New Heating and Cooling Systems: Heat Pumps

Tuesday, January 14th, 2014

Heat pumps are not entirely new inventions. They have been around for decades but were not that popular. However, recent technological advancements have created a growing demand for these appliances. For those not familiar with heat pumps, these devices are able to deliver heat and cooling, as well as hot water. In short, they are energy-efficient substitutes to air conditioning units and furnaces.

Using electricity, a heat pump will take heat from a cool area to make it even cooler and will move this heat to an already warm area to make it warmer. This line of new heating and cooling systems simply transport heat, as opposed to producing heat, so they cost less than the traditional cooling and heating devices in conditioning the same amount of space.

Types of Heat Pumps

– Air-source heat pump: Moves heat between a house and the air outside.

– Geothermal heat pump: Moves heat between a house and a nearby geothermal source, which is either the ground or a water source.

– Absorption heat pump: Utilizes heat as its fuel source. Various heat sources can be used.

New Innovations

Heat pump technologies are continuously developing and improving. Those in the market for these new heating and cooling systems can look forward to a number of innovative features such as:

– Two-speed compressor: It allows the heat pump to be operated almost to its cooling or heating capacity, saving electricity and reducing wear on the compressor. It also makes it possible for different rooms in your home to have different temperatures.

– Variable- or dual-speed motor: With the ability of the fan’s speed to be adjusted, you can maintain air circulation at a comfortable level. This reduces cool air drafts while boosting cost savings. It also lessens blower noise when it’s operating at full speed.

– Desuperheater: This feature works to recover excess heat from the cooling mode of the pump and use this energy to heat up water. This enables a heat pump to efficiently heat water thrice more than standard electric water heaters.

– Scroll Compressor: Heat pumps equipped with this feature offer warmer air when in heating mode in comparison to other types of heat pumps that have piston compressors.

Interested in Installing a Heat Pump?

Finding a quality contractor to install a heat pump is crucial. The system has to be the right size, not too small and not too big, in order not to create unnecessary wear on the equipment and ensure your home will be kept comfortable. It is recommended to meet with at least three different heating and cooling contractors before hiring for your job.

With Seva Call‘s help, searching for qualified service professionals is not a problem. Call us or submit your service request through our site, and be connected with up to three reputable HVAC professionals in minutes!

Tags: New Heating and Cooling Systems
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Buttons on TV Not Working

Tuesday, January 14th, 2014

After a long day spent at the office, all you want to do is to get home as soon as possible, curl up on your couch, and watch your favorite TV show. There is one little thing that could easily compromise your plans: you very own television set. Buttons on TV not working? Here’s how you could solve this pesky problem in no time.

Troubleshooting the Problem

If some of the buttons on your TV and on your remote control aren’t working properly, then you might be dealing with an IR sensor circuit board issue. Test one simple solution to your problem: unplug and re-plug in your TV set.

If the problem persists, here’s how you could fix your faulty remote control buttons the easy way.

1. Cut a tiny piece of copper wire and pound it into a small copper disk using a small hammer.

2. Use a jewelers’ screwdriver to open your remote control and inspect all its components. After a certain period of time, old contact pads stop functioning properly. In most cases, they have to be cleaned properly or replaced with new ones.

3. Place the copper disks on top of the faulty contact pads and glue them in place. Use a powerful adhesive to obtain long-lasting results.

4. Reassemble your remote control and test the effectiveness of your DIY repair project.

Ask an Expert

Buttons on TV not working? Problems with TV buttons or remote control buttons can be very frustrating, especially if you don’t know how to handle them on your own. In this case, take the easy way out. Consult a TV repair expert and pay the right price for professional services from reputable technicians.

Use Seva Call to be connected with competent specialists who live and work in your area. It’s absolutely free and easy to use!

Tags: Buttons on TV Not Working
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What Is a Table Saw?

Tuesday, January 14th, 2014

People who display remarkable handcrafting skills and love to invest their time and energy in different home improvement projects usually choose to purchase a basic set of tools that they can use regularly.

What is a table saw and what purpose does it serve? Keep reading to find out everything there is to know about different types of table saws launched on the market by well-known manufacturers.

What Is a Table Saw?

Table saws are highly practical woodworking machines that are very easy to use. They are utilized by numerous homeowners who need to cut hundreds of pieces of seasoned wood into various sizes and shapes. Most woodworking shops own at least one device of this kind, and countless homeowners choose to invest in a table saw to conduct different DIY projects in their own households.

Table saws all have a similar structure and include a base, a motor, an arbor assembly, trunnions, a table, extension wings, and an arbor.

Table saws can be easily divided into 3 main categories:

– Portable ones that are small, lightweight, and highly accessible

– Contractors’ saws, usually purchased by people who own woodworking shops

– And cabinet saws, famous for their enhanced motor power and their large, ideal work surface.

Unfortunately, these important advantages make cabinet saws quite expensive, with a price tag ranging from $3,000 to $4,000 for newer models.

Can You Customize Your Table Saw?

Of course, if you can’t afford to pay the right price for a new type of cabinet saw, you can always purchase a basic model and customize it to meet your needs and project requirements. Adding a few much-needed features, like extension tables, which allows users to profit from an expanded work surface, or crosscut sleds, required by most precision cutting jobs.

Ask an Expert

What is a table saw? In a few words, it is an essential tool allowing you to create wood-based masterpieces. If you want to invest in a durable, fully functional, inexpensive table saw, it is advisable to rely on expert advice provided by a skilled handyman. Identify the most competent one with help from Seva Call, a free service designed to help you find respectable professionals who live and work in your area.

Tags: table saw
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What to Do if Frozen Pipes Burst

Tuesday, January 14th, 2014

As a result of record-shattering low temperatures, pipes have been bursting across the United States. If this happens to you, then it will not take long for the water to wreak havoc on your home. You must act quickly and carefully in order to save your property from severe water damage. Here are steps that should be taken immediately if your frozen pipes burst.

Turn off the Water Supply

The most critical thing you have to do in dealing with a burst pipe is turning off the water supply and stopping the flow of water. As soon as the pipe bursts, quickly get to and turn the water shutoff valve. Every minute that the water runs in this situation, the more damage it causes.

Vent Moist Air Out

Open windows and place several fans around the area to help circulate the air and send moisture out the windows. If the pipe burst in an enclosed area, turn on one or several dehumidifiers to remove the water from the home.

Take Caution Around Flooded Areas

If there is an excess amount of water running in your basement or living area, then you may be tempted to run and retrieve valuable items. However, this is not the safe thing to do.

There is a very real danger of electrocution if there is an extension cord or other electrical item in the area that has become frayed. If someone gets electrocuted, they may fall back, hit their head and sustain a serious or fatal injury.

Seek Help Immediately

If there is damage to the flooring or walls then you will need the services of a water mitigation company. These services clean up, dry out, and repair damage in situations such as this. Many of these companies manage the entire restoration process from working with your insurance provider, drying out the damage and making repairs.

In finding the best company to save your home, contact Seva Call. We will quickly connect you to the most reputable service in the area for this emergency. Seek help immediately in order to save the value of your home and valuables.

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Considerations and Cost to Replace Porch Columns

Monday, January 13th, 2014

When thinking about upgrading your porch, as with any home improvement project, one of the major considerations is cost. Checking your porch columns for structural damage is a sound way to evaluate whether they can still be repaired or you need to have them replaced.

Replace porch columns if there are structural problems that will be impractical or very costly to repair. Consider the following points when deciding between repair and replacement.

What kind of columns are they?

Are the columns supportive or just decorative? If the porch connects with a second level area such as a balcony or a terrace, it’s critical to safety that the porch columns are strong enough to support the weight above. Therefore, it’s recommended to replace weak porch columns with a type that is stronger and more durable and to make sure columns are always in mint condition.

The cost to replace porch columns may be expensive, but it’s the safest option whenever there’s a need for extra stability. Relying on repairs is a suitable option if the columns are decorative or they support a lighter load like a small roof.

What kind of damage do they have?

Wood rot, insects, and drastic temperature changes can cause damage to porch columns. Find out the extent of the damage, if any, to determine whether the problem can be fixed by repair work or if replacement is in order.

If there is damage only in one particular area, then resolving the localized issue is the best course of action. However, it would be safer to remove the whole thing and replace it with a new one if its integrity has already been compromised.

Counting the Cost

Obviously, the cost to replace porch columns would be greater than making a local repair or touch-up. However, you must weigh the consequences of trying to save on the cost of upgrading your porch columns when you know they are no longer structurally sound.

Porch columns in such a condition would only worsen in time, not only costing you more in repair, but also putting you and your family’s safety at risk. If you’re on a tight budget and cannot afford a complete porch column replacement at the moment, then consider repairing and reinforcing the existing columns.

However, regardless of the cost, replace porch columns that already have large cracks.

Get Professional Help

Still not sure what to do with your porch columns? Get a professional opinion. Use Seva Call to connect with a qualified handyman in your area who can evaluate whether the columns need repair or replacement. Try our free service now and get in touch with local pros in minutes!

Tags: Cost to Replace Porch Columns
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How Do Orthodontists Put on Braces?

Monday, January 13th, 2014

In most cases, modern braces worn with pride are the secret element behind that perfect smile that attracts compliments like a magnet. People who flirt with the idea of wearing braces to restore their smile are often troubled by a long series of questions, like for instance: How do orthodontists put on braces? Does it hurt? For how long would I have to wear my braces?

Below you will find pertinent answers to all these questions and more.

Reasons Why You Should Consult an Orthodontist

Surgical and non-surgical procedures conducted to help you take pride in a ravishing smile shouldn’t be considered a luxury. On the contrary, they are a real necessity, especially for kids and adults who have more than a few crooked teeth. Bad bites can generate chewing and speech problems, while bent teeth can cause decays and other major oral health problems, culminating with teeth loss.

How to Obtain Perfectly Aligned Teeth

If you want to straighten your teeth fast, discuss your options with a competent orthodontist who will tell you if braces are the best alternative in your case.

How do orthodontists put on braces? The whole process is time-efficient and pain-free. Orthodontists follow these main steps:

1. First, they determine the exact shape of your teeth by creating a model.

2. They clean your teeth with a toothbrush, using a type of toothpaste that tastes and looks like wet sand.

3. They open your mouth and keep it in an ideal position by utilizing a spacer.

4. They dry off your teeth and blow air into your mouth to eliminate excess saliva.

5. They rub every single tooth with a special solution and then they start to apply the brackets.

6. While wearing glasses, they use a light source to dry the adhesive that keeps the brackets in place.

7. They attach and adjust the wires and let the patients choose their favorite ligatures (available in different colors).

Ask an Expert

Finding a good orthodontist can be quite challenging and time-consuming. Simplify the whole process by relying on Seva Call, your number one connection to the best professional in your area.

Tags: How Do Orthodontists Put on Braces
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Natural Gas Heaters Home Use Buying Guide

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
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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
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Techtify: 5 Cool Startups Barely Getting Started

Saturday, January 11th, 2014

Written by Dallea Caldwell

Here’s when today’s new/now/next obsessed culture gets a little insane: when tech-heads go gaga over launches that haven’t even happened yet or stop traffic over so-called disruptive technologies few people even know about. It’s like placing bets on who will win the playoffs during the NFL off-season, before the draft.

Still, since what we know of the universe is only 10% information and 100% speculation, what’s so wrong about getting all worked up with perspiration from an exercise in anticipation?

Here are 5 early-stage, cool startups that seem to push the definition of what’s possible and seem mind-blowingly and/or world-changingly cool.

What it is: HelpAround, a crowdsourcing tool for people suffering from Diabetes

Launch Date: June 2013

Founders: Yishai Knobel and Shlomi Aflalo

Status: Currently raising

Why it’s cool: Online data collection has literally reached a point where Target knows more about my boyfriend than I do. And, it’s a shame that more research goes into your shopping preferences than finding a cure for leukemia or solving the debt crisis. But, HelpAround co-founder Shlomi Aflalo is using ad-targeting technology for good.

The location-based app data-mines the web to find fellow sufferers and caregivers nearby to form an instant support network for people with chronic conditions. The biggest pay-off is a potential reduction in emergency room visits and other hassles associated with meeting routine urgent care needs.

What it is: Outbox, your snail-mail… digitized

Launch Date: February 2013

Founders: Evan Baehr, Jason Seriff, and Will Davis

Status: Oversubscribed series A (July 2013)

Why it’s cool: As a member of the Seva Call team where online search meets offline connects, I really dig Outbox’s seamless union of real and virtual reality. Three times weekly, Outbox takes your snail-mail, which you normally lose or improperly discard anyway, and scans it to become view-able and organized via your iOS device. Never lose an invite, bill, or payment stub again

Vetted staff people upload your mail to your profile and then shred documents automatically- leaving scammers fewer opportunities to find personally identifiable information strewn thoughtlessly in the trash. Users can even request original copies of the mail they want in-hand, such as concert tickets or fancy ribbon-tied wedding invitations with adorable save-the-date refrigerator magnets included. Folks outside Austin and San Francisco, however, will have to settle for the old basket storage method while Outbox gradually takes over the world.

What it is: CamFind, an image-based online search engine

Founders: Dominik Mazur and Bradford Folkens

Launch Date: April 2013

Status: Currently raising

Why it’s cool: They say a picture says a thousand words, but with CamFind, a picture is worth a million search engine results as well. Snap a pic of any object via an iOS device, and search the image to gain information about the object, (eg: definitions, related images, and even price comparisons).

What it is: Casetext, a Wikipedia for expert explanations of legislation around the world

Launch Date: TBA

Founder: Jake Heller

Status: Currently raising

Why it’s cool: An informed public is essential to a healthy democracy — and, it’s also essential to any unhealthy and near-death authoritarian regime. So score one for the ‘merican way when the free market births a database that crowdsources legal experts for simple explanations of laws all over the world. Plus, with the money law-firms will save when they no longer have to build multi-million dollar legal databases, it may bring legal costs down enough that you can post bail… hypothetically speaking, of course.

What it is: uBiome, big data fact-finder for bodily flora

Launch Date: November 2012

Founders: Jessica Richman and Zachary Apte

Status: Currently raising

Why it’s cool: Although not an app or website, this is the greatest venture since the Human Genome Project, and it raised $200,000 on IndieGoGo. Plus, we can’t think of a nerdier path to self-discovery than paying $89 to have a scientist tell us all about ourselves. [By “we” I don’t mean Seva Call, you and I, or the royal we. I mean “we” meaning the multitude of bacterial life inhabiting my body and helping me digest food, fight disease, and (according to new research) have this shining personality.]

Participants use the uBiome kit to send samples of bacteria from their nostril, mouth, ear, and even certain unmentionables to the laboratory. In return, participants get information about their bacterial population and how to best take care of a body with a bacterial profile just like theirs. Plus, they get to use their bodies to advance science without the risk of having their brains pickling away in some creepy laboratory jar.

It’s an exciting new year, and I have no words to express my excitement and optimism over the kind of tomorrow which is already in the making. Fortunately, Arthur O’Shaughnessy has expressive words enough for all of us:

“With wonderful deathless ditties, we build up the world’s great cities, and out of a fabulous story we fashion an empire’s glory….A wondrous thing of our dreaming– unearthly, impossible seeming. The soldier, the king, and the peasant are working together in one till our dream shall become their present, and their work in the world be done.”

– Arthur O’Shaughnessy

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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!

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