Hot Water Recirculation Pumps Save Water and Time

Did you know that just waiting for hot water to reach your tap results in gallons of wasted water each day?  In the 60 seconds it takes for hot water to actually come out of the faucet, unused water in the supply line is evacuated and wasted.  In order to save water and save time is a hot water recirculation pump. 

New homes can be constructed with a dedicated return line that is installed between the water heater and the end of the hot water supply line, and a pump that pushes heated water through the supply line from the heater and back through the return line.  Existing homes can be retrofitted with a circulation pump that allows the cold water supply line to act as the return line. 

Water is circulated back into the hot water storage so that it’s always ready when you turn on the tap.  A pump keeps hot water in your supply line, while a valve at the tap creates a by-pass for recirculation.  A timer can be installed to provide increased efficiency during low water use periods of the day or night. With this simple retrofit, you’ll enjoy instant hot water throughout your home while eliminating wasted water on a daily basis.

Take a Look at Your Landscape Needs Now

In today’s housing market selling your home may not be an option, so it might be a great time to take stock of your property and make some improvements that will pay off in the future.  Winter is a great time to evaluate your landscape and plan for anything from some refreshed plantings to masonry, rock installation, a new water feature or an improved irrigation system.  Not only will an improved landscape add value to your property, it is something you and your family can enjoy every day.

Landscape design and installation professionals are accustomed to working with homeowners who may not know exactly what they want –providing creative ideas for your outdoor space based on their own knowledge and experience.  On the other hand, you can spend some time this winter familiarizing yourself with the various types of plants, shrubs and trees that thrive in our desert environment.  Browse through magazines and tear out pictures of backyard landscapes and features that appeal to you.  Now that the weather is gorgeous, get out and walk the neighborhood to look at plantings or visit the Desert Botanical Garden or one of the teaching gardens in the area.  Even if everything you like is not feasible for your space, a good landscape designer should be able to incorporate some key elements into your new design.  You may even come up with your own design to discuss with a landscaper who can add their professional input.  Take a look at your landscape now to enjoy a beautiful yard this spring.

Oven Cleaning Tips for Holiday Cooks

The holidays are fast approaching and most ovens are going to get a lot of use cooking turkeys, roasts, pies
and cookies.  You’ll want to keep your oven clean and in its best working condition in the coming months, so here are some safety tips for cleaning your oven.

If you don’t have a self-cleaning oven, you’ll need to use a cleaning product specially designed for ovens.  Be sure to have protective gloves and eyewear on hand before you start your project as well.  If you have your oven’s operating manual, it’s a good idea to refer to it for any cleaning specifics.  Disconnect your oven from the power supply before you begin, and open windows for adequate ventilation.

The best way to apply your oven cleaner is with a brush (like a dish washing brush), so that you can control which surfaces come in contact with the chemical cleaner.  Certain oven cleaners can damage aluminum parts and Teflon coatings in your oven.  You can apply a small amount of cleaner to a small area as a test before covering the whole interior.

Remember not to apply the oven cleaner to the wiring or thermostat.  Don’t use wire brushes or steel wool on the porcelain finish of your oven, and don’t scrub the rubber oven door seal – just wipe it down with a damp cloth to prevent damage.  Follow the instructions for timing and removal of the oven cleaner, and safely dispose of all waste.

If you clean your oven on a regular basis and don’t allow too much buildup of drips and splatters, this is an easy maintenance project that will keep your oven looking like new.

Support Warren & Tim on Super Saturday - November 19th

Warren & Tim are supporting the St. Mary's Food Bank Super Saturday Turkey Drive on November 19th.

The HouseTalk Show will match the listener donated turkeys!

You can drop off either a turkey or cash donation.  When you drop off your donation, please make sure you register for the US Air tickets and let them know that The HouseTalk Show sent you.


Click here for additional details on this program.

Click here for drop off locations.

Enjoy Your Outdoor Space - Patio Heater Safety Tips

It's finally time to enjoy outdoor living spaces in Arizona, and a patio heater can help homeowners get the

most use out of patio areas throughout the winter.  Propane-fueled patio heaters can make your outdoor space cozy on even the chilliest night, and are great for entertaining.  When setting up your heater, you’ll want to position it on a level surface and ensure that it is fully and properly assembled before operating the unit.  Choose a location close enough to your seating area, but far enough away from anything that could potentially ignite.  A 3 foot clearance is generally recommended for larger units.  Plastic, fabric, wood and paper should be positioned at a safe distance from your heater.

Keep your patio heater clear of any obstructions at all times.  Even seemingly insignificant debris like spider webs or leaves can clog air ducts and reduce the ventilation and proper air flow, resulting in poor performance.  Don’t use your heater as a towel rack or attempt to dry clothing using the unit – you may end up with a fire on your hands!   Watch children around the heater and make sure rough activities that could result in the heater being jostled or tipped over are kept away from the patio area.

Check your heater’s hoses and fittings on a regular basis to prevent the occurrence of leaks.  Have your patio heater serviced on an annual basis and after any long periods of storage.  Following these common-sense safety tips will ensure that you enjoy your heated patio throughout the winter months.

St. Mary's Food Bank Super Saturday Turkey Drive on November 19th

Warren & Tim are supporting the St. Mary's Food Bank Super Saturday Turkey Drive on November 19th.

You can drop off either a turkey or cash donation.  When you drop off your donation, please make sure you register for the US Air tickets and let them know that The HouseTalk Show sent you.

The HouseTalk Show will match the listener donated turkeys!

Click here for drop off locations and additional details.

Pest Control Basics - Cockroaches

Regular pest control treatments in your home can prevent a population explosion of cockroaches.  While

cockroaches in the colder parts of the country go through a dormant period in the winter, here in the Valley of the Sun, we can find these creepy critters in our homes year-round.  Cockroaches can aggravate allergies, and where there is one roach there can quickly be many, many more.

Roaches can enter your home through cracks, crevices and pipes, or by hitching a ride in a box or grocery bag.  Once cockroaches are in your home, they just need warmth, food and water to survive and thrive, reproducing at an alarming rate.  Cockroaches are nocturnal creatures, so unless you are up all night, you won’t see how many roaches are actually scurrying around.  And of course, many will be in cabinets, closets, bathrooms and behind walls where you can’t easily spot them. 

Because cockroaches are great at hiding out and hiding their eggs in spots you just can’t get to, they are tough to get rid of.  Pest Control professionals are your best option for dealing with an invasion of cockroaches, and better yet, routinely scheduled pest control treatments will prevent the problem from starting in the first place.