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Air conditioning may not seem like a necessity in Canada, but with the summer’s heat invariably comes the need for a cool escape. Whether you live in a house, condo or apartment, there are solutions to fit every place when it comes to keeping cool during a heat wave.
 
The easiest solution to air conditioning your home is to determine just how large of an area you want to cool. The size of the unit that you purchase will depend entirely on the space you want to chill. If you are looking at cooling your whole house down, then the units you should look at will be very different from someone who only wants to cool down one room.
 
Once you know the size of the space you need to cool down, then you can calculated the number of BTUs the unit you purchase will have to output. To calculate this measurement you can use a handy online calculator like the one found over here //bit.ly/2969wii. The number you get is the minimum BTUs you will need to have in order to effectively cool down your room.
 
Since every air conditioning system works on taking the hot air from your home and pumping it outside, it is necessary to have a window available for your AC unit.
 
Window Units
Window units are the least expensive option when it comes to air conditioners. They are portable machines that you can install in your window with minimal fuss. They are great for cooling down small spaces or just one room of a house. They tend to range in price and efficacies to really low-end, inexpensive to better quality more powerful units at a higher price point.
 
Free-Standing Units
Free-standing air conditioning can be placed in any room as long as you are able to properly vent it out a window. When you are purchasing a free standing unit be sure to check whether it has a dual hose or single hose vent. The single hose is good for smaller spaces, but in larger areas it can cause your unit to overheat and stop working. However, the single hose options are less expensive than their dual hose counterparts but won’t be as efficient in a large room.
 
Wall Units
Wall air conditioning units will require you to touch the masonry of your home in order to install the unit directly into the wall, but it is very effective at cooling down large spaces and/or smaller homes. They are also require a significant investment – but one that will definitely pay off on hot, sweltering days.
 
Central Air Conditioning
The grandaddy of all air conditioning systems central air is the luxe solution to your cooling needs. Although this system comes a hefty price tag it will last a long time and be more efficient over the long run.

Having a green home is a goal many of us would love to attain, but don’t necessarily know how to. Getting rid of the toxic substances in your home and making your own cleaners is a healthier alternative to using the harsh cleansers and chemicals that are available at the grocery store. Another advantage to making your own cleaners is the cost savings you’ll see. Not only are the items needed to make cleaning supplies inexpensive, they are also quite abundant.
 
Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the keystones of home cleansers. It is an astringent that can be used to clean everything from windows to bathtubs – which basically means that it can degrease really well. It can also be used directly on weeds in your garden to get rid of unwanted plants.
 
Baking Soda
Mixed with vinegar baking soda is excellent at getting grout white again, removing mildew and other stains/bacteria and as a general, all-purpose cleanser. Its texture makes baking soda a terrific mild abrasive while its composition makes it a natural deodorizer.
 
Borax
Mix with a cut lemon and you’ve got yourself a heavy duty cleaner that can remove rust stains on porcelain and enamel – but keep in mind that lemon (or any kind of citrus) should never be used on marble or granite surfaces as it will eat into the stone.
 
Here’s how to use the above listed ingredients.
 
Glass Cleaner
Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1 cup of warm water for a fantastic glass cleaner – for an even better result use newspaper to wipe the glass clean after sponging in solution.
 
All Purpose Cleaner
Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda in 2 litres of warm water for a good all purpose cleaner.
 
Grout Cleaner
Need to really clean your grout? Mix baking soda, vinegar and warm water for a really powerful clean.
 
You can find other ways of using these ingredients alone or in combinations that will save you money, make your home less toxic and still keep everything spic-and-span!

Selling your Toronto home is all about proper marketing. Social media is now a vital part of any marketing campaign. Boosting the visibility of your home sale through social media is one of the best ways to get your property in front of the right people.
 
Facebook
Facebook is definitely the keystone to every good social media campaign. Even with the requirement of boosting posts to make sure that your post is seen by as many people as possible, it is still a solid option when it comes to spreading the word with your listing.
 
Twitter
Twitter is next on the social media echelon when it comes to real estate marketing. Tweeting a link to your listing with a good teaser about the property and area in which it is found is a great way of driving traffic to your listing without having to wait for people to find it on the MLS.
 
Instagram
The beauty of Instagram is that it is a truly visual platform. If you have a gorgeous listing then posting it on Instagram and tagging it appropriately will definitely go a long way toward driving the right people to the property.
 
Here are a few tips to ensure that your listing gets the most visibility possible so that your sale is fast and efficient.
 
Make it engaging
To get people to click on your link or actually engage with your post or tweet, you have to pique their curiosity. You have to make it engaging. You’ve got to aim somewhere between clickbait and a news piece. You want to pose a question that people will want to have answered. For instance, “Looking for a bright, well-maintained 6 ½ in North York walking distance to transportation and services? Click here.” Craft posts that leave people wanting to know more.
 
Keep it short
Don’t write too much in your posts. If there are certain features you want to highlight, put them in bullet form. Social is for quick, easily digestible information. If there is a lot more to say about a property, then link to your website or listing.
 
Add visuals
Social is all about visuals. Whether picture or video, it is important to add a picture to really call attention to your post.
 
If you are able to get the right combination of all three things listed above, then your post will get shared and that is how you can increase its reach and, in turn, the number of people who are exposed to your listing.

Spring is always a great time to freshen up your home. During the winter we tend to keep our windows and doors closed and we don’t necessarily get rid of all those things that cause clutter and dust to build up in your houses and lives. However, the warmer weather and the sunshine are the perfect signal that it’s time to get back in control and to freshen up, lighten up and renew your home, and at the same time, your spirit.
 
Here are a few very easy steps to help you shake off winter’s mantle.
 
Open up!
Spring is the perfect time to throw open your windows, let in a cross breeze and air out your house. After a long winter, there is nothing better for getting rid of stale air.
 
Clean up!
Giving every room a deep, thorough cleaning will help to get rid of dust, cobwebs and the fine dirt that can build up throughout the year. Wash your walls, floors and ceiling. Put cloth curtains and pillows in the laundry and change your linen.
 
Lighten Up!
Lightening up means getting rid of all the clutter in your home. Spring is a great time to weed through closets, drawers, storage areas and your garage to get rid of everything you no longer need. Whatever is still in good condition can be sold at a garage sale or donated to charity.
 
Spruce up!
Spruce up your surroundings by swapping out heavy winter throws and pillows for lighter fabrics. Add splashes of vibrant colour to dull settings and use plants to enliven a dull corner or an empty bookshelf.
 
Touch up!
Touching up paint that has been chipped or damaged will make your home look brand new regardless of how old it is. In fact, for a quick pick-me-up, just paint all of your frames, baseboards and crown mouldings in a bright, glossy white to make your wall colours pop and to make your trims look fabulous.
 
Organize!
Getting organized is paramount to creating a fresh new reality in your home. Use organizers, shelves and boxes to give everything it’s own proper spot – and then make sure it goes back in that spot every time you take it out to use it.
 
Getting your Toronto home ready for summer doesn’t take much – just a little time and effort, and the rewards are well worth the price.

Zen spaces are the latest trend in Toronto home interior design. The reason for these tranquil settings is clear – they are the best way to escape the rigors and stresses of everyday life. In fact, every home should have at least one space where all cares and worries can melt away. Whether it is the ensuite, a den, a sunroom or even a basement, the way a space is set-up can mean all the difference in the world to its draw and the way it makes your feel.
 
There are certain elements needed to accomplish a Zen setting. By following a few simple rules you also can create either a whole home serenity retreat or just an oasis of tranquility in the room of your choice.
 
1. Natural materials
 
Using natural materials is one of the best ways to create a calm space. The texture and composition of natural woods, stones, wicker, cottons, wools, etc… contribute immensely to a purer aesthetic and to Zen setting.
 
2. Earthy colours
 
Keeping things neutral and earthy will help you to induce a sense of relaxation in any space. If you choose to go the monochromatic route, you can add accents of darker shades/hues of the same colour to produce contrast but to remain basically within the same palate.
 
3. The right furniture
 
Serene space require clean lines and uncomplicated design – this should naturally be reflected in the furniture that is chosen for your room. Avoid intricate patterns and a lot of detailing as these will distract from the overall theme of the space.
 
4. Natural light
 
Play up the positive attributes of natural light in the space you are designing as your Zen oasis. If you don’t have a lot of natural light, then make sure that the light you do have is indirect, soft and diffuse. If you have plenty of sunshine spilling into the space, use sheer blinds and/or other translucent materials to help diffuse the amount and intensity of the light entering the room.
 
5. Simple accents
 
Keep accents in the room simple – basically it means not to clutter up the space with knick-knacks, odds-and-ends and other bric-a-brac. Keep ornaments simple and to a minimum. Instead use plants and greenery to enhance the setting.
 
6. The nose knows
 
Lastly, any tranquil setting should smell as inviting as it looks. Eliminate pet odor and other unpleasant smells by including some sort of potpourri, scented candles or other odor diffuser in your design.
 
Once you have completed your serenity inducing space, the only trouble will be having to leave it!