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Two for One: Clean Grout When You Clean the Toilet

by Don Roth

We all do it. Let’s talk about it: disinfecting toilets.

If you’re doing the dirty deed anyway, you might as well make the most out of your time, right? Knock out two chores at once by tackling your grout while you’re cleaning the toilet. All you need is a scrub brush and bleach.

Toilets should be cleaned once a week. Why? Well, we all make a daily stop at toilet town, and over the course of seven days the porcelain throne gets grimy. So pencil in a cleaning sesh once a week.

Grout is less predictably dirty, so keep an eye on it. If it looks dirty, give it a scrub. Not dirty this week, though? Chill instead of doing step number two.

Here’s your three-step routine:

1. Pour a ½ cup of bleach into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for ten minutes. Note: If bleach isn’t your thing, check out some alternatives in step three of this to-do.

2. While you’re waiting, dip the scrub brush into the bleach and tackle your grout. A few scrubs should make your grout sparkling clean and handle any residue.

3. When the ten minutes are up, scrub away at the toilet with your brush. Tip: Don’t forget toclean your brush afterwards so it’s ready for next week.

That’s it! Bask in your sparkling bathroom.

Information provided by BrightNest.com.

Search all Harrisburg PA homes for sale.

When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.

Power Down Your Electronics At Night

by Don Roth


WHY DO THIS?

Even when your TV is turned off, it (like most electrical devices) is still using power if it’s plugged in. In fact, the Department of Energy estimates that Americans waste $4 billion a year on “vampire electronics." When you consider that the cost comes out to $130 per household, unplugging at night seems like a no-brainer. Here’s how to identify and conveniently power down the biggest offenders.


HOW TO:

  1. Look for remote controls. Remote controls are a sign of an extra-active device – one that’s waiting and prepared to respond at the click of a button. Among these devices, plasma TVs are the greatest energy offenders, costing about $165 a year for standby power consumption alone! Power these puppies down at night. Note:We’ll make an exception for the DVR, because it needs to remain “On” in order to record those hilarious late night shows.
  2. Use a power strip. For those gluttonous remote control devices near one another (like your TV, Apple TV or X-Box), plug them into a single surge protector to make turning them on and off a breeze. Better yet, there are now smart options likeBelkin's Conserve Socket, which turns off up to five peripheral devices automatically when the TV is powered down.
  3. Eliminate chargers. If you’re actually charging your cell phone, tablet or camera battery at night, then disregard this step. However, when those items are fully juiced, pull the plug on their chargers. Tip: Start the charge session a few hours before bedtime so you can unplug before hitting the lights.
  4. Cover kitchen sockets. You may not want to turn some kitchen devices (like coffee makers and microwaves) off at night because it’s a hassle to turn them back on (hello, flashing 12:00!). Instead, use energy-saving outlet switches. These magical gadgets draw zero power when switched off, but restore devices to their full, time-correct glory when flipped on.

 Information provided by BrightNest.com.

Search all Harrisburg PA homes for sale.

When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.

Two Accents You’re Forgetting: Interior Doors and Trim

by Don Roth


There are two big accents in your home that you may be ignoring.

When’s the last time you took a look at your interior doors and trim? For an easy, inexpensive room refresh, consider painting an interior door or trim. A quick paint job for both will totally transform a room, making this area of your home kinda like the dark horse of decor accents.

Use these tips when you’re ready to get started.

When Painting Interior Doors

1. Choose a paint color that’s the same tone as your walls. For example, if you have a lighter, pastel color on your walls, keep it the same for your door. A bright, contrasting color will make the room feel small and choppy.

2. You don’t always need to remove doors to paint them. Removing a door from it’s hinges will prevent drips and runs, but let’s face it – doors are heavy and can be difficult to remove. So it’s totally okay to paint them in place, as long as you’re careful!

3. Spread out a drop cloth or an old sheet underneath your door where you’ll be doing the painting. This will prevent any damage to your floor.

4. Remove the doorknobs. No need to try to awkwardly attempt to cover up the door hardware with painter’s tape - just remove them completely. Pro Tip: Now’s the time toswitch up your doorknob designs!

When Painting Your Trim

1. Before you even break out the paintbrush, make sure to clean your baseboards.

2. When choosing a color, use a stark white to brighten up a room and a cream or off-white to create warmth.

3. Shine a light. Take a flashlight and follow along the perimeter of your baseboards to help spot defects or dents. Circle them with a pencil.

4. Before you paint, smooth down areas with a gentle rubber-sanding block. Then, fill in blemishes with wood filler.

5. When you paint, start from the corner of the room and work your way out. Re-up the paint on your brush every 12 inches or so. Pro Tip: If you’re painting window trim, avoid brushing your paintbrush against an edge, as this will create a buildup of paint that will drip.

Information provided by BrightNest.com.

Search all Harrisburg PA homes for sale.

When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.

Increase Your Home’s Natural Light

by Don Roth

WHY DO THIS?

If your living room receives cave-like natural light, you’re going to be flicking those light switches a lot. When you turn on the lights, you use electricity – and that costs money! Save a little cash and reduce your energy usage by increasing your home’s natural light. Plus, you’ll get a mood boost from all of that vitamin D!

HOW TO:

Need a hand? If you're interested in hiring a professional to add a skylight to your home, visit Angie's List to find a professional in your area. 

  1. Use mirrors. Mirrors reflect light, so the more mirrors you have in a room, the more light will bounce from wall to wall! Hang mirrors opposite windows or glass doors to maximize the natural light in your room. Tip: Buy furniture with glass panels or mirrored accents.
  2. Paint with light colors. Light colors reflect sunlight better than dark ones, so a wall painted in cool tones (like gray, cream or eggshell blue) will boost the natural light in the room.
  3. Move furniture. Unless you have some kind of translucent plastic theme going on, your furniture is blocking natural light! Move furniture at least a few feet away from any windows or glass doors so you can let the light shine in.
  4. Ditch the heavy fabric curtains. It’s important to have drapes and curtains, but they don’t need to be made from heavy fabrics like velvet or brocade (which will make the room feel darker and smaller). Try linen or cotton, instead!
  5. Change the door. If you have a solid, exterior door in your dark room, replace it with a door that has a window. If you’re worried about burglary, you can find glass doors at your local hardware store that have high-security glass.
  6. Choose the right shades. Some shades, like Roman shades, block sunlight even when they’re open! Unless you’re trying to keep glare off of a TV, this isn’t a great choice for darker rooms. Instead, opt for blinds that let you better control the amount of light that comes in.
  7. Add a skylight. This is a pricey option up-front, but because a skylight can help naturally heat a room, it could save you boatloads on your electricity bill over time! If you’re ready to take the plunge and add a skylight to a room, hire a contractor for the job – don’t try this one yourself!

Information provided by BrightNest.com.

Search all Harrisburg PA homes for sale.

When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.

5 Home Heating Faux Pas

by Don Roth


Life at home is full of little mistakes. Recipes are messed up, carpets get stained and sometimes a few pests sneak inside. It’s never the end of the world, but there are some mistakes that you might not notice at all, like a heating faux pas! Unfortunately, these mistakes can wind up costing you a bundle of cash, so they’re worth avoiding if you can.

Awareness is the first step. Here are five common (and costly) home heating mistakes:

1. Abusing Your Thermostat 

During a winter chill, it’s tempting to turn the inside of your home into a tropical oasis as soon you step inside, but cranking up your thermostat to warm up faster won’t do anything! Most furnaces pump out heat at a consistent rate, no matter how high the temperature is set.

2. Letting Windows Leak

If left alone, drafts can consume up to 30 percent of your home’s energy usage. Check your windows by running your hand along their perimeters. If you feel cold air seeping in, it means that heat is leaking out! If locking your windows doesn’t stop the draft (locking them will pull your windows snug into their frames), seal these leaks with a line of caulk along your window’s seal.

3. Closing Heating Vents in Unused Rooms

It may seem like the logical thing to do, but blocking heat access by closing vents is actually less efficient than heating unused rooms and won’t save you any money. Plus, doing this can imbalance your home’s entire heating system, which strains your furnace and creates the “cold room” effect. Generally, it’s better to leave vents and doors open and allow your home’s HVAC system to circulate evenly.  

4. Leaving your Bathroom Exhaust Fan On

Leaving this ventilation fan on longer than usual will do exactly the opposite of what you want on a cold, snowy day: it will take all of the warm, toasty air from your home and pump it outside! Don’t avoid using exhaust fans completely, though. Running your bathroom exhaust fan after a steamy shower prevents mold and mildew growth!

5. Using a Dirty Air Filter

Dirty air filters will reduce the airflow in your home, forcing your furnace to work harder. Plus, it creates more dust and increases indoor air pollution in your home. Check and replace your air filters regularly so your furnace can heat your home as efficiently as possible. Not sure how often you need to change them? Sign up for BrightNest and we’ll send you reminders when it’s time!

Information provided by BrightNest.com.

Search all Harrisburg PA homes for sale.

When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.

7 Ways to Become a Powerfully Productive Homebody

by Don Roth


Real talk: When you have a day at home, it can be tough not to binge watch a new series or craft something snazzy. Of course we all deserve these breaks, but probably not every weekend.

We put together some tips and tricks on how to get stuff done at home, so you can feel accomplished before you start your Netflix binge.

Here are 7 seven ways to cultivate productivity at home:

1. Limit Your To-Do List Per Day

Although we’ve all got to-do lists up the wazoo, manageable goals inspire productivity. Give yourself a 3-5 item limit and organize your tasks by day. This way you have the opportunity to finish your to-do list every single day. Boom!

2. Tackle Your Toughest Task First

If you get the hardest part out of the way first, you will be fresh and focused. You will also have a weight off your shoulders for the rest of the day.

3. Exercise

If you don’t have time to make a regular gym routine, bring the gym to your at-home yoga mat. Doing a ten-minute routine is a healthy way to energize yourself for another task that seemed daunting prior to a little sweat and elevated heart rate.

4. Take Proper Breaks

No matter what you’re doing, take a break every two hours. This will strengthen your focus in the long run. Break activities can include lunch, a dance party or a walk outside.

5. Plan to Plan

Reserve some time each day to plan your upcoming week. This could be blocking off an hour to choose your meals or to make your daily to-do list. If you get started with no intention, the task will take longer.

6. Eliminate Distractions

Don’t answer the phone if you’re busy. Ask your roommate or partner to talk later. If it helps to only check your email in the afternoon, implement that routine. When you’re working at home whether professionally or for personal pleasure, take your projects seriously.

7. Reward Yourself

If today’s task is to cook a large meal to eat for lunch all week, that deserves some acknowledgement! Treat yourself to your favorite TV show afterward or a 20-minute break on the couch with a book.

 Information provided by BrightNest.com.

Search all Harrisburg PA homes for sale.

When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.

 

Make Your Bedroom the Coziest Place on the Planet

by Don Roth


Welcome to cozy boot camp. If you’ve been relying on that 10-year old pair of flannel pajamas for your sole source of bedroom cozy, then it’s time for an upgrade. Let’s get started.

1. An Electric Heating Pad

It’s NOT that time of the month again. Heating pads are made for all people that like to be warm while they do lovely things like read or watch TV shows. Cozy Tip: Try turning your heating pad on a few minutes before you plan to snuggle up under the covers to avoid that cold-sheets transition.

2. More Pillows, and Then Some More Pillows

You want to be ready for every occasion: propping up your feet, sitting up straight and crafting, and feeling like you’re sleeping in a sunken pillow fortress. Call yourself the impromptu-pillow-party pioneer, and set sail.

3. A Bedside Lamp that Actually Works

Some bedside lamps can be absolutely adorable and, simultaneously, absolutely useless. We’re talking about those really small ones with cute, navy-blue shades that give off no light and make reading impossible. You need a bedside lamp that makes reading in bed a dream. Like this one, that has levels of brightness depending on your mood. If you want something more flexible, these copper lights can be hung on any wall and provide a ton of warm, cozy light.

4. A Mattress Topper

Not only does this add an extra layer of cushion, mattress toppers lengthen the life of your mattress. They create an extra layer of protection against spills and, er, other stuff. More importantly, you can buy machine-washable toppers like this one.

5. Something That’s Alive

We know it’s winter and everything is dead and gray. That’s why you should consider adopting a new orchid or succulent plant. Something easy to care for that can bring some life back into your wake-up call. If you decide to take this tip to the next level, here’s the perfect plant for every room.

Optional: You could also buy 1-4 canine or feline companions to snuggle with you at all times.

6. New Pajamas

Operation No More Holes, commence! Or, if you really love your holey t-shirts, throw a fuzzy sweatshirt on top. And if you don’t have slippers, you definitely need slippers.

7. This Super Fuzzy Blanket

Faux Fur? Don’t mind if I do.

Information provided by BrightNest.com.

Search all Harrisburg PA homes for sale.

When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.

Need to Clean? Get Motivated with a Cleaning Playlist

by Don Roth


When you have a messy house, it’s time to get your head in the game and start cleaning. But how can you motivate yourself to start tackling the clutter and dirt? Pump up the jams! No, seriously. Nothing will get you more in the mood to tackle soap scum and unsightly surface stains than a rockin’ cleaning playlist.

Follow these tips to create your own killer cleaning playlist:

1. Find Music that Makes You Move

The same type of music you listen to for morning runs and late night dance parties is perfect for your cleaning routine, too. The more movin’ and groovin’ you do, the more fun you’ll have! Use music to make picking up your home feel less like a chore and more like a choreographed dance routine. Go ahead, pretend like you’re in your favorite music video.  

2. Curate Carefully

Nothing disrupts the flow of a cleaning dance party like having to stop, put down the sponge and switch to the next song.  To avoid this, only add songs to your playlist you and your partner enjoy. If you can’t agree on a song, leave it off. If you get tired of hearing a particular tune, delete it. That way, your mood won’t turn sour because of a song you dislike, or something you’re sick of listening to.

3. Keep it Updated

To keep yourself energized and – dare we say it – looking forward to cleaning, make sure to update your playlist with a few new songs regularly. Change up the order of your playlist, add new songs you hear on the radio or ask friends to send you some of their favorites. The more you update your playlist, the more you’ll enjoy listening along!

Information provided by BrightNest.com.

Search all Harrisburg PA homes for sale.

When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.

 

7 Eco-Friendly Laundry Room Tips

by Don Roth

Your shirts may leave the dryer smelling like a mountain meadow, but the process isn’t quite as natural as your nose makes it seem. Laundry duty is water- and energy-intensive, so it can actually put a pretty big strain on ‘ole Mother Earth. In fact, the energy used to heat water for laundry in the U.S. results in 34 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. That’s equivalent to the total annual carbon emissions of New Zealand.

Want to give your laundry an upgrade that would make Captain Planet proud? Here are seven easy, big-impact changes you can make right this instant:

1. Use Green Detergent 

Many store bought laundry detergents rely on chemicals (like phosphates) that can be harmful to your skin, your clothes and nearby water systems. That’s three strikes, so get those hazardous detergents out of your laundry room! When you’re shopping, look for detergents that are made with biodegradable ingredients and don’t contain phosphates. We like Seventh Generation’s Natural Laundry Detergent because it’s also “concentrated.” That means that it comes in a smaller package (better for the environment) and produces less suds (better for your washing machine).

2. Embrace the Power of Cold Water

The Department of Energy estimates that up to 90 percent of the energy used during laundry goes to heating the water! Conserve energy (and save some money) by washing your clothes in cold water.

3. Skip the Dryer

Ok, we’re not going to lie – putting on warm jammies that are fresh out the dryer is pretty sweet. But that heat comes with a hefty amount of carbon emissions. There are more than 88 million dryers in the U.S., and each one emits more than a ton of carbon dioxide each year. So, hang your laundry out to dry when you can! Tip: If the weather outside is frightful, consider adding a hidden clothesline to your laundry room.

4. Watch the Time

If you’re dead-set on using a dryer – and you’re going to be running multiple cycles – keep an eye on the time and try to run them back-to-back. If your dryer is already warmed up, it won’t need to use as much energy to dry that second (or third) load of laundry.  

5. Recycle Carefully

A lot of laundry paraphernalia (such as detergent bottles) come with specific disposal needs. For example, some bottles can be recycled, but the caps need to be thrown out separately. Always check the labels of different packages to make sure that you’re getting rid of them properly.

6. Run Full Loads

Your washing machine uses the same amount of water and energy whether you put in a full hamper or just three shirts and some socks. So make that energy count by running full loads!Note: Don’t go overboard and pack your machine to the brim – that can actually promote bacteria growth.

7. Purchase an Energy Star Washing Machine

An Energy Star appliance will almost always be more efficient than other options, but this is especially true of washing machines. In fact, you can reduce your water and energy usage by as much as 50 percent by upgrading your machine! So if your suds bucket is over-the-hill (anything more than 10 years old), go shopping for an Energy Star upgrade.  

Information provided by BrightNest.com.

Search all Harrisburg PA homes for sale.

When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.

 

7 Easy Ways to Fix Slow Internet That’s Driving You Crazy

by Don Roth


Nothing is worse than settling in for a sweatpants Netflix binge on to find the buffer-wheel-of-boredom on your TV instead of your favorite show.

If your home internet is moving at a snail’s pace on a regular basis, there are a few tricks you can try at home to fix the problem. Work through the list sequentially until your beautiful, fast Internet is restored.

Reset Your Modem and Router

Often, your Internet woes can be fixed with a little on-off action. Turn off your modem and router completely by disconnecting the power cords from both, and wait about 10 seconds. Then, switch them back on. This quick electronic voodoo action may do the trick.

Move Your Router

We get that routers are ugly. But if your router is stuffed under a couch or in a cabinet, you’re inhibiting the signal and slowing down your WiFi. Your router should be out in the open, so place it on the kitchen counter or uncovered against a wall. Ideally, you want the router elevated (the attic may be a good spot) and as centrally located as possible.

Password Protect Your WiFi

Do you live in a highly populated area (like a big apartment building)? You may have a thief in your midst. If your Internet isn’t password protected, it’s easy for WiFi pirates to pilfer. They won’t leave a trace, and you’ll be in buffer city. To avoid this issue, always password protect your WiFi. Make it fun! A few of our favorites? “PorqueFi” and “PrettyFlyforaWiFi”.

Put Bandwidth Hogs in Check

If a household member is a big-time gamer, their habit may be slowing down bandwidth for the rest of you. Some applications, like video games or streaming services like Netflix, take up a lot more bandwidth than other applications, like cruising Facebook. If this is the case, first set some ground rules. If that doesn’t work, there is a tool called Quality of Service (QoS) on your router that you can use to prioritize services. Because all routers operate differently, visit your router’s Owner’s Manual to learn how to set up QoS for your family.

Change Your Channel

Just like radios, wireless routers operate on different channels. And if your router is on the same channel as your neighbors, you’re going to have a weaker signal. To find the best channel for your WiFi, use this guide by How To Geek.

Update Your Hardware

If you’re working with a router circa 2001, your hardware may be the problem. To ensure you’re getting the fastest connection, you should be working with up-to-date technology. Not sure if your equipment is over the hill? Check out LifeHacker’s Router Hardware 101.

Purchase a Range Extender

If your hardware is up-to-date, you can extend the range of your WiFi, and in turn its strength, by purchasing a range extender like this option by NETGEAR. They typically run less than $50 and may be the boost you need to take your speed to the next level.

Information provided by BrightNest.com.

Search all Harrisburg PA homes for sale.

When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.

 

Displaying blog entries 21-30 of 156

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