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What To Do Before Sending Your Teen Off to College

When your baby isn’t much of a baby anymore (in fact, they may be considered a legal grown-up!), their college acceptance is much more than the next, very emotional step for you both. Of course, this is the first step in the rest of their life—that in and of itself is a big deal. But it’s also the start of the rest of your life. For the past 18 years, your primary role was as a caregiver; as you move them on to college, that priority begins to shift. As you embark on this new adventure, there are a few particular tasks you should add to your schedule.

Make the most of your time together.

The time just before your teen heads to college is a chaotic period, where your schedule is jam-packed with all sorts of essential projects. However, your top priority, even with that endless agenda, should be those activities that allow you to spend time together. Maybe you’ll seek out Aquarium of the Pacific coupons, admiring sharks, frogs, and sea otters. Whether Aquarium of the Pacific or another experience altogether, the time you spend alongside the shark lagoon exhibit or admiring colorful lorikeet birds will create lifelong memories that you and your teen will look back on fondly for a lifetime.

Set them up for success.

When you drop your baby off at their college dorm, you may be nervous about how their next months will play out. Helping them see a successful future ahead of them is just one way you can help guide your teen in the right direction. Take some time to find a reputable college essay consultant, for instance, to help them get into their dream school. From there, you’ll be that much more confident in their overall college experience and all that comes after it.

Transform a dorm with personal touches.

Homesickness is a normal part of a student’s first few weeks or months at college, and your teen will be no different. Why not take some steps to help mitigate that loneliness from the start? Print photos from your aquarium trip or vacation on Long Beach, framing your favorites for them to display in their dorm room. Similarly, you can send them to school with some childhood memories, such as a beloved blanket or stuffed toy. When in doubt, talk to your teen—what would help them feel more at home in their new space? Add any requisite tasks to your pre-move-in to-do list.

Prioritize your student’s spending.

From the first moments that you and your teen begin planning for their college experience, there’s one element you can’t help but think through: the finances that come along with each step of the process. However, you will have a few opportunities to budget appropriately from the very beginning. Pay attention to money-saving tools such as the activities you enjoy before they leave (like using coupons and promo codes for your aquarium trips), the supplies you’re helping them stock up on (like dorm essentials and school supplies), and even your travel plans as they head off into the real world.

As your teen moves into college, there are some essential tasks and activities you must take on before sending them into the world. From spending time together and saving money to helping them find their dream school and feel at home while they’re there, there are some steps you can take to make the transition easier for both of you. Writing college essays, taking in the colorful reefs of the tropical pacific, or decorating the dorm room, you can help prepare your teen to take both higher education and adulthood by storm.

How to Get Your Furnace to Last Longer

During the winter months, below-freezing temperatures, sleet, snow, and blustery conditions can prove to be a real challenge for your heating system. Your furnace must combat cold outside temperatures to deliver consistent warmth throughout your house. Depending on where you live, the constant stress of operation each season could take a toll on your equipment.

Like most electronics, appliances, and other pieces of equipment around your home, your furnace has a life expectancy. The average furnace has an expected lifespan between 15 and 20 years. Without major damage or equipment failure, you can expect your furnace to deliver warm air for several winters. With proper care and regular maintenance, however, you can extend the lifespan of your furnace by 30 percent or more. Likewise, with taxing demands and neglect, you could impact the health of your equipment and experience premature equipment failure. If that happens, you could be on the hook for a new furnace in as few as 5 to 10 years. To avoid costly replacement or repair expenses, there are some steps that you can take.

Paying regular attention to your furnace will help you ensure that it keeps your home comfortable for many heating seasons. From routine maintenance and inspection to cleaning, homeowners can take several steps to get furnaces running. Let’s take a look at some steps you can take to get your furnace to last longer.

Schedule annual maintenance.

Annual maintenance is one of the most important things that you can do to extend the lifespan of your furnace. Many HVAC manufacturers recommend annual furnace maintenance before each heating season. Annual maintenance will allow a qualified HVAC professional will inspect the equipment, clean off burners and other components, lubricate internal parts, tighten belts, secure connections, and check for any other minor issues. During normal use, your system will experience wear and tear. In general, smaller issues from normal operation won’t interfere with the system. However, over time, many minor problems can take a toll on your equipment and impact the health of your system. Routine maintenance will ensure that your equipment is running at peak performance for many winter seasons.

Change your air filters regularly.

From cleaning your gutters to changing the batteries in your smoke alarms, there are several things that you need to do around your house regularly to help maintain it. Among homeowner maintenance tasks, replacing air filters regularly is one of the most important. Dirty air filters can restrict airflow and cause your furnace to work harder. When the furnace tries to pull air through your clogged filter, it has to work harder and expend more energy. Given the demands that the winter season places on your system, dirty air filters could cause more stress and drastically impact the performance and average lifespan of your furnace. Air filters need to be replaced often to ensure that your furnace doesn’t have to fight to circulate air.

Increase your home’s efficiency.

The harder that your furnace has to work, the sooner it will give out. To get your furnace to last longer, you need to do everything possible to reduce the workload of your furnace. Aside from changing your filters, you should make sure that all of your vents are open and clear to allow air to flow freely. You can also seal up ductwork to prevent warm air from escaping into your basement, attic, or walls. Additionally, you ensure that your doors and windows are energy-efficient and help keep your home warm.

Your furnace can last longer than the average 20-year lifespan with care and maintenance. To help your furnace last longer, you can schedule regular maintenance, change air filters frequently, and increase the efficiency of your home.

Understand Why Your Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit

If your home has an older furnace, there’s a chance that you have a pilot light that ignites your heating system. That standing pilot light serves as a small ignition flame for gas burners. However, you may have run into circumstances where that light went out, and you were left without heat in the dead of winter or unable to get a hot shower with the water heater now temporarily out of commission. While sometimes the right breeze can knock a pilot light out of commission, there are other underlying issues that may be causing your headaches with your heater.

The Age and Condition of the Furnace

If you’re finding that your pilot light keeps going off, it’s important to understand why your pilot light won’t stay lit. If your furnace has a pilot light, chances are it’s at least 20 years old. An old furnace may have components and parts that are ineffective and dirty. A combination of this failing equipment can result in the light going out at any time. While it could be an easy fix, it can be aggravating to have to keep dealing with this common problem time and time again.

Older furnaces may deal with a pilot flame that flickers a bit and then goes out; you may have to clean out the pilot orifice. Shut off gas to the heater, then remove the orifice fitting. Clean out underneath with rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt or debris. If you’re able to light the pilot light, but it goes out when you release the control knob, the thermocouple probably needs replacing. The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off gas flow if it senses the pilot light is out, but when damaged, it loses its regulatory ability. It’s a fairly inexpensive replacement.

Gas Supply and Gas Valve Issues

Your pilot light depends on a consistent gas source to keep the flame going. Issues with the gas valve, whether it’s malfunctioning or just dirty, can cause the flame to go out. It’s also possible that the supply of gas has entirely run out. In some cases, a gas pilot light can sometimes go off just from a wind gust or breeze knocking it out. This can be brought on by the setting of the flue pipe or the venting of your furnace.

While the light going on can be a common issue, it’s important to assess your situation with any gas outage. If there’s an underlying issue with the gas line, it could be of tremendous danger to your household. A carbon monoxide detector in your home is recommended to alert you to the possibility of a gas leak. Be sure to call emergency officials immediately and evacuate your household if you smell gas. This could be an issue with the pilot valve or the gas supply, or potentially require the replacement of the furnace.

Faulty Gas Regulator

If you notice that you’re having issues with gas appliances throughout your house, like your oven or your dryer, a bad gas regulator is usually to blame. Your furnace may not be getting sufficient gas to power the pilot. A gas regulator is a control device that maintains a defined pressure of a heating system by cutting off the flow of a gas or liquid when it reaches a set pressure. A furnace repair service can spot this as the cause of the problem and spare you future issues.

A repair service can also examine a furnace for any other issues, including cracked heat exchangers. This can impact the inside venting and air pressure in the combustion chamber of a water heater or other heating units. From obstruction to gas line issues, there are several issues that can impact your furnace. However, it’s important to make sure you have access to professionals that can take care of the problem.

What Goes Into Opening a Restaurant?

Opening a new restaurant seems like an exciting adventure. While it is just that, there is also a lot of responsibility that goes into starting a business of this venture. Many young entrepreneurs who go into the hospitality industry will, unfortunately, not make it past their first year. You obviously want to exceed that goal and stay open for a long time to come. To do that, you need to do great work at the beginning of your journey and open your restaurant in style.

The first step is to know what goes into opening a restaurant. There are plenty of financial responsibilities and creative steps you’ll want to take at the beginning of your journey. From building your restaurant’s aesthetic and aura to hiring the best team to take the plunge with you, there are plenty of different areas to consider. Let’s dive deeper and take a look at what exactly goes into opening a restaurant.

Create the atmosphere and aesthetic in your restaurant building.

Finding the perfect location and renovating that building are necessities to create the restaurant of your dreams. This will involve checking out a lot of different real estate and potentially hiring a contractor to repair different areas or give the exterior a facelift. Even contacting painters near me with years of experience can help you spruce up your space without too much effort or expense. A painting project inside or outside your restaurant by a professional painter can help you create that look that is unique and special for your restaurant. A fresh coat of paint can do a great job to liven up space and get people excited about your new eatery.

Invest in the best kitchen equipment.

Opening a restaurant is going to require the right tools and appliances. You’ll need to budget for and shop around to find the best kitchenware and dining room furniture before your grand opening. You may even be able to get a great deal by financing your restaurant equipment rather than having a huge expense upfront. If you start to say to yourself, “I want to finance restaurant equipment,” you’ll be able to find successful sellers and brokers that will give you a great deal. Get the best refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, stoves, small wares, bar glasses, dining chairs, and more when you make these important connections.

Secure excellent staff to help you run everything.

You can’t open a restaurant all on your own. In fact, you’re going to need a decent amount of help to get up and running effectively. Find your team and budget for payroll. You want to establish a positive culture in your restaurant right off the bat, and offering a competitive salary is one of the ways you can do just that. Have fun hiring the people you want to work with day in and day out that will make your eatery a positive place in the community.

Plan your menu and handle all the business logistics.

There is plenty of logistics and paperwork you’ll need to figure out with your restaurant as well. For one, you’ll need to get all your food and liquor licenses as well as tax documentation for your official business. Next, you’ll get to the fun part of creating your branding and, most importantly, the menu. Plan out all these logistics before you get ready to open.

Market your new eatery to the local community.

New restaurants need a little help getting the word out about their cuisine. Make sure you have a marketing plan in place to bring in potential customers to your location. By reaching out to the local community, you are drumming up business and focusing on turning a profit.

Furnace Sounds That Indicate Trouble With the Heating System

The fall and winter months can be a glorious time of beautiful changing leaves, cool and crisp air, winter sports, and some much-needed time with family and friends. One thing that can spoil it all, however, is if your heating system fails you during these colder seasons. Every homeowner wants to stay comfortable throughout the year, and one of the most important ways to ensure this is to have a technician perform regular maintenance on your HVAC system.

Preventative maintenance is important to prevent minor problems from becoming major ones; it can improve your home air quality and safety, and it may even be necessary to keep your warranty on your heating system. Of course, there are some times when keeping up with this maintenance won’t be enough, and your system will begin to suffer anyway. Naturally, you’ll want to mitigate damage and keep the costs of repair services as low as possible, and to do that, you’ll need to be able to recognize warning signs. Here are some of the most common furnace sounds that indicate trouble with the heating system.

Loud bangs are priority number one.

It is normal for your furnace to make a low level of noise when it turns on, but if you’re hearing a loud bang, booming, or other such strange noises when it comes on, that’s an indicator that you need to look into furnace repair as soon as possible. There are several things that these loud noises can mean, and none of them are good.

If it sounds like someone set off a firecracker when your furnace ignites, this could indicate fuel buildup. This is most frequently caused by a faulty burner that’s having difficulty reaching a high enough temperature to ignite the fuel in your heating system. When the fuel finally does ignite, the excessive amount that has built up causes an extremely loud noise when it’s finally ignited. This can damage your fuel exchanger, and even more importantly, it’s one of the common fire hazards that can lead to damage in your home. There’s also the possibility that a weak pilot light may be causing a blockage or low fuel pressure that results in a loud noise.

Squeals need to be repaired soon.

While generally not as dangerous as loud bangs, squealing sounds coming from your heater are extremely alarming and annoying, and they’re unlikely to stop on their own once they start. A worn belt on the motor is one of the most common culprits for this noise, and you’ll want to inspect it for cracks, frayed edges, and other signs of damage. If the belt tension has loosened, it will need to be tightened by a professional. These noises may also indicate loose or damaged bearings, which should also be replaced or lubricated by a qualified technician.

Rattles and rumbles may be signs of loose debris.

While not as frightening as the other noises on this list, hearing a low rumbling when your furnace turns on can still indicate a serious problem, such as faulty ductwork, loose debris, and contaminants, or even a faulty fan blade. In some cases, these sounds may even indicate a damaged heat exchanger, which can lead to a carbon monoxide leak, so it’s imperative to have these strange sounds investigated as soon as possible.

Particularly if you have a centralized system, you’ll want to keep dirt and debris to a minimum. Your ducts can spread contaminants throughout your home when they’re dirty, and this lowers your indoor air quality. You may generally think of pollutants as being associated with outdoor air, but it’s so easy to track them into your home that indoor air can be even more contaminated than the air outside. For both your safety and comfort, it’s crucial to have furnace repairs completed as soon as possible if you’re hearing any unusual sounds.

Aspects of the Ultimate Home Remodel

As a homeowner, you want to absolutely love where you’re living. You have the complete freedom to build a space that speaks to your soul and allows you to feel fully comfortable and happy. Sometimes, this may require a few home remodels along the way. It can be fun to find new and exciting ways to spruce up your home or add interesting new elements. From kitchen upgrades to exterior repairs to landscaping choices, there’s a lot to consider as you start your home remodel and renovations.

There are so many areas and aspects of your home that you may feel excited to improve. An ultimate home remodel will involve all these different elements and help you create a total transformation. Go room by room and find the things that need to be fixed and then decide on the aspects you’d like to improve just for fun. Here are a few aspects of the ultimate home remodel that can hopefully give you some inspiration.

Give your kitchen a facelift.

Your kitchen is a huge focal point of your home. This is the space where you and your family prepare meals together and share great memories. Plus, the style of your kitchen can make or break the value of your home. Give this space a facelift with new countertops as a part of your home design consultation. By upgrading to quartz, marble, or granite countertops, you’re creating a classier, more elegant space in your home. Whether you need quartz countertops in Phoenix or Chicago, you can find the perfect retailers who will help you get this durable and stunning look within your home.

Consider adding a focal point to your backyard.

Many homeowners will focus on the interior of their home during a remodel and forget about the yard space entirely. Avoid this mistake by prioritizing your landscaping. This may even be time to add an exciting element or focal point to your backyard. Including a pool can be one of the best choices to create the ultimate backyard space that everyone will love to visit. Prosper area pool builders offer competitive pricing and excellent options for you to finally get the pool of your dreams. Imagine all the lovely afternoons lounging out by the water or the awesome parties you can throw by adding this element to your home remodel.

Put in a home edition.

If you’re choosing to remodel due to a need for more space, you can consider including a full addition to your home. Consult builders to see about expanding with a new bedroom or perhaps finishing your basement. By adding these extra spaces, you’re getting the most out of your property in new, creative ways.

Improve the roof and exterior of your home.

The exterior of your home undergoes a lot to keep you and your family safe. All the natural elements of wind, rain, and the like can cause some issues you’ll want to improve. Consult roofers or take a look at your siding to make sure there aren’t any dents or serious problems. After all, the exterior of your home is supposed to be durable and protective, so check in to make sure it is doing just that.

Have fun with some fresh interior design.

For many, home remodels are a necessity and they choose to focus on those priorities. But sometimes, you just want to remodel your home and improve the interior design for fun. Get creative and add in different elements that are just for your enjoyment. Get that couch you want to splurge on, commit to hardwood floors, or try out that new coat of paint. Creating the home you love can include these exciting elements as well.

Should You Replace Your Existing Thermostat Yourself?

Being a homeowner comes with a lot of responsibilities, many of which will be unfamiliar to those who have been lifelong renters. One thing you’ll definitely need to learn how to do is take care of your HVAC system. However, it can be difficult to understand what you need to do and when you should call for professional help. A lot of people assume that they can handle minor repairs or installations on their own, but that isn’t always the case. If you’re on the fence about a new thermostat, keep reading to learn whether or not you should consider replacing your existing thermostat yourself.

Should you replace your thermostat yourself?

You may be wondering if it’s possible to replace your existing thermostat yourself. While having a professional replace your thermostat may seem like a lot of work, it’s often the safest option, especially if you don’t have any training in electrical or HVAC repair. Anyone who tries to take on the task without the requisite knowledge could be risking a number of serious consequences like an electrical shock, blowing a circuit breaker, or damaging the unit. For most people, the small amount of money that could be saved isn’t worth the potential risks.

If you’re having your thermostat replaced, it may be a good idea to consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. A programmable thermostat can often be operated online or through a smartphone app, which gives you even more control over the temperature in your home. Many systems will also allow you to cool your home by zone or set different temperatures in different parts of the house. Being able to use your HVAC system only when you need it can cut down significantly on your energy costs, making a smart thermostat a good decision for both your quality of life and your finances.

How can you tell when your thermostat isn’t working?

There are several warning signs you should keep an eye out for when it comes to your thermostat. One major red flag is being unable to operate your HVAC unit. When you’re unable to turn your heating and cooling system on and off, it’s likely that your thermostat isn’t sending the proper signals to your HVAC system. If you’re experiencing this type of disruption, you should have a technician come inspect your thermostat as soon as possible.

A malfunctioning thermostat will also often cause your HVAC system to cycle on and off. This will result in overwork and increased energy consumption. You’ll be able to tell that this is happening primarily due to ineffective heating and cooling in combination with suspiciously high energy bills. You may also notice inaccurate temperature readings, meaning your home will feel warmer or cooler than the temperature displayed on your thermostat.

Your thermostat’s age can also be an indication that it needs to be replaced. Experts suggest that thermostats become more vulnerable to damage after about seven years. After that, a replacement should be considered. If you want to extend the lifespan of your thermostat and your HVAC system, it’s essential that you’re proactive about preventive maintenance and repairs.

Your thermostat is an essential part of your HVAC system, so you should definitely keep an eye out for any warning signs that something is wrong. A sudden increase in your energy bills, inconsistent indoor temperatures, and age can all be indications that it’s time to replace your thermostat. You may even want to upgrade to a smart thermostat to cut down on your energy costs in the future. While DIY home repairs can be a great way to save money, you should leave technical repairs that involve messing with your electrical or HVAC system to the professionals.

How a Whole-Home Generator Can Help Keep Your Home Running Well

Regardless of where you live, you need a source of power to provide heating and cooling, power the lights and appliances, and have basic conveniences throughout your home. While there is a growing interest in what is commonly referred to as living off-grid, there are many practical things you need to consider to ensure you still have everything you need.

Freedom From the Power Grid

Using a generator to provide power to your house allows you to have all the amenities you need without relying on the power grid. That gives you more control over what you spend on your energy costs, and it means you don’t have to worry about the power grid failing. As a homeowner, you need to have a backup plan for when the electricity goes out so you don’t lose all of your food and the ability to get through your normal daily activities.

A whole-home generator can help keep your home running well. You won’t have to worry about your refrigerant, freezer, or air conditioner stopping in the middle of the summer or your heat going out when it’s below freezing. Too often, when there are natural disasters, people are left without power for days or even weeks, and they are at a loss on how to survive. When there is an extended power outage, you’ll be able to maintain your normal daily activities.

Full Capacity

A whole-home generator is designed to support the needs of an entire house. You can use a generator in conjunction with a solar power system as well to ensure consistent needed power instead of relying on the electric company for the consistent power when needed. When buying a generator, you’ll need to speak with a professional about the size of your home to determine what size generator will work best for you and your family. Also, let your professional know if you are using it in conjunction with a solar power system, as the needs may vary.

Several Options

There are several options when choosing a home generator. The best approach is to speak with a professional about your needs. They will go over your options for generator size and installation. Even if you don’t choose to live off-grid, a backup generator can be a lifesaver during an emergency. You’ll never need to worry about the weather or potential power outages. They can keep your sump pump, furnace, or water pump operator working regardless of whether or not your electricity is on.

Maintenance

Generators are easy to maintain and care for. While they are not maintenance-free, you don’t have to worry about cleaning them off like solar panels or changing filters. But you do need to keep them clean and fueled up. It is good to have your generator looked over by a maintenance professional if you have not used it in a long time to ensure it will work properly when needed. Your maintenance professional can advise you on how to take care of your generator to last for a long time.

You may feel overwhelmed by the conversation, let alone the actual work when it comes to utilities, power, and home maintenance. But having a whole-home generator will give you peace of mind knowing you will not be without power even if the power company experiences problems. You’ll know your family will be safe and protected regardless of the temperature or weather. As a homeowner, it is critical to have emergency plans when the unexpected happens. Having a backup generator is a valuable thing in case of an emergency. It can work on its own or with solar power or electrical power.

Read This if You Need Help Keeping Your Business Organized

Keeping your business organized entails more than tidying up stacks of files and eliminating clutter from your desk. Organization generally means creating systems for the smooth running of different aspects of the business. Do you need help keeping your business organized? If yes, this article is a must-read.

Track your business assets.

Today, companies purchase and maintain assets to ensure the smooth operation of their businesses. Certainly, this requires a significant investment, and many companies spend a substantial chunk of their operating costs. It’s essential to find ways of protecting that investment. Consider putting an asset management system in place to manage and track your business assets. Note that the cost of mismanaging and underutilized assets can negatively impact your company’s bottom line. That said, consider integrating asset management software into your operations.

A robust asset management software option can help you improve the visibility of your business assets and manage them for optimal use. Additionally, asset management software solutions provide insights into an asset’s lifecycle. Asset management software varies based on several factors, including price, special features, configurability, ease of implementation, user experience, and remote capabilities.

Prioritize project management.

Project management entails the planning, organization, and deployment of a company’s resources toward completing a specific task. It’s used across various fields such as manufacturing, engineering, health care, construction, and information technology (IT). Regardless of industry, project management seeks to complete and assemble a complex set of tasks in a set time and manner to deliver an operational product or service.

Projects can be a one-off task or an ongoing activity, and the managed resources generally include personnel, equipment, technology, finances, and intellectual property.

As a business owner, it helps to integrate project management tools into your business operations. It’s even more vital to understand the finer details of managing a proect. Consider acquiring a PMP credential. PMP holders generally have a comparative advantage over others in their respective fields. No wonder more and more managers are aspiring to become PMP certification holders.

You can enroll in a PMP certification training program to hone your project management skills. To receive the PMP certificate, you’ll first have to pass the PMP certification exam. For this reason, it helps to register for a PMP certification exam prep course to prepare you for the PMP examination. Upon successful completion of the training, students are awarded PMP credentials.

When looking for a reputable training provider, first check if you can afford the course fee and entire exam fee. Choose from sound project management education providers that offer quality training. If you aren’t available for physical classes, you might want to register for online PMP training. Whatever you choose, ensure the education provider offers a comprehensive PMP certification training course tailored to suit the gold standard set by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Keep in mind that the PMI has churned out many PMP professionals since its inception.

Organize your workspace.

Organizing your workspace can help ensure the productivity of your workforce. Best of all, it helps get rid of distractions and improves the focus of employees. You’ll probably agree that conducting official business in a cluttered workspace can affect employees’ overall moods, which invariably slows down efficiency and productivity. This is why it’s vital to keep your office tidy and clean at all times. It’ll also be easier to find office supplies that are needed to execute a particular task. More imprtantly, when decluttering, it helps to be strategic. So, try not to hold on to items that are no longer useful. The key takeaway is that getting organized is vital for achieving business success.

What Business Fees Are Tax Deductible?

For many company owners, filing taxes is a necessary part of conducting business. With tax codes constantly changing and more regulations being introduced, the idea of filing business taxes can be overwhelming. There are thousands of laws and requirements on tax filing, and the consequences can be hefty for under- or overestimating your taxable income. As a result, many businesses have to pay an accountant or other financial professional to help navigate the tax-filing season.

The most basic rule of thumb when it comes to business taxes is from the IRS itself. You need to be aware of your “necessary” and “ordinary” expenses. Based on information from the IRS, an ordinary expense is common in your trade or line of business. A necessary expense is helpful and appropriate for your trade or line of business. As a general rule, it must be both ordinary and necessary for an expense to qualify as tax-deductible. As an example, a plumber might deduct vehicle expenses when traveling from one job to the next. This would be an expense that would be ordinary and necessary for a plumber to incur.

While there are many examples of common business tax deductions such as payroll and travel expenses, there are some other deductible expenses that some business owners might not realize. From fees associated with credit card payments to office supplies, there are a few deductions that business owners might miss if they are preparing their taxes. Let’s take a look at a few business fees that could be tax-deductible.

Merchant Service Fees

If your business accepts credit cards for payments, you have no doubt experienced the fees associated with processing cards. From flat fees to per-transaction fees, numerous types of expenses come with collecting credit card payments. Depending on the type of credit card accepted, businesses could pay as much as 3.5 percent per transaction. However, merchant fees, also known as credit card processing fees, are considered ordinary and necessary expenses by the IRS and are tax-deductible. You’ll want to keep detailed records of the processing fee for each transaction so that you can total them up at the end of the year.

Service and Supply Fees

Throughout the year, there are many types of supplies that you will probably need to purchase to do business. Items such as printers, paper, pens, computers, and work-related software are eligible for tax deductions as long as they are used for business during the claim year. Many business owners often overlook postage and shipping fees. However, these items are also tax-deductible as long as they are business-related. It will be important to retain all receipts for office supply purchases for documentation.

If you have numerous employees, you might also have to mail tax information and W-2 forms at the beginning of each year. As a result, your might require that tax return envelopes be printed and created. Sometimes these kinds of envelopes are required to protect sensitive information and mail uniquely sized documents. If your office needs to purchase a special double window envelope or custom tax return envelopes, these expenses and printing fees are tax-deductible. Aside from general supplies and fees, the IRS sees any other specialty supply item or printing fee requirements as ordinary and necessary expenses.

In addition to the expenses mentioned, there are others that business owners fail to recognize. Some overlooked business expenses include association dues, bank service charges, business start-up costs, accountant fees, and commissions. While businesses have to navigate complex tax rules and regulations, the Internal Revenue Service can be pretty generous with expenses that are considered tax-deductible. With some time, research, and possible help from an accountant, you can find many deductions to help you get the largest tax benefit for your business.

How Furnace Maintenance Is the Key to Cozy and Reliable Indoor Comfort

When the weather outside is frigid during the winter months, you rely on your furnace to keep your home comfortable and cozy. As the workhorse of your home during the winter, your furnace has to combat outside conditions to deliver reliable indoor temperatures. As a result, your equipment has to meet the demands and strains of the frequent cycles required to heat your home. To ensure that your heating system is running at peak performance, you need to invest in regular annual maintenance every fall.

Many doctors recommend a moderate exercise routine to help people ensure their bodies are healthy and in shape. Similarly, routine maintenance for your furnace will help it stay in shape and keep running all winter long. Many HVAC professionals agree that your furnace should keep running for about 20 years as long as there is no significant damage or malfunction. With routine care and maintenance, however, you can prolong the lifespan of your equipment by as much as 30 to 50 percent more. Avoiding the costs of a new furnace and preserving the life of your equipment is heavily dependent on consistent annual maintenance.

Along with extending the life of your furnace, there are many other benefits to scheduling an annual furnace service. Furnace maintenance is the key to cozy and reliable indoor comfort. Let’s look at how regular maintenance can help you have a comfortable home all winter long.

Heating system maintenance can prevent potential issues.

One of the biggest benefits of annual heater maintenance is that it can help you avoid the costly repairs, frustrations, and uncomfortable temperatures that come with system failures. Your furnace may experience normal wear and tear during operation that leads to minor issues. While these issues aren’t a big deal at first, they could create some large problems if left unresolved. During your annual maintenance appointment, small cracks, leaks, loose belts, and other issues will be identified and corrected. If your furnace stops working on a cold winter night, you could be in for a miserable experience. To prevent unnecessary trouble with your furnace and maintain cozy indoor temperatures, you should ensure that your equipment gets proper maintenance each fall.

Annual maintenance service can ensure your equipment is safe.

Early fall is the best time for furnace maintenance so that you have time to address any safety issues before you need indoor heat. A heating technician will do a thorough inspection of your equipment to ensure that it is safe for operation during the winter season. Your furnace relies on many dangerous materials and processes to deliver warm air throughout your home. If your equipment is in good working order, your furnace is a safe, reliable heat source. However, dirty burners, blocked vents, and cracked components could lead to safety hazards that threaten your equipment, your home, and even your health. From fire risks to carbon monoxide leaks, you’ll want to be sure to identify and correct any potential issues before they become problems. An HVAC technician with extensive training and experience will ensure that your furnace delivers safe, reliable heat.

Regular furnace maintenance can improve indoor comfort.

During your annual maintenance appointment, the technician will clean your equipment and optimize your unit to help it run at maximum performance. When your system runs efficiently, it will deliver the warmest air possible to ensure home comfort. Additionally, a clean system will help improve your indoor air quality. A heating system in good condition is free from dirt, dust, and pollutants that can build up and cause contaminants to circulate your home. Regular maintenance will help your system deliver clean, warm air to ensure your family is healthy and comfortable.

During the winter, you need to be able to rely on your heating system for comfort. Routine maintenance every fall will make sure that your system can deliver safe, reliable warmth all winter long.

Common Contaminants That Affect Your Water

Whether you’re taking a shower, brushing your teeth, or filling up a pot to boil pasta, you want some peace of mind knowing that the water in your household is safe for use. Local water departments will advise residents about concerns over water quality or the potential for pollution in their groundwater. That’s why many people have opted for ways of filtering their water to remove any concerning contaminants that can be detrimental to the health and well-being of them and their loved ones. Let’s take a closer look at some of those contaminants.

Heavy Metals

One of the most common contaminants that affect your water is heavy metals. Cement plants, natural mineral deposits, and even outdated household plumbing can lead to many metals seeping into drinking water. This includes metals like arsenic, lead, nickel, and mercury. Exposure to these heavy metals can lead to long-term health issues, as severe as anemia, cancer, and organ damage.

You’ve probably read about the recent water crisis in Flint, Michigan, where heavy metals from outdated pipes and plumbing systems have led to lead and other toxins finding their way into drinking water. This contamination of toxic substances has left residents in the community feeling extremely ill. Despite recent efforts to correct the issue, access to clean water remains a problem in Flint and other communities across the United States. In some areas of the country, radiological contaminants have become a concern. These are chemical elements with an unbalanced number of protons and neutrons resulting in unstable atoms that can emit ionizing radiation.

Fluoride & Nitrates

Yes, fluoride is helpful in preventing tooth decay and is recommended in dental products that you use, but too much of a good thing can be damaging to your overall health. Excessive levels of fluoride can lead to what’s known as skeletal fluorosis. Skeletal fluorosis causes tenderness and pain in the joints and bones. It also causes tooth discoloration or tooth pitting during the formative period for young children. These chemical contaminants can be a detriment to public health, which is why public water sources do their best to balance levels of fluoride.

Naturally occurring and man-made chemical contaminants can create problems for homeowners and their family members. Nitrogen, bleach, pesticides, and other toxins can create dangerous water pollution that can cause a litany of health problems after prolonged exposure. Nitrates are common contaminants in a water supply and are commonly found in chemical and animal fertilizers in agricultural areas. Chemical contaminants also stem from animal waste and human sewage that contaminates water through the movement of groundwater and water runoff. These reduce the abilities of the blood to carry oxygen, resulting in shortness of breath or reduced circulation, turning skin blue.

Organic Chemicals

While organic chemicals may sound like a good thing, the truth is they can lead to hidden dangers in groundwater. These chemicals contaminate private wells through surface water runoff, waste disposal, and spills. Organic chemicals are actually quite common in paints, pesticides, disinfectants, and other sources. Chlorine commonly interacts with organic materials in water to form a mixture of DBPs, and DBP concentrations in water in the United States have been shown to increase cancer risk.

DBPs, or disinfection byproducts, are also linked to exposure to heavy metals like arsenic, which has been commonly linked to risks associated with bladder cancer. Private wells, especially those dug on properties prior to 1960, have had to deal with concerns over waterborne diseases associated with these DBPs. It’s more important than ever to recognize the need for proper water filtration in your home. This makes sure that any amount of water you use is healthy for the use of you and your family members.