The Lav Kitchen

Chain link fences are a popular choice for boundary markers because they are inexpensive and easy to install. However, the openness of these fences leaves them exposed to prying eyes. If you’re looking for privacy but don’t want to replace your fence with a solid wood or vinyl panel, there are still ways around it.

Once these fences are installed, they’re hard to remove, even with a tractor because they’re deeply buried and encased in concrete. But there’s no need to live in constant fear of being watched from outside your house if you have a chain-link fence installed in front of it. 

Here’s how you can add some privacy without having to spend too much money on expensive fencing materials.

Purchase a Bamboo Fence

You can purchase bamboo fences online or at your local home improvement store. Rolled bamboo fencing is constructed from attached poles ranging in thickness from 3/4 -inch to 2 inches. You can install full bamboo pole screens by attaching the poles to the top and bottom of your chain link fencing. This will not only give you privacy, but it’s also a visually attractive addition to your backyard.

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Full bamboo screens are easy to install, and they’re designed for maximum strength and durability. Depending on how much privacy you need, you can use them in front of or behind your pool. If it’s for organic coverings, then full bamboo is durable but for organic material, it will slowly deteriorate unless you keep maintaining it.

Choose the poles cut on the bamboo nodes because they’ll do better than poles with exposed ends. This will extend their life as the nodes act as caps for the poles. While bamboo screens will last for a while, you need to maintain them regularly to get life out of them because various weather elements can deteriorate them. Also, if you’re doing a long fence, then you’ll need multiple bamboo rolls.

Chain Link Fence Slats

Fence slats are the ideal barrier material when you need to fence in an area for privacy purposes. The poles make it possible to see through the screen, but they also prevent anyone from seeing what’s on the other side because of their height. These fences allow for long, narrow pieces to be inserted vertically, so why not do your entire fence with these?

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Plus, these privacy screens are economical compared to other types that are made specifically for private areas. Fence slats are made of high-density polyethylene or aluminum.  You can also spray paint them with whatever color you like to help match them with the color of your home or complement your home color.

Because of their material, chain link slats can last for a long time. But depending on the weather in your region, you can repaint them once in a while. They’re also easy to replace, so don’t fret if they get damaged.

Reed Screens

This is another option for covering your chain-link fence. Reed screens are thinner than slats, so they may be the best choice if you want something light-weight yet easy to handle. You can install reed screens on top of panels or suspended above them by using L-shaped brackets. This gives you more privacy while still letting fresh air in.

They are about as wide as a drinking straw, making them easy to roll up and transport. If you’re looking for a light-weight fence covering, reed screens are a great choice. On the downside, they are not as sturdy in strong winds because of their thin diameter that can bend under pressure.

They’re very easy to install. You only need to secure them to the chain-link fence using metal wires. They act as a privacy screen, especially if they’re new but will deteriorate and drop as they age.

Wooden Fence Panels

A more permanent solution is to install wooden fence panels. They come in all shapes and colors, but they are commonly used to divide property or act as fencing. You’ll need someone else’s help to hold the panel while you attach it to the chain-link fence.

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It can also be installed with brackets like reed screens, using bolt cutters to cut the fencing wire. They’re the most attractive option when it comes to upgrading your chain-link fence. Using u brackets, screw the wooden fence panels to the main fence line. The brackets are available at any home improvement store.

Since these panels have already been pre-constructed in the factory, there’s no need to individually nail up boards. Wood fence panels are very durable, and if you use cedar, they’ll last nearly as long as the fence they are attached to. You can preserve wood panels by preventing ground contact.

However, you’ll need to obtain a fence permit to attach these panels in front of your chain link fencing. You also need to be handy and inventive to get the best option because there are no hardware kits and systems to help you make conversions.

Mesh Wind Screen

A Mesh wind screen is also called bird netting, which is very effective against pests and has no gaps between the metal mesh that might allow small children to put their heads through. Mesh fencing is already installed into prefabricated panels that you can buy at your local hardware store..

The Mesh privacy screen is water and wind permeable. It also has a double-thick trim around the perimeter, plus brass grommets on the trim to enable you to attach it to the chain-link fence with zip ties. The brass grommets and zip ties make them easier to install and remove than other options.

Mesh screening is highly durable. It’s a non-organic UV rated with high-density polyethylene, enabling it to last for many years. It’s also the lowest cost when compared with other privacy screens.

On the downside, they are more about utility than beauty. They’re often used in industrial areas, schools, tennis courts, and swimming pools, making them unsuitable for home options.

Make Hanging Slats

Choose one cedar plank on top of your privacy panels and lay it horizontally on the ground. After that, lay two smaller cedar boards vertically over the plank. These smaller boards will help support the round lattice panels.

Ensure the side boards are level to prevent the slats from hanging straight on your chain link fence. Space the rest of the cedar boards evenly and nail them in place. The remaining cedar planks will form the rest of the panel. Measure the space between the top and the bottom of the slat the place the remaining cedar planks in between them.

Plant Bushes and Trees in Chain Link Fence

Covering a chain link fence with wood planks is not the only option you have. If privacy and security are what you’re after, then plant bushes and trees in front of your chain link fence. This will help conceal the area and create a more secure feel.

Make sure you pick the tree that is suitable for your growing location. Choose a plant-based on the temperature in your region, plus consider if you need a plant that will survive well in sunlight, dry soil, and keep its color year-round. If you’re going with bushes, trees, or shrubs, they’ll require weekly maintenance and can take a few years to grow to full size. Also, trim the plant evenly along the top and sides and keep the top wider than the base so light filters down to the lower branches.

FAQs on How to Cover a Chain-Link Fence and Give Yourself Privacy

Can you put a privacy screen on your fence?

Yes, you can put a privacy screen on your chain-link fence depending on where you live. The local homeowners association always restricts installing screens into your fence.

How deep do chain link fence posts need to be?

Chain link fence posts must be deep enough in the ground to support your fencing and any additional security features you add on.

Can I use vines for privacy?

Vines are an excellent choice of plant material because they can grow quickly, provide shade, give privacy and save money.

Does a chain link fence increase the resale value of a property?

Yes, having a chain-link fence can increase the resale value up to 4% because it’s practical and stylish at the same time. But not every fence is the same. If you’re looking to increase your resale value, you can opt for the wood-paneled fence.

Final Thought on How to Cover a Chain-Link Fence and Give Yourself Privacy

As you see, there are so many ways you can add privacy into your chain link fence and stop prying eyes and outsiders from peeping through the fence. There are so many different plants you can plant to give yourself privacy. You can screw these in your existing fence and get the impression that your chain link fence has disappeared.

Moreover, planting grass around your fence is a great idea since it will help you achieve that perfect green lawn. It doesn’t matter where you live or for what reason you have installed the chain link fence; there are always ways to improve the look and feel of the fence, make it more private, and do something with all that open space.

The post How to Cover a Chain-Link Fence and Give Yourself Privacy appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.

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Finding the right flooring for your home can be a difficult and time-consuming task. You want something durable, stylish, and affordable. Vinyl plank flooring may be your solution to all of these problems. It’s waterproof, so spills are no issue, it comes in many styles and colors to match any home decor, and it’s very affordable. 

The best thing about vinyl planks is that they’re easy on your wallet while still giving you all of the design flexibility and customization options offered by other types of flooring. And unlike wood or stone, these floors will never warp or crack under pressure. They’re waterproof, durable, and available in many different colors, textures, finishes, and styles. 

Keep on reading to learn more about vinyl plank flooring!

What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Vinyl Plank Flooring is an alternative to hardwood floors made from PVC plastic. They look like wood planks but without the maintenance that real wood requires. Since World War II, the material has been around when soldiers used sheets of it as makeshift armor against shrapnel. 

Today, this versatile product can be found in furniture, cars and boats, and even clothing, making it one of the most popular materials. This type of floor covering looks great and offers some other benefits, including being easy to install. Learn how to install vinyl plank flooring here and see how easy the process can be.

Plank vinyl floor, also known as a luxury vinyl plank or luxury vinyl floor, is vinyl flooring in long, narrow strips and not the traditional square tile shapes. 

Sheet vinyl is a flexible vinyl with a printed top layer covered by a clear wear layer, while vinyl plank flooring is a multi-ply product with four features. Therefore, luxury vinyl is five times thicker than traditional sheet vinyl. 

On the other hand, plank vinyl floors have deeper embossing and better graphics, bringing it to a closer simulation of wood, unlike the previous sheet vinyl flooring and plastic laminate flooring.

What is the Difference Between Luxury Vinyl Plank and Luxury Vinyl Tile?

A luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is considered luxury vinyl plank flooring, but it’s not the other way around. LVT is also more expensive than vinyl planks. Vinyl tiles are thinner than flooring planks, so even though both products are similar in technical terms. The thickness of the mat will be an obstacle to the imaginary wood grain effect. Their main difference is their appearance. Vinyl plank looks like a wood plank, while luxury vinyl tile looks like a tile.

Image credit: https://www.flooringamerica.com/

What is the Difference between Vinyl Plank and Vinyl Sheet

Vinyl plank and vinyl sheet are almost the same. They share the same disadvantages. Vinyl sheet is absolutely perfect for utilitarian roles such as basement flooring and bathroom flooring. But vinyl sheets are totally different from vinyl planks.

dvantages of Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl Plank Floor is Water Resistant

If you are looking for water-resistant wood flooring, then vinyl is the best option. It’s not as water resistant as laminate flooring, but it doesn’t crack and warp like hardwood floors do when exposed to too much moisture. Vinyl plank is always water-resistant because it’s made of plastic.

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Most vinyl plank floors can be easily installed, making them waterproof as well. This makes it perfect for a mudroom and any other room that is frequented by dirt and wet.

Simple and Easy to Maintain

Vinyl plank flooring features a tough surface that is simple to clean. A single wash with the right product will remove most dirt and grime from your floor’s surface, making it look new again. They don’t require special maintenance like wood floors.

You can clean vinyl floors regularly, but you don’t need to stick to the cleaning schedule or use any expensive specialty product. Also, these floors should never be steam-cleaned, varnished, or waxed. The pressure of a steam cleaner can drive moisture down through the seams to the wooden subfloor.

Vinyl Plank is Great Scratch Resistant

Apart from being water-resistant, vinyl plank is also great scratch resistant. Thanks to its ultra-durable wear layer, it’s super hard to scratch, unlike hardwood, which will show dents and dings after years of use.

Easy to Repair

Repairing vinyl tiles is much easier than traditional wood flooring. All you need is to remove the damaged plank and install a new one without sanding and refinishing the entire floor. As you can see, you don’t need to break the bank to clean and maintain this type of flooring.

Installing a new vinyl plank for your flooring project is also easy as long as you follow the installation instructions on the purchase.

Highly Durable Flooring Option

Both luxury vinyl planks and tile flooring are stains, scratch, and dent resistant, making it great for high traffic areas, kids, and pets friendly. It’s extremely versatile and great for the bathroom and kitchen because it doesn’t chip or scratch easily. 

However, you should pay attention to your flooring because low-quality vinyl flooring may scratch and blend easily. The floor shouldn’t be nailed down to reduce the appearance of black water stains around the nail’s head and also prevent interference with vinyl flooring’s waterproof and water-resistant ability.

 You may need to use wood plastic composite [WPC] and stone polymer core [SPC] in subfloors. This is because some WCC and SPC flooring are thick enough to let vinyl flooring float on them, but not all WPC and SPC can do so.SPC vinyl flooring is thinner and has more density, especially the stone-based core.

Vinyl Flooring is Long Lasting

If you’re looking for long-lasting flooring material, then vinyl flooring is a perfect choice. Vinyl flooring has a lifespan of more than 25 years, so it’s unlikely you’ll ever need to replace any part of your flooring unless you damage it on purpose.

 The lifespan of this type of floor material also depends on several variations. These variations include installation process, quality of the flooring, wear layer thickness, and maintenance. And if any planks get damaged, you can easily remove and replace them.

Luxury Vinyl Plank Can Go Where Hardwood Can’t

The perfect feature of luxury vinyl planks is that you can install them in places where solid wood flooring isn’t a good choice, such as below a radiator or a heating register. Because the rigid core keeps these planks from bending, you won’t have to worry about them wrinkling and buckling underneath the bulbous radiators.

It’s not affected by heat and humidity, making it a great alternative for wood floor bathrooms. Its water-resistant and waterproof nature can make it withstand even wet climates. Plus, vinyl plank is impervious to termites, so that you can install it outdoors as well. Vinyl flooring offers a good alternative in areas where wood installation will be tricky.

Vinyl Plank Flooring Can Add Resale Value to Your Home

Another benefit of vinyl plank flooring is that it adds resale value to your home. It’s easy to clean and maintain, so once you install them in a new home, they will stay looking fresh for years. Its durability will make the homebuyer know they’re getting a beautiful floor that will last for a long time.

Vinyl Plank Flooring Can Be Customized With Various Designs and Styles

You can get luxury vinyl floors with the same styles as the most expensive hardwood flooring. Get vinyl plank flooring in different colors, textures, and prints to create beautiful patterns on your floors. 

This way, you can get vinyl floors that look just like luxury vinyl tile or any other kind of wood floor without paying five times more for real wood! Vinyl plank flooring is regarded as superior flooring to sheet vinyl and laminate flooring but less prestigious than solid hardwood and porcelain tile.

ffordable and Comfortable Flooring

Vinyl plank flooring is a more economical choice than genuine wood flooring but more comfortable and luxurious than laminates. With a vinyl plank floor, you get the same beauty as with the most high-end wood floors and extra comfort from walking on it. The base of the rigid core is attached with foam or cork underlayment to add comfort and provide sound absorption.

Vinyl plank flooring is usually made from recycled rubber tires mixed with plastic, and the rubber makes the floor more comfortable and reduces noise. Vinyl plank is also moisture resistant, making it a good choice for kitchens and other high traffic areas because of the slip resistance feature, which you will find important if you have children or pets.

Disadvantages of Vinyl Plank Flooring

Just like other floorings, both luxury vinyl and rigid core vinyl flooring have their disadvantages. Here are those cones:

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Vinyl Floor is Not a Natural Wood Floor

The disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring are all based on its lack of resemblance to real wood. Vinyl plank is just that,plastic. If you want a real hardwood floor look and feel, then vinyl is not the right choice for you. No matter how better the floor photograph mimics the natural wood, it will still feel hollow and hard when you walk on it. It won’t make the house feel as luxurious as natural wood.

It’s Prone to Fading and Discoloration

The second disadvantage of vinyl plank flooring is the inherent threat of fading. All hardwood flooring contains some amount of sunwood in their construction, including luxury vinyl and rigid core vinyl planks. Sunwood is a natural component found in real lumber that allows it to expand and contract with changes in humidity levels.

However, just because it contains wood does not mean your vinyl plank flooring is safe from the sun’s harmful rays. If you leave your home without blinds or drapes, and it doesn’t matter if you live, the sun will fade your floor within months. These products are prone to fading when exposed to direct sunlight.

Hard to Remove

While installing vinyl plank flooring is easy, removing the glued-down vinyl is quite another story. Think again if you consider vinyl plank flooring because it is easier to maintain than real hardwood.

Susceptible to Dents and Damages

The wood composite core is soft and susceptible to dents. It can handle some misuse for some time, but pulling and pushing furniture, dropping sharp items, and walking with high pointed heels will scratch, dent, stain, and gouge the flooring.

Give it some time after installation before bringing in your furniture. Also, select a padded back version of SPC flooring to prevent unwanted noise and vibrations when people walk into the room.

Vinyl Plank Floor Cannot Be Refinished

The vinyl plank floor is very light and thin to refinish and repair. The top prefinished wear and tear-resistant layer make it hard to repair. If you misplace the plank, it cannot be refinished with a matching shade or texture.

Seams on some vinyl plank floors are too noticeable and may require tile-look lines rather than the usual straight line installation pattern. It is preferred that you plan your layout before installing to avoid visible seams in your home.

Vinyl Plank Floor Resale Value is not as High as Hardwood

This flooring material has limited resale value, unlike hardwood. The value of the house is limited and not too much unless you change the material or upgrade.

It’s a Non-Biodegradable Material

The manufacturing of vinyl flooring requires the use of toxic chemicals, and after installation, it emits high volatile organic compounds which are not eco-friendly. These off-gassed VOCs can affect the health of indoors, especially if there are no windows or proper ventilation.

The New Engineered Vinyl Plank Flooring with Adhesive Strip

This is the latest version of vinyl flooring. It’s quite different from the traditional one with its smart courses. The designs are purposely created to prevent visible seams, no gapping or expansion gaps, and resistant to most chemicals, including pet urine, water damage, mold, and mildew.

 You can install this type of vinyl plank flooring much easier than the old version; peel and stick. It can be installed in just an hour or so in a moisture-free work environment. However, the downside is that this type of vinyl plank flooring is more expensive than the old version.

You can also call it a more water-resistant engineered wood floor because moisture changes won’t affect the vinyl core like a layered engineered core.

FAQS on Vinyl Plank Flooring Review

Is vinyl plank flooring toxic?

Vinyl flooring emits a gas that is considered toxic, especially to people with underlying respiratory conditions.

How long does vinyl plank flooring last?

It can last from 5 to 25 years, depending on the quality and your level of maintenance.

Final Thought on Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl flooring has many benefits. It’s not as expensive as hardwood, and it’s easy to install and maintain. The biggest selling point of vinyl planks is that they’re durable, waterproof, and scratch-proof. So, if you don’t want to worry about refinishing for years, then vinyl planks are a great choice.

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Proper gift etiquette is not old-fashioned like many people portray. If you’re invited to a party or a special event, it’s important to learn proper gift etiquette to avoid embarrassing situations. This also applies to the host of the party or the event as you wouldn’t want to portray bad behavior in the presence of your guests.

So, what are those hosted and hostess gift etiquettes? This article outlines everything you need to know whether you’re hosted or the hostess. Keep reading!

Dinner Party Gift Etiquette

When you bring a hostess gift to the dinner party host, don’t expect it to be served or displayed while you’re there. Give the gift at the door so that the host can put it away before greeting other guests. Don’t worry if it isn’t appropriate for the occasion, but avoid bringing something so personal that it would be inappropriate to serve guests.

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Appropriate gifts for a dinner party hostess include:

Guest soapsDecorator candles Coffee table bookBottles of winePotted plantBouquet in a vaseBox candiesTin of cookies

Holiday Parties Hostess Gift Ideas

Bring a hostess gift to help get the season off on a sweet note during holiday parties. Some get-togethers require more preparation than others, but your thoughtful gesture will make the festivities even merrier. The following holiday party ideas are sure to provide plenty of inspiration:

Gift basket with cookies, popcorn, coffee, teas, and hot cocoa mixBottle of wineOrnament and other holiday decorationsHoliday-themed tins of candy and baked goods

Housewarming Gifts Etiquette

Housewarming parties are for celebrating new homes and all the excitement that goes with them. The housewarming gift shouldn’t be that expensive, but it should be something lasting for the house. Try to find out the color scheme beforehand. You can also shop for things to buy for a new house to get your inspiration from them.

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Housewarming Party Gifts Ideas include:

Bottle of wineA holiday-themed tin filled with baked goods or candyGuest towelsHouseplantDish towelsPicture frameSpecial foods like olive oil, cheese knivesWine glassesKitchen supplies

If the housewarming is for a neighbor new in town, introduce your new neighbor with a welcome kit containing an area map and restaurant menus.

Overnight Stay Host Gift Ideas 

You do not need to bring a gift for the overnight host, but if you would like to consider bringing these gifts:

Wine basket with a variety of wines and a couple of wine bottlesA Gift card to a specialty store that caters to the host’s tasteGourmet food basketRestaurant gift cardSpa basket

Host Gifts for Meeting Future In-Laws

If you’re visiting the home of your future in-laws, bring a hostess gift to relieve that nervousness. Make sure you know their taste before embarrassing yourself by giving inappropriate gifts. You can then set up your meeting with the future in-laws by bringing:

A bouquet that matches the season and decor of their homeWine, champagne, or spiritsPlant in a decorative potVariety of potted herbsCoffee and tea basket

Casual Gatherings Gifts Etiquette

Nowadays, it’s quite perfect to bring a hostess gift to a casual party. The hostess sees this gift as a small token of gratitude for their efforts. It doesn’t need to be formally wrapped, but it can be given as an addition to the festivities.

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Anything that will complement their efforts and help them in the future, even if it’s a small gift, will be greatly appreciated.

Formal Celebrations Host or Hostess Gift

Whether you’re attending a birthday party, a bachelorette party, or an engagement party, you have to be worried about getting a gift for the honorees. But if you’re the one being celebrated, take time to write your hostess a thank you note. You can also go the extra mile and send flowers, chocolate, and something else that she loves, like a gift certificate to her favorite spa.

Hostess Gift Etiquette Tips

Be Discreet

This shouldn’t be time to brag about how you brought an expensive bottle of wine and champagne. Do not show others who might not have realized they should have brought a gift if you want to be a perfect houseguest. Don’t make others feel uncomfortable or guilty.

Don’t Expect Your Gift to be Shared or Unwrapped Immediately

If the hostess is in the hosting mode, they have many things in their mind. So, avoid diverting attention from the event. Simply greet the host and tell them you’ve brought them something to enjoy later.

sk What You Can Bring

Ask the host or hostess if there’s something you can bring to the occasion. This tip doesn’t apply to housewarming celebrations and bridal showers because the host may not be expected to receive a gift anyway.

Wrap Your Gift

Don’t hesitate to wrap your gift if it feels appropriate. You can wrap it with a gift bag, a bowl, or a simple gift box. Make sure you conclude by writing a thank you note.

Hostess Gift Ideas

Now that you know how and when to give a host gift, pick out the perfect gift from these ones to show appreciation:

Candles

Candles are a great gift to thank someone for letting you stay with them. However, they’re not always the best gift for dinner parties because their scent may clash with the meal.

Cheese Board and Knives

These are great gifts for any occasion. They do work well for housewarming parties, dinner parties, and other occasions.

Coasters

Coasters get away with hostesses’ fear of guests staining their nice wooden tables with their practical and stylish solution. They can even create talking points, thanks to their different styles and fun options.

Gift Baskets

With gift baskets, saying thank you to your host can be easy because they host a lot of items that your host may need. They also come in several varieties; for example, if your host loves coffee, you can get them a coffee-themed basket that goes above and beyond a simple coffee mug and a bag of beans.

Glasses and Other Stemware

No matter what you’re celebrating, be it a fancy dinner or saying thank you to someone’s hospitality, you can never go wrong with wine glasses and stemware. Decorative tea towels and dish towels can also serve well.

Flowers in a Vase

While it’s not great to offer flowers to the host, when you offer them in a vase, you’ll relieve your host of the duty of finding a place to place the flowers. And when the flowers die later, the host will remain with a beautiful base to remember.

Chocolate

Chocolate comes in many varieties, so you can do it in a creative way but still, be delicious to your host.

rtisan Soaps

Provide some apothecary to your host by gifting those soaps. A collection of three to four different soap scents will ensure your hostess finds a scent to enjoy.

Coffee Table Book

Coffee table books make for a thoughtful and unique host or hostess gift. They’re not only talking pieces, but your host may also be interested in them. If they need, ask their friends and family for ideas for coffee books they’ve been looking forward to.

Image credit: https://dosaygive.com/

FAQs on Proper Hosted and Hostess Gift Etiquette

Do you give a hostess gift at the beginning or end of your stay?

When you arrive, bring your hostess gift to the host in person. You can also give during your stay or after you return home once you’ve gotten a better idea of what your host likes.

Do you give a hostess gift when the party’s still going on?

Yes! You can bring your host or hostess gift with you to the party and present it at the end of your stay.

Final Thought on Proper Hosted and Hostess Gift Etiquette

There you go! Avoid showing up to your friend’s party, at a holiday event or dinner party empty-handed once you know what they like. At least have some gifts with you to show some gratitude and appreciation for their invite. It’s also a very nice gesture to bring a host gift if you’re visiting someone’s home for the first time.

The post Proper Hosted and Hostess Gift Etiquette appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.

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The furnace-mounted home humidifier is a must-have for any homeowner. You can control the humidity levels of your home with ease by installing this device. It will help keep your family comfortable all year round and protect them from the effects of overly dry air too.

But do these devices really work as intended or are they just hyped for nothing? This article seeks to answer the question and tell you more about the working of these furnace-mounted home humidifiers. Keep reading to find out.

Types of Furnace Humidifiers

Reservoir Humidifier

The reservoir humidifier is the most common type. It works by placing water in its tank and heating it by the furnace blower. Once this happens, steam is produced and sent throughout your home with the warm air your HVAC system produces.

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Bypass Humidifiers

These types of whole-house humidifiers are installed on an air-return duct. They work by drawing warm air from the ductwork then blowing it over a water panel and evaporator pad. The air absorbs moisture in the evaporator panel then releases it into the room. The unit does not work if the airflow is restricted or blocked by closing doors or windows.

Steam Humidifiers

A steam furnace humidifier heats water until it becomes steam. The resulting steam is then forced into the HVAC control, where it travels through your home until it reaches its intended destination – the various rooms in your home.

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Fan-Powered Humidifier

The humidistat sensor of this flow-through humidifier detects when the air is too dry. It opens the solenoid valve and activates the fan that draws in dry air. The solenoid valve allows water to enter the water panel or moist pad. After the water flowing through vaporizes, the fan directs water vapor into the ductwork. 

The water that doesn’t vaporize exits the equipment through the drain line. Once the air reaches the set relative humidity level, the solenoid valve closes, shutting off the fan.

How Parts of Furnace Humidifier Works

Humidifier Water Tap

The humidifier water tap is installed directly under your hot water tank. A hose runs from the humidifier to this tap. As soon as the flow-through humidifier senses that relative humidity is low, it opens the solenoid valve and allows cold water to run into an aluminum plate below the pad or panel. This plate then transfers heat to the water. The hot water then goes through the tank and down into the house.

Water Inlet Valve Assembly

The water inlet valve assembly controls the water flow to the humidifier, mounted a few inches downstream of the humidifier. The solenoid valve is electromechanical, and its coil draws from the air conditioner’s electrical power source to open or close. When your air conditioner shuts off, so does the humidifier.

Furnace Humidifier Humidistat

This part controls humidity levels much like a thermostat controls air temperature. You can set it to the desired humidity level, say 40 percent. Once this level is reached, it signals the humidifier to turn on.

Humidifier Evaporator Pad

This part is also called the evaporator panel or water wick. This pad aims to provide an efficient transfer of water from the humidifier tank to the surrounding air. It facilitates evaporation and collects any mineral deposits from water. Its porous texture is perfect for this purpose.

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After a season of use, the metal pad should be cleaned and inspected for mineral deposits. These white spots are calcium, magnesium, or similar salts that have been dissolved in the water. Although they do not cause a health risk, these minerals can clog or discolor your humidifier pad resulting in poor air purification.

Humidifier Drainage Pan

To remove mineral deposits accumulated on the pad, you can use a product called ‘Humidifier Cleaner.’ Although this is not required, it will help lengthen the life of the humidifier pad. Fill the pan with very hot tap water to dissolve minerals. Submerge the filter in water for 15 minutes. Remove the filter and rinse in warm water. Let air dry completely before returning to the humidifier.

Importance of Installing Furnace Humidifier in Your Home

Improved Comfort and Health

A moist and humid home provides many benefits. Humidified air protects furniture and wooden floors from cracks and shrinkage by maintaining a consistent humidity level in the home.  A comfortable living space is easier to achieve with a whole house furnace humidifier system.

It also reduces static electricity, mildew formation, nasal congestion, dry throat, and itchy skin. This will result in more comfort, better health, and less work for the immune system. You can also install them in the existing HVAC equipment.

Improved Air Quality

When your home is adequately moist with relative humidity levels, particles such as dust and allergens that can affect your mucous membrane are less likely to be present. Increased humidity levels also help to get rid of dust termites, bacteria, and viruses.

Reduced Energy Bills

Moist air feels warmer than dry air. That’s why summer days feel unbearable when humidity levels are high. But when you add moisture into the air, the heat that the hot air absorbs will be transferred to water molecules in the air. 

What to Watch Out in Furnace Humidifiers

Mold

Because the inside of a furnace humidifier is a moist environment, the growth of mold and mildew is quite common in it. If you don’t check the mold growth, your furnace could be blowing mold spores all over your home. You should learn how to get rid of mold so it doesn’t become a problem for your home.

Water Damage

Issues such as clogged filters and drain pans can cause water buildup that may damage your furnace or even flood your home.

Maintenance Needs

If you’re installing a whole house furnace humidifier, you require less maintenance, less money, and less time. You’ll only need to replace the humidifier pad and filter annually if you have one. But for a steam furnace humidifier, you’ll have to replace the humidifier pad and filter every six months. Also, if you’re using a whole house furnace humidifier, you must get your furnace cleaned each year by professionals.

Final Thought on How Furnace-Mounted Home Humidifier Works

Keep your furnace humidifier in perfect working condition by following the above steps. This will leave you with a moisture-generating device that is always ready to keep your home humidified and healthy. If well maintained, a furnace-mounted humidifier will be one of the best appliances to have at home.

The post How Furnace-Mounted Home Humidifier Works appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.

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