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Archive for the ‘Home Improvement’ Category

Tankless water heaters are both energy-efficient and money-saving
Conventional hot water systems use a tank which stores a limited amount of hot water, but instant hot water heaters supply as much hot water as you require. Also called on-demand or instantaneous water heaters, instant heaters are tankless and heat water the instant you want it instead of storing hot water in a tank as old-fashioned systems do. Although easy installation is a characteristic of any instant hot water heater (especially when compared with tank heaters), electric instant heaters are the simplest to set up since you do not have to vent them. The tank in a conventional hot water system can only maintain a certain amount of hot water, and after all that water is used up you have to wait until the entire tank fills up and re-heats. The one nice thing about old fashioned hot water tanks is the very short time you have to wait for the water to get hot, whereas with an instant hot water heater how long you wait depends on how cold the water is when you turn it on. You can readily experience a 20% to 50% savings on your energy costs by switching to an instant heater which is only used a few hours a day, compared to old fashioned tanks which need to stay heated 24/7. All instant hot water heaters will save you cash, but while gas-powered instant heaters are more economical than electric models, the use of propane and other gases raise ventilation issues. Add up the benefits of instant hot water heaters and you will realize they are cost-effective, environmentally sound, more comfortable, more convenient, and are free of the safety issues tank heaters have, such as scalding hazards or (on rare occasions) explosions.

Clean water
The quality of tap water is an increasing concern these days and so lots of people are installing new systems of water filtration. Water quality has been an issue globally for years, and even in the United States many communities have real problems with lead, arsenic or copper in their drinking water. As much as folks would like to think that the EPA is protecting water quality around the country, the deplorable fact is that many utilities have a history of under-reporting contaminant levels. Until you examine the contaminants in your water you won’t know which filtration system is best for you. You not only want to take out the impurities in the water that can harm your health but you also want a better taste and smell. For many people bottled water is the preferred option for drinking water, but it won’t prevent you from being exposed to contaminants when you brush your teeth, shower or bathe. Don’t imagine that every water filter system will serve you well, and don’t buy one that isn’t National Science Foundation certified.

Hot water heaters for commercial buildings
If you are buying a commercial water heater there are a number of things you will have to keep in mind. An especially critical decision you will need to make is what type of fuel you will use to power the unit. Each of the different fuel types will offer its own advantages and disadvantages both in the initial cost of the unit and the cost to operate it. The size of the unit will play a critical role in determining if it will meet your needs. There is only so much water any unit can handle at any given time so you want to be sure it can fulfill your peak usage requirements. A lot of businesses such as restaurants and motels will see big variations in usage based on how busy they are. Many of the newer units feature improved energy efficiency and are able to conserve energy while at the same time meeting your needs.

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Styrofoam molding
When you want the refined look of wood in your home, but without the expense of real wood, install Styrofoam crown molding. Lightweight and simple to install, Styrofoam molding does not involve the specialized tools real wood demands, and yet it looks the same as actual wood! Styrofoam molding ordinarily uses peel-and-stick adhesives for a smooth installation, and homeowners find that a few simple household objects are all that is required to complete the job. Your first step is to count how many corners you will need to handle, and then take an accurate measurement of the length of the walls. After your job with the tape measure is completed, begin attaching the inside and outside corner molding, and then set up the remaining wall pieces. Everything in the instruction manual is essential to follow precisely, and pay special attention to how the adhesive dries to be sure the molding remains straight. Styrofoam molding is available in many styles, and all of them require latex paint only. Always stay away from oil-based paint since it can damage the molding. As guests drop by to view your completed work they will be impressed by how beautiful your home looks with the new trim. Especially when you don’t tell them it’s Styrofoam

Crown molding: foam vs. wood
The lines where your walls intersect with your ceiling is the obvious place for the easy elegance of crown molding. You can lend grace and beauty to your home by making a selection from the vast range of faux wood designs and styles. The favorite moldings are either made of wood, or a foam material that looks exactly like wood. When you set a tight budget foam moldings can be a blessing because of the lower costs plus the installation is easier. Using peel and stick adhesives, faux moldings are easy enough for anyone to install, whereas genuine wood is difficult for one person to handle. It is a snap to match the texture of the walls and ceiling with your foam molding but be sure you paint your molding only with latex paint. You won’t worry about termites or moisture rot if you use foam crown molding in your home.

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Solar attic fans
Solar attic fans might be the most efficient way to force fresh air circulation into a hot, stuffy attic that is keeping the house hot and stuffy as well. These fans move the hot air to vent the attic efficiently and will prove dependable despite the worst weather conditions. Should you pay good money for an inefficient conventional electric fan when sunshine is freely available and the only thing you have to spend money on is the solar fan itself? What solar fans also have in common with traditional electric fans is a thermostat to regulate the on/off function. Quality solar fans are constructed of durable metal with no plastic parts that can degrade in a hot summer like plastic fans can. The hottest new technology is solar power, and the increasingly popular solar attic fans have photovoltaic cells mounted on a solar panel. The major advantages of attic fans include ease of mounting, handy control of temperature, cost savings, and since there are no toxic emissions, solar fans are easy on the environment.

Best Home Dehumidifier
Studies show that residential dehumidifiers can be a great way to help prevent sinus infections and alleviate problems arising from asthma by lowering humidity levels in the air. Within all home dehumidifiers are fans that send warm air through cold metal coils, which then creates condensation. Water produced by the condensation runs into an enclosed container, then the cold air blows through a set of warm coils and the room is returned to normal temperature.

Humidity in the home can have dangerous repercussions to one’s health, since high moisture levels might lead to the development of mold and mildew, which in turn can cause respiratory problems. For optimum health and comfort, experts advise that relative humidity must normally be between 30 and 50 percent. Sinus infections and asthma have been shown to be reduced or eliminated using home dehumidifiers, by keeping away dust mites (tiny bugs found in the rugs, bedding and clothing in most homes), according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). If you are looking for a product that produces assured results, home dehumidifiers are an excellent addition to any living room, bedroom, office or even basement.

Purchasing ozone generators
Ozone is both a natural and man-made gas that can be a boon for human health issues, or a destructive pollutant that can cause respiratory problems and kills fragile plants. If you want to remove bacteria and bad odors from the air in your home or business there is an ozone generator on the market to fit your needs. When we breathe we get molecules that contain two oxygen atoms, while ozone molecules contain three oxygen atoms. It’s the third atom which attacks any virus or bacteria in the air and destroys it, cleaning the air and leaving it smelling fresh and sterilized. Ozone can be harmful to small kids, pets, elderly folks, and anyone who has an upper respiratory illness. Although most residential models are regarded as safe it’s a good idea to keep pets and people out of the room as you are using one of these devices. Any circumstance that requires an ozone treatment is unique, and the model you choose depends on the size of the room you are covering and the amount of contaminants in the air.

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Gourmet faucets
More and more people are swapping out their dull old plumbing fixtures with sleek, attractive gourmet faucets that add tremendously to the look of your bathroom or kitchen. There is a nice range of materials and designs from which to choose, and faucets these days are made of materials such as stainless steel, nickel, brass, copper, porcelain, and chrome. The style and material you select depends on the interior decor scheme you have established, as some materials like stainless steel or polished chrome are best suited to a modern decor, while porcelain or bronze look better with a more traditional decor. Two of the biggest advantages of swapping out old fixtures are the relative cost-effectiveness of gourmet plumbing fixtures, and the relative simplicity with which they are installed, as it only requires about 15 minutes for a professional plumber to replace a faucet. The finish on new faucets are also available in a selection that includes polished, brushed, weathered, natural and even black, so you will have a lot to consider besides choosing between knobs and handles. One of the more best-selling gourmet faucets is polished chrome, prized for its high durability and modest cost, but you may find that more expensive faucets add more to your overall room decor. You can examine a lot of the designs, styles and materials online, but don’t think twice about going down to your local home improvement store and check out the fixtures first hand. Plumbing fixtures have developed into important lifestyle improvements with special features like water filters installed into the faucet, and anti-scald valves designed to restrict how hot the water can get.

Water heaters
If you have ever had to bear the annoyance of going without hot water you understand how important it is to have a hot water heater in the home. The tank on a traditional hot water heater usually keeps anywhere from 20 to 120 gallons of constantly heated water. The drawbacks to tank hot water heaters are that they typically cost more than tankless options since you have to keep the water hot all the time, and when the tank runs out you have no hot water until the tank fills up again and re-heats. With a tankless hot water system you will not run out of hot water at the wrong time, and your heating bills will be lower because you do not need to keep the high temperature. You will want to select between a gas powered water heater or an electric powered model, as both tank heaters and tankless heaters are available in both. If you already have a gas line running into your residence, a gas powered model is probably the wisest choice so long as you can make sure the heater is adequately vented. The biggest disadvantage to any electric water heater is the danger of power outages, otherwise they are a safer choice than gas heaters. When you develop any sort of problem with your hot water heater call a specialist to inspect it, and under all circumstances follow the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer.

Electric tankless water heaters
For a better environment and lower heating costs many people are upgrading the heating system in their homes with electric water heaters that are tankless. The water in a tankless system needs to run a little while until it heats up, but when you shut it off it stops running up the energy costs. Any tankless heater is controlled by the faucets and the starting and stopping of the water flow which switches the heating element on and heats the water as it flows through copper tubes. Those old tank hot water heaters are notorious for unexpected variations of water temperature, but this doesn’t occur with tankless heaters. If you use up the tank of a traditional water heater you have to wait for it to heat up again before you can have hot water. Before you swap out your old gas powered water heater with an electric tankless heater be sure you possess the essential voltage and amperage. No matter how good you are with your hands around the old homestead think twice before attempting to install a new heater without professional guidance.

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Space heaters save energy
Utilizing space heaters can be a great way to provide heat to a specific part of the room while maintaining low energy bills. Your first thing to consider ought to be how large a heater do you need, and if this isn’t obvious you should check with the manufacturer’s guide. Probably the most important feature is the automatic safety switch that shuts the heater off should it be knocked over. Your cord has have sufficient length so you won’t have to use an inappropriate extension cord. Some units are hot when you touch them which is a critical concern when you have small kids or pets, in which case a “cool touch” heater is recommended. Even though there are no fumes produced by a space heater and it does not need ventilation, you should turn if off before you go to sleep just to be on the safe side. Convenience and portability are essential advantages since you will be able to heat a particular area without heating the entire house.

Heat almost any room with a propane space heater
Whenever you want to heat a smaller room or living space, propane space heaters are the best solution as long as you know how, when and where to use them correctly to avoid mishaps. Propane heaters function quite well, but you need to become familiar with how to operate them, so always consult the owner’s manual and check out any potential restrictions on their use. Propane heaters come in two standard types: radiant heaters, which warm the items in a room before it heats the air, and circulation heaters, which warm the air first and then blow it into the room. To prevent harm to children or pets you should look at mounting the heater on a wall out of their reach, and to prevent over-heating a room a lot of heaters turn off automatically when the room gets to the proper temperature. The power-rating of the heater must always match the dimensions of the room, otherwise the room will overheat when the heater is too big, or have cold spots when the heater is under powered. One frequent error individuals make is employing an outdoor heater in a room, as there exists a carbon monoxide hazard which must be avoided at all costs. For safety reasons, it will be critically important that you don’t store flammable liquids close to your heater, and you must not leave the heater turned on or unattended whenever you are asleep. Finally, do not purchase a used heater or take an old one from your grandpa since safety codes are always changing and you should always obtain a brand-new heater to guarantee that all safety features are available.

Enjoy your patio in cooler weather by utilizing a propane heater
When the weather starts to cool in your area of the country you can still enjoy outdoor living if you operate a propane heater on your patio. Peope who have not used them before could be wondering if they are safe to operate. As with a lot of the conveniences we have in our lives, they are safe and easy to use as long as you heed some simple instructions. The majority of heaters will be attached directly to the kind of gas cylinder that you use to run your gas barbecue. Always examine a tank before you connect it to make sure the collar and valve are intact and that there is no other damage. Always be certain that the tank is correctly attached as bad connections can lead to gas leaks that can be dangerous near an open flame. Another critical safety feature is to restrict their use to the outdoors as the burning of propane produces monoxide which can be toxic in enclosed areas.

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Spray foam insulation is effective and economical
Insulating your house is an essential course of action in this day and age because of the high cost of energy along with the importance of conserving our natural resources as much as possible. Saving money and blocking out dust, dirt and insects is why using spray foam insulation is the only way to go, and as an extra reward with the cost savings, foam can eventually return the investment. Dirt isn’t merely messy but also carries pollen, and in addition to bugs will infiltrate a house by means of tiny cracks around conduits, water pipes, cables, beams, wall studs, door and window frames. Outside noise is also reduced, though the largest amount of noise comes through the windows and is best blocked by mounting double or triple-pane glass, or better yet, soundproof windows.

The most common styles of insulation are cellulose, fiberglass, rock wool and foam (like polyurethane and polystyrene). Fiberglass has the benefits of being relatively inexpensive and more convenient to put in, however there are other benefits to using spray foam insulation instead. One of the greatest benefits of foam insulation is the capability to seal minor holes and cracks which may be hidden from the naked eye, a trait not possessed by both fiberglass and cellulose insulation. This helps prevent dust and bugs from infiltrating the building. The complete seal created by foam just about eliminates most air infiltration into or out of a house.

One more terrific benefit of foam insulation is its high R-value, which is the measurement utilized to classify insulation, and the higher the R-value the more effective the product. The R-value is the rating that shows how efficiently insulation inhibits heat transfer from the inside to the outside of the house. It helps impede air flow for the reason that homes that are insufficiently insulated tend be drafty and have hot and cold areas. You will be able to obtain a more consistent temperature in most weather conditions using foam insulation which removes these drafts. Remember that good insulation can also help keep your home cooler in the summer time along with warmer in the winter owing to a reduced amount of air movement in or out.

To give you an idea of some common R-values, untreated cement commonly is more or less an R-1 whereas the insulation in the attic of a lot of newer homes is regularly about R-44. Although thicker insulation commonly has a higher R-value, this will differ based on the type of material utilized. Materials that include enclosed air pockets typically exhibit higher R-values. You can see how this works when looking at the assorted R-values of the different insulating materials. Fiberglass has an R-value per inch of 2.2 to 2.7, rock wool is 3.0 to 3.3 per inch, while cellulose is 3.2 to 3.8 per inch. Foam, however, has R values that range from 4.0 to 8.0. This added R-value per inch makes it possible for home builders to use 2x4s for the exterior wall construction as opposed to the standard 2×6 construction which is needed for different insulation types. Using this smaller framing has the advantage of providing the owner additional living space, up to 35 sq.ft. inside a 1,500 square foot home. This is comparable to acquiring an extra linen closet! Additional benefits of foam insulation are that it is fire and insect repellent, helps to reduce condensation of moisture, and it won’t shrink or fall.

However the leading advantage is cutting energy costs given that as much as 70% of a house’s usage is the fault of air conditioners and heaters, so it is smart to preclude air gaps. Fiberglass insulation, which is very helpful for certain locations, leaves gaps next to pipes, vents, door and window frames. Foam insulation plugs all these gaps and produces a more effective seal all through the house than fiberglass can. The bottom line is foam insulation can help to save you money on your heating and cooling expenses while contributing to the worth of your home.

How will foam insulation work? Polyurethane foam, which has been utilized by appliance makers for a lot of years to insulate refrigerators, freezers and water heaters, is the material used for spray-on insulation. The expanding foam is sprayed on the surface of the attic or within the walls to create an continuous solid mass of insulation. The foam is produced by means of liquid polyurethane, which is installed utilizing special pressurized spray nozzles.

But, as with all chemical products, there are disadvantages to employing foam. Among the biggest drawbacks of foam insulation is that it should be installed by a licensed contractor. This is positively not a task for an amateur. Foam insulation works best when installed during the building phase since it will be very messy to apply. There could also be delays when dealing with plumbing or electrical companies which usually are not familiar with working around the product if it has already been installed.

Do-it-yourself home heating installation
Do it yourself home heating is a difficult undertaking which usually requires the skills of a professional contractor, so any home handyman who attempts it on their own needs to be prepared for a lot of difficulties. When you plan to set up a boiler or furnace you will have to be meticulous and skillfully use an array of power and hand tools. Get precise measurements of the new heating system and the space you have to fit it in, or else you will need to make alterations on the floor, ceiling or walls. Gas and oil fueled furnaces require plumbing skills and experience, because with these types of pipe a lot of procedures have to be done exactly right. There aren’t a lot of things more hazardous to the health of your household than an improperly operating home heating system. Lots of homeowners employ professionals for the installation while they learn the fundamental maintenance requirements. No matter what type of heating system you are installing you should have an expert available to check your efforts or, even better, help you through it.

Insulating your home
The most common form of insulation used in home construction is fiberglass rolls, which are usually sold in widths perfect for fitting into the spaces between joists and between wall studs. The big, pink rolls of fiberglass insulation are a familiar sight. Blown in insulation is best for areas where accessibility is too difficult, such as eaves and tight crawl spaces. Using this type of insulation, small bits of fiber are actually forced into the space by means of specialized machines. To help stop settling, which will reduce the insulation’s effectiveness, a lot of the blow-in products come with a type of adhesive that holds everything from moving. Another possible difficulty with blow-in fiberglass is the mess. Whenever you disturb the stuff, it can wind up everywhere, like on the floor and in your eyes and down your shirt. Therefore, if you plan on turning your attic into a storage space, it might be best to use the pink rolls and then cover the joists with plywood. This will give you the added benefit of providing even more insulation for the home. You might also place plywood on top of the blow-in stuff, but installing the rolls is really so much easier, less time consuming, and more economical.

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Installing crown molding can add an elegant look to any home
Crown molding is the name given to the interior design accent which consists of trim installed around a room where the ceiling and the wall meet, producing an elegant “crown” effect. Traditional crown molding is made of wood, and although wood products can be costly and relatively difficult to install, the elegance it brings into the home is priceless. If that budget you’ve established will not permit the purchase and installation of wood crown molding, you have an excellent alternative in faux crown molding, the less expensive and easy to install products made of stryofoam or polyurethane which look identical to wood trim. Unless you possess the skills and tools necessary to install wood crown molding, the project is best given to professionals, as the wood must be cut and fit with exacting precision and attached with screws or nails. Lightweight faux crown molding, however, is usually manufactured with pre-applied adhesives, and the most difficult part of installing it yourself is making sure it stays on straight while the adhesive dries. One of the significant advantages faux crown molding has over wood trim are the pre-cut corners, which always are the first pieces you mount and do not require the exact measurement and cutting that wood molding demands. The two typical materials for faux crown molding, polyurethane and Styrofoam, have significant differences which you need to understand before making a choice. Styrofoam crown molding is less expensive than polyurethane material, but you need to be careful to only use latex paint as petroleum based paints will damage Styrofoam, but will not damage polyurethane.

Bathroom repairs
The bathroom should be a room where a person can relax and feel at ease. You will set up the ideal location for putting on makeup and taking a comfortable soak in the bathtub by upgrading this room. When planning to complete a bathroom repair or upgrading project it is important to figure out what features you want to work on and what you can afford to spend. One of the main things people would like to modify will be the shortage of storage space that usually exists within this cramped room. While it will often be disregarded, good lighting is a vital part of a properly planned bathroom. Bathroom lighting plans need to consider all the important tasks that take place there as well as the mood you wish to create. Nowadays a lot of homeowners are including environmentally friendly products into their bathroom refurbishing projects including on-demand water heaters and appliances that reduce water use. While a bathroom renovation or repair job might require a big investment of time and money, it will surely pay off in both your enjoyment of the room and the increased worth of your home.

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Heating with electric radiant floors
Generally regarded as the most efficient way to heat a home, electric radiant floor heating is a series of electrical wiring below the floor. Rather than heating the air and fanning it around, this system heats the floor which in turn warms the objects and people in the room, ensuring an even temperature. The consistent temperature of the floor means that you can enjoy a third less energy use compared with other heating systems. You don’t have any upkeep problems with this system since there are no ducts, valves or filters to clean out or replace. You won’t experience the same draft and dust issues with this method of heating as you will with traditional forced air systems, which frequently bring in a lot of allergens and dust from outdoors. This method of heating is silent because you never have fans buzzing or radiators that rattle as is the case with conventional heating technologies. Since radiant heat can change the amount of moisture in flooring you should avoid hardwood floors and choose porcelain, ceramics, or stone instead.

Radiant home heating
Hot water radiators in the 1940′s were the first mass usage of hydronic radiant heating applications, while hydronic radiant cooling technology has lagged behind until recently. Radiant heating occurs whenever a hot surface transfers heat directly to an object or person in the same room or area, and hydronic radiant heating uses hot water or steam as the source of energy. Radiant cooling, on the other hand, occurs if a cool object takes in heat, as when the heat of your body is absorbed by the cold surface of a radiant cooling system. Hydronic radiation works the same for both heating and cooling, with hot or cold water running through a series of pipes installed in the ceiling, walls, or floor. Since heat always rises, the most effective location of radiant heating is the floor, and the best place for radiant cooling is above the ceiling where heat is absorbed more readily. There is more to the set up of a hydronic cooling system than a heating one since you want proper ventilation for fresh air and de-humidifying. Traditional cooling and heating systems rely on blowers and ductwork, and experience a loss of energy since the heat or cold will disperse with the currents of air. Don’t think twice about calling in an HVAC contractor for installation of a hydronic radiant system, as the project is usually too hard for the typical do-it-yourselfer.

Radiant floor heating
Environmentally sound, money-saving, and safer for people, radiant heating systems have become quite popular with homeowners. The design philosophy behind radiant heating systems is to initially heat the walls, ceilings and floors of the building which in turn heat the objects nearby, and eventually radiates out and the air is heated. Traditional forced-air heating systems operate in the opposite manner by pushing heated air into an area, however this heats the air toward the ceiling far more than the air just above the floor. Depending on your needs you will be able to choose between liquid or electric radiant heating systems. Hot liquid systems push hot oil or water through a series of pipes, whereas electric systems consist of a a series of cables which are heated when energized. Officially called hydronic heating systems, hot liquid radiant systems are assembled using a network of pipes spread out over cement floor slabs, or can be sandwiched between sheets of plywood. Today, hot air type radiant systems are obsolete (the Romans perfected them) and seldom used because air is inefficient as a medium and cannot store large amounts of heat.

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