“Smart” technology is all the rage right now. However, it’s a bit of a disservice to call the Nest a smart thermostat. A learning thermostat suits the bill better. The Nest system learns your heating and cooling habits, and is able to incorporate the information that it gathers, and the data that it compiles, in order to help you live comfortably in a far more convenient manner. With Nest Sense, the Nest thermostat is able to learn about how long it takes your house to warm up and to cool back down, as well as how it can utilize your existing HVAC equipment in a more efficient manner. You will get monthly energy reports from your Nest, but the truth is that this system is able to help you make your home a more efficient place, without you even having to think about it.

With technology as advanced as the Nest thermostat, you may be wondering what its applications are beyond simply heating and cooling your home in an incredibly convenient and efficient manner. Well, there are many different products which are actually being designed to work with the Nest, as denoted by the “works with Nest” logo. When you see this logo, you’ll know that the products it appears on, from washing machines to lights, are Nest-ready. Contact us today to learn more, or to bring your household further into line with the technology of the future.

Cleaning a crystal chandelier isn’t as daunting as it may appear. These precious fixtures require a little more love and care than a desk lamp, but you can restore and maintain your crystal’s shine with common household products and a little know-how.

Everyday Care

If your chandelier is still sparkling clean, simply dust the fixture with a lambswool or feather duster every few weeks. Keep your strokes light, since leaded crystal is softer than glass—even dust can scratch it. Be sure to walk around the fixture as you dust, rather than spinning it towards you. Twisting the fixture can strain the wiring or loosen its support.

Spring Cleaning

Eventually, the fixture will need a more thorough cleaning, especially if it’s in a high-traffic area or kitchen. Mid-size chandeliers are still manageable at this stage, provided you have some clean, lint-free rags, isopropyl alcohol, and a little elbow grease.

Before touching the chandelier, follow rule number one: turn off the power to the room when dealing with a ceiling fixture. At least flip the light switch off and tape it so no one will accidentally turn the light on while you’re working. Set up an alternative light source to aid the cleaning. Once the chandelier bulbs have cooled, cover them with plastic snack bags and secure with a rubber band.

Fill a spray bottle with one part isopropyl alcohol and three parts distilled water. Spray on one section of the chandelier at a time, then wipe off with a white cotton glove or lint-free cloth, making sure you dry the frame as well as the crystal. This solution will clarify the crystal and help remove the haze, but is gentler than ammonia on crystal with a design or edge finish. Even so, gently wipe away after spraying and don’t allow the fixture to drip dry. This will help preserve the frame.

Try cleaning your chandelier every two to six months with the alcohol solution, depending on whether the fixture is in a high-traffic area or not.

Heavy Restoration

If your fixture hasn’t been cleaned in a long time (or just needs extra attention), you can go an extra step before calling a professional. This is where a digital camera comes in handy, as you’ll need to remove individual pendants for a more thorough washing. Take pictures of the connections for reference later, then carefully remove the pendants. You may need a pair of needle-nose pliers to help disengage the pendants from the fixture.

Fill a sink with warm water and some gentle dish soap. Carefully wash each crystal piece and rinse in warm water to avoid any drastic temperature shifts. Set the pendants on a clean cloth to dry. Then simply rehang the pendants and enjoy your sparkling fixture!

Even though our weather has been unseasonably warm as of lately, that doesn’t mean that fall tasks should be ignored. Fall is the perfect time to review whether your heating system needs replacement, prep your home for the cooler weather eventually to come, and install systems that can help make winter a bit more bearable when it does hit. One of these systems is a driveway heating system.

Basically, a heated driveway keeps your pavement warm enough to melt snow as it falls onto the surface, rather than letting the snow pile up. There are two basic types of snow melting systems used for your heated driveway. The first is an electric system that uses electric cables installed into your driveway. With this method, electrical resistance is used to generate heat and an activation device is used to tell your system when to kick into gear.

Another option we offer is the hydronic snow melting system. This utilizes a closed-loop tubing system which is installed in the concrete or asphalt of the area that the system will treat. A water/antifreeze solution is heated and circulated throughout this tubing, thus melting the snow.

Some of the benefits of heated driveways may seem pretty apparent, such as the elimination of the need to shovel snow from your driveway! There are more benefits than just that though. Driveways that are heated prevents ice accumulation during freezing rain, making the act of walking to your car safer. There’s also no need for the use of salt or other snow-removal chemicals, which means your driveway won’t be exposed to the amount of damage these things can do.

Access Lighting is a family owned and operated business committed to providing an extensive inventory of affordable lighting with an outstanding selection of bath vanity lights, kitchen fixtures, foyer and hallway lights, reading lamps, pendants and decorative wall sconces.

Experience the magic of modern design, a fusion of classic shapes, eternal materials and elegant finish options.

Visit a Capitol Lighting showroom or shop online at 1800lighting.com to view the latest innovations and enjoy promotional values on spectacular lighting and home accents from Access.

TOP PICS INCLUDE:

“Viper” indoor spot light

“Prizm” semi flush fixture

“Comet” indoor spot light

“Iron” bath vanity light

“Chimes” LED ceiling fixture

“Argon” ceiling pendant

“Safari” ceiling pendant

Furnish your entire home with the finest illumination from Access Lighting.  From ceiling fixtures and wall lighting, energy-efficient outdoor lighting to outstanding pendants with Italian Art Glass, the latest styles from Access are available at Capitol Lighting.  Transform your home with eco-friendly lighting designs and take advantage of Earth Month savings  and the guaranteed lowest prices at 1800lighting.com!