Category: How To (How I Did)
You could call this a How To – but people often tell me I did it wrong – now to be fair you can’t really tell me I can’t do it that way, when the video shows I actually DID do it that way – so to cool down the hateraide – lets just call this HOW I DID
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Should You Repair or Replace Windows?
Buy at Amazon There are numerous signs it is time to replace the windows in your home. Although broken glass is a clear-cut sign you need to replace the structure, you should also pay attention if your home has recently undergone a makeover. Additionally, you need a professional to come by your abode if a storm has just rolled through your town. However, you can save time and money if your windows just need repairs. Here are some points to keep in mind as you debate whether it is better to repair or replace windows.
Windows Are Painted Shut
During the winter, you may decide to paint the windows shut, so they keep the cold air outside. Perhaps you recently painted your windows and did not realize they could become shut as a result. During the summer, you may want your windows open, so you can get nice breezes coming in. In most cases, this simply requires hiring someone to come out with a sash saw. The expert will put the saw where the paint has sealed until it is open. Allow a professional to do this work because handling a saw can be dangerous.
Jammed Sashes and Rot
Rot can begin to form within windows if they are exposed to water penetration. A professional may be able to repair it if he or she can get to it soon enough. The windows will need to be removed and repaired off-site. The expert will also look at the layers of insulated glass to see if any condensation has formed between the layers. That is a serious problem, but in many cases, it can be repaired. Your warranty often covers this type of damage.
Greater Energy Efficient
In the event you pay more than you think you should on electricity every month, then you should look for ways to reduce that number. One way is to make your windows more energy efficient. Prompt window glass repair and weather stripping the structures can help limit drafts. Ideally, you will get this work done when it is cold outside and when humidity is low. While some homeowners will need to replace their windows, it is possible you will just need to install screen and storm windows instead.
Windows in Historic Homes
If you own a historic building, then you need to be extremely careful about replacing windows. You may not have a choice, but you need to select windows that maintain the historical significance of the property. It is still possible to acquire more energy efficient windows or new windows in case the damage is too extensive. A professional will be able to tell you what to do when dealing with homes featuring leaded or stained glass.
Repairs naturally cost less than a total replacement. However, if you always have to repair something related to your windows, then it may be more cost-effective in the long run to get a replacement sooner rather than later. With new windows, you at least have the peace of mind they should remain viable for between 20 and 40 years depending on how well you maintain them.
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How to Connect iPhone to TV with USB for Under $15
Buy at Amazon In the video above I will show how you can easily connect your iphone to TV for under $15. All you need is the cable, an iPhone, and a TV with a USB and HDMI port.
All you need is a cable
It is really simple actually. Once I learned that you could do it, I needed no instructions or help. I just needed to search for the right cable.
The cable linked to the left is the cheapest cable I could find on Amazon. Apple sells and adapter, but it is five times the price of the cable I show.
I bought this to use with my mini portable projector so I have a backup when I am out doing firearm instructor classes.
Be careful it can get you in trouble
This turned out to be a cool item that my boy really liked – unfortunately it also caused him to get a permanent ban on the use of his momma’s cell phone.
Yesterday she was going to run to the store and told him that she did not like to leave the house without her cell phone, but my boy asked nicely so she allowed him to continue to use her phone attached to the TV. Well as luck would have it her car would not start at the store, and when my mom borrowed a phone from a nice lady in the Aldi parking lot he would not answer the call, my wife then called her parents so they could keep calling, but he silenced their calls also….
My phone is kept on silent because I can’t hear anyway, and it always rings when I am teaching so no luck getting a hold of me either. Lets just say that when my wife got home she was MAD…. We are also in the market for a newer car…. I am also I a permanent ban on silent mode on my phone….
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Easy and Cheap Ways to Improve Your Home Security
Buy at Amazon With so many burglaries these days, it is a smart idea to take some precautions in order to keep your home safe. Security systems have come a long way and modern ones can be very advanced and provide your home with pretty strong security. However, they can be very expensive as well.
Even though you shouldn’t save money on things like security, there are some easier and cheaper ways to improve it.
Front door
Despite the fact that most people understand the importance of locks, we still hear stories of people leaving their homes unlocked and coming back to find that a break-in had occurred and that they had been robbed. Always be careful and make sure that you didn’t forget to lock your doors, either coming in or going out. Studies show that almost a third of break-ins happen using the front door, therefore, try avoiding basic front door locks as well. There are many kinds of locks that will really improve your safety and they can be quite affordable as well.
Windows
Even if you went out just to throw out the trash or to visit your nearest neighbor, always close all your windows. A window is one of the simplest points of entry and it is used by many domestic burglars. Apart from having your windows closed, you can improve the security by installing window locks. They will provide you with extra protection and peace of mind when you are out of your house. The type of lock that you need depends upon the style and design of the window; however, there are security companies and professionals that can provide you with a great service.
Camera
Security cameras are among the best and most effective when it comes to home security. However, they can be a bit pricey piece of equipment to own. If you want to keep an eye on what’s happening at home when you are away, but you do not want to invest in high-tech and really serious home camera systems, a Wi-Fi connected camera is worth considering. These cameras that are easy to install and use can vary in quality and endurance, but you will find that most are both cheap and effective. The placement of the camera is very important, as you want your camera to cover a big area of space and to be out of reach. To avoid additional costs, look for a cheap scaffolding rental and install the Wi-Fi camera yourself. Most cameras have the ability to detect motion and store video content, so make sure you provide it with a lot of memory space.
Alarm
Pepper Spray Burglar Alarm The most common type of home protection is a house alarm. Security alarms have motion or sound sensors that are connected to a control unit via either hard-wire or radio-frequency signal that interacts with a response device. Most common types of sensors indicate the opening of a door or window, and they are very convenient because they can even detect smoke. Wireless ones are a less costly option, however, they require a frequent change of batteries to maintain their effectiveness.
If you want an alarm with a little more bite, the picture links to a pepper spray burglar alarm.
Lights
Use motion activated lights as a sudden spotlight can often be enough to convince a burglar to give up on his break-in attempt. If there are some areas around your house that get really dark at night, invest in motion activated lights to scare off potential robbers. You can also use lights to make it appear like you’re at home, having your TV turned on while you are away will most likely convince burglars to continue searching for a new target.
Make it appear you’re not away
If you are leaving town for a longer period of time, it’s a good idea to notify the postal service to stop your mail delivery temporarily or to ask a friend or a neighbor to clear up your mailbox frequently. Piled up mail is a clear signal that you are away, and it will make your home a potential target. You can even have your lawn cut while you are away or ask a friend to repark your car in different positions every few days. Also, be careful on social networks, as thieves often invade households of people that have been posting vacation content on social media. The biggest fear of burglars is confronting a homeowner, so make sure your home is not an easy target for them.
Don’t leave valuables in plain sight
This is just a repeat of what should be obvious, but do not leave your valuables like cell phone, wallet, money, jewelry, watch, laptop, iPad, briefcase, backpack, etc. in clear sight right by the entrance or by the window. This way, you are tempting the burglars, and the valuables left in clear sight will serve as an open invitation for theft.
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5 Maintenance Tips for Common Household Appliances
Buy at Amazon Did your household appliance just whirl, sputter, and boom give up on you? No matter how hard you stare it down, you know that it is not coming back to life. It’s farewell time for this device and a welcome party for another to replace it. But, hang on, what about the bucks?
New appliances can shoot a hole in your budget with their pricey tags. Most of all, the ninja attack on your budget strikes as a bolt from the blue, unknown and unforeseen. Most homeowners invest between $173 and $379 on their kitchen appliances. On top of that, the share of kitchen gadgets chips in 10% of the total cost of a kitchen remodeling project.
If you’re lucky, you may still resuscitate your appliance. Home Adviser points out that the average repair cost is $201 in the US. That’s the average though. The repair cost can spike to anywhere near $350, or it could cost $50 on the low end.
However, you wouldn’t have to meet these expenses if you took some appliance maintenance measures. Let’s walk you through some of the best maintenance tips for common household appliances. These will not only help you save money but also boost the efficiency of the gadget.
1. Clean the refrigerator’s coils and gasket
Let’s begin with your fridge, which is your lifeline in the summers. A vital trick to extend its life is to clean it. You need to focus on two areas namely the gasket and coils. Firstly, clean the gasket periodically. The gasket is the plastic seal that runs between the fridge and its doors.
This plastic seal is responsible for conserving the cool air inside the refrigerator. It also helps save energy. Wipe the gaskets thoroughly to maintain its elasticity. Once you remove all the residue, coat the sticking layer with Vaseline. Be sure to use only a thin film of the lubricant.
Secondly, dirty fridge coils can restrict the appliance’s airflow, encouraging it to overheat. Dirt or dust on the coils can also result in a breakdown of the device. Service experts claim that almost half of their repair calls occur due to dirty coils. Start by removing your fridge’s front grille. Next, clean the coils with the help of a handheld vacuum.
Other tips for maintaining the health of your refrigerator include:
- Clean your fridge completely at least once or twice in a year
- Don’t put hot dishes directly in your fridge
2. Clean the oven with the correct cleaner
Following in the footsteps of a refrigerator, ovens also don’t work well without a proper seal. In fact, a non-sticky gasket can result in the loss of close to 20% of the oven’s heat. In this regard, it is best to keep the seal clean.
However, you should inspect the seal from time to time to learn of its condition. If you notice that the gasket is not doing its job despite cleaning it properly, it’s time to replace it. It is budget-friendly to spend on a new seal than on a new oven.
What’s more is that cleaning the overall oven is essential. Most of us go wrong in selecting the cleaner, which can lead to damage. The ideal cleaner depends on the type of oven that you use. It’s best to inquire about this when you first purchase it.
Generally, vinegar or warm water is a good choice. Some pro cleaning tips for your range or oven include:
- Use soft cloths for cleaning
- Don’t use overly harsh chemicals for cleaning
- Apply the cleaner on the cloth before using it on the oven’s surface
- Don’t spray around the knobs as that can lead to a short
I have a pretty good way to clean you microwave also. I use vinegar, but steam from water also works.
3. Don’t over under load the washing machine
In most cases, we think that we can save some time by loading some extra laundry in the machine. However, overloading a dryer or washer can culminate in damage to its moving parts such as belts, motors, and more.
Some of these repairs can be so expensive that you would want to change the machine altogether. This does not mean that you choose to add only small loads to your laundry partner. Small loads can exert strain on the drive components of the appliance.
Small loads are also the recipe for energy and water wastage. Thus, the best call is to add a moderate load in your washer as well as dryer. Some other maintenance tips entail:
- Don’t put heavy objects on the washing machine
- Check all the pockets before putting clothes in the washer
- Use washing machine detergents instead of hand-washing detergents
4. Clean the dishwasher’s filter
Often a food-filled filter is a culprit behind a failing dishwasher. You need to pull out the lower rack to fix this. Then, remove the filter cover in the dishwasher and use a vacuum to clean the screen.
It is helpful to read the manual for correctly spotting the filter. Secondly, a clean gasket can be a problem here as well. Clean it regularly with water and soap for maintaining a watertight seal.
Lastly, don’t excessively pre-wash the dishes. Washed dishes are wet and a little soapy. This can cause the appliance to overseed and overflow. It can also leak on your kitchen floor. Hence, avoid over-washing the dishes in advance.
More dishwasher care tips include:
- Position dishes upside down only
- Clean the fat residues before loading them in a dishwasher
- Remove any stickers from your utensils to prevent the filter from clogging
5. Clean the lint trap in the dryer
We have already discussed that it is best not to overload the clothing dryer. Apart from this tip, clean the lint trap in the dryer. You need to do this after every load. Chances are that you already do it. But, if you don’t, it is high time that you start doing so to add years to the dryer’s life.
Besides, go to the back of your house and clean the air exits. This is crucial to ensure that the vent is not clogged with lint. Don’t add dry or almost-dry sheets to your dryer. This can increase the chemical residue on the sensors in a dryer, leading to excess strain. These moisture sensors stop the dryer from over-drying clothes.
However, if chemical residue collects on them, the dryer can get damaged in the long haul. It is wise to clean the moisture sensor occasionally. Some other maintenance tricks include:
- Remove the lint trap yearly and wash it
- Don’t slam the appliance’s door
- Use a vacuum to clean any stray lint on the floor and wall behind the dryer
Take home message
Despite these tips, you can still find yourself in a repair situation that may lead you to Dial an Appliance Man Edmonton. However, it is a better alternative than getting a new piece that can derail your budget for the month. It is best to follow these appliance maintenance tips though. Just a little care can go a long way in extending the performance and life of your everyday household appliances.
