Friday, November 16, 2012

Easy Ways to Renovating Your Kitchen

Do you think your kitchen is a mess? Are you frustrated over the fact that your toaster is not working because your coffeemaker is on? This is the result of a poor electricity connection that is plaguing your kitchen.

Your gas might not be working with faulty supply and you are down to your last stove. Your countertops are stained and your cabinets are broken. You have to address to all the leaking taps as well. In short you are frustrated with the condition that your kitchen is in. You need a complete renovation of your kitchen. You are not the only one.

Usually you will have your inhibitions in renovating your kitchen. After all, there's all the noise and the dust and the lack of mobility around while your kitchen is getting renovated. Also, there is the cost factor to take care of. However, with a little planning in mind you can take care of all these things in a manner that is most comfortable for you.

You can make use of all the facilities available in the market to make sure that you have what it take to renovate your kitchen and live through the process. It is actually a very simple process if you think about it. All the information that you have and all the products that you need are available in the market. All you need to do is make the right choices and you are set to renovate your kitchen. Of course, your kitchen will be unavailable for use for the next few days.

Therefore, you need to make sure that you have made arrangements such that your daily routine is not affected. This is most important as the kitchen forms an important part of your household. Therefore, you need to make sure that you have arrangements ready as a substitute for not using your kitchen.

There are many things to think of while looking to renovate your kitchen. You need to seek out what you require from your kitchen first. If your gas is not working, then you need to change your stoves. If you are not getting proper electric connection, then you need to change your lines. If your piping is not working, then you need to get a proper plumber. These are the essentials of a functional kitchen. Check them one by one and make sure to have a list of things to repair.

The next important factor to realize is the renovations that are done to your kitchen should also enhance the look of your kitchen. This would mean cosmetic modifications to your kitchen which would come in form of countertops and cabinets. Marble countertops will give your kitchen a grand luxurious look that would enhance the quality of your kitchen. You can purchase such countertops from home or kitchen renovators.

You should look for shops that are one stop for all your kitchen renovation needs. This will help to make sure that you get all the help that you need for your kitchen renovation needs.

by: Easy Ways to Renovating Your Kitchen -
http://www.clearlakekitchens.com

A Description Of How To Use Microwave Parts

People living in the first world nations count so much on microwave ovens. This dependency makes it a must for you to determine if replacement of microwave parts would be enough just in case something happens to your machine. Moreover, it is also imperative that you know some troubleshooting steps so you can avoid panicking.

Microwaves are among the things that you may consider as scientific wonders. Their functions have expanded from domestic to industrial use. You would generally see them on the counter top of people’s kitchens. Likewise, fast food chains, restaurants and coffee shops have them.

The need for microwave ovens opened a great opportunity to some corporations. They are those who pioneered the sales, and use of microwaves as functional appliances. Some of them are LG, Panasonic, General Electric, Daewoo and Sharp. These brands have international origins but have found ways to extend their products and services in almost all corners of the world.

Aside from the machines, these manufacturers also produce microwave parts that can be used as replacements. It is also important to note that each brand has specific peripherals that would be most compatible on them. For example, LG microwave parts may not work if use as substitutes for General Electric microwave parts.

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t look for alternative brands of microwave parts. There are so many intelligent people in the world to not make this possible. Anyway, it is very understandable if you would want to turn to those less prominent brands of appliances parts.

Frankly speaking, branded replacement parts for microwave ovens are pretty pricey; hence, some people tend to buy used microwave parts or alternative brands. The good thing about these options is that there is always a possibility that you will find something great to replace costly Panasonic microwave parts, Sharp microwave parts or any other parts from the leaders of the industry.

Conversely, before you start buying any replacement parts for your microwave, be sure that they are really what you need. Microwave ovens are generally repairable by simply changing their parts that are malfunctioning. The reason why this troubleshooting sometimes fails to resolve your appliance’s problem is because you replaced the wrong parts.

This mistake could happen and have happened already to a lot of people. At any rate, you can’t really blame them since they all have the same reference which is - their machine’s manual.

If you really want to fix your oven by substituting its parts, it would be best to start with widening your references. Do not just count on your manual as not everything is printed there. You may join some forums to ask others if they have already encountered your problem and ask for their tips.

You should also keep in mind that you can’t touch everything inside your machine’s body. There are some microwave parts that must be left to the experts especially if you have very little understanding on how your machine actually works.

Some of the part the parts that you can personally replace include:

- fan

- burner

- turntable

- gasket and bearing

Naturally, if you know a great deal about electricity and appliances, then you may check on the electrical mechanism of your unit. But if you are not this type, limit the microwave parts that you want to replace. Better yet, just let someone certified to replace it.

by: Rudy Silva -
http://www.microwaveparts.org

Furnace Filter Problems

It Enters Your Body 24 Hours A Day…And It Could Be Making You SICK

We all know how important nutritious food and clean drinking water are to our health. But rarely do we consider another major health factor we cannot see, touch, or taste: the air we breathe. Medical studies confirm that many people unknowingly breathe "sick" air in their homes and offices every day…air that contains common microscopic elements like pollen, dust mites, and bacteria. As this polluted air is absorbed into our skin, lungs, and blood cells, it often causes or aggravates allergic reactions, headaches, fatigue, recurring colds, breathing difficulties, dizziness, nausea, and serious respiratory diseases.

Air conditioner filters commonly used in residential applications are often inefficient, low cost furnace filters purchased from a local hardware store. These filters generally consist of a cardboard frame housing fiber mats or blankets of varying thickness, fiber sizes, and densities. Manufacturers recommend changing these filters regularly, however, homeowners rarely follow such recommendations.

As a result, particulate buildup on the filter increases thereby increasing the pressure drop or resistance across the furnace filter. When this occurs the airflow naturally seeks the path of least resistance. Since the thin cardboard filter frames provide a poor perimeter seal, when the resistance increases, air tends to leak around the frame edges thereby completely avoiding filtration.

One company recently received a US patent for a new, efficient, air conditioning filter incorporating a plurality of filtration methods in series configuration for optimum filtration performance and low resistance. The invention comprises: a rigid frame custom fabricated and sized for a conventional air handling unit filter track, a gasket attached to the frame for providing a seal to prevent air bypass, a conventional replaceable dry-type filter media, viscous impingement media, and an electrets or electrostatic filter, arranged in series.

Theses new furnace filters have been engineered to eliminate the many problems found in ordinary furnace filters. They are available through air conditioning companies and home inspectors; you can also find them on the internet by searching Air Sponge Filters.

by: Richie Rosen -
http://www.filterfactory.com

7 Simple Steps In Cleaning Your Furnace Filter

Regular furnace maintenance is indispensable to keep your home's cooling or heating system in top condition. Cleaning a furnace can be cumbersome to some homeowners but knowing that the build up of dust and debris in the system can create friction and a possible fire hazard, they should deem it important. There are lots of professional services offering furnace and duct cleaning using the right tool to fully reach down and target the dirt accumulated in your HVAC’s furnaces. However, there are simple tools that are easily accessible right in your nearest hardware store that can let you clean your own furnace and spare yourself from spending with labor.

Check out these simple steps on how you can go about cleaning your own furnace filter.

1. Disconnect the power and fuel sources. You don't want your first furnace filter maintenance job to be your last so keep it mind that you are working on an electrical appliance. Never work with the electrical wires unplugged. As an additional safety measure, in gas and oil furnaces, the pilot light and fuel supply needs to be shut off.

2. Locate your furnaces maintenance service panel. You can refer to the user manual to see if you might need any tool to accomplish this task. Some furnace doors open by hand, while others are screwed in or fastened so you may need a screwdriver or other simple tool to open it.

3. Locate the furnace filter. The furnace filter is that spongy like piece of object that sits between the furnace and the air duct. It has a width of 1 inch or slightly more than that.

4. Once you locate the filter, take it out from the furnace. If you have a reusable filter, you can just take it out and clean all the dirt from the filter with your garden hose. Let it dry before replacing it. If you have a disposable filter, you can just replace it with a new one.

5. Clean the areas where the filter sits. You can use an old toothbrush to get into the furnace’s blower and smaller spaces and thus effectively remove accumulated dust and debris.

6. Replace the filter and put back any safety cover that you have removed. Check to see if everything is in order, if yes, you can reconnect the furnace and turn it on. If you have an electrostatic air filter, simply take it out, wash it with a hose an place it back in the filter tracks.

7. Run the furnace for a few minutes and observe if there are unusual sounds or smell coming out. If you smell burning wires or are hearing crackling sounds for prolonged period of time, shut down the furnace and call in a furnace and duct cleaning professional.

A clean furnace is the number one thing to keep heating or cooling equipment running at its peak performance along with maintaining its life span. Checking your air filters for blockage at least once a month, especially if you use continuous heat throughout the winter season, can not only increase your furnaces’ efficiency but it can also cut down your bills and save your family from possible respiratory health issues as well.

by: Marcus K. Hudgins -
http://www.westcan4u.com

Is Kitchen Remodeling Cost-effective?

So, you have made the decision to remodel your home. Kitchen remodeling is one of the first rooms that homeowners explore with regard to renovations. The kitchen is the main gathering place in the home for families and friends. It is the area where socialization happens frequently, so it makes perfect sense to choose to remodel this room in your home first. The project can be extremely fun and should be looked upon as such. There are so many small changes that can be made to completely transform this room that it is mind boggling. Let us talk a bit about whether this remodeling project is a sound financial decision.

First, you should look at the long-term picture. Are you remodeling the kitchen for your own preferences, or will you be selling the home at any point in the future? Either way, renovations to the kitchen can help save money in the future. If you are planning to stay in the home, you can employ some new choices that can help save on your monthly utility bills. You can opt for new energy efficient windows that can save you on your monthly electric payments. You can install low flow faucets to save on water consumption. You can also buy appliances that are more energy efficient as well. You will also experience personal satisfaction that your new kitchen is more operational and updated than it was previously.

If you are planning on selling your home in the future, you can expect a very significant return on your investment. If you ask any realtor, they will tell you that one of the first things a potential buyer is interested in is the kitchen. If your kitchen is fresh and updated with contemporary finishes (counters, cabinets, flooring) it will make your home stand out against homes that have a more dated kitchen. You can expect to get a return of at least 40% of your remodeling investment when you go to list your home. You can get a higher sales price due to the upgrades.

A home kitchen makeover is a very prudent choice, especially if you can only remodel one room. The kitchen is central to the home and you spend a lot of time there cooking, eating and socializing. The benefits of new and updated appliances and other elements far outweigh the costs you may incur. You will be surprised at how far you can get on your proposed budget. When your project is finished, you will realize it was money well spent.
by: Leonard Simmons -
http://www.mooneybrothersconstruction.com

Built-In Refrigerators Make Your Kitchen Seem Distinctive





Built-in refrigerators are meant to blend with the kitchen perfectly, creating a sleek look for your house. They are built-in to the cabinet area so if you are planning on moving soon, do not go for this option. However, if you hope to be in your home for years and want an appealing, unique look, consider built-in refrigerators. They may be counter depth, all-refrigerator and customized. Learn a bit about these options before choosing the best one for your home.

One of the most adored categories of built-in refrigerators is the counter depth look, as this only extends out as far as the cabinets. This way, the refrigerator does not block your walkway at all, which is good whether you have a small kitchen or just want to use every inch of space you have. This type of refrigerator is usually wider and a bit taller than the standard fridge in order to make up for the lack of depth. Therefore, you do not lack any volume so that you still have plenty of room to keep your food. This item is more expensive than a typical refrigerator, but it is usually less costly than the other kinds of built-in refrigerators. Also, you have a few choices when it comes to a counter depth fridge, as it can be side-by-side, French door bottom freezer, or plain bottom freezer. The choice depends on your inclination.

Another kind of built-in refrigerator on the market is the all-refrigerator kind, which means that the entire appliance is taken up by a refrigerated area. There is no freezer, but you can get an appliance with only frozen area put in next to your all-fridge appliance. This allows you to have tons of space in each appliance, and is especially good for those who love to cook. If you want your kitchen to be gourmet, you should consider this choice when seeking built-in refrigerators.

You can also request a custom built-in fridge, which is an appliance that blends in to the rest of the kitchen since it matches the cabinets. While a counter depth refrigerator blends in by only coming out as far as the counter tops, a customized built-in appliance does the same but also features panels put over it so it looks like the cabinets. The point is for guests to initially be unable to tell the difference between the fridge and the cabinets, making for a really sleek look. This is considered well-lied, but is usually among the most expensive options for a kitchen.

If you desire to set your home apart from the rest, you may be checking out built-in refrigerators. This option is often costlier than a standard refrigerator, but you get a better, more modern look. If you are ready for a new look for your kitchen, consider the kinds of built-in refrigerators on the market.
by: Heather Mills - http://www.refrigerators.net
 

Are Professional House Cleaning Services Really Worth Your Hard Earned Money?

House cleaning is very important. It is however a challenge to have the house cleaning conducted effectively so that every section of the house can be adequately clean. Effective house cleaning ensures that the house is properly cleaned at all times. Every section of the house deserves to be cleaned. If you stay in a clean house, you will be sure to have good health as you will be able to escape the dangers caused by germs to your health. During house cleaning, it is important to note that every bit of the house cleaning requires special treatment. Different materials in the house are cleaned using different house cleaning methods. It is also an important to know that different house cleaning chemicals are also suitable for cleaning different materials and surfaces in the home. In this way, you will be able to maintain the life of your house hold items.

When I first joined Ev as he started a house cleaning business I had no idea what I was getting into, but I loved the idea of working for myself. Two things were bothering me a little. First, I was concerned with job security. Second, I secretly doubted my basic cleaning skills. Cleaning had always seemed like drudgery and I wondered if my skills were up to par with the pros. Ev guaranteed that cleaning would give me time to spend the way I wanted. I was ready to take a leap of faith, so I decided to try it.

Because of the increase in demand for professional house cleaning, prices have come down too as competition among rival companies gives householder more choices and better value for money. There's a lot of money to be made in professional home cleaning, or any cleaning services come to that. Ever heard the saying 'Where there's muck there's money?

You can have a house cleaning service come clean for you once or twice weekly if you cannot afford a daily house cleaning. This will provide you with time to do the daily chores such as doing the dishes and laundry, while you allow the house cleaning service to do the larger more complex chores.

Baseboards and ceiling fans are often over looked by house keepers. Both of these items tend to collect dust over time. Baseboards are easily missed however they take very little time to clean. Just a quick wipe whit a damp rag as your house cleaner is vacuuming will do the trick. If the baseboards are wood, then the house cleaner should take the time to polish them once a month or so. This will keep them looking nice and shiny. Ceiling fans are easy to keep up with once they have been thoroughly cleaned. A feather duster usually does the trick for weekly cleaning.

Why do you clean your house, aside from health concerns? Because a clean house is a possible reflection of your good qualities as a person or individual. If your home is maintained organized and clean, then people would have the impression that as the owner of that house, is also clean and organized. Most of the time, some people refuse to have visitors because they feel that the status of their homes are not suitable for visits. If a professional home cleaning service is hired, you will be ensured that no matter how many people visit you or take a look inside your house at whatever time, you will always have a clean home to accommodate them.

A house cleaning company is the best firm to contact if one is in need of some quality housekeeping or maid services. Here are some reasons why one should take the action of contracting this type of company.

Many people go into house cleaning business because they are not satisfied with their current job. They think that going into a business will be easy because they think that cleaning houses is easy. The truth is if you are not used to cleaning your own house then you might need to research on how to clean houses of other people. This article will provide some tips on how to succeed in your job as a house cleaner.

House cleaning jobs are for people who know how to clean professionally and who has enough knowledge to clean other people's houses. People who want to enter into this industry must do research regarding some aspects to do with house cleaning. If you want to enter this job profession then you must know what kind of house cleaning job you would want to do. by: How to Check Out House Cleaning Rates. -
http://www.rightcarpetcleaning.com

Antimicrobial Protection

Antimicrobial protection is a phrase that simply means a product will protect against various microbes such as bacteria, fungi and algae. One household product that should contain this kind of protection is a carpet cleaning product. It isn't enough just to remove the dirt and grit that gets embedded in our carpets; we should always be seeking to remove the unseen enemies of microbes - the bacteria, mold and mildew that can form within a carpet. Antimicrobial protection can achieve that for you.

Antimicrobial protection can be built into fabrics, upholstery and textiles. It is often a silver-based technology that helps to maintain the freshness of the fabric, repelling or even eliminating odours due to microbial influence. The protection will also prevent discolouring and skin irritation. This type of fabric usually looks little different to other fabrics and textiles, but its properties are such that bacteria, mold and fungi cannot exist and multiply on its surface.

It was the early work of people like Pasteur and Joubert that started the science of antimicrobials. Early antimicrobial discoveries include substances like penicillin that improved the general health of millions of people all over the world, and continues to do so. Antimicrobial protection, when applied to fabrics, textiles and household upholstery, can significantly lessen our contact with microbes, thereby considerably limiting our chances of being adversely affected by them.

Fabrics that have antimicrobial qualities have improved hygiene properties. They are much less prone to discolouration and staining, and they much less likely to produce unpleasant odours due to microbial action. There are a number of possible ways that a fabric can have these properties. One way is through antimicrobial filtration, which kills microbes through a physical action, rather than through a chemical one. This system is non-toxic and eliminates harmful microbes through electrocution at the molecular level.

Antimicrobial treatments can be applied to fabrics and textiles as well. These are chemical actions that are usually included in the water used to wash the fabrics. They can control the growth of bacteria, keeping down on unpleasant odours and delaying the need for re-washing, thereby saving time and money, while cutting down on the general wear and tear that household clothes and fabrics are prone to on a daily basis.

One of the main advantages to using a chemical antimicrobial treatment is that it can be applied to all existing fabrics and textiles, as well as the general household upholstery. This will extend the life of the fabric and give it a freshness that it may have been lacking before. While we all like to change our clothes regularly, and of course it is a good idea, wearing clothes that have been treated with antimicrobial protection means that there is actually less absolute need to. This can be a very welcome thing on long journeys, for example.
by: Tom Silver -
http://www.maxfibreshield.com

Tankless Water Heaters- Tankless Water heater repair and installation for your home





We all know hot water is very much a necessity. Most of us have water heaters at home and do not give it a second thought, we just assume we will have hot water on a daily basis until…you are standing in the shower and the water goes cold because someone in the other part of the house decides to turn on the water, trying to get the dishes done after dinner and no hot water or we get ready for that therapeutic evening bubble bath so we can unwind or that morning shower to get us going and there is no hot water. If this sounds familiar it may be time to consider that tankless hot water tank.

Let’s discuss the advantage’s of replacing your old hot water tank with a Tankless water heater. Have you found yourself scratching your head when the electric bill comes, most of us have. Depending on your household size and use, your conventional hot water tank can even drive your electric bills through the roof.

Did you know that most conventional heaters make up for almost 20% of your household energy consumption. Think about this for a moment 20% is a lot of consumption when you begin thinking about the different household items that make up your electric bill…clothes dryers, stoves, heat, washing machines, lights, hair dryers and the list goes on. 
 
So when you think about it on this level 20% for the use of hot water is quit a bit of your electric bill. This is why if you are a conservative or a home owner that simply wants to save money and enjoy effective water heating consider switching to different system. It may be time for to try using a tankless water heater.

With electric bills soaring and people becoming more eco- friendly there are many people now considering having a tankless water system. Do you believe a tankless hot water system is right for your home? There is no reason why it should not be. The reasons for having a tankless verses not having a tankless system certainly outweighs the disadvantages.

Lets review some of the reasons why installing a tankless heater could be very beneficial:

Tankless hot water heaters are energy efficient. You can cut your heating cost to up to 30%. Now think about this for a moment…If your hot water is costing you up to 20% on a conventional hot water tank and your saving up to 30% on a tankless hot water system and the tankless is also eco -friendly well, this sounds pretty beneficial.

Water Heaters" work differently from the conventional water heaters. With a Tankless water system the water is heated only when it is needed. When you turn on the faucet that is when the Tankless heating system kicks in and at the same time the water is heated (using a heating element). That is why a Tankless hot water system is also called "Instantaneous or Demand. “

With tankless water heaters there is constant flow of hot water, so this allows everyone in your home to have hot water at the same time, wow….no more being deprived of hot water in your home. It does not matter whether two or more faucets are running at the same time. 
 
But keep in mind speak to your professional plumber so they can advise you on what you may need as far as a whole house type of heater or what your options are by installing two or more of this type system to meet instantaneous hot water demand.

You should know tankless water heaters are safer because the system does not store water that can be a breeding ground for bacteria such as Legionella. Keeping the water temperature at an appropriate temperature is important to keep these type of bacteria‘s from thriving.

Preventive maintenance is still periodic same as a conventional heater but the cost is lesser. The next great advantage of a Tankess water system if you do what the manufacturer requires, it can last up to 20 years and still maintain its efficiency.
 

How to Choose the Right Slow Cooker

   Do you love to cook healthy, nutritious home-cooked meals but do not have the time to prepare and watch over them? Then you need a slow cooker. Preparing delicious home-cooked meals will be as easy as adding ingredients to your slow cooker because it will do all the cooking for you. There are a lot of slow cookers available on the market right now, before we proceed to choosing the right one; it is helpful to first learn how they work.

    Learning how a slow cooker works will help you understand what features you need to look for. When a slow cooker heats up, the steam caught in the grove of its lid and circulates back into the pot. This helps lock moisture and flavor in whatever you are cooking. Slow cookers also maintain a low pressure and there is no risk of accidents to the accumulation of high pressure that comes with pressure cookers.
    The food is gradually and continuously cooked at temperatures of 170-200 °F as the crock acts as the heat reservoir. Because of the way a slow cooker works, finding a model with a great locking lid, a sturdy base and a reliable heating element should be your primary priority. High quality ones may cost a little more, but they are absolutely worth the purchase.

    Crock pots or slow cookers come in different sizes and you can find one that suites your needs. It is important that you get the right size on your first purchase so you wouldn’t have to buy another one in case the first one is too small. Slow cookers function best when they are about three-quarters full because it ensures that your food maintains its moisture as it cooks. To help you decide which size to get, remember that a three quart slow cooker can feed between two to four people and a six quart one can feed between six to eight people.

    Another important factor to consider is the shape of the slow cooker. The oval ones are your best choice if you want to cook poultry, roasts and joints most of the time. They are more useful as the shape of the meat will fit better. If you mostly want to cook stews, soups and chillis, then you can get any shape you want.

    Some slow cookers are programmable and they offer several advantages for the user. Even if all slow cookers are designed to be left, programmable ones will let you control how long they will cook and set them to automatically switch to keep warm when they are done. That way, your food will never be overcooked and you will always have a warm dish waiting for you when you get back. Some of them also have a delay timer that you can set what time they will start cooking.

    Another factor to consider is the weight of the slow cooker especially if you want to take your cooker to a pot luck party. Their weight varies a lot and the lightest ones can usually range from 7-10 kg. Some slow cookers have also extra features for traveling like a clip-tight lid, a clip-on serving spoon, and bigger handles.

    A slow cooker is a great way to let you enjoy nutritious home-cooked meals. Preparing them would be a breeze. All you have to do is add all the ingredients before you leave for work, and when you get back home, you can enjoy a warm and healthy meal.
   There may be hundreds of slow cookers to choose from, but now that you know what to look for, it’s easier to narrow down your search. Once you know what you want, you can go ahead and check out reviews to help you choose which specific model is right for you.
 by: Jenny Khoo - http://bestricecookersreviews.com