Believe it or not, the weather will cool down before you know it and you’ll want your heating system to be working properly. Regularly scheduled maintenance by a professional is essential for keeping your system in top operating condition. Check out Energy Star’s maintenance checklist to see what your technician should be servicing.
Filters should be checked monthly, especially in times of high usage. Dirty filters can result in your system running inefficiently and raising your energy costs. Dirt and dust trapped in your system can also lead to expensive repairs if allowed to build up over time. Use the best quality filters for the best results.
Check your ductwork for cracks or loose seams where your heated air can escape. Seal all seams and connections with metal-backed or duct sealant (mastic) tape. You can then wrap ductwork with insulation to keep your ducts leak-free. Speaking of insulation, having the proper wall and ceiling insulation in your home can result in energy savings in both summer and winter. Both the U.S. Department of Energy and APS provide guidelines for proper insulation in specific geographic regions.
Check your condenser as well. First remove any grass, weeds or vines that may have grown up around your condenser, obstructing air flow. Also remove any leaves or other debris. Using a dry, soft brush, clean the exterior of the condenser to remove accumulated dirt. If you are reaching the fins, use care when brushing away dirt. Fins are lightweight and easily damaged. Don’t use your hose, as the dirt can turn to mud packed between the fins.
The concrete pad on which your condenser rests should be level. You can check this by setting a carpenter’s level front to back and side to side on top of the condenser. If you need to level your pad, you can pry it up slightly and fill underneath with a little gravel. These easy, common-sense measures will keep your home and your wallet comfortable this fall.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Update the Gate!
Gates are a functional part of your property, but are also an architectural element that can express your home’s style and add to curb appeal. Whether your home is a stately Tuscan, traditional southwestern territorial style, a 1920’s bungalow or a Spanish-style stucco - a front or side gate, courtyard gate or driveway gate can add a unique design element to your property. Automated gates are one way to boost your home’s security and add the ultimate convenience.
Wrought iron or powder-coated steel gates are a long-lasting alternative to wood gates, which can rot, sustain damage from insects, loosen and sag. The Arizona climate is tough on wooden gates, and can result in gates that don’t work properly, failing to latch or swing properly on their hinges. Of course, gates in disrepair are not only a safety hazard, but detract from your property’s curb appeal.
Choosing a new gate that is galvanized is a great investment, preventing rust and decay for years to come. There will be minimal rust possible in cracks and seams with the powder coating, but for the most part these materials are built to be maintenance free and last. Powder coating or electrostatically painting your gate offers up color choices to match your landscaping and existing fencing, stone or block wall.
If you love the look of wood for your gates, consider a synthetic wood. Gate companies like Great Gates Inc. offer a synthetic wood in four realistic colors: Coastal Cedar, Sequoia Red, Driftwood Gray, and Dark Walnut. This product is made of 100% recycled materials; will not split, chip or degrade and is 100% maintenance free.
Look for a gate and fencing manufacturer who uses top quality materials, and have your gate installed by an experienced, licensed fencing contractor to ensure that it functions properly and will enhance the beauty of your home for years to come.
Wrought iron or powder-coated steel gates are a long-lasting alternative to wood gates, which can rot, sustain damage from insects, loosen and sag. The Arizona climate is tough on wooden gates, and can result in gates that don’t work properly, failing to latch or swing properly on their hinges. Of course, gates in disrepair are not only a safety hazard, but detract from your property’s curb appeal.
Choosing a new gate that is galvanized is a great investment, preventing rust and decay for years to come. There will be minimal rust possible in cracks and seams with the powder coating, but for the most part these materials are built to be maintenance free and last. Powder coating or electrostatically painting your gate offers up color choices to match your landscaping and existing fencing, stone or block wall.
If you love the look of wood for your gates, consider a synthetic wood. Gate companies like Great Gates Inc. offer a synthetic wood in four realistic colors: Coastal Cedar, Sequoia Red, Driftwood Gray, and Dark Walnut. This product is made of 100% recycled materials; will not split, chip or degrade and is 100% maintenance free.
Look for a gate and fencing manufacturer who uses top quality materials, and have your gate installed by an experienced, licensed fencing contractor to ensure that it functions properly and will enhance the beauty of your home for years to come.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Choosing a Fridge
Renovating your kitchen? One of the most important decisions to make is what type of refrigerator you want. There are so many makes and models available, it might seem impossible to narrow down your choices to that one perfect fridge. Size is the first important factor in choosing a refrigerator that will incorporate into your kitchen remodel.
First measure the space you have selected for your fridge in your new kitchen layout. Include an inch or so at the top and sides for clearance, and remember to measure how far out the refrigerator extends with doors open. The other aspect of size that is important is the storage capacity of the unit. With two or three people in the home, 18 to 22 cubic feet of storage might be enough, but larger families or those who love entertaining will want more space.
Styles include side-by-side models, and those with the freezer on the top or bottom. Different styles offer different amounts of storage space and functionality. Then there are features such as in-door ice and water dispensers, humidity and temperature controls, and slide-out storage features and shelves. And of course – color. You’ll want to match your new fridge to your other appliances, and possibly upgrade with panels to match your cabinetry for a seamless design.
Energy efficiency is also a consideration when choosing appliances today. Look for the Energy Star designation, and check into ways to conserve energy once you have your new appliance in place. Check reviews and ratings for your possible refrigerator choices to lessen the chance of unpleasant surprises once your dream fridge is in place, and look for a good warranty on your purchase. It should cover parts for a year and the sealed refrigeration system for five years.
Having the right new refrigerator can make or break your kitchen renovation and even add to your return on investment, so make sure to research and choose the model that works perfectly in your renovation design.
First measure the space you have selected for your fridge in your new kitchen layout. Include an inch or so at the top and sides for clearance, and remember to measure how far out the refrigerator extends with doors open. The other aspect of size that is important is the storage capacity of the unit. With two or three people in the home, 18 to 22 cubic feet of storage might be enough, but larger families or those who love entertaining will want more space.
Styles include side-by-side models, and those with the freezer on the top or bottom. Different styles offer different amounts of storage space and functionality. Then there are features such as in-door ice and water dispensers, humidity and temperature controls, and slide-out storage features and shelves. And of course – color. You’ll want to match your new fridge to your other appliances, and possibly upgrade with panels to match your cabinetry for a seamless design.
Energy efficiency is also a consideration when choosing appliances today. Look for the Energy Star designation, and check into ways to conserve energy once you have your new appliance in place. Check reviews and ratings for your possible refrigerator choices to lessen the chance of unpleasant surprises once your dream fridge is in place, and look for a good warranty on your purchase. It should cover parts for a year and the sealed refrigeration system for five years.
Having the right new refrigerator can make or break your kitchen renovation and even add to your return on investment, so make sure to research and choose the model that works perfectly in your renovation design.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Simple Prep Work for Painting
Nothing has a bigger impact on your living space than interior painting. A fresh coat of paint can add appeal your home, making a tired interior seem new again. Painting is often a crucial part of getting your house ready to sell, especially in a tough housing market. You might think that choosing the perfect color is the main concern before having your interior painted, but having the proper prep work done before painting is just as important. Your paint job will look its best and last longer when your walls are prepared properly.
If your walls are already painted, it’s important to determine whether the existing paint is latex or oil-based. Testing the paint with denatured alcohol on a rag is a quick way to determine what type of paint is on your walls. If rubbing with the alcohol softens or removes the paint, it is an acrylic or latex paint. You can apply an oil-based or latex paint over this without priming. If the paint is unaffected by the alcohol, it is oil based and cannot be recoated with latex paint without using a primer.
Nail holes and minor cracks in your wall can be filled with lightweight spackle and lightly sanded. This is also a great time to check the caulking around windows, moldings and baseboards. Make sure the any new caulk that is applied is paintable. If you are painting a light color over a bold, dark color, it’s helpful to prime the walls. If you encounter peeling, stains, mold or mildew or major cracks on your walls, more extensive prep work will need to be done before painting. Skimping on the preparation can result in problems down the road, and the need to repaint a second time. It’s also important in homes built before 1978 to use proper precautions when scraping or sanding existing paint, which may be lead-based.
If your walls are already painted, it’s important to determine whether the existing paint is latex or oil-based. Testing the paint with denatured alcohol on a rag is a quick way to determine what type of paint is on your walls. If rubbing with the alcohol softens or removes the paint, it is an acrylic or latex paint. You can apply an oil-based or latex paint over this without priming. If the paint is unaffected by the alcohol, it is oil based and cannot be recoated with latex paint without using a primer.
Nail holes and minor cracks in your wall can be filled with lightweight spackle and lightly sanded. This is also a great time to check the caulking around windows, moldings and baseboards. Make sure the any new caulk that is applied is paintable. If you are painting a light color over a bold, dark color, it’s helpful to prime the walls. If you encounter peeling, stains, mold or mildew or major cracks on your walls, more extensive prep work will need to be done before painting. Skimping on the preparation can result in problems down the road, and the need to repaint a second time. It’s also important in homes built before 1978 to use proper precautions when scraping or sanding existing paint, which may be lead-based.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Update Your Kitchen with Cabinet Refacing
In this economy, homeowners are looking to make home improvements that make sense. Kitchens are one part of the home where improvements can go from something as small as new cabinet hardware to a full-blown kitchen remodel. According to Remodeling Magazine, homeowners in 2009 who chose to do smaller kitchen remodeling jobs, spending less than half the cost of a major remodel, recouped a higher percentage of their investment – 81.5%. The magazine included cabinet refacing in their estimates for the minor remodel.
Cabinet refacing makes sense if you are looking for an updated look in your kitchen, but like the existing layout of your kitchen. You can create a whole new look at a fraction of the cost and with a lot less disruption within your home. The actual process of cabinet refacing consists of removing the doors and drawer fronts, leaving the cabinet boxes in place. The doors and drawer fronts are replaced with high-quality new pieces, and the exterior faces of the boxes are covered with new surface material. There are a wide variety of styles and finishes available for your “new” cabinets, and you can replace and update the hardware as well, creating an updated kitchen in as little as a few days.
Don’t just think color or finish when considering refacing your cabinets. This is a great time to add new features or accessories to your kitchen. Incorporate mullion doors into your design. Add moldings and rosettes for the look of a high-end custom kitchen. You can even add cabinets to your existing layout to improve your kitchen’s functionality. Finish your refacing project off with a built-in wine rack or added corner shelves. The options are unlimited, and make sense for homeowners who want a quality kitchen for less.
Cabinet refacing makes sense if you are looking for an updated look in your kitchen, but like the existing layout of your kitchen. You can create a whole new look at a fraction of the cost and with a lot less disruption within your home. The actual process of cabinet refacing consists of removing the doors and drawer fronts, leaving the cabinet boxes in place. The doors and drawer fronts are replaced with high-quality new pieces, and the exterior faces of the boxes are covered with new surface material. There are a wide variety of styles and finishes available for your “new” cabinets, and you can replace and update the hardware as well, creating an updated kitchen in as little as a few days.
Don’t just think color or finish when considering refacing your cabinets. This is a great time to add new features or accessories to your kitchen. Incorporate mullion doors into your design. Add moldings and rosettes for the look of a high-end custom kitchen. You can even add cabinets to your existing layout to improve your kitchen’s functionality. Finish your refacing project off with a built-in wine rack or added corner shelves. The options are unlimited, and make sense for homeowners who want a quality kitchen for less.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Dishwasher Care
A few simple steps will keep your dishwasher in good working order and give you cleaner dishes.
Daily
• Clean the front or top of the dishwasher with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Follow manufacturer instructions to preserve the finish.
• Only use detergents specifically made for dishwashers.
• Use powdered detergents instead of gels. They don’t contain chlorine bleach to harm your seals or filters. They are less likely to clog the soap dispenser.
• Detergents do have a shelf life of about 2 weeks. Once you open the box, the product starts losing strength. So buy a package that fits your usage for a 2 week time frame.
• Use a rinse aid to help prevent spotting on glassware especially if you use well water or live in a hard water area.
Twice a Month
• Clean the screens or filters. Check the manufacturer’s user manual for the correct way to remove the filters in the dishwasher. Soak them in warm vinegar water to loosen mineral deposits. Brush with a soft-medium brush or old toothbrush to remove any food particles trapped in the filter. Replace a torn or damaged filter. You don’t want to allow food particles to damage the dishwasher.
• Check the food drain. While the filters should prevent food particles from getting into the food drain, it won’t hurt to take a peek into the drain to verify that it is empty and clean.
Once a Month
• Clean and deodorize the dishwasher. Run a cycle when the dishwasher is empty of dishes with a quart of vinegar to clean mineral deposits from the interior of the dishwater as well as the food drain. An alternative is to run a cycle with a scoop of Tang powered drink. It will scour the interior walls and leave a clean scent.
Bi-Monthly
• Clean the sprayer arm. Mineral deposits and food particles can clog the holes in the sprayer. Soak the arm in warm vinegar water to loosen the build up. Finish the cleaning with a pipe cleaner to completely clear the holes.
• Repair the dish racks. Should you see any exposed metal or nicks on the dish rack, purchase a repair kit from your local hardware store. The repairs are easy to make and will protect the rack from further deterioration as well as protect your dishes from rust or stains.
Twice a Year
• Level the dishwasher. Open the door and place an air bubble level on the inside rim of the dishwasher. Adjust the legs on the front of the dishwasher to keep it level.
• Check the sealing gaskets. Look at the rubber or plastic seals around the door to be sure they are pliable with no cracks or tears. Poor gaskets can allow the dishwasher to leak.
Daily
• Clean the front or top of the dishwasher with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Follow manufacturer instructions to preserve the finish.
• Only use detergents specifically made for dishwashers.
• Use powdered detergents instead of gels. They don’t contain chlorine bleach to harm your seals or filters. They are less likely to clog the soap dispenser.
• Detergents do have a shelf life of about 2 weeks. Once you open the box, the product starts losing strength. So buy a package that fits your usage for a 2 week time frame.
• Use a rinse aid to help prevent spotting on glassware especially if you use well water or live in a hard water area.
Twice a Month
• Clean the screens or filters. Check the manufacturer’s user manual for the correct way to remove the filters in the dishwasher. Soak them in warm vinegar water to loosen mineral deposits. Brush with a soft-medium brush or old toothbrush to remove any food particles trapped in the filter. Replace a torn or damaged filter. You don’t want to allow food particles to damage the dishwasher.
• Check the food drain. While the filters should prevent food particles from getting into the food drain, it won’t hurt to take a peek into the drain to verify that it is empty and clean.
Once a Month
• Clean and deodorize the dishwasher. Run a cycle when the dishwasher is empty of dishes with a quart of vinegar to clean mineral deposits from the interior of the dishwater as well as the food drain. An alternative is to run a cycle with a scoop of Tang powered drink. It will scour the interior walls and leave a clean scent.
Bi-Monthly
• Clean the sprayer arm. Mineral deposits and food particles can clog the holes in the sprayer. Soak the arm in warm vinegar water to loosen the build up. Finish the cleaning with a pipe cleaner to completely clear the holes.
• Repair the dish racks. Should you see any exposed metal or nicks on the dish rack, purchase a repair kit from your local hardware store. The repairs are easy to make and will protect the rack from further deterioration as well as protect your dishes from rust or stains.
Twice a Year
• Level the dishwasher. Open the door and place an air bubble level on the inside rim of the dishwasher. Adjust the legs on the front of the dishwasher to keep it level.
• Check the sealing gaskets. Look at the rubber or plastic seals around the door to be sure they are pliable with no cracks or tears. Poor gaskets can allow the dishwasher to leak.
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Thursday, July 29, 2010
August Maintenance List
Yes, it is too hot to do much right now, however, August is a good time to take care of some little odds and ends.
• Check flashlights to be sure the batteries are strong. There will still be some monsoon storms and you don’t want to be left in the dark.
• Check windows and doors to make sure locks work properly and that they are in good condition. Clean tracks and lubricate hinges.
• Repair or replace any cracked windows. Get more information about window replacement at Trades Unlimited. It’s important to do the job right so you don’t create leaks into your home.
• Add security locks or even wooden dowels that you lay in the tracks of windows or patio sliding doors for additional protection.
• Perform garage door maintenance. Click here for an excellent article from Lincoln Electric Door with instructions.
• Repair minor brick and mortar cracks in your exterior walls, foundation, driveway and sidewalks. Call a professional if necessary, especially concerning foundations.
• If you haven´t cleaned gutters for awhile, check them now. They may be full of monsoon trash. You can replace damaged or leaking gutters now, or add leaf guards that will allow leaves to slide off. Make this the last year for gutter cleaning!
• Check flashlights to be sure the batteries are strong. There will still be some monsoon storms and you don’t want to be left in the dark.
• Check windows and doors to make sure locks work properly and that they are in good condition. Clean tracks and lubricate hinges.
• Repair or replace any cracked windows. Get more information about window replacement at Trades Unlimited. It’s important to do the job right so you don’t create leaks into your home.
• Add security locks or even wooden dowels that you lay in the tracks of windows or patio sliding doors for additional protection.
• Perform garage door maintenance. Click here for an excellent article from Lincoln Electric Door with instructions.
• Repair minor brick and mortar cracks in your exterior walls, foundation, driveway and sidewalks. Call a professional if necessary, especially concerning foundations.
• If you haven´t cleaned gutters for awhile, check them now. They may be full of monsoon trash. You can replace damaged or leaking gutters now, or add leaf guards that will allow leaves to slide off. Make this the last year for gutter cleaning!
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