On Trend at Home with the Color of the Year

If you’re like one of the millions of people forgoing a vacation this year, you might instead be looking for ways to make your home more comfortable, fresh, and even appealing to potential buyers. You’re not alone: according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau report, home centers, hardware stores, garden centers, and building materials suppliers have seen close to a 25 percent increase in sales from last year alone. Recent research from Consumer Specialists and the Home Projects Council found that 57 percent of homeowners put an emphasis on home improvement during the first three months of COVID-19. As the pandemic continues and the colder weather sets in, more and more of us will have time to focus on making those improvements that we keep putting off. 

One of the most popular upgrades that people usually enjoy doing themselves is painting which just also happens to be a fantastic project for fall. The weather is cool enough for the paint to dry quickly, but not so cold that leaving windows open for a day becomes unbearable. Indoor painting can be tedious but it’s also a job that will give your home a major facelift with a little time and effort. 

With that in mind, the question then becomes, “what color should I paint my room?” This is, of course, a very personal choice, but with the real estate market booming and many people looking at potentially listing their home in the near future, choosing something that’s trendy and modern is an option worth considering. 

Around this time of year, the major paint brands unveil their “Color of the Year”, a hue that's often chosen for its likeability, longevity, and how it captures and enhances interior design forecasting for the future. The first paint company out of the gate is Sherwin-Williams, which announced that Urbane Bronze is their Color of the Year for 2021. Equal parts trendy and timeless, the deep organic shade was chosen for both its connection to nature and the warmth it provides when incorporated into a home sanctuary.

According to Sherwin-Williams, “Now more than ever, our homes have become the backdrop to our lives, reminding us that the moments worth cherishing have always been right in front of us. As we're looking to create the ultimate retreat for reflection and renewal, we're turning to a hue whose natural simplicity and nature-inspired energy cultivate a sense of calm from the ground up.” Say that three times fast. 

If dark paint colors aren’t your style, Urbane Bronze can be used as an accent with warmer neutrals such as a popular Modern Gray or the company’s Messenger Bag, which offers a slightly more khaki feel. 

Wondering what your other options might be? Stay tuned: Benjamin Moore will be making their Color of the Year announcement on October 14th. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Maintain Your AC Unit for a Cool, Cool Summer

The summer heat and humidity can be a killer, and if you’re like most homeowners you simply crank up the air conditioning when the weather gets too hot to handle. Unfortunately, an overflow of cold air can put your home at risk, and I don’t just mean your energy bills. Just this past week I have had a dozen calls from homeowners in the area whose exuberance for A/C has turned into a leak, damaging internal walls and ceilings and leaving a heck of a mess to clean up. So if you’re inclined to keep those A/C units on heavy rotation, follow these tips to ensure that your home stays protected for the rest of the summer.

Keep the filter clean.

A dirty filter can cut your air conditioner’s efficiency in half, so be sure to replace or wash it at least once a month during the summer. Not only will a clean filter enable more cold air to come out of the unit, it will also decrease the amount of pollen, dander, and even mold that you could be breathing in. Many people don’t know that air conditioning units are rated by their MERV, which stands for minimum efficiency reporting value or, more simply, the effectiveness of the filter. MERV ratings are between one and 20, with most home air conditioning units rating between one and 12. If you’re in the market for a new filter, choose one at the top of the scale as they can trap smaller particles and protect your home from mold spores, dust mites, and other nasty contaminants.

Make sure the window is leak free.

Window A/C units are tough to fit and often result in large gaps where the hot air outside can come in. Make sure all the space around the air conditioner is sealed up tight with foam for bigger gaps or simple foil tape for smaller areas. The materials you’ll need can all be found at the local hardware store and you’ll be shocked by the difference in air temperature by just plugging up those leaks.

Run the unit on a timer.

There is no point in running your A/C on high when you’re at work or away for the weekend. A digital timer will lower the unit’s output when you’re not at home, and then bring the house to a comfortable level by the time you walk in the door. By programming a timer to your preferences you can lengthen the life of the unit and lower your energy bills without noticing a difference in the level of comfort. If your air conditioner doesn’t have a timer, you can get one for as little as $10 online or at the home improvement store in your neighborhood.

Up your insulation.

If your attic isn’t properly insulated, it’s going to be a sauna up there. You don’t even need to go up to check - you can tell simply by touching your ceiling. If it feels hot, then imagine how hard it is for a window unit or even central A/C to compete with all that heat. A well insulated and ventilated attic will ensure that the hot air can escape while keeping the cool air circulating in the living areas of the home. Plus, proper insulation comes in mighty handy during the cold months of the year.

Watch for leaks.

Central air conditioning units are notorious for leaks for three reasons: a cracked or broken drain pan, a clogged air filter or a plugged up condensate line. If water can’t drain properly, it will end up in your ceiling or walls which can cause serious and expensive damage. If you see even the smallest leak, shut down the unit and inspect these three areas. A simple fix might save you thousands in damage if you act quickly.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.