February Yard & Garden Tips

As the weather begins to warm up, don't get too far ahead in your spring gardening - we may still have frost, so be prepared to cover tender plants.  Trees, shrubs and vines can be fertilized at this time.  Fertilize trees away from the trunk; you want to reach the active roots under the outer part of the tree canopy.  Wait to prune any frost-damaged plants after you begin to see new growth.  You can clean out dead wood and remove suckers on trees in your yard.  Remember when pruning any plant to use clean, sharp tools designed for pruning and disinfect them between uses to prevent any spreading of disease.  Never remove more than 25% of the plant when pruning.

Bermuda grass can still be watered just once per month, while rye grass can be watered once or twice per week.  Don’t water grass at night or cut grass when it is wet – both of these actions can encourage growth of fungal diseases.  Don’t fertilize dormant Bermuda grass until later in the spring.

Dealing with weed control is easiest when weeds are small and their roots are weak.  This is a good time to use a pre-emergent weed control in gravel areas.  Remember that if you are planning to plant seeds, don’t use the pre-emergent in that area because it will prevent the seeds from germinating.

These simple tips will help your trees and landscape stay healthy and help prepare for those hot temperatures.

Make Pool Safety a Priority This Year

It’s never too early in the season to think about pool safety. In Arizona, local building codes include very specific requirements for pool safety in terms of fencing, gates, and door alarms in an attempt eliminate drowning incidents.  Drowning is the leading cause of death among children aged 1 to 4 in Arizona, and is the second-leading cause of unintentional, injury-related death among children under the age of 15.

There are a number of ways homeowners can protect their families and keep their pool areas safe.  The number one tool in drowning prevention is supervision.  A child can drown in the time it takes to answer an unexpected phone call or ring of the doorbell.  Installing alarms and self-closing, self-latching devices on doors offers further protection.  Children are prevented from opening doors by themselves, and an alarm will sound when a door is opened.

Permanent, galvanized steel pool fencing is an excellent option for keeping your pool area secure.  If you don’t have children in your home, but perhaps have visiting family or grandchildren, removable mesh fencing is an option.  This fencing can be removed, rolled up and put away when children are not in the home.  An additional option for pool safety is a pool safety net.  These nets stretch across the surface of the pool, so small that children cannot reach the water.  Of course, the homeowner must be vigilant about replacing the net after swimming, so that the pool is never left uncovered. 

Keep your family safe - start thinking about your pool safety plan now.

Find Out Where your Energy Dollars are Going - Home Energy Audits

Everyone’s talking about energy efficiency these days – how to save on energy costs while preserving the environment.  But do you really know why you spend what you do on energy?  One way to find out is to have a home energy audit performed.  A home energy audit is a great way to gather and analyze information to determine where you can save money on your energy costs.

A home energy audit is performed using infrared cameras, surface thermometers, furnace efficiency meters and other specialized equipment.  A thorough examination of the home, inside and out, is completed by technicians.  If the homeowner knows of any problem areas (hot spots, drafty areas, etc.) these can be looked at in more detail to determine the cause. 

Additionally, the auditor will want to know how many people live in the home, what the occupants’ energy habits are (when are thermostats turned up or down, when are people home or at work, etc.) and what the actual monthly energy costs are.  Once all of this information is compiled and analyzed, the audit can provide recommendations for improvements and areas where savings can be recognized.

The audit should also provide information about potential tax rebates for making energy efficiency improvements and a projection on how much the homeowner will save in energy costs.  An energy audit is a great first step to leading a more energy efficient lifestyle.

Benefits of Water Conditioning Systems

Living in the desert presents some unique challenges when it comes to our water supply.  Water in Arizona contains large amounts hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium, resulting in water that is two to three times harder than water in other parts of the country.  Hard water is a problem for a number of reasons, but mostly because it is “hard” on appliances, systems, our bodies and our wallets.  The minerals found in hard water can form a build-up that causes problems in water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, coffee makers, humidifiers and the plumbing throughout your home.

Hard water also reduces the effectiveness of detergents and other cleaning products.  You spend more money on these products because you’ve got to use more to get the job done.  Hard water can also leave residue and soap scum behind when you are cleaning.  It can also etch glassware and result in spots and streaks, as well as shortening the life of your clothing when washed in hard water.  Additionally, hard water is hard on our skin and hair as it doesn’t rinse as cleanly and can be harsh and drying.

The solution to the hard water problem is to use a water conditioning system that removes the hard minerals from your water system.  These systems filter the water supply through a resin softening medium.  Salt is used to revitalize the system periodically, so a continuous supply of soft, conditioned water is available in your home.

Futuristic Home Heating and Cooling Technology – Nest Thermostat

According to the EPA, using a programmable thermostat can save homeowners and residents 5% - 15% a year on your heating and cooling bill.  They recommend setting your thermostat at 68°F when you are awake and at home, and programming a 10° to 15° setback for at least 8 hours.  The same strategy would apply for cooling your home in the summer, by keeping the thermostat at 78° when you are home and awake, and using a warmer setting while at work or asleep.

Sounds easy, right?  In a series of surveys done by researchers at University of California, it was discovered that 90% of programmable thermostats are rarely or never programmed.  Photographs of participants’ thermostats that were collected revealed that 50% of the respondents had set their thermostats on “long term hold” and 20% of the units displayed the wrong time.  Since many programmable thermostats don’t seem to be user-friendly, even homeowners who have the opportunity to save on energy bills are not using technology to their advantage.

Startup company Nest Labs wants to change that with their newly unveiled Nest thermostat, which can actually program itself. Users can adjust the thermostat manually as they normally do, and within one week the Nest unit will learn the patterns and program itself to raise and lower temperatures automatically.  It can even recognize that the house is empty during vacation times and go into energy saving mode.  Of course, the Nest can be programmed by the user as well, and if you practice good energy saving habits, Nest will pick up on them.

This year may be the time to take energy savings seriously and get a little help from a smart thermostat.

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.

Bathroom Painting - What You Need to Know

Painting a bathroom is a little different from painting other rooms in your home.  Bathrooms are subject to moisture, as well as residue on the walls from soap and products like deodorant, hair spray or perfumes.  Because of the high levels of moisture, specially formulated bathroom paint should be used, but before you get to applying the paint, it’s important to clean the walls to remove any residues that would prevent the paint from adhering properly.

You’ll want to remove switch plates, towel bars, toilet paper holder and spring-fitted shower curtain rod.  It will be easier to paint behind the toilet if you also remove the tank cover.  Next, use a good quality, paintable caulk for bathrooms.  Look for places that could use fresh caulk around the tub or shower enclosure, where the countertop and vanity cabinet meet the wall, and along baseboards.

Darker colors can be intense in bathrooms, since they are generally smaller rooms.  Also, you’ll need to allow darker colors longer to cure, because steam and moisture can cause darker colors to run in spots and create an uneven look.  Look for a durable paint with a satin or gloss finish that can be wiped down and is recommended for bathrooms.

Home Office Tips from Gale Steves

The New Year may bring changes in career or the option of telecommuting, since more and more of us are working from home these days.  Or, if you are already working from home, you may want to reorganize and improve your home office space.  Gale Steves offers the following things to think about as you plan your new space.

You’ll want to give consideration to storage space – Do you need to keep files locked away? Do you need to be able to leave active projects out in the open?  Does your office space do double duty as family or guest room space when not in use?  If you are a neat person you may do fine with using your office space for other functions; otherwise, you may need a space where you can close the door behind you.

Steves suggests that if you are self employed you will need to create space for creativity and have a fashionable office with light and noise control.  If your home office is more of a family communications center for catching up on work, bills or email, it can be more centrally located and not a dedicated space.
The former editor-in-chief of Home magazine, Steves specializes in making homes more livable through her concept of Right-Sizing, which helps make the most of smaller spaces.

What is the NFRC?

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) was formed in 1989 as an independent agency that rates fenestration energy performance.  So what exactly is fenestration?  NFRC defines it as “products that fill openings in a building envelope, including windows, doors, skylights and curtain walls designed to permit the passage of air, light, vehicles or people.”  The agency allows consumers to compare the performance of various products accurately and evaluate their effectiveness for a particular project.

The NFRC has developed a uniform, independent rating and labeling system for the energy performance of windows, doors, skylights, etc.  This allows architects and builders, along with homeowners, to easily compare products and decide which is best for their project.  Through NFRC ratings, building and government officials can determine if products meet building codes. 

Over 500 manufacturers participate in the NFRC rating program, which gives them a consistent and accurate way to show the energy benefits of over 1.67 million products, as well as giving consumers a way to compare products fairly.  So, the next time you are considering using energy efficient fenestration, take a look at the NFRC rating on the products, or visit the NFRC website for a wealth of information.

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.

Solar Water Heaters Shine

Most of us don't think too much about the cost of heating water in our home.  Electric water hears are inexpensive to purchase, and when a hot water heater goes out homeowners often choose the cheapest replacement.  However, an electric water heater accounts for 25% of the energy costs in the average household.  In a study conducted by the Florida Solar Energy Center, solar water heaters were found to save as much as 50% to 85% annually over the energy costs of electric water heaters.  The National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates recovering the investment on a solar water heater in 4 to 8 years through the resulting savings on energy costs.

Homeowners can also factor in various utility rebates and tax credits to increase their savings.  Once your solar water heater has paid for itself, you will have free hot water for the life of the heater and won’t have to worry about fuel or energy cost hikes in future years.  If you sell your house in the meantime, you have a good chance of recouping the cost of your solar water heater through the increased market value of your home.  Of course there are environmental benefits to operating a solar water heater.  You will not add to the pollution created by generating power or burning fuel to heat water for your home.  It’s estimated that over 20 years, the electricity needed to power an electric water heater will produce more than 50 tons of carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to the greenhouse effect, and your solar water heater will eliminate those emissions.

The next time you are contemplating life in a nice hot shower, give some thought to how you heat your water and the benefits of solar water heaters.

Keeping Spa Water Clean and Safe

Although the pool may get less use throughout the winter, in ground or above ground spas use can increase as the weather cools down.  Because of the warmer temperature of the spa, it’s important to follow some simple maintenance and cleaning guidelines to keep bacteria to a minimum and maintain the proper chemical balance.

You will need to use a spa sanitizer regularly to keep the water clean.  There are several different options available, including chlorine, bromine, baquaspa and minerals.  In addition, you’ll want to have a Spa Shock product on hand as well.  This product will work quickly to sanitize your spa and kill bacteria after heavy use.  To ensure that your sanitizing products work correctly, you’ll want to keep the pH of the spa water at 7.4 to 7.6.  Maintain your alkalinity at 100 ppm to 150 ppm.  The chemicals needed are readily available and inexpensive to keep on hand.  Depending on what type of spa you have, adding calcium may help protect your spa’s surface and prevent deterioration from soft water.

A pool supply professional can help you determine how often to use the basic chemicals based on what type of spa you have and how much it is used.  Regularly testing your water and looking for any trouble signs such as cloudy or discolored water, a ring around the spa tub or white deposit build-up will ensure that family and friends can enjoy a healthy and relaxing soak in your spa any time.

When to Consider Upgrading your HVAC

When having your fall HVAC maintenance check, you may be faced with big questions as to whether or not to replace your system.  Here are some guidelines from www.energystar.gov on when it’s time to consider replacing your system

If your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old, you could benefit from up to 20% savings in your energy costs if you choose an energy efficient new system.  If your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old, replacing it with Energy Star rated models can result in 5-15% more energy efficiency.  If you find that your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are rising, your system may simply be losing efficiency.

If you notice things in your home such as certain rooms that are too warm or cold, excessive dust, humidity issues or noisy equipment, your HVAC system may be to blame.  If your equipment isn’t operating properly, you may experience some of these problems.  Other causes could be dirty, leaky or insufficient ductwork or inadequate insulation.

If no one is home for a good part of the day and you don’t have a programmable thermostat, consider having one installed.  It’s an easy way to save money while you are at work.  If you replace your old HVAC equipment with Energy Star rated products before the end of 2011, you could be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $500, as well as substantial savings on your future energy bills.

The Benefits of Carpet in your Home

Installing new carpet is a great alternative to tile flooring.  Here are the top five benefits of carpet and rugs, according to the Carpet and Rug Institute:

Warmth & Comfort:  We all know carpet is more comfy than a hard surface for sitting, playing, or lounging.  Carpet provides insulation in colder temperatures, which can save energy.

Beauty & Style:  You can personalize your home by choosing from thousands of carpet styles and colors. 
Carpet provides a neutral foundation, or a focal point of bold color or pattern in your room.

Softens Slips & Falls:  Carpet provides a cushion underfoot, and a softer place to land for toddlers.  It also reduces the chance of injury if a fall occurs.

Long-Wearing Value:  When properly maintained and cleaned, carpet will maintain its beauty and durability for many years.

Noise Reduction:  Carpet helps absorb noise from computers, televisions, and other household electronics.  Carpet helps create a sound barrier between floors and on stairs as well.

The world of carpet is changing with the times, with a wider variety of new recycled and natural fiber carpets available to home owners that are long-wearing, easily cleaned and stain resistant.