfort should always come first. A warm and dry home in winter and a cool and well-ventilated home in the summer will ensure and protect that comfort into the future.

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Tips for a Warmer Home and Lower Power Bills

It’s an all too common issue that residents living in Marlborough have to deal with during the winter – climbing power bills as the cold weather sets in.

Heaters cost a lot to run and a house not properly insulated could be costing you both money and comfort. Here’s a few tips to save you some cash and keep you comfortable this winter.

Giving Your Walls Their Winter Woolies

You are not the only thing that needs to be wrapped up snug.

It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to get your house relatively insulated. You lose a lot of heat through the floor, roof and walls, and putting barriers up to keep the heat from escaping will make for a warmer and drier home.

Rugs will aid in heat loss through the floor, and making sure you have good insulation in the roof and walls will also help greatly.

Checking for draughts around your home is a must. Look for electrical cables, gas lines and water pipes that go from the interior to the exterior of your home.

There’s a good chance that the caulk which was used originally to keep them in place and prevent draughts has worn down and cracked away. Seal these gaps with expanding foam.

Evicting your Home’s Draughts

Windows can account for around 25% of heat loss in the home but they’re not exactly the easiest of things to insulate.

Firstly, curtains are a must. They should be opened when the sun comes out and closed before the sun goes away again, especially windows that the sun shines directly onto. Make use of the sunshine while it’s around in the winter.

Another little trick is to cover the windows and any glass doors with plastic film, like what you might use to wrap up your sandwiches in. If you’re careful, you can get it to look completely invisible, but it’s still providing another layer of protection against the cold.

Make sure that the windowsills are well-fitted and there are no gaps in the wood. Also, remember to lock your windows rather than just closing them – locks pull the windows tighter shut and makes it harder for the ever-elusive warm air to get out.

Heating and Circulating Warm Air

Old heat pumps and heaters often use a lot more power than newer ones. Modern heaters are built with energy conservation in mind, and their range of settings make it easier to adjust the temperature perfectly for your specific home and lifestyle.

A small portable heater is much better than one big heater in the living room. Shifting it between rooms will ensure the whole house gets some warmth and will let the whole place dry out.

Having a modern heat pump system will also help. Most come with settings that allow you to set temperatures and times, so your house will be warm when you get home from work but won’t be chewing through the power all day.

A ventilation system in your house to circulate the warm air could also be beneficial, allowing the warmth to spread throughout the entire home.

Keeping warm and dry during the cold months boosts your health, comfort and standard of living greatly. Any investment you make in the ways of a heat pump or insulation pays for itself as long as you live in that home.

And once you’ve spent the time and money getting your house sorted, you’ll be saving it all in power bills every single winter.

 

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Meth Contaminated Houses – A Growing Issue

Controversial subject today, but an issue that is close to home for some. This is a problem that affects the entire housing industry. Landlords, tenants, buyers & sellers, are all at the mercy of this national epidemic. What are the solutions?

Methamphetamine Houses – A New Zealand Epidemic

The meth problem in New Zealand is bigger than we all care to admit. Unlike alcoholism, which is visually identified fairly easy, meth is a silent killer, that destroys its user mentally, physically, physiologically and financially.

The amount of users are astonishing. In the article from the New Zealand Drug Foundation illustrates the scale of drug use and its grasp on our country:

Drugs in New Zealand

New Zealanders as a population have some of the higher drug-use rates in the developed world, evidenced in the 2007/2008 New Zealand Alcohol and Drug Use Survey, which reports that one in six (16.6%) New Zealanders aged 16–64 years had used drugs recreationally in the past year.

Read the full article here…

Is it getting worse? There seem to be many conflicting statements being made. At one point it was observed that meth use in New Zealand had halved, but then we see headlines talking about tonnes of meth washing up on our shorelines.

The video below, from the New Zealand Drug Foundation YouTube channel talks about some of the strategies New Zealand has implemented in the hopes to address the issue:

What are your thoughts on this issue? Would you agree that things are betting better or worse? Do you know of anyone who has battled with this addiction?

The Damage To Our Housing Industry

The damage this drug does to its users is horrendous. On a physical level, a heavy user can be easily picked out of the crowd so in a way, its easier to deny its stranglehold by turning your back on it, refusing to acknowledge its presence.

When it comes to your house, be it a rental or an investment property, the damage caused by methamphetamine being manufactured in your property can be financially crushing.

In this article recently published on the Harcourts Marlborough Blog by author Tracey Monaghan talks about the rising impact of meth and the procedures put in place:

Meth contamination – an overview

With the rising impact of meth, developing new standards and guidelines for the testing and remediation of affected properties is critical.

In May a committee was set up to develop a standard (NZS 8510) covering the testing and remediation of properties contaminated by the manufacture or use of methamphetamine.

“We’re making sure we’ve got good procedures in place, keeping our tenants and landlords well informed about those processes and the choices available to them.”

Read the full blog here…

Your Opinions & Experience

Do you have any experience with this issue?

Have you ever rented a house, to find out later that it had been used to manufacture “P”. How much did this effect you financially and physically?

Have you been burnt by a tenant who manufactured methamphetamine in your house? What kind of damage was done? What steps did you take to identify and fix the problem?

Does this drug epidemic change how you feel about renting out your house, or if you are are renter, what are your concerns?

If you’re wanting to get your house tested here are some resources:

• MethSolutions
• MethScreen
• EnviroCheck
• MethTestingNZ

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The Benefits of Home Ventilation Systems

If your house is damp and moldy, condensation streaming down the windows and has a stale smell to the air you need to improve your ventilation. This is where home ventilation systems can make a huge difference.

What are Home Ventilation Systems?

These are systems that move air around your home with fans, providing constant air circulation. Great for any season, they’re the perfect addition to any home. Keeping you cool in the summer without having to open all doors and windows, desperately trying to find a draft.

Different Kinds of Air Purifying Systems

Depending on your requirements, there are a couple varieties to choose from. These systems are not good at heating your house on their own, if this is your concern you might want to look at one of our heat transfer systems here.

Balanced Pressure

This system is generally powered by two separate fans that pull air from different sources. One fan pulls air from outside and directs it into your home. The other fan extracts the same amount of air from within your home and directs it outside.

This creates a continuous air flow, keeping the air clean and fresh. An air tight house will improve the efficiency of the unit.

Positive Pressure

This style is the most common found in New Zealand. Air is pushed from the cavity in your roof, though vents in your ceiling, into different rooms in the house.

For these to work effectively you need to make sure that your house is not too draughty otherwise the unit will struggle to move the air efficiently.

Roof cavities are generally dusty and full of contaminants, so filters are installed to purify the air. This is a potential issue because of where they (the filters) are installed, the tend to not get cleaned as much.

Options for Diy Home Ventilation Systems

Installing one of these units yourself can be a fantastic way to save some money. It will only take a day to complete so perfect for a weekend job.

Make sure you plan out where you are going to place your vents and fans. Take the extra time to fill in any holes or gaps that could potentially alter the units efficiency.

The Best Home Ventilation Systems

The best systems are the ones that are installed correctly. Here are some factors to keep in mind when you are looking at installing one of these units.

The kind of system you install can determine its benefits. Where you place the vents, the style of the house, how well it is insulated and how air tight the house is are all things to consider.

Our suggestion is to talk to your supplier to get the best advice. With their expertise you will be able to compare home ventilation systems to see which would suit you.

Looking for Home Ventilation Services?

There’re plenty of options to explore when it comes to improving the air flow in your house. We suggest contacting a professional before you commit to anything. Make sure the company you decide to deal with have a great reputation and stock only the best products. Feel free to contact us regarding any queries you may have. We will be able to point you in the right direction.

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