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Tuesday, January 21st, 2014

A common issue that many Windows 8 users are experiencing is the missing icon of the optical drive. According to reports, Windows 8 fails to recognize the DVD drive after the operating system has been installed or upgraded from Windows 7. As a result, Windows 8 DVD drive is missing both in the Windows Explorer and in the Device Manager.

While tech experts cannot pinpoint what is causing this problem, you can try the following fixes to restore the drive when Windows 8 DVD drive is missing. However, if your computer is new and you just assembled it, make sure to check first if the optical drive cable is connected properly before trying the steps below.

Fix Option 1:

1. Launch the Command Prompt with admin permissions by switching to the Start screen and typing CMD. Then, press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys all at once to launch the elevated prompt.

2. When prompted for user account control, click “Yes.”

3. Next, you need to type a specific string of commands into the elevated prompt and press the Enter key. You can copy-paste the command from the Microsoft tech support forum site.

4. Once you’ve entered the command, exit out of the prompt and reboot your computer. Afterwards, you should be able to see the DVD drive appear in the Windows Explorer and in the Device Manager.

Fix Option 2:

The first option described above may not work for some users. If this happens to be your case or you’re hesitant opening the Command Prompt to run the command, you can download a free utility called CD-DVD Icon Repair and run it on your computer to fix the problem.

This standalone tool is specifically designed to help users with Windows 8 DVD drive missing due to the OS failing to detect the existing drive. Even though this application is primarily programmed to work with Windows 7, it’s perfectly compatible with Windows 8.

Simply launch the utility once you’ve downloaded it and click the button that says “repair CD-DVD icon”. Restart your computer for changes to take effect.

Call In a Professional

If you’re still having problems with Windows 8 DVD drive missing from your computer, it’s time to call in a professional computer repair technician. Seva Call offers a free service that can connect you with trusted service professionals quickly and conveniently. Try Seva Call now, the first step to having your computer problem fixed in no time.

Tags: Windows 8 DVD Drive Missing
Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Install Heating Ductwork

Tuesday, January 21st, 2014

Properly installed, high-quality heating ducts can help you profit from considerable energy savings in the long run. You can choose to install heating ductwork on your own, by conducting a simple, time-effective DIY project, or you could hire a heating and cooling expert and let him do the heavy lifting. Here are a few easy steps that every do-it-yourselfer should follow, to attain excellent results.

1) Estimate How Much Material You Will Have to Use

Draw a sketch and take a few measurements and calculations to determine how much material you’ll have to purchase. Based on the ductwork layout, you could also estimate the amount of money that should be invested in this project.

Don’t hesitate to overestimate. Spare material could be used in the future, to conduct repairs or replacement projects.

2) Estimate the Amount of Heat that You’ll Need

How much heat do you actually need? Do some basic math to find out. Generally speaking, you will require 1 CFM (one cubic foot per minute) for every single square foot of a certain room that has to be to be heated up.

3) Opt for the Right Duct Size

To enhance the performance of your furnace, determine the ideal duct size. To experience considerable savings, you will have to factor in different elements, like for instance the number of vents, the size of your rooms, and also the duct length.

Buy the duct size that matches the ideal number of cubic feet per meter. Four-inch ducts are for 30 CFM, 6-inch ducts go with 110 CFM, 14-inch ducts correspond to 1,000 CFM and so on.

4) Cut and Assemble the Ducts

Cut the ducts to match your needs, by using a knife. Assemble them properly and don’t forget to seal them with duct tape to prevent heat losses. Insulate your ducts to avoid heat dissipation.

Ask an Expert

Can’t seem to be able to install heating ductwork on your own? If so, don’t hesitate to let a heating and cooling expert complete this project in a cost- and time-effective manner. Find the most respectable ones in your area with Seva Call, a free service introduced to help you meet the right professionals in just minutes.

Tags: Install Heating Ductwork
Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

How to Open a Stuck Car Trunk Latch

Tuesday, January 21st, 2014

A car trunk latch that will not release or seems to be stuck is a common problem for car owners, but, fortunately, this is relatively easy to fix. This problem can happen if you don’t keep your vehicle inside a garage, allowing the gears or the mechanism of the latch to become corroded by moisture.

If you’re unable to open your car trunk from the outside, you’ll have to get inside the vehicle to access the latch and repair it.

Repairing a Broken Car Trunk Latch

Most of the newer vehicles today include a safety feature that lets a person open the car trunk from inside. If you have an older vehicle that doesn’t have this feature, there are kits available that you can use to retrofit your vehicle. Also, some newer cars are equipped with a special mechanism for emergency car trunk latch release.

If you cannot open your trunk either because it’s stuck, the lock is broken, or you don’t have a key, here’s what you can do:

1. Test the car trunk latch. If you have a remote control for the trunk but pressing the release button doesn’t work, use your trunk key to open the trunk manually.

2. If your car is equipped with a manual car trunk latch release, locate this inside your vehicle. In a minivan, this feature may be found on the inside of the vehicle’s luggage area underneath a trim panel. In other cars, generally, it can be found either at the back of the car trunk or by the wheel well on the trunk’s sides. This mechanism can be an actual lever like a ripcord or a button.

3. Inspect the mechanism of the latch to check whether there is a broken plastic component. Any broken parts will need to be fixed by a qualified mechanic.

4. Remove dirt and debris from the mechanism by spraying compressed air into it.

5. Put lubricating oil on the gears and hinges of the latch. Turn the key, opening and closing the car trunk latch to work the lubricant into the parts. Then, put lithium grease on the moving parts and the hinges to keep them well lubricated.

Need Help Opening a Locked Car Trunk?

Get help quickly from a reputable local mechanic. Seva Call can connect you with one in just a few minutes. Simply let us know what service you need and we’ll match you with the right professionals immediately. Try our service now!

Tags: Car Trunk Latch
Posted in Auto Repair | No Comments »

Sears Carpet Cleaning

Tuesday, January 21st, 2014

If you don’t want to clean your dirty carpets at home, then profit from some of the most convenient carpet cleaning services currently available. Sears carpet cleaning services are an excellent option worth considering. People often choose to embrace it for a number of reasons, including the following:

1) Risk-free, 2-step cleaning method

2) No hidden costs

3) Professional services ensured by skilled, well-trained technicians

4) Cleaning method that does not threaten the optical brilliance of your carpets

5) Services that come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and last for the longest period of time

6) Conveniently scheduled appointments

What Makes Sears Carpet Cleaning Services So Special?

Sears carpet cleaning services meet your highest-quality standards without burning holes in your pockets. You don’t have to worry about hidden costs, and the results last for a long period of time. On top of that, the company also enables its clients to profit from a wide range of carpet deodorizers and carpet protectors, allowing them to keep their rugs looking and smelling like new for weeks in a row.

Sears often surprises customers with special offers and also provides many other types of services, including upholstery cleaning, air duct cleaning, and professional tile and grout cleaning at your best convenience. This way, while you clean your rug, you can also solve various other household problems that may have been on your mind for a while now.

Ask an Expert

Chances are that there are hundreds of types of carpet cleaning services in your area, so how could you possibly choose the best ones? When in doubt, just call a carpet cleaning expert who lives and works near you. Spot the most competent ones with TalkLocal, your number one provider of fresh, accurate, regularly updated information. TalkLocal connects you with the right professionals, fast and free.

Tags: Sears Carpet Cleaning
Posted in Carpet Cleaners | No Comments »

Aluminum Roof Repair to Patch up Holes

Monday, January 20th, 2014

Aluminum roofs are known for durability, but they can still be damaged from hail, heavy winds, and other severe weather conditions. A hole can also develop from corrosion if the roof was improperly sealed. Whatever the reason for that hole in your roof, quick aluminum roof repair is necessary to patch it up immediately and prevent water from entering inside your home.

For this job, you’ll need a piece of aluminum, either a scrap of the original roofing material, or you can buy a new sheet from a hardware store. If purchasing new material, make sure to choose roofing with the same corrugation as your existing roof to ensure the patch will fit tightly and securely. Schedule the repair when you’re expecting sunny weather. Here are the steps for DIY aluminum roof repair.

Be Safe

1. It’s important to wear protective gear before starting work because the edges of cut aluminum are sharp enough to break skin. Wear gloves and a shirt with long sleeves.

2. Use a ladder to get to the roof. If possible, aluminum roof repair should be done from the ladder. If you have to step on the roof, make sure to step only on areas where there are screws, which indicate there’s wooden support underneath the metal sheet.

Make a Patch

3. Use tin snips to cut around the hole to remove its serrated edges and make them even.

4. Take the measurements of this new hole and add 3 inches to it on all sides to get the size of the patch.

5. Take the sheet of replacement aluminum and cut out a patch to size.

6. Place the patch over the hole and trace it around with a grease pencil. Check that the patch is positioned directly over the hole.

Prep the Surface for the Patch

7. Set aside the patch and work inside the traced area that surrounds the hole. You’ll need to put butyl tape inside this area so that you have a 2-inch taped section.

Install the Patch

8. Put the patch over the taped area.

9. With a power screwdriver, secure the patch by driving screws around its perimeter in 2-inch intervals.

10. Caulk the edges of patch and the screw heads with roofing compound. Allow the compound to dry.

11. Using a paintbrush, paint the patch with roof coating that is suitable for aluminum roof repair. There should be about 2 inches of overlap in between seams.

Call in a Professional Roofer

If the job is too complex for you to handle, you can always count on a professional roofer for help. And you can count on Seva Call to find the best service professionals in your area. Give us the details of your service request, and we’ll match you with up to three, local, qualified roofers. Our search service is fast, convenient, and free. Try us today!

Tags: Aluminum Roof Repair
Posted in Roofers | No Comments »

Attic Insulation Types

Monday, January 20th, 2014

Homeowners who want to limit their heat losses and experience considerable energy savings in the long run often choose to insulate their attics. This is a relatively small investment, compared to the benefits that it brings.

Nonetheless, it is important to opt for high-quality materials with a superior R-value, which will keep your house warm in the winter and cold during summer. Keep reading to discover more about some of the most common attic insulation types currently available on the market.

Most Popular Attic Insulation Types

Blown-in insulation, also known as loose-fill insulation, represents one of the most common types of insulating materials. It is made from mineral wool, cellulose, or fiberglass and various other kinds of recycled materials. Its installation process usually requires special tools, so this task is normally conducted by certified professionals. After a certain period of time, this material can lose up to 20% of its effectiveness, as it becomes compact.

Blanket insulation is also another popular choice. The main advantage is that the installation can be completed by do-it-yourself-ers in no time. Moreover, this material represents a mix of fiberglass and natural and synthetic fibers, and it is extremely affordable compared to other premium attic insulation types.

Weatherize Your Home the Right Way

In some cases, apart from purchasing and installing great insulation, you will also need to take care of cracks and energy-wasting gaps that may appear at some points in your attic. To cover them in an effective manner and minimize heat losses, use spray foam, caulking, or plastic sheeting.

Ask an Expert

Looking for more info on the best attic insulation types? In this case, just discuss your options with a heating and cooling expert. Find the right one with Seva Call, your free connection to the best professionals in town.

Tags: Attic Insulation Types
Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

Using Boiling Water Heaters

Monday, January 20th, 2014

Boiling water heaters are wall-mounted appliances that are designed to heat up cold or room temperature water to its boiling temperature. There are different types of boiling water heaters; some are able to supply boiling water throughout the day, and others supply water at a range of temperatures from warm to boiling point.

These appliances are mainly suitable to be used in kitchen sinks, but they are also great for office pantries, canteens, studios, and waiting areas. A boiling water heater is both a time-saving and energy-saving device, making the task of boiling water quicker and more efficient than using a kettle.

A Green Option

Using boiling water heaters is an environmentally friendly way to get boiling water when you need it. Traditionally, water heaters heat up water 24 hours every day, regardless of whether there is a need for hot water or not, which is wasteful of energy. With the use of a boiling water heater, water is only heated on demand, which leads to higher savings.

Heating Capacity

There are different models of boiling water heaters to hold different volumes of water from 2.5 liters to 7.5 liters or more. You can fill up the heater tank to the maximum level or just fill it up partially with how much water you need. The tank has a scale that tells you the volume it currently contains in cups.

Choosing a water heater with a higher capacity allows more hot water to be readily supplied, which will cut the time of recovery significantly.

How They Work

To start heating up water, push the knob to select your desired water temperature from a range beginning with 35° C up to boiling point. Once the heater has reached the chosen temperature, it will automatically switch off. It is also possible to re-boil water immediately.

Installing this Appliance

Installing boiling water heaters is not a simple job. There are various lines that must be linked and connected properly for the appliance to work. The proper power connection is also necessary to ensure effective heating.

Certified plumbing contractors are trained in installing boiling water heaters. So if you’re planning to add this to your kitchen at home or in your workplace, find someone qualified to do the job with Seva Call‘s help. Let us connect you with a service professional in your area in just a few minutes. Try us now!

Tags: Boiling Water Heaters
Posted in Plumbers | No Comments »

Proper Way to Tip Handyman – Tipping Etiquette

Monday, January 20th, 2014

If you cannot consider yourself handy with work tools and capable to tackle small jobs around the house, you probably have found yourself needing the services of a handyman on more than one occasion during the year.

Sometimes, even do-it-yourself enthusiasts prefer to hire a handyman for certain tasks once in a while. When dealing with a handyman, tipping may or may not be the right thing to do depending on certain situations.

The Basic Idea of Tipping

Obviously, there are no policies whatsoever about tipping, which is why opinions vary greatly on the subject. Some say certain service professionals should not get a tip – handyman or what have you – while others continue the practice of tipping to reward a good service given.

Tipping is an act of thanks, so a lot of it depends on personal values, opinion, and character. As with a verbal “thank you,” tipping is given voluntarily, so never feel obligated to tip even when the service is far from worth it.

When Not to Tip the Handyman

There is a general agreement that you can tip the workers but never the business owner. So, if the handyman you hired is an independent contractor with his own business, don’t tip. Tipping is reserved for the employees of the handyman services firm.

If you wish to tip a handyman — which you may want to do when you’ve called one to your own home — the standard rate is around 18 to 20 percent of the total bill. On the other hand, if you live in an apartment or condominium where you pay monthly fees for building maintenance, then it’s fine not to tip the handyman.

Find a Handyman Fast and Easy!

Whatever help you need around your house, if you need it done by a professional handyman quickly, just let Seva Call find the right person for your job. We will connect you with reputable local service professionals within minutes, allowing you to get the right help right now.

Tags: tip handyman
Posted in Handyman | No Comments »

How to Maintain Clean Furnace Ducts

Friday, January 17th, 2014

With high-energy costs, it’s always important to make sure that the heating, ventilation, and cooling systems are working at peak efficiency. Maintaining clean furnace ducts is vital to the overall maintenance of your home, which can help save on energy bills as well as prolong the life of your furnace. Also, the less energy that you consume, the smaller your carbon footprint is.

Here is how to maintain clean furnace ducts.

1. Replace furnace filters.

The simplest, most effective thing you can do to keep furnace ducts clean is to change the filters. When the filters are dirty, they restrict the effective passage of air through the unit. Poor airflow forces the motor to work harder, which makes it burn more fuel.

You should replace filters every month, particularly if your area of residence is dusty, you have pets at home, or you’re doing some renovations at home.

2. Inspect ductwork for any leaks.

If you have a forced-air system, it’s easy to access and check a few of the ducts. While the fan is turned on, run a hand or a paper sheet beside the ducts. Feel around the seams and joints for air leaking out. If there are leaks, use heat-resistant tape to seal the seams.

3. Clear vents, forced-air registers, and radiators free of obstructions.

Check that no furniture, rugs, or curtains are blocking furnace vents as well as cold-air returns to allow the air to circulate better. Ensuring that vents and registers are unobstructed will help improve the efficiency of your system, increase room comfort, and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

4. Get professional cleaning service.

It is ideal to have the furnace cleaned and serviced by a qualified professional every year, and the ductwork every three up to five years. With regular service, you can prevent dust buildup on your appliance, and hence, prevent damage to its sensitive components and extend its lifespan.

In addition, ensuring clean furnace ducts will reduce the amount of dust that blows throughout your home and can help the furnace run more efficiently. Between professional duct cleanings, the forced-air registers should be vacuumed occasionally so they will stay clean.

Hire a Furnace Duct Professional

Is it time to have your furnace ducts cleaned? If so, then it’s time for you to use TalkLocal‘s free service to find a quality cleaning service in your area. Send us your request now via phone or here in our website and speak to a reputable professional in no time.

Tags: How to Maintain Clean Furnace Ducts
Posted in Maid Services | No Comments »

Interlocking Teak Deck Tiles

Friday, January 17th, 2014

A deck or patio allows you to spend great moments outdoors without actually leaving your home. Moreover, they can improve the appeal and value of your house. One of the most accessible ways to create an outdoor space where you can relax together with your family and entertain your guests is to use interlocking teak tiles for your deck.

Here are some reasons why interlocking teak deck tiles are a great option for your yard or garden.

Traditional Timber Decks vs. Interlocking Teak Deck Tiles

Traditional timber decks are more difficult to build and involve a lot of planning and construction materials. Besides timber boards, you will need a lot of fasteners, such as nails and screws.

Also, to install a timber deck, you have to use a sub-frame first, onto which the boards are attached. Needless to say, this outdoor flooring option is not only labor-intensive, but also more expensive.

Unlike conventional decks, interlocking teak deck tiles make your task much easier. You don’t need a carpenter to build your deck if you choose to use them because you can do it yourself. Interlocking tiles are specially designed for quick installation.

They are not only practical, but also allow you to create the patterns you want for your deck. All you need to do is measure your space, choose your design, and begin snapping the tiles in the desired pattern.

Affordability

Another advantage of interlocking teak deck tiles is price. They are less expensive than timber boards, which makes them an affordable option for a limited budget. You can install them on top of pavers or concrete covered areas, without having to worry about deck adherence and stability.

Low Maintenance

Wood board decking generally requires regular maintenance to preserve its qualities. This involves oiling, sanding, and refinishing. With interlocking teak deck tiles, maintenance is minimal, because they are treated with special resins to extend their durability and ensure protection.

Looking for a New Deck?

Need help with your landscaping projects? Seva Call can identify up to three local experts for you, and get you connected with them in minutes. Our service is effective and free.

Tags: Interlocking Teak Deck Tiles
Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

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