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Thursday, April 4th, 2013

Becoming environmentally-friendly is the new thing to do. Many people have recently developed an awareness of how to live in more eco-friendly ways, and one popular way to do so besides recycling is to build energy efficient roof systems. There are a couple of different options you can choose from if you decide to pursue energy efficient roofing.

Energy Efficient Roof Systems

Not only do energy efficient roofs help to be environmentally-friendly but they also can save you a lot of money on your next utilities bill. You may have to invest more money in the first place but in the long run it will pay itself off.

One decision to make when trying to build energy efficient roofs is between steeply-sloped and low-sloped roofs. Steeply-sloped roofs are what you typically see on homes. These roofs stay cool by being made out of tiles and painted metal. Clay and concrete tiles only reflect 10-30% of sunlight heat, but the colored metal and tile roofs reflect from 25% to 90%. This solar energy really helps to cool your home and keep your energy bill low.

Low-sloped roofs are more commonly found on industrial or commercial buildings. They are energy-efficient if they have singly-ply, cool membrane coats applied on them. This has the consistency of paint and can be applied to various types of surfaces. Applying this coat will also help with adhesiveness, durability, and reducing mold growth. They act in the same manner as tiles by reflecting back sunlight and holding in solar energy.

Other options include installing solar panels on your roof, or growing a garden up there. Solar panels are good for trapping heat and providing energy for your home, lowering your energy bills. Roof gardens are energy-efficient because they receive even more sunlight than ground-level gardens would. Plants flourish and grow more quickly when placed on top of the building. There are a lot of options when it comes to installing energy-efficient roofs, and you should consider them all.

Need Help Installing An Energy-Efficient Roof?

If you have more questions about energy-efficient roof systems, you could speak with a professional roofer in your area. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three, reputable roofing companies in just minutes. Just tell us what you’re looking for, where you are, and when you’re available, and we’ll find the right professional for you –free!

Posted in Roofers | No Comments »

Upgrade Graphics Card In Laptop

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013

Upgrading the graphics card in a laptop will result in better graphics quality. Despite being a difficult and time-consuming process, it can be done DIY-style. Here is an easy, step-by-step process to upgrade the graphics card in your laptop.

Upgrade Graphics Card In Laptop

1. Check with the manufacturer to see if the graphics card can be upgraded. Some older laptops might have irremovable graphics cards that are soldered, or might have very specific graphics cards.

2. After verifying this information, start disassembling your laptop. Newer laptops will give you easy access to your video card by simply removing the bottom of the laptop. However, older laptops might be different, and you may need to remove the hinge on the monitor.

3. Remove the keyboard. Detach the keyboard by removing the screws that hold it down and unplugging the connector. Be sure to keep track of which screws come from which part of the laptop so that you can easily reassemble your laptop after you are finished.

4. Remove the laptop’s display monitor. Unscrew the screws and unplug any cables, such as the video and WiFi antenna, that are attached to the bottom half of the laptop. Remove the optical drive by pushing down the latch on the bottom of the laptop.

5. Remove the screws of the shell and take off the protective shell of the bottom half of the laptop.

6. You are now ready to remove your old graphics card by removing the screws that hold it in place and put in the new one.

7. Simply reverse these steps to reassemble your laptop with your new graphics card. You will also need to install any necessary drivers from the new graphics card’s manufacturer.

External graphics cards are also available if this task is too tedious or time-consuming for you.

Have A Professional Replace Your Graphics Card

If you perform the upgrade operation properly, you will not be disappointed. However, do not hesitate to contact an IT professional to help you upgrade your laptop’s graphics card. TalkLocal can connect you with the best IT technicians in your area in just minutes. Let us help you find the right professionals when you need them!

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Picking The Best Gym

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013

Getting rid of that spare weight and working to improve your physical fitness can be difficult, especially when picking the best gym can be confusing or intimidating. When it comes to exercising, everyone has different needs, which is why picking the best gym requires you to focus on what you want.

To help you figure out what you want from a gym, ask yourself some of these questions:

Do I want to tone and build my muscles?

If you do, you need to evaluate the gym’s availability of free weights and weight machines. If you are advanced in strength training, you probably already know what you need. If you are a beginner, you want to make sure you have access to hand weights, starting around five pounds each. You will also want machines that work various parts of your body (core/abs, arms, back, and lower body) and leave you with room to add more weight and improve.

Do I want to use cardio machines, or do cardio activity in a large free space?

This is an important question. Some people prefer the bikes, elliptical machines, and treadmills, but others prefer to have a large, open space for various interval training and individual activities. Some gyms don’t have the space to support those activities.

Do I want to take classes or utilize a personal trainer?

Sometimes, especially if you’re new to working out, taking fitness classes can be very helpful. In this situation, you usually have a professional instructor who leads you and a group of other people in a fitness activity, usually related to cardio. Some options include:

– Yoga, which tones muscles and helps you relax

– Pilates, which is a cardio exercise that also tones muscles

– Zumba, a cardio activity disguised as a form of Latin dance

– Kick boxing, a cardio activity that also teaches basic self-defense

If any of these classes sound like something you might want, make sure the gym offers them. You may also consider the class sizes.

If you are looking into a personal trainer, you will want to research the trainers at gyms in your area to be sure they can help you meet your goals, at a price you can manage.

Find Gyms And Trainers Easily

If you still have more questions, TalkLocal connect you with someone that can help. We can connect you to the professionals in your area and make picking the best gym a breeze.

Posted in Gyms & Fitness | No Comments »

When Should a Cat Get Feline Distemper Vaccination?

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013

If you have a new kitten, you might be wondering, “when should a cat get feline distemper vaccination?” The feline distemper vaccine is given to cats usually between 9 to 11 weeks old and is administered to kittens because of the communicability of the distemper virus. The distemper virus starts by causing respiratory infections in felines, followed by gastrointestinal infections.

Symptoms of the distemper virus include seizures, twitching, weakness, neck pain, and changes in behavior. Your cat may also not eat much, act lethargic, have discharge from the eyes, and develop a cough and diarrhea.

Feline Distemper Vaccination

To prevent your cat from contracting a virus like this, you should give your cat a feline distemper vaccination as soon as is safe – as early as 6 weeks, and generally no later than 12 weeks. After the initial vaccination, a cat should be given a booster shot every two years to ensure the cat’s immunity to the distemper vaccination remains.

A feline distemper vaccine should be given to healthy cats only. If your cat is suffering from a previous disease, its immune system may not be strong enough to handle the new vaccination. Make sure your cat is fully healthy before administering a dosage. Also, kittens younger than 4 weeks of age should never be given this vaccine, as their immune system is still developing. There is a very slight chance of side effects from the feline distemper vaccination, but this chance versus the risk of a cat actually contracting the distemper virus heavily lies in the vaccinations’ favor.

Basically, if you want to keep your kitten or cat safe, make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations. The feline distemper vaccination is one of the most important of these, and booster shots should continue to be administered every two years to ensure your cat is immune to the distemper virus.

Get Vaccinations For Your Cat

If you need to get your cat the feline distemper vaccination, consider using TalkLocal to find a veterinarian for you. TalkLocal is a free service that will connect you with top-quality veterinarians in your neighborhood within minutes. Just enter in your specific problem, location, and availability, and up to three veterinarians will call YOU directly, saving you the time and stress of finding one yourself.

Posted in Veterinarians | No Comments »

Benefits Of Using Geothermal Heat

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013

Geothermal heating is a type of energy that is used to cut energy costs. This type of heating basically uses the heat that is stored beneath the crust of the earth as a renewable resource.

There is an enormous amount of potential in this type of power. Current research is being conducted to learn more about how we can harness and use this power to our advantage.

The benefits of using geothermal heat are practically endless. The following is a just a few of the perks that you can take advantage of by using this type of heat for your home.

– Cut energy bills: You can cut your energy bills by as much as 80% using geothermal heating methods. Who does not want to save 80 percent on their heating bill?

– Higher efficiency: Geothermal-powered furnaces are 48% more efficient than gas furnaces. Not only can you save money, you can help the environment and heat your home more efficiently.

– New and existing homes: The benefits of using geothermal heat include being able to use this heating option in both new and existing homes.

– Cheap products, but relatively expensive installation: Geothermal heating can help you save money in the long run and the cost of materials is very cheap. The main disadvantage of geothermal heating is the fact that it is quite expensive to install.

Geothermal heating can allow you to dramatically reduce the size of your carbon footprint. The benefits of using geothermal heat are centered on saving you money and saving the environment simultaneously.

Get A Geothermal Heating System Professionally Installed

You can rely on TalkLocal to connect you with businesses that specialize in geothermal heating and cooling. These professionals are not a dime a dozen, but we will sift through companies that don’t offer this service, and help you find the right people for the job.

Posted in Heating and Cooling | 2 Comments »

When to Change Brake Fluid

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013

When trying to care for your own car, keeping track of every working piece can be tiresome. Changing the oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid are all vital to maintaining a healthy engine. Knowing when to change brake fluid is an important part of maintaining your car. Read this article on some tips on when to change brake fluid in your car.

What Does Brake Fluid Do?

Break fluid is able to draw in moisture like a sponge, and excessive water content in brake fluid weakens its condition. Copper content is also a measure of the condition of brake fluid. A greenish tinge to the fluid is an indication of excessive copper content. You can easily test for water and copper content with test strips, which are available at most auto parts stores.

When to Change Brake Fluid In Your Car

Generally, the type of driving you do should determine how often you change your break fluid. You should change your brake fluid at 2% water content if you use your vehicle in heavy-duty situations, such as towing, driving in mountainous regions, driving at high speeds, or if you have ABS brakes.

Otherwise, you should change your brake fluid when water content reaches 3%. Motor vehicle companies debate between changing brake fluid every 12 or every 24 months. Choose what you feel works best for your vehicle. You should also have your brake fluid tested and replaced, if necessary, every time you take your car in for a tune-up.

Copper also has a direct role in the corrosion of the brake system. You should also change the brake fluid if it has signs of a high copper content, such as a greenish tinge.

Your brakes are one of the most important parts of your vehicle. Take good care of your car and your own safety by checking your brake fluid at least once per year, and having it changed when necessary.

Need Help Changing Your Brake Fluid?

Looking for a qualified auto-repair professional? TalkLocal will connect you to up to three, reputable auto repair professionals in your area. Just tell us what you need, where you are, and when you are available, and we will find the right professional for you in just minutes!

Posted in Auto Repair | No Comments »

TV Remote Won’t Change Channels

Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013

If you are trying trying to change the channel on your television, but the TV remote won’t change channels, this is the article for you. Below is a list of common problems that will cause your TV remote to not work, and how to fix them.

1. The most likely problem with your remote is that the batteries have died. Try changing your batteries and then see if the the remote will change channels. Also, make sure that you put the batteries in the right direction (with the positive sign on the battery facing the positive sign on the remote, and the negative sign on the battery facing the negative sign on the remote).

2. Another possible problem is that the path between the remote and television is being blocked. If there are any objects obstructing the path between you and the TV, try moving around them or in front of them and then use the remote. Also, if you are far from the TV, try moving closer. You can also try wiping down the “eye” on the front of your remote, as built up dust can be blocking the path as well.

3. The other common problem with TV remotes is that it may not be programmed correctly. If this is the case, you will need to reprogram it. Depending on your TV setup, your remote may be programmed in different ways. Read your TV instruction manual to learn how to reprogram your remote.

Find Professional Help

If you have tried all of the above options, but your TV remote won’t change channels, you may need to contact a TV repair professional in order to figure out the problem and fix your remote. With the help of TalkLocal, you can be on the phone in minutes with up to three, high-quality TV repair professionals in your area, who are available to help you when you need them.

Posted in TV Repair | No Comments »

How To Rent A Dumpster

Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013

There are many different reasons why you might be wondering how to rent a dumpster. Maybe you’re renovating your home, or hosting a large event, or working with your business and producing substantial waste. Regardless, you need to get that waste out of your way.

Here are the appropriate steps for how to rent a dumpster:

Make sure you know the lingo. Professional rental services may also use terms like “container,” “roll-off,” or “yarder” (or “twenty yarder” for a 20-cubic-yard container).

Make sure you know the regulations. If you need to park this container on the street, you should discuss that with local authorities to be sure it’s parked legally. You may need a permit for your container as well.

Know what you need. Containers come in various sizes, ranging from 10 cubic yards to 40 cubic yards. Think about your project and what waste it may produce so you can estimate how large of a container you will need. If you evaluate your needs and realize you might not even need a dumpster, there are other ways to remove bulk waste from your property.

Confirm that you can get the container in and out. Wherever you are going to park the dumpster, you need to clear a space for the truck that will be dropping it off and picking it up. If your area is frequented by parallel parkers, you should invest in some orange cones to clear the area the truck will need, especially if the container is being picked up or dropped off while you are not there. If the truck cannot get in, you may not get what you need.

Connect With A Dumpster Rental Company

TalkLocal can connect you with the professionals you need to rent a dumpster in your area. We make it easy for you by removing the work from your search. We can also connect you with professionals that can answer any questions about your projects, be it a smaller home renovation project or something large that requires dumpster rental.

Posted in Garbage Removal | No Comments »

Popping Sound from Computer Speakers

Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013

Do you get extremely frustrated when you’re listening to some awesome music on your computer and all of a sudden there’s another sound playing in the background? Is it annoying when you can’t figure out where it’s coming from? What if that noise continued all the time, nonstop, as a constant popping? You would lose your mind wouldn’t you?

Why You Hear a Popping Sound

The popping, cracking, and breaking up of audio in speakers seems to be a very common occurrence. This could be a result of many different things such as the sound card, plugins, or sound drivers. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent a popping sound from computer speakers, there are a few things you can try.

How Prevent Popping Sound from Computer Speakers

1. Double-check and make sure your headphones and speakers are properly plugged in. Improperly plugged in devices can result in crackling and such unnecessary noises.

2. Also check to see if the speakers make similar sounds when plugged into a different computer. If not, it may be the computer and not the speakers.

3. Make sure that the surge protector is properly seated.

4. If none of these steps help, you can try to sync digital audio between devices with different levels.

5. Furthermore you can attempt to check the sound drivers. To do this, go to the Start Menu > My Computer > Properties > Hardware > Device Manager > Sounds > Sound Card > Drivers. Uninstall the drivers, restart the computer and then reinstall them.

6. In the rare case that none of these solutions helps you, you may need to either update the sound card or replace the speakers.

Find Professional Help

Before taking any drastic steps you should definitely consult a professional. In today’s economy there are hundreds of choices that you can make to get help, but only the best are available through TalkLocal. Just tell us what you need, where you are, and when you are available, and we will connect you with up to three computer technicians. They will call YOU, ready to help — for free!

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Tips For Power Washing A Painted Deck

Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013

Your deck is exposed to all of the elements, including dirt and natural grime that can build up over time. If you have painted the exterior of your home, and your deck to compliment, you may find yourself in need of some tips for power washing a painted deck.

There are certain things you do not want to do:

– You want to make sure you avoid using a power washer at close range. This can damage the paint and cause it to fade or peel.

– Avoid using really harsh chemicals, as well.

– Don’t leave furniture, décor, or plants on the deck if you can help it. Anything you can move should be removed from the area, and anything that cannot be removed should be covered up.

– Avoid trying to clean your painted deck on very windy days so that the risk of debris infiltrating your cleaning system is lower.

When you’re ready to start washing, follow these tips for power washing a painted deck:

You will need:

– A bucket

– Unscented dish detergent

– A garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment

How to Power Wash Your Deck

1. Fill a mop bucket with about 3 ounces of unscented dish detergent. Mix with water until you have a soapy mixture and either use a mop, or splash the mixture to spread it around the deck. We recommend using a mop on larger areas.

2. Let the soapy mixture sit on the deck for about 5 to 10 minutes and soak into the grime and dirt, but don’t wait much longer than that.

3. Connect the spray nozzle attachment to your garden hose and spray the soapy mixture off of the deck. If your spray nozzle attachment has adjustable speeds, start spraying on medium and only switch to high if medium is too weak to remove the dirt and grime.

This should take care of the majority of the filth on the deck. If you find you still have a mess, here are some tips for washing a painted deck with stubborn grime and muck:

1. After following the above steps, get a long-handled cleaning brush with soft bristles.

2. Mix 1 or 2 ounces of dish detergent and water.

3. Dip the brush into this new soapy mixture and gently scrub the grime in circular motions. Go slowly so you avoid scratching or removing paint.

Looking For Help?

These tips and tricks will help you wash your painted deck without a blast washer or harmful chemicals that may affect your paint. If you need professional assistance or find that your grime is too stubborn, TalkLocal can help you by connecting you with a qualified handyman in you area, when you need one.

Tags: backyard, deck, outdoors, power washing, power washing painted deck
Posted in Handyman | No Comments »

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