How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Take a deep breath. How do you feel? Can you tell how clean your air is just by breathing it? Probably not. Your indoor air quality (IAQ) can affect your quality of life without you even knowing it. We can’t simply hold our breath and wait for better air to come along, and it’s impossible to breathe only some parts of the air around us. That’s why the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) keeps a close eye on the air in an effort to keep us healthy. The EPA tracks and calculates five major air pollutants:

•     Ground Level Ozone
•     Particle Pollution/Matter
•     Carbon Monoxide
•     Sulfur Dioxide
•     Nitrogen Dioxide

Each of these areas is measured on a daily basis. Ground level ozone and airborne particles are the two that post the most threat to human health. Every day, an air quality report is generated to inform the public. The air quality index (AQI) is the index for measuring and reporting air quality. The higher the AQI value, the more polluted the air is. Anything below 100 is considered satisfactory, anything above 100 can be problematic.

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AQI and the EPA: Our HVAC Experts Break it Down

There are six main levels of air quality according to the EPA:

1.    “Good” AQI is 0 to 50.
2.    “Moderate” AQI is 51 to 100. Air quality is acceptable; however, there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people, like those with respiratory problems.
3.    “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” AQI is 101 to 150. Although the general public is not likely to be affected, older adults and young children are at a greater risk from the presence of particles in the air.
4.    “Unhealthy” AQI is 151 to 200. Everyone, regardless of age, may begin to experience some adverse health effects, and sensitive groups may experience more serious effects.
5.    “Very Unhealthy” AQI is 201 to 300. This would trigger a government-issued health alert, signifying that everyone may experience more serious health effects.
6.    “Hazardous” AQI is greater than 300. This would trigger health warning emergency conditions. The entire population is more than likely to be affected.

The AQI measures how clean or polluted the air you breathe is. There’s not much we can do about the polluted air outside our homes, but learning how to improve your indoor air quality can make a huge difference for your home and family.

Home Air Quality

Just like pollution and irritants outside can harm us, our indoor air quality is just as important. Perhaps more so, if you tend to spend more time indoors than out. Health effects from pollutants and dust in your indoor air can cause immediate problems like headaches, fatigue, concentration problems, skin rashes, and eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation. They may also cause long-term problems like asthma and even some life-threatening heart and lung diseases. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) claims that inadequate HVAC maintenance is a major cause of poor indoor air quality.

Calculate Your Indoor Air Quality

Air enters your home in several ways. When you open a door or a window, air will make its way in. It also enters, seemingly unnoticed, through cracks and drafts. The air intake system in your HVAC system will also bring outdoor air inside.

The pollution outside can affect your indoor air quality, but it can also be affected by radon, carbon monoxide, bacteria, mold, and other indoor health hazards. It’s worth getting your air quality checked, especially if you or your children are in a high-risk group.

Your indoor air quality is measured with a tool called a VOC sensor. This measures organic compounds and can pick up even small levels of pollutants, chemicals, ketones and more. Because of the equipment required, this is usually done by a professional with the facilities to detect a wide range of pollutants. For more information on how to calculate the air inside your home, connect with the professionals at Green HVAC today.

How to Improve Air Quality in Your Home

Once you know more about your indoor air quality, you can take steps to improve it. There are three main strategies to improve indoor air quality:

1.   Source Control: The most effective way is to simply eliminate the source of pollution. This may include removing asbestos, mold, gas stoves, or other sources of common problems.
2.  Improved Ventilation: You can decrease the concentration of pollutants by increasing the ventilation in your home. This means using your HVAC system effectively, along with additional use of fans, opening doors, and windows, etc. All of this can make a big difference in helping to circulate and ventilate the air inside your home.
3.   Air Cleaners: There are several types of air cleaners on the market that are manufactured to clean the particles in the air. From a table-top model to a whole-house system, they can be effective but are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Finding what works best for your home and your family is critical when deciding to purchase an air cleaning system.

Indoor Air Quality and Your HVAC System

One of the best ways to ensure your own air quality is at its best is to have your HVAC system examined regularly. Your HVAC is responsible for the air quality and comfort of your home and those inside it. Maintaining your system on a regular basis offers an improved environment for you and your family. If it’s been more than six months since your last HVAC maintenance appointment, let the experts at Green HVAC go to work for you. We can help to clean and clear out your system in order to provide you and your family with a nice, deep (and clean) breath of fresh air.

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16 HVAC Tips for Summer & Winter

Are you stuck in a sticky, sweltering hot summer or a bitter, freezing cold winter? Your HVAC system needs to work its best in all types of weather, all year long to keep you and your family comfortable. Preventative maintenance and routine upkeep ensure that your system is ready to go when the worst of both types of weather strike. However, there are things you can do to help beat the heat in the summer and stay warm during the winter months, without the extra use of your HVAC system.

Winter HVAC Tips for Staying Toasty Warm

•       Warm yourself first: It’s easier to change your body temperature than it is a room’s temperature. Use a pair of warm house slippers to keep your feet cozy. This helps to regulate the rest of your body temperature. Layer clothing by adding on a comfortable sweater or cardigan.

•       Turn on a fan: It sounds counterproductive, but it’s not. Even in the winter, you can turn on a fan to circulate the air inside the room. Moving warm air around means the room stays warmer longer, and so do you.

•       Rotate your ceiling fan circulation: Take a closer look at your ceiling fans. If they are running counterclockwise, they are pulling air up. Because warm air rises, this leaves the room cooler. In the winter, turn them so they run clockwise and push warm air back down.

•       Prevent drafts: Use door stops, additional window insulation and anything else you can use to help keep the cold air out. Since your pool noodles aren’t being used in the winter anyway, you can use them inside your home, as they can make great draft blockers.

•       Program your thermostat: Make your system work on your own schedule. Let it be colder while you’re away and warm up only when you’re actually in the house. If you have a smart thermostat you can actually program it from your smartphone.

•       Get Cooking: Your oven and stove can heat up the entire house, so make some cookies and homemade cocoa and enjoy the chilly weather.

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Summer HVAC Tips to Beat the Heat

•       Dress Carefully: Swap out the fuzzy woolies for cotton and lighter fabrics and materials to wear or sleep in around your home.  

•       Use Fans: Fans don’t actually cool the air, but they do circulate the air around you, which can make you feel cool.

•       Create a breeze: Did you know you can create your own breeze? Use two fans and create a cross breeze between them.

•       Open windows at night: Check the weather forecast, and if it’s going to dip below 60 or so, open the windows and give the AC a break.

•       Drink: Staying hydrated is a huge step of taking care of your body and keeping yourself cool all day long during the summer months.

•       Unplug devices:  Small appliances and electronics give off heat; save energy and reduce heat by unplugging things you aren’t using.

•       Close the blinds: A significant portion of unwanted heat comes from windows. Curtains, blinds, shades, and drapes can make a huge difference in maintaining a cool indoor temperature.

•       Ice Fan Hack: Fill a mixing bowl with ice and put it in front of a large fan. The air whips off the ice and gives off a nice chilly breeze.

•       Turn around the ceiling fans: Make sure your ceiling fans are running counterclockwise, this pulls warm air up and leaves the room cooler.

•       Cook Outside: Fire up that grill and do as much of your hot cooking outside as possible. Keep the kitchen cooled off by limiting the use of the oven and stove.

While it may be tempting to crank up the AC or turn up the heat, this can leave you with sticker shock when you see your monthly bill. Instead, try these tips and tricks to stay comfortable, without overworking your system and squeezing your budget. For more information and ideas, connect with Collins Heating and Air today. 

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Why You Shouldn’t Try DIY HVAC Repairs

Creating that delicate balance between heating elements, cooling fans, advanced equipment, optimum airflow, and motor mechanics takes more than a DIY video from YouTube.  You may be able to change your own oil, paint a bedroom, or install a ceiling fan, but that doesn’t mean you’re qualified to take on a DIY HVAC replacement. Attempting to save a little money at first can end up in costly consequences later.

Professional experience and training play a major key in safely and successfully installing and repairing your HVAC equipment. Because the equipment is more involved, advanced, and complicated than ever before, HVAC installation and repairs should always be left to the professionals. If you have a system that needs fixing, connect with Scott Miller Heating and Air today. 

Licensed HVAC Contractors: Qualifications and Skills

Becoming an expert in residential central air systems often takes years of training. In many locations, HVAC contractors must pass a professional licensing exam and complete specific requirements in order to become certified to work as an HVAC contractor.

Once they are certified, contractors must continue to receive additional training as new products and technologies are introduced. Because they are constantly learning and participating in training, this allows them to keep up with new technology and techniques. Using a qualified professional means that they show up ready to solve problems in more ways than one.

No YouTube video can give you the years of expertise it takes to diagnose current problems, predict future ones, and look for the hidden issues that are less than obvious.

What is HVAC?

Even if you understand basic concepts, HVAC is more complicated than it seems. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning is just the beginning of what HVAC actually entails.
Your HVAC system affects the health of your entire environment. It also affects your utility bills, temperature, and humidity, which makes a difference to your interior furnishings like paintings, instruments, furniture, and flooring.

•     Heating-In addition to heating your home, warm air affects humidity, vapor pressure, building material durability, and emission rates. What if you have too much heat? Or not enough? Can you alter the design of your system to get the right heat in the right spaces?

•     Ventilation-Ventilation keeps the air fresh, but also conditions and filters the air between indoor and outdoor air. Do you live near common air pollutants? Do you know how to deal with them? What about radon? Are you prepared to manage that as well?

•     Air Conditioning-We all know that the AC keeps us cool, but it also decontaminates, deodorizes, dehumidifies, and changes the condition of the air itself. Do you need dehumidification? Do you know how much or what kind? What about electrostatic charges?

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Routine HVAC Maintenance: What You Can Do

There are a few things you can, and should, be doing to take care of your own system. Being a responsible homeowner doesn’t mean you have to do everything yourself, but there are a few items you can put on your own to-do list.

1.    Air Filters: This is the easiest things on the list. Check the filter periodically, about once a month, and change it as necessary. If you have pets, or excessive dust, or open windows often, you may have to check and change it more often as well.
2.    Clean Ducts and Registers: Keeping your system clean and tidy will help it run as smooth as possible. Cleaning your air ducts reduces the amount of dust in your home, and helps your home and the air inside stay cleaner. A regular vacuum or Shop Vac can remove a lot of this gunk without the need for professional equipment.
3.    Check Drains: Check the drains around your system to ensure they aren’t clogged by algae and mold. You can pour a mixture of water and bleach into your drain once a year if you have issues with algae and mold growth.
4.    Find a Break: In between seasons of extreme temperatures, find ways to give your system a break. Use a fan or put on a sweater to stay comfortable, and let your system take a break at the same time.

Sometimes, it’s what you don’t pay for that will end up costing you more in the long run. A DIY HVAC job may feel more beneficial for your wallet, but only for the short term. Over time, every DIY attempt can add discomfort and stress to your life. Even if you find a temporary fix while trying to replace or repair something, it can cause more significant problems down the road. When it comes to your HVAC system, leave it to the experts. Chances are, it’s less expensive than you think, and it’s always going to be worth it.

If you have more questions about the do’s and don’ts of HVAC, talk to a professional at Scott Miller Heating and Air today.

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11 Common Myths vs HVAC Facts

Whether it’s the dog days of summer or a long winter’s night, you want to get the most out of your HVAC system all year long. Over the years, air conditioning myths and heating and cooling “tricks” and tips from less-than-reputable sources have infiltrated homes everywhere. Most of these tricks are ineffective at best, and sometimes even harmful.

HVAC is a hard niche to understand unless you’re heavily involved in it and know the system inside and out. That’s where we come in. These are some of the most common myths you’ve probably heard before, but A.A.S.M. Heating and Cooling has the truth you need to know. 

The Truth Behind Common HVAC Myths

Myth #1: Air filters don’t need to be changed on a regular basis, so I can change it myself when needed…

The Truth: This one is only half false. Yes, you can change the air filter yourself, but they definitely need attention on a regular basis. The dirtier they get, the less efficiently they run.

Myth #2: Moving the thermostat all the way up or down cools or heats a building faster…

The Truth: Does an elevator come quicker if you push the button more than once? No, and the same concept applies to your thermostat. It isn’t a magic wand, and it doesn’t work harder or faster if you raise or lower it. The thermostat is nothing more than a regulator that instructs your system when to turn on and off based on the temperature you want the room to maintain.

Myth #3: Closing vents in rooms can save you more money…

The Truth: Actually, closing vents doesn’t save you money and can eventually cause problems in your system. When you close vents, it throws off your system’s balance and re-routes the airflow in your home. This potentially leads to other issues caused by pressure buildup in the ducts of your system.

Myth #4: Routine maintenance is not necessary…

The Truth: Routing maintenance for your HVAC system is the same as a standard oil change for your car. Not only is it necessary, but it’s critical when it comes to making sure your system works like it’s supposed to, regardless of the weather outside. While repairs aren’t always needed, routine maintenance ensures little problems don’t turn into big ones.

Myth #5: The bigger, the better…

The Truth: Bigger systems tend to cycle on and off more, which costs more and makes your system work harder, which in turn, shortens its lifespan. Some homeowners think a bigger system will work better, but sometimes working harder isn’t necessarily working smarter.

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Myth #6: An energy efficient unit will reduce my bills…

The Truth: It could, but that’s not all that matters. Even the most energy efficient model won’t help reduce bills in a drafty house if the system isn’t being cared for properly. The truth is, you and your system both have to be efficient in the effort to lower utility bills.

Myth #7: Leaving the unit on is cheaper than turning it off…

The Truth: Many people believe that if you go out of town or are gone all day, it’s cheaper to set your thermostat high (or low depending on the season) rather than just turning it off. The truth is, having your unit cycle on/off doesn’t cost extra. It will always save more energy and money to just turn it off completely if you’re not using it.

Myth #8: If I’m hot, I’ll just use a fan…

The Truth: A fan is not an air conditioner. Fans are designed to circulate air, not to cool it. It can cool you off by moving air across your skin, but it will not actually lower the temperature of the room, even if you leave it on all day long.

Myth #9: My system doesn’t require maintenance…

The Truth: It doesn’t matter how fancy or how expensive your system is, it still needs regular maintenance. Even a Lexus needs an oil change. The healthiest of people still visit their doctor regularly for check-ups. Your HVAC system works the same way. Routine maintenance measures are more simple and more cost-efficient to conduct and carry out, rather than waiting for something to go wrong and fix it all at once.

Myth #10: Keeping the temperature the same is more efficient…

The Truth: Keeping the same temperature all day long can be a risky move resulting in sky-high energy bills. The goal is to use the least amount of energy possible. Less energy is used when the difference between the inside and outdoor temperature is small, so it is a good idea to set your home’s temperature as close to the outdoor temperature as possible when you’re not home. A programmable thermostat allows you to change the temperature to achieve the best balance between efficiency and comfort.

Myth #11: Thermostat location doesn’t matter…

The Truth: If your thermostat is in direct sunlight, or near a vent, it will probably shut down your system too early. The thermostat should be placed in an area that is easy to access, but not near a vent or window.

Your HVAC system is there to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality. Get the most effective use and fewer breakdowns by caring for your system the same way you care for your cars, home furnishings, or even your own health. Regular check-ups and ongoing maintenance increase longevity and ensure your family will be comfortable all year long. To ensure your system is working its best, talk with a pro at A.A.S.M. Heating and Cooling today.

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How to Hire an HVAC Contractor

It’s the middle of January and your furnace just died. While the family is huddled around the fireplace, you quickly Google “HVAC contractor”, call the first one in the list, and hope that it works out. We’ve all been there, and most of us are happy to hire the first repairman that is available in case of emergency, but that’s not always the best choice. If you need to make a major or costly upgrade to your home's furnace, air conditioning or air ducts, it's time to choose an HVAC contractor who you can count on.

Ventilation has become a technology of its own. With more advanced heating and cooling systems than ever before, you need the right  contractor to install, repair, and maintain it. With offers and deals from every handyman around the corner, it can be difficult and overwhelming to choose the right one.

My Trusted Contractor has taken the guesswork out of it and given you everything you need to know about how to choose and hire an contractor that will work for you and get the job done right.

Hiring Your HVAC Contractor

Research: With so many different options, finding the right contractor for the job can quickly become overwhelming. Start by doing research in your area to see what, and who, is available. Chances are, you’ll find some big companies, a few mom and pops, and maybe a contractor who owns his own business.  

Ask Questions: Once you have a list of possible HVAC contractors to consider, give them a call and ask a few key questions that can tell you a lot about their company, themselves, and raise any red flags.

1.    License, bond, and insurance. Start by ensuring the company and the technician are both licensed by the state and carry the appropriate insurance. Most states mandate the education, exams, and job experience required to be licensed as an HVAC contractor. Any professional that works in your home should carry liability insurance to protect you and your home in case of damage or injury.


2.    References. This one is important, and unfortunately, often skipped over. Any local HVAC contractor should have a list of recent customers you can contact to verify their performance, work, and customer service. Asking for a list of references is the first part, while actually calling them is the second. This can give you valuable insight you may not find with online reviews.


3.    Brands. Ask a potential contractor what brand of equipment they carry, and what brands they service. This gives you the opportunity to research those brands, and also find a contractor that uses brands you may prefer or already be familiar with.


4.    Estimates. If you are looking for a new installation or replacement, the cost is likely going to be a pretty important factor. Any time you’re going to sink a significant investment into your home, it’s worth it to get at least three estimates.


5.    Tax credits. Ask about any incentives, credits, rebates, or tax benefits available. This tells you two important things. Even if you choose not to take advantage of these possibilities, it shows how educated the contractor is about current incentives.


6.    Payment options. You definitely don’t want any surprises when it comes to paying the bill. Ask about whether they accept a payment plan, how much is expected up front, and what types of payment options they take.


7.    The contract. Ask for a sample of their service contract. A sample allows you to read it thoroughly without the pressure of signing anything.


8.    Pay attention. While asking these questions and talking with the company or contractor themselves, pay attention and read between the lines. Don’t only listen to what they’re telling you, but how they are providing information. How do they react to your questions? Are they patient and willing to explain things thoroughly? This can give you valuable insight into their customer service side.  

Finding a company and technician you can trust means you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you don’t have to do it yourself, which can often result in further damage and more expenses down the road. You can partner with us and let us help pair you with the right contractor for the job. Simply let us find a contractor for you today.

Why is Hiring a Heating & Cooling Expert Important?

Chances are you may have a family member or friend who is convinced they can fix it themselves, but that doesn’t necessarily make them a qualified choice. A quality heating and air conditioning technician and/or company establishes a relationship with you and brings system expertise to offer pinpoint solutions to your problems. They have the resources available to deal with any current issues as well as predict and prevent future issues. Often, even the best DIY attempts can result in more damage and more money spent.

Your HVAC system is one of the most complex systems in your home or business; hiring an HVAC contractor that is well trained to replace, install, and deal with different problems is essential. You probably wouldn’t attempt to replace your own roof or install a new electrical line. Finding a heating contractor is equally essential and plays a crucial role in your home’s comfort, air quality, and safety. Connect with a contractor today to ensure your system is running its best. 

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Home Energy Audits: What You Need to Know

How much do you know about your home? I’m not talking about your address or where things are in the kitchen, I’m talking about what really goes on inside your home. Chances are, we assume everything is working fine. Until it’s not. 

What is an Energy Audit?

A home energy audit is one of the best ways to truly see how your home is functioning and what you can do to make it better. Energy audits assess how much energy your home or business consumes and helps to evaluate what measures you can take to make your home/business more energy efficient.

In a recent article in the Washington Post, Ely Jacobsohn, who manages the Home Performance with Energy Star program at the U.S. Department of Energy said, “Audits are important for homeowners because they provide solutions based on proven building science. They find the root cause of problems, rather than just treating symptoms.”

By finding the root cause of problems, you can make a big difference in how efficient your home is. What if you opened your next power bill and it had dropped by more than 50%?

Understanding what is sucking up energy and then learning how to fix it can make a huge difference in your monthly bills. Energy efficiency upgrades identified by a home energy audit can save you between 5 and 30 percent on monthly energy bills. This can potentially save significant amounts of money for your family over time.

How Does a Home Energy Audit Work?

A home energy audit is a two-part process that can be done by any professional energy auditor. Sometimes, an HVAC contractor can also perform an audit, but often times it is a professional auditor through the local energy department who performs the service. If your HVAC contractor cannot perform the audit, they can recommend you to someone who can. You can also find a professional auditor through the Building Performance Institute, the Residential Energy Services Network or on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star website.

Part 1: Assessment

The first part of a home energy audit is the assessment. This is where the auditor will begin by analyzing your energy bills and completing a visual, health, and safety inspection. Sometimes they may use special equipment to detect sources of energy loss. This may include things like an infrared camera, combustion analyzer, blower door, manometer, draft gauge, and moisture meter. Often, their expertise and experience can notice and detect problems right away. Because they know what to look for, they may see problems that are often overlooked or go undetected.

Part 2: Analysis

The second part of the audit is done by specialized computer software that analyzes the specific data gathered by the auditor. After the audit is complete, and the data is processed, a report is generated that provides results, recommendations, and lists possible other issues if any were found. This analysis is the most valuable part of an energy audit. It provides a comprehensive report that shows which energy efficient upgrades are best for your home/business and your wallet.

Part 3: Your Score

Choose an auditor who provides a home energy score at the end of the audit. This score rates the efficiency of your house based on its age, size, and heating, cooling and water systems. The score ranges from one to 10, with 10 indicating lowest energy use. It estimates how much energy your house will use in a year given the size of your family and the weather in the area. This gives you a clear measurement of where your home is and what you can do to improve.

Still have questions about how it works? No problem. Get connected with a local contractor and speak to a professional today.

Home Energy Audits and Your HVAC System

Home energy audits examine every component within the HVAC system. It helps determine what parts of your system are working overtime, and which parts could use an update. An HVAC energy audit is the best way to determine how much energy your system uses. It also pinpoints where and when the energy consumption directly stems from.  Where and when is the energy the heaviest and the lightest? What areas and equipment cause the most energy loss? What are the ages, types, and conditions of the system components? And most importantly, does the system pose a health risk to you or your family?

Periodic audits should be a part of any preventative maintenance program. While it’s probably unnecessary to conduct an audit every year, it can be especially helpful every few years. In many states, you might even be eligible for rebates or low-cost energy efficient solutions and renovations.

Energy Audits and Your Future

A home energy audit can also be essential if you’re moving into a new home, building a new home, or if you live in an older home before efficient systems were common. A big, old historical home can be a beautiful investment, but it can also be a drafty energy sucker.

Once your audit is complete, you can learn how you use energy, where it’s being wasted, and what measures to take to prioritize your consumption, your equipment, and your budget.  Furthermore, if you choose to make energy audits part of your annual maintenance plan, you can compare year to year reports, all while adjusting to keep your home/business as comfortable as possible, all year long. For more information about setting up an energy audit, let us find a contractor for you today.

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Creative Home Improvement Tips That You Have Never Thought Of

We have all thought about what our dream home would look like. It’s natural! After all, we spend most of our time at home, so we might as well make it as perfect as possible. Some of us would like to have two staircases in the house for easy access, to be perched on top of a hill with a great backyard view, or to have a his and her walk-in closet.

Regardless of what your dream home will look like, I guarantee you that the creative and unique home remodeling ideas below will make you reconsider. After reading through this list, I couldn’t help but add a few new ideas to my wish list.

Create a bedroom for the dog!
Save space in your home and create a bedroom under-the-stairs for the family dog.

Lower the living room
Create a unique feel to the living room by making it “sink.” It’s an elegant design that creates a space within a space.

Baseboards that vacuum!
Rather than vacuum or use a dustpan to clean up the crumbs and other scraps on the floor, this special baseboard will be a huge time-saver. Just use a broom and this will suck up all the debris!

A sink with jets in the laundry room
Tired of separating your delicates from the other clothes? Install a sink with jets in the laundry room so that you can wash your delicates while you wash the other clothes. Talk about being efficient!

Nap in the clouds
Cover the walls in your attic with cloud/sky-like wallpaper. Then put pillows all over the floor to create an awesome nap environment.

Maximize the staircase with storage space
Why should the space below the stairs go to waste? Add a pull-out storage unit underneath the stair!

Built-in bunk beds
Build the bunk beds directly into the walls for a more classy and sophisticated feel.

Accordion windows for the kitchen
Install accordion windows for easy open and close. This is perfect for the kitchen as it lets you air out any unwanted odors, and it provides a warm, cool breeze while you cook!

Create a cozy nook!
Find unused space and create a cozy, comfortable nook to take a nap or read a book.

Try a small office
If you don’t want to create a nook with unused space, try to create a small office.

Two dishwashers
Two is always (usually) better than one. In this case, two dishwashers saves you so much time. Alternate between the two so that you always have clean dishes readily available.

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