Doors and windows not only give the house an aesthetic appeal but also protect it against external factors such as weather conditions, dust, sunlight, and intruders. They also give peace of mind, a sense of security, and privacy to the home dwellers. It’s important to maintain them regularly to ensure their longevity and functionality. However, there are some common mistakes that people make during maintenance, which can end up causing problems. Not inspecting the frame regularly Keep an eye out for any wear and tear on the window or door frame. Certain signs show it needs maintenance. Some common signs to look for are paint peeling off, warping, cracks or splits, difficulty opening or closing the door or window, loose or missing screws, and more. If the frame is wooden, check if it has become warped or brittle due to sun damage. With the glass wall structure of double or triple-paned windows, moisture can get stuck between panes and reduce its effectiveness. Seasonal weather change also affects the frame structure. Forgetting about seals Seals ensure that the windows and doors remain energy efficient, so it’s important to check their functionality regularly. If there are any issues with the seals, it can hike energy bills as warm or cold air may escape and lead the heater or air conditioner to use more energy. Broken seals can also cause water to leak, and moisture can damage the structure further. Not inspecting locks Door or window locks ensure the safety of the house and protection from harsh weather. It’s important to inspect and maintain their condition. Cleaning the lock with a mild cleanser or damp cloth once a month and lubricating it can work well for most locks. Avoid using force while opening or closing doors and windows, as it can loosen mechanisms and even break components.

Every aspect of a home requires attention and care from time to time. This involves not just keeping the home and its fixtures and furniture clean but also ensuring that no issues affect the home’s functionality. For instance, doors and windows are used extensively and can undergo considerable wear and tear. If one notices any issues in their functionality, one should see if they can be fixed with repairs. If not, one should consider replacement. Warning signs 1. Jammed hinges When the doors and windows take on excessive wear and tear, the hinges may get rusty, and the frames can be hard to move. So, whenever one goes to open or close doors and windows, they may have to use a lot of strength to make them move. While this could be fixed with repairs and maintenance, sometimes, the hardware can be beyond repair and needs to be replaced. 2. Draft If the door or window can no longer keep cold air out, then it could be a sign it needs some repairs. While it may not seem like an urgent problem, drafty homes can mean higher energy bills. Good windows and doors ensure energy efficiency by keeping harsh weather at bay and regulating indoor temperature. 3. Excessive outdoor noise If the noise outside the home keeps getting in and disturbing one, the doors and windows should be checked to see if any gaps or cracks are responsible for the issue. If the door or window cannot be locked or sealed correctly, all kinds of sounds outside the home, like traffic, conversations, garbage trucks, and pets, can enter the house. Here, getting windows and doors made of thick materials can keep the noise at bay. 4. Damage This sign is easy to spot, of course. If the windows show signs of damage, like broken glass, hinges, or frames, they are not functional anymore and must be fixed or replaced.

Running a power plant is a huge responsibility as it involves catering to the safety of people working there and catering to a whole population and set of industries that depend on the power plant. With such a job comes enormous responsibility, and some common challenges arise in such a field of work. Here are some things to remember when operating a power plant and how to stay on top of things. Getting complacent The health and safety of the staff are of utmost importance in a power plant. While there is always training provided to the workforce about safety regulations, it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the work environment is hazardous-free and safe. However, getting complacent with procedures can be a mistake many managers might make. Always keep updated with safety protocols and perform regular inspections and safety drills to ensure no mishaps. No cybersecurity Cybercrime and attacks are a real threat to big industries, and a power station that provides resources to the whole city or state can risk getting hacked. Ensure the operational technology is tested thoroughly and certified to run such a big operation. A cyber attack on a power plant can potentially affect thousands of people, compromising their safety. Power outages This can happen for several reasons, like worn-out power lines, weather, or other disruptive factors. These power outages affect millions of people and all industries, so it is always better to have a plan B in these emergencies. Experts suggest that backup sources like charged-up batteries should be utilized for short periods during these outages. This can ensure continuous operation while the problem is being fixed. Grid upkeep When a power plant is made, there is an objective and result in mind. However, with time, the power plant may take up more and more load to cater to the increasing demand and population.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a modern form of birth control that are long-lasting, effective, and safe. They are shaped like a ‘T’ and fit inside the uterus. Their primary role is preventing sperm from reaching and fertilizing the eggs. IUDs may be hormonal or non-hormonal. However, there are several myths associated with IUDs and their usage that need to be debunked for the safety of women’s health. Here are six common myths to note. IUDs can only be used by older women IUDs are a safe and effective option for women of all ages. They are available in different sizes to suit the size of a woman’s uterus; it is not a one-for-all device. If a doctor recommends that one is too young to get an IUD, try getting a second opinion. IUDs can cause infertility While this may have been true for some intrauterine devices in the 70s, modern IUDs pose no risks to one’s fertility and are perfectly safe to use. IUDs lead to infections Earlier, IUDs (in the 1970s) were linked to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and had to be recalled for the same. IUDs today do not cause any infections. However, they also do not protect against sexually transmitted infections or diseases, so it is advised to always use a condom, even with the implant. Getting an IUD requires a PAP smear It is possible to get an IUD without a PAP test as well. PAP smears are used to check the presence of cervical cancer cells and do not correlate with birth control. IUDs are always expensive Some IUDs may be expensive and cost as much as $1300, but that isn’t always the case. According to health agencies, it can cost as little as $0 to have an IUD inserted, depending on insurance and available healthcare assistance packages.

As the world gets accustomed to the idea of electric vehicles, more and more people are choosing to buy electric SUVs for their transport needs. This growing demand also helps the manufacturers stay on top of these demands and work on making the product more efficient for the road. It is essential to do one’s due diligence and research what’s available on the market, and here are some of the things to consider while buying an electric SUV. 1. Check its range In electric vehicles, range plays a huge role. But the kind of vehicle ad range to look out for depends on factors like whether one will use the car for long-distance travel or shorter commutes. According to some studies, most people living in cities commute around 32 miles on average. Those living outside in suburban or rural areas may have to travel longer distances to get things or for work, but otherwise, the average is low. So one should choose a vehicle with a range that suits their needs. 2. Consider incentives Most of the electric cars sold in the country are eligible for a one-time rebate of $7,500 in federal tax credit. Apart from that, there could be some state and local incentives that can provide further rebates. However, the only catch is that individuals must wait until they file taxes to get that money back. 3. Have a charging schedule This is very important because the vehicle will not run if it is not charged. While the car can easily get charged from a power outlet installed at one’s home, it might take some time. To help speed up the process, one can install a 240-volt line, which helps charge faster and reduces the wait time. Also, one should make note of public charging stations, especially on regular routes, so one knows where to go in case the car is close to getting discharged.

It’s no secret that Viking Ocean Cruises is one of the best cruise lines to enjoy a luxurious cruise vacation with your friends or family. Their fleet of state-of-the-art ocean ships takes you to the most exotic destinations around the world. This article looks at some of the best upcoming Viking Ocean Cruises sailings in 2021-2022, along with Viking cruise deals and airfares. Panama Canal and Central America If you want to explore rich Caribbean diversity, this ocean cruise is the perfect opportunity. It’s a 15-day Florida roundtrip cruise that takes you to seven gorgeous countries, including Panama, Jamaica, Honduras, and Mexico, among others. Pricing:  Cruise fare starts from $4,299. With Viking’s Special Cruise Savings deal, you can save up to $300 on airfare. You can also save up to $500 on basic accommodation (Veranda). Departure dates:  26th November and 10th December Los Angeles, California, to London Witness the diverse landscapes of Oahu (Honolulu), Kauai (Nawiliwili), Bora Bora, New Zealand, Tasmania, and Brisbain, among other places. This 119 days cruise could be a vacation of a lifetime for you and your family. It departs from Los Angeles, California, and its last stop is in Tilbury, London, which lasts for two days. Pricing: Save $3,998 on air fare with this Viking cruise as the $54,995 cruise fare includes business class air. The accommodation at this cruise fare includes a Deluxe (DV4) 270 sq.ft. Veranda. Whereas, a DV6 has limited tickets left, and one can save a whopping $1000 on these tickets. Departure dates:  10th January, 2022 Southeast Asia and Hong Kong This 15-day cruise allows you to explore Southeast Asian countries like never before. It starts from Bangkok, and en route visits several sought-after places in Cambodia and Vietnam and cruises the scenic Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea before reaching Hong Kong.

Tablets have become essential gadgets today, bridging the gap between your phone and laptop. These are the perfect tools when the phone screen seems too tiny, or you can’t carry your laptop. Buying a tablet or upgrading an existing one is quite an investment, so people wait for big shopping events like the Black Friday sale to get one. So here are a few deals on tablets based on previous year’s offers: Samsung Galaxy Tab A If you are in the market on a budget for an entry-level tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A is one of the best choices. It comes with 2GB RAM, 32GB internal memory expandable to 512GB, and 8MP and 5MP primary and front-facing camera. This Black Friday, this tab could be available for $109 instead of its original price of $149.99, based on last year’s offer. Apple iPad Air If you are looking for an Apple product but do not want to spend an exorbitant amount, this is the tablet for you. This iPad gives you a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with P3 wide color display. You also get an A14 Bionic chip with Neural Engine that makes multitasking easier. On this sale day, you could get it for $559 instead of its original price of $599. Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ This tablet transforms into a laptop with its innovative Kickstand that includes a keyboard. It has a powerful Intel Core i5 processor with 8GB memory and 128 GB of SSD storage. The screen is 12.3 inches and has a PixelSense display of 2736 x 1824 resolution. You also get Studio Mics, excellent cameras, and up to 15 hours of battery life. This Black Friday, you might get it for $751 instead of $1,030. Amazon Fire Tablet This is suitable for those who are looking for basic use, games, and light streaming activities.

Reliable and fast internet is one of the basic requirements for every household. People of all ages rely on the internet for their daily personal and professional requirements. Cyber Monday sales are ideal for getting 5G internet services or a new home WiFi connection at a discounted price. Good data plans offer crucial perks, such as unlimited internet and high-speed connection. Based on past years’ sales, here are some noteworthy Cyber Monday internet services deals. Frontier This company has something for everyone. Some of the features offered in its Fiber plans are symmetrical downloads along with an upload speed of approximately 500 Mbps. The installation price is $45, along with perks like an AutoPay discount. For the upcoming sale season, Frontier is offering a $100 gift card to sweeten the deal. Google Fiber With a starting installation price of $100, this provider’s 2 Gig plan promises unlimited internet and other features like a download speed of around 2000 Mbps. For Cyber Monday, the provider could include equipment in the installation cost for new users. Verizon Verizon is could offer several deals on its Fios plans during the upcoming sale season, such as a gift card worth $200 and a $50 e-gift card for Xbox. You should check out their home WiFi plans, as Verizon Fios could waive the $90 installation fee this holiday season. You can also opt for Verizon 5G home internet as 5G internet is becoming extremely popular. Verizon could offer good deals on 5G services that include unlimited data and a free modem along with an additional 50% off for qualifying Verizon mobile users. Quantum Fiber This internet provider could waive the fee for the equipment during the sale season. Besides unlimited internet, Quantum Fiber offers a speed of approximately 940mbps for its plans. RCN This company is a leading internet service provider.

Maintaining a clean and sanitized water tank is essential for ensuring the health and well-being of your household. This is why it is critical to know the best ways to clean your water tank. From regular inspections to thorough cleaning methods, practical tips and examples are beneficial to homeowners. By implementing these tips, you’ll be able to enhance water quality, prevent contamination, and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your water supply is clean. Regular inspections and maintenance If you want to stay on top of water tank hygiene, ensure you are keeping up with regular checks and maintenance. Any possible signs of cracks, leaks, or damage could result in a tank’s integrity being compromised. You will also need to regularly check your pipes, fittings, and valves. Conducting daily inspections allows you to address problems early on and avoid costly repairs or water quality issues down the line. Flushing and draining the tank It is common knowledge that draining and flushing a water tank periodically helps avoid any debris, sedimentation, and stagnant water from being accumulated. The first step to doing this is turning off the tank’s water supply. Next, open the drain valve and allow the tank to be completely drained. Once that is done, you can turn off the valve and restart the supply to let the tank refill. Flushing the tank ensures that the water remains clean and prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria or contaminants. Scrubbing and disinfecting the tank One crucial aspect of maintaining water quality in a tank is through cleaning that’s followed up by disinfection. A great way to get the job done is by scrubbing the inside of the tank with the help of a long-handled brush and a non-toxic cleaner. Pay special attention to the seams and corners of the water tanks as these areas are easily prone to buildup or residue.

Finding the right contractor for foundation repair and jacking around the house can be tough. There are hundreds of things to consider while making the choice of contractor. For one, does one have to choose reputation or price when it comes to contractors? Also, is it useful to check out a contractor’s documentation and licensing? On top of these questions, there are also aspects related to experience and online reviews to consider. Here are some such factors one must keep in mind: Know about the work experience of contractors There are no official training or education degrees for becoming a contractor specializing in foundation repair and jacking. Therefore, experience and past records are the only decent indicators of credibility in this field. Therefore, the more years and projects a contractor has had under their belt, the more likely they should be up for selection. Normally, longevity and the number of services a contractor offers is an element of trust in the community. All individuals looking for these kinds of contractors would initially check out the names of long-standing companies as opposed to inexperienced and rookie contractors. One can simply do an online search for a “foundation repair and jacking contractor near me.” Check for license and insurance Although not all states need contractors to have a license, some have made it mandatory. A license is a fairly tried and tested avenue of credibility in contractor circles. In many cases, a contractor who calls themselves is likely to be more familiar with various aspects of foundation repair and jacking. However, in states in which such licenses are not required, such contractors may tend to be rather inexperienced too. Ultimately, people hiring such contractors need to make the call based on which state they are living in. Insurance is a fairly fail-safe element that prevents users from spending too much on foundation repair and jacking of their house.

Wearing jewelry is one of the easiest hacks to elevate one’s look. Earrings, necklaces, charms, bracelets, and other pieces can help people express themselves in more ways than they could imagine. However, the problem with jewelry is that there are endless styles, so individuals often get confused about where to start. In such a situation, one can take inspiration from the latest trends. Here are eight jewelry trends to check out today. Charms Charms are one of the most popular choices this season. One can consider different designs, from playful charms to whimsical charms and other minimal yet sophisticated options. Chain anklets Popular in the 90s, chain anklets have made a stylish and retro comeback, with many fashion enthusiasts wearing thick gold chains. One could layer them over socks, tights, or shoes to create the perfect style this season. Ear cuffs Ear cuffs have gained immense popularity in recent years, with plenty of styles to pick from. One could opt for small and simple designs or large and dramatic pieces. Drop earrings Many have started wearing drop earrings, including styles like dangle drop earrings and pearl drop earrings. One can pick from designs with crystals and gemstones suspended below the ear lobe or bolder options that skim the shoulders. Flower chokers These 90s-inspired accessories are more popular now than ever, with major celebrities sporting them. The trend is versatile and could elevate both casual and formal attire. Bracelets Many fashion enthusiasts are exploring bracelet trends to sport a bold look. Top choices include handmade and chain bracelets. Tennis bracelets have also gained popularity in recent years. Ear stacking Many people love wearing multiple earrings on the same ear. It is among the most popular styles on the internet. If someone does not have an ear full of piercings, they could consider clip-on earrings for a similar look.

RAM pickup trucks are well known for their sturdy design and performance in the market. There are several models and options to choose from, which makes it a great choice for those looking for a pickup truck that can meet their diverse needs. When choosing a pickup truck, it’s important to consider factors like budget, the purpose of the car, the lifestyle, and more. Here are some of the top RAM pickup trucks worth buying right now. RAM 1500 The starting price for this pickup truck is $41,415, and it comes in 9 different trim levels with different pricing. The most popular trim is the Laramie Crew Cab 5’7” Box 4WD, priced at $60,480, and comes with a 3.6L V6 engine and four-wheel drive. This RAM 1500 gives a mileage of 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. RAM 2500 This is another well-liked model from RAM that starts at the price of $49,735. This is a heavy-duty pickup and is also often used in commercial applications. However, it makes for a great personal pickup truck as well. This is a 6-seater and comes in 8 different trim levels. It features remote engine start, fog lamps, integrated turn signal mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, and in-car wifi. It also has a wide-ranging lineup, from basic work trucks to luxurious toy haulers. RAM 3500 The starting price of this pickup truck is $51,975, and it comes with an impressive maximum towing capability of 15,000 lbs. This may be the right choice for anyone looking for a hefty pickup truck. While the truck is sturdy from the inside, the interiors are luxurious and premium, making the ride extremely comfortable. Some of the key features of the truck include leather seats, navigation, rear parking sensors, front heated seats, and more.