Archive for the ‘Appliances’ Category
Saturday, June 5th, 2010
Keeping cool at home during the summer months can be a challenge. There are a variety of easy and effective ways to cool down the house, however. Follow these tips to create a refreshing haven from the heat of summer.
Keep Heat Out
Close windows during the day and cover with light coloured shades to reflect heat. Use insulated shades on sunny windows and install awnings, if possible. Invest in solar shades or window film for south or west facing windows that receive the most intense sun. Check for cracks around doors and windows and apply weather-stripping, if needed.
Reduce Interior Heat
Keep lights and electronics turned off when not in use. Even the small amount of heat generated by these items adds up over time. Plug all computer equipment and electronics into power strips for easy one-switch control. Limit the use of appliances, large and small. Opt for fresh salads rather that cooked meals. Use a microwave to heat food. Hang clothes to dry. (more…)
Tags: Air conditioning, Temperature, WATER, Window
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Monday, May 31st, 2010
Certain home maintenance tasks should be performed on an annual or semi-annual basis. Appropriate tasks for spring or early summer include ensuring that window screens and the cooling system are ready for the impending warmer weather, checking for water damage around the home or garden and performing a seasonal check on home safety equipment such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
[credit: kaiton]
Inspect each window screen and remove for a thorough cleaning, if possible. Repair small problems or completely re-screen, if necessary. Consider switching to finer mesh screening in areas where midges are a nuisance. (more…)
Tags: Cleaning Tips, spring, WATER, Weather
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Thursday, May 20th, 2010
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Window cleaning is a chore that is often put off. Rarely a favourite housekeeping task, windows should be washed at least seasonally, however. Seasonal cleaning not only provides enhanced enjoyment of the beauty outside but also presents a regular opportunity to inspect for damage and take prompt corrective action, if necessary.
Cleaning Windows from the Inside
Prior to cleaning, inspect each window for damage. Do not clean windows with cracked glass or other damage until needed repairs have been completed. Be sure to also inspect and clean the weep vents found at the bottom of each window.
To make an effective, inexpensive and non-toxic window cleaning solution, simply mix one part white vinegar with eight parts water and spray on the glass. Wipe with newspaper or lint free cloth. For really dirty windows, add a little liquid dish washing soap to the solution and then rinse with plain water. Dry with a squeegee.
Cleaning windows from the Outside (more…)
Tags: cleaning, WATER
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Sunday, May 9th, 2010
A pressure washer can be a useful and coveted addition to a homeowner’s collection of tools. Unfortunately, a pressure washer used improperly or in the wrong area can also cause a lot of damage. Understanding how and where to use a pressure washer is essential.
A pressure washer is handy for many outdoor cleaning tasks, such as washing sidewalks, driveways or detached window screens. Care should be taken around rockwork or when special landscaping materials are present, however. Always test the washer in an inconspicuous area and adjust the pressure level or discontinue use, if necessary.
A pressure washer is commonly used to clean siding prior to painting. Exercise extreme caution when spraying exterior walls. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding pressure level and angle of spray. Avoid windows, doorways and eves. Also, to avoid creating leaks, never use a pressure washer to clean the roof.
Do not use a pressure washer to wash the family car. Although invaluable for many chores, the high pressure generated by a quality washer may damage the paint or window seals. When washing a vehicle, confine the use of a pressure washer to the undercarriage. (more…)
Tags: Cleaning Tips, Pressure washer, WATER
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2010
A dripping outdoor faucet is an unnecessary waste of water and may even cause damage to the home. Even a small leak adds up to a lot of wasted water each month. Inspect all outdoor faucets at least twice each year and repair or replace those that leak.
The first thing to try when dealing with a leaky faucet is to simply tighten the packing nut located right behind the handle. Hold the faucet steady with a pair of pliers and turn the nut clockwise. If this does not work, the rubber washer inside may have become hard or brittle over time and need to be replaced.
Prior to further work on an outdoor faucet, assemble all tools and replacement parts needed. Then turn off the water. Always securely support the pipe to which the faucet is attached while twisting on the faucet. Take the faucet apart and inspect the interior of the valve to ensure that the valve seat is smooth and free of corrosion or debris. If all appears in good condition, replace the washer, reassemble and test. (more…)
Tags: Plumbing, Tap, WATER
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Sunday, April 11th, 2010
A water fountain adds charm to most any setting. Whether used as the focal point in a formal garden or as a whimsical addition to a casual gathering space, an outdoor water fountain is sure to please visitors of all ages. Although there is a wide variety of ready-made outdoor water fountains available for purchase, a much more meaningful and enjoyable feature can be made from an item with sentimental value such as a hand water pump from the family farm or Grandpa’s old whiskey barrel.
To make an outdoor water fountain, the following items are needed:
- Piece that will form the basis of the water feature;
- Water source, which can be as simple as a garden hose;
- Reservoir of adequate size;
- Re-circulating pump with ample tubing and a power source; and,
- Desired supplemental decor such as plants and rocks.
Create the water fountain by positioning the main feature so that water will flow over or through it and into the reservoir. Place the pump within the reservoir and arrange the tubing to circulate the water. Once all adjustments have been made so that the water is flowing as desired, add plants, rocks and other decor in and around the fountain as the finishing touches. (more…)
Tags: DIY, Garden, Home and Garden, WATER
Posted in Appliances, DIY, Garden, Interesting, WATER | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, April 6th, 2010
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Spring is here and with the season comes the traditional spring-cleaning. In addition to the long-standing practice of deep cleaning each spring, the brighter days and warmer weather often inspire the desire for a clean, fresh indoor environment. But with so much to do, where is the best place to start?
Start at the Top
Ceilings and high shelves or corners are easily overlooked during the dim days of winter and are often the most neglected areas in the home. Cleaning these places makes an immediate and highly visible impact. To get the most out of your spring cleaning, use a duster attached to a long handle to clean the area where the walls meet the ceiling in each room. Also dust around light fixtures or anything attached to, or suspended from, the ceiling. Pay special attention to cobwebs and shake the duster outside often during this process. Remove and clean all items from high shelves and replace after the shelves have been thoroughly cleaned. (more…)
Tags: Cleaning Tips, DIY, Spring cleaning, WATER
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Monday, March 22nd, 2010
Many types of treatment systems are available to address a variety of water issues. Some treatments deal with hard water only while others actually purify contaminated water to make it safe for human consumption. Following are some common water treatment methods and the problems that they correct.
Water Conditioners – Addresses hard water only. Prevents lime scale without adversely affecting the drinkability of the water. Improves the efficiency of soaps. Improves heating efficiency and extends the life of appliances that use water. Water conditioning systems, such as ScaleWatcher, are inexpensive to own and operate. (more…)
Tags: Appliances, Drinking water, Hard water, WATER, water softener, Water treatment
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Friday, March 5th, 2010
The sound of running water is soothing for both mind and spirit. Imagine relaxing next to a babbling brook as it gently cascades across pebbles and drops into small pools. Enjoy this experience at home with a simple tabletop fountain.
(more…)
Tags: Aquarium, fountain, Home, WATER
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Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Add elegance or create a special mood in your garden with lighting. Available in types and styles to suit any purpose or setting, outdoor lighting is a valuable addition to any home. Imagine enjoying a romantic dinner for two on your own patio, bathed is soft light. Install a series of floodlights where bright illumination is desired or use miniature spotlights to create a focal point of a special garden feature.
A wide variety of outdoor lighting choices are available. Recessed lighting allows for fixtures to be placed unobtrusively, flush with a wall or decking, or level with the ground. Uplights and downlights work well on flat vertical surfaces where stationary lighting is appropriate, such as home or garden walls, while adjustable spotlights can be strategically placed to call attention to trees or other plantings. (more…)
Tags: Garden, Light, WATER
Posted in Appliances, Garden, WATER | No Comments »
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