How to Effectively Clean a HEPA Filter in 3 Easy Steps

Monday, August 19th, 2013

High-efficiency particulate air filters, also known as HEPA filters, ensure superior air quality inside our homes and protect us from a wide range of health risks associated with indoor air pollution. These filters are designed and implemented to trap even the tiniest contaminants (approximately 99.97% of all particles measuring .3 microns) that aren’t usually captured by traditional air filters, in order to prevent allergies and other common respiratory problems. HEPA filters require a simple maintenance routine, which can be performed by all homeowners in a cost- and time-effective manner. Get the highest rated HEPA replacement filter from Amazon and have it shipped overnight starting at $17.67. Read on to find out when and how to clean a HEPA filter in 3 easy steps, fast and hassle-free.

Start by turning off your air filtration system and gently remove the HEPA filter that needs to be cleaned. If you don’t want to make a mess inside the house, it is advisable to remove all impurities outside or in a different area that would be more suitable for this relatively messy assignment.

Want to clean a HEPA filter on your own? Place the HEPA filter on top of a trashcan and start cleaning it using an air hose. This will help you get rid of the dust and other impurities fast and effectively, without compromising the functionality of your filter. Always remember to clean both sides and shake it thoroughly while utilizing compressed air to obtain excellent results. Numerous homeowners choose to add another step to the much-needed cleaning routine and use a garden hose to spray water (with moderate pressure, to prevent serious damage) over the HEPA filter.

Let your filter dry naturally in a leaning position, until it is no longer humid. Afterward, carefully place it back inside your air filtration system and turn it on to test its functionality.

If you are looking to purchase a hepa replacement filter, you can find it on Amazon and have it shipped overnight starting at $17.67.

Need HVAC Advice?

Follow these 3 simple steps to complete this necessary assignment in record time. On the other hand, if you lack the time, the patience, or the energy required to learn how to clean a HEPA filter on your own, count on TalkLocal to find some of the most well-trained, competent, friendly experts, who specialize in residential and commercial air filtration systems, and who can take this pressure off your shoulders and improve air quality inside your home by cleaning or replacing your HEPA filters.

Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

Weather Stripping on Sliding Doors

Monday, August 19th, 2013

If a neighborhood kid’s errant baseball pitch left a gaping hole in your sliding glass door, you’d want it fixed, right? Well, take a look at how much space exists around the edges of your sliding door. If you can feel a breeze coming through, it’s the same as having a hole in the glass. You’re going to want to install some weather stripping.

Choosing the Right Weather Stripping for Your Sliding Door

The process of installing weather stripping on sliding doors isn’t too difficult, you just have to make sure you buy the right sort of weather stripping for your sliding door. First of all, look to see if there’s already weather stripping there. Weather stripping on sliding doors tends to wear at different rates, so it’s possible you’ll only need to replace part of it. If you can get a sample of the weather stripping on your sliding door now, you know exactly what to buy.

1. Always remember to measure (and measure twice) the length of the area you need to apply the weather stripping to so you don’t end up a few inches short!

2. The sort of weather stripping you want depends on where the draft is coming in. If you can feel air coming in from between the sliding doors while they are closed, you’ll want some pile weather stripping to fill this gap. It looks like a fuzzy strip and has an adhesive backing. If you feel air moving at the jamb, choose tubular or rubber weather stripping for this job, unless the gap is very narrow.

3. In the case of a tight squeeze, foam weather stripping is going to be the right tool for the job. You can test a small strip of tubular weather stripping first to see if it will fit. It will form a tighter seal than the foam, but if there isn’t enough room it can prevent the sliding door from latching.

Need Window Help?

As always, if you’re still puzzled after reading our quick tips on choosing and installing weather stripping on sliding doors, ask one of our experts. TalkLocal‘s free concierge service can find a window specialist in your area who is qualified and happy to help with this, or any of your home improvement projects.

Posted in Window Replacement | No Comments »

28 (Mis)Adventures: How to Throw a Surprise Bachelorette Party for Your Mom

Saturday, August 17th, 2013

A blog about life experience and inexperience, written by Dallea Caldwell.

We were too hurried to take pictures of the decorative handy-work. Basically, we picked up every purple trinket I could find at Party City and placed/hung/taped it somewhere. I might have hyperventilated from the excitement, but that’s why I stuck to blowing the balloons… to keep me calm while my sister did pretty things around the house.

What pictures my sister did take are being withheld to protect the innocent: women wrapped in toilet paper like high-fashion mummies, bride choking on 12 sticks worth of gum, teary-eyed huggers, toasts, toasts, and more toasts. If anyone leaks those images, it would pale in comparison to the transcript, but I won’t get into that either. Let’s just keep it as PG-13 as possible.

That’s also what I said when I started planning my mother’s surprise bachelorette party in the first place. Because… you know that awkward moment when you’re watching a movie with your parents and the characters get all R-rated? Well, my biggest fear was that that Officer Spanx would show up and create that stomach churning sensation for a full 4 hours.

So, I did a Bachelorette Shower. Light on the drinks. Even lighter on the debauchery. And, by keeping it a surprise I kept the drama high and the expectations low. Here are the 5 games we played… including “Fool the Bride”.

“Fool the Bride” is basically keeping the party a secret. I’d say that surprise party planners require at least 2 co-conspirators. In this case I needed her fiancee to keep her schedule open and the wedding planner to give an excuse to go the party location. When mom came in and saw her family and friends, her hands started shaking and her eyes swelled with tears. It was awesome. Then it was on to the next adventure.

“Something Sweet and Something Spicy”: As guests arrived, I directed them to a stack of postcards and asked them to write something sweet/kind and something spicy/sassy for the bride; it could be jokes, tips, or whatever they think of. They didn’t sign it. I collected the cards, and the bride had to guess who said what. The guessing game was toward the end, and reading the notes out loud and discovering who was behind them made for many sentimental, surprising, and uproariously shocking moments. My sister wrote the names on the cards, which made for nice keepsakes for mom.

“2 Truths and a Lie”: The candid talk that occurred at that party would not have been possible without an icebreaker. We have about 20 guests from different parts of my mom’s life. Once she arrived we all formally introduced ourselves with 2 truths and 1 lie. The first person to guess wrong on each turn takes a sip of wine, and if someone guesses correctly, the guest who told the lie takes some wine. The added liquid courage made it an icebreaker+. My guests generally went around successfully passing as younger than they were to win each turn, but it was still fun.

“Toilet Paper Wedding Dress”: This explains the aforementioned toilet paper fashion. I divided the guests into 5 teams and handed each a roll of toilet paper and a roll of clear tape. Then, I gave them 10 minutes to wrap one of the team members in the toilet paper so that they look like a bride in a wedding dress. My mom picked the best dressed. The results were amazing! Toilet-paper sweetheart necklines, long trains, bows, mermaid silhouettes, and more. And the fashion show! Those toilet paper brides really worked it, and the teams described the gowns like they were on the red carpet.

“The Newly-Wed Game”: It didn’t hurt the relationship that my mom got so many answers wrong during this quiz, but it would have hurt her liver. To play, I compiled a list of questions and got the answers from her fiancee a week before. If mom got the answer wrong, she drank. She drank too much. I put gum in her mouth for every wrong answer after that. It pained me to ask what she said 3 or 4 times, have her struggle not to pronounce the answer, and then hand her another stick of gum. Actually, it was completely painless… and hilarious!

So, aside from getting stuck in traffic for so long the check platter melted, having to rush to decorate, and then waiting an extra 30 minutes with a house full of guests hoping mom wouldn’t miss her own surprise party… it went off without a hitch! And great presents to boot!

Have a major event that requires professional planning? Find an available party planner and talk to them in seconds at www.talklocal.com.

Posted in Seva Team | No Comments »

Can Physical Therapy Help Bulging Disc?

Friday, August 16th, 2013

Generally, bulging discs don’t cause pain, but if the disc presses the spinal nerves, you can experience symptoms such as acute pain radiating through the back and legs. Moreover, if bulging disc symptoms are getting worse, they may signal a more serious problem, like a herniated disc. Knowing how to interpret your symptoms can go a long way, as it can help you find the right treatment more easily.

First, most bulging discs occur in the lumbar area, or lower back. The vertebrae in your backbone are separated by disks that work as a cushioning layer. The outer part of the disk consists of a stronger cartilage, while the inner part is soft and spongy. When the disc is bulging, it means that it comes out of its regular space. Bulging is typically associated with aging, which causes the degeneration of the discs, but all age groups may be affected. Other causes include trauma, injuries, lifting, or obesity.

If you’ve been experiencing persistent pain in your lower back, chances are that it is caused by a bulging disc. Fortunately, most people with a bulging disc do not require surgery. Treatments focus primarily on pain relief and, of course, healing. Before choosing a treatment, your doctor will assess your condition. Pain is a sign of inflammation, so your physician may recommend rest and prescribe some anti-inflammatory medication. Patients confronting severe pain are treated with injected steroids to relieve pain.

Yes, it can. Physical therapy techniques are widely used in alleviating and treating the symptoms of bulging discs, but their effectiveness depends on the severity of the condition and other particular factors, varying from one individual to another.

There are several physical therapy techniques that are used in treating bulging disc symptoms. These include:

– Massage therapy

– Traction

– Muscle stretching

– Ultrasound

– Heat or ice therapy

– Electrical stimulation

These physical therapy techniques help subdue the pain and increase blood flow. Your physical therapist will evaluate your particular case and design a personalized therapeutic program tailored to your needs.

Do You Need Physical Therapy?

It is important to recognize and understand the symptoms you are experiencing. However, only a specialist can provide an accurate diagnosis. TalkLocal can put you in contact with a medical professional that can suggest an adequate treatment. Our service is fast, free, and effective.

Posted in Chiropractors | No Comments »

How to Clean Electrostatic Air Filters on Your Own in 3 Easy Steps

Friday, August 16th, 2013

All of the appliances that we use around the house require a mandatory maintenance routine, which could be easily performed by any homeowner who has the time, patience, minimal skills, and a basic set of tools to complete this simple job. Electrostatic air filters are the key component of all electrostatic air cleaners, used to considerably improve indoor air quality and prevent a long list of health risks. These beneficial air cleaners trap small contaminants and remove them from our homes in a highly effective manner. In order to increase the lifespan of your air cleaner, it is recommended to clean electrostatic air filters regularly.

Keep in mind that a superficial cleaning process can get you into a lot of trouble, minimizing filter effectiveness and even potentially damaging essential components of your ventilation system. Experts advise homeowners to remove impurities deposited on the surface of their electrostatic air filter every 4 or 5 weeks in order to avoid troublesome dirt buildup. Read on to find out how to clean electrostatic air filters in 3 simple steps.

1. Remove the electrostatic filter from your ventilation system.

Start by removing the filthy air filter from your air cleaning system and take it outside, where you could easily clean it using a vacuum and a garden hose. First, use the vacuum equipped with an extremely soft brush to get rid of lint accumulations and other impurities fast and effortlessly.

Afterward, spray the entire area with water using your garden hose, following a trajectory that should be diametrically opposed to the one described by the air flow. Opt for a moderate water pressure to avoid damaging your electrostatic filter.

2. Use a highly effective electrostatic cleaner and rinse thoroughly.

In some cases, the soft vacuum brush and the water flow might fail to provide the desirable results. In this case, it is recommended that you rely on a high-quality electrostatic cleaner, effective enough to help you get rid of stubborn impurities. Spread the cleaning solution using your brush and then rinse the filter thoroughly.

3. Drain the filter properly, let it dry naturally, and then put it back inside your air cleaner.

Let your electrostatic filter dry naturally, in a leaning position; then simply place it back inside your electrostatic air cleaner and turn it on to see if it functions properly.

Need HVAC Help?

Don’t forget to clean electrostatic air filters meticulously every month, following these 3 simple steps to keep your device running like new for a longer period of time. Also, if you lack the time, the tools, or the skills required to complete this task, count on TalkLocal to find a reputable air filter expert who could handle this matter in a cost- and time-effective manner.

Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

Microphone Jack Not Working Windows 7

Friday, August 16th, 2013

Is your microphone jack not working Windows 7? One of the most common errors people get while trying to use a microphone or while recording in Windows 7 is that the microphone jack doesn’t work. This error can be the result of two different conditions: the audio drivers need to be updated, or there is a physical hardware problem. While the drivers can be easily updated, the motherboard jack itself should only be changed by trained IT professionals. You should always try to update the drivers before assuming an underlying hardware issue. Make sure that after each step you check to see whether or not the microphone issue had been solved.

To Update the Drivers:

1. Access the Control Panel and open up the Device Manager.

2. Under the subheading of sound, you should find something labeled as HD audio (many of them will say RealTek High Definition Audio, but it will vary by manufacturer and the specific make of your motherboard).

3. Double-click on the Drivers tab and record the current version. You should then click on the “Update Drivers” button.

4. Right-click on the device, uninstall the device, and reboot your computer. Once you reboot your computer, the computer will automatically rebuild the driver from scratch.

5. Go to the manufacturer’s website and install the latest sound drivers and reboot the computer. Afterwards, make sure that the sound driver actually matches the version you installed (if not, it may take more than one installation attempt to do so).

Checking for Other Errors:

1. Check your recording devices by right-clicking the sound icon next to the time, and check Show Disconnected Devices and Show Disabled Devices. Make sure the proper mic is enabled and the other settings are corrected (for instance, ensure that Mute is unchecked and the levels are high enough).

2. In the Control Panel, check for an Audio Manager (most likely named after the sound driver maker) and check to see the mic is correctly activated.

Need More Help?

If none of these steps worked, the next best step would be to use TalkLocal to instantly be connected with a highly rated, local IT professional to help you repair your microphone jack. It’s fast, easy, and free to use!

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Can Alkaline Batteries Be Recycled?

Friday, August 16th, 2013

Are you using alkaline batteries to power some of the household items lying around your home? Once a battery has been used and is no longer providing the power you need from it, what do you do with it? Most people’s immediate reaction is to take it out and throw it away. However, due to many of the dangerous chemicals found inside Alkaline batteries, experts have said that you should not do that. Well, in that case, you might be wondering, if you shouldn’t throw them away, then what should you do with them? Should you recycle them? Can alkaline batteries be recycled? Yes, in fact, they can.

In case you weren’t aware, at one point, alkaline batteries were made with mercury in them, which is very harmful to the environment. This substance is so harmful that the government stepped in and banned the sale of all batteries containing mercury. Now, some people have said that it is okay to discard alkaline batteries with the rest of your trash since this governmental regulation was put into place. Others disagree.

Even if it is now safe to discard your batteries along with your normal household garbage, it is still a good idea to recycle your batteries. Alkaline batteries, along with other battery types, are comprised of metal. This metal can be recycled and reused later for another purpose, which still contributes to a greener environment. So if you’d like to contribute to your environment, then you should still recycle your batteries anyway.

How and Where Can Alkaline Batteries Be Recycled?

You cannot take your batteries to ordinary recycling centers like you would paper, plastic, etc. However, there are specially developed battery recycling depots or centers that you can take them to. To find a battery recycling center near you, feel free to visit http://earth911.com/recycling/single-use-batteries/. If your batteries are rechargeable, then you may even be able to take them back to the retail store you bought them from, such as Walmart, Target, Radio Shack, etc.

Need Professional Assistance?

TalkLocal can help! We specialize in locating industry-specific professionals and connecting them with consumers and businesses within minutes. Give us a try today!

Posted in Garbage Removal | No Comments »

How to Profit From Hassle-free Deadbolt Lock Install

Friday, August 16th, 2013

If you want to feel comfortable and 100% safe on your own property at all times, it is advisable to rely on a few simple, cost-effective preventive measures, allowing you to attain peace of mind knowing that your valuable assets and your loved ones are out of harm’s way. Want to purchase and install a new deadbolt lock on your door? In this case, you could opt for a DIY approach, or you could go for professional deadbolt lock install services ensured by a well-trained, experienced locksmith. Here are a few steps that you should follow in order to obtain more than satisfactory results.

How to Install a Deadbolt Lock with Basic Tools

1) Analyze the template offered by your manufacturer to make things a bit easier for you. Secure the template on the door using masking tape.

2) Start by measuring your door to determine the right position for your deadbolt lock (the lock should be installed approximately 6 or 7 inches above your door knob) and mark the spot with a pencil to avoid major mistakes.

3) Dig a deep hole through your door using a spade bit and a hole saw.

4) Use the same spade bit to make a hole in the edge of your door.

5) Mortise the whole surface surrounding the door’s faceplate.

6) Install the new bolt on your door using screws.

7) Put the thumb lever and the door cylinder in place.

8) Use a spade bit to create holes in your doorframe for the new deadbolt, mortise the surface, and then install, adjust, and secure the new striker plate using screws.

How to Find a Locksmith

Keep in mind that a locksmith can help you address a wide range of security issues in record time. You can conduct a DIY project only if you have the skills, the tools, the time, and the patience required to install a deadbolt lock on your own. In case you want to take the easy way out, it is recommended to count on professional deadbolt lock install services.

A competent, friendly, well-trained locksmith with years of hands-on experience can help you improve security measures in your own home by installing a new deadbolt lock in a cost- and time-effective manner. If you are interested in finding the best specialists in this line of work, consult TalkLocal, your trusted source of information. Always remember that basic services, like deadbolt lock install, for instance, are designed to make you feel protected 24/7 on your property, and represent an excellent investment in the long term.

Posted in Locksmiths | No Comments »

Old School Meets New School in the Twin Cities

Friday, August 16th, 2013

The Twin Cities! Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. Conjoined by chance, yet as different as Apollo and Artemis.

The large metropolitan area spans 182 cities and townships, the largest of course being Minneapolis and St. Paul themselves. While these two cities are bound by sports teams, name, and geography, they take pride in being quite distinct from one another. Seriously, the 20th century was riddled with rivalry and riots between the two cities. Thankfully, the qualms have been settled.

While Minneapolis evokes a younger image with new and avant garde architecture, St. Paul takes its time to incorporate buildings reminiscent of the classic and Victorian styles. Seva Call kind of digs that dichotomy, don’t you? It’s a great blend of old school and new school.

At Seva Call, we’re trying to blend old school and new school as well. We are bringing a new time saving approach to the way you find the good ol’ reliable, small professional businesses like plumbers, roofers, and handymen. Anyone in the Twin City area can go online to www.talklocal.com, put in basic information such as their service need, their zip code, and when they would like the service completed, and then Seva Call will handle the rest.

Check out this quick video to see just how quick and easy it is to use Seva Call.

Our new service will connect you by phone to a service professional in minutes. We’ll keep all of your contact information completely private and ensure that the professional can do the job at your utmost convenience.

We don’t want to change the local small businesses you’ve been relying on for years. We just make it easier to find them.

Posted in Seva Call | No Comments »

Cost of a New Countertop

Thursday, August 15th, 2013

The cost of a new countertop can vary dramatically based on the material you choose and the size of countertop you need. There are, of course, a number of options available in terms of material, and each has its pros and cons. Once you decide on the type of material you want, the next step is to determine price.

Stone Countertops

This is typically the most expensive category of countertop material and includes natural stone products such as granite and marble, as well as engineered stone, which is primarily composed of quartz. Depending on the quality of the marble, granite, or quartzite you choose, the cost could be anywhere from $4 per square foot to a whopping $150 per square foot. Stone slab countertops also fall into a slightly costlier price range of $50 to $150 per square foot. On the plus side, stone countertops are incredibly durable and lend an air of grace and elegance to any space.

Solid Surface Countertops

This material can give you a similar look and feel to stone countertops, but the cost of a new countertop in this category will actually cost you a lot less. Ranging from $40 to $80 per square foot, solid surface countertops are as durable as stone. A typical kitchen countertop in this material should cost you somewhere between $1,200 and $2,500.

Laminate Countertops

This is one of the cheapest countertop materials you can get, with prices ranging from $7 to $30 per square foot, depending on the type of laminate you choose. This means that you could easily get a 30-foot countertop within $200 to $900. Bear in mind that laminate is very durable, and the recent advances in laminate technology allow you to create very realistic countertops that mimic any natural material from stone to bamboo.

Tile Countertops

Tile is a very popular option for countertops, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. There are a number of tile materials available, including stone, ceramic, and porcelain. Stone tiles typically run between $4 and $20 per square foot, whereas ceramic and porcelain tiles fall in the range of $1 to $250 per square foot. Porcelain tiles will generally fall in the higher end of that price range, with ceramic tiles occupying the lower end of the scale.

Wood Countertops

Wood is a very popular option for countertops, especially in kitchens. Depending on the type of wood you choose, these countertops can cost anywhere between $30 and $150 per square foot.

Get A New Countertop Installed

Once you choose the material for your new countertop, chances are you will need a handyman to help you install it. Visit our website today and use TalkLocal’s free online referral service to find the perfect handyman for the job in your area.

Tags: countertop, kitchen
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