Prevent Snow Melt in Garage Interiors

Friday, November 1st, 2013

In winter, you are likely to face an unpleasant issue: a moist garage. What’s to be done? When the weather conditions are changing and it gets warmer after a snow fall, your garage, due to the warmth inside, will suffer from the melting snow. Let’s see what you can do to keep your garage free from snow melt.

4 Things That Will Help You Keep Your Garage Clean

To prevent snow melt in garage buildings, make sure you have the following things at hand:

– A broom

– A mop

– A heater

– A dehumidifier

4 Basic Actions That Will Help You Prevent Snow Melt in Garage

There are a number of things you can do to prevent snow melt in garage spaces. Below are 4 basic actions that will make your task easier:

1. After you get your car inside the garage, get rid of the snow on your vehicle using a broom or a mop.

2. Never let snow or water on the floor of your garage.

3. Buy a heater and use it to warm up your garage.

4. Use a dehumidifier to prevent excessive moisture from accumulating.

When you get home and put your car into your garage, don’t forget about the effects of the excess snow on your vehicle. Melting snow will lead to a certain amount of water on the floor of your garage. Take your broom or a simple mop to sweep the snow off your car and out of your garage, and eliminate the unwanted snow. You should never let snow melt in the interior of your garage.

Another useful measure that will help you keep your garage dry during winter is to buy a heater which will warm your garage, while evaporating moisture. A fan could serve this purpose as well, or you could use both.

Finally, for even better results, use a dehumidifier which will eliminate the excess moisture inside your garage.

Need More Advice?

Removing snow from your home and driveway can be a hassle. If you need professional assistance, TalkLocal can connect you with the right professionals fast and at no cost to you.

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Someone is in My Parking Space

Friday, November 1st, 2013

You come home after a long day spent at the office and you suddenly realize that someone else’s car is occupying your parking space. You might be wondering: what do I do when someone is in my parking space? How could I possibly solve this problem in a civilized, legal manner and how could I prevent such unpleasant situations in the future? Keep reading to find out.

Contact the Owner of the Vehicle Parked in Your Space

All drivers hate the idea of finding another car parked in their spot. Most of them complain about the fact that every single time they leave town for a couple of days, a neighbor jumps in their spot without being invited to do so.

What’s the simplest method to discourage this type of rude behavior? You could start by talking to the owners of the vehicles parked in your space and let them know that their actions bother you.

If plan A doesn’t work, switch to plan B, and don’t forget to call a towing expert if you have any additional questions.

PLan B: Take this Matter into Your Own Hands

Someone is in my parking space. What do I do? Want to hear more about plan B? If your neighbors choose to defy your authority and keep parking their cars in your allocated parking spot, then you should start taking action right away.

You have various options at hand: you could have their car towed and make them pay the price for their rude behavior. Getting a vehicle towed off your property is easy and shouldn’t cause you any trouble. You could start by calling the police and telling them the whole story.

Of course, you could always choose to embrace the DIY approach and tow the car parked on your designated spot, using a long, highly resistant rope. However, it is not recommended to move the car on your own, since you could easily damage it and expose yourself to a long list of repercussions.

Solve this problem in a timely, risk-free manner, by contacting a reputable towing company. If you want to prevent such delicate situations in the long term, consider investing in bollards and lockable parking posts, which will cost you less than $100.

Contact a Towing Expert

Instead of trying to move the car of your rude neighbor on your own, opt for the safest solution and contact a towing expert to avoid lots of drama and unplanned expenses. Find the best one in your area with help from TalkLocal, your trusted connection to first-class professionals who live and work in your area.

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Average MPG Hybrid Cars

Friday, November 1st, 2013

The average MPG hybrid cars perform to can vary, but it’s generally higher than cars with conventional engines. Miles per gallon, or MPG, represents how far a car can travel on a single gallon of gas, in other words, the fuel consumption of a vehicle. Fuel consumption varies considerably based on many factors, but car manufacturers generally quote an average MPG for each vehicle model and engine.

A car or motorcycle MPG rating will always depend a lot on how the vehicle is driven. The average MPG hybrid cars will return is one of the incentives persuading increasing numbers of drivers to make the switch from conventional vehicles. By having an electric motor to provide some of the power, these cars can really stretch a gallon of gasoline.

Average MPG Depends on the Model

For the Toyota Prius, the average MPG is 40-50. This is quite efficient for a car and is something that you should consider when looking for a hybrid car. For the Honda Civic Hybrid, the average MPG is 38-43, which is significantly lower than the Prius. This may be due to the fact that the Civic has cruise control, which can increase fuel consumption.

For the Chevy Malibu or Saturn Aura, the average MPG is just 25-34. Obviously, this is very low, meaning these two cars are not the most economical examples of hybrid models.

For the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the average MPG is 30-40, which is better than most, but still doesn’t top the Toyota Prius. So, if you’re looking for the most fuel efficient car, the Toyota Prius is worthy of consideration, due to its impressive fuel economy.

Choosing a hybrid car is becoming a more attractive proposition, even for drivers staunchly reluctant to move on from the ‘big ole gas guzzler’ era.

Need Professional Help?

Need auto repair help with your hybrid car? Contact TalkLocal today and let us help you locate a professional near you within minutes of placing your call!

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Heating Cooling Repair Tips

Friday, November 1st, 2013

Only a few homeowners have the skills, tools, and patience it takes to fix their own appliances. Most people prefer to rely on professional services, especially when it comes to troubleshooting heating and cooling equipment. How much should you actually invest in heating cooling repair projects, and how could you find the best specialist for this relatively complex, time-consuming task? Keep reading to find out.

Identify the Nature of Your Problem

All family members have one thing in common: they want to feel comfortable in a warm, cozy environment, no matter how cold or hot it is outside. This means that furnaces, heat pumps, air handlers, boilers, thermostats, ductwork, and air conditioners should function properly 24/7.

Uneven and inadequate cooling are two of the most common problems reported by people who own air conditioners. Also, in some cases, the unit suddenly stops cooling or the condenser stops running. In all of these situations, you could try to fix the problem on your own, by cleaning the unit’s evaporator.

Moreover, there are quite a few common heat pump issues that are very inconvenient and should be handled in a timely manner. These include noisy ducts, leaky ducts, and reduced airflow. To prevent all of these problems, it is advisable to replace the filter on a monthly basis. Also, you may want to invest in a professional heat pump inspection every one or two years and remember to remove dust and debris accumulations from your coils and fans regularly.

If you own a boiler, you could be troubled by lack of hot water and/or lack of heat, thermostat issues, pressure loss, gurgling noises, and water leaks. Minor problems are usually solved by the owner, while persistent or complex ones could require the attention of a qualified heating engineer.

Finding the Right Expert

If you’re dealing with a troublesome heating cooling repair project that you can’t complete on your own, it is recommended to opt for professional services. A great specialist will always be able to repair all your heating and cooling equipment, provide quality emergency services around the clock, and offer you access to affordable maintenance programs.

Need to identify the best heating cooling repair specialist in your area? If so, just rely on TalkLocal, a free service designed to connect you with the right professional, right now.

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How to Join Cold Resistant Plastic PVC Pipes Together

Friday, November 1st, 2013

Cold resistant plastic PVC piping is not difficult to install and can be beneficial in cold weather. Plastic piping is very easy to work with because it’s easy to cut and join together to fit most applications. The best piping to use for very cold weather is PVC piping, because these pipes are cold resistant plastic PVC.

There are many sizes of PVC piping on the market, and you can choose which ones would suit your needs. Make sure to choose PVC pipes that are of good quality, without any cracks, so they will not leak. For working with PVC pipes, you will need some of the tools in your carpentry tools list.

Solvent Welding

Solvent welding is the process used to join plastic pipes in order to properly prevent any leaks. This is a five-step process that is relatively simple to accomplish.

1. You need to inspect the length of your pipes for any cracks or leaks. You also need to inspect the fitting sockets and the gouges for any dirt, abrasions, and cracks. These are bad for your pipes. If the pipe that you have is imperfect, cut off the imperfect part to expose a better end for the fitting.

2. Purchase the pipe and the fitting from the same manufacturer. If this is not the case, place the two together and hold the pipe along with the fitting upside down and ensure that the fitting doesn’t fall off.

3. Cut the pipes using a saw-tooth or PVC pipe cutter. Do not use sandpaper on the edges of the PVC pipes because you will take out too much material.

4. Apply a good quality cleaner or primer to the edges of the pipe. This will prepare the pipe for solvent cement action.

5. Brush on a coat of solvent cement that is appropriate for the type of pipe that you are using.

Need Help?

Contact TalkLocal today and let us connect you with a professional handyman or plumber near you who can help you with PVC pipes!

Tags: plumbing, PVC pipes
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How to Get Smoke Smell Out of House

Thursday, October 31st, 2013

The smell of smoke in the house is unpleasant to those residing in the house as well as to guests. It’s not that easy to get smoke smell out of house because it tends to get absorbed by carpets and soft furnishings. Thankfully, there is help that can be found and things you can do to eliminate the smell of smoke from your home. A big part of it is about keeping your house clean. A clean home will harbor fewer unpleasant odors.

1. Remove Cloth and Linen

Remove all the linens and cloths in the house. Open the windows to allow fresh air to enter. Wash and launder all your cloth and linen thoroughly. They may retain the smell of smoke if you don’t.

Also check your carpet. If it smells strongly of smoke, consider having it replaced or thoroughly cleaned. You may need to hire a professional carpet cleaner. Make sure you use safe cleaning products throughout.

2. Clean Household Surfaces

Clean floors, ceilings, and windows with a mixture of water and bleach. You will need a mixture of white vinegar and water to clean wood, metal, and plastic surfaces. This will get rid of the smell of smoke entirely. Sprinkle baking soda on your fabric-covered furniture to get rid of the smell faster.

3. Repaint and Deodorize

If the smell of smoke is really strong, you may consider repainting your house completely to remove the smell. After repainting, use a deodorizing spray to remove the smell of the smoke completely.

You may also opt to buy an air purifier so that the air becomes fresher and the smell is gone for good.

Need Professional Help?

Contact TalkLocal today and let us help you find cleaning services near you! We can help you find cleaners within minutes of placing your call.

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Why 4 Snow Tires?

Thursday, October 31st, 2013

During the winter months, even the most skilled drivers have to invest in precautionary measures to reduce collision risks. Undoubtedly, driving on snow-covered roads can be quite challenging. This is the main reason why vehicle manufacturers advise owners to install maximum traction snow tires on their automobiles. Why 4 snow tires? Keep reading to find out.

Why Do I Need Snow Tires in the First Place?

Snow tires display a special tread pattern, ensuring their incredible performance on ice, thick layers of snow, or slush. Moreover, while summer tires tend to become stiff in cold environments, winter tires are manufactured from soft, premium rubber compounds and manage to preserve their flexibility.

How Many Snow Tires Do I Really Need?

Many people choose to save some money by putting snow tires only on their car’s drive wheels. This is an ill-advised decision that could actually put their safety on the line.

A car with two summer tires and two winter tires is an automobile with a split personality according to most auto repair experts. They agree on the fact that all-season tires are like a pair of common sneakers, while premium winter tires are like a pair of high-quality, heavy-duty boots. Which type of footwear would you use during a hard winter?

Ask an Expert

Why 4 snow tires? The answer is quite simple: If you were to install only 2 snow tires on your car you would save some money, but you would also expose yourself to considerable safety risks. You could easily lose control over a vehicle equipped with only 1 pair of winter tires while cornering and braking.

Need more info on snow tires? In this case, don’t hesitate to contact snow removal experts operating in your area. Spot the best ones by relying on TalkLocal, your source for fresh information designed to help you meet dependable local experts.

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Storm Window Repair

Thursday, October 31st, 2013

Numerous homeowners choose to invest in durable storm windows for a number of reasons. First of all, they are cheaper than most replacement windows. Secondly, they manage to block up to 99.9% of harmful UV rays from coming into your home.

Moreover, they require little maintenance, look good, and wear well for more than half a century. Storm windows also reduce exterior noise levels and minimize heat loss. When it comes to making a storm window repair, DIY projects and professional services are two viable options to get it done on time and on a budget.

Performing a DIY Storm Window Repair

You only need moderate DIY skills and a basic set of tools to carry out a basic storm window repair on your own. For example, if you are faced at some point with loose windows making a rattling noise. This problem can be easily addressed, by simply removing your old window clips or turn buttons. Fill the empty space with high-quality wood putty, wait a few minutes and then reinstall the clips with a screwdriver.

Furthermore, many people complain about the fact that the glass surface of their storm windows has deteriorated. This is a major problem that impacts your level of comfort and lowers the energy-efficiency of your home.

If you want a quick fix, make sure the glazier’s points, those tiny nails located around the sheet of glass, are still in place. Next, replace the damaged glazing using a brand-new, high-quality glazing compound, which should be evenly distributed on the entire surface with a putty knife.

Rely on an Expert

If your storm windows are old and have deteriorated, a quick fix might not be the most suitable option. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced window replacement specialist, offering you affordable services, inspections, maintenance programs, and up-front estimates over the phone.

Consult Talk Local to identify the best professionals in your area in record time. TalkLocal offers you the opportunity to simplify your daily life, by connecting you with well-trained, qualified experts who spare no efforts to keep you satisfied in the long term.

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Cold Resistant Plastic in the Home

Thursday, October 31st, 2013

Cold resistant plastic pipes have many advantages over metal pipes. The heat transfer between plastic pipes and the surrounding ambient air is lower, leading to less heat loss. Additionally, colder water and materials can pass through the pipe without causing the pipe to ‘sweat.’ Thus, they need less insulation than metal pipes.

Cold resistant plastic piping sections are also easier to connect together using solvent cement and are easier to cut to desired lengths using basic tools from your carpentry tools list. Two good examples of cold resistant plastic types are polymers and acrylics.

Polymers

Polymers are made up of chains of chemical bonds (usually hydrocarbon) that make them both heat and cold resistant. These plastics have many applications inside the home.

Examples of polymers that are used around the home are Teflon pans, polythene shopping bags, polyester and nylon clothes, and rubber. These cold resistant plastics have many uses around the home because they are versatile and readily accessible. When used around the house, they are lightweight and versatile. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and can be used in a variety of ways.

Acrylics

Acrylics are plastics that are derived from acrylic acid. The most commonly used acrylic in the home is polymethyl methacrylate, which is used to make Plexiglass, Crystallite, and Lucite. These types of plastics are often used in place of glass because they are clear and able to withstand extreme temperatures.

Around the home, acrylics are clear, tough, and are used to make lighting equipment. This is because they produce non-toxic smoke in the event of a fire. These cold resistant plastics are essential to every home, and even the automobile industry is using acrylics in place of glass.

Need Expert Advice?

Want plastic piping installed in your home, or need help repairing cold resistant plastics? Contact TalkLocal today and see how we can help you find a handyman near you!

Tags: cold resistant plastic
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Cheap Electric Heating

Thursday, October 31st, 2013

Most people dream about improving their level of comfort at home, while reducing their utility bills. Does this sound like a mission impossible to you? Keep reading to discover useful information on modern, efficient electric heaters and check out the rules of cheap electric heating to get more bang for your buck.

Find the Best Type of Electric Heaters for Your Home

These days, one can easily purchase and install a wide range of wall-mounted or portable electric heaters for indoor spaces. You should know that kerosene and gas space heaters are less recommended, due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Electric heaters turn electricity into heat and are considered a safer alternative. They are also quiet and clean.

Most types of electric heater have a few things in common:

– They manage to warm up a small indoor space over a relatively short period of time (30 to 60 minutes).

– They display price tags ranging from $40 for a basic model to $250 for an oil-filled baseboard heater.

– They heat up the room gradually and don’t blow pollutants (pollen, dust, debris) in the air.

Follow the Rules of Cheap Electric Heating

Convenient, safe, electric radiant heaters based on heated elements, or convection heaters based on fans, can help you benefit from ideal temperatures during the cold season, without having to break the bank to pay your energy bills.

If you want to save energy costs, all you have to do is to follow these simple guidelines on cheap electric heating. If you only need to heat a relatively small indoor area, an electric space heater is definitely an option worth considering. Do you have to rely on central heating? If so, just keep your thermostat low and use it only when you are forced to face unfriendly temperatures. Insulate the walls of your room properly and place rugs on your bare floors to limit heat loss.

Ask an Expert

When it comes to discovering the benefits of cheap electric heating systems for your home, you may feel the need to rely on expert guidance provided by a heating and cooling specialist. Identify and contact the right one, by consulting TalkLocal, a free service introduced to simplify your life and guarantee the success of all your home improvement projects.

Tags: affordable electric heating, electric heating, heating
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