Broken AC in your Keller home? What to do next

Does your Keller home feel uncomfortably warm, even when your AC is running full blast? You may think you can wait until next season to fix this, but with hot and sticky temperatures still lingering, now is the perfect time to upgrade your air conditioning system.

Replacing old ineffective heating and cooling systems can save you money. In addition to impacting your family’s daily comfort, the decision you make about your HVAC system can have a greater impact on your energy bills than any other investment. Heating and cooling typically account for 40% of your household’s energy usage.

If you are among the millions of Americans upgrading their HVAC systems this time of year, here are some things to consider:

1) What's changed?
If you’re uncomfortable with your current system, you may want to review what’s changed in your household. Has your family grown? Has the weather changed? Is the system at the end of its life?
If your needs have changed or the environment is different, this could explain why the old system is no longer up to the challenge.

2) Consider your home’s design
Some homes already have ductwork in place, which makes it easy to choose a system that requires ductwork. On the other hand, if there’s no existing ductwork, you may want to consider a duct-free system. They consist of three basic components: an energy-efficient inverter-driven outdoor unit, a stylish and quiet indoor unit that delivers conditioned air to the room, and compact conduit pipe for refrigerant and wiring that connects the units.

The space-saving design allows you to heat or cool your entire home or a single room without the need for bulky ductwork, which means no tearing down of walls.Many Energy Star certified systems like these also are eligible for tax credits, another important consideration when you're considering HVAC system upgrades.

3) What does your family need?
If your household is constantly undergoing thermostat wars, it may be worth considering a zoned system. It puts a thermostat in each room for individualized comfort control. And it can save energy by targeting only those areas that need cooling or heating, a cost-effective feature when only certain portions of the home are being used.

An effective solution is an energy-efficient HVAC system that provides both heating and cooling in one compact unit. Today’s most advanced systems, like LG’s Multi V S outdoor unit, are a year-round solution for comfort in even the most extreme climates, from minus 13 up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, they're compatible with ducted and duct-free indoor units, and they offer quiet, efficient operation.

4) Use connectivity to your advantage
Choosing a new HVAC system just like the one you already have might not be your best option. As with cell phones, TVs and cars, a lot has changed in the last 10 to 15 years since your system was new.

Now you can control your HVAC system’s settings from your smart device, wherever you are, using apps. This is the perfect solution for people who might forget to adjust their heat or air conditioner when they leave the house, or for anyone who wants to have comfort at their fingertips.

Once you’ve determined your family's needs for maximum comfort and energy-efficiency, you can choose a modern system that works best for your Keller home.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in homeownership. Call 817-337-0000 for Keller Home's for sale in Keller ISD.

Boost your Keller home's value within your budget

Whether you plan to sell your Keller home soon or you simply want to make your property more modern and livable, there are many things you can do to increase the value of your house. The good news is you don't need a massive budget to make a big impact. Here are five affordable things you can do to boost your home's bottom line.

Update the entryway

Updating the entryway provides a warm welcome to guests. Clean the space of clutter and consider adding a new sturdy doormat and plant or wreath to add a splash of style. Of course, the focal point of the entryway is the front door, so if yours is looking drab, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way. If it's dented and worn, consider a replacement that doesn't cost a ton but has a great return on investment: Remodeling Magazine's 2019 Cost vs. Value reports an average national job cost of $1,826 with a 74% ROI.

Replace appliances

A kitchen remodel certainly boosts a home's value, but even a minor kitchen remodeling can surpass $20,000, with upscale remodels costing $100,000 or more. To get that new kitchen look and feel without the big price tag, consider putting funds toward new appliances instead. Coordinating appliances for a cohesive look enhances the aesthetic of the room. Stainless steel continues to dominate in interior design, but choose the right colors for your kitchen's unique look and you'll love the results.

Add a bathroom

A bathroom addition certainly boosts a home's value, and if you are strategic about the remodel, it doesn't have to be costly. Don't feel limited if the space where you want to add a bathroom doesn't have existing, below-floor drainage. With smart alternatives, you can add a complete bathroom virtually anywhere, thanks to above-floor plumbing technology that pumps drainage from the fixtures up to the sewer or septic-tank line. Keep in mind, a mid-range bathroom addition recoups 60% of cost, according to the 2019 Cost vs. Value report.

Swap out hardware

Sometimes it all comes down to the details to make a space more visually appealing. It's costly to get new vanities and cabinets in bathrooms, kitchens and entertaining spaces, but you can give the space a new look by updating the hardware. Knobs, handles, hooks and more become dated and dingy over time. Head to your local home improvement store to select new hardware in a design and finish that reflects your personality and the home's style. Satin chrome and oil-rubbed bronze are trending in 2019.

Add crown molding

If you think crown molding is reserved just for upscale homes, you're mistaken. Crown molding is an affordable way to add a touch of luxury to any space, boosting value and enhancing the interior design. Crown molding is available in a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and foam. You can paint it to the color of your choice, although white is always a classic crown molding hue that adds a clean, eye-catching appearance. Not only does crown molding boost design, but it also is a clever way to cover any gaps that can emerge over time between the walls and ceiling.

You don't need a big budget to give your Keller home's value a big boost. These five projects are a great way to enhance your property today with a great return on investment tomorrow.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in homeownership. Call 817-337-0000 for Keller Home's for sale in Keller ISD.

With Saniflo, you can add a complete bathroom where no drainage existed before thanks to above-floor plumbing features like a macerating toilet and drain pumps. The Saniaccess3 is a smart choice for full baths, and the Saniaccess2 is ideal for powder rooms.

How to protect your Keller home when traveling

As families across DFW take time off to travel and spend quality time together, the last thing they want to worry about is if their homes and belongings will be the victim of theft or break-ins. Luckily, there are several ways that can help summer travelers keep their homes safe — even from miles away.

From alternative delivery options to light timers, here are five tips that will keep you stress-free and your Dallas - Fort Worth home safe during upcoming summer vacations:

1. Never wonder if the garage door is open.

It’s not uncommon for people to drive away wondering if they remembered to close the garage door when they are in a rush to begin their vacation. Installing a Chamberlain or LiftMaster myQ-connected Smart Garage Door Opener allows travelers with a smartphone and the myQ app to check the status of their garage door and open or close it from anywhere.

2. Make it look like you’re still at home.

Schedule lights to turn on and off while away to give the appearance someone is home even if you are dining out alfresco hundreds of miles away. Also, a classic tell that you’re out of town is an overcrowded mailbox. When leaving on vacation, don’t forget to stop your mail, newspapers and other subscriptions.

3. Install your own security camera to deter theft.

Home security devices, such as surveillance cameras strategically placed to be seen — but out of reach of would-be thieves — can go a long way in deterring package theft. There are many smart options available today, including Tend, Ring and more.

4. Take advantage of Key by Amazon in-garage delivery service.

With Amazon’s recently-announced in-garage delivery service, Prime members in 50 cities and surrounding areas now have the option to choose in-garage delivery when shopping.  You, of course, must have the Amazon Key technology for this to work. In-garage delivery gives travelers peace of mind their packages are safe and secure in the garage until they return.

5. Make sure your neighbors know you’ll be away.

Most neighbors are naturally nosy — take advantage of that and let them know ahead of time that you’ll be going out of town. From watering plants to letting out the dogs, a trusted neighbor can keep tabs on your home while you’re away, so you can enjoy a sunset walk on the beach without worrying about what’s happening back home.

Traveling should never be stressful, and having the right tactics in place to ensure your home is secure has sizeable benefits for safety, convenience, and accessibility. Follow these tips, and you’ll have peace of mind that your DFW-area home will remain safe and secure no matter where you are or what you’re doing.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in homeownership. Call 817-337-0000 for Keller Home's for sale in Keller ISD.

4 steps to protect your Keller home from fires

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms — often due to missing alarm batteries or expired alarms.

Fortunately, a new generation of home safety technology — combined with tried-and-true safety practices — can help keep homes and families safer from the threat of home fires. First Alert offers the following tips and products to keep your family safe and healthy:

Be safe, replace: If you can’t think of the last time you installed a smoke alarm, chances are, it’s time to replace your old ones. All smoke alarms — including battery and hard-wired models — are tested to function for 10 years. Installing new alarms ensures you are protected with the most advanced smoke-sensing technologies and the latest safety features available. Conversely, by neglecting to replace alarms, you could be putting yourself, your family or tenants at serious risk.

Go for a 10: One of the greatest advancements in smoke alarm technology in recent years has been the development of new 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms, which consumers have used to add fire protection to their homes. Advanced smoke entry systems reduce the chances of false alarms, along with a loud, penetrating siren. In addition, 10-year alarms provide hassle-free protection so Keller homeowners, property owners, and renters no longer need to remember to replace costly batteries for the life of their alarms. They also eliminate the risk of ever having an alarm deactivated due to battery removal.

Double-up on safety: There are two main types of smoke alarms — photoelectric and ionization — which utilize different technologies to sense smoke and fire. Ionization smoke alarms are generally more responsive to fast-flaming fires, while photoelectric smoke alarms are generally more responsive to fires that begin with a long period of smoldering (called “smoldering fires”). Rather than relying solely on one, install both — or a dual-sensor alarm — to maximize your protection. The NFPA and other safety advocates recommend having dual-sensor alarms because they provide the best potential for early detection of all types of common household fires.

Cover your bases: Even if you have smoke alarms in your home, you and your family may not be sufficiently protected if you don’t have enough devices. To ensure the highest level of protection from smoke and carbon monoxide, the NFPA recommends installing smoke alarms at the top of each staircase and one in every bedroom or sleeping area. To put this into perspective, the average-sized home in America — a two-story, three-bedroom house — needs a minimum of five smoke alarms.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in homeownership. Call 817-337-0000 for Keller Home's for sale in Keller ISD.

5 kitchen cleaning items for Keller homeowners

You wipe down the counters, clean the floor and run the dishwasher regularly. Your kitchen appears clean on the surface, but there's probably a lot that could use a refresh. It's time to pay attention to frequently used but often forgotten items in your kitchen.

Make sure to include these five kitchen items on the next round of cleaning so you get the sparkling kitchen you deserve.

How to thoroughly clean your dishwasher

Why would a machine with the main job of cleaning need cleaning itself? Because food debris and mineral buildup from water can clog important components, causing your dishwasher to work inefficiently. To thoroughly clean your dishwasher, start by removing the filter and cleaning it out. Then fill a dishwasher-safe coffee cup with white vinegar, put it on the top rack and run on the hot cycle to remove soap scum and other buildup. Try to do this monthly for a sparkling clean dishwasher that works great.

Cleaning your coffeemaker is surprisingly simple

Cleaning your coffeemaker regularly is an important step for it to work at peak performance and keep beverages tasting their best. Don't be intimidated by cleaning your coffee machine, particularly if you have a Keurig brewer. It's surprisingly simple to clean your brewer with this simple three-step routine:

1. Use rinse pods once a week to rinse away old coffee oils and residue, or use any time after brewing a flavored beverage to reduce flavor carry-over between brews.

2. Every two months, replace your water filter cartridge to help remove chlorine, calcium and other impurities from water to improve the taste and quality of beverages.

3. Every three months, use a descaling solution to safely and effectively remove mineral buildup from inside your brewer.

How to clean your microwave with water and lemon

Food steams, spurts and splatters in a microwave every day, and even if it appears visually clean, there's probably a lot of grime on the inside walls. Rather than scrubbing harshly, make it easy to get off the grime with a simple solution: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with one cup water and then slice a lemon in half. Squeeze the lemon in the water and then add the halves. Microwave for three minutes and then let sit for five so the steam can penetrate the buildup. Finally, open the microwave, remove the bowl and easily wipe away grime with a washcloth.

It’s time to clean under appliances

Just because you don't look there doesn't mean the dirt and dust goes away. It's time to clean appliances, particularly the refrigerator where food, dust, and dirt often collect and clog up the coils. Carefully pull appliances out and clean well underneath. Start by vacuuming and then wipe down with soapy water. You should also look at the back of appliances and wipe off to remove dust and other grime. If the appliance has an air vent, make sure to vacuum it well to help it continue to run efficiently.

Leave kitchen knobs and handles looking like new

You make it a habit of wiping down your faucet knobs when you clean the sink, but what about the other knobs in your kitchen? The knobs on the cabinets are sometimes touched hundreds of times in a month by different people, which can transfer germs and bacteria, not to mention grease and other grime on fingertips. Start by wiping all knobs down with disinfectant wipes. For grimy buildup, use hot water with a touch of dish soap and wipe down with a rag to break down grime and leave knobs looking good as new.

The kitchen is the heart of your Keller home and deserves a good clean. Add these five items to your next round of kitchen cleaning and you'll have a sparkling clean space you can enjoy.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in homeownership. Call 817-337-0000 for Keller Home's for sale in Keller ISD.