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Monday, February 10th, 2014

These days, HVAC systems influence our level of comfort a great deal and enable us to turn our homes into pleasant, cozy environments. Its components play an important part in this equation and should be inspected periodically.

For instance, high-quality sheet metal heating ducts can often raise the performance of an air distribution system, turning it into an excellent long-term investment.

The Pros and Cons of Sheet Metal Heating Ducts

If you want to install or replace your current HVAC system, you should know that you have the opportunity to choose from different types of ducts. All of them display their fair share of advantages. Metallic, rigid ones and their flexible counterparts made from corrugated plastic are two of the most popular choices.

Sheet metal ducts have a long service life and are well liked for the fact that they trigger a superior energy-efficiency and remarkable performance. On the other hand, because they are very rigid, they require lots of space. Nonetheless, you can order custom-made ductwork, especially designed to guarantee a perfect fit in your own environment.

Sheet Metal or Flexible Ducts?

Flexible ducts are cost-effective, even though they do not last as long as their rigid, metallic counterparts do. They are usually manufactured from corrugated plastic, and they are properly insulated to preserve heat in an ideal manner.

Due to their flexibility, they can be implemented even in the tightest areas where the installation of full-size sheet metal ducts is out of the question. Therefore, would it be better to install sheet metal or flexible, plastic ducts? In the end, the choice is up to you. Make a final decision based on the criteria that matter to you the most, like for instance price tag, lifespan, durability, performance, and so on.

Ask an Expert

Don’t know much about sheet metal heating ducts and their unique particularities? If so, eliminate all doubts by contacting the best heating and cooling expert in your area. Find the most competent ones in your area with Seva Call, your one and only expert tracking service.

Tags: Sheet Metal Heating Ducts
Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

When to Replace Engine Coolant

Monday, February 10th, 2014

Engine coolant or radiator fluid is an essential element of your vehicle’s cooling system. Also called antifreeze coolant, it is responsible for cooling your engine while your car is running. During winter, it prevents the engine from freezing if you park it outside. Changing the engine coolant on time is vital to keep your car in good condition.

When to Replace Engine Coolant

Engine coolant contains antifreeze liquid and water. After extensive use, it may accumulate dirt and various contaminants or it may turn acidic, which will not only prevent your car from functioning properly, but could also damage the engine.

Car manufacturers advise drivers to change the engine coolant every two to three years, or after an average of 24,000-36,000 miles.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that this can also be influenced by how and where you drive your car. For instance, if you live in a hot climate and use your vehicle often, you might need to replace the engine coolant sooner. Experts recommend you do this before you hit 15,000 miles.

What You Need to Do

You can take your car to an auto shop to have your engine coolant changed by a mechanic, or if you feel comfortable about it, you can do it yourself. The process is not complicated, and if you haven’t done it before, you can learn it easily. To be on the safe side, you can ask an experienced person to assist you the first time you attempt to do this.

Steps to Follow When Replacing Engine Coolant

1. Remove your radiator drain plug, and wait for the engine coolant to drain. The plug is on the radiator bottom.

2. Flush the radiator and the entire cooling system of your car to eliminate dirt that hasn’t been evacuated with the fluid.

3. Refill the radiator with new engine coolant, containing the antifreeze and water mix.

4. Dispose old engine coolant properly by taking it to a recycling center.

Need Help with Your Car?

Seva Call can connect you with a dependable auto shop in your local area right away. With our help, you won’t need to waste precious time looking for trustworthy professionals.

Tags: When to Replace Engine Coolant
Posted in Auto Repair | No Comments »

Snow Guards Gutters

Monday, February 10th, 2014

People who live in areas impacted by harsh winters should take a few extra measures of precaution to protect their properties against water damage. Melted snow can easily take you by surprise and cause an endless list of costly roofing problems. This is the main reason why you should protect your gutters by implementing cheap, easy-to-install snow guards gutters.

How Can Snow Gutter Guards actually Help You?

If you want to invest less time, effort, and money in roof maintenance projects, start by buying and installing the very best snow gutter guards, commercialized by respectable brands. These products serve three purposes:

a) They prevent the formation of icicles that could trigger extensive property damage and considerable safety risks

b) They make snow and ice accumulations melt at a faster pace

c) They help you weatherize your property

How Could I Choose the Right Snow Gutter Guards?

There are numerous appealing options on the market, so finding the most suitable snow guards gutters can take time. To simplify your mission, start by consulting online reviews. Melted snow guards are considered an excellent investment, since they can withstand lower temperatures and manage to prevent icicles from appearing on your roof.

Moreover, the most effective types of gutter guards also stop debris, small animals, tree branches, and dead leaves from clogging your gutter system and keep it clean and fully-functional for many years to come.

Ask an Expert

On average, good snow guards gutters can help you save up to $1,500 annually, otherwise spent on gutter cleaning operations. Not sure how to find and install the best guards? If so, just consult a dependable local roofer. Find the most reliable ones with Seva Call, your number one connection to the best professionals in your area.

Tags: Snow Guards Gutters
Posted in Snow Removal | No Comments »

How to Save Energy on Hot Water Heating Costs

Monday, February 10th, 2014

Have you ever wondered how you could save energy on hot water heating costs? Check out this quick video for some helpful hints!

Created by SaveOnEnergy.com

If you have more questions or are having issues with your hot water heater, speak with a reputable professional today. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three professionals in your area in just minutes, so you can get the help you need when you need it!

Posted in Plumbers, talklocal | No Comments »

Basic Steps of Carpet Water Extraction

Friday, February 7th, 2014

When you’re carpeting has been flooded, for whatever reason, you need to act quickly to address the situation. First of all, identify the source of the water entering your home. If possible, stop the leak. However, if contaminated water is involved, do not attempt the carpet water extraction or clean-up on your own.

Black water or contaminated water is not just simply dirty. It is laden with all sorts of disease-carrying pollutants from sewage or floodwaters. In this case, it is a must that you call a professional water restoration and carpet cleaning company for help. Avoid coming into contact with contaminated water or with the wet carpeting until the professional crew arrives.

If the water is not contaminated, do the following steps to extract the water from your carpet:

Clear the Area

Before you start the extraction, move out the furniture in the room, especially wood furniture that can emit its wood stain or finish and permanently stain your carpet. Also, make sure to remove all other objects that have been damaged or affected by the flooding or leakage such as cushions or clothing that may obstruct the carpet water extraction and drying process.

Begin Carpet Water Extraction

The most important thing to remember about this task is that you need to use a carpet water extractor or a wet/dry vacuum and not a regular home vacuum. Carpet water extractors can be rented from your local hardware store and retail stores, among other sources.

To start extracting water, slowly go over the entire affected area with the vacuum wand. Continue vacuuming until you can see there’s no more water being suctioned into the tank. It may take you some time to finish depending on how saturated the carpet is.

When you’ve extracted all of the water from the carpet, empty the extractor’s reserve tank. Vacuum the carpet one more time for good measure.

Dry the Area

Adequate air circulation is very important to restore wet carpets successfully. To speed up the drying process, consider installing a dehumidifier or an industrial-sized fan. Leave this equipment running continually until your carpeting has dried thoroughly. Keep the fans on for up to 48 hours to make sure the carpet padding dries completely.

When You Need Expert Carpet Cleaning

While having your own carpet cleaner at home is great, sometimes it’s still necessary to call for professional service. To locate reliable carpet cleaning companies in your area, use TalkLocal. We’ll connect you directly with qualified carpet cleaners in just a few minutes!

Tags: Carpet Water Extraction
Posted in Carpet Cleaners | No Comments »

Great Garden Plants

Friday, February 7th, 2014

Before actually planting your garden, you have to decide what kind of fruits, veggies, and herbs you would like to grow in your outdoor space. Below you will find some relevant info on great garden plants that may raise your interest.

Do a Little Research on Your Own

It is highly recommended to find out more about the specific requirements of each type of plant before buying the seeds. Choose wisely, to avoid unpleasant surprises. Pick the best plants for your garden based on…

1) Climate

2) Soil particularities and available space

3) Feeding and caring requirements

4) Planting and harvesting time

5) Personal needs and preferences

Discover Great Garden Plants that You May Love

There are millions of types of annual and perennial plants to choose from. Some of them attract butterflies; others attract hummingbirds. Some of them provide extra shade – others bloom all summer long. The key is to find and cultivate the plants that best meet your specific goals.

Nonetheless, if you’re looking for the perfect plant combination for a truly gorgeous garden, note that there are many options you may want to consider. Several plant combos look great and smell divine, like pink roses with a touch of violet ensured by salvia or lady’s mantle.

For a nice, contrasting look, you could also try to mix powerful colors, such as orange lilies with purple salvia. If you’re interested in obtaining a rainbow of colors, just plant these great garden plans offering you a great variety of appealing shades and odors: creeping jenny, petunias, Lamium, and geraniums.

Ask an Expert

Don’t know which type of great garden plants would be more suitable for your garden? In this case, discuss your options with a competent landscaper. Find a good one in your area with Seva Call, your free connection to the right professionals, right now.

Tags: Great Garden Plants
Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

How to Repair a Leaking Flat Roof

Friday, February 7th, 2014

If your flat roof is leaking, the first thing you need to do is identify the source of the leak. After you’ve found the source of the leak, you can think about what’s to be done.

Here are some tips that will help you deal with your leaking flat roof.

1. Look for Water Pools, Cracks, and Blisters

Flat roofs are usually made of several layers of tar and felt. Felt might deteriorate over time, as a result of rain, snow, and exposure to sunlight.

If you notice pools of water on the surface of your roof, forming around cracks in the roofing felt, you might have a leak in the room underneath. Also, if you see blisters on your flat roof, it’s a sign that there’s a gap between the top layer and the felt underneath.

2. Repair Your Leaking Flat Roof

If there are water pools on your roof, you need to clean them with a mop or rags, and dry the surface.

If there are cracks, they should be sealed with a roofing sealant to prevent water from infiltrating further.

As for blisters, start by cutting it in the middle to remove the water underneath if there is any. Soak up all the layers and wait until they dry up. You can use a propane torch to dry the layers of the felt. Make sure you use protective equipment and only do it by yourself if you’re comfortable with such a job.

In case you haven’t done it before or you’re not sure what to do, it’s best to get professional help. If water has penetrated the deeper layers of your roof on a larger area, you might need more thorough repairs. In this case, it’s advisable to call a professional roofer and let him inspect your roof.

Need Help?

Have problems with your roof and don’t know who to turn to? Seva Call can help. We can put you in touch with reputable professionals in your area in just minutes.

Tags: Leaking Flat Roof
Posted in Roofers | No Comments »

Tapeworm Treatment for Dogs

Friday, February 7th, 2014

Tapeworms represent one of the most common health problems, affecting millions of dogs on an annual basis. It doesn’t go away on its own, so owners will have to rely on the very best tapeworm treatment for dogs to eliminate this pressing issue.

Things You Should Know about Tapeworms

Since your dog can’t speak, it cannot let you know that it is sick. This is why you have to pay attention to all of the symptoms associated with the presence of tapeworms in dogs, for instance vomiting, diarrhea, changes in appetite, bloated belly, abnormal behavior, and sudden weight loss.

Note that a mature tapeworm can measure up to 20 cm (8 inches), and can jeopardize the dog’s digestive system, triggering a series of extremely serious health problems. To get rid of tapeworms, you could rely on natural remedies, or you could choose to pay a visit to the vet and get the right medication.

Discovering the Best Natural Remedies for Tapeworms

If, for some reason or another, you can’t make it to the vet and you believe that your dog has tapeworms, try to give him a few natural, risk-free remedies that may solve the problem. For instance pumpkin seeds, garlic, one tablespoon of wheat germs oil served with every meal, or 6 drops of Oregon grape juice administered twice a day per each 4.5 kilos (10 pounds).

It may be difficult for you to convince your dog to eat garlic, but you have to try all of these safe methods to enable it to get rid of tapeworms naturally.

Ask a Specialist

Can’t find the ideal tapeworm treatment dogs? If natural remedies don’t do the trick, then you will have to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. If you don’t have one, identify the best expert near you with Seva Call, a free service allowing you to meet competent professionals in your are in just minutes

Tags: Tapeworm Treatment for Dogs
Posted in Veterinarians | No Comments »

Installing In Line Water Filters

Friday, February 7th, 2014

There are various uses of in line water filters, but they are mostly used to filter water for refrigerators and ice-making machines. These systems are known to reduce bad smells and tastes from water, although they don’t work quite as well in removing certain rotten-egg odors from water.

Typically, they are also used to lessen the chlorine taste of water as well as reduce the presence of lead and organic chemical substances. However, in line water filters are not designed to turn biologically unsafe water safe to drink.

The filter canisters used for in line water filters contain activated carbon, which can be quickly used up. As for their assembly, most of these systems consist of ¼ inch fitting that allows users to quickly connect their ¼-inch water lines straight into the filter’s inlet and outlet without having to use any other fittings.

These fittings, also known as push-to-connect or push-lock, allow quick and easy installation of water lines with lesser likelihood of a leak.

Steps to Install In Line Water Filters

1. Determine where the system will be located. The ideal location is where it can be connected to your home’s cold water pipe, which is usually placed under the kitchen sink.

2. Shut off the supply of cold water to your home. Detach a piece of the cold water supply pipe about 3 inches wide. Use pipe cutters to remove a section and create a gap between the faucet and the water supply valve.

3. In the gap you just made, insert the in line water filter. The water supply should connect to the inlet on the filter located above the sump while the kitchen faucet should connect with the filter’s outlet.

4. Use the filter’s mounting kit and follow the instructions there to mount the filter properly. Use the bracket that came with the kit to mount the unit onto the cabinet’s wall. Drill out pilot holes on the wall into which you will screw in the filter using the provided screws. Make sure to allow some space for future maintenance work so you can access the filter easily or unscrew the sump.

5. With the filter installed, turn on the cold water supply. Run the system for a few minutes to let water flush through it. Check for leaks.

Need Help Installing In Line Water Filters?

You may not have the right tools to do this job, or perhaps you just want to ensure proper installation. Whenever you require the help of a service professional, use Seva Call to find one quickly and conveniently. Our service is free and we can connect you to reliable plumbers in just a few minutes!

Tags: Line Water Filters
Posted in Plumbers | No Comments »

Should You Tip a Massage Therapist? How Much?

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

When it comes to tipping a massage therapist, many people are unsure whether they should offer a tip or not. There are no norms, so offering a tip or not is an individual decision to a large extent. However, a few considerations might be helpful.

Should You Tip a Massage Therapist?

Basically, a tip expresses your appreciation for the service you’ve been offered. If you’re happy with the massage, or if the massage therapist impressed you with his or her skills, you may want to show that by giving a tip.

In some places, such as clinics or health clubs, tipping is not usually part of the protocol. But there are some professional massage therapists who say that tipping is appreciated even in medical settings. However, if you’re not sure, you can ask, either directly, or on the phone when you make an appointment, if it makes you feel more comfortable.

If tipping is not standard or if you don’t feel like doing it, you may want to recommend the massage therapist to express your gratitude. Referrals are often as good as a tip. On the other hand, in hotels, or in spas, it’s customary to offer tips to the masseuse. Typically, the tip is about 15%, or even 20% if you’re satisfied with the service.

When it comes to getting a therapeutic massage in a parlor or salon, tipping is not regarded as a must, but it’s always welcome. Just like servers, massage therapists work hard, but don’t earn much, so tips are always appreciated. A massage therapist must give part of what she makes to their employer, and pay their taxes; therefore, her net income is lower than you might think. If you believe that they did a good job, and if they made you feel better after the massage, you may want to say thank you by giving them a tip.

Looking for a Massage Therapist?

Seva Call can put you in touch with experienced professionals in your area. Relaxation is just a few clicks away. Our service is effective and free.

Tags: Tip a Massage Therapist
Posted in Massage Therapy | No Comments »

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