Most newer homes in Arizona have gas fireplaces, which are convenient, clean and easy to operate. Like any system in your home, your gas fireplace does require some simple maintenance. Always make sure the batteries in the carbon monoxide detector are fresh. You’ll also want to make sure vents are clean and unobstructed, as well as cleaning the fan and ensuring it is working properly. From an aesthetic viewpoint, keeping the glass on the fireplace clean and rearranging the glowing embers and logs for a natural appearance makes a big difference.
There are times when calling in a professional is the best route. If you smell gas, shut off the valve to the fireplace and have it checked out by a pro. If you have problems with your pilot light going out, that’s another good time to seek professional advice. After service, remember that the technician should do a gas leak and CO test for safety.
For wood burning fireplaces, periodic chimney inspections are a good idea. You’ll want to make sure the flue is working properly, that creosote hasn’t built up and that birds or other critters haven’t taken up residence. Age, weather and fireplace use can also take a toll on your chimney.
For safety as you use your fireplace, there are a number of items you’ll want to have on hand. Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in the room with the fireplace. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand as well. Use a screen to keep stray sparks from landing on rugs or furniture. Periodically clean the ashes out of your fireplace with a shovel and dustpan. After enjoying the warmth of your fire, don’t leave a burning fireplace unattended. Make sure your fire is completely out before closing the flue so carbon monoxide or smoke doesn’t build up in the house.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Frost and Your Plants
Depending on where you live in Maricopa County, you can expect frost from the end of November until as late as April in certain areas. The record low in Phoenix was set in 1913 at a frigid 16 ° F. Recent low temperatures have resulted in frost damage to plants in our area.
If your plants have already experienced frost damage the most important thing to remember – don’t prune them yet! Pruning may stimulate new growth which could be damaged by a later frost. Wait until danger of frost has passed and the plants have begun their spring growth.
To protect your plants from potential frost, keep them well-watered, and keeping the moisture level in your irrigation system as consistent as possible. Cover plants with cloth or paper (sheets, blankets or frost cloth). Keep plants cozy and fully covered with no gaps for warmth to escape. Don’t gather your covering around the base of the plant, but allow it to extend out to the ground at the drip line. This will trap the heat being radiated from the ground. When covering plants with sheets or blankets, remove the coverings daily so that the plant doesn’t break dormancy and start to actively grow too soon.
You can wrap the trunks of young citrus and other frost sensitive trees with multiple layers of weatherproof paper or cloth. Make sure your wrapping extends from the ground up to the lower limbs to protect the tree’s vital area.
The easiest ways to minimize frost damage to plants is to select frost tolerant plants, and to place frost sensitive plants in sheltered locations.
If your plants have already experienced frost damage the most important thing to remember – don’t prune them yet! Pruning may stimulate new growth which could be damaged by a later frost. Wait until danger of frost has passed and the plants have begun their spring growth.
To protect your plants from potential frost, keep them well-watered, and keeping the moisture level in your irrigation system as consistent as possible. Cover plants with cloth or paper (sheets, blankets or frost cloth). Keep plants cozy and fully covered with no gaps for warmth to escape. Don’t gather your covering around the base of the plant, but allow it to extend out to the ground at the drip line. This will trap the heat being radiated from the ground. When covering plants with sheets or blankets, remove the coverings daily so that the plant doesn’t break dormancy and start to actively grow too soon.
You can wrap the trunks of young citrus and other frost sensitive trees with multiple layers of weatherproof paper or cloth. Make sure your wrapping extends from the ground up to the lower limbs to protect the tree’s vital area.
The easiest ways to minimize frost damage to plants is to select frost tolerant plants, and to place frost sensitive plants in sheltered locations.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The New Year is a Great Time to Flush Your Hot Water Heater
Did you know that flushing your hot water heater annually is recommended maintenance and could save you some major headaches and water damage down the road? Many homeowners rely on their hot water heaters to perform day in and day out for years without considering that the heater might need some basic maintenance. Flushing the heater removes sediment and bacteria from your tank, which can lead to displaced hot water volume and excess wear and tear on the tank.
Flushing your hot water heater is a simple process that should take only an hour or two, once a year. Here are the steps to easy hot water heater maintenance:
1. Turn off electric heaters at the breaker box and turn gas heaters
to pilot setting.
2. Attach a hose to the drain valve near the bottom of the heater
and run the hose outside, away from the house. Remember the
water that will drain out is hot!
3. Shut off the cold water inlet valve at the top of the heater.
Before opening the drain valve, go inside and turn on one of
your hot water faucets and let it run. This will prevent a
vacuum from forming.
4. Open the drain valve and let the hot water out of the tank.
Once the tank has drained, open the inlet valve and add
more water to flush the tank.
5. Once the water coming out of the hose is clear, you can
close the drain valve and remove the hose, and turn off
the faucet in the house.
6. Allow the tank to fill again with clean water and then
turn your power or gas back on to heat up the water.
7. Once the water in the tank is heated up, it’s a good idea
to check the pressure release valve according to the
instructions.
This simple New Year’s maintenance job can save you on heating costs and save on costly repairs to your tank. Inspecting the tank yearly will also alert you to any rust or wear on the outside of the tank that might lead to problems.
Flushing your hot water heater is a simple process that should take only an hour or two, once a year. Here are the steps to easy hot water heater maintenance:
1. Turn off electric heaters at the breaker box and turn gas heaters
to pilot setting.
2. Attach a hose to the drain valve near the bottom of the heater
and run the hose outside, away from the house. Remember the
water that will drain out is hot!
3. Shut off the cold water inlet valve at the top of the heater.
Before opening the drain valve, go inside and turn on one of
your hot water faucets and let it run. This will prevent a
vacuum from forming.
4. Open the drain valve and let the hot water out of the tank.
Once the tank has drained, open the inlet valve and add
more water to flush the tank.
5. Once the water coming out of the hose is clear, you can
close the drain valve and remove the hose, and turn off
the faucet in the house.
6. Allow the tank to fill again with clean water and then
turn your power or gas back on to heat up the water.
7. Once the water in the tank is heated up, it’s a good idea
to check the pressure release valve according to the
instructions.
This simple New Year’s maintenance job can save you on heating costs and save on costly repairs to your tank. Inspecting the tank yearly will also alert you to any rust or wear on the outside of the tank that might lead to problems.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Retractable Screens - Convenience and Beauty
Arizona sun is a force to be reckoned with – not only does it cause glare, but it can raise energy costs and fade carpets and furnishings. A great solution for homeowners, especially those who don’t want to sacrifice views, is retractable shades. They can block up to 98% of solar heat rays, cut energy costs by up to 30% and provide glare-free shade that can be controlled with the touch of a button. Retractable shades come in a variety of fabric and trim colors to match your home, and are custom-fitted.
There are a variety of retractable shade options for homeowners to choose from. Interior or exterior clutch shades are easily lowered and raised manually with a chain pull system. Heavy duty manual shades use a crank operation. Motorized shades come with a choice of motors, all designed to provide quiet and smooth operation. The motors can be hardwired and operated from wall switches for the ultimate in convenience. Some models also come with remote controls and wireless wall switch options.
If you’re a homeowner looking to shade your home or patio in style while lowering energy costs and carbon footprint, consider retractable screens or shades. You’ll be able to keep the house light and bright in winter, enjoy unrestricted views, and provide protection for your home.
There are a variety of retractable shade options for homeowners to choose from. Interior or exterior clutch shades are easily lowered and raised manually with a chain pull system. Heavy duty manual shades use a crank operation. Motorized shades come with a choice of motors, all designed to provide quiet and smooth operation. The motors can be hardwired and operated from wall switches for the ultimate in convenience. Some models also come with remote controls and wireless wall switch options.
If you’re a homeowner looking to shade your home or patio in style while lowering energy costs and carbon footprint, consider retractable screens or shades. You’ll be able to keep the house light and bright in winter, enjoy unrestricted views, and provide protection for your home.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Dual Flush Toilet Kits Save Water and Money
Dual Flush toilets are becoming more and more common in new construction. These toilets can perform a full flush, or a flush with half of the amount of water. In most cases, a half-flush is all that is needed to keep the toilet bowl clean. A new dual flush toilet can be expensive and require professional installation, but if you are looking to save water you can install a dual flush retrofit kit on your existing toilet.
These dual flush kits are generally easy to install and fit most existing toilets. Even if you decide to have the kit professionally installed, it will be significantly less expensive than a new dual flush toilet. Dual flush kits allow you to select the amount of water for flushing – 0.8 gallon for a lighter flush and 1.6 gallons when you need more power. Of course, your savings will vary depending on how many people are using the toilet, and how often – basically, how many times is the toilet flushed?
Estimates of how many gallons are saved using a dual flush toilet kit vary widely – from 1,600 gallons per year to 40,000 gallons per year. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that toilets account for 30% of the water used in the home, and that switching an older toilet to a dual flush or other water efficient toilet can save a family of four an average of $2,000 on water bills over the life of the fixture. That’s not a bad return on a minimal investment of time and money.
These dual flush kits are generally easy to install and fit most existing toilets. Even if you decide to have the kit professionally installed, it will be significantly less expensive than a new dual flush toilet. Dual flush kits allow you to select the amount of water for flushing – 0.8 gallon for a lighter flush and 1.6 gallons when you need more power. Of course, your savings will vary depending on how many people are using the toilet, and how often – basically, how many times is the toilet flushed?
Estimates of how many gallons are saved using a dual flush toilet kit vary widely – from 1,600 gallons per year to 40,000 gallons per year. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that toilets account for 30% of the water used in the home, and that switching an older toilet to a dual flush or other water efficient toilet can save a family of four an average of $2,000 on water bills over the life of the fixture. That’s not a bad return on a minimal investment of time and money.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Celebrate the Season Safely
The holiday season can be a time to express yourself with beautiful light displays – from elaborate outdoor designs to a simply decorated indoor tree. Follow these tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to keep your holiday light displays safe.
If you’ve taken those old Christmas lights out of the box in the garage again this year, remember to check each strand for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires and loose connections. Don’t use any of the damaged lights. Fasten the lights securely to protect them from wind damage, and don’t overload your extension cord with any more than three standard-sized sets of lights.
Did you know that if you decorate a metal tree with electric lights, it could become charged with electricity from a faulty light? Anyone touching the tree could be electrocuted. Instead, use spotlights to light your metal tree rather than attaching lights to it. If you are using an artificial tree, look for one that is fire-resistant.
“Bubbling” lights can be hazardous to children if they are curious. The glass can break, causing cuts and the liquid that bubbles contains hazardous chemicals. Children should always be supervised around your electrical decorations, cords and plugs!
Don’t leave lights on when you go to bed or leave the house, in case of a short that could start a fire, and keep paper decorations away from lights and electrical connections. By using common sense and following a few simple guidelines, your holiday lights can be a joyful tradition year after year.
If you’ve taken those old Christmas lights out of the box in the garage again this year, remember to check each strand for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires and loose connections. Don’t use any of the damaged lights. Fasten the lights securely to protect them from wind damage, and don’t overload your extension cord with any more than three standard-sized sets of lights.
Did you know that if you decorate a metal tree with electric lights, it could become charged with electricity from a faulty light? Anyone touching the tree could be electrocuted. Instead, use spotlights to light your metal tree rather than attaching lights to it. If you are using an artificial tree, look for one that is fire-resistant.
“Bubbling” lights can be hazardous to children if they are curious. The glass can break, causing cuts and the liquid that bubbles contains hazardous chemicals. Children should always be supervised around your electrical decorations, cords and plugs!
Don’t leave lights on when you go to bed or leave the house, in case of a short that could start a fire, and keep paper decorations away from lights and electrical connections. By using common sense and following a few simple guidelines, your holiday lights can be a joyful tradition year after year.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Toolbox – The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Everyone should have a basic toolbox to handle the little things – hanging pictures, assembling purchased items, tightening up loose screws and a million other day to day uses. A beginner’s toolbox makes a great holiday gift, but what are the best basic items for a tool box?
Number one – basic 16 oz claw hammer. Everyone needs a solid hammer for putting things together and taking things apart, even if you’re just using the claw to pull nails out of the wall before you vacate your apartment.
The next toolbox essentials are screwdrivers. You’ll need at least one size flat head and Phillips head screwdriver, but having a couple of varying sizes is helpful. Flat head screws aren’t used much these days, but you’ll still find them in some assembly projects or on things like switch plates.
A crescent wrench does the work of many wrenches because it’s adjustable, so it works with varying sizes of nuts and bolts. In other wrenches, a basic set of socket wrenches comes in handy. Or pick up the Craftsman “dog bone” wrench that incorporates 8 sockets in one wrench. Handy!
A pair of pliers should be in every toolbox, and as you build your tool collection you’ll want a variety. Starting with vice grips is a good idea – they lock into place and can serve as an extra hand.
A good quality 25’ tape measure is essential – whether you’re trying to figure out if the couch you saw at Ikea will fit in your living room, or figuring out how much of any building material you’ll need to buy. A small level is also useful in many kinds of projects, from putting in cabinets to hanging pictures.
Buy good quality tools for this starter kit and you’ll truly give a gift that will last for years to come.
Number one – basic 16 oz claw hammer. Everyone needs a solid hammer for putting things together and taking things apart, even if you’re just using the claw to pull nails out of the wall before you vacate your apartment.
The next toolbox essentials are screwdrivers. You’ll need at least one size flat head and Phillips head screwdriver, but having a couple of varying sizes is helpful. Flat head screws aren’t used much these days, but you’ll still find them in some assembly projects or on things like switch plates.
A crescent wrench does the work of many wrenches because it’s adjustable, so it works with varying sizes of nuts and bolts. In other wrenches, a basic set of socket wrenches comes in handy. Or pick up the Craftsman “dog bone” wrench that incorporates 8 sockets in one wrench. Handy!
A pair of pliers should be in every toolbox, and as you build your tool collection you’ll want a variety. Starting with vice grips is a good idea – they lock into place and can serve as an extra hand.
A good quality 25’ tape measure is essential – whether you’re trying to figure out if the couch you saw at Ikea will fit in your living room, or figuring out how much of any building material you’ll need to buy. A small level is also useful in many kinds of projects, from putting in cabinets to hanging pictures.
Buy good quality tools for this starter kit and you’ll truly give a gift that will last for years to come.
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