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The Fourth of July is here! As everyone prepares for family barbecues or celebrations in honor of America’s birthday, you may be looking for activities to keep kids and guests entertained. We’ve compiled a list of fun activities for the entire family this Independence Day.

Arts & Crafts

Are you looking for something crafty to do? Show off your patriotism with these projects!

Food coloring rice decor

Take a bag of white rice and determine how much you will need to fill a glass jar. Take ⅔ of the rice and split it evenly between two resealable bags. Add food coloring and ¼ cup of vinegar to the rice to create red and blue rice. Pour the rice out onto a baking sheet and allow it to dry. Once dry, layer them in a glass jar along with the white rice to create cool decor!

Painted mason jars

Are you looking to create a centerpiece for your table? Do you want something fun to hold the utensils for your Independence Day barbecue? Painting mason jars can be a fun and festive way to add some red, white, and blue to your decor. You’ll need some mason jars, acrylic paint, clear enamel spray paint, and sandpaper. If you are interested in making stars, you’ll want a stamp or stencil. You should also consider using washi tape to create stripes. Once you’ve painted the jars as you like and the paint dries, add a coat of enamel spray paint. For a distressed look, use sandpaper.

Food

Does your holiday cookout need some patriot flair? These fun and tasty treats are sure to win the approval of all of your guests.

Make cookies

Baking cookies can be a fun affair for the entire family! Kids will be eager to decorate star-shaped sugar cookies with frosting and sprinkles.

Patriotic Popcorn

Creating a colorful and patriotic popcorn mix is super easy and sure to impress your guests! After popping some non-buttered popcorn, be sure to salt it if it is not already salted. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan and add 3 cups of mini marshmallows. Stir until everything is melted. Then pour most of the mixture on the popcorn. Mix until the popcorn is nice and covered. Put the popcorn onto a baking sheet and drizzle the remaining mixture over it without mixing it. Now you can add various red, white, and blue candy and sprinkles to the popcorn to give it a patriotic flair, such as M&Ms.

Marshmallow pops

Marshmallow pops are another simple treat that are sure to spread joy during your Fourth of July festivities. Take a toothpick and skewer each marshmallow. Then dip them in water. Roll the marshmallow in either red, white, or blue sprinkles and allow them to dry. Then skewer one of each color together with a straw or stick.

White Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Another fun Fourth of July treat is white-chocolate covered strawberries. When melting white chocolate, be sure to use a lower temperature on your stove top or microwave so as to not burn it. If melting over a stove top, be sure to stir constantly to ensure that the chocolate melts evenly. Dip a strawberry into white chocolate, and then gently place them on a baking sheet. Add some red and blue sprinkles and put the strawberries in the refrigerator for a few minutes. It’s super easy to make!

Fun & Games

Do you want to pass the time with friends and family while you wait for the fireworks? These fun games and activities are sure to keep everyone busy!

Croquet

Croquet is a simple yet fun game for all ages during the warm 4th of July weather. The game involves hitting a ball through small metal rings with a mallet. Whoever makes it through the course first wins. The game is sure to bring out your competitive side!

4th of July trivia

Are you looking for a simple game to play indoors? Show off your knowledge by playing trivia with family or friends! Questions can range from American history to American pop culture and everything in between.Throw in some prizes, and you’re all set.

Pie eating contest

Nothing is more American than apple pie. Why not celebrate that fact with a pie eating contest?

Cornhole

This popular lawn game is fun for all ages, and boards can be custom painted for the holiday. Cornhole is similar to horseshoes, where players throw small bags at a wooden platform with a hole at the far end. Your family and friends will have a blast playing the game, and painting your own boards can be a fun project all on its own.

S’mores

Roasting marshmallows over a fire or grill is a fun evening activity. You can tell stories around the fire or watch the neighborhood fireworks, all while enjoying a tasty treat.

Scavenger hunt

A Fourth of July-themed scavenger hunt is a great activity for kids that will keep them entertained! You can assign point values to items to reward those who search out hard-to-find items.

Go to a parade

One of the most popular ways to celebrate America’s independence is by watching a parade! Check if your area is having a 4th of July parade, and arrive early to get those front row seats.

Go to a firework show/watch fireworks

Of course, the most popular way to celebrate America’s birthday is with fireworks. Whether you plan on setting off fireworks of your own, or you just want to sit back and enjoy the show, watching fireworks is a fun way to spend the evening.

Many cities have elaborate displays with live music, food, games, and carnival rides that are sure to bring joy to everyone in attendance.

Have a fun and safe Fourth of July!

Freedom Home Warranty

The weather is growing warm in most parts of the U.S. It’s about the time of year when many homeowners will start to turn their A/Cs on. With even warmer temperatures just around the corner, you’ll want to make sure your air conditioner is working as efficiently as possible.

Depending on where you live, you probably haven’t used your air conditioner for a few months. While your unit has been sitting, it has likely collected dirt and dust. Your outdoor condenser unit was exposed to weather, and is probably in need of some TLC.

Beyond that, when your air conditioner ran last summer, some of the internal components may have loosened.

According to Energy Star, “Dirt and neglect are the top causes of heating and cooling system efficiency and failure.”

In Energy Star’s official heating and cooling guide, they suggest that air conditioners be tuned-up by a qualified technician in the spring, before contractors get too busy in the summer.

Here are four reasons to get a tune-up for your air conditioning system.

1. A tune-up can increase the efficiency of your unit

Over time, your air conditioning unit collects dust and debris. The condenser coils in your outdoor unit are exposed to weather, and can become filled with leaves, grass, dirt, and dust. Sometimes, plants can even grow into your unit. All of this natural debris and buildup can prevent the unit from receiving proper airflow.

It isn’t just the coils that collect dust and debris. Your condensate drain could be clogged, which can lead to the inability of your system to control humidity.

In fact, according to Energy Star, a clogged condensate drain “can cause water damage in the house, affect indoor humidity levels, and breed bacteria and mold.”

Tune-ups can also lubricate the motors in your system to keep them moving smoothly, check refrigerant levels, and check system pressures.

2. A tune-up can decrease your cooling cost

If your air conditioner isn’t running efficiently, it is likely running longer. Your A/C unit will need to run for extended periods of time to get your home to the desired temperature, which means that you’re using more electricity.

Even replacing the filters frequently can result in a cost-savings.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing or cleaning your air filters can lower your energy consumption by 5-15 percent.

An A/C tune-up can get your unit running more efficiently, which allows it to cool your house faster.

3. A tune-up can extend the life of your unit

Getting an annual A/C tune-up can lead to fewer repairs, which prolongs the life of your unit. Most air conditioning units state that they will last between 12 and 15 years, but that’s only if they are properly maintained.

4. Maintenance is less costly than repairs

Tune-ups don’t prevent all A/C problems from occurring. However, proper maintenance of your air conditioner can keep much of your A/C in working condition for years to come.

According to HomeAdvisor, “most air conditioner repairs cost between $163 and $534 with most homeowners reporting that they spend about $347.”

HomeAdvisor further breaks down the cost of common A/C repairs, such as evaporator coil replacements at $650-$1200.

Getting a tune-up for your A/C unit can prevent you from having to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on preventative repairs.

One of the benefits of a home warranty is for the applicable $65 service call fee on a homeowner’s coverage, Freedom Home Warranty can send a contractor out to perform a tune-up on your HVAC to ensure that it is in good working order.

You can schedule your A/C tune-up by clicking on Request Service in our website’s menu or by calling 888-495-2249.

Happy spring! Warmer temperatures and the sight of tulips and daffodils remind us of days spent in the sun. The increasing daylight brings cheer, and with it the promise of a fresh start. Nothing symbolizes this fresh start more than spring cleaning. Here are 10 spring cleaning tips to leave your home feeling fresh!

Start From the Top and Work Your Way Down

If you plan on doing a deep clean of everything in your home, we’d suggest starting with things that are high up in your home, like ceilings, furnace/HVAC vents, and lighting fixtures. Then, work your way down toward the floor. This way, you won’t forget anything, and dust and dirt won’t fall upon an already clean surface.

Dust Desks, Tables, Bookshelves, and More

With your furnace or heater working overtime all winter, dust circulates around your home. There’s no better time to clean all of your home’s surfaces than in the spring. Remove all items from your shelves and tables, and use a feather duster or wipe to remove dust from the surface. Don’t forget to clean all of your household objects before you return them to the shelf!

Clean Walls and Ceilings

When’s the last time you washed your walls? Dust can cling to the surface of your walls, as can pet hair and grime from cooking. Vacuum your walls to remove dust and pet hair, and use a solvent-free cleaner or dish soap to give your walls a deep clean. We recommend that you test your cleaner on a small area first just to be sure that it isn’t too harsh.

Wash Windows

What better way to make your home feel fresh than by letting more sunlight into your home? Windows can quickly become smudged with greasy fingers and covered in dust, both inside and out.

Replace Window Screens

With warmer weather, you’ll probably want to start having your windows open to let fresh air in. Having holes in your window screens will invite bugs into your home. Purchasing a new screen will keep those pesky insects out, and allow the fresh air in.

Wipe Down Handrails

Cleaning the handrails in your home might be overlooked, but for how often they are used they should be cleaned regularly.

Remove Dead Plants and Debris

Now that plants are growing again and flowers are blooming, dead plants and other debris from fall and winter should be removed. This will allow new plants to grow in their place. Still have leaves hanging around from fall? Now’s a great time to rake them up!

Clean Your Fridge

Spring is a great time to clean out your fridge. Look for any items that are expired and toss them out. Be sure to wipe down your shelving and clean the bins to get rid of any spills, stains, or bacteria.

Clean the Floor

While sweeping and vacuuming might be regular activities, when is the last time you really cleaned your floors? Spring is a great time to mop the floors and shampoo the carpets. Carpet shampooers have become relatively inexpensive, especially when considering how long they last.

Change HVAC Filters

Replacing your air filters is a great way to maintain your furnace and/or air conditioning system. Changing filters regularly can prevent a fire and improve your overall health.

If you need a tuneup to get your A/C ready for summer, call Freedom Home Warranty, or request service on our website.

Fun Fourth of July Activities

Arts & Crafts

Food

Fun & Games

1. A tune-up can increase the efficiency of your unit

2. A tune-up can decrease your cooling cost

3. A tune-up can extend the life of your unit

4. Maintenance is less costly than repairs

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