{"id":6769,"date":"2016-01-29T11:00:05","date_gmt":"2016-01-29T16:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/?p=6769"},"modified":"2016-01-29T22:18:26","modified_gmt":"2016-01-30T03:18:26","slug":"5-easy-home-improvement-projects-for-a-snowy-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/5-easy-home-improvement-projects-for-a-snowy-day\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Easy Home Improvement Projects for a Snowy Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

Make your next snowbound day a productive one by using the free time to tackle one of these easy home improvement projects. Upgrade your house with one of these easy-to-install devices<\/a><\/strong> to make it more energy efficient and secure and to protect it from fires and floods. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 You’ll be amazed at the advanced technology now available to you at these very affordable prices.<\/p>\n

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\"New<\/a>Project: \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Install a WiFi Enabled Remote Thermostat<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Key Benefits: \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>Save energy and control temperature remotely<\/p>\n

If your home has a full-time Internet connection, swap out your old thermostat for a WiFi-enabled thermostat like the Venstar ColorTouch with WiFi<\/a><\/strong>. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0This decorative programmable thermostat allows you to monitor and adjust the temperature in your home from anywhere in the world using your Smartphone. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0The ColorTouch can be used to control both your central A\/C and heating system. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0It also lets you limit temperature highs and lows and restrict access via a passcode.<\/p>\n

Installation Time:<\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Because it communicates wirelessly, installation is fast and easy and should take approximately 30\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0minutes; \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0programming should take about the same amount of time<\/span><\/p>\n

Cost:<\/strong> \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0About $170; \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Mobile apps are free<\/p>\n

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\"SkylinkNet<\/a>Project: \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Protect Your Home with a DIY Cloud-Connected Security System<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Key Benefits:<\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Customizable and affordable option to pricey professional security systems with no monthly service fees<\/p>\n

There’s no reason to leave your home unprotected when you can get a do-it-yourself home security starter kit like the\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0SkylinkNet Connected Alarm System<\/strong><\/a>. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Experts gave the Internet-connected Skylink system rave reviews<\/a><\/strong> when it was introduced in September 2014 because it’s so advanced yet easy to set up and use. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Best of all, it can be expanded down the road by adding components such as a\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0solar powered outside alarm<\/a>, video cameras<\/a>, telephone dialer<\/a><\/strong>,\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0appliance control modules<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0and more.<\/p>\n

Installation Time:<\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Only 10 minutes to get the starter kit up and running<\/p>\n

Cost:<\/strong> \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Under $140 for the basic system which includes a motion sensor and two door\/window sensor<\/p>\n

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\"Sooteater<\/a>Project: \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Clean Your Chimney while Inside the House<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Key Benefits:<\/strong> \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Prevent dangerous chimney fires, improve stove efficiency and save money vs. hiring a professional chimney sweep<\/p>\n

Whether you have a traditional fireplace, wood burning stove or pellet stove, you can clean your chimney, flue and stovepipe yourself without going up on a ladder. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0These\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0easy-to-use tool kits by SootEater<\/a>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>come with specially designed brushes, flexible extensions rods (for up to 18 feet of reach) and adapters that hook up easily<\/a><\/strong> to any cordless power drill to remove soot and creosote buildup.<\/p>\n

Approximate Time to Clean One Chimney:<\/strong> \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0About 30 minutes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Cost:<\/strong> \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Under $25 for pellet stove kit; \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0about $50 for chimney kit<\/p>\n

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\"VeraEdge<\/a>Project: \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Make Your Home a Smart Home<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Key Benefits:<\/strong> \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Control and monitor devices and appliances in your home from anywhere using your smartphone, tablet or computer; no contract or monthly fees<\/p>\n

Even if you’re not a techie or control freak, you’ll appreciate the power and convenience a smart home system provides. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Adjust thermostats, turn lights on and off, open door locks and more from just about anywhere. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0For a very affordable and easy-to-use smart home system, we recommend the\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0VeraEdge Z-Wave Home Automation Controller<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0that controls over 220 devices and is compatible with over 1,200 leading brands of Z-Wave devices.<\/p>\n

Installation Time:<\/strong> \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Only minutes to set up controller; time to install optional components will vary<\/p>\n

Cost:<\/strong> \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Under $150 for the VeraEdge Controller; Z-wave sensors and modules<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0sold separately<\/p>\n

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\n\"Watts<\/a><\/span>Project: \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Replace Old Appliance Hoses with Stainless Steel Flood Prevention Hoses<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Key Benefits:<\/strong> \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Prevents catastrophic flooding caused by burst washing machine and dishwasher hoses<\/span><\/p>\n

Over time, old water supply hoses become brittle and can crack and burst. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Replace them with economical\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/b>FloodSafe\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00ae Braided Stainless Steel Washing Machine Connectors<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0that\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0turn off the water supply to your appliances automatically when an excess flow of water is sensed, protecting your home against\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0messy flooding and water damage. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0FloodSafe Hoses have\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/b>no mechanical moving parts, so they’ll last for years and years, and need no power source.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Installation Time:<\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 <\/b>About 10 minutes; no tube cutting or soldering required<\/p>\n

Cost:<\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 <\/b>Less than $25 for a pair<\/p>\n

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More Home Improvement Project Ideas<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

If the winter weather has you stuck home for more than a day, here are a few more easy home improvement projects to keep you busy:<\/p>\n