Skip to main content
search
Oct 29
Love0
Candle Test

The Candle Test

By Informational No Comments

Find Hidden Drafts in Your Home Using a Candle or Incense — Simple Tips from Austin Home Renovations

Here in Austin, our weather can swing from warm afternoons to chilly nights surprisingly fast. If your home feels drafty in certain rooms, or your heating system seems to be working harder than it should, you may have small air leaks letting cold air in. The good news is that finding these drafts doesn’t require any special tools — just a simple candle or an incense stick.

Why Drafts Are Worth Fixing

Drafts may seem minor, but they can:

  • Let out the warm air you’re paying to heat

  • Make certain rooms uncomfortable

  • Increase monthly energy costs

Even small leaks add up over time, so identifying and sealing them can make your home more efficient and comfortable.

How to Locate Drafts Using a Candle or Incense

What You’ll Need:

  • A candle or an incense stick

  • A lighter or match

  • A bit of patience

Steps:

  1. Turn off fans, heaters, or anything that moves air so the flame or smoke won’t be influenced.

  2. Walk slowly around your home and hold the candle or smoke about an inch away from areas where drafts commonly appear:
  • Window frames
  • Exterior doors
  • Baseboards
  • Electrical outlets on exterior walls
  • Attic access doors
  • Dryer vent connections and plumbing penetrations

What to Notice:

If the flame flickers or smoke moves sideways, there is a leak in that area.

Easy and Affordable Fixes

Most small drafts can be sealed with simple, inexpensive materials:

Problem AreaQuick SolutionCostDifficulty
Gaps around windows/doorsSelf-adhesive weatherstrippingLowEasy
Space under exterior doorsDoor sweep or fabric draft stopperLowEasy
Leaks around window trimClear caulk (indoor) or exterior caulk (outdoor)Low–MediumModerate
Drafts at wall outlets on exterior wallsFoam outlet gasketsVery lowEasy
Attic access panel leakFoam insulation strips + weatherstrippingLowEasy

Tip: Older windows can benefit from a seasonal window insulation film kit — inexpensive and very effective during colder months.

When to Call a Professional

If drafts persist after sealing, or if you notice:

  • Cold spots inside walls

  • Visible gaps in insulation

  • Moisture, staining, or signs of pest intrusion

These may be signs of larger insulation or structural air barrier issues. At that point, it’s a good idea to bring in a professional for a thorough assessment.

Need Help? We’re Local and Happy to Assist.

At Austin Home Renovations, we help homeowners improve comfort, efficiency, and long-term value. Whether you need simple air sealing guidance or a more involved insulation upgrade, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to schedule an evaluation or ask a question — we’re always glad to offer friendly advice.

Photo by Rajat Verma on Unsplash

Apr 11
Love0

Spring Inspirations

By Inspiration No Comments

As the warmth of spring breathes new life into our surroundings, it’s the perfect time to revitalize the heart of your home, THE KITCHEN and rejuvenate your sanctuary, THE BATHROOM. From innovative design trends to timeless materials, here’s a glimpse into what’s shaping kitchens and bathrooms in 2024.

Kitchen Design Trends:

  1. Open Shelving: Say goodbye to traditional cabinets and hello to open shelving.
  2. Bold Backsplashes: Inject personality into your kitchen with bold and colorful backsplashes.
  3. Integrated Appliances: Seamlessly blend appliances into your kitchen design with integrated models.
  4. Quartz Countertops: Quartz continues to reign supreme in kitchen design, offering durability, versatility, and a wide range of color options
  5. Matte Finishes: Embrace the matte trend with matte-finished cabinetry and fixtures.
  6. Sustainable Choices: Eco-friendly materials are on the rise, with homeowners opting for sustainable options such as bamboo flooring, recycled glass countertops, and reclaimed wood accents.

 

Bathroom Design Trends:

  1. Spa-like Retreats: Transform your bathroom into a serene spa-like retreat with luxurious amenities such as soaking tubs and rainfall showers.
  2. Statement Lighting: Make a statement with bold and artistic lighting fixtures in the bathroom.
  3. Smart Technology: Embrace the future with smart technology in the bathroom. From motion-activated faucets to smart mirrors with integrated lighting and touch screen capabilities.

With these latest trends and tips, you can elevate the style and functionality of your kitchen and bathroom, creating spaces that reflect your unique taste and lifestyle. Whether you’re planning a full remodel or a simple refresh, let the spirit of spring inspire your design journey.  As always, Austin Home Renovations is here to help you with every step of that journey.

Mar 08
Love0
Bluebonnets

Springtime in Texas

By Informational No Comments

Spring has sprung, and it’s time to prepare your home for the new season. Here are some projects that you can do to help you ease into the season.

• Clean and repair your gutters to prevent water damage.
• Replace your siding with a new material that matches your style and budget.
• Service your AC unit to save money and avoid breakdowns.
• Update your windows with new energy-efficient alternatives.
• Refresh your outdoor living space with new furniture, plants, and lighting.
• Start thinking about that Outdoor Kitchen you’ve been dreaming about.

If you need any help or advice along the way, please feel free to reach out to us. Here at Austin Home Renovations, we have the knowledge and expertise to handle all of your home projects, big or small. We look forward to working with you. Enjoy the Bluebonnets!

Jan 12
Love0

Preparing the Home for the Upcoming Freeze

By Informational No Comments

As our first winter freeze approaches,  we brace ourselves for the chilly temperatures and it’s essential to ensure that your home is ready to face the upcoming freeze. While frozen pipes may seem like an unavoidable consequence of cold winters, there are several proactive measures you can take to safeguard your plumbing system and prevent costly repairs.

One of the most effective ways to prevent frozen pipes is to insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces, attics, and basements. Pipe insulation, readily available at hardware stores, comes in various forms, including foam sleeves, heat tape, and heat cables. Additionally, seal up any air leaks around pipes, electrical wiring, and dryer vents to prevent cold air from reaching and freezing exposed pipes.

Also, don’t forget to winterize the outdoor spaces.  Prepare your outdoor areas for the freeze by storing or covering patio furniture and plants, disconnecting hoses, and shutting off exterior faucets.

By taking the time to prepare your home for the upcoming freeze, you can make winter more comfortable for you and your family while preventing potential damage.  Stay warm, stay safe, and embrace the beauty of winter from the cozy comfort of your well-prepared home.

Dec 08
Love0
Holiday Kitchen

Spruce Up for the Holidays

By Holiday, Informational, Inspiration No Comments

The holiday season is a time for gatherings, celebrations, and, of course, plenty of delicious food. And what better place to host all the festivities than in a warm and inviting kitchen? If your kitchen is looking a bit dated or in need of a refresh, there are several simple and affordable updates you can make to create a festive and welcoming space for the holidays.

  1. Add a Touch of Color

A fresh coat of paint or new cabinet hardware can instantly transform the look and feel of your kitchen. Consider painting your cabinets in a warm and inviting color, such as a rich red or a cozy green. Or, if you’re looking for a more subtle update, simply replace your cabinet hardware with new knobs and pulls in a festive finish, such as gold or brass.

  1. Update Your Lighting

Proper lighting can make a big difference in the overall ambiance of your kitchen. If your kitchen is feeling a bit dark, consider adding under-cabinet lighting, which can provide both task lighting and a warm glow. You can also replace your existing overhead lights with fixtures that have a more festive feel, such as pendant lights or chandeliers.

  1. Spruce Up Your Countertops

The holiday season is a time for gatherings, celebrations, and, of course, plenty of delicious food. And what better place to host all the festivities than in a warm and inviting kitchen? If your kitchen is looking a bit dated or in need of a refresh, there are several simple and affordable updates you can make to create a festive and welcoming space for the holidays.

  1. Accessorize with Festive Decor

No holiday kitchen makeover is complete without a touch of festive décor. Hang a wreath on the door, put out a festive tablecloth, and decorate your countertops with holiday-themed candles and figurines. You can also add a touch of greenery by placing fresh herbs or flowers on your windowsill.

With a few simple updates, you can transform your kitchen into a festive and welcoming space for the holidays. Your guests will be impressed, and you’ll be able to enjoy the season in style.

Happy Holidays from all of us!

Nov 16
Love0
Fall Porch

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

By Informational No Comments

Fall is a great time to prepare your home for the coming winter months. Here is a fall home maintenance checklist to help you get started:

Inside

  • Inspect your heating system.
  • Change your furnace filter.
  • Check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Seal air leaks.
  • Insulate your attic.

Outside

  • Clean your gutters and downspouts.
  • Inspect your roof.
  • Trim your trees.
  • Protect your outdoor faucets.
  • Store your lawn equipment.
  • Clean your fireplace and chimney.
  • Winterize your sprinkler system.
  • Cover your outdoor furniture.

By following these tips, you can help keep your home safe and comfortable all winter long.

May 29
Love0
Memorial Day - Remember and Reflect

Memorial Day – Remember and Reflect

By Holiday No Comments

As our elected officials continue their political struggles in Washington, each exercising their rights to voice their opinions, as to what they think is best for our nation, we the people continue to hang in limbo. But no matter how frustrated we may be, we must practice patience and not loose sight of the fact that we live in this great county called America, where we have these rights.  And while it may not be perfect, it must be pretty desirable, because thousands of people from all over the world, are trying to cross our borders  every single day, so that they too may live the American Dream.

We are the United States of America

United we will stand

But divided, we are destined to fall !

So let us take a minute to give thanks for all that we have. And let us pray for those who are less fortunate. And let us also pray for the strength and wisdom to find compromise, so that we can preserve this great nation, for future generations to come.

And  on this Memorial Day weekend  let us honor and pay our highest respects those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, to preserve these rights and freedoms that We the People enjoy every single day!

And please enjoy this song that I wrote freely with my friend and fellow songwriter Ron Day (Red and Blue link below).

Red and Blue

And have a Great Memorial Day

Close Menu