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Monday, January 13th, 2014

Are you in the market for a natural gas heater? Before you begin shopping for natural gas heaters for home use, it would help to know the basics. One fact to remember: Cold air is heavier than warm air, so it will fall while the warm air rises.

In your home and other large areas, there is constant air movement. Air moves faster if there is larger difference between warm air and cold air, which can produce drafts. Therefore, you will have a more comfortable environment in your home if you can maintain a fairly even temperature inside.

There are three methods whereby heating occurs:

– Convection – Works on the principle that warm air tends to rise. As warm air moves, it warms the surfaces around it.

– Conduction – Heat is carried not through air but through materials. The source of heat can be warm air or radiant heat. Denser materials conduct heat more easily than less dense objects, such as batt insulation, which slow down the movement of heat through the walls or roof.

– Radiant Heating – Works like the rays of the sun, warming objects that are in its direct path instead of warming the air. The objects that have been heated can then also radiate heat to cooler objects. A traditional fireplace is a good example of a radiant heat source.

When shopping for natural gas heaters home use, you should:

1. Consult with a professional for help in choosing the best natural gas heating system for your home and determining the correct unit size that you need.

2. Find out what your options are concerning venting, particularly if you’re converting your heating system to natural gas from another type of energy source or if you’re moving the system to another location in your house.

3. Look at different natural gas heaters for home use, compare operating costs, and prices. Do note that a system may be more expensive initially but may be more cost-efficient to operate.

4. Compare both equipment and installation warranties.

5. Choose a model with a design that has been certified by a nationally recognized laboratory to ensure it has been tested to meet national standards.

Finding and Using New Heating Systems

After installing the unit in your home, make sure to use it following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Don’t forget proper maintenance as well, including an annualy inspection of your HVAC system. For professional installation or maintenance, Seva Call can find the right professional for you. Contact us and speak to local professionals within minutes!

Tags: Natural Gas
Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

Install Rolled Asphalt Roofing

Monday, January 13th, 2014

Rolled asphalt roofing, or sheet roofing, is widely used because it’s an affordable roofing material, which is relatively easy to install. Typically, it is made from asphalt-coated fiberglass or asphalt felt. If you decide to install rolled asphalt roofing, you can expect it to last for about 5 to 10 years or more, depending on how well it is installed and the wear and tear it is going to be subjected to.

Below are a few tips on how to install asphalt roofing.

Roof Type

If your house has an inclined roof, you can install single roll asphalt roofing. If it’s flat, you can go for double rolled asphalt roofing for increased protection.

What You Need to Know Before You Install Rolled Asphalt Roofing

1. Clean the Roof Surface

Before you proceed with the installation, it’s important to clean the roof surface thoroughly; otherwise, debris will make your job more difficult and can even compromise the roofing.

2. Lay the Asphalt Strips

Lay a strip of rolled asphalt material starting from one edge of the roof, and secure it with nails. When you’re done with the first strip, take another one and place it next to it, making sure they overlap. Repeat this step until you cover the entire surface of the roof.

3. Cover the Edges

Cut some strips from the asphalt roll and place them on the edges, making sure they cover the ridge. Use roofing cement to secure the strips properly.

Find Professional Help

Even if you’re a DIY’er, you will need some help to roll out the material, so that you can place it on the roof and cover it. If you’re not confident that you can do it yourself, it’s best to let experienced roofers do the job. Improper installation can damage the rolled asphalt roofing material, reducing its lifespan.

Seva Call can put you in touch with professionals in your area who will be able to help you. Our service is fast and free.

Tags: Install Rolled Asphalt Roofing
Posted in Roofers | No Comments »

Colorful Flower Bed Ideas

Friday, January 10th, 2014

As spring approaches, it may be time to begin thinking about how you will landscape all the areas around your home. One place where you can make a great impact is in your garden. Designing and planting a beautiful flowerbed will adorn your home with vibrant smells and colors. Here are some great colorful flower bed ideas that will help get you started!

Neutral Flowers

The best way to begin designing is by learning which colors are considered neutral in gardening. Neutral flower colors are those that can be used with any other color while not changing the effect of what you are trying to achieve.

Some examples of this are white, black, grey, silver, and shades of brown. Neutral colors can tone down other colors in a bed and can be used as a buffer between two plants that would otherwise clash.

Think About Placement and Timing

When designing your bed, consider when flowers will be viewed and in what season. For example, white, while considered a neutral color, is one that glows when viewed early in the morning and at twilight hours. Consider when people will be viewing your plants. If you and your family leave early and get home late, then white plants might make sense in some areas.

Monochromatic Color Schemes

Considered by many to be the easiest color pattern, monochromatic schemes are also highly regarded. This design is the combination of shades of a single color to create a garden bed. It is a great process for beginners and experts alike in that choosing plants from a single garden family is a simple task to accomplish.

Although it may sound boring, monochromatic color schemes can have great depth and diversity. One great example of a bed that is commonly used are shades of red that include pink and violet.

Work Together!

The real fun of creating your dream garden is to do it with others. Collaborate with landscapers to better design and plant the garden. Contact TalkLocal to bring in top notch talent to help you take your garden to the next level. We will find and connect you with the best landscapers in your area. Contact them today to begin sowing the right seeds!

Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

Heating Cooling Systems Prices

Friday, January 10th, 2014

Nowadays, people are more and more concerned about using energy-efficient HVAC systems to heat and cool their house. These are essential for the comfort of their homes, but also allow them to lower their utility bills and have better control on their budget.

However, when it comes to installing a new HVAC system, your main priority is getting a high-quality product for a fair price. Here are some clues about heating cooling systems prices that might make your purchase decision easier.

What Factors Determine the Price of a HVAC System?

Heating cooling systems prices vary according to several factors, including technology, performance, demand, and individual needs.

Technology

There are many technologies available, and the price generally reflects the capabilities of a particular type of HVAC system. HVAC systems basically integrate three functions: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, to ensure the comfort of your home throughout the year.

Performance

Heating cooling system prices are also determined by the performance of the unit. Some HVAC systems are more energy-efficient than others, and they allow you to save money in the long-term by lowering your utility bill. If you can afford the initial investment of buying and installing a new HVAC system, you will not only make your home more cozy, but also reduce your overall household costs in the long run.

Demand

Another aspect to consider when deciding to upgrade or replace your HVAC system is demand. Some HVAC systems are more popular than others are, which may add to their price. Popularity and demand are not always the most important criteria for such an important investment as a new HVAC system. What is good for others might not be the best for you.

Individual Needs

When you choose your HVAC system, it’s best to focus on your individual needs. The size and location of your house, as well as your expectations, play an important role in the final price you’ll have to pay for your heating and cooling system. To these, you need to add installation costs, which may vary from one contractor to another.

A new, high-quality HVAC system may cost you up to $5,000 or even more if you install it in a new house. To get an accurate estimate, consult an expert who can give you a price based on the particulars of your house.

Need Help?

Seva Call can connect you with reputable HVAC experts in your local area, so that you can be sure you made the right choice and benefit from nothing less than excellent service.

Tags: Heating Cooling Systems Prices
Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

Essential House Painting Tools for Exterior Paint Jobs

Friday, January 10th, 2014

Even with a great color scheme in mind for your home makeover, you can’t start any paint project without the right house painting tools. You’ll be doing yourself a big favor if you make sure to have all of these house painting tools ready before you begin painting your home exterior:

– Exterior painter’s tape to protect areas that are already painted and for professional-looking paint lines.

– Scraper or putty knife to remove peeling or cracked paint.

– Wire brush or steel wool to remove mineral salts leaching out of masonry and stucco.

– Sandpaper to get rid of surface defects. Make sure to get the right one for the specific surface you’ll be working on.

– Spray gun to paint the largest exterior surfaces most efficiently.

– Paintbrushes to apply the paint. Polyester blended and nylon paintbrushes are perfect to use with latex paints. For oil-based paints, varnishes and other coatings, go for a natural China bristle paintbrush. Choose the right size of brush: 4- or 5-inch for large spaces, 2 ½- or 3-inch for trimmings and corners, 1- or 2-inch for touchups, and detailing.

– Paint roller and roller covers to paint large and flat areas quickly. You can use rollers to apply latex or oil-based paint, and they work well with both gloss and semi-gloss paint. You can get the standard 9-inch roller, but 14- and 18-inch rollers will make painting larger, flat areas much quicker. Use a 7- or 4-inch roller for tighter areas such as around windows.

– Screw-on extension pole to extend your reach so you can paint ceilings and the top of walls.

– Paint tray to hold your paint when using a roller. Also, buy disposable liners for the tray so you don’t have to clean it up.

Other Useful House Painting Tools to Have

For sure, when you shop for house painting tools, you’ll see many other devices for all sorts of painting jobs. In addition to the above list, you may want to add the following tools below. They’re not exactly essentials, but they would make the job much easier.

– Paint pouring attachment: This is a clever plastic attachment that you clip onto the top of a regular gallon of paint to eliminate mess when you’re pouring paint to refill the paint tray. It’s very easy to clean and very cheap.

– Paint pail: With this in hand, you don’t have to keep on stepping down your stool to refill your paintbrush.

– Door hinge covers: If you’re painting your door, this will save you a lot of time. It eliminates the need to mask off the door hinges or remove the door.

Thinking about hiring a pro?

For any painting job that you won’t be able to handle, Seva Call can help you get the expert help you need – fast and free. Contact us now!

Tags: House Painting Tools
Posted in Painters | No Comments »

What to Consider When Buying Factory Refurbished Electronics

Friday, January 10th, 2014

The label “refurbished” quickly conjures images of defective products. However, this is not always the case with many factory refurbished electronics.

A product can be labeled “refurbished” for various reasons. A customer may simply return the product unopened, and it could end up being offered as a refurbished product since it cannot be sold as brand new.

Products can also become refurbished due to minor exterior damages such as dents or scratches during shipping as well as production defects. In the latter case, the manufacturer repairs the defective parts of the returned unit and sells the unit as refurbished. Sometimes, demo units are also sold as refurbished items. Here are some pointers when shopping for factory-refurbished electronics:

Look for the “Factory Certified” mark.

Not all refurbished products are the same. While they are available from numerous third-party retailers, choose units that are factory refurbished that have been tested thoroughly to their original quality standards and come with a manufacturer warranty.

Buy a product with full warranty.

Usually, manufacturers and sellers offer warranties on refurbished products up to 90 days only. You’ll feel more confident about your purchase if you go for a product that has a complete one-year warranty, if possible. You can also ask if an extended warranty is available on the product, which often indicates a product’s good quality.

Check the store’s return policy.

Manufacturers have different return and refund policies, some allowing returns to be made within 90, 30, or 14 days. At the very least, you want to make sure to buy from a store that has some policy that allows returns.

Double-check the product and all accessories.

Check that your product includes all the accessories that should come with it such as cables, chargers, software, manuals, etc. Look at the list of technical specs for your item and verify it is the product you’re looking to purchase.

Where to Buy

Obviously, getting a huge discount is the reason why anyone would want to buy factory refurbished electronics. If you’re looking to save money, but you’re apprehensive about the quality of the unit you’ll get, the safest bet is to buy from a reputable seller such as the direct manufacturers and try to get the best warranty.

When You Need Computer Repair

If you’re considering buying factory refurbished electronics to replace your old or poorly performing computer, you might want to look for ways to improve its performance first before you go ahead with your purchase. Get expert computer repair help from qualified local technicians with the help of Seva Call. Try us now and we’ll connect you with local pros within minutes.

Tags: Factory Refurbished Electronics
Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Benefits of Towing Suspension Upgrades

Friday, January 10th, 2014

When your vehicle is towing heavy loads but the suspension system is not up to the job, the reduced level of compression gets in the system and affects the performance of the bump stop. There may also be issues that arise with the wheel alignment that can lead to increased fuel consumption and tire wear. Ride comfort levels, braking ability, and general handling can also be badly affected by poor suspension.

It is recommended to fit your towing vehicle with towing suspension upgrades to restore its ride height and make it a comfortable, stable, and safe vehicle that can handle any load. Here are some upgrades to consider.

Coil Springs

You want to make sure you upgrade to heavy-duty coil springs, which will improve your vehicle’s ability to tow while still being able to maintain a high degree of control and comfort. For extremely heavy loads, there are extra heavy-duty coils and coils for extra height when you need additional clearance from the ground.

Towing Suspension Shocks

Choose replacement shock absorbers that are rated suitable with heavy-duty springs. There’s a variety of shocks available in the market that provide better suspension control while maintaining a high level of comfort when towing.

Leaf Spring Packs

Another one of the most common towing suspension upgrades you can make for your tow vehicle is to replace the leaf spring packs to ones that are made with the highest-grade steel construction for ultimate performance.

There are different packs for 4-wheel and 2-wheel vehicles that are intended for towing and carrying loads. Choose replacement leaf spring packs that are not only durable, but also provide excellent spring rates for vehicle control as well as stability. You also want to upgrade to packs which make the vehicle comfortable, without load, with minimal loss of height when with load.

Suspension Bushes

These components are critical in ensuring the safety and good handling of towing systems, as well as ride comfort. They align shock absorbers, control arms and other components used for steering and suspension, help in absorbing road impact, and improve comfort. Others are designed particularly to minimize noise and vibration.

Because of the big role they play, it is important that suspension bushes be kept in excellent condition. When suspension bushes are worn, they can cause tires to wear quickly and can lead to loose steering, braking issues, and other handling issues.

By including suspension bushes in your towing suspension upgrades, you can make sure to be using superior units that are meant to be used specifically for towing. This will result in significant improvement in towing ability and general vehicle handling.

Need Towing Assistance?

Whether you need an expert opinion about towing suspension upgrades or you need reliable towing services, you can find the right professional using Seva Call. We offer a free and convenient service that will match you with local professionals in just minutes!

Tags: Towing Suspension Upgrades
Posted in Towing | No Comments »

Home Depot Water Heaters Buying Guide

Thursday, January 9th, 2014

As one of the largest home improvement stores in the world, Home Depot offers everything you’ll need to install a new or replacement water heater in your home or repair an existing one. There’s a wide range of Home Depot water heaters for commercial and residential use, whether you’re looking for an electric or gas unit, tankless or not.

Below are some tips when shopping at Home Depot for water heaters.

Buying a Replacement

Is it time to replace your water heater? You may be tempted to go for a bigger unit, but up-sizing is not always the solution when it comes to water heaters. The important thing is to find the correct size that is appropriate for your home’s water heating needs.

Regardless of whether you’re using a gas-, electric-, or liquid propane-fueled water heater, Home Depot recommends a 30-gallon tank for 1 to 2 people, a 40-gallon tank for 2 to 4 people, a 50-gallon tank for a household of 5, and an 80-gallon tank for more than 5 people.

Comparing Home Depot Water Heater Types

Tank gas and tank electric water heaters cost the least in installation, with the least venting requirements. However, they cost more to operate — around $260-$300 for gas and $490-$500 for electric units.

On the other hand, you will shell out more money to install tankless gas water heaters and hybrid electric water heaters. They would have medium-high venting requirements, but their annual energy costs are significantly lower at only $220-230.

In terms of performance capability, tank water heaters can deliver an average of 3 showers during the first hour of use, while a tankless, gas-fueled water heater can deliver unlimited showers.

Top Rated Home Depot Waters

A few of the currently top-rated water heaters sold at Home Depot include:

– Marathon Lifetime Electric Water Heater 4500 Watt (85-Gallon Tall)

– Marathon Lifetime Electric Water Heater 4500 Watt (50-Gallon Short)

– Stiebel Eltron Tempra Whole House Tankless Electric Water Heater (24.0 kW)

– Stiebel Eltron Tempra Whole House Tankless Electric Water Heaters (24 Plus and 36 Plus models)

Need Professional Help with Your Water Heater?

When you buy your water heater from Home Depot, they may be able to install the unit in your home on the same day. For any other help you need with your water heater, you can rely on Seva Call to find the right professional plumber to service your unit. Contact us now, and you’ll be speaking to up to three local plumbers in no time!

Tags: Home Depot Water Heaters
Posted in Plumbers | No Comments »

Wood Stove Pellets

Thursday, January 9th, 2014

More than 1 million U.S.-based owners of homes and businesses rely on wood stove pellets to heat up their indoor spaces. Pellet fuel is suitable for a wide range of applications and has a virtually endless list of benefits, including low emission levels and superior thermal efficiency.

Discover the Main Benefits of Wood Stove Pellets

Reduced shipping costs: The distribution of wood pellets is cheaper than the distribution of wood chips.

Reduced emissions: Wood stove pellets represent a greener fuel, ideal for those who want to minimize their carbon footprint. Due to their elevated burn efficiency and their particular fuel density, wood stove pellets produce a reduced amount of emissions, compared to other types of fuels.

Approximately 1.5 tons of CO2 emissions are prevented from entering the atmosphere every single time 1 ton of pellets is used to replace the required quantity of oil.

Easy storage: Wood pellets occupy less space than fire logs and can be easily stored by homeowners.

Energy efficiency: 1 ton of wood pellets is the equivalent, in terms of energy efficiency, of 2.8 barrels (333.87 liters) of #2 fuel oil.

As you can see, pellet fuel has considerable environmental and monetary benefits worth considering.

How to Use Wood Stove Pellets

Pellet fuel stoves are equipped with fuel hoppers, designed to hold and store up to 130 pounds of wood pellets, which represents the normal amount of pellets that should be burned during an entire day, under normal circumstances.

A feeder gradually pushes the pellets inside the fire chamber, where they are burned to produce heat. Emissions are carried outside through a small-size flue pipe. Modern pellet stoves also come with a thermostat and a tiny computer, utilized by owners to gain full control over the pellet feed rate.

Ask an Expert

Wood stove pellets display numerous advantages and are definitely a greener heating option. Would it be good for you? Only a heating and cooling expert could provide the best answer to this question. Use Seva Call, a free service, to meet exceptional professionals in your area, and make inspired decisions on a daily basis.

Tags: Wood Stove Pellets
Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

Refinish Wooden Deck

Thursday, January 9th, 2014

The wooden deck behind your home is a place where many memories are made. Be sure to protect and extend the life of the wood by refinishing the deck. Doing this will make your deck look fantastic as well as improve your home’s resale value.

Here are a few basic steps to help you refinish wooden decks.

Inspect the State of Your Deck

To start the refinishing process, begin by inspecting the wood deck for any structural problems. A wood deck endures many environmental challenges. There may be loose boards, as well as rotting or severely split wood. It’s best to fix those issues before beginning the actual process of restoring the deck.

Power Wash the Deck

The critical component of deep cleaning a wooden deck is to power wash it. To do this, use a power washer with a water pressure that is as low as possible while still being effective. Cedar, pine, and other softwoods should have a water pressure around 500-600 psi. Increase water pressure for harder woods, but do not go higher then 1200-1500 psi.

Sand the Wood

After the power washing is complete, it is time to move on to sanding the wooden deck. The reason behind this is due to wood fibers that could have risen during power washing. These fibers do not go down and could cause splinters, so sanding the wood gives it a smooth, even finish.

Apply the Wood Stain

Once you have completed the preceding steps, it is time to get your tools and begin staining the deck!

Start with the handrails, and work your way down to the deck boards. Use a smaller brush for areas such as handrails and trim boards. Flat paint pad applicators can help cover large areas while providing a nice even coverage of the stain

Seek Professional Help

There are many stages of this process that you may not know how to do or possess the necessary tools to complete. For help, use Seva Call. We will connect you with professionals who can fit into your schedule. Contact Seva Call now, so you can begin preparing your deck for a wonderful spring!

Tags: home improvement, refinish, remodel, repair, wood deck
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