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Friday, November 8th, 2013

The most common way to heat homes and buildings in the United States is to use an electric heating system. Everybody is aware of the high costs of electricity, so many Americans are dreading their upcoming winter heating bills. Despite this, electric heating equipment remains very popular because it’s versatile and more convenient to use than other heating devices. This short guide will help you to make the best electric heating choice for your home.

You can place an electric heating system anywhere in your home – in the attic or basement or any other room that needs heating. Electric heaters are more affordable and easier to install than gas heaters, which will require a chimney for emissions, and proper air vent installation.

Types of Electric Heating

Electric heaters work by converting electrical energy into heat. Here are the types of electrical heaters available in the market:

Radiant Heater – consists of a heating element and a heat reflector. It is designed to heat an object rather than warm up the air in the room. Use this type of heater when you just need to heat a small area like a garage or a small store or office.

Fan Heater – consists of a fan that forces air across a heating element, producing heat that is distributed to warm up a room. It is ideal for a small space when quick heating is needed. It is also best for occasional use only and not as a primary source of heating.

Convection heater – consists of a heating element that permits air flow, warming up the air and circulating it using convection. It produces a steady and uniform heat. It is best suited for medium-sized rooms that need heating for a longer period.

Night storage heater – consists of heating elements inside brick-like insulating materials that heat up overnight or during off-peak hours, when electricity is cheaper, and then slowly release the stored heat over the course of the next day. This electric heating system makes sense only if your electric company offers off-peak rates and if heating is needed much more during peak hours.

Under floor heater – a central heating system that uses a series of electric wiring that is installed under or within your flooring to keep floors and rooms warm. It is a great alternative to bulky radiators and is commonly used with tiled or stone floors, but can also work with wooden or carpeted floors. It provides a warm consistent temperature even in large spaces, but can be expensive to operate, so consider this before installing in a large room.

Find Your Perfect Electric Heating System

As you can see, there are several kinds of electric heaters or heating systems to choose from. Learning more about your options could help you choose a system that will heat your home in the most efficient, environmentally-friendly, and cost-effective manner. Consult a heating professional to help you decide on the best electric heating system for your home. Let TalkLocal help you get in touch with a pro right now.

Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

How to Prevent Snow from Sticking to Shovel

Friday, November 8th, 2013

Wintertime is nearing, and you may be wondering how to prevent snow from sticking to shovels. Snow shoveling is a common practice for clearing sidewalks and driveways from snow. Whether you own a metallic or a plastic shovel, snow will stick to the shovel regardless. Here are ways you can stop the snow from adhering to the shovel.

First off, you will need the following materials:

– Cooking spray

– Petroleum Jelly

– WD-40

How to Prevent Snow from Sticking to Shovels

1. Use the cooking spray before you shovel snow. The cooking spray will act as lubrication that will stop the snow from adhering to your metallic or plastic shovel.

2. Use the petroleum jelly to rub all around the shovel from the front to the back. Do this before you shovel snow. This should be adequate enough for at least a couple of snowfalls. If you notice that snow starts to stick again, rub some petroleum jelly on it once more. Don’t hesitate to use a lot. The more, the better in this instance, so that the snow doesn’t stick.

3. Spray your tool with a lubricating agent like WD-40 before you shovel snow. This will keep the snow from sticking. Do this after you apply petroleum jelly to add an additional coat of protection against sticking.

4. You can opt to apply a wax-like paraffin to your show shovel. This wax is not expensive, and you can buy it from craft stores. This will also prevent snow from sticking to your shovel. This is a good step to take, as this will make the snow simply glide off your tool easily, like butter. Aside from other lubricants, paraffin wax is a good option to use, too.

Need Further Assistance?

Give us a call today! TalkLocal will be happy to assist you in finding a professional snow removal service near you who can help you this winter!

Posted in Snow Removal | No Comments »

Build a Home Theater: Furniture

Friday, November 8th, 2013

When you build a home theater, it’s important to consider the furniture that you are going to use. The furniture, like the lighting in your home theater, is very important. It’s where people are going to spend their time and will determine their comfort while they are watching movies or television.

Furniture will also determine how much time they spend in the home theater. If the furniture is uncomfortable, they won’t be spending too much time in the home theater, no matter how good the sound and TV system are. So, making the furniture comfortable, even if you have to reupholster it, is important.

Picking the Right Furniture

The right furniture for your home theater system shouldn’t be too hard or too soft. If it’s too hard, people will find it uncomfortable. Make it too soft and people will fall asleep instead of enjoying the home theater system. U-shaped couches are great for when you are having a lot of family or friends over. They offer a great view of the television and seat everyone comfortably.

Big chairs, on the other hand, make great additions when you build a home theater for solo movie viewing. They are extremely comfortable and will give you a great viewing experience that you’ll often want to repeat.

Arm rests with cup holders are handy when watching movies or games where you want to have a drink in hand. These arm rests will hold soda, beer, juice, or water and they are great for when friends visit.

So the bottom line is, when you build a home theater, think carefully about the comfort level of your furniture.

Need Help Building Your Home Theater?

Try reupholstering older furniture for a fresh look! Contact TalkLocal today and let us connect you with a furniture upholstery service in your area to help build a great home theater system for you and your family!

Posted in Furniture Upholstery | No Comments »

Lowes Storm Windows Buyer Guide

Friday, November 8th, 2013

A cost-effective and simple way to improve the efficiency of your old, single-pane windows is to add Lowes storm windows. They are designed to minimize the air flow from outside into your home. Also, the airspace created between the primary window and the storm window serves as extra insulation.

Lowes storm windows are for exterior application and are mounted to the outside of your home’s existing windows. While they are not replacement windows, many people use storm windows as an economical substitute for replacement windows.

Shopping Options

When shopping for Lowes storm windows, you’ll have two brand names to choose from – Comfort-Bilt and Larson. Both manufacture storm windows with aluminum frames, but in different configurations, from one-track to three-track. Larson makes Low-E aluminum storm windows, while Comfort-Bilt manufactures single-glazed windows.

Window Styles and Buying Tips

Single-track – Also known as a basement storm window, this type has only one glass pane that is held in place by thumb clasps. Choose a basement window with removable glass (for easier cleaning) and a built-in insect screen to keep bugs out when you remove the glass pane.

Two-track – Meant to be used with double-hung windows, the bottom half of the outer track features a screen, while the top has a glass pane. Neither component can be moved up or down. It’s the inside glass pane contained in the inside track which can be slid up to let fresh air in through the screen. Look for two-track Lowes storm windows with ventilation stops that can be adjusted on the inside track.

Three-track – These windows are also designed to be used with double-hung windows. In this configuration, there are two half screens and windowpanes that sit in separate tracks to allow each sash to be moved independently. Both bottom screens can also be moved to the top and the top glass panes moved down. If this is your choice, you should opt for windows with removable panes and screens for easy cleaning.

What is Low E-Glass?

Low-E or Low-emissive glass makes storm windows more energy efficient. Their surface has undergone treatment with an invisible coating of metallic oxide that allows light to pass through while reflecting heat. Low-E storm windows reduce energy use, prevent fabric from fading, and improve the comfort of a home.

Need New Windows?

Remember to measure your windows accurately before you make any purchase. Once you’ve ordered your windows, it’s time to call the pros to ensure they are installed the right way. We can help your search for qualified contractors. Contact TalkLocal now and get in touch with three local window professionals in no time. Best of all, we’re free!

Posted in Window Replacement | No Comments »

Types of RVS Campers

Thursday, November 7th, 2013

The types of RVs campers for you depends on your lifestyle, budget, and model of choice. There are many choices of RVs campers out there, and we will help you find out which RVs camper is suitable for you by covering the types of RVs campers.

There are three basic categories of campers: motorhomes, travel trailers, and truck campers.

Motorhomes

There are three classes of motorhomes, and they are the ones usually associated with campers.

Class A motorhomes are the most common, and they are the largest. Although not strictly Class A, bus conversions also exist. This is the type most commonly used by stars and athletes as they travel in cities.

Class B motorhomes are built on a chassis and are the smallest. These motorhomes are generally too small to live in for extended periods of time.

Class C motorhomes can be distinguished from the other two types by an extended section that commonly contains extra beds.

Travel Trailers

Travel trailers are also called towables, because they are usually hitched to the back of a pickup truck or any vehicle that has enough power and torque to tow it.

There is also a type of travel trailer available called fifth wheels. Fifth wheels have a gooseneck front, and are hitched at the back of pickup trucks and trucks with flat beds. Because fifth wheels concentrate most of their weight on the back of the tow trucks, they are not very susceptible to jack-knifing and fish-tailing. However, fifth wheel trailer are more expensive than the more common travel trailers.

Truck Campers

Truck campers are considered the most flexible type of recreational vehicle in terms of usage. They can usually go where the truck can go. Truck campers contain many amenities, such as kitchen stoves, toilets, beds, and storage space.

There are very large truck campers available if you plan to stay in them for extended periods of time. There are also used truck campers available, just like used cars.

Need Help?

If you have decided to buy any type of RVs camper, then you need help in choosing the model that is best for you. Here at TalkLocal, we can help you locate the camper that is suitable for you. Give us a call today!

Posted in Auto Repair | No Comments »

Ways to Thank Your Garbage Man during the Holidays

Thursday, November 7th, 2013

Picking up other people’s garbage and removing it is a thankless job. However, it’s a job that our most basic comfort depends on, so showing appreciation for this service, especially during the holidays, is a nice thing to do. Of course, you might think that garbage men make good money, so there’s no reason to give them tips, especially as you already pay for their services one way or another.

However, if you think that the person who picks up your trash every morning deserves a token of appreciation at the end of the year, here are some ideas for ways to thank your garbage man during the holidays.

Give Him a Gift Card

If, for whatever reason, you don’t want to give him a tip, you can give him a gift card. Gift cards offer one of the alternative ways to thank your garbage man during the holidays. They allow you to show your consideration for someone who does you a service, an indispensable one in this case. A gift card shows that you care by allowing the recipient to use it as they see fit. Insert it in a Christmas card together with your best wishes and it will surely be well received.

Small Gifts

To some people, offering gifts to service providers such as the garbage man, mail man, or hairdresser may seem inappropriate. However, if you feel like rewarding your garbage man for the service he provides, you can offer him a small gift.

In small communities especially, where you get to know your garbage man, and he’s more than just a face on a truck, you can show your appreciation by giving him a bottle of wine or some homemade food. Adding a card with a personal message will make an even greater good will gesture.

Looking for Help to Get Rid of Unwanted Junk?

TalkLocal can connect you with the closest waste management service in your area in no time, at no charge.

Posted in Garbage Removal | No Comments »

Wood Stove Heating Benefits

Thursday, November 7th, 2013

Wood stove heating makes for a cozy home during winter. In fact, a lot of people say that wood stove heating is warmer than any other heat, and though this may sound impossible, it may be true on a psychological level.

Using a wood stove as a heating device has many advantages. Some people claim that it produces a cozier atmosphere than central heating gas in a home. Wood stoves are old-fashioned ways of warming up, but they are tried and true. The fact that they have been around for so long and are still in use today is testament to their popularity.

Benefits of Wood Stove Heating

First off, it is cheaper to buy wood than any other fuel source. Oil prices are hiking and oil furnaces are hard to install, and this makes it costly to heat your home using oil. Electricity, too, is one of the most costly ways to heat your home.

Additionally, if you have wood from your own property, you can get your fuel for free. Not only does this save you money, but gathering and chopping wood is good exercise for you and your family. Wood is also a renewable source of energy that you can harvest around your property when you need it. This also adds to the economic value of wood as heating fuel.

Lastly, using wood stove heating makes one feel self-sufficient. If you live in the suburbs and have access to wood, then you don’t need to rely on gas and oil lines for heating. Using wood brings a person back to the basics of living and makes one feel as if they can survive without relying too much on modern technology.

Need Advice?

Contact TalkLocal today for advice on wood stoves! We can get a professional to help you within minutes of placing your call!

Tags: heating, wood stove
Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

Build a Home Theater: Projectors

Thursday, November 7th, 2013

You may wish to use a projector instead of a high-definition television when you build a home theater. Choosing the right projector is necessary if you want to effectively enjoy the viewing experience with your home theater system. Installing and using your projector screen is easy, although it depends to some extent on what type of screen you have.

Installing and Using a Projector Screen

Remember, the size and width of the screen will determine how far away from the screen the projector should be installed. When buying a screen, avoid high grain models, because they can result in poor image quality. Invest in screens that are a little more expensive; the improved viewing quality will make the expenditure worthwhile.

Pull-up screens don’t need to be installed at all, they just need to be placed on the spot when you want to use them. On the other hand, wall-mounted screens should be put in place using a sturdy mounting to prevent it from falling down.

Projecting on a Blank Wall

Setting up a projector for a blank wall is like setting up a TV projector. However, when you build a home theater system, you need to make special considerations about the wall that you are projecting onto. If you are on a tight budget, a white matte wall works just fine for projecting images.

However, if you want to go the extra mile, there are specially-made, reflective paints available that can make the viewing experience much more enjoyable. These paints are very expensive, but they are worth it. It all depends on how much you are willing to spend for your home theater projection experience.

Need Help?

Contact TalkLocal today and let us help locate a professional near you who can help build a home theater system in no time! We’ll have you one the phone, speaking with up to three professionals in just minutes.

Posted in TV Repair | No Comments »

How to Make Studable Snow Tires

Thursday, November 7th, 2013

Studable Snow Tires

Studable snow tires are best reserved for places where there is lots of snow in the winter. That’s because they make an audible sound if used on dry roads. They are good, however, if used on ice, because they provide extra traction.

Studded winter tires are best for icy roads, as the traction on them is superb. If you live near the coast, then these studded tires are good for you. On wet and hard-packed snow, there is no question that studded tires are superior to other winter tires when it comes to driving. However, if you appreciate quiet snow tires, then clearly studded tires are not for you.

Putting on Studs

1. First, you need to acquire snow tires with holes that have been pre-drilled for studs, and you need to have the right size of studs for the purpose. Using an incorrect stud will simply be ineffective and cause it to dislodge itself.

2. You will also need a stud gun to place the studs into the snow tire.

3. The studs are loaded into a basket that is detachable, after which it has to be loaded into the chamber of the gun by hand. Supplying air into the chamber of the gun is done by hand, and you have to do this periodically because only a certain number of studs can be accommodated.

4. There are adjoining tips at the tip of the gun that are adjoining, and you have to insert these at the holes of the snow tires and then pull the trigger.

If you commit a mistake in doing this, you can easily remove the stud and try again. As always, it is easier to have a professional do this for you.

Are You Ready for a Professional?

You could easily install studs into a pre-drilled tire, but what type of studs do you need, and will they fit your tires? Eliminate these questions by speaking with a professional.Contact TalkLocal today and let us connect you with the right professional near you.

Posted in Snow Removal | No Comments »

How Much Does Window Installation Cost?

Wednesday, November 6th, 2013

Good windows are vital to any home. Windows provide air and sunlight, things we all need for a healthy living environment. Window installation cost is computed by the amount of materials used, the placement of the windows, and the labor involved in installing your windows.

Some window installations, such as vinyl windows, cost less than standard windows to install. Average service costs vary for different areas, but there is a range that can be given as a guide to approximately how much you should set aside for window installation cost.

Average Window Installation Cost

In general, the average window installation labor cost ranges from $85.07 to $164.71 per window. This depends on where you live and how accessible your house is to the person installing your windows. The further your house is from the service center, the more you will end up paying.

Additionally, if the materials that they need to have shipped to your house are far from the source, the costs will definitely rise. There are many factors to consider when installing new or replacement windows, and the labor cost is just one of them.

Saving with Labor Costs

If you decide to install windows, it may be a better idea for you to buy the windows and hire an independent contractor to install them.

Salesmen in home improvement companies often have a 30% commission on top of their sales, and this tends to increase the installation cost. Hiring independent contractors will help you save money on window installation cost.

Of course, if you are the sort of person who’s handy about the home, you may fancy taking on the installation yourself, which will save you a great deal more.

Need Help?

Contact TalkLocal today and let us help find a window installation expert near you! We will assist at any time of the day to bring an expert closer to you!

Posted in Window Replacement | No Comments »

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