Tips on choosing the right ceiling fan for you
Tips on choosing the right ceiling fan for you

Buying a ceiling fan is no easy proposition with the number of choices available in the market. However, making a decision would be easier if you keep a few things in mind. Here’s a list of features to look for, to determine the right ceiling fan for you.

Design: You would want your ceiling fan to complement your home décor. Ensure that the ceiling fan complements your interiors. Antique ceiling fan designs go with traditional and vintage home decor whereas contemporary ceiling fans are more suitable for a modern and transitional space. They feature clean lines, smooth metallic finishes, and are minimalistic. If your interiors are more country, you could opt for straight lines and dark wood finishes of rustic ceiling fans. You can also go for bamboo, natural palm leaf, and rattan blades with distressed wood finishes to complement your bright, tropical interiors. Whatever style or finish you choose, ensure that the rod matches the rest of the fan.

Ceiling fan motors: The motor determines the airflow and efficiency of your ceiling fan. DC fan motors are smaller and lighter than standard an AC motor, which allows them to generate higher torque and consume 70 percent less energy. These motors also produce less heat and are virtually silent.

Energy Star-rated ceiling fans: Energy Star fans use 15 to 20 percent less energy than standard fans. They come with a minimum 30-year motor warranty and a 1-year component(s) warranty. Energy star fans with lights use 60 percent less energy than standard fans with lights.

Airflow: A high airflow operates that your ceiling fan will circulate more air and consumes less energy. These fans are ideal for garages, warehouses, and outdoor spaces.

Controls: There are three types of fan controls to choose from. Ceiling Fans with Remote Control can be operated within a 30 to 50-foot range, Handheld remote control ceiling fans are ideal for bedrooms and personal spaces. Wall Control has a range up to 40 feet. It is more suitable for kitchens, dining rooms, and living rooms.
Pull Chains offers basic fan control. They add a touch of style to your room; however, they are more practical for spaces with low traffic.

  • Hearing loss – All you need to know

    Hearing loss gradually occurs as the body ages, making it common among seniors, but it can affect people of all ages due to a birth defect or damage to the ear due to an injury. Almost one-third of America’s population between the ages of 65 and 75 years suffer from some level of hearing loss. Depending on the part of the ear that’s affected, hearing loss can be divided into three types:

    • Conductive: Hearing loss involving the outer or the middle part of the ear
    • Sensorineural: This type of hearing loss involves the inner part of the ear
    • Mixed: This is a combination of the other two types of hearing loss

    Stages
    Various levels of hearing loss have been identified by audiologists:

    • Mild hearing loss
      People with mild hearing loss can hear sounds ranging between 25 and 40 decibels, so sounds like the ticking of a clock or a faucet dripping will be inaudible. Keeping up with a conversation that they have with one person might not be much of a challenge for people with mild hearing loss.
    • Moderate hearing loss
      At this stage, people with hearing loss might not be able to hear sounds below 41 to 55 decibels. Moderate hearing loss patients can face difficulty keeping up with conversations, and the ringing of a phone or a doorbell might not be audible to people with hearing loss at this stage.
    • Severe hearing loss
      People with severe hearing loss might not be able to hear any conversation without the help of a hearing aid. Also, hearing aids can be helpful to some extent in such cases, but they might not be foolproof.
    • Profound hearing loss
      This is the most severe stage of hearing loss that makes it difficult for a person to hear sounds below 90 decibels. In fact, using a hearing aid might also not prove very effective at this stage.

    Diagnosis
    Several tests are undertaken to diagnose the issues one might be facing with their hearing abilities:

    • Physical examination: A doctor will examine a person’s ear for any earwax deposits or swelling caused due to an infection.
    • Screening tests: The general whisper test is conducted to diagnose hearing loss.
    • App-based hearing tests: There are apps on mobiles or tablets that anyone can use to screen for a moderate level of hearing loss.
    • Audiometric tests: These are the more thorough tests conducted by an audiologist wherein the patient is asked to wear headphones and then words and sounds are sent to each ear to diagnose the extent of hearing loss.

    Prevention
    Over-exposure to loud noise and aging are the leading causes of hearing loss, but earwax buildup can also affect one’s hearing abilities temporarily.

    In most cases, hearing loss might not be treatable or reversible, but its effects can be minimized with help from an audiologist. There are several ways to prevent hearing loss caused due to aging and exposure to loud noise:

    • Staying away from areas with loud noise
    • Using hearing protection like earplugs
    • Limiting exposure to loud sounds
    • Using appliances or gadgets that have low noise levels
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  • An overview of the Apple iPad

    Apple iPads were first launched in 2010. After a good seven years, they have become a one of a kind brand feature in the tech market. Even though an iPad is nothing but a tablet, Apple Inc has designed such a great product and marketed it so well that they have a distinct identify and stand apart from other tablets.

    Apple claims that they are the most sold products of Apple (yes, their sale is more than that of Mac book), except, of course, iPhone. iPad is preferred as a tablet for its class, for its performance and much more. Unlike PCs and tablets, iPad provides less distractions while working on it as only one window can be used efficiently. Some might regard this as a shortcoming, but it is actually the strength since distractions are hard to avoid with so many notifications and messages pinging on so many different applications.

    Apple iPad pro comes in sizes 10.5 inches and 12.9 inches. Apple has made the choice now easier. A person who wants his tablet to be more portable can opt for 10.5 inches since it can be carried easily and be put easily inside backpack. 12.9 inches screen, on the other hand, is suitable for a person who has enough desktop space to keep it. It is also suitable when it is being frequently used for watching TV. The smoothness at which it works makes people prefer Apple iPad over any other tablets, even if they have to pay a little more.

    Apple has now introduced tablets which are comparatively affordable than their previous versions. These lower prices have now made iPads even more popular than before. Just like any other Apple product, iPad is also enthusiastically bought by people for its quality and class. That’s the reason that people don’t think twice before pre ordering an iPad; they like to surprise themselves on what new they will experience with the new iPad.

    There is also Apple care+ which can be bought as an insurance of the Apple iPad. No doubt, insurance can be bought from the outside as well, and some of the other companies also provide safety against theft. But, as much as the insurance of the outside companies is expensive, there is also hardly any need of protection against theft as the statistics show. So, it is better to be economical and opt for Applecare+.

    But, there must be some other insurances available which might be better than Applecare+, only that they are rare and difficult to find. Even though Mac book laptops more or less play the same role as the iPad, there is a slight difference which is to be considered before deciding what to buy. While iPad is portable and cheaper in comparison to Mac book, the latter might be strictly preferred for professional uses as it has keyboard and the ease of use in the same context.

    Despite being less than a laptop, iPad has its own place. The portable feature cannot be ignored, making it more preferable than the laptop. While the iPhone is portable, the small screen is not appropriate enough to be used for long time, especially for watching TV. This drawback is also compensated by the iPad. With a bigger screen, playing games can be an entirely different experience on an iPad.

    With all these features and more, Apple iPad’s have made their own place in the market and a user’s heart Which cannot be filled either by phones or laptops. iPad has a unique place which is somewhere between mobile phones and laptops. And this place has been growing with the users getting more interested in getting their own iPads.

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  • 7 Things To Consider Before Buying A Refrigerator

    A refrigerator has become a bare necessity, just like most of the other appliances we are surrounded by. A refrigerator is essential in today’s times as most of our food is packed in tins or bags and needs to be stored at a low temperature to maintain its freshness. Some people are used to eating food that has been stored overnight for breakfast, with all that is needed to be done is heating it in the microwave. Upgrading your fridge with your requirements is important as you need different sections to store different types of food. Let us look at some tips on choosing the right refrigerator:

    • Size – When buying a new fridge or upgrading to a better one, you need to keep the dimensions of the space for the refrigerator in mind. Look for a fridge that is of the ideal size, so that you can maintain the aesthetics of your kitchen.
    • Style – The main aspect that changes the look of your refrigerator is the freezer. You can choose from the bottom freezer and top freezer according to your preferences. The bottom freezer is a part of the newer design for refrigerators and if you are looking for an upgrade, you must definitely consider the bottom freezer instead of the top freezer.
    • Budget – Set a budget for your refrigerator before you go to the stores. It is highly likely that you might get attracted to a fancier fridge and splurge more than you need to, if you do not have a set budget. With the newer design of a bottom freezer, the prices have also gone up for them. If you are looking to buy a fridge with a bottom freezer, you must be ready to spend about $700; add French doors to that, and you would be looking at spending almost $1200. The one with top freezers and good on features as well as specifications can be available to you at about $500.
    • Performance – This is a feature that you might have to take a bet on. You will not be able to determine the performance ability of a refrigerator in a store. A high performance refrigerator will be able to maintain the low temperature inside, even if the temperature outside is high. Another defining feature is the maintenance of different levels of temperature in different sections of the fridge.
    • Capacity – The capacity of a fridge mentioned in the dimensions of the product on the website, product brochure, or on the box would be about the complete fridge. But what you need to know is the usable space. The fridge must have a capacity to hold all the different varieties of things you have, and if there are different compartments, then it works best for you. You must know your requirement of capacity before you go to the store.
    • Noise: If your refrigerator makes a loud noise, then it does not belong in your kitchen. Do not buy a fridge that is loud. When it comes to the noise, you can look for a better option. Usually cheap refrigerators are mainly the ones that make noise. And while you’re at it, you must also check for the lights inside the fridge for electric efficiency.
    • Ice and water: An ice and water dispenser is important for your refrigerator as they can be handy and take away the hassle of opening the refrigerator multiple times only for water and ice. Refrigerators with ice and water dispensers are more likely to be repaired as compared to the regular ones.

    These tips should come in handy the next time you are looking to buy a refrigerator and help you in making an informed decision.

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  • Find the best car accident lawyer

    With the increasing number of accidents, people who cannot settle disputes on their own turn to car accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys to resolve conflicts and arrive at a fair settlement. Accidents may be as minor as a few dents and bumps on the hood or can be as severe as your vehicle being completely totaled! Fatal injury or permanent damage be it physical or mental because of such accidents are irreversible and often cases related to such mishaps are high priority. Here are a few things you can note to make sure you find the best car accident lawyer who will help win your case and settle the claims.

    The accident may not have been your fault or may be entirely your fault, either way you are not equipped to handle all the hassles that are about to follow. Car accident lawyers offer professional services dedicated to resolving such disputes since they are well equipped to handle the paperwork and follow throughs required. Professionals are well versed with the legal jargons and will know their way in and around the case better than you ever will. Their expertise and advice will enable you to settle claims easily with insurance companies.

    Qualification matters, along with experience. Not all professionals might have graduated top of their class but they should be well versed with legal jargons and laws related to their specialization. There are car accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys in California and Chicago who provide dedicated services in those two areas specifically ensuring a good chance of winning the dispute and settling the claims.

    Credibility of the attorney increases your chances of winning, lawyers with good track records and higher number of case wins will know what to do better than the others. Previous clients and happy customers will give glorious reviews about the quality of services provided.

    There are dedicated resource websites which provide detailed information about car accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys. Simply search for trial lawyers, best trial lawyers in Chicago, California etc. and the search engine will filter the best possible results based on location and ranking. Most visited legal services websites will receive a higher priority and thus will show up among the top ten results, detailed information can be obtained from their home page and about the firm.

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  • How to get a babysitting job?

    Babysitting is a great job. If you love being around kids and are responsible enough to take up the job, then it is a great way of earning a good amount of money. Here are a few steps that will help you in getting a babysitting job.

    Prioritize your activities
    Firstly, it is very important to understand what are your specific requirements as a job seeker and if babysitting is the right job for you.

    Know your skills and compare with the job requirement
    A babysitter requires to have a set of skills such as loving, caring, patient, alert and focused, and some kid entertaining skills to name a few. You can look for some of the requirements for a babysitting job and compare your skills and interests with the same to get a fair idea about your candidature for the job.

    Learn about child care and safety measures
    Safety and security of the child are extremely important. Hence, make sure that before you pick a babysitting job, you know about various security measures and what to do during emergency situations such as there’s a fire, burglar breaks in, the child is choking, the child runs off, to name a few. These situations are tricky and might cause panic as well, but you need to be alert and have a presence of mind to work smartly.

    Determine the rate
    Money is also a deciding factor and a crucial part here. If you know what is the current ongoing rate for a babysitting job, then compare your skills and determine the rate. Some of the families might settle with a low rate, but if you’re experienced, responsible, and know what your job is then you can always ask for more. You can also talk to your parents or guardian and fix the rate.

    Spread the word
    Now that you are ready to start your career as a babysitter, let others know about the same. Spread the word by letting your parents, neighbors, friends and relatives know about it. You can also ask your friends and family to communicate the same to their social networks too. You can print brochures and circulate them in your location or out them on community boards.

    Do an online job search
    Online media has a vast potential to offer you what you’re specifically looking for. So, if you do not find any relevant responses by publicizing through spreading the word, give it a shot by searching on online job boards. There are a number of job websites where you can find babysitting jobs. You can also customize the search by looking for a specific age group of children to babysit, location, and so on.

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  • Everything you need to know before buying spa hot tubs 

    Hot tubs are a great way to relax and rejuvenate. However, buying a hot tub can be a mammoth task with so many options available in the market today. Exploring ongoing hot tubs sale is a great way to get to know the different models available for your needs. Here are four things you need to know before buying a hot tub for your home.

    Location
    Before buying a hot tub, you need to know where you want to place it. Make sure you have enough space in your bathroom or backyard to place the tub. The place must be strong enough to hold the weight of the tub and should have access to electrical points. It would be good if you can carry a rough sketch of your bathroom or backyard while shopping. Get the site surveyed by the dealer. Most of the hot tubs are placed on a 4” deep reinforced cement pad.

    Load
    Hot tubs are available in different sizes and shapes. Depending on additional features, the hot tubs are called spa hot tubs or Jacuzzi. If you are planning to spend your time in the hot tub with your family, then you need to buy the standard family size tub. If you plan to have spa parties, then you need something that is larger than the family size.

    Hydrotherapy
    If you are investing in hot tubs to get relaxation from pains, then you will need a Jacuzzi that comes with jet pumps. These push the water in the tub, thereby swirling, streaming and pulsing to deeply massage your body parts. These tubs come with ozone filters that kill the bacteria in the water to make it safer for you.

    Maintenance
    Before buying spa hot tubs, ask the seller about the maintenance details. The filter bags that hold the debris needs to be cleaned once in every two weeks. Also, the tub needs to be covered when not in use.

    When you have some basic idea of what to look for when buying one of your first spa hot tubs, your shopping becomes easy.

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  • Tips to Buy the Right Dining Chairs

    Dining rooms are of diverse shapes and sizes from casual breakfast nooks, proper dining spaces, or the whole lot in between. However, the most important element in the dining room is the dining chairs. There are a lot of factors that should be considered while picking dining chairs. Are they of the right height for the table? Will the material last long? Will the chairs match the rest of the decor of the house?

    While many dining room tables include matching chairs nowadays, you may require to buy dining chairs separately, especially when you are looking for affordable options or custom-made dining table and chair. Or you may already have a table and want to look for suitable dining chairs for it. Or perhaps you don’t like the chairs that came along with your table or you want to add more chairs to your dining table.

    While picking dining chairs, the first and foremost thing that you have to remember is that the chairs do not have to match with the table. They do not even have to match with each other as long as they are comfortable enough. If mismatched chairs are chosen, it is important to be sure that all the chairs are of the same height so that it comfortable enough to talk the people you are having a meal with.

    • Armchair: Generally found at the head of the table, armchairs can give a formal feeling. Most often contrasting armchairs are used for making a statement, but you can also go for armchairs similar to the side chairs.
    • Side chair: Side Chairs are the armless chairs that generally sit along the side of the dining table. In casual dining rooms, side chairs may be found at the head of the table.
    • Parsons chair: A Parsons Chair is nearly suitable for all décor styles due to its simple design and clean lines. It can come in fabrics ranging from linen to leather and patterned or tufted.

    Tips on choosing dining Chairs

    • Ensure that you pick chairs of the right dimensions and size.
    • You can choose different shapes of the chair, but be consistent with color.
    • Ensure that the style matches the decor of the rest of the room.

    Do not overlook the comfort factor. While chairs with armrests may require more space, they are the most comfortable ones when it comes to dining chairs. Furthermore, you must also ensure that the chairs are lightweight so that the diners can effortlessly push them in or pull them out. Cushioned or upholstered backs and seats will also add to your diners’ comfort level.

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  • What you should know before buying an extended vehicle warranty

    A vehicle service contract, also known as an extended warranty, can help you pay for the cost of certain auto repairs for your vehicle. It is primarily used to cover the costs of your vehicle once the manufacturer’s warranty expires; however, sometimes the two overlap as well. This warranty can be purchased at the time of buying the vehicle and in a few cases, before the original warranty expires. If you are unsure whether you need an extended vehicle warranty, then you can take cues from this article.

    An extended warranty doesn’t cover everything

    While extended warranties are quite useful in case of unforeseen vehicle damage after the limited warranty has expired, they don’t cover many maintenance costs such as oil change, wheel alignment, filter change, and even roadside assistance. It is necessary to read the agreement’s fine print to find out the inclusions and exclusions of the warranty cover. To help you decide better, here are a few benefits and drawbacks of extended vehicle warranties:

    Pros of an extended vehicle warranty
    A major advantage of an extended warranty is that it can save you money on repairs that are not covered under the original contract. The warranty provider pays for the services that are included in the extended warranty, while you pay only for the deductible instead of the entire bill.

    Cons of an extended warranty

    The average price of an extended warranty is $1,000. One disadvantage of buying an extended vehicle warranty is that it can be an additional cost, granted your original warranty is still functional; due to which your extended warranty might overlap with the original one, and you might end up paying more than what’s required. Several insurance and automobile experts have observed that due to this overlap, many are unable to make use of the extended warranty. Also, these warranties may not be valid in every auto garage or service center; and some don’t cover all types/portions of repairs as well.

    Should I get an extended vehicle warranty?

    An extended vehicle warranty might not be that useful if you have a low-maintenance vehicle and have funds—attached to the original vehicle insurance—in place for emergency repairs. However, it can come to the rescue if your vehicle is one that requires frequent, costly repairs.

    That said, if you do decide to buy an extended warranty, then make sure that it is from a reputable and reliable provider that covers all aspects of repair. It is also important to read all the terms and conditions of the warranty carefully to avoid out-of-pocket expenses. An extended vehicle warranty might seem appealing as it assures protection against unforeseen damages, but it is important to consider both its pros and cons to ensure that you get your money’s worth.

    While this list may act as a quick guide, it is imperative to do some independent research on extended warranties, carefully weigh their positives and negatives, and reach out to an authorized insurance company if you finally decide to buy one.

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