<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011</id><updated>2011-07-08T06:01:40.988-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Clean Home Air Filter</title><subtitle type='html'></subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><link rel='next' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default?start-index=101&amp;max-results=100'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>432</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-7394804102498222529</id><published>2009-10-05T11:52:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-05T11:52:08.108-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Beauty of Having Stylish Bathroom Mirrors</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;A bathroom would not look complete without a mirror in it. You will see that there are many people who prefer to put bathroom mirrors not only because of its primary use in reflecting the look of an individual but also to keep the bathroom more attractive.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Bathroom mirrors add an effect to the overall look of the room. This also creates the illusion that the room is bigger thus putting mirrors in the cabinets can also be a good design and it is even functional. A buyer would also not need to worry about the design because there are many kinds available in the market today. You can set your needs and find the one that can match your wants in keeping your bathroom more beautiful. You will be able to find the style that you need, the shape and the overall look of your room.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You may have different style in mind but you should check out the different designs in the market and you may not be disappointed to see that there are many kinds available and you can buy according to your likings. So whether you want to keep the bathroom look sophisticated or colorful, you can have the bathroom mirrors that can match your bathroom theme. It can even be paired to the sink, whatever material it is made of.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When you think of the shapes, it is also available in varied designs. You can come up with the circular or oblong types, or the rectangles. There are even more modern or irregular shapes if you want it that way. There are also several sizes available so you can adjust with the size or space that is available in the bathroom.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When you want to use a more antique looking bathroom mirrors, then you may do so. Just check out what is available in the market. You can visit your favorite store or you can also have more choices when you start with your search online. There are many online stores that can give you more choices and you can have it delivered to your house. Thus, you will no longer have to spend the time travelling for canvass and actual buying of the bathroom mirrors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are more benefits that can be lifted once you have purchased the mirror that you need. Also, you will see that there are actually many ways to buy it and the choices can be unlimited. Thus, when you are in a search of a design that can match with your needs, you can start your search now and avail of the design that would suit your needs, your bathroom's design, and your budget allowance. You just have to plan for it so that you will not be regretting this decision in the future.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.mhnshopping.com/bathroom-mirrors/"&gt;Bathroom Mirrors&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Article Author Eliza Maledevic from &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.Jump2top.com"&gt;http://www.Jump2top.com&lt;/a&gt;, a SEO Company.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-7394804102498222529?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/7394804102498222529/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=7394804102498222529' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7394804102498222529'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7394804102498222529'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/10/beauty-of-having-stylish-bathroom.html' title='The Beauty of Having Stylish Bathroom Mirrors'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-8925771530357792776</id><published>2009-10-05T03:43:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-05T03:43:08.105-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Attic Handrail Safety - Do it Yourself Home Repair</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Some stairways that lead up to your attic will have a safety or guardrail to prevent people from falling down the stairs or off of them. Attic handrail safety can provide homeowners with a little peace of mind if they just follow the few simple steps. Make sure that the handrail is at least 42 inches in height. 42 inches is the minimum height for guard rails and can be found in the uniform building code.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The uniform building code is the Bible to the building industry and sets the standard for new construction and remodeling.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The 42 inches will be measured from the floor to the top of the handrail. Some older homes will have handrails that are 36 inches and some of them will be even 30 inches in height. A 30 inch handrail provides limited protection for anyone who is over five foot tall. 30 inches becomes the center point for any one over 60 inches and these people could easily fall over the short handrail.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now for the homes that don't have any attic handrail safety systems. Some homes that were built before the 1960s won't have a handrail system at all in the stairway. Keep something in mind here, when these people were building these houses, some of them were trying to save money, some of them figured that it wasn't going to be a big deal and other builders simply forgot to install them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It's not hard to install a working attic handrail for safety but keep in mind, that if the handrail isn't the right height, it will provide you with limited protection. Attic handrails that are lower than 30 inches can provide young children or others who are shorter than five feet with very little protection but can be a safety hazard to anyone over 5 feet tall.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your attic doesn't have a safety handrail, use caution and be careful in these areas of your home. It wouldn't be a bad idea to install a locking doorknob if your attic access has a door that can be secured to prevent small children or other people from entering these unsafe areas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://homerepair.gregvan.com/attic_repairs.htm"&gt;Home Attic Repairs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your looking for some more &lt;a target="_new" href="http://1.gregvan.com/sitemap.htm"&gt;Home Remodeling Pictures&lt;/a&gt; or home building ideas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-8925771530357792776?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/8925771530357792776/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=8925771530357792776' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8925771530357792776'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8925771530357792776'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/10/attic-handrail-safety-do-it-yourself.html' title='Attic Handrail Safety - Do it Yourself Home Repair'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-2179470171183263390</id><published>2009-10-04T20:35:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-04T20:35:11.668-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Green Home Remodeling</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Americans are now spending up to 160 billion each year on remodeling their homes and businesses. A fraction of this money has been focused on what is known as "green construction". Green construction or remodeling is using energy saving, recycled products, and is experiencing nothing less than a renaissance or rebirth. You can help restore a significant portion of the world's ecosystems by using "green construction". Such a practice can also help create a healthier indoor environment for your family.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Green remodeling is simple, but many homeowners interested in green building and remodeling have no idea what it involves and are therefore confused and intimidated. They think it consists not only of excessive expenses, but difficulty in getting the appropriate green products. Some also have misconceptions about the aesthetics of a green house. Some concern themselves about the misconception that they will appear to be living like hippies of the 1970's. But it is merely a process through which you can redefine the way you live, a clean slate on which you can express your visions, dreams, and principles. The process offers a vehicle through which you can manifest and integrate your core values into your sacred space.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The hardest part for a homeowner is deciding just how "green" they want their rooms or homes to be. When it comes to green remodeling, you don't have to do everything green, but anything you do will help. Are you updating an antiquated home? Have you outlived the functionality of your current design? Are you adding more space because of a change in lifestyle? Are you simply tired of your interiors and want something new?&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The most important thing to remember is to pick and choose among the many options; design features and green building products that will best serve your interests. If you are purchasing new materials you can choose organic, low-impact, and healthy products such as bamboo flooring, natural fiber carpeting, natural plasters, low VOC paints and stains, as well as non-synthetic, natural furnishings and accessories, such as bedding, linens, and cleaning products.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can use products made with high levels of salvaged (natural stone, lumber), recycled (fly ash in concrete), or agricultural byproducts (wheatboard and linoleum) content. These types of products reduce resource demand and help keep waste out of landfills. Choose products that are durable and low-maintenance; these are desirable because they need to be refinished and replaced less often, they save you money and save energy.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Try to use products that are locally or regionally produced. Local products support the local economy and may have lower levels of embodied energy, meaning that they require less energy and fewer resources during the production process (including the acquisition of primary material, manufacturing and handling), and especially in transportation.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There is no such thing as a right or wrong set of products. Building green is a thinking process, not a contest to see how many green things you as a homeowner can incorporate into your home. Do what you can within your budget and motivation.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As for the cost of taking on green remodeling, some green building elements may cost more, but many eventually will cost less. You will benefit from their use in energy saving costs for a long time to come, therefore making them a savings to you over the years to come. When it is part of the initial process of setting goals for the project, it becomes matter-of-fact. Many have found that the real cost is in the learning curve, not in the actual implementation of the building process.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The outward and even interior appearances of most green buildings don't look any different than other conventional buildings. The majority of green element differences can be seen only as improved energy efficiency and air quality, which are all built within the structure of the home.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Most recycled products look the same as their conventional counterparts. Most materials have a high recycled content and are non-toxic. Some examples include: recycled red oak and bamboo floors (both consist of water base finish), recycled tile floors, recycled exterior doors, and natural plaster with integrated color. Paint manufacturers are now offering paints low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at typically less than .00 per gallon. For kitchens, you can also find Silestone countertops (which has a high recycled content and is anti-microbial), and you can even find formaldehyde-free cabinets.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Recycling as much material as possible from an existing house demolition and incorporating it into your remodeling project will also save you money. Green products are now becoming increasingly affordable as major manufacturers compete and develop new lines to meet the green-building demand.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can help restore a significant portion of the world's ecosystems by using "green construction". Just think about changing the world - one room at a time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;B&gt;&lt;I&gt;About The Author:&lt;/I&gt;&lt;/B&gt;&lt;BR&gt; &lt;B&gt;Emerson Lockwood&lt;/B&gt; write on topics related to &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.superhomeideas.com/x/directory/general.html"&gt;remodeling&lt;/a&gt;, Home Improvement and Home Financing. You can see more of his &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.superhomeideas.com/x/directory/Rooms.html"&gt;home remodeling&lt;/a&gt; articles at the Super Home Ideas website: &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.SuperHomeIdeas.com"&gt;http://www.SuperHomeIdeas.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-2179470171183263390?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/2179470171183263390/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=2179470171183263390' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/2179470171183263390'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/2179470171183263390'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/10/green-home-remodeling.html' title='Green Home Remodeling'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-1420787732834254835</id><published>2009-10-04T12:18:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-04T12:18:36.907-07:00</updated><title type='text'>How to Find a Excellent New Home Builder</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Looking for a good home builder or contractor, isn't an exact science, but hopefully, by the time you're done reading this article, you will at least have a better idea, what you will be looking for. Let's get started.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As a general contractor, the most important thing that I would be looking for any new home builder, would be experience. You can't sacrifice price for experience. If you're looking for the cheapest contractor, there's a good chance that this person will be lacking experience in home building knowledge.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How long has this person been in business? Just because you're new home builder has only been in business for five years, doesn't mean that he isn't capable of building your home. The same holds true for someone who has been in business for 30 years. Just make sure that these people have actually built homes in the past.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What is their attitude like? This is the second most important thing and I tend to focus on this more than experience, sometimes. If you don't get along with the person, you're not going to have a pleasant home building experience. If you think that there lying to you, scammers or generally don't feel comfortable with them, but they seem to have the most experience and build more homes in your area than anyone else. I wouldn't think twice about getting rid of them and finding someone else.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Last but not least, you should contact some of the people that they have worked for in the past. Talking to past clients, is going to play an important role in making your final decision. You need to find out, if these home builders, treated their clients fairly and were they generally happy with the overall outcome and performance, not only of the homebuilder, but each one of his subcontractors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I would recommend writing out a list of questions and offering your new home builders past clients a free meal. Offer to take them out to dinner, lunch or breakfast, this way you will have their undivided attention and get the low down on your potential future home builder, it could be the best money that you ever spent.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com/"&gt;San Diego Home Repairs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a &lt;a target="_new" href="http://houseinspectionhelp.com/homebuyersguide/index.htm"&gt;home inspection checklist&lt;/a&gt; to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks For Reading My Articles&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-1420787732834254835?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/1420787732834254835/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=1420787732834254835' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/1420787732834254835'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/1420787732834254835'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/10/how-to-find-excellent-new-home-builder.html' title='How to Find a Excellent New Home Builder'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-619079286626100739</id><published>2009-10-04T05:07:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-04T05:07:42.468-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Bathroom Installation Pointers</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Plumbing&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ok you have everything ready for your bathroom, and ready to install the items you have bought but not sure whether to plumb the items in first or afterwards. Well if your vanity units have totally open backs then this will allow you to slide the unit alongside the wall without coming into contact with any pipes. This allows you to do the plumbing legwork first then fix in the vanity units afterwards.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One thing worth noting however is that you should leave the affection of the doors until the very end of this entire fitting process since it will make accessing the plumbing easier. Once the vanity cabinet is put together, positioned and set to the wall or floor you can begin the countertop installation process. If you are performing a "recessed mount" fixing, you will need a faultless circle equal to a percentage of the diameter of the sink, to allow it to sit comfortably in the hole. Ensure beads of silicone adhesive run around the perimeter of the top of the vanity, and then lower countertop into place.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Installing a couple of water supply lines for a faucet and a drain is something pretty much anyone can achieve if they take their time, have the right tools and have the willingness to learn. When plumbing drain trimmings ensure extra strength silicone and plumbing adhesive is used.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Installation of Ceiling Fans and Lighting&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If this is a fresh installation and would like an extractor fan in your bathroom you will normally need to install the fan in a location where it can be attached to a ceiling support, which you can position using a stud antenna or any other method you prefer. Prepare the new fan for installation by verifying the exhaust duct is the same size as the exhaust on the cover. If you plan to have spot light lighting please be aware that a new installation can be quite complex and might be best undertaken by a pro. Prepare it for installation by installing the appropriate cable clamp in the electrical housing knockout s for the cable that was run to the lighting units.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For more information regarding &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.bathroomscheaper.co.uk/bathroom-furniture/bathroom-furniture-c-23.html"&gt;bathroom furniture&lt;/a&gt; ranges please visit &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.bathroomscheaper.co.uk/"&gt;bathrooms cheaper&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Lee Tyrrell of Bathrooms Cheaper&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-619079286626100739?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/619079286626100739/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=619079286626100739' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/619079286626100739'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/619079286626100739'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/10/bathroom-installation-pointers.html' title='Bathroom Installation Pointers'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-3597775284599508047</id><published>2009-10-03T21:20:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-03T21:20:12.206-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Fixing Ceiling Cracks - Home Repair Advice</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;It's not uncommon to find cracks in your plaster or drywall ceilings. It's not uncommon to find cracks in your wood ceilings either, but this article is about plaster or drywall ceilings that have small or large cracks in them and what actually causes the cracks and how you can repair them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Believe it or not, most cracks in your ceilings and in your walls, on any drywall or plaster home interiors, are going to be the direct result of structural movement within the house. This could be from a small earthquake, the framing components are starting to shrink, as the lumber starts to dry it out or it could even be from your house settling. Larger cracks might signify problems with your foundation or even your soil.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you have a large crack in your ceiling, and this would be something that you could stick a quarter into, you could have a structural problem and I would recommend contacting a home repair contractor in your area to evaluate your situation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You realize that you have cracks in your ceilings and they're not very big, how do you repair them. The easiest way would be to apply a paintable caulking into the cracks and repaint the area. This could save you some frustration in the future, especially if the crack starts to become larger.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The best way to fix the crack, would be to apply some fiberglass drywall tape and then apply a standard drywall joint compound to finish the ceiling correctly. If your ceiling has acoustic or wall texture, you will need to reapply to finish over these areas to match your existing ceiling correctly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you have hairline cracks, I wouldn't even worry about them, unless they become larger. However, you could always apply a little bit of caulking and repaint them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I would like to remind you something that I already said before in this article, if the cracks are larger than the width of a quarter, you might want to contact a building professional. You could have some serious structural damage occurring in your foundation or framing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://homerepair.gregvan.com/ceiling_repairs.htm"&gt;Ceiling Repair Advice and Tips&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com/"&gt;Reliable Home Repair Contractors&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks For Reading My Articles&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-3597775284599508047?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/3597775284599508047/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=3597775284599508047' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3597775284599508047'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3597775284599508047'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/10/fixing-ceiling-cracks-home-repair.html' title='Fixing Ceiling Cracks - Home Repair Advice'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-4444517499556064511</id><published>2009-10-03T14:11:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-03T14:12:00.308-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Vessel Sinks - Perfect For Your Bathroom Remodel</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Vessel sinks are elegant, sophisticated, artsy, functional and versatile. If you're building a brand new home or you're thinking about remodeling your bathroom, then a round vessel sink would be the right choice. You're guest will openly envy you, plus you'll never want to leave your own bathroom.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;There are hundreds of vessel sinks in all types of materials and colors. &lt;/b&gt;Of course, you can choose round, square,oval and odd shaped vessel sinks. It's strictly up to you. You have plenty of incredible choices: glass, ceramic, copper, marble, porcelain, stainless steel, stone, concrete, and more. Glass vessel sinks happen to be my favorite. You can easily make an incredible statement by using light underneath the sink to highlight its beauty. Jaw-dropping colors make visual statements about you and your taste. These "above counter" mounted sinks can make your bathroom distinctive.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Shopping for the perfect Vessel Sink for Your Bathroom can be fun. The only drawback to whole process...so many beautiful sinks to choose from.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Here a just a few types of vessel sinks on the market&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Glass:&lt;/b&gt; Happens to be my favorite and the most popular. The only drawback to glass vessel sinks is making sure you rinse the sink well after using shaving gels, toothpaste or other toiletries.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Granite, Marble or Concrete:&lt;/b&gt; If you're not constrained by a budget, then stone vessel sinks are another fantastic choice. They are a little pricey, but very durable and beautiful.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Ceramic: &lt;/b&gt;Looking for a vessel sink that's easy to clean, then a ceramic vessel sink is the way to go.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Copper:&lt;/b&gt; Copper is also a beautiful choice. If you're concerned about minimizing germs in your bathroom, then a copper vessel sink is a good choice. Did you know that copper is a great disinfectant for germs?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As you decide on the type of vessel sink to buy, don't forget to shop for and purchase your faucet to go along with your new beautiful sink. To find out more information about vessel sinks and purchasing the right sink and faucet for your bathroom remodel, take a look below.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The variety and choices of vessel sinks are endless. However, there's one just right for you and your budget. You'll find exactly what you're looking for when you shop at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.roundvesselsinks.com"&gt;Round Vessel Sinks&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-4444517499556064511?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/4444517499556064511/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=4444517499556064511' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/4444517499556064511'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/4444517499556064511'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/10/vessel-sinks-perfect-for-your-bathroom.html' title='Vessel Sinks - Perfect For Your Bathroom Remodel'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-6841881383356201550</id><published>2009-10-03T06:35:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-03T06:35:09.469-07:00</updated><title type='text'>What If My Contractor Does Not Return My Call</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;This is one of the biggest problems in business today. You have some work done on your home in good faith that the contractor knows what he is doing. When all is said and done you have a problem that needs to be resolved as soon as possible. I really don't care how long it has been since the work was done. If you have a problem the least that your contractor can do is answer the telephone.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Some companies go out of business and others get to busy to respond to your problem. You will hear the old excuse "That's not my problem" or the ever popular " I didn't do that". I have been in business for over twenty years and had very few problems. Of course I built things to last as long as possible.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Keep in mind that some contractors are a one man operation and they might be on vacation. Some contractors do not answer their phones over the week ends or after business hours. So don't sink the ship to fast.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Do not call the Contractors Licensing Board or the Better Business Bureau unless it has been at least a few working days. I would give it at least a week or so. Oh yeah don't assume that the contractor got your message. Call a few times at the least.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It has always made me mad when I have to fix someone else's problems. I get the call when the other contractors won't respond. I listen to the home owner with regret for being in a business where I am considered a crook. This is one of the reasons why contractors in my business get out of it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you have the contractors address and they aren't responding by phone you can always send them a letter by certified mail. Request a return receipt. That's your proof that the company received your letter. Keep a copy for your files.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The good news for a home owner when a contractor will not respond to your calling them is the Department of Consumer Affairs. Most states have a complaint department of some sort that will listen to your complaints. Does this mean it will get resolved? NO there are no guarantees here.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your state has a licensing board for contractors, this will be your next step.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This will get your contractors attention and there is a great chance they will respond now. If there are enough complaints against the contractor and they do nothing about them the contractors board will take their license away.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your contractor does not respond after all of this. There is very little you can do about it. Hire someone to fix the problem and look at it as a very important lesson learned.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your state doesn't have a contractors licensing board contact the Better Business Bureau or your local government for their recommendation. Ask some of your friends if they have had any problems like this and how they handled them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For some more tips about hiring contractors go to &lt;br&gt; &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com/library/homeowner_checklists.htm"&gt;http://gregvan.com/library/homeowner_checklists.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvandenberge.com/"&gt;Greg Vandenberge&lt;/a&gt; has been in the home building and remodeling business for over 30 years. With this knowledge he has created a few websites that provide useful information for home owners as well as contractors. His main goal is to educate professionals in the home related businesses, dealing with problems that can easily be avoided with just a little bit of information.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;His website &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com"&gt;http://gregvan.com&lt;/a&gt; provides all kinds of answers to remodeling and new house building issues that could create major damage as well as possible damage to your pocket book.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-6841881383356201550?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/6841881383356201550/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=6841881383356201550' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/6841881383356201550'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/6841881383356201550'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/10/what-if-my-contractor-does-not-return.html' title='What If My Contractor Does Not Return My Call'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-7994487263953704509</id><published>2009-10-02T22:46:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-02T22:46:18.153-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Bathroom Air Freshener - The Benefits and Advantages</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Your bathroom is the stuff that purple-hued dreams are made of, so the air of despair surrounding you is not exactly beyond reproach. May be the sense of passive resignation stems from the repugnant odors that loom large in your personal space.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Take a deep breath, and allow a bathroom air freshener to deal with the most recurring problem in your bathroom. With these experts at work, not only your bathroom, but even you will be suffused with an air of fulsome buoyancy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Banish That Nasty Smell Forever&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It's just not bathrooms that seem to be gripped by the vile influences of unpleasant odors; closets, bedrooms, storerooms and pet dens give some tough competition. The need of the hour is an advanced product that would get rid of strong odors by infusing a whiff of clean, sweet-smelling air.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The deluge of electric air fresheners are your only beacon of hope against this rather grating issue. The slew of sparkling features, buttressed by the superior electronic ionizer breeze technology, ensures that these hi-end products do not disappear off your radar. Take a look for yourself:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt; The circulation of fresh, pleasant-smelling air takes place without any kind of noise or movable fixtures. &lt;li&gt; Contaminants in the air are trapped by efficient internal ions. &lt;li&gt; They are armed with a virtually indestructible LED night light, that does not in any way disturb your beauty sleep. &lt;li&gt; The air remains fresh without any reduction in the desirable levels of oxygen. There are no perfumes or chemicals or their pernicious effects to worry about either &lt;li&gt; Since these hi-quality, lightweight and extremely compact air fresheners are equipped with a cordless electric plug, they are remarkably easy to store and use. &lt;li&gt; Cleaning them is a breeze, thanks to the presence of removable plates. Just slide them out and wipe them squeaky clean. &lt;li&gt; The use of only 3 watts of energy does not burn a big, black hole in your pocket.&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I don't blame you if you are already holding your breath in anticipation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Learn exactly how to generate 100's or even 1000's of positively *BRILLIANT* &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.trulylovelyhome.com/includes-trulylovelyhome/bathroom_remodeling_ideas.htm"&gt;Bathroom Remodeling Ideas&lt;/a&gt; ... FAST ! And here are 25 &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.trulylovelyhome.com/includes-trulylovelyhome/dirtcheaphomeimprovement_includes.htm"&gt;Dirt Cheap Home Improvement Ideas&lt;/a&gt; that could increase the value of your home by several $1000's...&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-7994487263953704509?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/7994487263953704509/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=7994487263953704509' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7994487263953704509'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7994487263953704509'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/10/bathroom-air-freshener-benefits-and.html' title='Bathroom Air Freshener - The Benefits and Advantages'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-5674813254161712647</id><published>2009-10-02T15:43:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-02T15:43:26.155-07:00</updated><title type='text'>10 Things a Homeowner Won't Tell a Contractor - Common Courtesy</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;I've been a contractor in the state of California for over 20 years and there are some things that a homeowner won't tell a contractor. These are a few things that a contractor might want to hear, but a reluctant homeowner, might have second thoughts telling their contractors how they really feel.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. We are happy with all of the work that you did in a timely manner and we appreciate your services.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. We are happy with the way you performed your construction tasks, efficiently and we appreciate your services.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3. The work was done by a true professional and we would recommend you to any one of our friends.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;4. The payment plan that you created in the contract worked out perfectly and never made us feel uncomfortable. It never seemed like you had too much of our money or we were putting you in a bad spot financially.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5. Thanks for keeping the job clean, it meant a lot to us, because we have seen other construction jobs that look like a tornado ran through them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;6. Thanks for helping us with our design. Working with your contractor on a daily, weekly or monthly basis can be frustrating or joyful. Let the contractor know either way how you are really feeling.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;7. You and your crew are extremely hard-working and we appreciate the simple fact that you didn't come to work late or leave early.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;8. Thanks for the reasonable priced estimate on our project. You helped us say a lot of money and we appreciate that sincerely.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;9. Thanks for doing the extra work at a reasonable price. You could have gouged us at certain times, but you chose to be fair and work things out, in a way that would benefit both of us.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;10. This one is the most important and often overlooked by homeowners and it's simple and easy to do. Thanks for doing what you said you were going to do and actually doing it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Just a simple thank you and paying them on time, for a service well done is enough for most contractors. However, a little common courtesy can go a long way, even in the construction industry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com/"&gt;Home Remodeling Contractor&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Click here if you're looking for additional &lt;a target="_new" href="http://books.gregvan.com/hiring_contractors_books.htm"&gt;Homeowner Contractor Advice&lt;/a&gt;. If you're interested in gathering more information on how to hire a good contractor, make sure that you visit our website.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-5674813254161712647?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/5674813254161712647/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=5674813254161712647' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/5674813254161712647'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/5674813254161712647'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/10/10-things-homeowner-wont-tell.html' title='10 Things a Homeowner Won&apos;t Tell a Contractor - Common Courtesy'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-7084053551210745929</id><published>2009-10-02T07:03:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-02T07:03:01.347-07:00</updated><title type='text'>In Search of Vintage Bathroom Vanities</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Do all things with a nostalgic echo stir up some wonderful memories in you? Do you earnestly believe that classic pieces are defined by unparalleled elegance and charm, and that one must celebrate their timeless intrigue?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thankfully, you are not alone in your attempts in taking a trip down memory lane. And before you are convinced that your dreams of recreating that magic of yesteryears will remain nothing but a black hole, take time off to admire some simply breathtaking vintage bathroom vanities.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They manage to infuse life into bathrooms that seem to be floundering for breath with impeccable refinement and unmatched sophistication.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;That Unmistakable Regal Touch&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Antique looking classy bathroom vanities are crafted from solid antique wood, with a detailed china top. That's really the secret to their intriguing, almost bewitching beauty. Modern-day advances ensure that the magnificence of exquisite, intricate carvings and etchings are protected with the help of chemicals.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If there's even an iota of doubt about the quality of these vanities, here's a pronouncement that is sure to gladden many hearts. The quality of these antiques is exemplar par excellence, as they are carved from high density fiber board that is further enhanced with a superb stain finish. Antique water faucets and antique brass and ceramic hardware only add to the ethereal appeal.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And before you make snap judgments about the functionality, or rather the lack of it, these vanities surprise you with an enormous amount of storage space.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Selecting One Could Take You Ages&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You may find it rather hard to resist the exceptionally beautiful appearance of these bathroom vanities, but there's something else that you are sure to find more arduous. Just try your hand at picking your favorite, and you'll be able to comprehend the enormity of this decision.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There's the Antique Oak Record Cabinet for bathroom vanity that takes your breath away with its sawn oak construction, smoldering bronze faucets and pristine white sink. It is a spectacle that promises pure, unrestrained happiness. For those that believe in uninhibited opulence, the Marble Top French Dresser is both unique and rare.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whatever you choose, you are sure to have a bathroom that will become the cynosure of all eyes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here's exactly how you can generate 100's or even 1000's of positively brilliant &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.trulylovelyhome.com/includes-trulylovelyhome/bathroom_remodeling_ideas.htm"&gt;Bathroom Remodeling Ideas&lt;/a&gt;... FAST ! And you could easily increase your home's value by several $1000s fast with these 25 street-smart tips for &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.trulylovelyhome.com/includes-trulylovelyhome/dirtcheaphomeimprovement_includes.htm"&gt;Dirt Cheap Home Improvement&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-7084053551210745929?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/7084053551210745929/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=7084053551210745929' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7084053551210745929'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7084053551210745929'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/10/in-search-of-vintage-bathroom-vanities.html' title='In Search of Vintage Bathroom Vanities'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-6100075696298842579</id><published>2009-10-01T16:21:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-01T16:21:46.738-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Kitchen Appliances - Appliances For Making Life Wonderful</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;The world is changing rapidly with technology. Life is very fast and people have no time for any extra work. We spend our precious time at home. Home is a very special place and kitchen makes home perfect. In present life it is very tough to survive without the useful electronic kitchen appliances. These household appliances provide the helping hand and the appliances have minimized the span of time drastically. These appliances are making life wonderful.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The kitchen appliances are available in many forms as a helping hand. These devices help the person in the kitchen fantastically so that more work can be done within a short span of time. The devices are available in the form of refrigerator,Toast maker, Dishwasher, microwave oven, sandwich maker, juice extractor and mixer etc. These advanced device are used in cooking, baking, grilling and washing the dishes. The modern day commodities meant for kitchen, increases the efficiency in the kitchen. There are certain factors that play a key role at the time of purchasing these electronic devices, like applications, durability, multi-functionality, fashion, stylish devices, quality and performance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These appliances can change the functioning style of market structure as well as the market players. Technological innovations are taking place on daily basis. Every day, new technology with advanced features are changing the model of the kitchen appliances. Some big players in this regard have entered into the market, like samsung, Phillips, Electrlux, Jaipan, videocon and many more. We know that these electronic device reduces the unnecessary timing in kitchen. Dishwasher is a modern day device that is helpful in cleaning the dishes. It eats all dirt from utensils. This saves the time and protects people from skin and other diseases. Microwave oven is used in cooking and heating foods so that it may look like fresh food. Other useable appliances are also available such as Blender, coffee maker etc. Coffee makers are helpful in brewing the coffee without boiling the water in a separate pot. Many portable blenders are available in the market from the different brand home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the morning, every body looks quite in a hurry because of the office schedule. So, people needs quick ready-made breakfast. Everyone needs healthy and hygienic diets. For this purpose toastmaker, tea-maker, juice maker are available. One can get his favorite breakfast with the aid of these appliances. Toast maker is used for making toasts, whereas juice extractor makes juice by liquidising, whipping and grinding both dry and wet fruits with much comfort. Tea-maker is helpful in preparing the tea in a few seconds.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this fast moving life, &lt;a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.xpert4u.co.uk/electronics/Kitchen/"&gt;Kitchen appliances&lt;/a&gt; are playing a very good role in saving the precious and most valuable time. These electronic instruments play a very good job with much comfort and specialty. The information about all these devices is available with more viable features.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Alden Jerry is an author of Xpert4u a Price comparison site that provides the relevant information on various Games, electronics and mobile phones products. &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.xpert4u.co.uk/electronics/"&gt;Cheap Electronics&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-6100075696298842579?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/6100075696298842579/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=6100075696298842579' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/6100075696298842579'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/6100075696298842579'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/10/kitchen-appliances-appliances-for.html' title='Kitchen Appliances - Appliances For Making Life Wonderful'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-1068336703388022101</id><published>2009-09-30T03:49:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-30T03:49:26.650-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Plumbing Problems and Solutions - Repair Manuals</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;If you've owned a home for over 20 years, there's a very good chance, that you've had a water pipe break, a drainpipe clogged, a toilet that wouldn't flush right, or a water leak that damaged part of the home. If you don't know, what you're looking for and you have no idea what damage can be done, over time, this could mean trouble for the homeowner.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Plumbing problems like these have been around and will be around for many years. Knowing what to do about them, how to repair them and what materials will be needed, can be found in plumbing repair manuals for books. How would you like to have a professional plumber to advise you on your plumbing repairs. What if I told you that you could have a plumbing professional on hand at all times. Is this something that you might be interested in.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Well I can't guarantee that, so let's forget about what I just said and go to the next best thing. Plumbing repair manuals are full of tips and advice that when needed can sometimes be priceless. If water is leaking from the ceiling in your home and you have no idea, where the water is coming from or how to stop it from leaking, any information could be priceless and I mean priceless.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Plumbers, usually charge over $100 an hour for emergency service. I've seen plumbers come to peoples homes, turn the water off to the house, stop the water from leaking and now it is no longer an emergency. The plumber quickly pulls out an invoice for the plumbing repairs and it could be over $1000, if you decide that this is ridiculous and choose not to pay it, the plumber can hand you a bill for stopping the water leak. Some of these bills are what I would consider quite ridiculous, for just shutting the water off.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You're not paying the plumber for the amount of time it took him, you're paying him for his knowledge. If you knew where to shut the water off, you wouldn't have an emergency situation and could contact a plumber during normal hours. This could save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With a simple home repair manual or a home plumbing book, you could prepare yourself for a situation like this and other plumbing problems. Most home repair manuals have general solutions and advice and can solve most of the problems around your home. If they can't solve all of the problems, they can probably save you from major catastrophes like a water leak.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Most of the time it's not the water leak that will cost the most money, it's the damage the water will do to your furniture, carpeting, wood flooring, walls or ceilings. A little information and preparation can save you a lot of money in the long run.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.bookshelf4u.com/home_plumbing_books.htm"&gt;Home Plumbing Books&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a &lt;a target="_new" href="http://houseinspectionhelp.com/homebuyersguide/index.htm"&gt;home buyers guide&lt;/a&gt; to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-1068336703388022101?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/1068336703388022101/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=1068336703388022101' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/1068336703388022101'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/1068336703388022101'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/plumbing-problems-and-solutions-repair.html' title='Plumbing Problems and Solutions - Repair Manuals'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-1335950215737921822</id><published>2009-09-29T21:27:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-29T21:27:46.969-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Basic Home Electrical Wiring - For the Do it Yourself Home Electrician</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;The Green Bay Packers were one of the most successful football teams and Vince Lombardi said something to them that I will never forget," This is a football." All the football players laughed and he said that we're going to start with the basics and that's what I'm going to do, with this article.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Let's start with our electrical wire, the two most common electrical wire sizes, that will be used in most homes, will be 14 and 12 gauge electrical wire. Let's clear something up, right off the bat, the smaller the number, the larger the wire. In other words a 12 gauge electrical wire is a little bit larger and will carry more electricity, for longer distances than a 14 gauge wire.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What about electrical outlet plugs? These plugs are usually the same, except for the fact that they come in different colors. When I said that most electrical plugs are the same, I'm talking about your standard wall outlet plug. There are different electrical plugs that will be used for air conditioners and some kitchen appliances like 220 Volt electric stoves and ovens.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What about your home's light switches? Your standard two way light switch will usually turn a one light on or a group of lights on, from one location. A three way light switch will usually turn one light on or a group of lights on from two different locations. A four way light switch, will usually turn one light or a group of lights on from three different locations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It doesn't get any more basic than that. I hope this gives you a better understanding about your home's electrical system.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're really interested in learning more about remodeling, new home construction, home maintenance, home repairs and really want to get the nuts and bolts of home improvement. Visit our web site and select from the best-selling &lt;a target="_new" href="http://books.gregvan.com/"&gt;home building books&lt;/a&gt; on the Internet.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your looking for some more &lt;a target="_new" href="http://houseinspectionhelp.com/"&gt;home inspection pictures&lt;/a&gt; or home building ideas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks For Reading My Articles&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-1335950215737921822?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/1335950215737921822/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=1335950215737921822' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/1335950215737921822'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/1335950215737921822'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/basic-home-electrical-wiring-for-do-it.html' title='Basic Home Electrical Wiring - For the Do it Yourself Home Electrician'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-8136817922056062308</id><published>2009-09-29T15:06:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-29T15:06:20.271-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Tile Grouting Tips For Your Bathrooms, Kitchens and Floors</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Isn't tile grouting supposed to be simple, if you read the directions and watch a couple of videos? What could make tile grouting so difficult? Grouting your tile isn't that difficult, by the time you're done reading this article, you should have a pretty good idea how to grout your floors, bathrooms, kitchens and anything else that requires tile.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I used to have problems grouting tile, but after I read the directions, I became a grouting wizard. This sounds hard to believe, but after reading the directions on the tile grout bag, I became a grout master. I know, you the type of person who never read the directions, you simply add water, mix and start grouting.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It's time to change your thinking about, whether or not the directions will be helpful. Whether it's about grouting your bathroom floor or putting together your home barbecued. I read one thing on the grout bag and it changed my entire grouting career.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The grout should slake. After you're done mixing the grout, you should wait between five and 10 minutes to let the moisture soak into the grout mix. Do this once, and you will never go back to mixing your grout and applying it, as quickly as possible after it has been mixed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For more information on grouting, remodeling or home repairs, I would recommend reading books on home improvement and home repairs. Some of these books can make a big difference in your home improvement abilities as a handyman. I would also recommend reading more articles, there's plenty of information about tile and grouting, all over the Internet.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Click here if you are looking for some more &lt;a target="_new" href="http://books.gregvan.com/bathroom_books.htm"&gt;Bathroom Remodeling Ideas&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://homerepair.gregvan.com/"&gt;Home Repair Tips&lt;/a&gt;. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks for reading the article&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-8136817922056062308?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/8136817922056062308/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=8136817922056062308' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8136817922056062308'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8136817922056062308'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/tile-grouting-tips-for-your-bathrooms.html' title='Tile Grouting Tips For Your Bathrooms, Kitchens and Floors'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-5059877788292839826</id><published>2009-09-29T08:34:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-29T08:34:40.345-07:00</updated><title type='text'>How to Protect Foundation Plumbing Pipes?</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;If you install any underground plumbing pipes, in your concrete building foundation, you will need to protect them, from the concrete. You can use a variety of products and the most common of them will be a Styrofoam wrapping that can be purchased at most plumbing supply stores.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Let's start with the waste pipes, that are made out of plastic. The concrete could actually start to put pressure on the plastic pipes as the concrete starts to expand and this pressure could actually damage your new waste pipes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You don't need to wrap all of the plastic waste pipes, only the parts of the waste pipes that will be exposed or in direct contact any concrete, but you do need to protect every copper water supply line that will be buried under the ground or exposed to the concrete, with a plastic sleeve. These products can be purchased again at most building supply or plumbing supply stores.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If these pipes aren't protected properly, you could find yourself within a short time, repairing the pipes that are either inside of your concrete foundation or buried underneath your concrete foundation. Either way, this isn't going to be a good thing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You definitely need to wrap a plastic sleeve around the water supply pipes that are going to be buried or in direct contact with the concrete. This is a must and most building departments will require your plumbing pipes to be wrapped, before it they will sign off on your rough foundation plumbing inspection.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;However, for the waste pipes, you can actually use cardboard to protect them. If you're short on funds, why not grab some cardboard boxes, dismantle them and start using cardboard to wrap the pipes, with a little duct tape.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are plenty of ways to save money in the construction business, buy a few books, read a couple of articles, with a lot of pictures in this can provide you with lots of construction information, from experience building contractors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Check out some of the best selling &lt;a target="_new" href="http://books.gregvan.com/"&gt;Home Building Plumbing Books&lt;/a&gt; all on one website&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://homerepair.gregvan.com/"&gt;Home Repairs&lt;/a&gt;. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks for reading our articles&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-5059877788292839826?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/5059877788292839826/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=5059877788292839826' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/5059877788292839826'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/5059877788292839826'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/how-to-protect-foundation-plumbing_29.html' title='How to Protect Foundation Plumbing Pipes?'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-64513342545261254</id><published>2009-09-29T01:58:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-29T01:58:25.315-07:00</updated><title type='text'>10 Things a Homeowner Won't Tell a Contractor - Common Courtesy</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;I've been a contractor in the state of California for over 20 years and there are some things that a homeowner won't tell a contractor. These are a few things that a contractor might want to hear, but a reluctant homeowner, might have second thoughts telling their contractors how they really feel.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. We are happy with all of the work that you did in a timely manner and we appreciate your services.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. We are happy with the way you performed your construction tasks, efficiently and we appreciate your services.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3. The work was done by a true professional and we would recommend you to any one of our friends.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;4. The payment plan that you created in the contract worked out perfectly and never made us feel uncomfortable. It never seemed like you had too much of our money or we were putting you in a bad spot financially.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5. Thanks for keeping the job clean, it meant a lot to us, because we have seen other construction jobs that look like a tornado ran through them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;6. Thanks for helping us with our design. Working with your contractor on a daily, weekly or monthly basis can be frustrating or joyful. Let the contractor know either way how you are really feeling.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;7. You and your crew are extremely hard-working and we appreciate the simple fact that you didn't come to work late or leave early.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;8. Thanks for the reasonable priced estimate on our project. You helped us say a lot of money and we appreciate that sincerely.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;9. Thanks for doing the extra work at a reasonable price. You could have gouged us at certain times, but you chose to be fair and work things out, in a way that would benefit both of us.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;10. This one is the most important and often overlooked by homeowners and it's simple and easy to do. Thanks for doing what you said you were going to do and actually doing it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Just a simple thank you and paying them on time, for a service well done is enough for most contractors. However, a little common courtesy can go a long way, even in the construction industry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com/"&gt;Home Remodeling Contractor&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Click here if you're looking for additional &lt;a target="_new" href="http://books.gregvan.com/hiring_contractors_books.htm"&gt;Homeowner Contractor Advice&lt;/a&gt;. If you're interested in gathering more information on how to hire a good contractor, make sure that you visit our website.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-64513342545261254?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/64513342545261254/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=64513342545261254' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/64513342545261254'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/64513342545261254'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/10-things-homeowner-wont-tell.html' title='10 Things a Homeowner Won&apos;t Tell a Contractor - Common Courtesy'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-5380256829622041258</id><published>2009-09-28T19:45:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-28T19:45:57.643-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Important Do-It-Yourself Home Remodeling Advice</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Often I'm asked by homeowners, if they think that they can build something on their own. Often I end up explaining the process to them and it's pretty confusing. I would like to give some homeowners and construction handyman some do-it-yourself home remodeling advice, about projects that I think they should avoid and the reason why.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. Working on Electrical Service Boxes&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I really don't recommend, anyone who lacks experience working with electrical, to be working on it at all. When it comes to the electrical service box repairs, if you don't have any experience working in this specific area, I am suggesting this to all homeowners and do-it-yourselfers, stay away from electrical service power boxes. Electricity can be extremely hazardous to your health, so take my advice, this is coming from an expert on the subject.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. Plumbing Water Supply Lines&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I don't recommend, anyone who doesn't have any experience working with plumbing water supply lines, because if they break, or if your repair, doesn't hold properly, you could destroy a large portion of your home. Picture this, you just got through putting a new faucet in, everything looks great, but it's time for you to go to your baseball game. You come home about four hours later and the entire house is flooded with water.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This kind of stuff does happen and you need to take the advice of an expert here. It has even happened to me and I understand the process, pretty good. If you plan on fixing any plumbing water supply lines, make sure that you can spend the time, keeping an eye on your new home repair. If you're going to have any problems with them, they will usually happen within the first few hours of use.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I hope this helps, sometimes it's better to pay a professional, but I can understand, every intelligent person, is interested in saving a few dollars and learning new skills.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://homerepair.gregvan.com/"&gt;Home Repair Pictures and Advice&lt;/a&gt;. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com/vista_remodeling.htm"&gt;Vista Home Repair Contractors&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks For Reading My Articles&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-5380256829622041258?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/5380256829622041258/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=5380256829622041258' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/5380256829622041258'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/5380256829622041258'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/important-do-it-yourself-home_28.html' title='Important Do-It-Yourself Home Remodeling Advice'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-110579671699644890</id><published>2009-09-28T13:01:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-28T13:01:50.783-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Home Purchasing Checklists Provide Protection</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Home purchasing checklists provide protection for consumers with useful information for future home repairs or current home repairs that will need to be done before the home is sold. Home inspectors often use checklists like these, while they're inspecting the home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If more home shoppers used home inspection checklist while shopping for houses, we would probably have more satisfied homebuyers than dissatisfied ones. Recently just purchasing a home, we had our real estate professional, the previous homeowner's real estate professional and a mortgage lender, involved in the purchase of the property.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There was a home inspection report from the current homeowners, available for us to look at. It provided us with the damaged parts of the home that were repaired or replaced. Some of these repairs were from termite damage and it was stated so on the report. This was helpful information for us as we walked around the home inspecting it for damage.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The work that was repaired to look satisfactory and the rest of the home had minor damage. Listening to one of the real estate sales people that were involved in the transaction, you would've thought we would get in the deal of a lifetime and they had nothing but good news to say about the product they were representing. I easily understood that, this person could have influenced some one into believing that the home was in great shape, if they didn't have a home inspection checklist with them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The home had been re-carpeted, painted and was in generally good shape. The problems with the home, were the old windows that were hard to open, the heating unit leaked gas, the tile flooring that ran through the kitchen and a large room addition looked great, except for one thing, they installed the tile over linoleum.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This eventually will have to be replaced as the tile starts to separate from the linoleum. While I'm writing this article, there's about 40 square feet of tile that needs to be replaced, because it's popping up and cracking.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A home purchasing checklist does not guarantee that you will find everything but can't eliminate some of the things that homeowners have the biggest problems with. If you could just eliminate one of these problems, the small price of purchasing, one of these checklists would be worth it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://houseinspectionhelp.com/homebuyersguide/index.htm"&gt;Home purchasing checklists&lt;/a&gt; provide protection for the shopper and I would recommend, never shopping for a home without one.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your looking for some more &lt;a target="_new" href="http://houseinspectionhelp.com/"&gt;home inspection&lt;/a&gt; or home building ideas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Greg Vandenberge&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-110579671699644890?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/110579671699644890/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=110579671699644890' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/110579671699644890'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/110579671699644890'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/home-purchasing-checklists-provide.html' title='Home Purchasing Checklists Provide Protection'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-6836104726238833522</id><published>2009-09-18T20:40:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-18T20:40:54.778-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Important Do-It-Yourself Home Remodeling Advice</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Often I'm asked by homeowners, if they think that they can build something on their own. Often I end up explaining the process to them and it's pretty confusing. I would like to give some homeowners and construction handyman some do-it-yourself home remodeling advice, about projects that I think they should avoid and the reason why.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. Working on Electrical Service Boxes&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I really don't recommend, anyone who lacks experience working with electrical, to be working on it at all. When it comes to the electrical service box repairs, if you don't have any experience working in this specific area, I am suggesting this to all homeowners and do-it-yourselfers, stay away from electrical service power boxes. Electricity can be extremely hazardous to your health, so take my advice, this is coming from an expert on the subject.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. Plumbing Water Supply Lines&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I don't recommend, anyone who doesn't have any experience working with plumbing water supply lines, because if they break, or if your repair, doesn't hold properly, you could destroy a large portion of your home. Picture this, you just got through putting a new faucet in, everything looks great, but it's time for you to go to your baseball game. You come home about four hours later and the entire house is flooded with water.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This kind of stuff does happen and you need to take the advice of an expert here. It has even happened to me and I understand the process, pretty good. If you plan on fixing any plumbing water supply lines, make sure that you can spend the time, keeping an eye on your new home repair. If you're going to have any problems with them, they will usually happen within the first few hours of use.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I hope this helps, sometimes it's better to pay a professional, but I can understand, every intelligent person, is interested in saving a few dollars and learning new skills.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://homerepair.gregvan.com/"&gt;Home Repair Pictures and Advice&lt;/a&gt;. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com/vista_remodeling.htm"&gt;Vista Home Repair Contractors&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks For Reading My Articles&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-6836104726238833522?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/6836104726238833522/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=6836104726238833522' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/6836104726238833522'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/6836104726238833522'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/important-do-it-yourself-home.html' title='Important Do-It-Yourself Home Remodeling Advice'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-7986268279421039104</id><published>2009-09-18T19:40:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-18T19:40:35.430-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Five Things That a Termite Inspection Company Might Not Ever Say</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;I don't think that I've ever heard of a termite inspector, ever go to a home and not find any termites. Even if the home doesn't have any damage that is visible from the termites, it seems like it's always a good idea, to tent the home, just in case, for protection. Anyway, here's five things that you might not ever hear a termite inspector ever say.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. Your house is free of termites. This means that there isn't, one termite on your property and the termite inspector isn't going to make any money. Let's face it, termite damage, whether it's visible or invisible, keeps these guys working.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. Your house isn't going to fall down, if I don't do anything to stop the termites. I have seen homes, where termites have been working on them for quite some time and they still seem to stand up and function properly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3. Termites don't eat much and I wouldn't worry about the damage. Most termite inspectors will tell you how much a termite in Hawaii or Africa will eat in a day, but doesn't seem to have an honest idea, how much damage they are doing to your home, if they can't actually see it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;4. Every one that works for our company, has at least 30 years experience, repairing any termite damage. Don't even get me started with this one.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5. We will replace all of the termite damage wood, back to its original condition. What they might say, is that they will replace the wood that is damaged by termites, that you can actually see.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are plenty of great termite companies out there and this article was meant just to have fun with most of them. Termite damage can be a serious problem with some homes and I would suggest that you contact at least three termite inspectors, before proceeding ahead with any home repairs or use of chemicals.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Try not to forget, the only way that a termite inspection company will make any money, looking at your house, will be to find something wrong with it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://homerepair.gregvan.com/"&gt;Easy Home Repair Tips&lt;/a&gt; . Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com/"&gt;San Diego Remodeling Contractors&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks For Reading My Articles&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-7986268279421039104?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/7986268279421039104/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=7986268279421039104' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7986268279421039104'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7986268279421039104'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/five-things-that-termite-inspection.html' title='Five Things That a Termite Inspection Company Might Not Ever Say'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-105623408411372303</id><published>2009-09-18T18:36:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-18T18:36:11.301-07:00</updated><title type='text'>How to Protect Foundation Plumbing Pipes?</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;If you install any underground plumbing pipes, in your concrete building foundation, you will need to protect them, from the concrete. You can use a variety of products and the most common of them will be a Styrofoam wrapping that can be purchased at most plumbing supply stores.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Let's start with the waste pipes, that are made out of plastic. The concrete could actually start to put pressure on the plastic pipes as the concrete starts to expand and this pressure could actually damage your new waste pipes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You don't need to wrap all of the plastic waste pipes, only the parts of the waste pipes that will be exposed or in direct contact any concrete, but you do need to protect every copper water supply line that will be buried under the ground or exposed to the concrete, with a plastic sleeve. These products can be purchased again at most building supply or plumbing supply stores.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If these pipes aren't protected properly, you could find yourself within a short time, repairing the pipes that are either inside of your concrete foundation or buried underneath your concrete foundation. Either way, this isn't going to be a good thing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You definitely need to wrap a plastic sleeve around the water supply pipes that are going to be buried or in direct contact with the concrete. This is a must and most building departments will require your plumbing pipes to be wrapped, before it they will sign off on your rough foundation plumbing inspection.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;However, for the waste pipes, you can actually use cardboard to protect them. If you're short on funds, why not grab some cardboard boxes, dismantle them and start using cardboard to wrap the pipes, with a little duct tape.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are plenty of ways to save money in the construction business, buy a few books, read a couple of articles, with a lot of pictures in this can provide you with lots of construction information, from experience building contractors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Check out some of the best selling &lt;a target="_new" href="http://books.gregvan.com/"&gt;Home Building Plumbing Books&lt;/a&gt; all on one website&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://homerepair.gregvan.com/"&gt;Home Repairs&lt;/a&gt;. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks for reading our articles&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-105623408411372303?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/105623408411372303/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=105623408411372303' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/105623408411372303'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/105623408411372303'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/how-to-protect-foundation-plumbing.html' title='How to Protect Foundation Plumbing Pipes?'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-8410231340805439676</id><published>2009-09-18T17:39:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-18T17:39:04.745-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Plywood Roof Sheeting - Roof Framing Trade Secrets</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Most framing contractor's look at the building plans and order all of the material, according to those that are specified on the plans. This works out fine, and can often save you money, but rarely produces the best home that you could possibly frame.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As a professional framing contractor, I would like to share one of my house framing tips with you. Most plans require half-inch plywood or oriented strand board as their roof sheeting. This product is fine and if you're building a lot of homes, you're not going to have the choice. Ordering larger sized plywood could cost you thousands of dollars, especially if you're building a lot of homes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;However, if your framing or building a home for someone or even yourself, you might want to take my advice and think twice about it, before ordering the roof sheeting. Half-inch plywood, works okay for 16 inch on center roof rafters or engineered truss roofing systems. It doesn't work well on 24 inch on center roof rafters spacing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is usually flimsy and weak at the center point, directly in between the 24 inch roof rafter bays. If you're going to use the half-inch plywood, I would recommend using plywood clips that are relatively inexpensive and can be placed in the direct center of each roof rafter bay on each sheet of plywood. These can be purchased at most home improvement centers or lumber yards.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The other alternative, and this is what I recommend, would be to use 5/8 inch plywood. This plywood works great for 24 inch on center roof rafters and you will have a nice sturdy roof to walk on, while roofing your home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I have actually seen people step through the flimsy plywood, while lifting heavy roof tiles and bundles of composition roof shingles. Experienced roofers try to walk directly on top of the roof rafters, when loading their roof shingles or even carrying them on the roof.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're a home builder and your concern is about making a profit, you will need to use the half-inch plywood. If you want to build a superior roof, use the 5/8 of an inch plywood.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com/"&gt;House Framing Contractors&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a &lt;a target="_new" href="http://houseinspectionhelp.com/homebuyersguide/index.htm"&gt;excellent home inspection checklist&lt;/a&gt; to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks For Reading My Articles&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-8410231340805439676?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/8410231340805439676/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=8410231340805439676' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8410231340805439676'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8410231340805439676'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/plywood-roof-sheeting-roof-framing.html' title='Plywood Roof Sheeting - Roof Framing Trade Secrets'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-7499816570301840683</id><published>2009-09-16T22:10:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-16T22:10:19.253-07:00</updated><title type='text'>What to Do About Basement Waterproofing - House Remodeling Ideas</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Owning a home with a basement can give us additional living space that is not typically available in a home with a crawl space. Many people put recreational rooms in the basement as well as using them for storage and often as a personal workshop. It may be difficult, however, whenever water in the basement becomes a problem. There are really two different ways in which water can invade this area of our home, both of which will take some form of waterproofing to correct. They can either come in slowly, almost undetected by us or it can quickly invade our basement and cause it to be flooded.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since the basement is below ground level, moisture is often a problem, even if it is not visible. It may show up as mold or mildew that begins to appear on the walls and although you cannot actually see the moisture that is present, there are plenty of telltale signs that will help to identify the fact that you have a problem.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Doing a little bit of basement waterproofing for this usually means putting a specific type of paint on the walls or perhaps even spraying them down with chemicals so that they are impervious to mold growth. It may also help if you run a basement dehumidifier on a regular basis, even after you have completed the basement waterproofing project.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The other way that water can invade our basement is all at one time which can cause it to be flooded. I have personally had a difficulty with this for many years and it can be destructive, especially if you use the basement for living space or storage. If the water is coming in at one specific location, sealing that location in some way or another may help to cure the problem a little bit.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There may be times, however, whenever more drastic measures need to be taken. If you're basement floods on a regular basis, you may need to dig down to the bottom of your foundation on the outside of the walls and install a French drain. This will divert any water away from the house so that it does not end up in your basement.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Having a problem with water in your basement is simply keeping you from enjoying part of your house. Although waterproofing your basement is going to take a little bit of work, it will all be well worth the effort whenever you can take this part of your home back again.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can find out more about &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.basementwaterproofingtips.com"&gt;Basement Waterproofing&lt;/a&gt; as well as much more information and tips on everything to do with basement waterproofing at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.BasementWaterproofingTips.com"&gt;http://www.BasementWaterproofingTips.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;a href=http://hometips.gregvan.com/need_help_remodeling_in_carlsbad.htm&gt;Need Help Remodeling In Carlsbad&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-7499816570301840683?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/7499816570301840683/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=7499816570301840683' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7499816570301840683'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7499816570301840683'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/what-to-do-about-basement-waterproofing.html' title='What to Do About Basement Waterproofing - House Remodeling Ideas'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-7574786411433162086</id><published>2009-09-16T09:39:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-16T09:39:15.866-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Build Your Own Sauna - What You Need To Know First</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;It can be easier than you think to build your own sauna. With some basic carpentry skills and a little specialized understanding you can be relaxing in your own home sauna in no time at all.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are a few important decisions to be made to be sure you end up with the sauna that best fits your situation. One consideration is how much work you want to put into the building of your sauna. There are prebuild units that are delivered to your door and literally take only a few minutes to set up. You can also get precut kits that take longer to construct but give you a more custom sauna when finished. The ultimate is to build your own sauna from scratch. Even this method is not as difficult as you might expect. The costs tend to go down considerably as you add more and more of your own elbow grease.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Another concern is the location. Should your sauna be inside or out, attached or freestanding? This may depend on whether you are in a rural or city environment. Locating near a water source is also important. If you are outside this can be a lake or pond to jump into. For indoor saunas a nearby shower can be used to rinse off. In either case before you start building think about getting water to your sauna. Along with a convenient way to rinse off it is nice to have an area to change into and out of sauna apparel. Benches for sitting on while removing clothes and hooks for hanging them are a great feature.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Deciding how you will heat your sauna is a major decision. Conventional saunas are heated with either wood, electric or gas heaters. Any of these can be used dry or wet depending on whether you sprinkle water on the heated rocks or not. Some people like it dry and some prefer wet, it comes down to personal tastes. Before deciding which kind of stove you want think about getting fuel to your heater. Wood may be difficult to acquire in the city but electric or gas hookups may be impractical in more remote areas. Costs can vary greatly depending on the brand and type of stove you get. A relatively new (compared to the 2000+ year history of saunas) type of sauna is the infrared sauna. These use infrared emitting lights to penetrate and heat your skin. It is a little like your microwave oven in that the food (you) is heated but the surrounding air is not. Infrared saunas are always dry. Because of the complexity of installing and correctly positioning the infrared wave emitters I suggest you buy a prebuilt model if you go with infrared.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are a few special concerns that distinguish building a sauna from other conventional frame construction. Moisture is a concern. There should be a vapor barrier to keep the heat and steam from escaping. Any electrical connections need to be protected from excessive moisture. Ventilation is necessary to keep the oxygen level up and if done right it will also help to evenly distribute the heat.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;All in all building a sauna is not an overwhelming task. If you can do some basic framing and simple finished woodworking you are well on your way to building your own sauna that can be enjoyed for years to come.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mike Hirn has been a sauna enthusiast for many years and his website provides a wealth of information about building, using and enjoying home saunas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.the-home-sauna-center.com"&gt;http://www.the-home-sauna-center.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;a href=http://hometips.gregvan.com/nailing_or_screwing_drywall.htm&gt;Nailing Or Screwing Drywall&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-7574786411433162086?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/7574786411433162086/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=7574786411433162086' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7574786411433162086'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7574786411433162086'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/build-your-own-sauna-what-you-need-to_16.html' title='Build Your Own Sauna - What You Need To Know First'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-4374979483555085431</id><published>2009-09-15T21:17:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-15T21:17:13.534-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Remodeling Your Home For Resale</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;It is true that remodeled kitchens provide a good return when selling your home, but such a project is very involved, costly, and often a headache. Instead of a complete overhaul, give your kitchen a fresh appearance by installing new appliances and replacing outdated cabinet hardware with trendy pieces.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Another simple improvement to your kitchen includes changing faucets and light fixtures. Freshen up bathrooms in the same manner as the kitchen. Change hardware pieces such as faucets, towel bars, soap dishes, as well as light fixtures. Also think about updating your mirror and other accessories in the room such as shower curtain, wall hangings, and towels.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fixing up the yard will add significant curb appeal and is one of the most worthwhile improvements you can do for your home. Curb appeal refers to the view of your home from the street. Because the outside of your house is the first thing the buyer sees, the yard and entry leave a strong impression and help the buyer decide whether they even want to see the rest of the house.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So go out to your curb and look at your house; does it look nice? Can you even see it? If you have large trees or shrubs that cover the majority of the house, cut them back or get rid of them to increase your curb appeal. Make sure the yard is neat and trimmed and for a small investment you can put together a beautiful flower bed or adorn the entry with beautiful potted arrangements.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Also, consider improving the entry way by installing new trendy porch lights and a new mailbox. If necessary, give your home a fresh coat of paint. All of these improvements are relatively inexpensive but make a big difference when it comes to selling your home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When it comes to carpet, first check to see if there are hardwood floors underneath by lifting up a corner in a closet. If there are hardwood floors, just have the carpets well cleaned and advertise that there are original hardwood floors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;More buyers are attracted to wood floors these days. If there is not wood below and the carpets are old, have the carpets replaced. New carpets give your home both the smell and look of newness.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Seriously consider painting the entire interior of your home, especially if it hasn't been done in a while. When you are repainting, choose light neutral colors. Although dark or bright colors may be trendy and look nice, they limit the buyers' ability to picture the home as their own. A light and neutral color will clean up the walls without turning off any customer.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Although you may love your neon beer sign in your living room, some buyers may not and can be turned off by such personal items. Try to make your house more generic and hide your quirky belongings; try to make it look like a model home. It helps the buyer picture their own belongings on the wall.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Keep your house clean. This costs nothing but makes all the difference. No one wants to pay a good price for a cluttered and dirty house. If you are a pack rat, now is the time to change the habit and throw it all away or invest in a storage unit to place all your junk. Avoid a cluttered look and make sure everything has a place and is put away.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These small improvements will make a big difference and will give you the best opportunity to sell your home quickly and for the best price.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A good looking home can fetch you a good price. You could give your kitchen a fresh appearance by replacing outdated cabinet hardware without spending too much on complete &lt;a target="_new" href="http://eurotechcabinetry.com/"&gt;kitchen remodeling&lt;/a&gt; Sarasota homes can look renovated with simple ideas too. Visit &lt;a target="_new" href="http://eurotechcabinetry.com/"&gt;http://www.eurotechcabinetry.com&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;a href=http://hometips.gregvan.com/toilet_paper_under_the_bathroom.htm&gt;Toilet Paper Under The Bathroom&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-4374979483555085431?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/4374979483555085431/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=4374979483555085431' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/4374979483555085431'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/4374979483555085431'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/remodeling-your-home-for-resale.html' title='Remodeling Your Home For Resale'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-6868569946666925356</id><published>2009-09-15T03:07:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-15T03:07:56.415-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Installing Laminate Flooring - Dos and Don'ts!</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Every manufacturer of laminate flooring provides very specific instructions on the proper method of installing their product.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are however, some common dos and donts that apply to the installation of any laminate floor. Surprisingly many people ignore these instructions, believing that they know better than the manufacturers.&lt;br&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Laminate flooring &lt;b&gt;must&lt;/b&gt; acclimatize to your home. This is done by placing the boxes in the room where you are going to install the laminate for a minimum period of 48 to 72 hours. Failure to do this will cause floors to buckle. This is the number one mistake made by most people including contractors.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;There must be a gap between walls and any other obstacle, (columns, stair risers, heat vents, etc.) of between 5/16" and 1/2" depending on the manufacturer. This allows for the expansion of the floor. If a gap is not left, the floor will buckle.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;If the laminate flooring is going to be installed on a concrete slab floor where there is earth below the concrete, a vapor barrier must be placed between the concrete and the laminate. The seams should be taped with a moisture resistant tape. Laminate flooring should not be installed on any floor that has a drain.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Some manufacturers will allow the installation of laminate flooring on carpet. The carpet should be a hard twist (Berber), or a very low pile (commercial carpet). If the underlayment is spongy, the flooring will separate when walked on.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The smallest piece of flooring should never be less than 8 inches long and the width should never be less than 2 inches. Measure your room before you start the installation as it may be necessary to cut the first board in length and the first row of boards in width to avoid having small pieces.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Joints should be staggered a minimum of 16 inches apart and a minimum of 3 rows for repeating of the joint.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;If installing base board or quarter round on top of the laminate, do not nail through the laminate. A laminate floor must be allowed to expand and contract.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Repair any and all squeaks and soft spots in the sub-floor before installing the laminate. Laminate flooring will not correct squeak or soft spot problems.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Do not continue the installation of laminate flooring through a doorway that is less than 48 inches in width, use a transition molding.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Do not hammer on the groove end on the board  ever!&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Always start the installation of the laminate flooring with the groove side and end towards the walls.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Always use a tapping block to help tighten joints, but do not over hammer or you will damage the surface of the laminate at the joints.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Floors must be level, no more than 3/16 slope over a ten foot span.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Floors must be flat. Any dips in the floor should be filled in with self-leveling compound and left to dry at least 72 hours.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Read and follow the manufacturers instructions and you will end up with a quality floor that will last for years.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For additional information on flooring products for your home or other renovation projects, visit &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.renovation-headquarters.com"&gt;Renovation Headquarters.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;a href=http://hometips.gregvan.com/painting_metal_siding.htm&gt;Painting Metal Siding&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-6868569946666925356?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/6868569946666925356/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=6868569946666925356' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/6868569946666925356'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/6868569946666925356'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/installing-laminate-flooring-dos-and.html' title='Installing Laminate Flooring - Dos and Don&apos;ts!'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-2259640268419651845</id><published>2009-09-14T09:25:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-14T09:25:16.708-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Discount Wood Blinds - What You Should Know</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;All too often, people make the mistake of thinking that wood blinds are just too expensive to fit their budgets. The truth in most cases is just the opposite. Try searching for discount wood blinds and you will find wood blinds that are not only attractive, but will fit your budget as well. Here is a closer look at ways of finding discount wood blinds.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Before you begin your search for any type of wood blinds you need to do a little prep work. You will need to how many windows you wish to cover as well as get all your measurements written out. This will come in handy later.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Next, get a good idea about the different styles and brands of wood window blinds by doing a little window shopping at some of your local stores. Why is this important? Well, many times what you see online may not look the same in person.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Finally, have a budget in your mind so you know what you can spend.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now, it's time to begin your search for discount wood window blinds.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As you were window shopping so to speak I am sure you also took the opportunity to check out the prices on various blinds. Perhaps the store even had a clearance sale going on. This is a great way to find big discounts on wood blinds. You will definitely want to keep an eye out for any sales.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You may also find a one of a kind closeout sale of sorts. This can be a great way to get a good deal, but be careful that the blinds aren't damaged or defective when you are in the store. Often times these bargains are offered at a no return policy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Shopping at websites online is another great way to find discount wood blinds as well. Online stores such as Levolor, Hunter Douglas, and many others all have sales at various times of the year. Even beyond that, doing a search for discounted blinds will bring up many other options.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The important thing to keep in mind with buying wood blinds online is to be sure of their return policy. You never know if you might want to return them and you don't want to find out later that you are out of luck. Any reputable dealer will have a good return policy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These are just a few ideas on how to find discount wood blinds. Like most anything you want, the key is to take your time and search things out. By doing so you will find exactly what you want at a great price!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By the way, you can learn more about &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.woodblindsa-z.com/Discount_Wood_Blinds.html"&gt;Discount Wood Blinds&lt;/a&gt; as well as more information on everything to do with wood blinds by visiting &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.woodblindsA-z.com"&gt;http://www.WoodBlindsA-z.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;a href=http://hometips.gregvan.com/painting_metal_siding.htm&gt;Painting Metal Siding&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-2259640268419651845?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/2259640268419651845/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=2259640268419651845' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/2259640268419651845'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/2259640268419651845'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/discount-wood-blinds-what-you-should.html' title='Discount Wood Blinds - What You Should Know'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-3120262842948112763</id><published>2009-09-13T14:58:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-13T14:58:39.187-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Sources of Heat Loss in the House</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;There are three main sources of heat loss in the house that when fixed may save you up to $500 per year. One source of heat loss that you may not have considered is the fireplace. Some homes have an open fireplace that is certainly just like leaving a window open. Warm air escapes through the chimney, which acts as a funnel, drawing air up and out. Even if you have a firebox installed into your fireplace and the gaps all around sealed, there is still the damper.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The damper creates an airflow without which the fire could not burn, but when there is no fire going, leaving the damper open is like leaving a window open. In fact, you could lose up to 30% of your air conditioning heat through the damper.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Not all houses have an attic, but many do, so if you have access to your attic by means of a folding stair, the ceiling and insulation will have been removed to install it. Frequently it is just covered up by a thin piece of plywood that may even have gaps around the edges. To find out, switch on the attic light at nighttime and view it from below. If you can see specks of light, there are gaps that need closing. In fact, the whole area should be covered with an attic stair cover.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The third place for heat loss is if your clothes dryer exhaust is ducted to an outside opening. Even when the door is shut, warm air can still escape through the clothes dryer. Add a dryer vent seal to solve the problem and keep out bugs as well.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Find out more about the Advantage Air &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.advantageair.com.au"&gt;http://www.advantageair.com.au&lt;/a&gt; range of reverse cycle &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.advantageair.com.au/go/residential/our-systems"&gt;ducted air conditioning&lt;/a&gt; including the &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.advantageair.com.au/go/commercial/our-systems/gen-iii"&gt;Gen 3&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;a href=http://hometips.gregvan.com/installing_windows_at_a_eye_leve.htm&gt;Installing Windows At A Eye Leve&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-3120262842948112763?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/3120262842948112763/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=3120262842948112763' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3120262842948112763'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3120262842948112763'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/sources-of-heat-loss-in-house.html' title='Sources of Heat Loss in the House'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-4201740073659507236</id><published>2009-09-12T21:37:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-12T21:37:08.422-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Technologies of Home Improvement - Siding and Chemical Treatment</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;The modern homeowner has a wealth of opportunities available to them to improve and refine their homes. In the past, it was often believed that the homeowner must take responsibility for every aspect of their home through a hands-on, attentive, and time consuming process of detail adjustment, surveillance, adaptation, and analysis.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While it is true that the modern homeowner has not been completely absolved of the necessities of care and commitment, recent technological advancements, specifically in the fields of lawn care and home siding, have been able to provide unique opportunities and advantages for homeowners from the 20th century. However, with these advantages come unique problems as well. One should examine the technologies of James Hardie siding and environmentally friendly pesticides to consider their strengths and weaknesses.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;James Hardie siding is a relatively new invention that claims to be fire resistant and affordable. We can defer the need to examine the affordability of this product momentarily so that we can consider the advantages of fire-proof home siding. This may be an instance of a new technological advancement that solved a problem that few, if any homeowners even knew that they had.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is in fact the case that traditional home siding is flammable and is often the cause of serious fire damage during a home crisis. While infrequent, when a house fire spreads to the outside siding of a residence, it can exacerbate the damage and spread around the house at a moment's notice. On this point, James Hardie siding is a clear advantage as it is inflammable and will not put the homeowner at risk of exterior home damage.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The second technology to consider is environmentally friendly pesticide. Many homeowners are been keenly aware of the environmental damage that is caused by pesticides and chemical treatments. In recent years, however, new, environmentally friendly products have been released to aid in the control of your lawn's pests without damaging the environment at large.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Likewise, this technology is a clear advancement over prior treatments, but it should not be considered the solution to all chemical problems- even environmentally friendly can be harmful if used too frequently or before rainstorms.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Both technologies have been demonstrated to be improvements over past products. The remaining issue is the affordability of both products. It cannot be said with any degree of certainty that an individual should purchase these new technologies. In a time of economic crisis it is too much to presume to know the individual financial situations of homeowners. It is up to the homeowner to decide to budget and analyze their own financial circumstances to see if they can afford the new technologies of home ownership.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent of Preferred Siding. The siding contractor provides James Hardie and Hardiplank Siding throughout the Northern Virginia area. For more information on their &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.preferredsiding.com/"&gt;cosmetic surgery Richmond Virginia&lt;/a&gt; please visit their website.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;a href=http://hometips.gregvan.com/toilet_paper_under_the_bathroom.htm&gt;Toilet Paper Under The Bathroom&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-4201740073659507236?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/4201740073659507236/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=4201740073659507236' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/4201740073659507236'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/4201740073659507236'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/technologies-of-home-improvement-siding.html' title='Technologies of Home Improvement - Siding and Chemical Treatment'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-8893747459591142735</id><published>2009-09-12T03:55:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-12T03:55:15.037-07:00</updated><title type='text'>How to Build Your Commercial Greenhouse</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;The success and productivity of running a greenhouse depend mainly on the kind of growing materials used. Since there are a number of designs to choose from, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of these designs. You should also choose plants suitable for the design of your greenhouse.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Kinds of Greenhouses&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A detached or free-standing greenhouse is generally an independent structure a few meters away from your house. However, it can be joined by building walkways. The advantage is that you can build it as large or as small as you want.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The most common detached greenhouse for commercial use is the Quonset. This greenhouse is built using arched rafters that usually have solid end walls for additional support. Quonset greenhouses are suitable for the production of most crops but due to their limited head room and storage area, plant growth may be restricted, hence diminishing productivity and efficiency.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ridge greenhouses are usually attached through a shared gutter. The absence of an inside wall below the gutter is an advantage as it increases efficiency. Gabled greenhouses are perfect for heavy coverings such as glass or fiberglass. Curved arch greenhouses are usually covered with much lighter substances such as polyethylene or polycarbonates. Connected ridge greenhouses are often referred to as range.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Planning&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To ensure that your commercial greenhouse will be profitable, some of the factors to consider are proper area selection in relation to markets, utilities, labor, as well as future plans for expansion. You should plan the following:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Type of crops you will be growing (herbs, flowers, perennials, orchids, vegetables, potted plants, and others)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; Growing period of the crops (are they seasonal or year-round?)&lt;br&gt; Plants that will be grown (to allocate the space and prepare the soil or pots)&lt;br&gt; Growing medium (soil, no soil, mix, nutrient solution, compost, fertilizer)&lt;br&gt; Growing methods (flooring, beds and flood, growing bags)&lt;br&gt; Annual productivity&lt;br&gt; Marketing strategy (wholesale, retail, or both)&lt;br&gt; Capital or investment&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Here are other things to consider when building a commercial greenhouse:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1. Space&lt;/strong&gt;. The area needed mainly depends on the type of business you are planning to get into, whether retail, wholesale, or both. Two acres is the suggested minimum space for a commercial greenhouse. Make way for parking space for your customers and employees, delivery, storage area, and future expansion plans.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2. Zoning&lt;/strong&gt;. It is advisable to consult your zoning officer about your plans to set up a commercial greenhouse. There are certain cities that require a permit for building a greenhouse to ensure safety and the welfare of the community.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3. Highway access&lt;/strong&gt;. For retail businesses, a location near or along a high-traffic road or near a residential site can greatly increase business. Wholesale business needs access to some interstate highway to deal with heavy road traffic.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;4. Environment&lt;/strong&gt;. Select a clean location, one that is away from industrial pollution like factories&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;5. Climate&lt;/strong&gt;. Avoid areas with extreme temperatures. Some plants may be sensitive to extreme sunlight or extreme cold weather.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;6. Slope&lt;/strong&gt;. Aim for a ground slope to provide water drainage that is vital for your greenhouse. Greenhouses must be situated on gravel base, 6 to 12 inches above grade.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;7. Water&lt;/strong&gt;. Plants need sufficient humidity for optimal development and the highest production of flowers and crops. Test water that comes from natural resources. They are known to have impurities that may be harmful for your crops.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;8. Electricity&lt;/strong&gt;. Ensure that your commercial greenhouse will have enough supply of electricity. As early as in the designing stage of the greenhouse, call on your areas electricity provider regarding power availability. Also call on your electrician to help design the electrical layout.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;9. Expansion.&lt;/strong&gt; All throughout the development and planning stage, factors must be considered for later expansion plans.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Note that before setting up your greenhouse business, careful research should be made. You will be learning new things as you go along with this business venture.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Do you need articles on greenhouse and green living? The Content Annex can craft strong copies and relevant articles for your website. We also write press releases, sales, copies, blogs, SEO articles, e-books, newsletters, autoresponder emails, and content for other marketing materials. For more information, visit: &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.thecontentannex.com"&gt;http://www.thecontentannex.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;a href=http://hometips.gregvan.com/toilet_paper_under_the_bathroom.htm&gt;Toilet Paper Under The Bathroom&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-8893747459591142735?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/8893747459591142735/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=8893747459591142735' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8893747459591142735'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8893747459591142735'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/how-to-build-your-commercial-greenhouse.html' title='How to Build Your Commercial Greenhouse'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-3080217119444152194</id><published>2009-09-11T10:05:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-11T10:05:54.129-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Interior Paint Finishes - Poway Home Remodeling</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;When choosing a paint color for a room, the selection does not just stop at the precise color; the finish also plays an integral role in the project. What many may not realize is that there's 5-6 different paint finishes to choose from. Each finish has its own pros and cons which if not analyzed, could deter from the final outcome of the home painting project.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here's a breakdown of each individual finish:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Matte Finish&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether called flat finish or wall paint, this type of interior paint has a matte surface. This paint finish is usually used on interior walls. It's especially good if you have to camouflage small wall bumps, cracks, or other imperfections, as this finish does not reflect light. While some flat paints are advertised as washable today, you may need to touch up scratches or marks by covering with a bit more paint, so be sure you keep some on hand after you've finished painting.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Eggshell Finish&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you can picture the very low sheen of the shell of an egg, you have an idea of how an eggshell paint finish will appear. With only a slight hint of shine or gloss, it's good for walls and holds up better with cleaning than a flat finish paint.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Satin Finish&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Satin finish paint has a smooth, velvety look with a bit more gloss. It is most often used for windows, doors, trim, or ceilings, but can also be used as wall paint. This is particularly suitable for kids' room walls, kitchens, or bathrooms, or in areas with a lot of traffic. Paint with a satin finish is formulated to hold up to cleaning and light scrubbing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Flat Enamel&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Flat enamel is paint with a durable flat, matte finish. It's a good choice for powder rooms and halls, as it holds up to occasional light cleaning.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Glossy&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Glossy finishes tend to give off a shiny finish imitating the appearance of enamel or plastic. This finish is not recommended for use on interior walls. A glossy finish is often seen on furniture and has recently become somewhat of a trend as a finish on cabinets and trim. A glossy finish provides a dramatic finish but has its disadvantages. Something to keep in mind when choosing a glossy finish is the paint finish will not hide imperfections. If anything the finish will magnify surface imperfections, so thoroughly assess your project area for dings and deep imperfections. Another helpful tip is sanding before starting to paint is necessary.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Semi-Gloss&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A semi-gloss paint finish is a wonderful choice for doors, cabinets, and trim in places like the kitchen and bathrooms. Semi-gloss can be easily cleaned and offers a delicate shine without too much gleam. Because of the slight sheen, imperfections are disguised better then say a glossy finish. To have to best outcome, it is recommended that the surface be thoroughly prepared before paint application. This process includes sanding out groves and puttying holes and indentations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hopefully the breakdown of each paint finish has helped you in selecting what kind of finish you want to give your interior home painting project. Never hesitate to ask your painting pro further questions and opinions about finishes in your home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Emil Suiugan&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Prime Painters, LLC&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="mailto:PrimePaintersLLC@yahoo.com"&gt;&lt;a href="mailto:PrimePaintersLLC@yahoo.com"&gt;PrimePaintersLLC@yahoo.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Emil Suiugan is the owner of Prime Painters, LLC, a metro Atlanta based painting company. He has 10+ years of experience as a paint contractor and has established his company as one of the most reputable and top paint contracting companies in Metro Atlanta and the North Georgia area. Feel free to contact for more information.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;a href=http://hometips.gregvan.com/window_header_framing_problems.htm&gt;Window Header Framing Problems&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-3080217119444152194?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/3080217119444152194/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=3080217119444152194' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3080217119444152194'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3080217119444152194'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/interior-paint-finishes-poway-home.html' title='Interior Paint Finishes - Poway Home Remodeling'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-5123027675572884215</id><published>2009-09-10T15:55:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-10T15:55:21.503-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Four Tips to Help You Finance Your Bathroom Remodel</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Financing any large remodeling project can be a pain, but when it comes to your bathroom, it can be an outright nightmare. But that doesn't have to be the case for you. When you learn about these four ways to help finance your bathroom remodeling project, you'll not only get to keep the bathroom vanity cabinets and vessel sinks that you've had your eye on, but you will also be able to add other stylish features that you never dreamed you could afford. While not all of these options will work for everyone, there's a perfect fit for you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;#1 Save your pennies&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While many people might consider this to be the hardest way to finance your bathroom vanity cabinets, it's also a good way to prioritize the things that you want to add to your bathroom. By taking the time to put away money each month for six months, you will be able to buy your bathroom remodeling pieces outright instead of paying them off for years to come. Try putting as much as you can away into a savings or money market account that will give you a high interest rate. This will accumulate as you're saving, giving you even more money at the end of your planned savings time. Start by looking at how much money you have at the current time, deciding how much you will need, and then start saving!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;#2 Finance your project&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For those with good credit, you may be able to say 'yes' to vessel bathroom sinks immediately by opening up a store line of credit at your local bathroom supply store. Look for deals that include no interest for a specific period of time and then be sure to pay off the full amount within that time period. This will help you get everything you need at the same time, but allow you some grace time to pay it back off. The trick with getting credit is that you only want to get as much as you need so that you're not paying off this debt for the rest of your natural life.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;#3 Make a trade&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you know someone in the bathroom remodeling business, you might be able to trade skills for a bathroom remodel. For example, if you're a carpenter, you might be able to help a bathroom contractor out with another project, free of charge in exchange for work on your own project. You might also have friends that can help you out and then you can pay them pack later or make other arrangements so that you can install your vessel bathroom sinks or vanity cabinets. You might also find the supplies you need at a swap meet or flea market.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;#4 Shop around&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You'd be surprised how many vessel sinks and bathroom vanity cabinets you can find for a steal on the internet. By shopping around, you may be able to find the right fixtures and accessories for your bathroom and then hire on a friend to help you install them - saving you labor costs. You might also try to install your own fixtures and other bathroom projects to save yourself even more money and give you a sense of accomplishment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Financing your bathroom remodeling project isn't about taking out a large loan and hoping that you don't need more. Budgeting and financing should be something that takes creativity and some discipline. You need to make money available or use your money more wisely to finance your project - plain and simple. Where you cut those corners is up to you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For all the things you need to make your bathroom shine, go to &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.discountbathroomvanities.com"&gt;http://www.discountbathroomvanities.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Dave Robert&lt;/i&gt; is a VP at Discount Bathroom Vanities Publishing, and an avid fixer-upper who's been restoring old houses for more than twenty years. Readers can tap into Dave's knowledge about home remodeling, and kitchen and bathroom design, at: &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.DiscountBathroomVanities.com"&gt;http://www.DiscountBathroomVanities.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;a href=http://hometips.gregvan.com/painting_a_french_door.htm&gt;Painting A French Door&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-5123027675572884215?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/5123027675572884215/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=5123027675572884215' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/5123027675572884215'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/5123027675572884215'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/four-tips-to-help-you-finance-your.html' title='Four Tips to Help You Finance Your Bathroom Remodel'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-4546973438739990216</id><published>2009-09-08T03:40:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-08T03:40:34.558-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Ways to Use Your Basement</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Many of us have unfinished basement spaces that don't seem like a good fit for many activities. They are large and expansive, and it can be overwhelming to finally tackle the space to make it usable. When tackling home improvement in your own home, it's a good idea to first contact a reputable contractor that can help you plan and then renovate your space. But your basement is a great area for many different activities.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you have teenagers or children that are constantly tell you they're bored, how about a game room? You can purchase inexpensive versions of parlor games such as billiards, air hockey and ping pong, and with the large space of a basement, they'll all fit. It's a great way to keep tabs on your teen when his or her favorite hangout is at your house!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're a movie lover, how about an in-home theater? With the darkness of a basement, it's an ideal spot to show your favorite films to all of our friends. Setting up a sound system is fairly easy, and if you have a clear wall you can even project larger images onto a screen, making it just like the movies!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Are you a photography buff? How about evolving your craft and having your own dark room? Home improvement doesn't have to be hard, and with a good contractor, you'll be able to transform the empty space in your basement into a space that you'll use and love for years to come.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Creative Basement Solutions (&lt;a target="_new" href="http://creativebasementsolutions.com/"&gt;http://creativebasementsolutions.com/&lt;/a&gt;) is a contractor doing &lt;a target="_new" href="http://creativebasementsolutions.com/"&gt;home improvement in Florence Kentucky&lt;/a&gt;. Billings Farnsworth is a freelance writer&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-4546973438739990216?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/4546973438739990216/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=4546973438739990216' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/4546973438739990216'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/4546973438739990216'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/ways-to-use-your-basement.html' title='Ways to Use Your Basement'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-8294617684026602839</id><published>2009-09-07T22:31:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-07T22:31:17.640-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Thriving in Today's Building Industry</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;For nearly 20 years Sony ruled the portable music industry with its popular brand Walkman. Through cassettes to CDs Sony Walkman was an industry leader in portable music players, yet in 2001 this seemingly unstoppable force fell from the top down to just another name in crowd of generic alternatives. In October of 2001 Apple launched the iPod and completely overtook the market. Apple recognized that the consumer market had changed and the demand for digital music and Mp3s was taking over traditional forms like CDs. Meanwhile the Walkman was left behind still doing things the old way.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The reality is that the past is the past. Markets are always changing and for businesses to remain successful and thrive they must adapt with them. The building and remodeling industry is not the same as it was 5 or 10 years ago, so if you are still approaching customers like you were back then, you are probably seeing a decline in sales. What do you do about a drop in sales? Adjust to today's marketplace.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Will energy costs rise, fall or stay the same? No matter what, the new normal is that energy for your car at the gas pump (According to Money Magazine this expense is 5% of a typical budget) - energy to heat and cool your house (According to Money Magazine this expense is 4% of household budgets) are high. What can a consumer do today to lower their gas expense for their current car? Right, not much. But what can a consumer do today to lower their energy costs on their home? Right, allot!!!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From Jonathan Sweet, Senior Editor, May 1, 2008 Professional Remodeler Magazine:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;"Two major factors will combine to make green have staying power: rising energy costs and the more environmentally friendly attitudes of younger consumers - the homeowners of the future."&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;"This is certainly not the end of rising energy costs, so people will continue to be looking at energy efficiency," says Sekley. "It appeals to people who are more environmentally conscious and there's a dollar and cents benefit."&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to Money Magazine:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Home energy - Seal up your house&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; 4% of your household budget.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; Up 9% from a year ago&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; To find air leaks, conduct a home-energy audit following the instructions at energystar.gov or hire a pro to do it for $200 and up.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; You can cut up to 25% of your heating and cooling costs by adding insulation and using caulk, spray foam and weather-stripping to seal leaks around windows and doors and in attics and basements.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; Potential savings: $1,375 in five years, after materials&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today's successful home improvement contractor needs to realize that yesterday's solutions do not solve today's problems.... Green and Energy Conservation are not fads...they are trends that affect behavior and drive consumer's decisions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today's homeowner, although concerned about their home's aesthetics, are looking at much more practical ways to invest in their home. Studies today indicate that they want to improve the energy efficiency of their home, 87% of homeowners rank energy efficiency as the most important upgrade and 90% say they would pay up to $5,000 more for an energy efficient home. Energy efficiency will not only save you money on energy bills but will add value to your home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mark Willinger&lt;br&gt; Modern Builders Supply, Inc.&lt;br&gt; &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.modernbuilderssupply.com/corner.htm"&gt;Building Industry Articles&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-8294617684026602839?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/8294617684026602839/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=8294617684026602839' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8294617684026602839'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8294617684026602839'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/thriving-in-todays-building-industry.html' title='Thriving in Today&apos;s Building Industry'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-7519202365314442074</id><published>2009-09-07T20:54:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-07T20:54:09.188-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Renovate With EIFS - Home Tips</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Ontario's Home Energy Audit provides rebates to home owners who improve their home in some way to reduce energy consumption and waste. The program provides rebates from $60.00 per energy-star qualified window, to $1,000.00 for a high efficiency furnace, to &lt;strong&gt;$3,000.00 for &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;insulating the exterior of your home&lt;/strong&gt;. Why is the largest grant (by category) given to Exterior Wall Insulation? One of the reasons is it can have the largest impact on keeping the heat inside your home as home owners typically see a 20-30% reduction in their heating and cooling bills after renovating the exterior of their walls with EIFS (synthetic stucco).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;First Thing is First&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In order to qualify for the rebates, you need to first have someone do the Ontario Home Energy Audit. This involves contacting the Government's ecoENERGY program to have an inspector come to your house and evaluate your eligibility. You will fall into various categories ranging from not eligible (because there is nothing that needs to be done), to partial benefits to improve certain aspects, to the full grant for adding something that is not currently there. The majority of homes do not have insulation on the exterior of their homes (from the sheating substrate and outward), which makes most home owners eligible for the full $3,000.00 rebate. &lt;u&gt;From the day of the inspection, you have exactly 18 months to complete all your retrofits and get the auditor back.&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Get Quotes For an EIFS Retrofit&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It may even be a good idea to do this first so you don't waste time trying to find contractors and prices. It is important to get multiple quotes, from different contractors to get a feel for what the price should be. They can be found via the internet, yellowpages, referrals, or preferably by the EIFS manufacturer who will recommend you to a few contractors they know that do quality work. Speaking with different contractors will open your eyes to aspects others may not mention, such as decorative items or things you need to consider like temporarily removing your soffit. Things that may affect your quotes include:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;Time of year will affect price, which is higher during the winter and busy season&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Not requiring a weather barrier (only if going over brick, concrete or CMU) will save money&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Small portions (such as dormers) often cost extra&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Decorative elements such as mouldings and cornices cost extra&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Let's say you understand what your options and prices are after getting 5 quotes, which do you choose? To start, if one is far below the others, toss it immediately. Any money you will save will come back to bite you down the road, and the repair can be more expensive than your synthetic stucco retrofit in the first place. Most of the time you want to go with quote #3 or #4 in terms of price. Don't forget that you can add decorative elements (like window sills, quoins, trim) at a later date -- one of the great benefits of EIFS.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Thickness of Styrofoam&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Though this will affect the price and is up to your discretion, &lt;u&gt;a minimum of 2.5" of "Type 1 Expanded PolyStyrene" (the white styrofoam) is required to qualify for the full $3,000.00 rebate&lt;/u&gt;. Typical styrofoam thickness is 2", which would get you the $1,800.00 rebate, however the additional 1/2" will not (or rather, should not) run you an additional $1,200.00, which means you will actually save money.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For the technically inclined, a total of R-3.8 to R-9 will qualify you for $1,800.00, while an R-value of 9 or above qualifies for the full $3,000.00 rebate. Type 1 Expanded PolyStyrene (the type of white styrofoam EIFS manufacturers carry and specify) is rated at R-3.71(per inch). This means adding 1" of styrofoam qualifies you for no rebate (yes, they are serious about that 0.09 of R value missing), while 2.5" will qualify you for the whole $3,000.00 (2.5 x 3.71 = 9.275). The other layers of EIFS do provide some R-value (arguable enough that 1" would qualify you for the rebate), however the government stipulates that &lt;u&gt;the R-value is calculated &lt;strong&gt;solely&lt;/strong&gt; on what is &lt;strong&gt;added&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/u&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;u&gt;to the wall &lt;/u&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;u&gt;via &lt;/u&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;u&gt;styrofoam&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Plan All Your Retrofits, Then Proceed&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You want to consider other renovations at the same time as your Synthetic Stucco retrofit. If you intend to add Energy Star qualified windows, they must be installed prior to adding Synthetic Stucco so that they can be properly "tied in" to the wall, that is, to prevent moisture intrusion. You will want to cover these windows while the EIFS is being installed to lessen the chances of them getting dirty. Again, soffits need to be removed during installation to avoid unsightly gaps at the top of your wall which double as a point for water to penetrate. A little bit of planning goes a long way in saving you money and head aches.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Get The Auditor Back&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Once everything is finished it's time to have the inspector come back to re-evaluate your home. You will need to show him copies of the bills with the specifications (for example, the EIFS contractor would specify "2.5" insulation added" on his invoice), and pictures of the product being installed may help -- make sure to find out exactly what the auditor is looking for during the first visit. Remember also, that you only have 18 months from the first inspection to get him back, otherwise you forfeit any claim you have to rebates. You may only do this once (ever!) so make sure you do all your retrofits at one time for the rebates, or be prepared to pay for future retrofits out of your pocket.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Upon verification that a minimum of 2.5" of insulation has been applied to all wall surfaces on the exterior of your home, the auditor will check to see if you qualify for any additional rebates for retrofits which may have been undertaken, then electronically submit the result to "Natural Resource Canada" and the "Ontario Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure". &lt;u&gt;From the time your auditor performs the final evaluation, you can expect to wait anywhere from 5-9 weeks for the audit to be processed another 1-2 weeks for the cheque to arrive&lt;/u&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Don't forget that on top of the rebate, renovating your home with Synthetic Stucco increases the value of your home (you recoup up to 88% of the renovation cost via increased home value) and can reduce your heating bill anywhere from 20%-30%, saving you over $500 per year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jim Schwarznoff is a Construction Project Management student with an emphasis on the building envelope and exterior design. For more information on EIFS (Synthetic Stucco) and to get quotes from Stucco Contractors visit &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.TorontoStuccoContractor.com/."&gt;http://www.TorontoStuccoContractor.com/.&lt;/a&gt; For more details on the Ontario Home Energy program, visit: &lt;a target="_new" href="http://torontostuccocontractor.com/blog/2009/01/the-ontario-home-energy-audit-provides-3000-towards-an-eifs-retrofit/"&gt;http://torontostuccocontractor.com/blog/2009/01/the-ontario-home-energy-audit-provides-3000-towards-an-eifs-retrofit/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-7519202365314442074?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/7519202365314442074/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=7519202365314442074' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7519202365314442074'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7519202365314442074'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/renovate-with-eifs-home-tips.html' title='Renovate With EIFS - Home Tips'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-1900670259262796477</id><published>2009-09-07T13:50:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-07T13:50:27.684-07:00</updated><title type='text'>DIY Projects For Interesting Weekends</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;People usually do their do-it-yourself projects during the weekends. While some people enjoy fishing or playing golf, many choose to try their hand at do-it-yourself projects around the house.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Easy home improvement projects and the like are a good choice for enthusiasts of all competences.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How to paint woodworks&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The first step is to secure the edges of the woodworks around the work area. Use wide masking tape that easily peels off. Mark all the wooden surfaces to be worked on. Begin the painting process with two coats of primer.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Make sure that the color you choose for the final layer of paint would not clash with the overall design of the area. Make sure that there is harmony between the new paint and the old paint.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;First paint all windows, before larger objects such as doors. Skirting boards should be painted last. Use fine brushes that easily absorb paint and use even strokes when painting.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The spreading of paint should be done sideways, to save paint and to achieve an even texture on the surfaces. The size of the brushes you will use should be one inch or two inches wide. Avoid overly large brushes as these absorb far too much paint when used.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you are painting outside your house, avoid painting during windy or rainy days. Windy days will ruin the new paint with flecks of foreign particles.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How to unclog your toilet&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Use an old-fashioned plunger for this task. If you do not have one at home, go to your hardware store and purchase the largest plunger available. Plungers are generally inexpensive, and the larger the plunger the more effective it would be.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After you have acquired the plunger, place the plunger in the blocked toilet and flush. The flushing will flood the toilet bowl. As the toilet bowl slowly fills with water, move the plunger up and down.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Make sure that you are consistent with the up and down movement. If you have done it correctly, the vacuum created will dislodge the blockage from the pipe.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The extra water that had been flooding the toilet bowl will slowly recede and will help carry away the blockage. If it is a hairball, add another wave of water to the receding flow by flushing the toilet again.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Next time, avoid flushing kitchen towels and similar kitchen implements to avoid further blockages. People should also avoid flushing cotton swabs, as these will eventually accumulate.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Wallpapering&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hanging wallpapers is easy, as long as you clean the surfaces well before attaching the wallpaper. With sandpaper, smoothen the wall to level the surface. If the surface of the wall is glossy, use the same sandpaper to roughen a bit. Making it rough will make the wallpaper stick better.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Use a table when applying the adhesive to the wallpaper. From the top of the table, roll down wallpaper and apply the adhesive evenly. A soft brush may be used to make the application easier.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To ensure that the wallpaper would be evenly distributed, use a plumb line. The wallpaper should be as even as the plumb line when the two are placed parallel to each other.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The author of this article is Benedict Yossarian. Benedict recommends Roof Bond &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.roofbond.biz/"&gt;Foam Roof Insulation&lt;/a&gt; and Dekorbeton &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.dekorbeton.com/"&gt;Concrete Stamping&lt;/a&gt; for your DIY needs&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-1900670259262796477?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/1900670259262796477/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=1900670259262796477' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/1900670259262796477'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/1900670259262796477'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/diy-projects-for-interesting-weekends.html' title='DIY Projects For Interesting Weekends'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-1334862688640172148</id><published>2009-09-07T12:01:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-07T12:01:56.001-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Proven Tips For Building a Wind Generator Yourself</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Installing a wind generator can help you save substantial amounts of money on your electricity bills each month. If you are someone who wants one in your home, you can also consider building one on your own. Building a wind generator not only helps you save money on energy bills but also to contribute your might towards a clean environment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Building a wind generator can seem a daunting task if proper planning is not involved. You will first of all need to have adequate knowledge about the various parts that make up the generator and how to put them together. Fortunately these days there are many detailed guides available over the internet that can help you gain knowledge about all these aspects.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Before you start the process of building a wind generator, you will first of all need to list down the things that you will need. The good news is that you can find most of the things at a hardware store near you. Some of the supplies you will need include nuts, bolts, steel tubing and battery packs, among others. You can also try building a wind generator with recycled materials too. Scrap metal from a local recycle center near you can always be used to make a wind generator. This will help you cut down on energy costs even more.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A wind generator can help you save on your energy bills by even 70 percent when used judiciously. Building one is not a difficult process too, what with the many useful online guides that are available nowadays. A little bit of online research coupled with your effort is all that is needed for you to take advantage of wind power.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Are you someone who is in search of an online help that will guide you with &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.w3reviews.org/"&gt;building a wind generator&lt;/a&gt;? Visit &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.w3reviews.org/"&gt;W3Reviews&lt;/a&gt;, a complete guide on using wind power, which can help you build your own wind generator.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-1334862688640172148?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/1334862688640172148/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=1334862688640172148' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/1334862688640172148'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/1334862688640172148'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/proven-tips-for-building-wind-generator.html' title='Proven Tips For Building a Wind Generator Yourself'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-6648912086832790352</id><published>2009-09-07T06:43:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-07T06:43:22.667-07:00</updated><title type='text'>To Install Gutters Or Not to Install Gutters</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;They divert rain water away from your foundation and landscaping. They protect the ground around your home from erosion. They keep water from pouring on your head as you enter and exit your home. They can be used to collect rain water for watering your lawn and plantings during drought times. Why wouldn't you want to install gutters on your home?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They leak. They clog. They overflow. They rob the plants around your home of a good soaking. They can cause tremendous erosion at the base of downspouts. They're ugly! They require maintenance from a dangerous rooftop or ladder. Why would you want to install gutters on your home?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There is no easy answer to the simple question: "Should I install gutters on my home, or not?" You'll simply have to weigh the pros and cons for your particular situation and decide for yourself.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The first thing to consider in making this decision is do you really need them? Take a look at the ground around your home. Does it slope away from your foundation? If it does you don't need gutters to keep water away from your foundation. If it doesn't you should probably look into some grading work before worrying about gutters anyway.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Next, take a look the landscaping surrounding your home. Can it be damaged by rainwater falling from the edge of your roof? This may be a tough question to answer at first thought. Go outside and inspect the areas under your eaves. If you find bare ground, mulch or lawn you should definitely consider gutters, or a change in ground materials that your rainwater will fall upon. If you find mature shrubbery, stone or any variety of hardscaping you probably don't have to worry about erosion. Consider the height of your roof. Water falling from the edge of a two, or three, story home will cause far more erosion and water falling from a single story home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Do you have trees around your home? Are they taller than your roof? Will they eventually be taller than your roof? If you have, or someday will have, trees that will shed leaves onto your roof you should seriously consider making do without gutters. Consider installing an alternative to gutters, or invest in one of the better products designed to keep leaves and other debris from entering your gutters. And don't be fooled into thinking that coniferous trees (e.g. pines) don't count. They drop as much, or more, material onto your roof as do deciduous trees.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A clogged gutter or downspout is not only useless, it is dangerous. The overflow is likely to find its way into the fascia board to which the gutter is secured causing rot and possible infiltration into walls and other structural members of your home. Where the collected water hits a clog it overflows, pouring onto a concentrated area of your landscaping or hardscaping causing damaging erosion. Water is heavy. A full gutter can break free damaging your home, or worse.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Do you live in an area that compels you, or forces you, to ration water use? This factor alone can trump all others. Collected rainwater is superior to any other source of water for lawns and other plantings. It can be used to wash your cars or fill pools and other water features. You use it for washing clothes and bathing, even for drinking with proper treatment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Can you get by with a simple diverter over your entryways allowing water to fall to one side or both? Can you simply deal with a bit of water shedding onto your head during storms? Can you deal with the mundane appearance of traditional gutters and downspouts? Granted, half-round copper gutters and round copper downspouts add elegance to Victorian and Gothic architecture, but standard aluminum "K" gutters and rectangular downspouts can do more to break the clean lines of modern houses than any other exterior accessory items.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chances are you live in a home that already had gutters installed either for need or as an afterthought of conformity. If you are looking at having a new roof or siding installed think hard on all of these points before making a blind decision to replace your gutters and downspouts as well. If you are building new, consider the site and talk to your neighbors, especially if you are moving to an unfamiliar area. In the end, the decision is yours and yours alone. Make an informed one.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mike Hudecheck &lt;br&gt; Pro-G Contractors &lt;br&gt; Roofing Siding Windows Doors &lt;br&gt; Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, Philadelphia Counties in Pennsylvania; New Castle County in Delaware; Cecil and Harford Counties in Maryland &lt;br&gt; &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.progcontractors.com"&gt;http://www.progcontractors.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-6648912086832790352?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/6648912086832790352/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=6648912086832790352' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/6648912086832790352'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/6648912086832790352'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/to-install-gutters-or-not-to-install.html' title='To Install Gutters Or Not to Install Gutters'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-1548604720045714075</id><published>2009-09-07T01:53:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-07T01:53:37.102-07:00</updated><title type='text'>United States Savings Bonds  How Do I Calculate US Savings Bond Values?</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;A savings bond is a treasury security for investors. In essence, investors are loaning the government money. They are issued both as paper bonds and electronic savings bonds. They cannot be traded but can be redeemed after only one year. There are no dividends, per se, with a savings bond, as the interest payments are simply added on to the value of the bond, but as tax-deferred items, the interest doesn't have to be reported to the government until the bonds are cashed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The value of a savings bond varies with the kind of bond purchased - series A, B, C, D, E, EE, F, G, H, HH, I, J and K. It also depends on when it is cashed and what kind of interest it has been assigned. Since 1935, the treasury has issued savings bonds in alphabetical progression. For example, series A bonds were offered the first year, Series B bonds followed in 1936, Series C ran from 1937-1938, and Series D were issued from 1939-1941. Series E bonds, longest running of the treasury savings bonds, ran from May 1941 until they were discontinued in 1980.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Series EE bonds were brought out in 1980 to replace the series E. They can be purchased at half or full face value. They come in amounts between $50-$10,000, and carry a maturity date of between eight to thirty years. Those cashed in before the fifth year are penalized three months' worth of interest. &lt;br&gt;If EE bonds are purchased through a bank or other financial institution, it is also known as a Patriot Bond. There were more kinds of savings bonds, including the series F and G (which were offered to all investors except banks), series H, HH, Series I, J and K.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How do we calculate the value?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The value of a savings bond can be calculated by taking note of the face value of the bond, the interest rate from the time the bond was issued until the present time, and whether there are any penalties that have to be deducted. In addition, it is important to note that a bond that is issued at half the face value will be worth the face value at maturity, while a bond that is issued at face value is worth twice this amount at the time of maturity. Savings Bonds can also increase in value if they are redeemed past their maturity date, in which case the interest must be calculated on a year-to-year basis.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.bond-trading.org"&gt;http://www.bond-trading.org/&lt;/a&gt; you will find articles on &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.bond-trading.org/municipal-bond-funds.html"&gt;municipal bond investments&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.bond-trading.org/savings-bond-value.html"&gt;how do savings bonds work&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-1548604720045714075?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/1548604720045714075/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=1548604720045714075' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/1548604720045714075'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/1548604720045714075'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/united-states-savings-bonds-how-do-i.html' title='United States Savings Bonds  How Do I Calculate US Savings Bond Values?'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-959147960306040175</id><published>2009-09-06T23:32:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-06T23:32:06.138-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Natural Wood Cedar Garage Doors</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Natural wood garage doors are aesthetically very pleasing and add value to any home. Redwood, oak and cedar garage doors are very popular with many new home builders. Natural wood is really great at accenting your home. In terms of garage doors pricing wood doors are relatively cheap to build and install however they are obviously not as durable as conventional metal or composite garage doors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Wood garage doors will weather quickly and expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. As such frequent up keep will be required to keep them in good condition. Many of the new wood care products do a very good job of protecting wood products including wood garage doors. If you live in area with long winters and deep snows where the snow will lay against the doors for an extended period then you will need to conduct maintenance more often. Also if you live in an area with long periods of heat and humidity such as the Southeast US you will also have to do a good job of regular maintenance to protect your investment.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The lowest priced wood garage doors are constructed of redwood while oak and cedar garage doors are normally about twice as expensive. A 16 x 7 redwood garage door will average about $600 to $800 depending on the type of door construction. Tilt-up garage doors are especially adaptable to using wood for construction. Cedar garage doors have an additional advantage of being lightweight and very rot resistant. In addition white cedar garage doors do a fairly good job of insulating as well.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;If you decide to use a flush fit roll up garage door construction you should make sure the panels are constructed of one solid piece of wood. Failure to do so will mean that there is a good chance that glued and stapled seams will begin to show after weathering. Finding redwood and cedar material that is straight and clean can be expensive. Thin wood panels will have a higher risk of warping than larger dimensions. However it you are installing an oak door with long solid panels then door weight may become a concern.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;For obvious reason you would not want to install cedar garage doors or any wood door in areas of high wind risk. However you can apply a wood door covering to a high wind rated door that will protect your home from hurricanes and meet local high wind building codes. In some case local building codes will not permit the modification. It probably be best find a conventional high wind garage door manufacture that has a very good artificial wood finish embossed on it if you live along the Southeast Coastal areas.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;When building your home there is no doubt that natural wood garage doors do look very nice. The look of an oak, redwood or white cedar garage doors that are well maintained will certainly enhance the value of your home. It really is hard to beat the natural look of real wood.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;James Kesel, MS, is the publisher of the Garage Doors Pricing Website located at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.garagedoorspricing.com"&gt;http://www.garagedoorspricing.com&lt;/a&gt; - Providing information on &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.garagedoorspricing.com/cedargaragedoors.html"&gt;Cedar Garage Doors&lt;/a&gt; and the purchasing, installing and operation of a garage door.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-959147960306040175?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/959147960306040175/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=959147960306040175' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/959147960306040175'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/959147960306040175'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/natural-wood-cedar-garage-doors.html' title='Natural Wood Cedar Garage Doors'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-8630469954345824822</id><published>2009-09-06T16:16:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-06T16:16:39.896-07:00</updated><title type='text'>What is Injection Waterproofing?</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Injection waterproofing is often used to fill and seal cracks and crevices. The material is most often made from a polyurethane compound. The compound is lightweight and expands up to twice its original size when applied to a surface. Many non-toxic and environmentally safe products are available at home improvement stores nationwide. Injection waterproofing is used mainly in foundation crack repairs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In most foundation cracks, a polyurethane injection can seal the opening. In some smaller cracks it may be apparent that a sealant was used because it may be difficult to evenly inject the compound. Single caulking style cartridges and the dual side-by-side cartridge systems are the types of injection waterproofing compounds available for retail purchase. Both of these are manually injected and easy to pump.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When using an injection waterproofing method, it is important to keep the area dry. Temporarily block any flowing water to the area, and clean and dry the area as needed. Experts say that in the case of water flowing through a hole, you can temporarily caulk the hole with candle wax, modeling clay or plumbers putty. If the cracks are in narrow or hard-to-reach places, you can use a flexible hose attached to the injector nozzle.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whatever waterproofing system your leakage problem requires, be sure to do your research. If you choose to make this a do-it-yourself project, make sure you know where your leaks are coming from and the proper method to repair them. When purchasing waterproofing materials you should make sure you are buying the appropriate product for your needs. The National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors (NAWSRC) has tons of information on waterproofing. Whether or not you decide to hire a contractor, this organization can help you from beginning to end.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.i-waterproofing.com"&gt;Waterproofing Info&lt;/a&gt; provides detailed information on waterproofing systems, including injection waterproofing, foundation waterproofing, concrete waterproofing, deck waterproofing, basement waterproofing, and waterproofing basement walls, as well as waterproofing contractors and consultants. Waterproofing Info is affiliated with &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.growthink.com"&gt;Business Plans by Growthink&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-8630469954345824822?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/8630469954345824822/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=8630469954345824822' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8630469954345824822'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8630469954345824822'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/what-is-injection-waterproofing_06.html' title='What is Injection Waterproofing?'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-297119461181739083</id><published>2009-09-06T15:16:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-06T15:16:58.687-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Earth4Energy Review</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What Is Earth4Energy?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is a DIY guide on how to build your own renewable power generator. In specific it will help you build solar panels and/or windmills to power your own home with. It can be downloaded instantly online.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What Are The Benefits Of Earth4Energy?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;Saving a significant amount of money on your home's electric bill.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Helping the environment by using renewable energy.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;When the "power goes out" you will still be able to have your lights on.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;It cuts the cost of having your own solar panels by thousands of dollars. &lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How Much Does It Cost To Implement The Plans?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can implement the DIY plans in Earth2Energy for less than $250. That may only be a couple of months of your electricity bill. When you have a renewable energy source you will be saving a huge amount of money on your electricity bill, you may even be able to eliminate your electric bill entirely! So as you can see you will be saving much more money than you are spending.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What If I Can't Get The Plans In The Guide To Work?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You should be able to as the plans are set out in an easy to read, easy to follow way. But if for you are unsatisfied for any reason at all you will receive a complete refund. That means there's literally no risk involved in purchasing this guide online now.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Can I Build Solar Panels &amp; A Windmill?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Absolutely. If you want to have both, build both! That will give you even more free renewable energy. You may find that you enjoy this activity if you are a DIY type of person.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.your7reasons.com/Earth4Energy/"&gt;Download Earth4Energy Now&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.smartreviews.info/downloads/2008/07/earth-4-energy-review.html"&gt;Earth4Energy Review&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-297119461181739083?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/297119461181739083/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=297119461181739083' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/297119461181739083'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/297119461181739083'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/earth4energy-review.html' title='Earth4Energy Review'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-3995698620387380837</id><published>2009-09-06T09:20:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-06T09:20:45.227-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Finding Grants for Green Construction</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;When it comes to new construction techniques, grants are often a way to cut costs. Federal grants for green construction are plentiful with billions literally available.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A federal grant is an award of financial assistance from a Federal agency. It is intended to carry out a public purpose or support or stimulate a purpose that is authorized by a law of the United States. Federal grants can be found and applied for electronically. The site Grants.gov is the central clearing house for Federal Grants.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are twenty six different agencies that offer over 1,000 grant programs. The grants that apply to green construction are mostly offered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The total amount of grants available exceeds $400 billion dollars. The grants offered by the feds fall into twenty one categories. The categories that have the most impact on green construction are Energy, Environmental Quality, and Health.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Most of the grants are directed toward specific geographical areas. Some of the major concerns of the grants include water quality improvement and the prevention of urban storm water runoff. Many of the grants are connected with the Leeds certification program. Leeds stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a program that is run by the United States Green Building Council and it establishes green construction standards and awards certificates to those that maintain these standards.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Although there are federal grants available, it is on the state and local level that the large majority of grants can be found. The green movement is a grassroots type of thing that appears to be strongest at the local level. Environmental concerns are often very local, and the problems that have been caused by the neglect of the environment are local as well. The pollution of waterways is a good example of this. grant programs exist that are directed at the Great Lakes or at Puget Sound, for example. States that are bordering these waterways usually offers these grants. The idea of environmental impact areas has led to the localities that border or are inside the impact area being the best source of funds for projects that will address the problems.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Private foundations like the Kresage Foundation are among the best sources of green construction grants. The Kresage Foundation has been offering grants under their Green Building Initiative Program. It is specifically geared toward the area of planning and design. While it is true that State, local, and private foundations are the major sources of grants that can be considered pure green building, the federal government is also a source. Research is the key to finding a grant for your project, so take the time to explore the various options mentioned above.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Zack Verde is with GreenBuildingCompanies.com - providing &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.greenbuildingcompanies.com/information-articles"&gt;green building articles&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-3995698620387380837?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/3995698620387380837/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=3995698620387380837' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3995698620387380837'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3995698620387380837'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/finding-grants-for-green-construction.html' title='Finding Grants for Green Construction'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-3786949587146580336</id><published>2009-09-06T05:04:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-06T05:04:51.539-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Solar Lighting For the Garden Saves Energy and Gives a Warm Glow</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;The sun powers your outdoor lighting? Yes, this is not only economical, it is also ecologically smart. Solar lights use the sunlight to charge batteries which power the solar lights. Solar lights may be set to automatically go on at night and can stay alight for up to 9 hours or more.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Solar Lighting Shines a Romantic Glow &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Solar outdoor lights are excellent for the garden yard, deck or entry path, giving a romantic soft garden glow. Garden lighting effectively adds a warm touch of home, even before entering the house. Individual accent lights showcase interesting elements in the yard. Spotlights can make a plain tree look spectacular at night, which may just increase your property value as well.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Solar Lighting in the Garden. The Practical Option&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The solar receptor panels generally last about 20 years with proper care. Solar garden lighting helps illuminate dark paths, or highlight certain landscape elements. There are solar lights that can be installed onto the house or poles, so that it is not so easy for thieves or vandals to walk away with the fixtures.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Solar Garden Lighting Scares away common Burglars &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Solar lighting helps to scare away thieves, by giving the feeling of someone is at home here. In fact, there may be solar lights that can be set to turn on and off at certain times in the evening, just like you may now be using light timers inside the house to give the impression that someone is at home turning the lights off and on at certain hours in the evening. Movement detectors on solar lights are extremely good in preventing unwanted guests, and just as effective at welcoming an expected friend. Do you remember the feeling you felt as you approached the front door of a house of a friend, as the front poor light went on as you approached the stoop? You may have had an alarmed feeling, like &lt;a href="http://www.clifinar.com" target="_new"&gt;Clifinar&lt;/a&gt; did, or felt happy that the area became lighted, aiding you in finding the steps, avoiding cracks in the walk, or the garden hose hat may have accidentally been left lying across the entry path!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Solar Lighting and Caring for your Garden&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;During the Fall and Spring, when you are arriving home in the early evening, many times it is just getting dark, or is already dark. With the energy-saving solar lighting you have installed, you can comfortably see your garden and be able to water the garden. Evening hours is a perfect time to water, as evaporation is not a problem, as it is in the hotter daytime hours.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Outdoor solar lighting creates a welcoming ambiance of warmth and safety. That could be why Mom always left the light on for you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dan Flower is a writer for No-Crank.com, a leading manufacturer of &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.no-crank.com/SiteFiles/1/588/2874.asp"&gt;automatic garden hose reels&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-3786949587146580336?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/3786949587146580336/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=3786949587146580336' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3786949587146580336'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3786949587146580336'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/solar-lighting-for-garden-saves-energy.html' title='Solar Lighting For the Garden Saves Energy and Gives a Warm Glow'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-4977877927117195575</id><published>2009-09-06T02:28:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-06T02:28:02.562-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Home Selling Books - Real Estate Tips</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;I was talking to a friend of mine, who had just purchased a new home about two months ago and he was practically yelling at me as he was talking about all the problems that he had with his realtor and previous homeowner. He was so mad, he had forgot about the problems he had with the home inspection. My friend was usually a very easy going and calm individual but this had upset him and almost turned him into an irrational person.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As I was calming him down and trying to get to the core of the problem, it seem like he didn't have enough information about buying or selling homes. He was confused with all the paperwork that was involved during the entire process. His real estate salesperson had him sign a contract that wouldn't let him use another realtor for a specific period of time. He really didn't know what he was signing and according to him, it wasn't explained properly to him.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After a couple of weeks of shopping for a new home, he became irritated with the realtor and wanted to end the relationship. Think again, said the realtor as he explained to my friend that they had a binding contract and his current realtor would get a percentage of the transaction, no matter what for that specific period of time. Was my friend mad, he was practically foaming at the mouth as he was telling me about the real estate professional.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It didn't stop here and they don't want to go into a long story about the real estate transaction from purgatory. My friends pain had come from the fact, that he had purchased a home 15 years ago and it was a smooth transaction and he was under the impression that buying and selling homes was a simple process.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I handed my friend a book called "The Consumer's Guide to Home Buying" and asked him if this book would have been helpful, before he started shopping for a home. I was curious because I build websites and do a lot are writing on the Internet. I told him to take the book home and I would get back with him, in a few weeks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He contacted me the next day and couldn't believe the information he gained, just by scanning through the book in a few hours. He started to get mad at me for not giving him this book, before all the home buying problems occurred. I informed him quite simply that he had never even told me, he was looking for a home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Can home selling books save you money, you bet they can.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a &lt;a target="_new" href="http://houseinspectionhelp.com/homebuyersguide/index.htm"&gt;home buyers guide&lt;/a&gt; to take some of the frustration out of home shopping&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your looking for some more &lt;a target="_new" href="http://houseinspectionhelp.com/"&gt;home inspection&lt;/a&gt; or home building ideas&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-4977877927117195575?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/4977877927117195575/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=4977877927117195575' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/4977877927117195575'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/4977877927117195575'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/home-selling-books-real-estate-tips.html' title='Home Selling Books - Real Estate Tips'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-9018793799355038021</id><published>2009-09-05T19:19:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-05T19:19:05.998-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Record Your Home Improvements</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Will that new HDTV and home entertainment center fit in your existing space, or will you have to remodel the room to make it fit? How can you communicate the size available vs. the size needed? Do you know what's there now and what was there previously?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What did your living room look like before you remodeled it? What will it look like after the furniture is re-arranged? Your inventory and photo records help make the job of moving furniture matching wall colors, and shopping for new wall and floor coverings a lot easier!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Begin by looking through the old photos taken during the holiday seasons or other occasions. They will help you put together a more detailed sketch of what the rooms looked like at earlier times. These will give you an idea of how the room looked at that time. They may also reveal before remodeling issues like walls or doorways that have been changed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now is the time to update views of your rooms. Take photos of various directions of the room. The color photos may even be taken without flash to give you a better idea of how natural window lighting impacts overall view and shadows in the room. Take photos at eye level when standing in the entry, seated in your favorite chair and from a child's eye view.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Copies of these photos can then be added to the room inventory that you develop and maintain from now on as you make changes and update room furnishings. Some of the current photo storage and software options permit storing the file off site. This can be extremely valuable if you ever have a flood, fire or other disaster.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A more valuable benefit of these records comes during the shopping phase prior to purchase of window coverings, wallpaper, paint, art, furniture or floor coverings. These references should also contain reference measurements like room width, room length and ceiling height. While you're measuring, don't forget to measure door widths and sketch out the locations and measurements for wall electrical outlets, hearing and air conditioning vents and registers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With the current schedule of communication changes, especially HDTV, many consumers are purchasing new, larger screed HDTV units. While the sales people are very helpful at suggesting a larger screen format, you may find that it is just too big for the space available!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How do you plan to upgrade the present equipment and furnishings? Can you do it yourself? If you plan to have someone else do it like a local handyman or interior design or home furnishing company, your planning, outlined above can greatly reduce down time, cost and ultimate satisfaction with the finished job.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dennis Bries&lt;br&gt; &lt;a target="_new" href="http://briespix.com"&gt;http://briespix.com&lt;/a&gt; Home and Yard Improvements don't 'just happen' they need to be planned.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-9018793799355038021?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/9018793799355038021/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=9018793799355038021' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/9018793799355038021'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/9018793799355038021'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/record-your-home-improvements.html' title='Record Your Home Improvements'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-8258117830045978364</id><published>2009-09-05T18:46:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-05T18:46:20.304-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Is Earth4Energy Real</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;With all the hype around the earth four energy products, many people are questioning is earth4energy real? Well the product is based on very real and applicable information which many people have known about the decades now.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This information will tell you not only how to build and install your own energy power system such as do-it-yourself solar panels, and do-it-yourself home wind turbines, but you will also find out a lot of really useful information on how to make your home more efficient in terms of energy usage that you use in your day to day life.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many people are starting to use this technology, although as I mentioned, this technology has been around for some years now. It is only really because of the economy, and also because of the worsening state of the environment and this planet, that more and more people are starting to look at renewable home energy systems as a reality in their own lives.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The best thing about the earth4energy product, is that it now gives you not only a full downloadable information guide teaching you how to source materials, build systems, and install them, but also you will now have videos that will guide you step-by-step through the process of making your home more energy-efficient.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This really is the icing on the cake, and this is why so many people are starting to take note of this amazing opportunity to learn how to build systems that will increase their efficiency in their own home and provide them with much cheaper living costs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To get more information from someone who is actually built the system &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.firestareviews.com/off-grid-living/"&gt;click here&lt;/a&gt; and see what is contained within earth4energy, and to help you better answer your question &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.firestareviews.com/off-grid-living/"&gt;is earth4energy real?&lt;/a&gt; then click on one of the links.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This article maybe used freely by others, as long as they keep the resource box as is.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-8258117830045978364?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/8258117830045978364/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=8258117830045978364' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8258117830045978364'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8258117830045978364'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/is-earth4energy-real.html' title='Is Earth4Energy Real'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-4679926330256061750</id><published>2009-09-05T12:01:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-05T12:01:06.687-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Tankless Water Heaters - Are They Worth It?</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;A penny saved is a penny earned. I had my buddy call me up and tell me about this article on consumer reports about it taking 20-25 yrs to recoup your initial costs on a tankless water heater. That just really gets under my skin because it is not true. First off the technology has been around for 40 yrs and is rock solid and extremely efficient. Your fuel costs will be cut significantly and your risk of a flood is virtually eliminated.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I am sure that at least 50 percent of homes in the U.S. will at some time have to use their homeowners insurance to cover the costs of damages caused by busted water heaters. Well I am sorry folks but tankless is the only way to go and you will not only benefit from the savings, your lifestyle will improve as well. I know it's worth something to dad to be able to take a shower after all of the girls get out without having to wait for an hour.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And you can rest assured that a wife who is able to use her garden tub to take a bath in instead of a dust collection bowl will gladly pitch in a little. So if you are going to write an article about tankless water heaters at least know something about them or keep your mouth shut. I have personally installed over 100 units and have received zero complaints. I have a tankless on my house and it has paid for itself with peace of mind and reduction in our fuel costs. Clean consistent hot water is priceless to modern man.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Log onto &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.atlantaplumbingdirectory.com"&gt;http://www.atlantaplumbingdirectory.com&lt;/a&gt; to find the Atlanta Plumber you need now.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-4679926330256061750?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/4679926330256061750/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=4679926330256061750' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/4679926330256061750'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/4679926330256061750'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/tankless-water-heaters-are-they-worth.html' title='Tankless Water Heaters - Are They Worth It?'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-4589384659817550947</id><published>2009-09-05T08:35:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-05T08:35:09.685-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Homemade Solar Panels - Why Use Free Renewable Solar Energy to Power Your Home?</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;The question above already speaks of the bountiful benefits that solar energy bequeaths us. Building your own solar panels can be a great way to cut your exorbitant monthly utility bills at least by half as well as allows you to do your part for the environment. Solar power is free and renewable and the conversion process releases zero toxic emissions into our environment. And the process can also be a fun and enjoyable experience for yourself and the entire family too.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You will derive great benefits when you start adopting your very own residential solar power to drive your home appliances. You will soon see your utility bills reduced by at least 80 percent constantly almost the moment you put your solar power system to use, not to mention that this is a renewable and sustainable source of energy throughout its lifespan. You will no longer be at the mercy of the ever rising energy prices. This way, you are slowly but surely liberated from non-renewable power sources, have the freedom to own and use your power as you see fit and be wean off power outages for a long time to come. On top of all this, you are doing your bit to fight global warming reduce your carbon footprint and even be eligible for green energy tax credits.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And while the cons of expensive solar panels used to deter people from adopting solar power for homes, it is no longer so with the advent of a few good manuals currently available in the market. The good guides can literally teaches you the entire process from creating, assembly and installation of your homemade solar panels. Note that you should look out for guides with very specific how to do instructions and design diagrams, directions on where and how to find the required components and materials. The good guides comes with thorough step by step videos that walk you through the critical stages and even comes with member discussion forums for experience sharing and further coaching.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Homemade solar panels will cost you less than 200 dollar per panel to create and you can immediately use them to power your home. Compare this to ready made solar panels setting you back by 3000 dollars per panel, building your own solar panels system is a steal.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So if you are ready to slash your utility bills by at least half, and build your very own homemade solar power system, start searching for that home made solar power guide now.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Join the thousands of families tapping on Free Renewable Energy. Visit &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.solarwindenergydiy.com"&gt;SolarWindEnergyDIY.com&lt;/a&gt; for Your Complete Solar Power Guide Review.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Also Find more information here to &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.squidoo.com/How-to-Build-Solar-Panels-for-Home-Use"&gt;Build Your Own Solar Panels&lt;/a&gt; and Save 80 percent on Your Electricity Bills.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-4589384659817550947?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/4589384659817550947/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=4589384659817550947' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/4589384659817550947'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/4589384659817550947'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/homemade-solar-panels-why-use-free.html' title='Homemade Solar Panels - Why Use Free Renewable Solar Energy to Power Your Home?'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-646904530637588992</id><published>2009-09-05T04:59:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-05T04:59:02.044-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Attic Odors - Home Repair Tips</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;If you've ever opened up your attic access hole, only to find one of the worst odors you have ever smelled in your whole life, I've been there too. What causes these horrible smells and what can you do about them?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Let's start with the cause of these smells, moisture, dirt, mold, mildew, dead animals, animals that make their home in your attic and the biggest problem of all is normally poor ventilation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Poor ventilation is the biggest problem with musty smells in the attic. These smells are often caused from moisture accumulating in the building materials over time. If there is enough moisture in the attic, the wood will start to rot but this wouldn't be a normal situation, unless there was a roof or water leak.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Roof leaks can cause a constant supply of water to one part of the attic. This constant supply of water will eventually rot the wood and damage the ceiling. Water leaks from pipes can provide a steady supply of water and the situation can attracts termites and mold. Not a good thing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One of the worst possible smells or odors in your attic would be a dead animal. Don't under estimate the size of some of these animals, they have found dead raccoons, cats, snakes, large birds, squirrels, rats and mice in some attics. These animals usually enter through damaged access holes or vent blocks, roof vents, large gaps, holes and even fireplace chimneys.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Once these animals die, their bodies start to decompose and produce one horrible odor. Once the body is completely decomposed, the smell usually goes away if the attic is ventilated properly. These smells can seep into the homes living area, often creating a room that no one wants to enter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://houseinspectionhelp.com/house_pests.htm"&gt;Home pests&lt;/a&gt;that make their home in your attics, often create smells from urinating and defecating in the areas around their nest. Large birds like owls can become a problem over time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now that we've figured out some of the causes for attic odors and strange smells, what can we do to prevent this from happening and if it's already happened, how can we get rid of the smell.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your having problems in your attic, find out more at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com/books/pest_control_books.htm"&gt;pest control books&lt;/a&gt; and home building ideas&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-646904530637588992?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/646904530637588992/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=646904530637588992' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/646904530637588992'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/646904530637588992'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/attic-odors-home-repair-tips.html' title='Attic Odors - Home Repair Tips'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-2835425780138325034</id><published>2009-09-04T22:15:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-04T22:15:10.828-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Handling the Money Issue</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Okay. You found a contractor or service provider that you like. You received an estimate to your satisfaction, you understand the terms of an agreement (i.e. down payment, time to complete, materials to be used, etc.) and have decided to move forward.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;First understand that an estimate, by definition, is just that. An estimate is a rough idea to produce a statement of the approximate cost of the project. It is not a promise. Also understand the estimate is for the time it should take to complete the project understanding that if something gets in the way of that completion, oftentimes it will, that a satisfactory resolution to the completion will be set in place immediately upon discovery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Contact the service pro and let him/her know that you are ready to take the next step and enter into a formalized agreement (contract). At this time, the service pro will set up a time to meet with you to discuss in detail every aspect of the project possible, i.e. materials to be used, color selection, setting a final cost and setting the start and end times. Be realistic about the time it will take to complete the project. This will mostly be determined based the professional experience and labor personnel.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Regarding down payments. We all have our own horror stories and have heard stories from others. However, it is not ethical to make the professional buy all your materials with no money down from you. This is where trust comes into play. If you are not comfortable making a materials down payment, ask to pay the supplier directly. Be advised that if you wish to purchase the materials directly, you most likely will end up paying the full price rather than a discount offered to the service pro if he/she chooses to share that with you. Ask for it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The best way to handle payments, in my opinion, depending on the size and scope of the project, is to break down the project into segments. Say the job is for a painting project that will take you one week to complete. Half down payment and half due at completion should suffice. If you are not comfortable with paying half, then reason with the pro. They want your business, but you want their trust. In the event that 99% of the work is done, but something else needs to be completed but cannot at that time for one reason or another, agree on a partial payment of the remaining balance due. This keeps honesty in place and you are not looking for someone else to finish the job if the service pro does not finish. This rarely occurs, but it is good to keep everything in fair balance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;That said good luck with your project. If you have any questions or comments about a project you wish to begin or questions about the way a service pro handled your estimate, do not hesitate to contact me. I would be glad to assist and offer my opinion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ryan M. Bruzan&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.littlethings.biz"&gt;http://www.littlethings.biz&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-2835425780138325034?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/2835425780138325034/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=2835425780138325034' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/2835425780138325034'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/2835425780138325034'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/handling-money-issue.html' title='Handling the Money Issue'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-3234546303636251322</id><published>2009-09-04T22:10:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-04T22:10:35.140-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Lower Your Electric Bill</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Looking to lower your electric bill and start saving money? Check out the tips below and start saving today. Hopefully all of us can not only save money but also save the environment at the same time!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Did you know that of the total energy consumed in America, about 39% is used to generate electricity. Most of the electricity in the US is generated from fossil fuels.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We can all start making small changes to not only lower our electricity bills, but to also clean up our environment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here are tips to help you!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. Turn of lights! Don't forget about the T.V., computer, and video games. You should also unplug items (such as your microwave &amp; alarm clock) as well, even though they are turned off they are still using energy!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. Clean or replace your air conditioner filter. This will not only cut cost, your unit will also run more efficiently.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3. Wash your clothes in cold water, and try to wash your clothes at night. Running your dryer during the day will cause your home to warm up, and in return kick you air conditioner on in order to cool it down.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;4. Close vents in unused rooms.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5. Use energy efficient light bulbs. This may be an investment in the beginning, however they will save you in the long run.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Following these tips will certainly help you lower your electric bill. We all leave our footprints here are earth long after we are gone. Lets all make a change that will positively affect generations to come.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To learn more about solar energy, and drastically lower your electric bill &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.squidoo.com/lowerelectricbill"&gt;click here&lt;/a&gt;!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.squidoo.com/lowerelectricbill"&gt;http://www.squidoo.com/lowerelectricbill&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-3234546303636251322?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/3234546303636251322/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=3234546303636251322' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3234546303636251322'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3234546303636251322'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/lower-your-electric-bill_04.html' title='Lower Your Electric Bill'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-3783426820394563127</id><published>2009-09-04T15:07:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-04T15:07:40.034-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Help When Buying Replacement Windows</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When is the Best Time of Year to Consider Buying Replacement Windows?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Buying replacement windows can be a big project. Here are some tips to get you started on the right track to a successful window replacement.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The best time of year to consider &lt;em&gt;buying replacement windows&lt;/em&gt; is around spring or fall. Buying replacement windows and having them installed will leave your home open to the elements for a day or so. You want to avoid hot, cold and rainy times of the year if possible.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The first thing anyone should do is budget for the windows. This can become a big factor in your choice. Prices of windows vary greatly. Your budget may or may not allow you to get into higher design options. This is one of the most important tips.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You need to know which windows, if not all, have to be replaced. Look at the type of window and decide on whether you want to replace it with a new style or use a style just like your old ones. You'll need to evaluate how your original windows were installed as well as note any potential problems with tear-out and preparation for the new windows.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Buying Replacement Windows &lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Once you have a good understanding on what you need, call around and get estimates on the installation. If you are able to, it is possible to install the windows yourself and save money. But make sure you have enough and experience and expertise to be able to perform this project. An improper window installation can cause many problems.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you need an installer after &lt;em&gt;buying replacement windows&lt;/em&gt;, make sure to go over your different options with them. Make sure they understand what results you want from your new windows. Before choosing a contractor you should get several bids and compare them. Getting a guarantee and signing a contract is important when buying replacement windows and hiring an installer.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Another important aspect of hiring someone to do a remodeling job is the need to feel comfortable around him or her. Whoever you choose will be working on your home, and you'll want to feel at ease about letting them work. If you are not sure about any given contractor's credibility, ask them for references and have them checked out.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For further satisfaction do not pay for the job until the job is done right. A deposit may be necessary but try to keep it as low as possible.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This article was written by Gregg Hicks of &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.reliableremodeler.com"&gt;http://www.reliableremodeler.com&lt;/a&gt; which provides Internet-based &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.reliableremodeler.com/remodeling_ideas/"&gt;home improvement information&lt;/a&gt; and services. Offering homeowners a simple, quick, and free way to access, qualified home improvement remodeling contractors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-3783426820394563127?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/3783426820394563127/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=3783426820394563127' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3783426820394563127'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3783426820394563127'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/help-when-buying-replacement-windows.html' title='Help When Buying Replacement Windows'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-199468855108409928</id><published>2009-09-04T11:56:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-04T11:56:03.265-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Geothermal Heating and Cooling</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;One of my favorite jobs is visiting construction sites. On those visits I enjoy studying our homes from the most minor details we have designed to the overall execution of the project.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Earth moving is always interesting but is especially dramatic when it involves the installation of a geothermal heating and cooling system. Almost all of our designs include energy saving elements but few have the impact of an energy efficient mechanical system.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Conceptually a geothermal heat pump exchanges the earths natural thermal energy to heat or cool a house(or other structure) In practice although the initial cost of installation substantially exceeds a conventional system, the cost of operation is a fraction of that conventional system. With fuel prices at record levels, the payback period shrinks every day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this case the piping run to extract the earths' energy is buried 8 and 4 feet below the surface of the property and is placed in a giant loop. In winter, heat is captured from the soil at approximately 50 degrees while the air temperature can fall below zero. In summer the relatively cool ground temperature can be used to cool the indoor air. Extremely quiet condensers are located in the basement of the home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Even during construction, the system kept the house warm with people constantly going in and out of the house. Since the house has been completed the owners have remarked on the efficiency of the system and exptect to have considerable energy savings over the lifetime of the system&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.crisparchitects.com/"&gt;http://www.crisparchitects.com/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;James M. Crisp, AIA is an architect working in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. To see associated photos go to: &lt;a target="_new" href="http://crisparchitects.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html"&gt;http://crisparchitects.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-199468855108409928?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/199468855108409928/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=199468855108409928' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/199468855108409928'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/199468855108409928'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/geothermal-heating-and-cooling.html' title='Geothermal Heating and Cooling'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-2215141215986672405</id><published>2009-09-04T08:11:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-04T08:11:27.381-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Options For Sun Room Installation</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Having an enclosed patio constructed is not an over-night process. Sun room installation takes careful planning, construction skills and an ability to stick with the job and get it done right. Fortunately, homeowners will discover they have several options available to them to make this dream become reality.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are three main choices for getting a sun room installed. They are:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; From-scratch, do-it-yourself building - Homeowners who are capable of reading blueprints and happen to be handy with tools can build sunrooms from the ground up on their own. Very simple designs, for example, can often be tackled by beginners. The process does require careful planning and a fair amount of work, but it can be done.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; Using a kit - When handling some of the work, but not all of it appeals, kit construction can be a smart choice. While the homeowner (or a contractor) will handle the actual installation, much of the technical construction will already be taken care of when a kit is ordered. Companies that specialize in creating kits for sunrooms basically put these together so homeowners only have to assemble pre-sized and pre-cut pieces as they follow along with detailed instructions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; Relying on a contractor - There are construction companies that specialize in the design and installation of sunrooms. This is an excellent choice for homeowners who don't have the skills or inclination to handle installation personally. The option is also wise for the creation of particularly complicated designs. Going with a contractor might cost more, but it can be a very sound investment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sun room installation does present itself with several options. The best route to take will depend on personal preference, budget considerations and the complexity of the desired design. Sometimes homeowners can handle installation, but in other cases it's just smart to rely on a pro.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For more information on &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.diysunroomsinfo.com/sunroom-additions.html"&gt;sunroom additions&lt;/a&gt; and other &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.diysunroomsinfo.com/"&gt;sunrooms&lt;/a&gt; and related topics, visit DIYSunroomsInfo.com.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-2215141215986672405?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/2215141215986672405/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=2215141215986672405' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/2215141215986672405'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/2215141215986672405'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/options-for-sun-room-installation.html' title='Options For Sun Room Installation'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-6524848019794689892</id><published>2009-09-04T01:27:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-04T01:27:56.702-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Lower Your Electric Bill</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Looking to lower your electric bill and start saving money? Check out the tips below and start saving today. Hopefully all of us can not only save money but also save the environment at the same time!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Did you know that of the total energy consumed in America, about 39% is used to generate electricity. Most of the electricity in the US is generated from fossil fuels.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We can all start making small changes to not only lower our electricity bills, but to also clean up our environment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here are tips to help you!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. Turn of lights! Don't forget about the T.V., computer, and video games. You should also unplug items (such as your microwave &amp; alarm clock) as well, even though they are turned off they are still using energy!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. Clean or replace your air conditioner filter. This will not only cut cost, your unit will also run more efficiently.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3. Wash your clothes in cold water, and try to wash your clothes at night. Running your dryer during the day will cause your home to warm up, and in return kick you air conditioner on in order to cool it down.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;4. Close vents in unused rooms.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5. Use energy efficient light bulbs. This may be an investment in the beginning, however they will save you in the long run.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Following these tips will certainly help you lower your electric bill. We all leave our footprints here are earth long after we are gone. Lets all make a change that will positively affect generations to come.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To learn more about solar energy, and drastically lower your electric bill &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.squidoo.com/lowerelectricbill"&gt;click here&lt;/a&gt;!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.squidoo.com/lowerelectricbill"&gt;http://www.squidoo.com/lowerelectricbill&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-6524848019794689892?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/6524848019794689892/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=6524848019794689892' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/6524848019794689892'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/6524848019794689892'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/lower-your-electric-bill.html' title='Lower Your Electric Bill'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-7695433571048899815</id><published>2009-09-04T01:01:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-04T01:01:16.886-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Precast Concrete 101 - Home Remodeling</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Unless you are a precast concrete manufacturer, you probably don't fully understand the difference between using concrete over other building mediums. Concrete is perfect for structural building because of its efficiency, strength, durability and resistance to the elements.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since the days of ancient Roman builders, concrete has been used for basic structures. The Romans used concrete to build their complex infrastructure of tunnels, aqueducts and culverts. Today concrete is used for building foundations, storm and sanitary sewers, septic tanks, electrical and communications vaults and for a variety of other purposes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Precast concrete refers to a construction process where contracts is cast in a reusable mold or form. The concrete is them cured in a controlled environment so it can be transported to the construction site and lifted to its ultimate destination. The process differs from using standard concrete, which is poured and cured on site.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many different forms exist for precast construction based in different architectural applications. Concrete is the perfect material for safety, health and even protecting the environment. For this reason, more San Jose precast concrete contractors are using this material for projects of all sizes and functions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Concrete is structurally sound and actually gets stronger over time, rather than deteriorating like many other building materials. The serviceable life of concrete can last up to 100 years or longer. Concrete is even resilient and durable enough to use for highway barriers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Another benefit of concrete is its resistance to the elements. It is noncombustible and does not quickly lose its structural integrity under high temperatures. Concrete also withstands corrosive agents and chemicals. The UV rays from sunlight will not degrade the composition of concrete. From the hottest summer days to the coldest winter freeze, concrete stands up to all weather conditions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Because precast concrete is already cured, construction is not as dependent upon the weather conditions. It takes less time to install so contractors find it easier to stay on schedule. This type of concrete can also be installed on demand.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Precast concrete is easily used for large projects because of its modular nature. All kinds of systems and structures are put together with ease. The products arrive at the job site ready to install. Its availability ensures a ready supply and fair pricing so the construction project is completed more efficiently.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Structures made from concrete are also watertight and airtight. High quality sealants are used along with seamless construction patterns so water and other airborne elements will not compromise a concrete structure.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether you're a homeowner or a large corporate mogul, concrete buildings and structures offer superior security and durability at an affordable price. With a variety of aesthetic options, concrete is the most versatile, reliable building medium around.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you want to learn more about &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.jensenprecast.com/"&gt;precast concrete&lt;/a&gt; visit a leading &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.jensenprecast.com/"&gt;precast concrete manufacturer&lt;/a&gt; website to find out more. JensenPrecast.com is a leader in the San Jose precast concrete industry offering a wide variety of solutions for infrastructure projects of all kinds&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-7695433571048899815?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/7695433571048899815/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=7695433571048899815' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7695433571048899815'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7695433571048899815'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/precast-concrete-101-home-remodeling.html' title='Precast Concrete 101 - Home Remodeling'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-7313318274831376746</id><published>2009-09-03T18:04:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-03T18:04:21.127-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Hiring a Contractor - Vista Handyman</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;The first question you need to ask yourself when remodeling a bathroom is can you actually do the work yourself or do you have someone that can help you with the remodeling. If you don't know anyone and can't do the work yourself, I would suggest hiring a contractor with experience remodeling bathrooms.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you can do the work yourself or think you could do the work yourself, why not give it a shot. Any experience you have in construction or home remodeling, is going to be beneficial to your bathroom remodeling project. There is plenty of information on the internet or in your local libraries on bathroom remodeling and these often prove to be great resources for do it yourselfers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As an experienced contractor I have gathered a great deal of information through books, at work and watching local home improvement shows. The biggest problem with the show's and quite a few of these books, is they don't provide enough information. Most of the time they provide you with the basics of bathroom remodeling and you could soon find yourself in trouble or seeking the advice from a home improvement professional.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The largest benefit for doing the bathroom remodeling project yourself, could be the money you save, along with the satisfaction of completing the project. It makes homeowners feel good when they've completed a large home remodeling project, like a bathroom remodel.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you don't have the time, lack the experience or a combination of both, I would suggest hiring a contractor to relieve you from the stress and frustration of your bath remodeling project. The more complex your bathroom remodeling project is, the greater the degree of difficulty, the longer it will take to complete the project. Some of these projects can take up a lot of your time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you're working on galvanized water supply pipes or old cast iron waste pipes, you could find yourself hiring a plumber to install your bathtub and fixtures. These old pipes create problems for most do it yourselfers and I would suggest hiring a professional, whenever you run into a problem you don't feel comfortable with.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Choosing to tackle some of these difficult problems yourself, could lead to water leaks and more damage to the home eventually costing you even more money than the original cost of hiring an experienced plumber in the first place. When it comes to water, structural framing and electricity, think twice, especially if you're not experienced in these areas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;My advice to do it yourselfers is to hire a professional if you're not comfortable or seek the advice from a contractor or someone with considerable experience &lt;a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://gregvan.com/bath/bathroom_remodeling.htm"&gt;bathroom remodeling&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your looking for some more &lt;a target="_new" href="http://1.gregvan.com/sitemap.htm"&gt;House Remodeling Pictures&lt;/a&gt; or home building ideas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-7313318274831376746?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/7313318274831376746/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=7313318274831376746' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7313318274831376746'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7313318274831376746'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/hiring-contractor-vista-handyman.html' title='Hiring a Contractor - Vista Handyman'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-1103490731465344092</id><published>2009-09-03T14:46:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-03T14:46:46.318-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Residential Wind Turbine - Can I Have One at My House?</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;A residential wind turbine is the perfect renewable energy source for many households. Free wind power from home wind turbines allow you to use a cheap source (not the expensive electric company) for your electricity needs. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many people, when they begin to research wind power, think it is a very complicated and expensive way of having alternative energy. Nothing could be farther from the truth. You can build a wind turbine with very little time, money or knowledge.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I know, I know, that isn't what the big commercial companies tell you. But, it is what thousands of people around the world already know. They have done it. Many have also built solar panels for backup.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A &lt;em&gt;residential wind turbine&lt;/em&gt; can easily fit in any home, whether it is a large house or a small apartment. You can place them on your roof, in your yard or even on a balcony or patio. They are truly a great energy solution.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With a wind generator, you can:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Have free renewable energy&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Greatly reduce or eliminate your dependence on the electric company&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Decrease your monthly expenses&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;You can receive tax credits for alternative energy&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;You can sell excess energy that you create back to the electric company&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are many great manuals on the market today showing homeowners how to accomplish this for themselves. Anyone can do it just by following simple and illustrated instructions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So, if you are interested in a residential wind turbine, you can have a system with simple parts, less than $200 and easy instructions. You can even find the batteries to store your energy for free.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;See &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.makerenewableenergy.blogspot.com"&gt;http://www.makerenewableenergy.blogspot.com&lt;/a&gt; to find a list of resources and reviews of the &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.makerenewableenergy.blogspot.com"&gt;homemade wind turbine&lt;/a&gt; manuals available. You will be on your way to energy independence in no time at all.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-1103490731465344092?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/1103490731465344092/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=1103490731465344092' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/1103490731465344092'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/1103490731465344092'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/residential-wind-turbine-can-i-have-one.html' title='Residential Wind Turbine - Can I Have One at My House?'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-1978674487525148461</id><published>2009-09-03T10:48:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-03T10:48:44.317-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Are Your Sliding Glass Doors All Glass and No Slide?</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Have you noticed that the sliding glass doors in your home are becoming harder and harder to slide open? Are they more than 10 years old? Do they happen to be aluminum frame dual pane doors? Those doors are heavier due to the dual pane glass, but most of the aluminum units did not use stainless steel rollers. The rollers get rusty after a while, and start to bind.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To replace the rollers, you must remove the sliding panel from the opening. The fixed panel must be removed in order for the sliding panel to come out, in most cases. FIgure out whether or not your fixed panel has to come out as well. If the slider is on the inside track and the fixed panel is on the outside track, you will have to take out both panels, because the slider will only come out from the outside. There is a lip on the bottom of the track inside your house, that keeps water from coming in. However, that lip is also too high to lift the sliding panel up and over. Therefore, you will have to remove the fixed panel first, then lift and swing out the slider from outside. If you are one of the few who have a slider on the outside track, then you can lift your slider out without having to remove the fixed panel.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For now, let us assume that you need to remove the fixed panel first. To do this:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1) Remove your screen door if you have one.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2) Look for a metal piece on the bottom track that runs from the bottom corner of the fixed panel all the way across to the bottom of the side jamb that has the door lock hardware. If your door is really old, that piece might be missing. If there is one, pry it up from the track. Once that piece is removed...&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3) Look inside the house where the fixed panel is against the wall jam -- look for screws holding the frame to the jam. Remove these screws, and place them where you won't lose them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;4) Pull the fixed panel out of the side jam.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5) Lift the slider up and out, just like you did with the fixed panel.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;6) Once you get the slider out, nearly all rollers are held in place by the same screw that holds the frame corners together. So set the panel on one side, remove the screw in the corner, then flip the panel over, remove the screw on the other bottom corner. Now, using a rubber mallet or the wood handle of a hammer, tap the bottom frame off the glass. Now you have access to your rollers. Examine how they are inserted into the door frame. Remove only one roller to take with you to match when you shop for new ones. Then, you can use the roller that you left in place as a guide to installing the new ones.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;7) Buy new rollers at someplace like Lowe's, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, or Orchard Supply Hardware. They should carry what you need. If they don't...&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;8) Have new rollers ordered. Bring the roller to your local glass shop. If they don't have them in stock, they can order them, which could take about a week. In that case, don't worry. Go home and tap the bottom frame back on the door panel, but leave the corner screws out. It's fine to leave out the roller that you removed. Just lift the door back in place, install the fixed panel, but don't snap the bottom piece back in, and don't install the inside screws. Then, from inside the house, just lift the slider and pull it closed. Don't drag it if you left the roller out. That will scrape the bottom track. Lift it just enough to take the pressure off, and close and lock it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;9) When your new rollers arrive, take everything back out. Install the new rollers. Before putting the door back in, adjust the new rollers all the way up. This way, the new rollers won't interfere with you lifting it back in place. Adjust the new rollers down until the door slides well and locks. There should be an equal gap at the top and bottom when the door is about an inch from closing into the side jam. The rollers can be adjusted to make this dimension even.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You may think this sounds expensive, but it doesn't have to be. Sliding glass door repair can be done by a professional for $50 or $60 including parts, so it may be worth hiring someone to do it. However, in high population areas, it may be typical to be charged $100 in labor only. They may also mark up the cost of the rollers, and you could end up paying $130 for a job that would only cost you about $20 to do yourself. &lt;a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://lasertargeted.com/glassrepair/sliding-glass-door-replacement.html"&gt;Glass door repair&lt;/a&gt; does not have to be intimidating, or expensive. Good luck!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Kathy Hildebrand is a &lt;a target="_new" href="http://topics.youredirect.com"&gt;professional writer&lt;/a&gt; who is easily bored with her "day job" assignments. So, she researches anything and everything of interest and starts writing. Writing about an extremely wide variety of subjects keeps her skills sharp, and gives her food for thought on future paid writing assignments.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;More of her research and articles can be found at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://lasertargeted.com/glassrepair/"&gt;http://www.lasertargeted.com/glassrepair&lt;/a&gt; and other sites around the internet.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-1978674487525148461?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/1978674487525148461/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=1978674487525148461' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/1978674487525148461'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/1978674487525148461'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/are-your-sliding-glass-doors-all-glass.html' title='Are Your Sliding Glass Doors All Glass and No Slide?'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-7544354480560291297</id><published>2009-09-03T04:22:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-03T04:22:59.087-07:00</updated><title type='text'>EdenPure Infrared Heater Review</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;With the cost of my electricity and oil bills on the rise, I decided it was time to look into a possible energy saving solution to heat my home. After some in-depth research, I decided upon purchasing an Infrared Heater. I was intrigued by all of the great characteristics of Infrared Heaters, such as their high efficiency and even consistent heat distribution The Infrared Heater I decided to purchase was the EdenPure Infrared Heater , and I could not be happier with my purchase. I chose the EdenPure because of their highly positive reputation and wide range of available options.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The EdenPure works great in terms of even heat distribution. Its heats the surrounding area from wall to wall, and also floor to ceiling. In my home, I place it in my central living room and it heats up the entire surrounding area in no time, when set on a high heat distribution setting. The type of heat the unit provides is very comfortable, because the EdenPure's patented heating element does not burn any Oxygen in the air. It is comparable to the feeling of a warm blanket. Another great advantage of the EdenPure is that I can use it for highly efficient "spot heating" in my home. Setting the unit to a lower heat setting and pointing it directly into the room I would like to heat is a great way to keep warm and save on the cost of electricity. The EdenPure sits on sturdy roller wheels which make it a breeze to move around my home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Another great attribute of the EdenPure is the safety and piece of mind I get by having it heat my home. I have always been worried about using the standard electric coil heaters in my house in fears of instantiating a fire, but there is no need to worry about this when using the EdenPure. The EdenPure will only ever be warm to the touch, even when it is operating on full power. What this means is that children can never be burned by it, and your pets will actually be drawn to the warm soothing heat that it emits. My wife watches children in the house full time, and she loves the fact that she doesn't need to worry about them being burned by the heater.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In conclusion, the EdenPure Infrared Heater has been a great addition to my home. It provides even heat distribution in my home, and it has actually helped me to save money on my electricity bills as it advertises. The EdenPure is definitely worth the investment, and you'll practically pay for it with the money you'll be saving on your heating bills. If you are thinking about purchasing one for your home, stop shivering, and order one today!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dom Ciccone is the main content contributor for the web site: &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.theinfraredheatsource.com"&gt;The Infrared Heat Source&lt;/a&gt; It contains a large amount of information on Infrared Heaters and has constantly updated sales pages.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-7544354480560291297?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/7544354480560291297/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=7544354480560291297' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7544354480560291297'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7544354480560291297'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/edenpure-infrared-heater-review.html' title='EdenPure Infrared Heater Review'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-1377072024848277437</id><published>2009-09-03T03:45:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-03T03:45:20.060-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Energy Saving Tips</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Astonishingly, Americans generally spend $1600 or more a year on their utility bills. Not only is much of this wasted energy, but more carbon dioxide is emitted into the air from one home than two average cars. The following tips will help you save energy costs both at home and in the car.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;*Set your thermostat comfortably low in the winter and comfortably high in the summer. Install a programmable thermostat that is compatible with your heating and cooling system.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* Use compact fluorescent light bulbs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use (TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several watts of power).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* Take short showers instead of baths.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* Drive sensibly. Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gasoline.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* Look for the ENERGY STAR label on home appliances and products. ENERGY STAR products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Energy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Energy Auditing Tips:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* Check the insulation levels in your attic, exterior and basement walls, ceilings, floors, and crawl spaces.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* Check for holes or cracks around your walls, ceilings, windows, doors, light and plumbing fixtures, switches, and electrical outlets that can leak air into or out of your home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* Check for open fireplace dampers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* Make sure your appliances and heating and cooling systems are properly maintained. Check your owner's manual for the recommended maintenance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* Study your family's lighting needs and use patterns, paying special attention to high-use areas such as the living room, kitchen, and outside lighting. Look for ways to use lighting controls - like occupancy sensors, dimmers, or timers - to reduce lighting energy use, and replace standard light bulbs and fixtures with compact or standard fluorescent lamps.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Insulation Tips&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* Consider factors such as your climate, building design, and budget when selecting insulation R-values for your home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* Use higher density insulation, such as rigid foam boards, in cathedral ceilings and on exterior walls.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* Ventilation plays a large role in providing moisture control and reducing summer cooling bills. Attic vents can be installed along the entire ceiling cavity to help ensure proper airflow.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* Recessed light fixtures can be a major source of heat loss, but you need to be careful how close you place insulation next to a fixture unless it is marked IC.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These tips, and more, are provided to you in a larger PDF file by the US Department of Energy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;David Tanguay is dedicated to providing research, reviews &amp; helpful information to consumers and businesses. For more information related to &lt;a target="_new" href="http://greenenergyonline.org"&gt;Green Energy&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a target="_new" href="http://greenenergyonline.org"&gt;Alternative Energy&lt;/a&gt; please visit &lt;a target="_new" href="http://greenenergyonline.org"&gt;http://greenenergyonline.org&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-1377072024848277437?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/1377072024848277437/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=1377072024848277437' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/1377072024848277437'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/1377072024848277437'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/energy-saving-tips.html' title='Energy Saving Tips'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-9113673714210781023</id><published>2009-09-02T20:53:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-02T20:53:29.093-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Important Facts on the Electrical Wire Log Homes</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Electrical wiring for a new log home is always a thing that worries owners. As wood is organic it can easily get burned and so a perfect kind of electrical wiring is needed for a material like wood. The electrician performs his main task once the dry-in phase of construction is complete. The electrician should be contracted and he also should be consulted early in the construction process to approve and supervise wiring in the second floor system, roof system, and in the log wall system. All the wiring practices are to be approved by and supervised by your electrician.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In order to wire the outlet boxes many holes would be needed and so they should be drilled and this is to be done when your log erection crew is installing the logs and not later than that. The construction crew will want to mark the location of the holes when they drill these holes on the sub floor. You need to make sure the drilled holes go all the way through the sub floor. The outlet box holes are to be cut then.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A very good way to notch out an outlet box is something you should know about. That is to mark the outline of the box on the log wall, using the actual box as the pattern. Then you would need to drill a series of 1-inch to 1-1/2-inch holes within the perimeter of that outline using a butterfly bit or hole-saw bit. Cleaning the holes is to be done with a chisel. Then plunge the wiring hole to remove chips and sawdust with a stiff piece of wire. The dry in process is to see the holes being drilled and the outlet boxes being cut.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The wires need to be drilled through the rafter or rather the ridge beam when it comes to light fixtures and these wires should hang directly underneath the rafter. A block of wood is needed for rafters that run at an angle to mount to the bottom of the rafter. Even this block is to be cut at the angle of the roof pitch. This is done in order to create a bottom flat surface that is level with the house floor. At the bottom of the block is where the light should be mounted.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When it comes to the wiring for cable and phone lines as well as burglar alarms and so on you would need to consider the process of the wiring before and throughout the construction process and wiring runs coordinated with your electrician. All this wiring is normally run under the sub floor with legs branching upwards at windows or the doors, stud walls etc.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Wiring to overhead lights under a the roof system can run from under the sub floor, up through exterior door jambs and for that you would need to drill through logs above doorway, or interior stud walls, or over the top of the roof decking to the proper location, then down through drilled holes to the light fixture location.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Check out &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.yourloghomeguide.com"&gt;Christi Sealey's website&lt;/a&gt;. It will provide you with easy to understand information on building or buying your own Log Home or Log Cabin. Check it out at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.yourloghomeguide.com"&gt;Your Log Home Guide&lt;/a&gt;. Don't make the same mistakes others have made that cost them big!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-9113673714210781023?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/9113673714210781023/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=9113673714210781023' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/9113673714210781023'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/9113673714210781023'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/important-facts-on-electrical-wire-log.html' title='Important Facts on the Electrical Wire Log Homes'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-8885907730832158992</id><published>2009-09-02T17:48:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-02T17:48:35.654-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Renewable Energy - Lesson 6 - Home Solar Panels</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;With the state of the current economy, countless people are looking for ways to cut costs and to become more efficient. There are countless articles in print and online that detail various ways to shop for food cheaper, to find low cost methods of entertainment, to save money by downsizing vehicles and even houses. While these are just a few of the predictable and traditional money saving tactics in a bad economy, there are a few new ways to save money on utility bills and to do the environment a favor at the same time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Home solar panels are about to become a part of the average mainstream residential home in this country. Historically, home solar panels were limited to the affluent due to the high cost of the components of the system. In addition, solar panels of the past have not been very energy efficient and have not produced a large savings relative to the up-front costs. Now, with advances in solar panel technology, home solar panels have become dramatically more efficient and affordable. Now, the cost of a complete home solar panel system can be recouped in less than a year in the savings that it generates.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The home solar panel system is fairly uncomplicated. A number of solar panels, the more the better, are installed on the roof of the house or the garage and are securely bolted or nailed down. The panels are connected to each other and to the house's electrical system. While the actual wiring of the system should be completed by a licensed electrician, the task is a quick one, and the rest of the installation can be accomplished by anyone who is reasonably familiar with tools.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Once the system is installed, many are sunrise by how much power it can generate even on fairly cloudy days. Some people are even able to go off the grid, or disconnect from the electric company entirely, with solar power. However, it is probably more prudent to remain connected to the electric grid and to let the solar panels simply reduce or cancel out the monthly electric bill. This alone can be a savings of thousands of dollars per year. The electric companies will simply track the amount of power the home solar panel system is putting back into the grid and credit that account accordingly. It is not uncommon for efficient systems to be able to more than pay for all the power used in an average household.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Installing a home solar panel system is a good thing to do on a number of levels. It supports vital green industries that are vital to reducing pollution from fossil fuels, it allows people to save significant amounts of money in utility bills and raises the collective environmental consciousness. With the new increased efficiency and afford ability of home solar panel systems there is no reason why almost every household shouldn't have one, especially considering the fact that almost any system pays for itself in the first year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To learn more about &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.renewableenergyforus.com/solar-power.html"&gt;solar panel electricity&lt;/a&gt; please visit: &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.RenewableEnergyForUs.com"&gt;http://www.RenewableEnergyForUs.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-8885907730832158992?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/8885907730832158992/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=8885907730832158992' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8885907730832158992'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8885907730832158992'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/renewable-energy-lesson-6-home-solar.html' title='Renewable Energy - Lesson 6 - Home Solar Panels'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-5367155241300623188</id><published>2009-09-02T13:47:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-02T13:47:28.830-07:00</updated><title type='text'>What is Injection Waterproofing?</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Injection waterproofing is often used to fill and seal cracks and crevices. The material is most often made from a polyurethane compound. The compound is lightweight and expands up to twice its original size when applied to a surface. Many non-toxic and environmentally safe products are available at home improvement stores nationwide. Injection waterproofing is used mainly in foundation crack repairs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In most foundation cracks, a polyurethane injection can seal the opening. In some smaller cracks it may be apparent that a sealant was used because it may be difficult to evenly inject the compound. Single caulking style cartridges and the dual side-by-side cartridge systems are the types of injection waterproofing compounds available for retail purchase. Both of these are manually injected and easy to pump.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When using an injection waterproofing method, it is important to keep the area dry. Temporarily block any flowing water to the area, and clean and dry the area as needed. Experts say that in the case of water flowing through a hole, you can temporarily caulk the hole with candle wax, modeling clay or plumbers putty. If the cracks are in narrow or hard-to-reach places, you can use a flexible hose attached to the injector nozzle.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whatever waterproofing system your leakage problem requires, be sure to do your research. If you choose to make this a do-it-yourself project, make sure you know where your leaks are coming from and the proper method to repair them. When purchasing waterproofing materials you should make sure you are buying the appropriate product for your needs. The National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors (NAWSRC) has tons of information on waterproofing. Whether or not you decide to hire a contractor, this organization can help you from beginning to end.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.i-waterproofing.com"&gt;Waterproofing Info&lt;/a&gt; provides detailed information on waterproofing systems, including injection waterproofing, foundation waterproofing, concrete waterproofing, deck waterproofing, basement waterproofing, and waterproofing basement walls, as well as waterproofing contractors and consultants. Waterproofing Info is affiliated with &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.growthink.com"&gt;Business Plans by Growthink&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-5367155241300623188?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/5367155241300623188/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=5367155241300623188' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/5367155241300623188'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/5367155241300623188'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/what-is-injection-waterproofing.html' title='What is Injection Waterproofing?'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-6812391340011836392</id><published>2009-09-02T07:14:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-02T07:14:17.431-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Arrange Your Furniture to Save Energy</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;There's an old saying: "Every little bit helps," and it has a wide range of applications. Energy conservation and heat-saving tricks are no exception. First there are the big remodeling steps we can take to improve home efficiency: new windows, doors, appliances, insulation, and more. But there are also the little things, such as new light bulbs and programmable thermostats that add up to make a big difference. Now we go even further outside the box to arranging furniture to save energy. Considering the large amount of furniture most of us have at home, arranging it all with energy efficiency in mind can have a significant impact.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Keep your electric heat inside&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Computers, televisions, lamps, and other household appliances produce a decent amount of heat while running. Anyone who has set their hand on the back of the TV or felt the warm glow of overhead lighting can attest to that. This is not an encouragement to leave these devices on all the time, but it is a good reason to move them away from exterior walls. This due to the fact that much of the heat they create can be lost through the wall, especially if tight insulation is lacking.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Avoid the draft&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Just as heat escapes through the walls, cold air gets in through windows and doors. This creates draft zones, or areas that feel colder than the rest of the house. Arrange seating -- couch, desk, etc. -- away from windows and doors to avoid these drafts (in addition to winterizing your house). Quite often we end up running the heater much more than necessary because we're sitting in the coldest part of the house.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Creative insulation&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tall bookshelves full of books act as insulation against heat loss. These you want on exterior walls. Even artwork or tapestries provide some value.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Don't obstruct heating vents&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is a common mistake when arranging furniture. Keep the sofa or bed off of heating vents if at all possible. This stops or significantly slows the progress of heat throughout the house, forcing your heater to wear itself out spending energy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Solar eclipse&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In winter it is vital that south windows be allowed to collect sunlight. This is direct gain passive solar heating at its most basic level. But blinds, shades, or curtains provide some insulation value against heat loss at night and heat gain in the summertime when you don't want that direct sunlight.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Add it up&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These are some creative ways to "energize" your house and are open for interpretation and addition. Just about any material hung on a wall will have some kind of insulation value. None of them are answers for uninsulated walls or poor performing windows. They will, however, make a difference and make winter living a bit more comfortable for you while you contemplate those larger upgrades for your next remodeling project.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This smart article was contributed by Dan Harding of CalFinder. Read more of Dan's writing about &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.calfinder.com/blog/category/green-remodeling/"&gt;green remodeling&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a target="_new" href="http://solar.calfinder.com"&gt;residential solar power&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-6812391340011836392?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/6812391340011836392/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=6812391340011836392' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/6812391340011836392'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/6812391340011836392'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/arrange-your-furniture-to-save-energy.html' title='Arrange Your Furniture to Save Energy'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-2480525142585308241</id><published>2009-09-02T06:37:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-02T06:37:40.514-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Utilize the Space in Your Home by Using Bedroom Closet Organizers</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;If you are somebody who would like to be more efficient, you can make a great start by utilizing any space that you may have in your closet. What better way than to become extremely organized, as well as having things placed neater and which is easier to access?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You could build a whole closet organizer system that will help to make full use out of the space, and you also have a chance to be as creative as you like. The beauty of it is that there are so many different things that you can do in order to organize your closet better, whilst getting full functionality out of it too.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Installing Bedroom Closet Organizers&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Before rushing in and just doing it any old how, you need to do a bit of preparation that can help to give you a clearer idea of how things will turn out. The first step that you should take before anything else is to measure the space that you have to work with. By having an idea of the amount of space that you have, you can then be knowledgeable as to what you can actually fit in to the closet.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You need to consider what kind of storage is needed for the closet in order to get the most use out of it. For instance, you may need a shelf or a few shelves to put things on, or you may need somewhere to store your shoes etc. A small cupboard whether it is installed on the wall, or whether it is installed on the floor, can be a great way to keep things neat and tidy. Have a look at the things that need to be stored away and by doing this it can really help you to decide what you actually do need for your closet.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With your new found knowledge, this then makes the task in hand simpler when it comes to getting the organizers that you need for your closet. If you have an idea of what you need but you cannot decide when you are shopping for it what you should go for, there may be people in the store that can help you to make a decision upon what is best to go for.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It can be extremely daunting with the amount of selection that is available to choose from, so having a bit of advice can be extremely helpful. It can be so easy to go mad buying lots of things for your closet, but it is also possible to do it on a budget and still get something great to help you with the organization that you need.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is a simple process installing the organizers for the closet, so the hard work lies in choosing which one to actually go for. As you can see from the points mentioned above, it can be extremely beneficial to have a closet organizer. It helps to keep things in an easy to find place, as well as helping you to be able to get as much functionality out of it as possible. It would be a shame getting the organizer if you are just going to throw anything into it and leave it there untouched for many years. So, if you do have a closet and you are not making the most out of it, why not consider using closet organizers and you can see the benefits for yourself.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Adam Peters enjoys writing about decor for &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com"&gt;http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com&lt;/a&gt; You can find more information and &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/organizers.html"&gt;resources on storage for bedrooms with no space&lt;/a&gt; at his website.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-2480525142585308241?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/2480525142585308241/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=2480525142585308241' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/2480525142585308241'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/2480525142585308241'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/utilize-space-in-your-home-by-using.html' title='Utilize the Space in Your Home by Using Bedroom Closet Organizers'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-9208099960838004974</id><published>2009-09-01T23:27:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-01T23:27:42.414-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Wood Floor Repair - Carlsbad Home Construction</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Wood floors can look beautiful in your home, but when they are in need of repair they can make your home look awful. Many people think that maintaining and repairing wood floors that have seen better days is an overwhelming task that is just too much to take on. Luckily, it doesn't have to be. Wood floor repair can be a fairly simple process as long as you proceed with a well thought out plan.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You might be looking at your scratched and dull floor and thinking of all the work involved with moving out all the furniture and then trying to work one of those sanders. The dust all over the house. Thinking that your inexperience with the sander could cause you to ruin the floor altogether. The stress of keeping kids and pets out of the room.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Unless your floor is too far gone, with proper care, your wood floor repair does not have to turn into a major job. In most cases, you can simply fill in the minor scratches or shallow gouges without getting into a major refinishing job. You will need a few tools and supplies to get started, however.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your floor has a polyurethane finish, but doesnt look so great because it is all scratched up, you may be able to bring it back to its former luster with some polyurethane finish that matches (or as near as you can match) what is on your floor. Use a small paint brush and dab the polyurethane onto the areas that are scratched and any areas where the finish has worn off. Use a clean cloth to buff out the polyurethane before it dries. This can help with small, scratched areas and can make them blend in with the floor.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In your wood floor repair, if your floor has a stain on it, you need to match the color of the stain in order to repair scratches. You should probably test out the stain a bit at a time to be sure. Use a small brush and apply the stain to the scratched area. Let the stain dry overnight or as long as it says on the can which can be up to twenty-four hours. Once the stain is dry, take the brush and lightly apply some polyurethane - buff this out before it dries to match it into the existing floor..&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Deeper gouges need a bit more in the wood floor repair department. You will have to fill in the gouge and we recommend you use wood putt that is latex based and stainable to do that. Youll need a putty knife to spread the putty and a rag for wiping it off other areas it might spill onto. Simply pack the putty into the gouge and smooth it over until it is level with the floor. Wipe any excess off around the area and let it dry thoroughly. Take some sandpaper and lightly buff it out. Stain the putty to match the floor using a small brush and light strokes. Let the stain dry overnight and then apply the polyurethane on top once it is dried.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These wood floor repair tips work on floors where the damage is isolated to a few spots. If you floor is covered in scratches and has hardly any finish left then you may be facing the daunting task of refinishing the floor. Sure, its hard work and inconvenient, but once its done youll have glorious wood floors that you can enjoy for years to come.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Lee Dobbins is a contributing writer for &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.homediy101.com"&gt;Home DIY 101&lt;/a&gt; where you can find more do it yourself home repair tips.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-9208099960838004974?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/9208099960838004974/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=9208099960838004974' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/9208099960838004974'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/9208099960838004974'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/wood-floor-repair-carlsbad-home.html' title='Wood Floor Repair - Carlsbad Home Construction'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-2245354014837606267</id><published>2009-09-01T20:35:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-01T20:35:52.868-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Green at Home</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Look around your home! You will be surprised on how much wasted electricity is being used in your home. Most individuals do not even realize this is happening, Some manufacturers are starting to become environmentally green but we have a long way to go. It is our responsibility to be Green At Home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;First thing I want you to do is find your computer and monitor and shut them off. They are one of the biggest unknowns in hidden electrical users in the home. No one really thinks about this but reality time is here, it time to shut it off when you are finished with them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you think about this, you probably use the computer a maximum of 1 hour a day. Most people use them strictly to look at their email and do a little surfing. That means the computer is on 23 more additional hours consuming electricity that is not needed. That means you are wasting your hard earned money on nothing but helping to support the electricity company.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;First thing your think is, it will go into sleep mode because you're a bit energy conscious already, you put the thing to sleep at night. False, when a computer is put in sleep mode, it still uses up to 77% of its original energy it normally consumes. Turning it off is being Green At Home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you have a laptop, using the "hibernate" mode, actually does shut it off, and it consumes no electricity. It also saves the data to the hard drive so when you restart it, you start where you left off. I personally use this mode on my own laptop, it works very well. When you turn it on, it goes back to where you left off.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Most of us do not realize that the power sources in these computers are on the average 250 watt power supplies or more. That means you are burning two 100 watt light bulbs and one 50 watt light bulb at all times. If you have one of the bigger computers, you are even burning more light bulbs. Would you leave extra lights on in your home if you were not there? Wow, the light just went on in your mind. Turning it off is being Green At Home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Most of us do not think about little things like this. It is the little things that can fool most of us because we don't really see the effect, like we would a light bulb. Remember, every little bit helps save energy consumption in our home. It time to be be Green At Home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Just by shutting off your computer you will see immediate savings on your electrical bill and save money. According to the Energy Information Administration of the US Government (see website), the average cost per kilowatt hour is $.11. So if you are burning excessive wattage, this can add up quickly. So if you have a computer and a monitor on 24 hours a day, it adds up to approximately $19.00 a month. So you can instantly save approximately $14.00 a month(depending on usage) by simply turning off your computer when not using it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In conclusion, "Green At Home" is important. Being aware of little things will help you save money on your electrical bill each and every month. When you finish with your computer, shut it off to save money on your electrical bill. Be sure to share this article with your friends so they can all save money and help conserve our resources.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To learn more about your home, visit our website at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.safe-homes.com"&gt;http://www.safe-homes.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Information Administration of the US Government: &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.eia.doe.gov/"&gt;http://www.eia.doe.gov/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mr. Art Emiss is available as a professional speaker to help educate your community or group function.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-2245354014837606267?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/2245354014837606267/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=2245354014837606267' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/2245354014837606267'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/2245354014837606267'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/green-at-home.html' title='Green at Home'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-7769077742160572798</id><published>2009-09-01T16:13:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-01T16:13:13.118-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Wood Panel Renovation - San Deigo Home Tips</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;The old paneling in your home has turned too ugly to even bear and yet you cannot change it because of its very exorbitant cost. It gives you a feeling of depression and you have gone to the level of thinking of selling your home off just to get away from those irksome panels. Just do not feel down as you are not the only one facing this problem. There are millions of other people too who just hate the ugly look of the paneling in their home. There are a few tricks that can help you repair those panels and get rid of that horrendous look.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A few ideas are her for you to check, with the help of which you can readily brighten up the dingy walls and the ugly panels. Only be prepared to endure some elbow grease which is surely better than the ugly look of those panels.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Painting the Paneling: One way of giving them a professional look is to paint the panels. But you just cannot splash a tin-full of paint and expect it to look good. If you try that out it will give a bad look to the panels. Panels absorb the paints easily and this would show the panels again and might even leave some yellow streaks on the base. The key to a good painting is surface preparation. Just degrease the surface from dirt and muck with a good cleaner before painting it. A gloss-removing substance has to be applied before the degreasing solution is put on the panels. It should be then left to dry for a night. The panel is then absolutely ready to get painted. After the first coat of paint you should leave it to fry before applying the second coat.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Painting Wallpaper: There is a kind of wallpaper available in some wallpaper stores; those wallpapers can be painted again. This gives the look of a painted wall to the paper. You can choose a color and apply it on these wallpapers and it will look really great. The awfully dingy wood paneling gets a brand new look. Other colors can also be used to give a 3D effect to the whole thing. The wallpapers should be hung according to the direction. The paper has to be soaked in water prior to the painting and left to hang for a few minutes. This makes the paper ready to be painted with the color(s) of your choice. I did this to my own basement after &lt;a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com/basement-replacement-windows.html"&gt;replacing the windows&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Glazing the Paneling: By glazing the panel you can add a nice shine to it. The panel should be cleaned with a degreaser solution. Then the panel has to be colored according to your choice. It should be left overnight to get dried. Then you mix a satiny top shade with a glaze in correct proportion and paint over small sections of the panels. Determining how much shine you want, just wipe off the excess glaze with a clean sweep. The brush should be cleaned with mineral oil and let dry before storing them for future use.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Being specifically passionate about basement window, Johnathan Bakers was publishing a lot of detailed reports in this specific field. You can discover his writings on over at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com"&gt;http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-7769077742160572798?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/7769077742160572798/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=7769077742160572798' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7769077742160572798'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7769077742160572798'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/wood-panel-renovation-san-deigo-home.html' title='Wood Panel Renovation - San Deigo Home Tips'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-7139446094442799762</id><published>2009-09-01T10:02:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-01T10:02:56.825-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Home Solar - The No Fail Secrets of Saving Money by Generating Your Own Power</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;With the rise in fuel prices, the need for a suitable alternative through home solar is considered an essential perquisite. While home solar systems are stated to be fairly expensive when it comes to setting them up, there are a few home solar systems which are also affordable in nature. Taking cue from the above statement, let us throw light on just how a natural source can save your money from being spent unnecessarily.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Source Does Not Involve Any Cost&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The very first reason why a solar powered electrical unit is said to save your money is because it happens to be free of any recurring costs. When it comes to assessing costs, you need to understand that ordinary sources of energy use coal and natural gas as their feeding mediums-hence they are expensive in nature. On the other hand, solar panels use the energy of the sun and hence they are relatively inexpensive in nature.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It Is A One Time Investment Only&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you wish to generate power through the means of the sun's energy, you need to understand that the only visible expenditure would be the installation cost. Thereafter there is no recurring expense as the power is directly derived from the sun's rays. On the other hand, if we are to take the example of a normal source of energy, we would be required to pay a monthly bill.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It Is Free From Technical Snags&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Most panels which are powered by the sun are sturdy and free from any technical snags. Hence there is no need for a recurring expense in terms of a regular repair.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hi, I am Mark Morris and I am an energy conservationist. I have a secret to share.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Recommendation: To adopt a widely approved &lt;a target="_new" href="http://purelyfitness.com/earth4energy-review"&gt;Solar Energy Program&lt;/a&gt;, which allows you to permanently get rid of your recurring electric bills. It has helped over ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND people worldwide-it is now your turn.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Who Is It For: Folks who are tired of polluting power programs and have lost thousands of dollars on wasted power bills. It is for any and everyone who wishes to see instant results and save money.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How To Get There: Simply click &lt;a target="_new" href="http://purelyfitness.com/earth4energy-review"&gt;http://purelyfitness.com/earth4energy-review&lt;/a&gt; and join the successful campaign to save our environment from further pollution.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-7139446094442799762?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/7139446094442799762/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=7139446094442799762' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7139446094442799762'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7139446094442799762'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/home-solar-no-fail-secrets-of-saving.html' title='Home Solar - The No Fail Secrets of Saving Money by Generating Your Own Power'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-8781440077075198466</id><published>2009-09-01T08:48:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-01T08:48:34.972-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Shower Stall Curtains</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Most people prefer to relax in bathtubs. However, some people have other equipment that allows them to have a quick bath. The equipment is built in the bathroom to prevent the seeping out of water as you bathe. The equipment is available in different colors and designs. Besides, there are different sizes and prices to suit you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Some types are door less and they make the bathroom look different and neat. The equipment can be beautified using shower stall curtains. These curtains are a cheap way of providing a refreshing relaxing environment. The curtains make the place appear elegant and stylish. They are available in different colors and patterns. You should choose according to your taste.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Shower stall curtains are available in various materials. Most are made from vinyl. The curtains can be customized to suit your needs. You simply need to consult the concerned company. For the door less type, the curtains must very long. This is to prevent water from splashing onto the toilet and messing up the floor. It prevents accidents that can occur when water is on the floor.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To obtain shower stall curtains, visit the household department of a nearby mall. You can also order from the Internet. Different companies showcase their designs from which you can choose from. You can easily compare prices and choose your that suits your pocket. If however you are not satisfied with what the companies offer, make your own curtains. You can get ideas from various web sites on how to make the curtains.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Peter Gitundu Researches and Reports on Shower Curtain. For More Information on Shower Stall Curtains, Visit His Site at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.merpetsales.com/shower-curtain/Shower-Stall-Curtains.php"&gt;SHOWER STALL CURTAINS&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You Can Also Add Your Views About Shower Stall Curtains At My Blog here &lt;a target="_new" href="http://merpetsales.com/2008/03/05/a-look-at-the-wide-variety-of-shower-curtains-available/"&gt;SHOWER STALL CURTAINS&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-8781440077075198466?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/8781440077075198466/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=8781440077075198466' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8781440077075198466'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8781440077075198466'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/shower-stall-curtains.html' title='Shower Stall Curtains'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-2672945704074216344</id><published>2009-09-01T01:42:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-01T01:42:19.063-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Build Your Own Sauna - What You Need To Know First</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;It can be easier than you think to build your own sauna. With some basic carpentry skills and a little specialized understanding you can be relaxing in your own home sauna in no time at all.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are a few important decisions to be made to be sure you end up with the sauna that best fits your situation. One consideration is how much work you want to put into the building of your sauna. There are prebuild units that are delivered to your door and literally take only a few minutes to set up. You can also get precut kits that take longer to construct but give you a more custom sauna when finished. The ultimate is to build your own sauna from scratch. Even this method is not as difficult as you might expect. The costs tend to go down considerably as you add more and more of your own elbow grease.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Another concern is the location. Should your sauna be inside or out, attached or freestanding? This may depend on whether you are in a rural or city environment. Locating near a water source is also important. If you are outside this can be a lake or pond to jump into. For indoor saunas a nearby shower can be used to rinse off. In either case before you start building think about getting water to your sauna. Along with a convenient way to rinse off it is nice to have an area to change into and out of sauna apparel. Benches for sitting on while removing clothes and hooks for hanging them are a great feature.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Deciding how you will heat your sauna is a major decision. Conventional saunas are heated with either wood, electric or gas heaters. Any of these can be used dry or wet depending on whether you sprinkle water on the heated rocks or not. Some people like it dry and some prefer wet, it comes down to personal tastes. Before deciding which kind of stove you want think about getting fuel to your heater. Wood may be difficult to acquire in the city but electric or gas hookups may be impractical in more remote areas. Costs can vary greatly depending on the brand and type of stove you get. A relatively new (compared to the 2000+ year history of saunas) type of sauna is the infrared sauna. These use infrared emitting lights to penetrate and heat your skin. It is a little like your microwave oven in that the food (you) is heated but the surrounding air is not. Infrared saunas are always dry. Because of the complexity of installing and correctly positioning the infrared wave emitters I suggest you buy a prebuilt model if you go with infrared.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are a few special concerns that distinguish building a sauna from other conventional frame construction. Moisture is a concern. There should be a vapor barrier to keep the heat and steam from escaping. Any electrical connections need to be protected from excessive moisture. Ventilation is necessary to keep the oxygen level up and if done right it will also help to evenly distribute the heat.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;All in all building a sauna is not an overwhelming task. If you can do some basic framing and simple finished woodworking you are well on your way to building your own sauna that can be enjoyed for years to come.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mike Hirn has been a sauna enthusiast for many years and his website provides a wealth of information about building, using and enjoying home saunas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.the-home-sauna-center.com"&gt;http://www.the-home-sauna-center.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-2672945704074216344?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/2672945704074216344/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=2672945704074216344' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/2672945704074216344'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/2672945704074216344'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/build-your-own-sauna-what-you-need-to.html' title='Build Your Own Sauna - What You Need To Know First'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-5226396193843950966</id><published>2009-08-31T23:28:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-31T23:28:27.963-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Redecorating Your Bathroom on a Budget</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Bland tiling patterns, out-dated fixtures, lack of storage area.. if any of these scenarios describe your current bathroom, fear not! Remodeling your bathroom does not need to be that expensive, time-consuming vision that you might have conjured up in your mind. In fact, redoing your bathroom can be done in an extremely affordable manner with a minimal price. Of course, as with everything, you'll only get out of it what you put into it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While redecorating any area of the house seems to have become quite a popular hobby these days, it does not need to be an activity that breaks the bank. Many of us are living on a strict budget due to current financial strains; however, the present economic state need not dictate the way we choose to live our lives or spend our dollars. Some people may consider beginning with the bathroom as starting small. This couldn't be further from the truth. Enhancing a bathroom with unique accessories can deliver a powerful impact and make an immediate bold statement within your home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Start with a shower curtain. Sure, many of today's updated homes are built with sliding glass doors, but for those of us without that luxury, we'll always have the trusty water stopper to look toward. Simply choose a shower curtain with a color scheme or pattern that ties in existing hues or designs within your bathroom. Adding such a simple yet unique accessory can easily add new character and flair to your bathroom.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From the shower curtain, consider moving onto a bath set. Bath sets typically include a contour rug for around the base of the toilet, an accent rug to place outside of your shower or bathtub, and a matching toilet seat cover. Because these are often sold in sets, you may also be lucky enough to find a matching shower curtain to pair with the set. Choosing bath rugs that are soft to the touch are a good option - especially if you live in a colder climate. Stepping onto a warm surface upon exiting the shower is one of those little things that can start your day on the right foot, literally and figuratively.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Once you've selected your shower curtain and bath set, you might want to look into finding some uniquely designed bath accessories to fill out the theme in your bathroom. Bathroom accessory sets are also a popular item nowadays. Accessory sets often include a lotion dispenser, soap dish, tumbler, toothbrush holder, and tissue box among several other bath items. These bath accessories can often be found with unique themes as well as in simple elegant and modern finishes. Ensuring that these bath accessories complement your shower curtain and bath set will easily give you decorating direction with your bathroom.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As you can see, remodeling a bathroom does not need to mean re-gutting and resurfacing your existing structure. So long as you follow your budget, you'll be able to economically redecorate your bathroom. Changing your shower curtain, and updating your bath sets and bathroom accessory sets every so often will help add a fresh new look to your bathroom at an extremely affordable price.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Popular Home Collections team has been providing home decor solutions and interior design &amp; decorating tips to its valued customers since 1995. Led by Bobby Missry, the team hopes to encourage the development of an interior design community among all passionate, home decorating enthusiasts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.popularhomecollections.com"&gt;http://www.popularhomecollections.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-5226396193843950966?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/5226396193843950966/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=5226396193843950966' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/5226396193843950966'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/5226396193843950966'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/redecorating-your-bathroom-on-budget.html' title='Redecorating Your Bathroom on a Budget'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-3761463330384384278</id><published>2009-08-31T18:23:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-31T18:23:58.094-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Are Home Remodeling Costs Down?</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Lately we've been inundated by doom-and-gloom news in the media about the real estate market. But if you're planning to stay in your home and remodel or upgrade a rental for future resale, there is actually some good news to report: it's becoming less expensive to remodel as the market slows down and the law of supply and demand kicks in.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A year or so ago, the market was on fire and building materials and labor were scarce and expensive since the demand for both was equally hot. Construction material was in short supply, if you could find it at all, and finding skilled craftsmen for your project was an exercise in frustration. That situation was made even more difficult by the demand for rebuilding areas of the country that had been hit by Hurricane Katrina. On top of that, delivery costs also rose, due to a spike in gas prices. All of those factors contributed to cost increases of as much as 50 percent in certain areas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The good news about all that? With the slow-down in the real estate market, materials are more readily available and construction people are actually looking for work to fill their schedules. Gas prices came down briefly, though they've begun to rise again, but the other pressures have lessened, which means that the cost of many common remodeling projects has decreased by 20% or more.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;That's especially good news if your project is relatively small. During the height of the real estate boom, many contractors turned down smaller projects or told home owners to wait until they could get to them. However, many contractors are now actively trying to drum up work as the market continues to soften.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The downside of remodeling with an eye toward increasing your property's value is that, at least for the near term, your upgrade probably won't immediately pay for itself like it would have in the last few years. Since real estate prices have declined significantly in many parts of America, your remodeling project won't do much from an investment standpoint as it used to. Recent surveys have suggested that even the most popular upgrades, bathroom and kitchen remodels, are only returning about 80% of their cost.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The bottom line: this may be a good time to schedule that major remodeling project you've been wanting, assuming you're not doing it to quickly turn around and use the upgrade to increase your profits. If you do want to sell for top dollar in a buyer's market, you can increase your profits by turning your home into a buyer's dream home using less expensive faux paint techniques.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether you want to remodel or just decorate your home, you can benefit from exploring &lt;a target="_new" href="http://flipthathousewithfaux.com"&gt;Flip That House with FAUX&lt;/a&gt;. See the controversial home that was on Flip That House at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://flipthathousewithfaux.com/book.html"&gt;http://flipthathousewithfaux.com/book.html&lt;/a&gt; Enjoy your home!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Copyright  2007 &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.jeanettefisher.com"&gt;Jeanette Fisher&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-3761463330384384278?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/3761463330384384278/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=3761463330384384278' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3761463330384384278'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3761463330384384278'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/are-home-remodeling-costs-down.html' title='Are Home Remodeling Costs Down?'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-3825169456704499210</id><published>2009-08-31T12:48:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-31T12:48:18.834-07:00</updated><title type='text'>How to Hire Bathroom Remodeling Contractors</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Getting your bathroom remodeled can be quite challenging if you don't know how to find the right bathroom remodeling contractors. It only makes sense to get the best contractors to deal with your bathroom remodeling because you are spending a hefty amount of money to make sure you can get the desired result without much hassles.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You need experienced team of contractors to deal with your bathroom remodeling project because remodeling takes more time compared to building a new structure. They will have to tear out the wall and anything objects within the area affected. Contractors with remodeling experience will be able to handle the project efficiently.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is the time when you should start asking around for your family members and friends' opinion before making the decision on hiring any local bathroom remodeling contractors. They might have done some home improvement for their home too and the contractors might be able to help you with your bathroom remodeling needs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can also visit a few established contractor referral sites for any reviews and recommendation about any contractors that you can hire for your improvement project. Check out for their rating and if there is any comment about them available for you to check.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You should contact several bathroom remodeling contractors at a time and request for a quotation for your bathroom remodeling needs. It is important for you to provide them with the same requirements in order to you can get the bid for the same work. You can avoid misunderstanding by writing down your requirements so that it will be easier for both parties to refer back to it if any misunderstanding occurred anytime when your home improvement project is being completed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can expect to get a professionally written proposal from by professional bathroom remodeling contractors. Everything should be explained clearly and you will be provided with the details about what types of material are being used and the timeframe for the whole project to be completed. It is important for you to ensure that all requirements are met in the specifics mentioned in the contract.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Do not focus on the price factor because everything will be inter-related. Most of the time, cheapest might not be the best option. Try to put the experience level and quality of product factor into consideration and you can make a better decision for the money that you will spend for your home improvement project later on.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can find qualified &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.MyContractorOnline.com"&gt;bathroom remodeling contractors&lt;/a&gt; by visiting &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.MyContractorOnline.com"&gt;http://www.MyContractorOnline.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-3825169456704499210?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/3825169456704499210/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=3825169456704499210' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3825169456704499210'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3825169456704499210'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/how-to-hire-bathroom-remodeling.html' title='How to Hire Bathroom Remodeling Contractors'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-3031775014733722797</id><published>2009-08-31T11:12:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-31T11:12:48.592-07:00</updated><title type='text'>How To Make Your Kitchen Cozy</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;When you shape the kitchen interior, the greatest problems are connected with drawbacks of planning and lack of space. Appropriately chosen kitchen furniture can resolve this situation, even more so that variety of models gives such an opportunity. The main thing is to imagine how your own kitchen acts out, i.e. even on the stage of planning you are to foresee conformity of all objects and their sizes. Believe us, this will greatly facilitate the whole process, up to setting the last shelf in the dresser.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So, you have already made up the list of all kitchen equipment with indication of its size. Now pay attention to technical details, such as dimensions and location of the ventilation, pipes, wiring, sockets, flexible (gas, water-supply) hoses etc. Enter all necessary stuffing in your list  and you can set off for the shop to make your choice. If you are going to buy all elements of kitchen interior separately, dont forget that the standard depth of household appliances is 600 mm, so check in advance the parameters of the things you need.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The dominant is high storage cabinets for storing foodstuffs and high cabinets for storing inventory (brushes, brooms etc). It is necessary to remember that they should not break off the work surface and they should not be located on the outskirts of your kitchen field. If you prefer an inbuilt grill or oven, it is the high storage cabinet that will accommodate them without breaking the uniformity. Besides you can pick up the height of their location, so that it is convenient for you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now lets touch upon on-floor cabinets. They are the basis of your workspace, their height directly affects the extent of your hands fatigue after cooking food, a great amount of drawers on rollers can help simplify reaching out for any object of kitchen interior that you need at the moment. We advise that you plan the space of on-floor cabinets in such a way, that the most frequently used objects could be easily accessed (pullout rotating shelves), while the rarely used dishware can be placed on the ordinary shelves.&lt;br&gt;A detail: trays and baking sheets can be conveniently settled in the plinth case under the on-floor table, which in fact, can have any width, depending on your requirements. If the height of the on-floor cabinet (preparation table) is not convenient for you, the plinth will add several centimeters, necessary for your accommodation and will relieve your hands and back of overstrain. Important: it is extremely comfortable to work while sitting, so if you decided to bring in something new to the interior and give yourself a treat, plan a pullout shelf under one of cabinets of work surface or get a high (bar) stool.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Overhead cabinets are to be located not less than 450 mm from the work surface, it is necessary, in order to accommodate freely all used electrical appliances (a food processor, a coffee-machine, a toaster etc). The height of standard cabinets is 600 mm, perforce you can buy 900-mm cabinets. They will exactly reach the ceiling in typical flats. Even if after all this, there are some things left and there is some vacant space on top, we finish the composition by entresol shelves up to the ceiling (open or closed ones) or a cornice with inbuilt lamps. Corner wall-mounted cabinets have either open shelves, or a folding door, which makes all the contents visible; the rotating shelf is remarkable for its capacity and convenience.&lt;br&gt;The distance between the work surface and overhead cabinets is called the apron. With regard to the work surface the main thing for the apron is to be in harmony with it as to colour and texture. For instance, a glossy table top and glazed tiles, mat colour of the work surface and mat apron (covered with mat washable wallpapers or imitation of tiles).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Such attention to the image of the apron is connected with the fact that it should protect the wall from dirtying, for example, from grease that can be easily washed off. The work surface is often overloaded with objects and their abundance induces the feeling of discomfort. We will free it with the help of the apron. Lets fix the microwave oven on brackets, arrange the parade of species on the miniature shelves and place the small metal items and knives on the magnetic panel. One more nuance: the decorative nook (plinth), made of water-resistant materials, will protect the back surfaces of on-floor cabinets from ingress of moisture.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When you place standard furniture, there may be narrow gaps between separate elements or between the furniture and the wall. Use them  put a narrow shelf or a table in this gap. For example, a movable table will increase the active surface and will be used as a serving table.&lt;br&gt;A narrow socle will prove useful for storing preparation plates, towels, bottles. Select the same materials for these inbuilt constructions as those used for main furniture. Kitchen furniture made from natural hard wood (oak, cherry, beech, nut-tree) and work surface from granite and marble look impressive and respectable.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ultramodern directions of finishing are represented by metal surfaces (stainless steel, aluminum) and heat-resistant glass. Inexpensive surfaces can be made of laminated plastic, ceramic tiles, plastic. All these materials are rather practical and differ in the ways of installation and operation: laminated plastics is deformed by high temperatures, the tiles can crack as a result of unsuccessful landing of a heavy pan, plastic is vulnerable to scratches, but in contrast to laminated plastic it withstands high temperature almost without deformation. No kitchen can do without silent assistants, such as a gas cooker, refrigerator, sink. Selection of equipment depends only on you. When the kitchen is small, the equipment and sink are to be compact.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are sinks of various shapes and dimensions; in our opinion, it is better to select a round sink made from stainless steel. It is smaller than the square one, yet everyone, who has ever used a round sink, will agree that it is more convenient for washing and cleaning, and besides it has a more aesthetic look.&lt;br&gt;It is very convenient, if the sink has additional ribbed trays for drying dishware, the water then does not spill on the surface of the table top and gradually trickles down to the sink. There are models, where the sink is combined with a drying apparatus, but if you have a dishwasher, you can do without a drying apparatus. Instead, choose a sink with two additional compartments for wetting cutlery and rinsing washed dishware. The drawback of the combined multisection sink is that it takes up too much space. If you have some room, buy a wider 800-mm table top instead of a standard 600-mm one. Then the part of the table top that adjoins the wall can be lifted for 15-20 mm  and you will have a convenient shelf. Besides under the table top you can have a special cavity 20 cm deep that will allow you to conceal drainage equipment. As a result, we get additional space under the sink, where you can put a dishwasher and arrange shelves for cleaners on the remaining space.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The main principle of placing the sink is convenience. It should not be located far from the gas cooker and be connected with it via a common work surface. If the kitchen is small and you planned it as a single line (please refer to the previous article), place the sink in the center, and refrigerator and the gas cooker on each side. A sink in the corner looks good in a big kitchen. The main advantage is economy of space. It is possible to plan a kitchen island; in this case the sink perfectly fits into the center of the composition. &lt;br&gt;One more must of the kitchen interior is the gas cooker. Modern cookers with burners and an oven have the same height as the furniture, that is why there are no problems with breaking off the sole horizontal work surface. Nevertheless, if the cooker does not match this parameter, it is preferable to choose models with a flap that closes the burners, when food has been cooked.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Inbuilt kitchen equipment is more expensive, yet more convenient. You can use any combination of equipment at your discretion. This principle is called domino. The basic modules are gas and electric burners, an oven, a cooking panel. Delicatessen-lovers will install a grill, a deep-fryer, a steamer, a brazier. You are absolutely free in the flight of your fancy and can endlessly enrich your arsenal of kitchen innovations. Work with inbuilt models is practical, because you use minimum dishware and have maximum pleasure from cooking. Also important is the fact that cooker hoods are inbuilt as well, they absorb smoke and soot in the horizontal, but not vertical direction. A substantial drawback that prevents many people from buying inbuilt equipment is its high price.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A small fridge, as well as the washing machine, can be put under the work surface. If you need a big fridge, dont forget about the law of non-breaking off the work surface, when you place it.&lt;br&gt;So, you have taken care about all kitchen components, and in conclusion add to the interior some personal charm, because its face should reflect the traits of your personality.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Your imagination will prompt what elements of dcor are relevant in your interior, these can be flowers, paintings, porcelain collections or just cute trifles. The designers of the best repair and construction companies will help you orientate in the endless variety of kitchen furniture and household appliances. With their help your kitchen will be not only convenient and cozy, but will also become a unique reflection of your personality.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Arthur Prudent is a developer of &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.builderstown.co.uk/"&gt;&lt;B&gt;London builders: kitchen, bathroom renovation&lt;/B&gt;&lt;/a&gt; - web site offering all aspects of builders services. Find Home Improvement articles at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.builderstown.co.uk/what/builders-london-bathroom-kitchen-fitting"&gt;&lt;B&gt;"Useful Tips"&lt;/B&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-3031775014733722797?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/3031775014733722797/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=3031775014733722797' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3031775014733722797'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3031775014733722797'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/how-to-make-your-kitchen-cozy.html' title='How To Make Your Kitchen Cozy'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-6821321512110410344</id><published>2009-08-31T03:48:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-31T03:48:54.619-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Boy's Room Paint Ideas - Have a Little Fun With It</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Most children like their bedroom to reflect their own personality and interests. With a bit of imagination and a few pots of paint a plain boy's room can be turned into a place of their very own. By all means surprise him - but it won't harm to get some ideas and feedback from the intended resident.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Themed Boys' Rooms&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A popular way of making over a boy's room is to theme it according to their interests and passions. Whatever the boy's favorite subject or activity there is likely to be a theme that can complement it. At the risk of gender stereotyping, popular choices involve cars, trains, cowboys, marine themes, outdoors, outer space and sport. Especially if you're on a budget, the important thing with choosing a theme is to make sure that the key features of the theme can be achieved in paint.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Expressing a room theme using paint can involve little more than choosing a suitable color scheme (perhaps a sports team's colors) and recreating motifs associated with the theme. At the other end of the spectrum is the creation of a full-on illusion. If your son is adamant he wants to live in a tree house, you can use paint on all four walls plus ceiling to create that fantasy, using accessories to provide the finishing touches. With faux brickwork (easy with stencils) you can fake a room in a castle or, with trompe l'oeil portholes, the appearance of a ship's cabin.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Imaginative ways to use paint in themed rooms are legion. A young car fanatic might be amused by road markings painted on the floor or faux tire tracks stenciled on the walls. You don't have to stick to murals or borders depicting cars. If the theme is the Wild West or a castle, you can use faux painting techniques to simulate a distressed or antique look. Metallic paints can be used to simulate chrome, bronze and metal features appropriate to a particular theme.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Bear in mind when choosing a theme for a boy's room that children's passions can be short-lived and you don't want to have to redecorate when the fad passes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Color Schemes and Paints&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Themed rooms often invite particular color schemes and treatments. If you're not going for a theme, consider a color scheme that doesn't show the dirt that many small boys seem to attract. Washable, scuff-resistant paints are recommended for active boy's rooms.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Special Paints&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Special purpose paints can add humour and fun to a boy's room. A young astronomer might appreciate the constellations in luminous paint on the ceiling, for example. Chalkboard paint is a great idea for children's rooms and serves a practical purpose. It only comes in black and green though you can make your own in other colors. Painted on walls or doors, chalkboard paint allows kids to draw on the walls without doing permanent damage! Magnetic paint is another fun invention that will allow a boy to pin up his favorite pics using magnets.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Getting your boy's room ready? Visit &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.thatpainterlady.com"&gt;ThatPainterLady.com&lt;/a&gt; for tons of decorating ideas and find &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.thatpainterlady.com/popular-nursery-theme-ideas-for-baby-boys/"&gt;popular nursery theme ideas for boys&lt;/a&gt; too.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-6821321512110410344?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/6821321512110410344/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=6821321512110410344' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/6821321512110410344'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/6821321512110410344'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/boys-room-paint-ideas-have-little-fun.html' title='Boy&apos;s Room Paint Ideas - Have a Little Fun With It'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-116420492181078850</id><published>2009-08-31T02:23:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-31T02:23:39.558-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Discover the Hidden Secrets to a Clean a Bathroom in the Least Amount of Time</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Every one of us would like our bathrooms at home to be extremely clean; we would like to make this room as the cleanest room at home. Unfortunately, this is the worst area to clean. You will find that this is the dirtiest thing one can come across; however, it has to be done by someone or other. You must collect all items required for cleaning the bathrooms before starting your work.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At the time of preparing for general house cleaning, it is sufficient if you gather your cleaning supplies in a bin so that this bin can be carried from one place to the other. However, this is not sufficient for bathroom cleaning because bathrooms use practically all the cleaning products that the whole house uses.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hence, it is essential that you have another bin wherein all the bathroom cleaning supplies are held. These supplies are soup scum and mildew remover, bathroom surface cleaner, window washing fluid, toilet bowl cleaner, dust rags, paper towels, sponges, scrub brush, and floor cleaner.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Before you start cleaning the bathroom, you should remove all dirty clothes and towels that are inside and send them for laundry. In addition, you must also take out the rugs to facilitate washing. One of the most difficult parts in the bathroom cleaning is the shower cleaning.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Normally, this is the place where soap scum and mildew buildup takes place if it is not cleaned regularly. Since this is the hardest part of cleaning, maximum energy of yours will be spent here and hence you should start your cleaning job from here. In case you find that the soap scum in the shower is pretty bad, you should soak this with the cleaner for sometime before you start scrubbing it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You must also clean the shower curtain/ shower door as well as the track. A large number of cleaning products to clean a shower are available in the market and you could choose any of them based on your experience.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Once you finished cleaning, you should rinse the shower with water well. This will ensure that all loose dirt and chemicals are washed out. Once you complete cleaning the shower, you should take up cleaning of bathroom mirrors.In many houses people have a tendency to write messages on the mirror after a hot shower has made it all foggy. The problem here is that this leaves streaks on the mirror that have to be properly cleaned.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After cleaning the mirror, you should dust the shelves, moldings, door frames and baseboards with rags. The next step in the bathroom cleaning process is cleaning of the sink including the facets. You can use the same product that you normally use to clean bathroom or kitchen surfaces for cleaning the sink, counter tops or the pedestal of a pedestal sink.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The next step is the dirtiest part of bathroom cleaning viz. the toilet. You will find that there are different areas of the toilet that require cleaning and each require different cleaning technique.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You should use a regular toilet brush and toilet bowl cleaner to clean the inside of the toilet; the bowl cleaner can be taken from a container or you can use a disposable toilet bowl cleaner. You should wipe clean the rim of the bowl, the under part of the lid and the seat.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For cleaning the back of the toilet and the pedestal you can use a good surface cleaner. Normally, people do not clean the pedestal especially towards the back near the floor by oversight. The last but not the least important thing in the bathroom cleaning is mopping up the floor and also emptying the garbage.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is preferable to use paper towels to clean the bathroom although using sponges and rags is eco-friendly. The preference to paper towels is due to the fact that you will find a lot of germs floating around in the bathroom and you can clean it with paper towels and throw it in the garbage. You can throw all the dirty paper towels in the bathroom garbage and empty the garbage later.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Martha Quincy Witherspoon gives tips on how to clean your house in the fastest way possible. You can download her newest book "ZOOMcleaning" now in eBook form at her website.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://zoomcleaning.vacuum-supplies.com/"&gt;Clean House Fast&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://zoomcleaning.vacuum-supplies.com/"&gt;Clean Bathroom Fast&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-116420492181078850?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/116420492181078850/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=116420492181078850' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/116420492181078850'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/116420492181078850'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/discover-hidden-secrets-to-clean.html' title='Discover the Hidden Secrets to a Clean a Bathroom in the Least Amount of Time'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-4165191719784888679</id><published>2009-08-30T20:35:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-30T20:35:50.784-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Saving Money on Your Energy Bills</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Believe it or not, it is entirely possibly to start saving tonight on your energy bills - no matter where you live, or the type of house you live in. The real secret to saving money is knowing where to start. So, let's get started!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It's a very important step - yet it is one that nearly everyone falls all over. In fact, it is the first step for a reason. Knowing where to start looking for energy problems is half the battle. Once you find the problem areas of your home, you can find solutions that will fix or remedy those areas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this article, we'll focus on your kitchen's energy usage.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Every home or apartment has a kitchen. And in this kitchen there are numerous appliances you have to keep your eye on. Do you know what the biggest energy waster is in 95% of kitchens? It's the refrigerator. That modern marvel is terrific for keeping foods from spoiling, but if it is more than 10 years old, it is "obsolete" and a waster of energy. Today's refrigerator units use on average 25% less energy than their predecessors just 10 years ago.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So what can go wrong with a refrigerator? Usually the first sign of wear on an old fridge is the seals and hinges of the door. It isn't surprising when you consider that the doors are opened and closed repeatedly at least 10 times a day in over 50% of homes. Think about how often you open and close the doors on a daily basis. Twice at breakfast, four times or more at dinner, and a few more times to reach for a cold beverage.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;All the strain on the hinges adds up, especially on older units. Now granted, they are built to withstand the constant opening and closing, but eventually problems will crop up. And when they do, either the door refuses to close all the way or it gives way to small areas around the door that aren't insulating as well as they should.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And the seal...well it doesn't take long for the seal to crack or lose its tight "grip". Once this happens, refrigerated air will leak out (or more to the point, warmer air will seep in) causing your fridge to work harder. The additional strain on the compressor, fan, and other parts means they run longer, on average, than usual. And this directly translates to high energy bills.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So, whats the solution? Well, hinges should be replaced if they are going bad, and the seals should be checked - especially on older units. You can also improve the efficiency of your fridge by ensuring it is not placed in direct sunlight or near a heat register. Minimize the amount of times the doors are opened and closed. Every time you open or close the door, you are exchanging cooled air for warm air. Finally, vacuum the exchanger coils once per year to allow better air circulation and more efficient operation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The fridge is not the only place energy is used or potentially wasted. Your stove/oven also uses energy. And like refrigerators, the older they are the less efficient they become.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether you have an electric range or gas range, be aware that advances in appliance technology again means that units 10 years old or more are less efficient than current models. Keep in mind too if you have a natural gas range that there is inherent inefficiency with burning fuel for heat. Every gas appliance has an efficiency rating which tells you how efficient the unit is at converting the gas input to heat. As a practical example, if a range has a 10,000 BTU burner and operates at 80% efficiency, the most heat it will out put is 8,000 BTU. As the unit gets older, the efficiency rating goes down, so the fuel is burned less efficiently. This means that the range will need to run longer to achieve the desired result. Again, the direct result is higher gas bills.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Electric ranges are no different, except, as with all electronics, they are near 100% efficient in converting the "power". In other words, there isn't a built in efficiency problem as with natural gas appliances. The wattage the unit is rated at will be what it takes as input, and the heat output is consistent. There is no need to convert to an "efficiency output" as with natural gas. However, like their gas counterparts, the heating elements and electronics inside the unit certainly become outdated or can break over time. Consider that if an electric range burner "burns out" or breaks, it is useless. It must be replaced. Gas appliances usually don't have these electrical problems. Newer units use less power and heat better because of better convective cooking surfaces, better heating elements, and better, more energy friendly electronics inside the unit.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ovens, whether they are electric or gas, typically have the same faults. Over time, the seals wear out and heat is wasted through the doors, Their heating elements as well can become old and outdated. Additionally, the insulation that surrounds the oven may crumble or being to show signs of wear. All these elements contribute to the oven's inefficiency.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So, how do you combat these problems? Sometimes, it isn't an option to use them less. But ideally, that is the best course of action. When using the oven, try to cook foods during the last 5 minutes of the cooking cycle with the heat "off". Avoid peeking into the oven - use the window. Opening the oven too often allows vital heat to escape, and thus the oven as to turn on for a period of time to compensate for the lost heat. You can use a similar trick with electric ranges. The element will remain warm for a couple minutes after it is turned off. Use covers when cooking on the range as they trap more heat than open pots and pans. Lastly, once boiling temperature is reached, turn down the burner to maintain the boil. It saves energy, while still boiling the liquid.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Last, let's touch briefly on microwaves. Another modern marvel that makes cooking fast and simple. There is a direct correlation between the power of the microwave and the power consumption. The power, measured in watts, is the power input. At 100% power, the microwave converts most of the power input to radiation, which heats the food/liquid in the microwave. Simply put, the more powerful the microwave, the more energy it takes. There is no such thing as a powerful microwave that is "energy efficient". Powerful microwaves are inherently energy hogs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So, where's the opportunity for savings here? Well, using the microwave in "short" periods helps. The less you use the unit, the better off you are. And like most other appliances, older units become inefficient over time. The electronics and more importantly the radiation (microwave) source becomes outdated and produces less radiation. The 10 year rule applies here - if it is older than 10 years old, look into replacing it. Also, watch the hinges and door latch. These have a tendency to come loose with constant usage, even if the unit is only a few years old!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I hope you've enjoyed the energy journey through the kitchen. Next article, We'll walk through your living room and look for opportunities for energy savings there. See you then!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dave Andersen regularly writes about home energy savings tips, energy efficiency, and saving money on home energy bills. He is not only an avid proponent of alternative energy and energy conservation, but of homeowner education about their home energy usage. He is a regular contributor to Utility Bill Busters, a free blog updated often with cutting edge energy saving tips for homes and businesses. It can be found at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.utilitybillbusters.com"&gt;http://www.utilitybillbusters.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-4165191719784888679?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/4165191719784888679/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=4165191719784888679' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/4165191719784888679'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/4165191719784888679'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/saving-money-on-your-energy-bills.html' title='Saving Money on Your Energy Bills'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-5839032206625677376</id><published>2009-08-30T15:54:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-30T15:54:31.055-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Replace Old Bathroom Mirrors</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Are you planning to install new bathroom Mirrors. If yes then keep on reading this article. New decorative bathroom wall mirrors can completely change your bathroom. You can find a big variety of bathroom mirrors in the market. They are available in various sizes, shapes and finishes. You can choose among contemporary and traditional bathroom mirrors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Have you heard about online bathroom stores which sell high quality bathroom items? Before buying anything you should look for some latest designing ideas. Mirrors can be bought with or without frames. Some of them come with golden frames. You can spend a lot of money while buying bathroom accessories. But everything depends on your budget and desire. It is a good idea to plan budget before you start a renovation project.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You should keep few things in mind while you are selecting new accessories for your bathroom. You should choose right accessories which suits your bathroom interior. Right accessories and decorative furniture can give a new look to your bathroom. Always consult your family members before you buy something new for your washroom. A bathroom is very important place in a home and reflects the lifestyle of a person and his family members.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are many benefits of bathroom accessories. They not only enhance the beauty of your bathroom but also increase the functionality. For designing a dream bathroom you have to spend some time and money. Designing or renovating a bathroom is a task which needs lot of home work and commitment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you want to know more about &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.bellabathrooms.co.uk/bathroom_mirrors.html"&gt;Bathroom Mirrors&lt;/a&gt; then feel free to visit &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.bellabathrooms.co.uk"&gt;Bella Bathrooms&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-5839032206625677376?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/5839032206625677376/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=5839032206625677376' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/5839032206625677376'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/5839032206625677376'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/replace-old-bathroom-mirrors.html' title='Replace Old Bathroom Mirrors'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-8684214273218896436</id><published>2009-08-30T13:12:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-30T13:12:58.456-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Tips to Get the Best From Your Bathroom Remodeling</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Many people mistakenly believe that the bathroom is the least important area of the house. Considering that this is the first place you visit after you get up, and probably the last place you go to just before bed, nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, many people spend many relaxing moments in their bathroom, luxuriating in a bath while listening to soft music or playing with their kids before they go to bed. Therefore, it is only reasonable that many people want to remodel their bathrooms to give it the looks and comfort that the rest of the home provides.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Often, people are totally defeated by the thought of giving this small space a new look. After all, what is there to do? How much can one move the lavatory or the bathtub, and what would be the point anyway? Well, there are many ways you can use mirrors, lighting, free-floating cabinets and light to give this space a large, roomy and extravagant look. In fact, a properly done bathroom remodeling job could leave you open-mouthed! But you needn't call in the experts or pay through your nose for expensive designers before you get the bathroom of your dreams. Just follow the tips below and you could well be showing off your bathroom to your friends and family.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;ol&gt; &lt;li&gt;If your bathroom is cramped and starved for space, get rid of the tub. Go for a compact shower unit that has gleaming faucets and controls. On the other hand, if you have a large bathroom, make use of geometric designs instead of the conventional tub, and demarcate this area from the rest of your bath space.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Ax bare cabinets and vanities. Instead, make use of cabinets that are concealed nicely behind large mirrors. Mirrors increase the illusion of space and give a nice touch to your bathroom.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;With the wide array of sinks and washing bowls available, it is not too difficult to get sleek designs that are compact as well as stylish. Glass fittings are popular these days. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Go for compact fittings. This will increase the illusion of space. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Make clever use of lighting to give the bathroom a bigger look. Allow light to pour in through frosted windowpanes. Use cool colors. Vertical stripes add to the feeling of space and height. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Get rid of dark fabric that makes the bathroom look dowdy and depressing. Instead, use light fabric in cool colors. Glass block windows should never be covered up, as they are great style statements.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Place lights above mirrors. Use stylish light fixtures so that bald tubes do not give off glaring light that hurts the eye. Place lighting fixtures in a way that they are nicely reflected around the bathroom.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Lastly, avoid clutter. If the space is small, keep unnecessary things out of it. Functionality should nicely be amalgamated with style so that you get maximum mileage from what you use in the small space.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Bathroom remodeling is not the tough job that it is made out to be. In fact, since you have to think sleek and slim, it is by far the easiest room to remodel and convert.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.firstchoicestone.com/"&gt;Bathroom Remodeling&lt;/a&gt; - First Choice Stone, specializing in granite countertops, and cabinets for kitchens and bathrooms is dedicated to providing old world quality and craftsmanship with innovative technology.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-8684214273218896436?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/8684214273218896436/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=8684214273218896436' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8684214273218896436'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8684214273218896436'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/tips-to-get-best-from-your-bathroom.html' title='Tips to Get the Best From Your Bathroom Remodeling'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-4593403538303296705</id><published>2009-08-30T05:56:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-30T05:56:13.941-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Carpet Dye: What You Should Know</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;If you want your carpets to take on a new look and don't want to spend the money to replace them you should consider carpet dye. It's a low cost alternative that will give your carpet a total face lift.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Both nylon and wool carpets can be dyed. Polyester, polypropylene, and acrylic cannot be dyed. The current color of your carpet will determine what color you can dye your carpet. For example if your carpet is red and yellow dye and you would get an orange carpet. Of if your carpet was blue and you added red you would get a purple carpet. White and light beige carpet can be dyed any color but you can never get a deep black. You can never go lighter when dying carpet, only darker.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are two common methods used to dye carpet. One is by spraying the dye using a want that produces between 150 and 500 pounds of pressure. If you are performing a total color change this method can have some issues with penetration.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The second method is to apply the dye with a rotary scrubber which has nylon bristles. The machine is moved across the carpet in an overlapping pattern so no areas are missed. You need a great deal of experience to get a professional look but the penetration is excellent and its' the best method of the two.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You must be sure to use professional carpet dye to ensure your carpet dye job works. Just like a bad hair dye you can get a bad carpet dye too. Fiber pro dyes are designed to work on nylon, wool, and carpets that have a stain resistant coating. The colors are bright and they are fade resistant. You need to know what the material of your carpet is and ensure that it is capable of being dyed. Because dying a carpet is a complex procedure it would be in your best interest to have a professional come into your home, have a look, and let you know if your carpet can be dyed, how well it will take, and how much it will cost.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you are having touch up work done a professional will use a match system to match up the color as close as possible. Automobiles often have their carpeting dyed and the professionals will match the carpet as close as possible to the original.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When the carpet dye is applied it is applied to the surface and the lightly brushed into the nap. The professional will know the exact amount of dye to apply to your carpet to obtain the color choice. To find a good professional make some calls to local carpet dealers. Remember you can use carpet dying to do touch up on spots that have had color discoloration or removal due to bleach.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Carpet dying is truly an art form. If you are going to give it a try yourself and eliminate the cost of the professionals I encourage you to get some scrap carpet, hopefully in a similar color to what you are going to dye, and then practice, and practice some more. If you feel confident you can do it, go for it. But remember the cost of the professional might be a good investment of money because you could wreck your entire carpet.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Carpet dye is an excellent way to give your carpet an affordable face lift and get a few more years out of it. It's also a good choice if you have changed your decor and your carpets no longer fit. So be sure to call a professional to find out more about the carpet dye option.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;John Murray makes it easy to go through the carpet buying process and provides tips to keep your carpet lasting long. To learn more and receive your free mini-course visit the &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.carpets-guide.com"&gt;carpet rugs&lt;/a&gt; website.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-4593403538303296705?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/4593403538303296705/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=4593403538303296705' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/4593403538303296705'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/4593403538303296705'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/carpet-dye-what-you-should-know.html' title='Carpet Dye: What You Should Know'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-4579742131057158522</id><published>2009-08-30T05:25:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-30T05:25:45.329-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Selecting Glass Mosaic Tiles For Your Home</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Glass mosaic tiles can give you many options that ceramic tiles cannot. Glass tiles are available in hundreds of colors including those hard to find reds, oranges, and yellows. There are also many sizes but by definition are usually no larger than 2". You will find these sold as squares, circles, and rectangles. So with all of these possibilities, how do you choose what is best for your space?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;First decide where the tile will go. Some of the most popular applications are kitchen backsplashes, bathroom shower and tub surrounds, fireplaces, swimming pools, and spas. It is not recommended to put tiles onto a countertop because of all of the grout lines where food can get stuck. However many glass tiles can be used on flooring.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now you need to decide which type of glass tile you want to use. There are basically 4 types of glass tiles used for installations; vitreous, crystal, metallic glass, and iridescent. All of these types are easy to clean and can be used on all vertical surfaces. Vitreous glass is the most durable. It is very difficult to scratch this tile and it is has hundreds of colors available. Crystal glass tile cannot be used on floors or other horizontal surfaces. It will scratch. Some of these tiles will even fade in direct sunlight. Metallic glass tiles have a metallic vein that runs through each tile. These are gorgeous tiles and durable. The iridescent tiles are pretty but not for floors. The iridescent may scratch off over time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These tiles come mounted in various ways but are usually in a square foot section. The most popular mounting for glass tiles is face mounted on paper. This allows the entire back of these tiny tiles to touch the adhesive. The second best mounting is face mounted on tile tape for the same reason as the paper. The tape is just a little harder to pull off so you have to let your adhesive dry before removal. The last mounting style is back mounted on mesh. This is what installers prefer because it is the easiest to install. Check with your installer to make sure s/he is capable of installing face mounted tile.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Once you pick the type of tile best for your area, you need to pick the color or colors. This is where many people get frustrated. You can choose to use a solid color or you can create a custom blend of colors. This is the most popular because you can create a blend that is unique to you and your space. To create a blend, you have to use tiles of the same size. It is recommended that you choose between 3 and 5 colors. You can add as many colors as needed to get your desired effect but it will start to look cluttered if you add too many.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Choosing the colors is the most difficult part. It is recommended that you choose one color that matches your area such as your granite or bathroom floor tile. Now pick a second color that brings out a color in your space that is a little more hidden but you would like to see. This could be one of the faint veins of color in your granite or a bathroom towel color. Now pick out a color that is uniquely you. This could be the color you want to accent your kitchen in or the color in your curtains that you love.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Once you choose the first three colors you can adjust them to what is visually appealing to you. You might want 50% of one color, 30% of the second, 15% of the third, and 5% of some other color that ties everything together. Custom blends give you many options to get the perfect tile combination for your space.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Glass mosaic tile can be installed by you but it is always recommended to hire a professional with experience installing glass tile. There have been many instances where a glass tile installation has been ruined because an unknowledgeable installer puts the tile on backwards (paper side down), doesn't use spacers between sheets, or grouts in the wrong color.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tammy Wise has been creating mosaic art for over 8 years. She has been published in major glass magazines and has done mosaic commission work for businesses. Tammy currently owns her own mosaic business in Owasso, Oklahoma. Tile Shack Mosaic Supplies ships superior products all over the world. Find plenty of supplies plus more information on mosaics at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.tileshack.com"&gt;http://www.tileshack.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-4579742131057158522?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/4579742131057158522/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=4579742131057158522' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/4579742131057158522'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/4579742131057158522'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/selecting-glass-mosaic-tiles-for-your.html' title='Selecting Glass Mosaic Tiles For Your Home'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-9009099143141207485</id><published>2009-08-29T22:51:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-29T22:51:29.409-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Handyman Hardware - Home Repair Tips</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Handyman can be described as a person who undertakes different types of jobs such as small construction works, electrical works, plumbing, painting, and garden maintenance. All these activities are completed with the help of tools and equipment, which are normally referred to as handyman hardware. Handyman hardware does not consist of specially designed tools and equipment; it is just a collection of tools and equipment used by electricians, plumbers, and construction workers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many handyman tools are coated with insulation material that provides insulation against electric shocks. Insulation material is made from specially formulated materials and is scientifically tested before being used to coat handyman tools. Insulated handyman tools are rated according to the level of voltage they can withstand which is usually in the range of 1000 volts to 1500 volts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A number of manufacturers produce handyman hardware tools based on current national standards defined by American society for testing and materials (ASTM). Handyman hardware tools may include pliers, screwdrivers, knives, scissors, bolt cutters, cable cutters, and hammers. Bags that carry these accessories are made from a combination of cotton cloth, leather, and other strong material to make it long lasting. Household users should make sure that the handyman hardware tools they are buying are manufactured according to standard quality specifications.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Handyman hardware tools need to be replaced after one or two years as they are subjected to heavy wear and tear while rendering handyman services. The cost of replacing or maintaining such type of hardware can be unaffordable for many handymen. The best option for them is to work for an organization that provides all the necessary hardware needed for performing their services.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is necessary to use handyman hardware tools in a technically correct way, as improper handling can damage the equipment being handled as well as the tool. People can take help from handyman guidebooks or magazines for learning the correct use of handyman hardware tools.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.z-Handyman.com"&gt;Handyman&lt;/a&gt; provides detailed information on Handyman, Handyman Services, Starting A Handyman Business, Handyman Tips and more. Handyman is affiliated with &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.i-Remodeling.com"&gt;Home Remodeling&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-9009099143141207485?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/9009099143141207485/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=9009099143141207485' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/9009099143141207485'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/9009099143141207485'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/handyman-hardware-home-repair-tips.html' title='Handyman Hardware - Home Repair Tips'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-3093955305600417932</id><published>2009-08-29T18:57:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-29T18:57:51.985-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Bathroom Flooding Causes Mold Growth</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Bathrooms have a way of getting mold growth in it because of all the moisture that comes from the shower or water getting on the floor. The water that can get on the floor can be from the sink, tub, or from the toilet. If water gets on the floor from the toilet, it is because it has overfilled or backed up, which can cause water to run all over the floor. It can get in the cracks of the bottom of the walls, seep into the wood around the sink, and get under the linoleum on the floor. It can cause mold to grow around the tub, toilet, and other places in the bathroom.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mold can get in the wall, which is called black mold, and it is toxic to have in your house. It can cause allergies and other problems that can affect the body. If you are having headaches, that can be a very possible sign that you have mold and you need to check out the house. Call the mold professionals to test the house and check for mold growth. Also have them check the rooms near the bathroom or the room that it is connected to for mold because the moisture can travel to other rooms and form mold under the carpets, walls, floors, and other places that you might not know about.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It can even cause moisture and mold to get up in the ceiling, which can stain the ceiling and cause it to start to bow in which it also makes it dangerous for you. If there is a bad amount of growth growing in the bathroom, everything will have to be torn out, replaced, and something put in like air vents so it will not happen again. If there is mold on the tub, around the top of the tub, or on the tiles, you can kill it with bleach to get rid of it. You will have to scrub to make sure all the mold is gone and the areas are cleaned before anything. If there is a window in the bathroom, open it to help circulate the air in there so it will help keep it dry in there and so no moisture can build up.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mold can also grow on the shower curtain as well. You need to clean that every time you clean the bathroom so no mold can grow and make sure you get it dry after every use of the shower. If mold has grown on it, it is good to throw it out and get a new one so the mold will not spread on anything else or in the air. Mold can get under the seal or the caulking around the tub. If it gets under there, it will have to be removed and cleaned so it will not do more damage than it already has.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Adyan Corkern is a writer for &lt;a target="_new" href="http://flood-damage.info"&gt;Wet Carpet Drying&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.superdry911.com/states/virginiawaterdamagerestoration.php"&gt;water damage Virginia&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-3093955305600417932?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/3093955305600417932/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=3093955305600417932' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3093955305600417932'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3093955305600417932'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/bathroom-flooding-causes-mold-growth.html' title='Bathroom Flooding Causes Mold Growth'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-7279979243877555144</id><published>2009-08-29T15:48:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-29T15:48:59.438-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Bathtub Surround Installation DIY Guide</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;You can install a tub surround kit over your regular walls, whether they be tile or any other hard, solid material. Typically, you want to consider bathtub surround installation if the current walls of your bath area are dated or unattractive.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Generally, you'll need a small screwdriver, pencil, pocket knife, tape measure, level, and a jig saw. You'll also want to make sure that you have an installation kit, adhesive with the proper applicator, coarse sandpaper, and caulk.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When using a tub surround installation kit, each will have their own directions specific to that product kit. You want to make sure that your read the directions carefully and thoroughly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You'll want to following the following general directions when installing your tub surround.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;First, you'll want to remove the spout, faucet handles, and all accessories from around the bath tub, and set them aside.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You'll want to go ahead and repair the damaged areas on the current walls that surround the tub, and if you will be installing over ceramic tile, you'll want to use the coarse sandpaper to enhance the grip abilities of the adhesive.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Clean the area between the tub and the wall, and re-caulk if you need to.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Next, you'll want to mark the bathtub surround installation area, including the location of the faucet, spout, and whatever else will stick out of the wall; cut out the areas on the template and use them to mark the location on the tub surround panels and use the jig saw to cut out the holes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You'll want to next hold the panels in place according to the manufacturers instructions and mark the location of the top and sides on the wall so that you can make sure that the panels will be level.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Next, apply the adhesive according the the manufacturer's directions, paying close attention to the time you should expose the glue before affixing the panels because if you don't allow enough time, the adhesive will not bond properly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Once you attach the panels to the wall, according to the manufacturer's instructions, you'll want to let the tub adhesive dry properly before turning on the water. Go ahead and replace the faucet, spout, and other accessories at this time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Lastly, you'll want to seal all the joints with caulk and letting that dry before turning on the water to the tub.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Bathtub surround installation is a pretty easy do it yourself project. Just make sure that you have help with the project, and if you get lost call a professional. Source: Bathtubinstallationinc dot com, Louis Zhang&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Get a free guide on &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.bathtubinstallationinc.com"&gt;bathtub installation&lt;/a&gt;. Find out how to install bathtub surround, drain, shower head, faucet, plumbing at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.bathtubinstallationinc.com"&gt;http://www.bathtubinstallationinc.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-7279979243877555144?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/7279979243877555144/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=7279979243877555144' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7279979243877555144'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/7279979243877555144'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/bathtub-surround-installation-diy-guide.html' title='Bathtub Surround Installation DIY Guide'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-6849553273262340607</id><published>2009-08-29T08:40:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-29T08:40:53.406-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Home Elevators - A Practical Solution For the Elderly</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Home elevators are a practical solution for the elderly, who desire to lead an independent life even with their mobility challenges. These are convenient, quiet and easy-to-operate equipment which assist in easy movement up and down the floors of your home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Home Elevators with Outstanding Safety Features &lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Home elevators, being a practical solution for the elderly, are available in a variety of models. Many of them are custom-made so as to meet the unique requirements of individual users. Well-known brands are built with gearless motors which enable the user to have a smooth ride. The safety measures incorporated in the different models include:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; Slack chain&lt;br&gt; Emergency light &lt;br&gt; Emergency alarm&lt;br&gt; Interlocks for door and hoistway&lt;br&gt; Cable safety devices&lt;br&gt; Telephone system&lt;br&gt; Battery backups&lt;br&gt; Emergency stop buttons&lt;br&gt; Automatic controls&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is possible to customize the panels, lighting and other elements, so as to match with the interior decorations of your residence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Select the Right Home Elevator that Best Suits Your Requirements&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;ThyssenKrupp Access, Federal Elevator, and Savaria Concord are the leading names in the manufacturing industry. They offer an exclusive range of residential elevators based on the requirements of the elderly and the physically challenged. Before buying an elevator, necessary planning will help you to choose the best one for your residence. Try to acquire as much details about the various models of home elevators including the features integrated in each model. It is also important to have a good assessment about the speed, loading capacity, and cost factor as these may vary according to the models and technology used.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Home elevators assist the elderly or physically challenged individuals and infuse in them a remarkable spirit of self confidence. In addition, home elevators can enhance the value of your residence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By offering aesthetically appealing &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.dayelevator.com/elevator-lift-products/home-elevators.html"&gt;home elevators&lt;/a&gt;, DAY Elevator &amp; Lift offers a new level of freedom for people with limited mobility. In addition to &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.dayelevator.com/elevator-lift-products/residential-elevators.html"&gt;residential elevators&lt;/a&gt;, we offer home stair lift systems and wheelchair lifts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-6849553273262340607?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/6849553273262340607/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=6849553273262340607' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/6849553273262340607'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/6849553273262340607'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/home-elevators-practical-solution-for.html' title='Home Elevators - A Practical Solution For the Elderly'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-5506271937173536412</id><published>2009-08-29T08:29:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-29T08:29:04.439-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Romantic Bathroom Ideas</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Creating Romantic bathroom more often than not requires the Master Bathroom of the property to be transformed with a masculine touch, whilst keeping in mind that two people share the bathroom space and one of them may have more masculine tastes in decorating. Romantic usually comes hand in hand with old world decorating accessories and decorates, when placed in an old world style bedroom or master bath, exaggerate the room's comfort while crafting ambience, drama and style. Consider framed art, wall tapestry and iron work when decorating a romantic bathroom.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Like all rooms in your home, choice of wall colour and accessories determines the decorating style. Enhance a bathroom's romantic look by including scrolled iron wall art in your bathroom decorating equation. Enjoy casual romantic bathroom decorating by choosing storage and display accessories that compliment European classical and in particular french interior design. Moen's Kingsley line of bathroom solutions, including faucets and shower faucets, are sure to have the finish to match your decorating flare. Meeting the expectations of the couple desiring a romantic ambience in their master bath is challenging, but coming to the rescue are the Mediterranean Italian - French decorating styles. Create a beautifully well designed bath by decorating the walls. Decorating French Style with Italian Ceramics and Scrolled Iron.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today, wall mounted bathroom accessories are fashionable and practical, and can be suited to compliment both contemporary and classic styles. Add a ledge of candles or a romantic French style wall sconce to provide ambience and luxurious style to your powder room. If you are looking for beautiful coloured reflections, in classic Mediterranean style the Celice oval mirror is a widely acclaimed choice.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For more &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.bathroomscheaper.co.uk/mirrors-cabinets/mirrors-cabinets-c-24.html"&gt;bathroom accessories&lt;/a&gt; ideas, please visit &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.bathroomscheaper.co.uk/"&gt;bathrooms cheaper&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Lee Tyrrell of Bathrooms Cheaper&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-5506271937173536412?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/5506271937173536412/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=5506271937173536412' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/5506271937173536412'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/5506271937173536412'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/romantic-bathroom-ideas.html' title='Romantic Bathroom Ideas'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-8000407523963105323</id><published>2009-08-29T01:23:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-29T01:23:04.149-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Termites Can Ruin Your Home</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;There are three conditions that attract termites to an area:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Water is the first condition that attracts termites to an area. Termites generally cannot survive without a source of water present. Termites will always seek some source of moisture to survive whether it is in the form of a leaky faucet, sprinkler or rain.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Wood is the next thing that will attract termites. Termites will consume any material that contains cellulose. Since wood contains a great deal of cellulose, termites eat wood like no other. If a single piece of wood touches the ground, a colony of termites somewhere will know about it. Some subterranean termites will consume other materials such as vegetation, dung, and humus, but their primary source of food is wood.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The last thing that termites are attracted to is soil. Termites are subterranean, so they build their colonies in the ground. They love soil and will build elaborate tunnel systems, called galleries up to three feet below the surface. Termites will use soil to create mud tubes leading from their underground colonies to above ground food sources such as the wood in your home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Being aware of the three conditions for termite survival can help you to keep destructive termites away from your home. Termites cost over $1 billion in damages to homes each year. They are one of the biggest contributors to home destruction. With the importation of the Formosan termite from East Asia, the amount of termite caused home damage continues to rise. A termite colony consists of anywhere from 250,000 to a million termites. A single termite queen can live between 30 and 50 years and can lay thousands of eggs per day. That means that a queen can repopulate her colony even after tremendous devastation. The best way to fight termites is to prevent them from ever touching your home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So if you want to find more about &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.merlinspestcontrol.com"&gt;pest control&lt;/a&gt; or even about &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.merlinspestcontrol.com"&gt;New Jersey pest control&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.merlinspestcontrol.com"&gt;pest control Monmouth new jersey&lt;/a&gt;, please click these links.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-8000407523963105323?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/8000407523963105323/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=8000407523963105323' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8000407523963105323'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8000407523963105323'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/termites-can-ruin-your-home.html' title='Termites Can Ruin Your Home'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-2162339804089488600</id><published>2009-08-28T21:59:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-28T21:59:58.508-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Tips For Planning a Small Bathroom</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Adding an additional bathroom can greatly increases the value of any home, and can be a huge advantage to a growing family. How do you proceed when you don't have much space to put a new bathroom in? Even the smallest bath can feel idyllic with careful planning. Whether you are building from scratch or re-modeling, a few helpful tips will get you on your way through the planning stage.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The first step is choosing where your new bathroom will be placed. Build as close as possible to the existing utility and plumbing lines, and you will save yourself major plumbing expenses. Consider who needs to use the room, and how accessible it will be to them in that location. If the bathroom will not have a window, you must be able to install one, or install a vent to the outside of the house to remove humidity and prevent mold and mildew. Check your local building regulations before you plan too far, so you won't have to go back and change plans later.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Next, decide exactly what needs the addition should fill. If you don't need a bathtub and a shower stall, don't install them both! If you do need both a bathtub and a shower, look into a combined unit that will fit both functions into one space. Look for furniture that multitasks, and personalize this bath to your households needs. A large family has different needs than a single person, and this is an excellent time to create an area to perfectly custom fit your life and your home. Maximizing the functionality of a small room increases its value to you beyond the financial value added to your home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Take precise measurements of the space. You can create a template of your proposed bathroom using graph paper or a simple computer program. Try different arrangements for a bathroom suite and furniture using standard size measurements. If you are unsatisfied with how it comes together, check local suppliers for more unconventionally sized pieces. A smaller bath or shower enclosure may make a perfect fit. Likewise, corner units are available for bath, shower, basin and bidet that can make the most of the floor space in even the tiniest bathroom.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How's your hardware? Short spout taps in both bathtub and basin won't overwhelm a smaller unit or get in your way when you use it. Choose towel rails, wall sconces, and storage solutions that hug the walls and don't break up the visual space. Now add the elements that make this space "You" - color, texture and decorative accents.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Planning to make any area, most especially a small one, as functional as possible gives you a much greater chance to express your personal style in that space. With a little forethought and planning, the smallest of bathrooms can become a luxurious haven.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Written by James Chapman, a director of Bella Bathrooms Ltd who supply &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.bellabathrooms.co.uk/small_bathrooms.html"&gt;Small Bathrooms&lt;/a&gt; across the UK.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Bella Bathrooms is an online retailer formed by 2 plumbers from the North East of England. Having hands on experience of custom bathroom installation and products has enabled Bella Bathrooms Ltd to only select quality bathroom products for their online shop. They sell bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, showers and bath related products for consumers through the United Kingdom.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-2162339804089488600?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/2162339804089488600/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=2162339804089488600' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/2162339804089488600'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/2162339804089488600'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/tips-for-planning-small-bathroom.html' title='Tips For Planning a Small Bathroom'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-2639096768020004347</id><published>2009-08-28T18:02:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-28T18:02:30.929-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Injection Waterproofing - Home Repair Tips</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Injection waterproofing is often used to fill and seal cracks and crevices. The material is most often made from a polyurethane compound. The compound is lightweight and expands up to twice its original size when applied to a surface. Many non-toxic and environmentally safe products are available at home improvement stores nationwide. Injection waterproofing is used mainly in foundation crack repairs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In most foundation cracks, a polyurethane injection can seal the opening. In some smaller cracks it may be apparent that a sealant was used because it may be difficult to evenly inject the compound. Single caulking style cartridges and the dual side-by-side cartridge systems are the types of injection waterproofing compounds available for retail purchase. Both of these are manually injected and easy to pump.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When using an injection waterproofing method, it is important to keep the area dry. Temporarily block any flowing water to the area, and clean and dry the area as needed. Experts say that in the case of water flowing through a hole, you can temporarily caulk the hole with candle wax, modeling clay or plumbers putty. If the cracks are in narrow or hard-to-reach places, you can use a flexible hose attached to the injector nozzle.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whatever waterproofing system your leakage problem requires, be sure to do your research. If you choose to make this a do-it-yourself project, make sure you know where your leaks are coming from and the proper method to repair them. When purchasing waterproofing materials you should make sure you are buying the appropriate product for your needs. The National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors (NAWSRC) has tons of information on waterproofing. Whether or not you decide to hire a contractor, this organization can help you from beginning to end.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.i-waterproofing.com"&gt;Waterproofing Info&lt;/a&gt; provides detailed information on waterproofing systems, including injection waterproofing, foundation waterproofing, concrete waterproofing, deck waterproofing, basement waterproofing, and waterproofing basement walls, as well as waterproofing contractors and consultants. Waterproofing Info is affiliated with &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.growthink.com"&gt;Business Plans by Growthink&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-2639096768020004347?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/2639096768020004347/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=2639096768020004347' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/2639096768020004347'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/2639096768020004347'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/injection-waterproofing-home-repair.html' title='Injection Waterproofing - Home Repair Tips'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-3102988118635006258</id><published>2009-08-28T11:17:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-28T11:17:42.342-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Ideas For Choosing Mirrors For the Bathroom &amp; Bedroom</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;There are some people who can't live there life without mirror. For them it is part of their accessories which they can bring it inside their bag or hang it up in their house. Most of the decorative mirrors can be seen in rooms or living rooms. For those who haven't yet chosen any of the best mirrors for design scheme purposes, better broaden up your search first.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Before buying decorative mirrors, you have to consider the purpose of it whether it is for utility use or to generate a delusion of space. You also have to plan where to hang the mirror. Whether it will be place in the bathroom, in your living room, family room or to your own bedroom. Upon choosing the decorative mirrors consider matching up to another piece in your home such as the color of your bathroom tiles or any of your furniture covers. You will only find it hard to find a match if the mirror you have chosen comes from a different producer, while if you choose those ready made decorative mirrors it will surely be persistent.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you prefer to put the decorative mirror in your room, think of using wall mounted mirrors or free standing if you have a small room. It is most likely to put the mirror diagonally from a window because as you open up the room you will have the mirror image of the outdoors. For larger rooms you can place floor mirrors. When considering putting a mirror you should consider the style of your room and be consistent with your own style. Your budget depends upon the availability of your cash on hand. This is very important because mirrors come from different prices from affordable to expensive. So once you have found the uniqueness of the perfect mirror you are looking for, it is now easy for you to spend or have the budget. You must take a survey first before buying so you will not regret after.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is a great help for you if you live in a home where shopping malls are accessible, because from time to time you can go for window shopping and you can choose plenty of options of &lt;a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.mhnshopping.com/decorative-mirrors/"&gt;Decorative Mirror&lt;/a&gt;. Or with the use of the high end equipments nowadays powered by the modern technology, you can go surfing an online shop at your home while sitting in the sofa. World Wide Web offers you everything as you scroll it down. All you need to do is to use those famous search engines and simply encode the facts you are looking for, just be specific so you get access easily what you are looking for. Or if you wish to broaden it up then input other facts about the one you are looking for.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Eliza Maledevic Ayson writes for Jump2top.com - &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.jump2top.com"&gt;SEO Company&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-3102988118635006258?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/3102988118635006258/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=3102988118635006258' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3102988118635006258'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/3102988118635006258'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/ideas-for-choosing-mirrors-for-bathroom.html' title='Ideas For Choosing Mirrors For the Bathroom &amp; Bedroom'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-1644090857509080855</id><published>2009-08-28T11:01:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-28T11:01:51.131-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Problems With Building Contractors</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Sometimes as contractors we get in a hurry and we just want to finish the job. We told the homeowner we would be done in three months, at the same time the homeowner keeps adding new work to the list.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I ran into a problem like this on one job where the contractor was in a hurry to finish the flooring and chose to go right over the existing floor that was out of level. He told the homeowner he didn't have time to repair that section of the floor. He was installing half-inch plywood over 1 x 6 diagonal floor sheeting to strengthen up the floor.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This floor was going to require quite a bit of attention from the contractor and his crew. The homeowner should have hired another contractor to repair the floor while the original contractor finished the house remodel. When your contractor gives you that much grief about any work, you need to start thinking about hiring another contractor or at least finding one to complete the task your original contractor has no interest in.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I felt sorry for the homeowner because this was not what he wanted and he was upset with the contractor but the job was done. This is my warning to any contractor, handyman or home repair specialists. When installing a new plywood floor over an existing floor to strengthen it up, use some common sense and repair the floor correctly or don't do the job at all.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I wrote this article for contractors to have a little more sympathy for the homeowners you are working for because sometimes they can't see the whole picture like you can. I also wrote this article for homeowners to listen to your contractor carefully when he is explaining a potential problem that you can't visualize further down the road. Any contractor with over 15 years experience remodeling homes has a pretty good idea what's going to happen next.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional &lt;a target="_new" href="http://gregvan.com/index.htm"&gt;building contractors&lt;/a&gt; as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more &lt;a target="_new" href="http://stairs4u.com/eimage/howtobuildstraightstairs.htm"&gt;building stairs books&lt;/a&gt; and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-1644090857509080855?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/1644090857509080855/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=1644090857509080855' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/1644090857509080855'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/1644090857509080855'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/problems-with-building-contractors.html' title='Problems With Building Contractors'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-8501204733936081953</id><published>2009-08-28T03:36:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-28T03:36:05.751-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Attracting the Leads You Need</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;With the home contracting market becoming more competitive every year, it is essential for you to attract the leads you need to prosper and grow. Leads can come from a variety of sources, referrals, home shows, and direct marketing can all generate quality leads. With all leads it is important to make sure they are qualified leads. If you are spending a lot of time chasing down leads that are not interested you are wasting too much of your time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Every contractor in the business knows that referrals are by far the best source for referrals. Turning these referral leads in to sales is your job. Any home contracting company has got to cultivate referral leads. If you are trying to run a business without referrals you are dead in the water. Referrals are crucial to your success.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A company website is becoming more and more important as the internet becomes ever more vital to our economy. On your website you should have your potential customer register so you know their name, where they live, and what they are looking for. It is also important to follow up on these leads immediately. These customers are on the internet to have instant service.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Home improvement shows are also a very good place to find valuable leads. Thousands of people every year attend these home shows. Some are coming just to look around but most of them are looking for a contractor. You and your sales team have to talk to everyone that walks by your booth. One way to get these leads is to offer a drawing for a prize. For the small price of a moderately priced prize you can generate hundreds of leads, as well as being able to weed out the leads that aren't qualified.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Following this simple advice will help you attract the leads you need.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For more information on &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.buildwish.com/contractors-resource-center/attracting-the-leads-you-need"&gt;Attracting Leads&lt;/a&gt; and growing your home &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.buildwish.com/contractors-resource-center"&gt;Contracting Business&lt;/a&gt; visit Buildwish&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-8501204733936081953?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/8501204733936081953/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=8501204733936081953' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8501204733936081953'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/8501204733936081953'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/attracting-leads-you-need.html' title='Attracting the Leads You Need'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-5646358509253559928</id><published>2009-08-27T18:17:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-27T18:17:19.012-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Hotels, Motels Green Bathroom Remodeling Nationwide</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Hotels/motels that remodel their bathrooms by going green are following the hotel industry's move towards environmental sustainability. Hotels/Motels therefore, have understood that going green means replacing fixtures with water or energy saving appliances. What many hotels and motels owners are beginning to learn is that going green in their bathroom remodeling project, includes refinishing, recycling and the use of recycled materials.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hotels/Motels green remodeling has other benefits or advantages apart from saving money. Investors that are looking to buy a chain of hotels or motels or even those looking to buy a single hotel or motel are definitely looking to buy ones that have efficient fixtures and appliances installed in their bathrooms.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hotels and Motels use of resources&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hotels and motels are in general bigger than average buildings and the use a lot of resources. It takes a lot of resources to build hotels and an equally bigger and constant resources to maintain - heating and cooling, use of lots of water. No hotels can function without water. Hotels need water for laundry, for showering in the bathrooms, flushing the toilets, washing your hands, and then dishwashing. That is why any hotel that considers bathroom remodeling, thinks about green bathroom remodeling and it's advantage of saving water.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Additionally, the hotel industry use a lot of energy. The annual energy bill for the hospitality industry is $3.7 billion a year on energy. Energy savings alone is driving a lot of hotels to green bathroom remodeling. They see the benefits and embrace the advantages of water and energy savings they get from when their bathrooms are remodeled for green living.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hotels see green in green bathroom remodeling. Whether the owners of hotels or motels believe that the civilities of their hotels have an impact on the environment or not, they see "green" the money savings in water and energy resources.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Green bathroom remodeling save hotels and motels money:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Replace showerheads to save water bills:&lt;br&gt;During a tight economy, those hotels that are remodeling in order to sell their hotels or add value to their property are discovering that a very inexpensive way to save water in their hotels bathrooms is to replace their shower heads with water saving ones. The performance of a good water head should be the same as a normal shower head. Cheap one dribble water which defeats the whole purpose of water savings.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Replace older toilets with water saving toilets:&lt;br&gt;There have been a lot of advancement in the choice of toilets that save water. You can choose a pressurized toilet which fits well over where your old toilet sits. Pressurized toilets cost more than their standard counterpart and some people claim that they give some problems. On the other hand, dual flush toilets which are popular in Europe are showing up in more and more hotels bathrooms that are using green remodeling to water in their total bathroom remodeling project. It estimated that in one year, a dual flush toilet will save a family where four people are using the bathroom about 15000 gallons of water.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hotels bathtub refinishing/tub re-glazing and sink refinishing saves money and the environment:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are plenty of hotels, retirement homes, nursing homes or bed and breakfast inns that have antique claw foot bathtubs in their bathrooms. Refinishing these antique claw foot bathtubs preserve their beauty, saves hotels plenty of money and benefit's the environment. Sink refinishing saves the landfills and puts some "green" in the pockets of hotel owners. Bathtub refinishing saves bathtubs from going into the landfills while saving hotels over 80% over the cost of replacement. And when hotels add our volume discount, the savings are even bigger. Green bathtub refinishing is green in your bank account.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hotels green bathroom remodeling uses recycled materials&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Just like you find recycled materials that can be used when you remodel other rooms in other parts of the hotel, there are also building materials that are made of recycled materials tile; vanities and flooring. Hotels that use recycled fixtures save money and conserve natural resources.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Not every bathtub refinishing company or even every green bathroom remodeling company or business understands the import of our activities on our environment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Not many know the fixtures, processes, and proper installation procedures that will save you money, time and the environment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Wilson Ukah, owns Refinishing Stars, a bathtub refinishing company serving homeowners in Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville and Knoxville. Refinishing Stars, refinishes bathtubs, sinks, and countertops for hotels and motels nationwide. Wilson can be reached at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.refinishingstars.com"&gt;http://www.refinishingstars.com&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href="mailto:sales@refinishingstars.com"&gt;sales@refinishingstars.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-5646358509253559928?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/5646358509253559928/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=5646358509253559928' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/5646358509253559928'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/5646358509253559928'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/hotels-motels-green-bathroom-remodeling.html' title='Hotels, Motels Green Bathroom Remodeling Nationwide'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-462212114115465680</id><published>2009-08-27T03:06:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-27T03:06:59.503-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel - How Do You Begin?</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;Kitchen and bathroom remodels are on the rise as many people are deciding to invest in their existing homes instead of trying to sell their home and buy a new one. While the return on investment can be great, the details involved with making it all happen are often overwhelming.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The key to successful remodeling projects is having a plan in place that identifies all the major functional and aesthetic items needed to complete the job even before one hammer stroke is made. Setting up a binder or a accordion style file folder to organize all of the information you need to collect is crucial. Your contractor is going to be asking you for decisions on the big things such as flooring and counter top materials, and the small things such as cabinet hardware and towel holders. You should ask your contractor for a project plan so you are aware of the flow of work and can anticipate what materials will need to be selected and paid for, and what level of disruption you will be experiencing at the various stages of the project. Often plumbing fixtures and decorative lighting need to be ordered and there can be a lead time of up to two months. If your flooring or counter top materials are coming from over seas, there can be a three month or longer lead time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Although it may seem counter intuitive, hiring a professional interior designer to assist you can actually save you money in the overall scheme of things. A professional designer will be able to select finite options for you to chose among, and has knowledge about the pros and cons of building and design materials. He or she will be able to help you make educated choices about where you can save money, and where there is a firm link between price and quality.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;About the author:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Suzanne Lasky, Allied ASID is the owner of S Interior Design. S Interior Design makes homes harmonious, functional and beautiful for families with 2-legged and 4-legged members. Suzanne has an M.B.A. and an A.A.S. degree in Interior Design. Suzanne offers years of real world experience, giving her clients the peace of mind to know that their projects will be professionally handled from start to finish. She is an experienced residential and small commercial interior designer and is the exclusive provider of Pawprint Design Services 'Stunning Interiors with Pets in Mind'.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For more helpful tips-visit &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.sinteriordesign.com"&gt;http://www.sinteriordesign.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Copyright 2007 Suzanne Lasky, All Rights Reserved, &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.sinteriordesign.com"&gt;http://www.sinteriordesign.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You have permission to re-publish this article as long as the Resource Box is included with the article. All rights reserved.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-462212114115465680?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/462212114115465680/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=462212114115465680' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/462212114115465680'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/462212114115465680'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/kitchen-and-bathroom-remodel-how-do-you.html' title='Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel - How Do You Begin?'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-94503309628588370</id><published>2009-08-26T12:08:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-26T12:08:14.980-07:00</updated><title type='text'>How to Know If a Bathroom Vanity is Right For You</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;One of the highest points of design impact in your bathroom is your vanity. Along with your tub, the vanity is one of the first noticeable elements upon entering the space. How do you know which style vanity is right for you? With all of the designs available on the market today, selecting a vanity can be a nightmare. This does not have to be the case. By analyzing your style and determining what kind of look you want to achieve, selecting a vanity for your bathroom can be fun and exciting.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your home is more traditional, you may want to select a built-in vanity. If you wish to create a more contemporary and modern look, you may be better off selecting a free-standing vanity. Free-standing vanities are available in more colors and finishes and are easier to install compared to their built-in counterparts. You can select light or dark woods, and tops constructed of stainless steel, marble, glass, granite as well as other finishes. When selecting a vanity, talk to your retailer about purchasing a piece that has all of the selected finishes of your design together in once piece of furniture. Many times in showrooms you may see a vanity with a base you like, but a top finish in a color you may not want in your bathroom. Find out if other colors are available so you can get what you want in one sale.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Once you have selected a style, take into consideration what uses your vanity should have such as storage and style. If you have a lot of make up and other facial products, select a vanity with additional storage.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After you have selected your design, it is time to show it off with your bathroom lighting. If you have decided to go with a built-in vanity, accessorize your selection with bathroom vanity lighting. This installation will allow you to showcase your purchase and make it a key design element. Once of the best choices in bathroom vanity lighting is wall sconces. Choose a sconce that can be installed above the mirror; this will allow for the light to shine down onto the design element itself. If you decided to go with a his-and-hers vanity style, you can even install a wall sconce between areas, allowing for a division of space and an overall balanced look.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are other options in bathroom lighting to dress up the space. If you have a stronger light focused on your new vanity, you may want to address the other light fixtures in your bathroom. Install a light fixture where you can soften the lighting for a relaxing atmosphere.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Bathroom lighting does not have to limited to functionality. If you are looking to create a certain feel in the space, you can allow your vanity selection to set the tone. If you select a vanity with darker woods and stainless steel fixtures, allow such elements to assist you with accessorizing the space. Purchase a simple piece of art to hang on the wall that will complement the other colors and design elements in your bathroom. Let your light fixtures play up your bold design choices. If you decide to hang art on the walls, play it up by installing track lighting in that part of the bathroom. You can adjust the lighting to focus on the key elements of your design.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whatever design you choose, make sure that the space has a balance and a flow to it. If you prefer traditional styles in your home, select a built-in vanity and accessorize it with bathroom lighting and fixtures that complement the design. If you are looking to take on a new direction of style in your home, select a freestanding vanity with a modern and contemporary finish.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Amanda works for Your Home Supply (YHS) the definitive website for home improvement tools, and gardening supplies. Your Home Supply offers a wide range of &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.yourhomesupply.com/c-14-lighting.aspx"&gt;lighting fixtures&lt;/a&gt; to help customers with common household repairs, as well as decorative accessories for the home. Visit them now at &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.YourHomeSupply.com"&gt;http://www.YourHomeSupply.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-94503309628588370?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/94503309628588370/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=94503309628588370' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/94503309628588370'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/94503309628588370'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/how-to-know-if-bathroom-vanity-is-right.html' title='How to Know If a Bathroom Vanity is Right For You'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144700965052435011.post-5453398805919675241</id><published>2009-08-25T19:38:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-25T19:38:51.975-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Do it Yourself Plumbing Repair - Just Where to Find Help</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;You may run as much as you like, but it's hard to avoid the gush of plumbing problems from flooding your life with sorrow and despair. So is doing your plumbing yourself your only glimmer of hope amid this impending doom? Well, guess what? It sure is your only succor when all your entreaties go unanswered.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And the best part is that these practical plumbing tips not only help you lift the specters of these niggling problems, but also ensure that you are dripping with advice after the insightful experience.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Plumbing With Panache&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A nuanced understanding of clearing chocked pipes and changing tap washers is sure to hold you in good stead. Timely repairs ensure that you prevent a colossal drain on not only your precious resources, but also on your bank balance. Now that is sure to gladden many hearts. But at the end of it all, there's nothing like the sense of achievement that inundates your after a job well done.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;No More Unintelligible Jargons&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The slew of guides and manuals that deal with every conceivable plumbing problem in and around your house are like a Godsend for harried homeowners. The simple, step-by-step instructions, along with detailed illustrations, guide you through these mundane yet monstrous problems.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Crafted in language that is easy to assimilate, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the lack of unintelligible cryptic terminology that one normally associates with these 'user-friendly' guides.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In-depth yet incisive, these guides don't leave anything to imagination. Whether tips on understanding your home's plumbing system or the local plumbing codes, list of tools and safety equipment required before undertaking any project or even preparing for all kinds of repairs, you are hard-wired for success.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So who's kvetching about faucet repairs, leaky tanks and frozen pipes? Plumbing professionals are crying foul.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Learn exactly how to generate 100's or even 1000's of positively *BRILLIANT* &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.trulylovelyhome.com/includes-trulylovelyhome/bathroom_remodeling_ideas.htm"&gt;Bathroom Remodeling Ideas&lt;/a&gt; ... FAST ! And here are 25 &lt;a target="_new" href="http://www.trulylovelyhome.com/includes-trulylovelyhome/dirtcheaphomeimprovement_includes.htm"&gt;Dirt Cheap Home Improvement Ideas&lt;/a&gt; that could increase the value of your home by several $1000's...&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8144700965052435011-5453398805919675241?l=cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/feeds/5453398805919675241/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8144700965052435011&amp;postID=5453398805919675241' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/5453398805919675241'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8144700965052435011/posts/default/5453398805919675241'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://cleanhomeairfilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/do-it-yourself-plumbing-repair-just.html' title='Do it Yourself Plumbing Repair - Just Where to Find Help'/><author><name>Chuck Tiber</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04774526438395501691</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KoR1x1SmsCw/SeVHGgLvt3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/e4_3kdGOOVs/S220/Suzanne_and_Andrew_047.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>
