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Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013

These days, many people are looking for clean, green, energy-efficient fuels. While still wanting to enjoy the highest level of comfort in their own homes, people think more about how to minimize their carbon footprint and reduce their home energy costs. Is Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) a reliable substitute for more mainstream fossil fuels? Over the last few years, LPG gas heating has become increasingly popular, due to its incontestable advantages.

Reasons to Consider Investing in an LPG Gas Heating System

Do you want to opt for a cleaner, greener, more affordable fuel? If so, an LPG gas heating system could be a good choice for you and your family, bringing you considerable financial savings, and allowing you to breathe easier over your carbon emissions.

An oil-condensing boiler requires a complex maintenance program and is not as effective as you might expect. LPG boilers are up to 95% more energy-efficient than their oil-based counterparts, reducing your power consumption by up to 40%.

Finding and Implementing the Ideal Hot Water Systems for Your Home

Choosing the best hot water system for your home can be quite challenging, especially if you know very little or nothing at all about your main options. When in doubt, contact a heating and cooling expert, who will help you purchase the most convenient LPG system.

Afterwards, just identify a trustworthy LPG supplier in your area and install all the components of your hot water unit, including the gas pipes, gas regulators, and cylinder connectors.

Call an Expert Today

A good specialist should be able to get your new system up and running in no time. Find the most competent ones in your area by consulting TalkLocal, a free service introduced to help you make excellent decisions and successful home improvements worthy of your time and money. Talk Local will connect you with the right professionals in just minutes.

Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

Electric Cars 2013 Buyer Guidance

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013

Electric cars are a new wave of cars that promise to be eco-friendly and efficient. These cars are not that expensive. In fact, some can be had for under $40,000.

The electric cars 2013 has seen so far are the most realistically priced yet. The average price of a car with electric propulsion varies with the model and manufacturer. However, these are the cars of the future, and it can be worth investing in one, especially as conventional fuel prices continue to escalate.

Electric Cars 2013 Top Pick

A top pick in the sub-$40,000 category has to be the Chevrolet Volt. This is a great car if you’re serious about reducing your carbon footprint. You can drive it for a full 40 miles purely on electricity, after which the four-cylinder gas engine kicks in to recharge the battery and provide propulsion. The Volt also has a video screen within the cabin that offers very good graphics for passengers to enjoy.

Electric Cars 2013 Contenders

The Nissan Leaf is also a top pick, and is less expensive than the Chevrolet Volt. It’s a quiet car that is very responsive. The Leaf is a hatchback that can take up to five passengers. Although public charging stations are beginning to appear, you would still have to charge your electric car at home. However, the cost of electricity versus gas should be enough to convince you to switch.

The Ford C-Max Energi is another top pick for an inexpensive electric car. It delivers an impressive and efficient 47 MPG. The interior is comfortable too, and that, combined with the cheaper price tag, may win you over. The Energi charges from a 120-volt outlet and seats five people.

Need Help?

If you want more information about electric cars — and how to maintain them — you’ll want to speak with a qualified professional. Why don’t you contact TalkLocal today and we can help locate a professional to assist you within minutes of placing your call?

Posted in Auto Repair | No Comments »

Driver Missing Base System Device

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013

When your computer’s driver is missing a base system device, it can cause your computer to stop working correctly, or even altogether. This often happens as a result of downloading updates to your drivers, or changing operating systems. Don’t fret, though; it is possible to figure out which devices your drviers are missing and restore them to working order.

Driver Missing Base System Device

1. First, refer to the following web-link to find the model number and product number of your system.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?tmp_renderType=findModel&cc=us&dlc=en&docname=c00033108&lc=en&os=4062&sw_lang

2. Once you have found the model and product numbers, open Start

3. Type devmgmt.msc and press enter. Select Devices from the main menu.

4. Double click a device; choose the details tab, and then the hardware IDs from the drop-down. It will look like the following:

PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4370&SUBSYS_3091103C&REV_02

PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4370&SUBSYS_3091103C

PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4370&CC_040100

PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4370&CC_0401

5. Using the model number, product number, and the device IDs, you should be able to find the appropriate driver to download online. Most PC brands provide a website from which you can download the right drivers for a base system device, such as HP’s page.

Need Computer Help?

If you are still receiving this error after following the above directions, use TalkLocal to get in contact with local professionals immediately. We will connect you with up to three professionals in your area in just minutes, so you can get the right help when you need it.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

How to Buy an Electric Tankless Water Heater

Monday, December 2nd, 2013

Electric tankless water heaters, also known as demand water heaters, only produce hot water when it’s needed. They can save you money on heating and storage costs, and are more energy-efficient than your standard hot water heater. If you’re in the market for an electric, tankless model, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with how they operate so that you can buy the right unit the first time around.

How Electric Tankless Units Work

Electric tankless units don’t have the traditional storage tank you see on most water heaters. When you turn on your hot water, cold water is directed through a pipe that then goes into the tankless unit. The tankless unit heats the water and distributes it to the faucet or tap. You can usually get two to five gallons of hot water per minute with a tankless unit.

Sole or Additional Operation

When buying an electric tankless water heater, you’ll need to consider how often you use hot water in your home, and determine if a tankless unit can produce enough for your household.

Some homeowners buy units for their dishwashers and washing machines and use traditional water heaters for showers and faucets. With this set up, you’ll still save money installing a tankless unit for appliances, and won’t have to worry about taking a cold shower when the hot water runs out.

Size and Demand

You can determine how big of an electric unit you’ll need by understanding the flow rates in gallons per minute from most household items. Common GPMs for homes include:

– Toilet: 0.5 gpm

– Bathtub: 2.0 to 4.0 gpm

– Shower: 1.5 to 3.0 gpm

– Kitchen Sink: 1.0 to 1.5 gpm

– Laundry Sink: 2.5 to 3.0 gpm

– Dishwasher: 1.0 to 3.0 gpm

A larger unit will require more power as well. Thus, you need to ensure the circuits in your home can handle the additional power requirement.

Need Help?

If you need assistance picking the right sized unit or you need a new unit installed, contact TalkLocal today to get in touch with a skilled plumber in your area who knows the ins and outs of water heaters. Talk Local will connect you with to to three professionals in just minutes, for free!

Tags: electric tankless water heaters
Posted in Plumbers | No Comments »

Trash Burning Barrels DIY Guide

Monday, December 2nd, 2013

Sometimes, we all have trash that we need to dispose of, but there’s not always an available place to take it. That’s where trash burning barrels can come in handy. Burn barrels are made specifically to destroy trash safely and securely. Trash burning barrels are popular in the countryside where trash collections don’t happen so frequently.

While a lot of people complain about the smoke and smell of burn barrels, they do have some benefits. At the very least, trash burning barrels can bring down the cost of removing your garbage. Of course, not everything can be destroyed in a burn barrel. Old furniture can’t be burned in one, for instance.

To make your own trash burning barrel you will need:

– A 55-gallon drum made of steel that has one open end

– A power drill for making holes

– Two concrete blocks

– Metal fencing to cover the barrel

1. Drill three or four holes in the bottom of your drum to let any rain water pass through.

2. On the sides of your drum, drill some more holes (less than 20). Be careful not to drill too many holes on your barrel or it will become weak and rust quickly. Additionally, do not burn aerosol cans in the barrel; it can explode if you burn aerosol products inside.

3. Place the barrel, open end up, on top of the blocks. Make sure that the holes on the bottom of the barrel are not obstructed, because you need some airflow.

4. When burning things inside the barrel, use the metal fencing to cover it. This will limit the ashes and other debris escaping from the barrel.

5. When not in use, cover the barrel with a waterproof cover so any trash you have inside will still dry.

Need Help?

TalkLocal can help you locate professionals in garbage removal in your area within minutes! Give us a call today, and see how we can assist you with garbage disposal!

Tags: trash burning, trash disposal
Posted in Garbage Removal | No Comments »

Choosing Metal Roof Repair Products

Monday, December 2nd, 2013

Metal roofs are very durable and very effective when it comes to covering, protecting, and insulating different structures. However, in the long term, their aesthetics and their functionality are inevitably impacted by prolonged exposure to various exterior elements, including acid rain, snow, and sleet.

Uncoated metal seldom ages gracefully; it usually rusts and becomes unsightly. Moreover, loose seams lead to the development of roof gaps that cause water leaks. How could you prevent or address all these problems in a cost-efficient manner? The answer is simple: by conducting a roof restoration project and by using only the best metal roof repair products.

How to Choose Metal Roof Repair Products

First of all, evaluate your needs: do you have to invest time and money in urgent repairs to avoid extensive property damage or do you have to spot the suitable materials for a mandatory maintenance routine? In most cases, all you need in order to restore your roofing surface is a new, high-quality sealant.

Buy the Best Sealant

The very best sealants currently available on the market are compatible with all types of metallic roofs. Older sealants disband very easily, lose their elasticity, harden, and shrink over a relatively short period of time.

On the other hand, newer products are virtually invisible and adhere perfectly to all metallic surfaces. They are easy to use, can withstand extreme temperatures, demand minimal preparation due to their built-in primers, and guarantee timely repairs.

Purchase Premium Anti-corrosion Agents

Furthermore, metal roofs tend to rust. You can prevent and control this process, by simply applying a powerful anti-corrosion agent on the entire surface. If you’re looking for the best primer to serve this purpose, make sure it displays anti-corrosion properties and that it promises low-moisture permeability and remarkable adhesion.

Ask an Expert

Need to find the best metal roof repair products within your budget? If so, rely on expert advice provided by skilled roofers who live and work near you. Use TalkLocal, a free service, to be connected with the most reliable professionals who are just one call away.

Tags: metal roof, roofing
Posted in Roofers | No Comments »

Pellet Stoves vs Wood Stoves

Monday, December 2nd, 2013

Some of the newest, most sophisticated heating systems are not always received with great enthusiasm by potential buyers who choose to rediscover the advantages provided by simpler, greener, and more economical residential heating solutions.

Most prospects are striving to solve the pellet stoves vs wood stoves dilemma by consulting various sources of information. Keep reading to discover which type of stove would actually be suitable for your own property.

Pellet Stove vs Wood Stove

Should you buy a pellet stove or should you invest in a wood stove? To simplify your decision-making process, analyze the pros and cons of both types of stove, in terms of installation costs, maintenance, operating costs, fuel requirements, back-up options in case of power outages, emissions, and various other aspects that might matter to you.

Installation Costs

Both types of stoves usually require professional installations. However, wood stoves demand a fully insulated, complex chimney system. Pellet stoves only need a small-scale, simple, inexpensive chimney system and thus, trigger reduced installations costs.

Operating Costs

Wood stoves can burn fire logs and scrap wood. On the other hand, pellet stoves only burn wood pellets.

In order to determine how much you would actually have to spend on fuel supplies, you have to evaluate how long they would last. Nonetheless, differences in operating costs become negligible for families requiring more than three tons of wood pellets.

Maintenance

It’s always easier to clean pellet stoves, because you don’t have to sweep wood chip or bark all day long. Moreover, pellet stoves produce a reduced amount of emissions and ash.

Back-up Options in Case of a Power Outage

Pellet stoves stop functioning when the power goes off. You’d have to purchase a back-up generator to address this impediment. On the other hand, wood stoves continue to heat up your room even during power outages.

Ask an Expert

Can’t solve the old pellet stove vs wood stove dilemma on your own? In this case, discuss your options with a reliable heating and cooling expert. Find the best one in your area with TalkLocal, your trusted, free service designed to help you meet dependable professionals in your area.

Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

Physical Therapy Policies

Monday, December 2nd, 2013

Physical therapy (PT) provides hope for many whose movements and physical functions are impaired by chronic pain and disability. Thanks to the help of licensed therapists, patients gain greater functional independence. PT allows them to get back to work and their daily routines.

If you are considering physical therapy, read this guide to get an idea of some common physical therapy policies.

Physical Therapy Policies

In seeking physical therapy, what procedures are in place to ensure every patient gets quality care?

1. Before a patient can receive physical therapy at a reasonable cost, a physician’s order or referral is necessary. The coordination between the physician and the therapist ensures the safety of patients. The referral comes with a detailed diagnosis and recommendations on the manner and duration of treatment.

2. Upon receiving the doctor’s order, a therapist will perform his own evaluation and develop a plan of care. Within 30 days, the ordering physician must then approve the therapist’s plan of care. This is often referred to as the initial certification. It will only be good for 90 days, so after that period, a re-certification is required.

This is done because a patient’s condition might change in that three-month span. Both the ordering physician and the therapist have to make sure that the plan of care remains updated and appropriate for the patient’s status.

3. Treatment begins on the day the plan of care becomes final. Under the current system, documenting each visit is essential both to guarantee service quality and to help later with billing requirements.

Therapists maintain notes describing how the session went, what therapeutic activities and exercises were done, and which medicines the patient was given. At the 10th session, the therapist has to prepare a progress report.

4. At the end of the treatment plan, a therapist issues a discharge note. If the documentation was properly done, facilitating billing and payments shouldn’t be a problem.

Have More Questions?

If you are still wondering how some of the physical therapy policies work, speak to a professional right now. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three professionals in your area in just minutes.

Tags: physical therapy
Posted in Chiropractors | No Comments »

Slow Release Fertilizers

Friday, November 29th, 2013

If you are a passionate gardener who wants to grow beautiful, robust plants, then you should identify and purchase the best type of fertilizers for your soil. Fertilizers can be divided into 2 large categories: fast-release and slow-release plant food.

Keep reading to discover the particularities of each kind of fertilizer and find out which one is actually suitable for your beloved plants. In you need supplementary information, don’t hesitate to ask a landscaper who could help you make an informed decision.

What Are Slow Release Fertilizers

Slow release fertilizers are high-quality products based on nitrogen chains that break down over a relatively long period of time (3 to 12 months), feeding your plants and stimulating their growth. These days, you could find a wide range of slow-release fertilizers available in different packaging options, launched by respectable brands like Schultz, Vigoro, Micro-Gro, or Scotts.

How to Identify the Best Type of Slow Release Fertilizer for Your Garden

There are two main types of slow release fertilizers: organic ones, and soluble and coated ones.

Organic plant food is made from organic materials that are decomposed as a result of microbial activity over a long period of time. The main disadvantage is that plants may not receive the nutrients when they need them the most. In order to be effective, organic fertilizers should be applied on a soil with an ideal level of moisture and adequate temperatures.

The other type of slow release fertilizers (coated and soluble products) also depends on temperature and moisture levels to release the right amount of nutrients for your garden plants. Usually, nutrients are released for a long period of time (up to 12 months).

Ask an Expert

Giant brands have introduced numerous complex formulas, allowing you to maximize the growth and productivity of your plants. If you can’t pick the best slow release fertilizers on your own, discuss your options with a skilled landscaper to make a smart purchase. Find the best specialists in your area by simply relying on TalkLocal, your direct connection to the professionals near you.

Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

Things to Do During a Blackout

Friday, November 29th, 2013

Blackouts are unpleasant, unpredictable events that can break the comfort of your daily routine, but knowing how to cope with such situations will keep you and your family safe. Here are some things to do during a blackout to make it easier.

Batteries

Make sure you have a supply of batteries around the house for unexpected power outages. If the blackout is a short one, you’ll hardly notice it has happened with batteries at hand. However, you need to be prepared in case the power outage is longer, and your batteries run out.

Think about the basic necessities like food and heating. Refrain from using your computer and other devices, to extend battery life. If you can use your car, getting food and new batteries won’t be a problem.

Go Out

One of the most pleasant things to do during a blackout is to go out. If the blackout takes place during daytime, you can go for a walk or find some other outdoor activities that will keep you busy until the power returns.

Get Some Rest

Don’t panic. Just enjoy the chance to get a little more rest. You can snuggle on the couch with your loved ones or take a nap. If you are at your office, relax and use the time to organize your schedule mentally. Sometimes it’s good to get some detachment from the technology you use regularly, the computer or smart phone, and exercise your gray matter.

Play Games or Read a Book

Other enjoyable things to do during a blackout include playing some card or board games, or reading a book or magazine. This will take your mind off the blackout, focusing it instead on the pleasure of the game or reading material, and just being around family or friends.

There are probably many things you’ve been planning to do but haven’t found the time for. A blackout is a chance to engage in relaxing activities. You can enjoy the things that you usually postpone in favor of those more important demands on your time. Above all, keep calm and seek qualified help if necessary.

We Can Assist You

Being prepared in case of a power outage will help you to keep things under control. If the blackout is caused by your electrical system, you need to find an electrician you can count on. TalkLocal can find a qualified professional for you, quickly, and at no cost to you.

Posted in Electricians | No Comments »

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