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Tuesday, September 25th, 2012

You are trying to set the temperature in your home, but the thermostat display is blank. Before you freak out or call professional help, check to see that the battery in the thermostat is still good if your display system requires a battery. If that isn’t the problem, continue reading this guide.

Loss of Power from Other Sources

In order to troubleshoot the problem, you will need to check the wirings inside your display and find out which ones are working and which ones are not. Basically you need to check for power flowing on the wiring—for this, get a voltmeter.

A voltmeter is a device that measures the amount of electrical difference (flow) between two points of a circuitry. You can measure the electrical flow by attaching the two metal tips of the voltmeter to the wires you want to test.

Disassemble your thermostat display to the point where you see four types of wiring. Two of the wires should be black—these are high voltage wires, (120V/240V) so you don’t want to mess around with them yet. You should also see the two smaller wires that are not black.

One of these smaller wires should be marked to be 24V, either in your display manual or in hardware. Locate that wire and test the voltage with the voltmeter to the ground/wall. If the voltmeter reports the flow of 0V, this indicates that the fuse on the circuit board is blown. The blown fuse is making your thermostat display blank in this case. Replace it.

If the 24V is not a problem, carefully check (with rubber gloves) the voltages of the 120V and 240V wires with your voltmeter. If you find a problem with any of those wiring, backtrack the problematic wiring through until you find the problem or reach an AC component. If the connected component does not work, the component will have to be replaced.

Consult a Professional

If you are not sure what you are doing, consult a professional to avoid damaging your system. TalkLocal can help with finding the correct local experts to help you in this case, saving you time and energy in what may be a stressful situation.

Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

How to Stop a Toilet from Running Constantly

Tuesday, September 25th, 2012

Want to stop losing money from the constantly running water in your toilet bowl? Want to stop that pesky toilet sound of the water refilling? Here are a few helpful tips and tricks on how to stop a toilet from running constantly.

First, get acclimated to the state of your toilet; flush the toilet a few times with the cover off and observe the flushing process. Wiggle the handle a few times and if this doesn’t work, check out these helpful tips!

1. Make sure the guide rod and chain are straight and not twisted.

2. Release the flapper. The most common issue leading to a running toilet is the flapper being stuck open. To remedy this issue, reach in and close the flapper with your hand so the pipe is sealed off. Make sure the flapper (or ball, depending on your toilet model) are aligned with the hole and go directly into the hole when being lowered. If you lift the ball and realize there is water in it, the ball itself will need to be replaced. You can purchase a new ball to your local home improvement store.

3. Correct the water level. Another cause stimulating leaking toilets is an excess of water in the tank. The water level should be about one inch (2.5 cm) below the top of the overflow pipe. If the level is too high, there is excess pressure in the tank, which produces leaks. If this is the case, bend the float arm down. If there is not enough water in the tank, bend the float arm upwards.

4. Use a dye test. Place food dye or a dye tablet into the tank and wait 15 minutes. If you see the dye in the bowl after the 15 minutes, there is a leak in your toilet that needs further correction.

If you have tried the above tips or if the dye test is positive, a plumber is your best option to target the source of the leak. TalkLocal is a great resource that will connect you directly with a plumber who can fix your faulty toilet.

Posted in Plumbers | 2 Comments »

What is the Best Day to Move into a New Home

Tuesday, September 25th, 2012

Moving can be a back-breaking process. Everything needs to be planned accordingly so moving day will run smoothly. The moving day is the critical part of the move as it can make the move easy or excruciating. There are various considerations when choosing what is the best day to move into a new home.

Considerations

1. Season

Summer would be the best time to move if you have children who are out of school and can help you. Also, friends would be more likely to be free in the summer to help with the move. However, this is where most of moving takes place in the United States. Rates of moving companies and traffic will be at their peak at this time. Moving at between late fall to early spring would be an ideal if there are no time constraints and no children.

2. Weather

Spring or late fall would be an ideal time to move in regard to weather. In the summer, there is a risk of becoming overheated or having a heat stroke during the move. Winter would also be a difficult time to move due to icy roads and difficulty in moving items through the snow into the new house or apartment. Severe damage to items can occur during extreme changes in climate when moving. Also, there is more risk of injury in the winter due to snow, ice, and limited muscle movement due to the cold.

3. Time of the week

Mondays through Thursday are some of the best days to move. Once again, rates of the moving companies and traffic are high during the weekend. A moving company has fewer movers on the weekends due to these companies being busier on these days. Sometimes moving companies are not open on Sundays. However, friends and family would be likely free to help move on the weekends.

These considerations can give you an idea of an ideal moving day. Consider TalkLocal Moving & Storage for high quality moving professionals.

Posted in Moving and Storage | No Comments »

Transfer Contacts From a Blackberry to an iPhone

Tuesday, September 25th, 2012

Did you recently make the switch from a Blackberry to a newer iPhone? You are not alone; recently RIM’s blackberry has been falling behind in the smart phone market and losing waves of users to the two giants of the industry, Android and iPhone. One of the first things you will need to know as a new user is how to transfer contacts from a Blackberry to an iPhone. This can be a bit tricky, especially for those of us who are not so technologically inclined. There are actually several different tools available for contact transfers that are conveniently available for your use. Which particular method is best suited for you will depend on how you currently have your contacts set up on your Blackberry phone.

Google

If you use a Google account to sync your contacts, then the easiest method for you will be to use Google’s “sync” app and service. The “sync” app will back up all of your contacts to your Google account when you run it on your Blackberry; it will download those same contacts on to your new phone when you run it on your iPhone. For an in-depth guide on how to use Google’s syncing app you should check out this article.

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft’s Outlook also offers a similar contact-syncing service. If you are using Outlook to sync your contacts already, then this will be your best bet to transfer them. Syncing with Outlook will require you to connect your Blackberry to the Blackberry Desktop Manager program on your PC. You can get detailed instructions on syncing through outlook here. Using one of these two syncing services is the ideal way to transfer your contacts because they will also be backed up and available online if you ever lose or damage your phone.

SIM Card

There is also a third method for transferring your contacts that does not involve a syncing service. All it really requires is taking the SIM card out of your Blackberry and inserting it into your iPhone. If you already have separate contact lists in Gmail or Outlook that you do not want to merge with your Blackberry contact list, then this might be the best method for you. You can follow this simple guide to SIM card transfers for step-by-step instructions. Be sure that all of the contacts that you want to transfer have been saved to your SIM card before attempting this method.

If you encounter any problems while transferring your smartphone contacts that you cannot solve on your own, you can use TalkLocal to find a local professional computer technician to provide technical support. Just enter your contact info, time availability, and a short description of your problem and TalkLocal will connect you in minutes to someone who can help.

Posted in Computer Repair | 1 Comment »

How Can You Get Rid of Gnats?

Tuesday, September 25th, 2012

A gnat refers to any type of small flying insect. They come in both biting and non-biting forms, and are usually found in big groups and seem to only fly around your face. They aren’t the smartest creatures, but they are quite annoying. Gnats do not serve any useful purpose, so getting rid of them is an important task. How can you get rid of gnats? Try following these simple steps.

How To

One option to get rid of these pests is to use vinegar. Gnats and fruit flies are attracted to the smell of this bitter liquid, so by setting up a vinegar trap, you should be able to kill off most of the bugs. To set a successful trap, you should put out a bowl or cup filled ¾ with vinegar and cover it with plastic wrap. You then need to poke small holes into the plastic. This ensures that the gnats will go into the bowl, but will not be able to get out and will then die. Leaving an unwrapped bowl out will do nothing but attract more gnats and encourage them to lay more eggs.

You could also use store bought chemical sprays to fix your bug infestation. Companies like Raid, Bayer, and Spectrum have fantastic products that will reduce the number of bugs in your house. If you are looking to be safer in relation to health and house care, you should look for something organic or green.

In order to get rid of gnats, fruit flies and other pests you need to keep your home free of things that attract them. They love fruit, vegetables, trash and water. Place your fruits and vegetables in closed sealed bins in your refrigerators so bugs cannot get in. You should also frequently take your trash out and use a trash can with a lid. When you water your plants,make sure they are damp, but not wet, because gnats thrive with a continuous supply of H2O.

Continuing Infestations

If you cannot seem to get rid of these bugs, you should probably seek professional help. Use TalkLocal to be put in contact with reliable local exterminators within minutes. Simply give us a brief description of the problem along with your availability and TalkLocal will do the rest. You will be connected to multiple pest control professionals who are willing to help.

Posted in Pest Control | 2 Comments »

Organizing Your Huge Party

Monday, September 24th, 2012

Thinking about throwing a party but don’t know where to start? Party planning can be an overwhelming process. Everything from creating the guest list to coordinating the food takes lots of time and consideration. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or a promotion, organizing your huge party is much less stressful when following a checklist.

First thing’s first: figure out the time and date of the party. This will help you set up a timely party-planning schedule. Once you figure that out, you can begin your party-planning checklist.

Two to five weeks before the party:

-Create a Budget. Figure out how much money you’re willing to spend on the party.

-Decide who you are going to invite. Who is on the guest list? Get the invitations in the mail!

-If you want to hire entertainment, caterers, or other help, do this now as well.

-If it’s a birthday party, you should order the cake, if you aren’t baking it yourself.

Two weeks before the party:

-If it’s potluck, assign the dishes to the guests.

-Start compiling entertainment such as music or games.

One week before the party:

-Review menu preparation timeline. Are you on target with make-ahead dishes?

-Look over RSVP’s and make sure everyone has responded.

One to three days before the party:

-Clean your house

-Purchase fresh food

-Make sure your camera is charged and ready

-Wash glassware

-Set table and/or buffet

-Set up the bar

-Purchase and arrange any decorations

Day of the party:

-Buy ice

-Chill refreshments, make punch

-Put finishing touches on decorations

-Start the tunes, and greet your guests!

If you still need help planning your party, TalkLocal can assist you. Simply visit www.TalkLocal.com to be put in contact with highly rated party planning companies in your area. By entering your service needs, location and times available, TalkLocal will match you with several professionals willing to help within minutes.

Posted in Party Planners | No Comments »

Rose Meanings

Monday, September 24th, 2012

Roses are some of the most iconic and beautiful flowers. They are used throughout fairy tales, history, and fables. Roses are a special gift to receive no matter what the occasion may be. However, the rose meanings differ according to color. For instance, white roses symbolize innocence. They are associated with new beginnings and spirituality.

Yellow roses symbolize friendship and caring. They are the “platonic” roses, meaning of love or friendship.

Pink roses are the gentle roses. They are used to convey admiration, joy and gratitude. Like the white rose, they are also indicative of sweetness and innocence. They can also mean grace.

Orange roses symbolize passion and energy. They can signify desire, fascination, and fervor.They can be used to show passion and romance.

Blue roses are rare. They can’t be achieved naturally, so they signify elusiveness. They show a desire for the unattainable.

Green roses show harmony and goodwill. They can also symbolize fertility and peace. These would be a good choice for a get-well flower.

Black roses are the roses of death and farewell. What we think are black roses, are actually just really dark red roses, which makes these roses very rare and beautiful. Unfortunately, ending black roses to someone usually symbolizes the death of a relationship.

Red roses are the most iconic roses. This is because they convey deep emotions like desire and love. They can also be used to convey respect, regret or devotion. Red roses have the most romantic meaning, therefore they are good roses to give to someone you love.

If you need help picking out flowers for your special occasion, try using TalkLocal. Our free online service will put you in touch with a number of highly rated florists in your area within minutes.

Posted in Florists | 12 Comments »

Why Do I Need a Sump Pump?

Monday, September 24th, 2012

If you’re wondering “why do I need a sump pump?”, here is the answer. Sump pumps are installed in many homes which have moisture issues in the basement. They work to keep water out and away from the foundations of your home to keep your house clean and dry, while maintaining a healthier living environment.

Some homes have extreme moisture issues when it rains, while other homes suffer from less noticeable ones. There are several ways you can check your basement to see if your home has these issues. One way is to tape down a two-by-two foot piece of plastic on the floor. Put one in several spots on the floor if basement moisture is unnoticeable. Let the plastic sit for 2 days, then pick them up and feel for moisture. If the plastic or ground is wet, you have a moisture issue.

If moisture content is not a large problem, try placing a dehumidifier in the room. Dehumidifiers help to remove moisture in the air, and may be just enough to get that extra moisture out of your basement. Be sure to pay attention to how quickly the water tank fills up as you will need to periodically dump the water.

If moisture in the basement is a common problem, you may also want to take a look at where your rain gutters are draining. Rain water should be drained at least six feet away from the foundation of your home. If they are leaking or draining too closely, a simple fix or extension of the gutters will solve your basement moisture problems.

If all else fails and you still have moisture problems in the basement, it’s time to get a sump pump professionally installed. You buy a new sump pump at your local home improvement store. TalkLocal can match you with a high quality plumber who can install it for you. Just fill out a short service request online to talk to a local plumber on the phone within minutes!

Posted in Plumbers | No Comments »

Best Paint to Use on Concrete

Monday, September 24th, 2012

There are many types of paints available for purchase at your local hardware store, and it can be hard to know where to start looking for your project’s needs. The basic categories of paint you will be choosing from are acrylic, oil-based, and epoxy resin—each available in interior and exterior use varieties. Acrylic paints are typically the cheapest, while epoxy resins are the most expensive. If you are looking for an epoxy resin paint, you can purchase it from Amazon starting at $77.70.When deciding what the best paint to use on concrete, there are a couple of things to take into consideration.

First, what is the type of concrete surface you will be working on? Is it a garage floor, wall, stairs, or an exterior surface? This will make a huge difference in your ideal paint choice. If you are painting a concrete wall, whether it is interior or exterior, you should be able to use acrylic paints as long as the walls are in relatively good condition (you can use exterior paints inside but not the other way around). Cheap acrylic paint might not adhere well to wall surfaces that are cracked or crumbling however. It is also important to know that acrylic paints will not stick to a wall that has been painted with oil-based paint; surfaces that already have oil-based paint should only have other oil-based paints used on them. If you are looking for acrylic paint, you can purchase it from Amazon starting at $32.98.

If you are planning on painting a concrete floor, like the one in your garage, you should stay away from acrylic and go for either oil-based or epoxy because acrylic paints do not hold up well against the wear and tear that concrete floors are subjected to. Epoxy, though more expensive, is the best bet. Oil-based paints can be slippery on concrete, which is a definite no-no for something like a garage floor. Epoxy resins are much more durable, last longer, and leave your floor less slick; they are also much easier to clean. If you are looking for an oil based paint, you can purchase it from Amazon and have it shipped overnight starting at $8.87.

Some concrete surfaces are so damaged, cracked, and porous that no type of paint will stick to them well. In these situations you may want to opt for a concrete stain rather than actual paint. Concrete stains work just like wood stains by seeping into the surface and changing its color. Applying a concrete stain can be a little complicated and may be too big of a job for the inexperienced do-it-yourself painter. If you want to go with this option, you should use TalkLocal to find a professional painter in your area. All you need to do is enter a description of your project requirements and TalkLocal will automatically connect you with someone who can meet that specific need.

The owner of this website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com.

Posted in Painters | 9 Comments »

Macbook Air Fan Very Loud

Monday, September 24th, 2012

Is your Macbook Air fan running very loudly and disruptively? This article will help you understand why the macbook air fan is very loud and help you quiet it.

The purpose of the fan on the Macbook Air is to cool down the computer from getting too hot. One way to quiet down your fan is to cool down you computer. Unplug it from its charger and keep it on a flat, well-ventilated surface. If your fan is still running loudly, you can try the solutions below.

Lower Your Memory Usage

Another way to lower the the sound of the fan is to lower the use of memory that you are using at that moment. Close out any programs, files, and windows that you are not using. You should also go into your System Preferences in order to see what programs are running without your knowledge. You should be able to close out some programs in there as well, thereby lowering your memory usage and the sound of your fan.

Clean Up Your Desktop

Mac computers treat every item on the desktop as a separate window, so every item that you keep on your desktop is making your Mac computer run slower, especially at startup. Create a folder on your desktop and move most of your files into that folder. By doing this, you can speed up the run time and startup time of your Mac computer.

System Management Controller (SMC) Reset

Shut down your computer.
Unplug your charger from your computer, if it’s still connected.
Remove the battery.
Press and hold the power button for five seconds.
Release the power button.
Reconnect the battery and charger.
Press the power button to turn on the computer.

Contact a Computer Repair Professional

If you have done all of the above things, but the fan on your Mabook Air is still running very loudly, you may need to contact a computer repair professional for assistance. With the help of TalkLocal, you can receive phone calls in minutes from up to three high quality computer repair professionals in your area that are available when you are.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

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