Author: xingxuhui

Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves bring warmth and comfort to homes across the United States, especially during the colder months. In 2026, more homeowners schedule chimney cleaning and inspection appointments before the first fire of the season, recognizing that regular maintenance prevents many common issues that lead to costly repairs or safety concerns.
Chimney sweeps and certified technicians report steady demand nationwide as families prepare for winter. Professional cleaning removes creosote buildup, soot, debris, bird nests, and other obstructions that accumulate over time. Creosote, a tar-like residue from burning wood, poses a particular risk because it can ignite suddenly and burn at extremely high temperatures. Regular removal keeps the flue clear and reduces the chance of chimney fires.

Em Portugal, muitas famílias com idosos enfrentam a mesma dúvida: como garantir cuidados adequados, segurança e companhia quando os rendimentos são limitados e os custos com lares privados parecem inalcançáveis. Em 2026, a realidade continua a ser desafiante para quem recebe a pensão mínima ou valores próximos, mas existem caminhos reais que permitem o acesso a lares de idosos e residências assistidas, especialmente através de respostas sociais do Estado e das instituições particulares de solidariedade social (IPSS).
O número de idosos com baixos rendimentos continua a crescer e o Governo, através da Segurança Social e das respostas da Rede Nacional de Cuidados Continuados Integrados (RNCCI), mantém e reforça mecanismos que ajudam a cobrir parte ou a totalidade das mensalidades em lares. Em 2026, cerca de 70% dos utentes em lares financiados pelo Estado têm rendimentos inferiores ao salário mínimo nacional, o que mostra que o sistema está preparado para acolher precisamente este público.

Power outages hit hard in many parts of the United States, especially during severe weather seasons. Hurricanes along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, winter storms in the Midwest and Northeast, wildfires in the West, and tornadoes in the central states leave millions without electricity for hours, days, or even longer. In 2026, more homeowners turn to whole-house standby generators to keep lights on, refrigerators running, HVAC systems working, medical devices powered, and security systems active when the grid goes down.
The cost of a whole-house generator with professional installation varies based on several key factors. Homeowners who researched the market in early 2026 found total project prices typically ranging from $12,000 to $28,000, with most completed systems falling between $15,000 and $22,000. These figures include the generator unit itself, transfer switch, concrete pad, electrical wiring, gas piping or propane tank setup, permits, labor, and final testing.