4 Tips to Make the Most Out of Small Space Living in NYC

June 21, 2023 by

Those who live in New York City love it and could never imagine living anywhere else! Of course small space living is the norm in NYC, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still live large. Your home can feel open and welcoming, no matter the size. With a little planning and a lot of creativity, you can effortlessly unlock the secret to living large in your cozy NYC dwelling.

1) The first step is to clear the clutter. Maintaining a well-organized and uncluttered floor space is essential. Minimizing the interruptions in floor lines will reduce visual fatigue and create a more open environment. In addition, freeing up your floor space gives you more room to move around! When decluttering, it is beneficial to reflect on the emotional attachments you may have to your possessions. Asking these questions as you are purging can guide you to make more intentional choices about your living space.

  • Does this item add value to my life?
  • Have I used this item in the last year?
  • Do I have more than one of these items? 
  • Would I buy this item again?
  • How many times have I used this item
  • Does this item fit in my space?

2) Opt for multifunctional furniture that doubles as storage. This will not only save space, but it will also save money. Instead of investing in multiple furniture pieces, consider having one item of furniture with multiple functions. For example, consider replacing your lounge chair or sofa with a versatile sleeper couch. Swap out your coffee table for an ottoman that doubles as additional seating for guests. Choose an entryway bench equipped with storage compartments to neatly accommodate extra shoes. Explore the option of a room divider that features built-in shelving, and utilize dividers and shelf inserts to organize items neatly. Prioritize tables with drawers to increase storage capacity.

3) Use the vertical space in your home. Create storage where there once was none by adding floating shelves to your walls. Mounted storage cabinets serve as excellent space-saving alternatives, providing additional storage possibilities. Desks, televisions, and lamps are other items that can be mounted on the wall to help turn wall space into floor space. By utilizing these wall-mounted options, you can create a sense of openness and enhance functionality. Additionally, consider drawing the gaze upward with a fun light fixture, crown molding, tall window treatments, or elevated shelves.

4) Decorate to give the illusion of a more spacious environment. Small spaces often suffer from limited natural light due to having small windows or a lack of windows. Pull in as much natural light from your windows as possible. Embrace multiple sources of light for all other areas. Try vertical floor lamps in the corners of the room for a wide open feeling. Opting for a monochromatic color scheme or utilizing varying shades of the same color can make your space feel larger. Soft, pale, neutral colors on the walls and floor will give the biggest illusion of space. Use reflective surfaces like glass and mirrors to bounce the light from windows and create the impression of increased square footage. Finally, remember that there’s no need to fill every inch of your small space with decor. Leaving open space can make your home feel bigger and more airy. 

If you are searching for lighter colored window guards to complement your home, Sentry Window Guards is proud to be the first in the industry to offer 20 standard architectural colors in AAMA 2604 Powder Coating. This finish utilizes the newest green technology, providing an unmatched performance in durability exceeding all industry standards and is able to match any building facade and window frame colors. Sentry is also capable of matching any color that isn’t part of our standard color selection.

Just like you, Sentry Window Guards is proud to call New York City our home and the forefront of our mission is creating a safe and secure environment for your family. We provide various types of childproof window locking mechanisms and safety devices for your home or building. To learn more about our products and how they effectively promote window safety in NYC homes, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Filed Under: Summer Home Tips Tagged With: ,

How to Control Humidity in Your NYC Home this Summer

May 24, 2023 by

As spring turns into summer, temperatures rise in NYC bringing the dampness and stickiness of humidity. As humidity levels rise not only can it make your home uncomfortable, it can also cause mold and other damage. The ideal range for indoor humidity is between 30-50%. Balance is important because both too much and too little humidity can become problematic.

Signs the Humidity Level is Too High in Your Home

  • Feeling like your skin is moist or clammy
  • Condensation on windows/doors
  • Chipping paint on window frames
  • A musty smell
  • Rotting wood
  • Visible mold or mildew
  • Creaking or buckling floorboards

The easiest way to accurately determine the humidity level in your home is to purchase a hygrometer which measures moisture levels in the air. These devices can easily be found at your local hardware store. If you notice signs of extra moisture in your home, the tips below can help to get summer humidity under control.

Ventilation: Showering, cooking, doing laundry, and dishwashing are a few of the activities that can invite humidity into your home if you do not have proper ventilation. It is important to run ventilation fans in the kitchen and bath areas to reduce the overall amount of damp air. If fans are not an option, opening windows or turning on an oscillating fan can also assist in drying things out. Another option is to lower the temperature of your showers and the water involved in your cleaning tasks by just a few degrees. This will reduce the amount of steam added to the air, which will reduce humidity. Appliances that produce moisture such as dryers and stovetops should be properly vented to the outside of the home and not the attic.

Air Conditioning: While the main function of an air conditioner is to control temperature, did you know they can also help to keep a good balance of moisture in the air? Of course, annual maintenance is essential for keeping your air conditioner running as efficiently as possible. A little history lesson: The first modern electrical air conditioner was created for the purpose of controlling humidity in a publishing company to prevent the paper from expanding and to help the ink to dry faster.

Humidity Reducing Houseplants: Most plants actually release more moisture into the air, but there are a few that help to lower humidity. These house plants absorb moisture from the air through their leaves and can be helpful when used in conjunction with other humidity reducing solutions. A few humidity reducing plants to consider are the peace lily, boston fern, english ivy, reed palm, and tillandsia. 

Crawl Space and Basement Control: There is a chance the humidity levels in your home are inching upward because of the basement or crawl space. Unfortunately, the dampness from these areas can spread upward into the rest of your home. A good fan or the installation of a sump pump in this area can greatly reduce humidity. It is also helpful to cover dirt floors in crawl spaces with a plastic vapor barrier.

Dehumidifier: The most efficient way to remove extra moisture in the air is to use a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier is an easy way to make your home less hospitable to common allergy triggers like dust mites, mold, and mildew that thrive in humid environments. Using a dehumidifier may also reduce your air conditioning usage this summer, because it won’t have to work as hard to keep humidity levels low. 

At Sentry Window Guards our business is to help prevent falls from windows, but we also recognize the importance of good indoor air quality in homes. For more information regarding Sentry Window Guard products and how they keep everyone safe at home in NYC, contact us today!

Filed Under: Summer Home Tips Tagged With: , , ,

Protect Yourself During Peak Allergy Season in NYC

April 29, 2023 by

In New York City, grass and tree pollen levels rise to their peaks in late spring and early summer making allergy symptoms more pronounced. The first week of May is historically peak pollen levels. Pollen from grass plus maple, birch, oak and other trees can not only trigger itchy eyes and runny noses, but also asthma attacks severe enough to prompt a hospital or doctor visit. It’s important to know how to protect yourself from allergens during peak allergy season so that you can enjoy the beauty of New York City in the spring. We have good news about our beloved NYC cherry blossom trees – they aren’t much of an allergy concern because they are pollinated by insects rather than by wind, so their heavy, sticky pollen grains typically don’t travel far enough to reach allergy sufferers. Use the tips below to reduce the effects of allergies during this spring and early summer. 

Keep an Eye on Pollen Levels

The pollen count will fluctuate depending on things like temperature, humidity, and wind. Pollen counts tend to rise on dry, warm, windy days. If you are a severe allergy sufferer, it is recommended to stay indoors on warm, breezy days. Grass pollen levels are highest between 5 am and 10 am, when grass is releasing pollen into the air. While pollen from trees is highest around midday. Stay indoors as much as possible on days when the pollen count is high or it’s windy.

Keep the Pollen Outdoors

We know the spring breeze is just beckoning to be let inside, but when outdoor pollen counts are high, it is best to keep the windows and doors closed as much as you can. Turn on the air conditioner to keep the pollen out and the temperature cool in your home. Pollen counts are highest in the morning and again at night, so only open windows when counts are low. Pets can bring pollen inside on their fur. So brush their hair frequently, wash your hands after touching them, and never rub your eyes after petting them. Your clothes will attract the allergens being kicked around in the air, so change clothes when you’re done being outside for the day. Because allergens can stick to your skin and hair, it is important to shower before bed if you have been outside to remove any allergens that can irritate you overnight. 

Reduce Dust and Pollen Indoors

Dust contains pollen and other irritants that can trigger your allergies so keeping your home free of dust can make a big difference in keeping your seasonal allergies under control. Working from top to bottom in each room, vacuum away all of the dust from above door and window frames, ceiling fans, duct grills, baseboards, and the floor with a HEPA vacuum and brush attachment. A HEPA vacuum can capture 99.97% of all allergens. Have the ventilation system professionally cleaned to remove contaminants and potential allergens found in the ductwork, air conditioner coils, and air-handler. Replace HVAC filters with high quality allergen reducing filters. Try to keep indoor humidity levels below 50 percent to keep dust down and prevent mold growth.

Talk to Your Doctor

Talk to your doctor about taking over the counter allergy medicine preventatively before peak pollen season. Most doctors recommend starting your allergy regimen about a month before allergy season begins. Keep the allergy medication they recommend on you at all times, especially any asthma medication that you might need. Wearing a pollen mask while outside or cleaning inside is also an easy way to reduce exposure to irritants. 

All of us at Sentry Window Guards hope that your spring season is filled with less allergy symptoms and more fun, spring activities! For more information regarding our window guard products and our expertise in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today. 

Filed Under: Spring Home Tips, Summer Home Tips Tagged With: ,

8 Ways to Keep Cool Until End of Summer

August 19, 2022 by

The highest of temperatures are hopefully past us in New York City, but summer is not over yet! Sometimes even small changes can have a huge impact on the effort it requires to stay cool. We rounded up eight ways to keep your cool until the end of the summer

Check Insulation

Lack of insulation and poor quality insulation both allow unwanted summer heat to seep indoors, particularly in upper areas of the home like the attic. Upgrading the insulation in your home can stabilize indoor temperature both in the summer and the winter. While you are checking your insulation, look for leaks along the exterior of your home which let valuable conditioned air escape year-round. Air leaks are especially common around doors, windows, electrical outlets, recessed lighting, wiring penetrations, and attic hatches.

Maintain the A/C Unit

Over time, air conditioning units can accumulate dust and dirt in key areas, causing build-up that can drain the efficiency of your unit by roughly 5 percent each year. Skipping maintenance regularly forces your air conditioner to work harder and also increases your risk of having to make a costly repair. Schedule preventative maintenance for your system and if it has been more than 3 months since you changed the filter, do that now! The dirtier your air filter, the harder the system has to work to keep your home cool.

Rearrange the Furniture

If you have furniture blocking your HVAC registers, your system will have to work harder to get your home to the desired temperature. To keep air flowing freely, take the time to move your furniture around to provide ample room around all your intake and outtake registers.

Turn on Ceiling Fans

A ceiling fan or other circular fan can make you feel six or seven degrees cooler via the wind-chill effect. It is important to know that unlike air-conditioning, a fan doesn’t actually make the air in a room or space cooler. Instead, the fan cools the occupants. So remember to turn all fans off when no one is enjoying them to reduce electricity use. During the summer, ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise to push cool air down to the floor.

Close Window Treatments

Sunlight streaming in through the windows is beautiful to look at, but it brings added heat into the home. To keep your cool for the rest of the summer, close curtains, blinds, and shades on the sunny side of your house, especially during peak sunlight hours. Thermal lined shades are especially effective at reducing heat from sunlight.

Run Ventilation Fans

Use kitchen, bathroom, and even laundry room ventilation fans to remove heat and humidity from these areas. Make sure the fans are vented to the outside, not just the attic.

Change the Light Bulbs

Use energy-efficient light bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs. ENERGY STAR lighting produces 70 to 90 percent less heat than incandescent bulbs.

Install Energy Efficient Windows

Installing high efficiency windows will not only reduce your cooling costs, it is also one of the surest ways to increase your home’s resale value and build equity. 

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe in New York. For more information regarding our window guard products and our expertise in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

Filed Under: Summer Home Tips Tagged With: ,

Red Flags to Watch Out for When Searching for a NYC Home

May 13, 2022 by

NYC home hunting is never an easy task, but it can be especially difficult in the current climate. Sometimes emotions can get in the way of being able to objectively view a property. Use the list of red flags below to stay vigilant throughout the search process.

  • Safety Concerns – Whether renting or buying, always check for security items like peepholes, quality door locks, good lighting, and cameras in common areas. While doors are the first line of defense for your security, windows are the second. Windows should have sturdy, easy to use locks. Look for secure window guards. NYC building owners are required to provide and properly install approved window guards on all windows, including first floor bathrooms, windows leading onto a balcony or terrace in an apartment where a child 10 years of age or younger resides, and windows in each common area, on any floor. Additionally, if tenants or occupants want window guards for any reason, even if there are no resident children 10 years of age or younger, the tenant can request the window guards in writing. 
  • Foundation Issues – Most foundation issues are serious and can’t be ignored, no matter how minor they may look and how much you love the property. Any cracks wider than a half an inch or large cracks that appear to have been recently covered up are a red flag. If a seller is aware of foundation problems, they should disclose that fact when you first view a home. However, owners are often unaware of foundation problems. A home inspector can look for foundation issues and help ensure you’re making a good investment.
  • Too Good to Be True Price – As the saying goes, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. A house may be priced to sell because the owner needs to move on in a short timeline, but it could also mean there are problems with the property. Before you fall in love with a home that is priced to sell, be sure to find out why!
  • Multiple Listings – Are there multiple properties for sale in the general vicinity? This could indicate a problem with the location and location means everything in real estate. A property that has been sold multiple times should also raise a red flag. Do your research on the property and the surrounding area before deciding on a home.
  • Unusual Odors –  Unpleasant odors in a home could indicate a mold infestation, water damage, sewage issues, poor ventilation, leaking pipes, or HVAC issues. If you notice an unusual odor in a home you are interested in, hire an inspector who will pay special attention to unmasking the foul odor.
  • Random Fresh Paint – Repainting is a common practice when vacating a home, but random patches of fresh paint are a red flag. Painting only one side of a room or only a portion of the ceiling could indicate that someone is trying to cover up a defect or water stains from leaking. 

When you do find your dream home, Sentry Window Guards can provide various types of childproof window locking mechanisms and safety devices. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

Filed Under: Safety Tips, Summer Home Tips Tagged With:
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