How to stop your upstairs feeling like an oven: an expert shares the simple trick that will push cool air upwards
Unfortunately, as we divulged in a recent story on why your upstairs is always hot, it's often not that simple. And I would know, because my upstairs office has felt so warm that I've recently taken to working from the kitchen.
But according to Andy Simms, an expert from MyBuilder.com, the solution could be hiding in plain sight. It involves creating an upward flow of air in your home that allows the heat to dissipate elsewhere and circulates the cooler air in the lower levels of your house.
If you do have a loft or attic, it's easy to treat it as dead space that's only used for storing old Christmas decorations or clothes that don't quite fit the way they used to.
"Opening your loft hatch can help your home stay cool this summer"
But if you open up this space during a heatwave, you'll give the hot air a way to escape from your bedroom or upstairs office, and this will create an upwards flow of the cooler air in the downstairs portion of your home. In turn, this improves air circulation, making your upstairs feel less stuffy.
"Opening your loft hatch can help your home stay cool this summer," says Simms.
"Doing this simple job creates a natural upflow of heat, letting hot air travel up to the roof, meaning any cool air on the ground will also flow upwards and allow you to feel it like a breeze."
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
This can also be improved by the addition of an attic fan, as it will allow you to create an upwards flow of air when it's too warm inside, or block off air from leaving your roof when it's too cool.
A great design, this LG impressed us with its powerful and efficient performance.. With a cooling coverage up to 450 Square ft., this is suitable for medium to large rooms. Plus, it has an energy-saving inverter so you don't have to worry as much about your bills.
Another key component of keeping your house cool is the quality of your insulation. You may associate insulation with keeping the warmth in, but it also performs another function, which is to prevent hot air from leaking in through the roof of your home.
"While this may be seen as a bigger investment, better insulation helps all year round to regulate your home's temperature," says Simms.
"It even helps with energy costs, as a well-insulated home will require less heating, and also less usage of fans, or AC units."
This is echoed by Elizabeth Shavers, General Manager, HVAC & Plumbing at Oncourse Home Solutions. "An under-insulated attic is a common reason second floors stay so hot," she states.
"Without proper insulation, there isn't a strong enough buffer to keep the heat from the sun coming in through your roof."
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Los Angeles Times
6 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
Separated by a border for decades, parents and children are reunited at last
José Antonio Rodríguez held a bouquet of flowers in his trembling hands. It had been nearly a quarter of a century since he had left his family behind in Mexico to seek work in California. In all those years, he hadn't seen his parents once. They kept in touch as best they could, but letters took months to cross the border, and his father never was one for phone calls. Visits were impossible: José was undocumented, and his parents lacked visas to come to the U.S. Now, after years of separation, they were about to be reunited. And José's stomach was in knots. He had been a young man of 20 when he left home, skinny and full of ambition. Now he was 44, thicker around the middle, his hair thinning at the temples. Would his parents recognize him? Would he recognize them? What would they think of his life? José had spent weeks preparing for this moment, cleaning his trailer in the Inland Empire from top to bottom and clearing the weeds from his yard. He bought new pillows to set on his bed, which he would give to his parents, taking the couch. Finally, the moment was almost here. Officials in Mexico's Zacatecas state had helped his mother and father apply for documents that allow Mexican citizens to enter the U.S. for temporary visits as part of a novel program that brings elderly parents of undocumented workers to the United States. Many others had their visa applications rejected, but theirs were approved. They had packed their suitcases to the brim with local sweets and traveled 24 hours by bus along with four other parents of U.S. immigrants. Any minute now, they would be pulling up at the East Los Angeles event hall where José waited along with other immigrants who hadn't seen their families in decades. José, who wore a gray polo shirt and new jeans, thought about all the time that had passed. The lonely nights during Christmas season, when he longed for the taste of his mother's cooking. All the times he could have used his father's advice. His plan had been to stay in the U.S. a few years, save up some money and return home to begin his life. But life doesn't wait. Before he knew it, decades had passed and José had built community and a career in carpentry in California. He sent tens of thousands of dollars to Mexico: to fund improvements on his parents' house, to buy machines for the family butcher shop. He sent his contractor brother money to build a two-bedroom house where José hopes to retire one day. His mother, who likes talking on the phone, kept him informed on all the doings in town. The construction of a new bridge. The marriages, births, deaths and divorces. The creep of violence as drug cartels brought their wars to Zacatecas. And then one day, a near-tragedy. José's father, jovial, strong, always cracking jokes, landed in the hospital with a heart that doctors said was failing. He languished there six months on the brink of death. But he lived. And when he got out, he declared that he wanted to see his eldest son. A full third of people born in Zacatecas live in the U.S. Migration is so common, the state has an agency tasked with attending to the needs of Zacatecanos living abroad. It has been helping elderly Mexicans get visas to visit family north of the border for years. The state tried to get some 25 people visas this year. But the United States, now led by a president who has vilified immigrants, approved only six. José had a childhood friend, Horacio Zapata, who also migrated to the U.S. and who hasn't seen his father in 30 years. Horacio's father also applied for a visa, but he didn't make the cut. Horacio was crestfallen. A few years back, his mother died in Mexico. He had spent his life working to help get her out of poverty, and then never had a chance to say goodbye. He often thought about what he would give to share one last hug with her. Everything. He would give everything. He and his wife had come with José to offer moral support. He put his arm around his friend, whose voice shook with nerves. East L.A. was normally bustling, filled with vendors hawking fruit, flowers and tacos. But on this hot August afternoon, as a car pulled up outside the event hall to deposit José's parents and the other elderly travelers, the streets were eerily quiet. Since federal agents had descended on California, apprehending gardeners, day laborers and car wash workers en masse, residents in immigrant-heavy pockets like this one had mostly stayed inside. The thought crossed José's mind: What if immigration agents raided the reunion event? But there was no way he was going to miss it. Suddenly, the director of the Federation of Zacatecas Hometown Assns. of Southern California, which was hosting the reunion, asked José to rise. Slowly, his parents walked in. Of course they recognized one another. His first thought: How small they both seemed. José gathered his mother in an embrace. He handed her the flowers. And then he gripped his father tightly. This is a miracle, his father whispered. He'd asked the Virgin for this. His father, whose heart condition persists, was fatigued from the long journey. They all took seats. His father put his head down on the table and sobbed. José stared at the ground, sniffling, pulling up his shirt to wipe away tears. A mariachi singer performed a few songs, too loudly. Plates of food appeared. José and his parents picked at it, mostly in silence. At the next table, José Manuel Arellano Cardona, 70, addressed his middle-aged son as muchachito — little boy. In the coming days, José and his parents would relax into one another's company, go shopping, attend church. Most evenings, they would stay up past midnight talking. Eventually, the parents would head back to Zacatecas because of the limit on their visas. But for now, they were together, and eager to see José's home. He took them by the arms as he guided them out into the California sun.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
7 things I learned after my house fire, according to an insurance expert
When disaster strikes, a little inside information can make a big difference. The sweet scent of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven, a steaming cup of coffee in hand, and holiday carols softly playing in the background is how Christmas mornings usually look in my household. But last year, our quiet Christmas morning quickly turned into chaos with smoke hanging in the air, sirens blaring, and dozens of firefighters racing from room to room. As an insurance writer, I've spent the past decade covering the ins and outs of homeowners insurance, helping consumers understand their policies so they can make more informed decisions about protecting their homes. I'm well-versed in the steps to take when filing a claim, coverage details, and the questions to ask. But when disaster came knocking at my door, it hit completely differently. While I expected challenges along the way, the claim and restoration process brought more curveballs than I could have ever imagined. To help you avoid some of the stress, delays, and unexpected costs I faced, here's what I learned from my house fire insurance claim. Learn more: Homeowners insurance: What it covers and how much you'll pay No. 1: Trust your gut I've always lived by the motto, 'It's better to be safe than sorry.' So when I caught a faint smell of smoke in my bathroom, I knew something was off. My husband wanted to let it go because there was no visible smoke or fire, but I went with my gut and called 911. Within minutes, six local fire departments arrived at my home with axes, pick poles, and hoses in hand. It only took a few minutes to locate the source of the fire before they started ripping down my walls, ceiling, and even my beloved shower tile. Once the demolition began, I contacted my insurance agent and started the claim process. Learn more: How much homeowners insurance do I need? No. 2: Check your lightbulbs To my surprise, they identified the cause as a small can light above my linen closet. Over the years, the wiring had become brittle, whether due to incorrect wattage, faulty wiring, or a defective bulb, and eventually began sparking and spreading into the insulation. Learn more: How can a lightbulb start a fire? After the fire was extinguished and everyone was out of harm's way, the fire captain explained that if I had waited even an hour or two to call, the fire would have engulfed my entire home. Trusting my instincts saved our home and our pup from what could have been complete devastation. Every year, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) estimates that 51,000 home fires result from electrical issues, causing around $1.3 billion in property damage. So if you have even the slightest gut feeling something isn't right, make the call, even if you're second-guessing yourself. Up Next Up Next No. 3: Document and save everything, if you can The fire department managed to save most of the debris, including the charred wood above the cabinet, but somehow the actual light fixture got tossed out. Even though this doesn't sound like a big deal, it was. If we had saved the light, or even just a piece, it could have helped the engineer who inspected my home pinpoint exactly why it caught fire. That could have helped us spot any other electrical problems in the house and prevent another fire. Because the light was lost in the shuffle, I hired my electrician to inspect most of the electrical work throughout my house and replace every canned light with LEDs. Home insurance policies usually only cover costs they consider 'necessary for the covered repairs,' and what's considered 'necessary' is typically up to your insurer's interpretation. Therefore, if they decide something isn't essential, they may not cover it. This means you'll be left picking up the tab for extra inspections or repair work. That's why, if the cause of your fire is unknown, do your best to save (and document) everything that may be relevant to solving the mystery. This could include lightbulbs, wiring, or other items that could serve as evidence and even help provide more support for your claim. Learn more: How much is homeowners insurance? A guide to lowering costs. No. 4: Have a reputable repair crew on speed dial When the unexpected happens, the last thing you want is to scramble for help while you're still in shock. Fortunately, my insurance agent referred me to a reputable restoration company, and I already had a list of trusted professionals to contact for repairs. After working with him for two decades, I trusted his recommendations. That said, even if your insurer gives you referrals, you're not required to use them, and in some cases, their recommendations may not be the best fit for your situation. If you don't have these contacts handy, you may find yourself wondering who to trust. In moments of crisis, it's easy for pushy companies, or even outright scammers, to take advantage of panicked and uninformed policyholders. Learn more: What does homeowners insurance not cover? So, before you need them, make a list of trusted professionals. Ask friends and family for recommendations, and check reviews to find reputable options such as contractors, painters, and plumbers. For me, having this list ready was worth its weight in gold, especially when the pressure was on. In addition to cleanup services, restoration companies may offer contracting services, which can act as a one-stop shop for repairs. While this sounds appealing and convenient, their contractors may not have the expertise to help with your project. That's why it's important to vet any contractor thoroughly, whether you find them yourself or through your insurance or restoration company. No. 5: 'Preferred' doesn't always mean the best Some vendors, especially those recommended by your insurer, may assure you they'll handle everything directly with your insurance company, including settling the final payment. While these 'preferred' vendors usually have a direct line of communication with your insurer, that doesn't mean you should step back completely. In fact, some preferred contractors rely on insurance companies for work, so they may prioritize keeping that relationship intact over giving you the best advice. In my case, the restoration company did communicate with my adjuster, but when it came time for payment, the logistics still ended up on my plate. In other cases, homeowners have faced blank contracts that lock them into unfavorable terms, hidden waivers that remove the contractor's liability for damage, or payment arrangements where the contractor gets paid directly, leaving the homeowner without visibility into costs. That's why it's worth vetting every contractor, whether they come from your insurer's list or your own research, and keeping the lines of communication open from the start. No. 6: Don't let repairs run on autopilot Just because you've picked a reputable contractor doesn't mean it's time to kick back and watch the magic happen. While you'd hope every professional treats your home with the same care you do, the reality is, to them, it might just be another job. Staying hands-on, especially with the construction details, can help you avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary headaches. Unfortunately, I had to learn this the hard way: Paint spilled all over my hardwood floors, my marble countertop chipped, the shower door shattered from a bad installation, and I had to scramble at the last minute to find floor tile I was told didn't need replacing. Acting as your own project manager is crucial to make sure the work is done right the first time and up to your standards. So, don't be afraid to check progress regularly, ask questions, and confirm details — even if you've been assured they know what to do. This is your home, and the work should meet your expectations from the start. Learn more: The important difference between actual cash value and replacement cost No. 7: Set realistic expectations on timing Even a minor fire claim can take far more time and energy than you expect. When my contractor first walked through the damage, he estimated we'd have everything wrapped up in a month or two. Eight months later, we were still putting the finishing touches on repairs and trying to get life back to normal. The delays weren't always dramatic, but they added up over time, from discontinued tile to backordered floor stain to installation mistakes and crew vacations. And between those setbacks were the constant interruptions: contractors coming and going, noise, dust, and the mental load of making decisions about colors, materials, and layouts while juggling work and life. On top of that, the time away from work to meet contractors, oversee repairs, or handle claim details can cut into your paycheck, especially if you're self-employed or don't have paid leave. But here's something to keep in mind: Restoration takes patience and organization. So, prepare for delays and do your best to stay on top of all the moving parts. That way, the process hopefully feels more manageable and less overwhelming. What my home insurance policy didn't teach me Having a solid homeowners insurance policy in place is only half the battle when it comes to filing a fire claim. The rest comes down to trusting your gut, documenting everything, choosing suitable professionals for the job, and staying hands-on every step of the way. It's a roller coaster of an experience, so staying patient through delays, mistakes, and endless decisions can help you keep your peace of mind intact. While you won't find this advice hidden in your homeowners insurance policy's fine print, it can make a world of difference when living through a house fire insurance claim. Tim Manni edited this article.
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Tom's Guide
How to stop your upstairs feeling like an oven: an expert shares the simple trick that will push cool air upwards
It's unlikely to blow anyone's mind when I tell you that heat rises. But you might think that having a naturally warmer upstairs is easily countered by an air conditioning unit. Unfortunately, as we divulged in a recent story on why your upstairs is always hot, it's often not that simple. And I would know, because my upstairs office has felt so warm that I've recently taken to working from the kitchen. But according to Andy Simms, an expert from the solution could be hiding in plain sight. It involves creating an upward flow of air in your home that allows the heat to dissipate elsewhere and circulates the cooler air in the lower levels of your house. If you do have a loft or attic, it's easy to treat it as dead space that's only used for storing old Christmas decorations or clothes that don't quite fit the way they used to. "Opening your loft hatch can help your home stay cool this summer" But if you open up this space during a heatwave, you'll give the hot air a way to escape from your bedroom or upstairs office, and this will create an upwards flow of the cooler air in the downstairs portion of your home. In turn, this improves air circulation, making your upstairs feel less stuffy. "Opening your loft hatch can help your home stay cool this summer," says Simms. "Doing this simple job creates a natural upflow of heat, letting hot air travel up to the roof, meaning any cool air on the ground will also flow upwards and allow you to feel it like a breeze." Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. This can also be improved by the addition of an attic fan, as it will allow you to create an upwards flow of air when it's too warm inside, or block off air from leaving your roof when it's too cool. A great design, this LG impressed us with its powerful and efficient performance.. With a cooling coverage up to 450 Square ft., this is suitable for medium to large rooms. Plus, it has an energy-saving inverter so you don't have to worry as much about your bills. Another key component of keeping your house cool is the quality of your insulation. You may associate insulation with keeping the warmth in, but it also performs another function, which is to prevent hot air from leaking in through the roof of your home. "While this may be seen as a bigger investment, better insulation helps all year round to regulate your home's temperature," says Simms. "It even helps with energy costs, as a well-insulated home will require less heating, and also less usage of fans, or AC units." This is echoed by Elizabeth Shavers, General Manager, HVAC & Plumbing at Oncourse Home Solutions. "An under-insulated attic is a common reason second floors stay so hot," she states. "Without proper insulation, there isn't a strong enough buffer to keep the heat from the sun coming in through your roof."
