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27 Jun 2009 at 4:25am Congratulations you are three quarters of the way to building your very own solar panel, once you have finished the last five steps of the instructions on how to build solar panel, take a quick look at the work you have done to make sure that it is correct and then you are ready to move onto the final five steps of building your very own solar panel for use in your own home your very own way of helping to save the environment as well as cutting down the cost of your utility bills. Step #16: once step 15 has been completed, your next step is to cut two 72x1/4x1/4 inch see through acrylic strips to the length of approximately 38.3 inches, then snip the last two clear acrylic strips to a length of approximately 37.8 inches. Step #17: once this is one, glue one of the 38.3 inch acrylic bars to the top of the ABS white sheet, making sure to line the bar up with the edge of the sheet. Glue and then allow to dry before continuing. Once the glue has dried, take the second 38.3 inch acrylic bar to the bottom of the ABS white sheet being careful to line up with the edge, glue and then allow to dry. Step #18: once the glue has dried, glue one of the 37.8 inch clear extruded acrylic bars to the left of the ABS white sheet making sure to line the bar up with the edge of the sheet and then allow the glue to dry before continuing. Then take the remaining bar and glue to the right of the ABS white sheet lining it up with the edge of the sheet. Allow glue to dry completely. Step #19: almost there. Once the glue has dried, cut the remaining clear acrylic bar into 1x1/4x1/4 inch blocks and then glue each block, centred in between each of the solar cells in an alternating panel and this will provide strength to the solar panel. Step #20: the final step to creating your own solar panel is to take the 48x48x1/8 transparent sheet which is UV treated and, cut it into to a 38.5/16x38.5/16x3/16 inch piece and then place glue along the top of the four acrylic bars which were glued to the ABS white sheet in steps 17 and 18. Place glue on top of each of the acrylic blocks and line up the acrylite sheet with the edges of the four acrylic bars and place it firmly on top. Allow for the glue to dry completely. Step #16: once step 15 has been completed, your next step is to cut two 72x1/4x1/4 inch see through acrylic strips to the length of approximately 38.3 inches, then snip the last two clear acrylic strips to a length of approximately 37.8 inches. Step #17: once this is one, glue one of the 38.3 inch acrylic bars to the top of the ABS white sheet, making sure to line the bar up with the edge of the sheet. Glue and then allow to dry before continuing. Once the glue has dried, take the second 38.3 inch acrylic bar to the bottom of the ABS white sheet being careful to line up with the edge, glue and then allow to dry. Step #18: once the glue has dried, glue one of the 37.8 inch clear extruded acrylic bars to the left of the ABS white sheet making sure to line the bar up with the edge of the sheet and then allow the glue to dry before continuing. Then take the remaining bar and glue to the right of the ABS white sheet lining it up with the edge of the sheet. Allow glue to dry completely. Step #19: almost there. Once the glue has dried, cut the remaining clear acrylic bar into 1x1/4x1/4 inch blocks and then glue each block, centred in between each of the solar cells in an alternating panel and this will provide strength to the solar panel. Step #20: the final step to creating your own solar panel is to take the 48x48x1/8 transparent sheet which is UV treated and, cut it into to a 38.5/16x38.5/16x3/16 inch piece and then place glue along the top of the four acrylic bars which were glued to the ABS white sheet in steps 17 and 18. Place glue on top of each of the acrylic blocks and line up the acrylite sheet with the edges of the four acrylic bars and place it firmly on top. Allow for the glue to dry completely. About the AuthorLooking for instructions on how to build solar panel systems? Please visit: HowToBuildSolarPanelSystems.com Article Source: Content for Reprint25 Jun 2009 at 1:08am There are so many of us that spend more time than we would like to trying to neaten up our closets so that we can use them for better storage spaces. We do this so that we can avoid having strayed clothes and other things all over the house. Many of us have asked for help on how to keep our closets neat and orderly. Finally, someone has answered our pleas for help on how to get more clothes and other belongings into our closets while also helping us in keeping them neat and orderly. You can have a neat and orderly closet and be able retrieve items from it much easier now, thanks to a wonderful new tool for increased closet storage and organization. The makers of the Wonder Hanger have designed a clever solution for storing more clothes in closets. This miraculous hanger extension has many other benefits, which also includes a very reasonable price. The Wonder Hanger can increase your closets storage capacity by as much as three times what it is now. Imagine how many more clothes you could fit into your closet without it becoming an unmanageable and disgusting mess. A Wonder Hanger can hold up to five garments and twenty pounds without breaking! With your purchase of a Wonder Hanger set, you will receive ten Wonder Hangers that can hold as many as fifty garments all while using less space than if you tried hanging them with regular hangers. Furthermore, you will get four bending hangers with your set purchase that are perfect for hanging lingerie, slim strap dresses, and other clothing that easily falls off regular hangers. As a bonus for new customers, the makers of the Wonder Hanger are also including two LED mini lights for your closet with your purchase of the set. This can help to provide more illumination for viewing clothes before selecting what to wear. The Wonder Hanger is versatile enough that it works in even the tiniest of closets to increase their storing and organizing power, and so much more. How often have you wished for a bigger closet so that you could hang more clothes and keep your closet neat and organized? With Wonder Hangers, you can do that easily and inexpensively. Transform every closet in your home into storage and organizing masters with the miraculous power of the Wonder Hanger. With the Wonder Hanger, your clothes will be resistant to wrinkling, unlike the clothes that are crammed into a closet with other hangers. Closets crammed full of clothes make getting dressed difficult and they make it harder to maintain even the simplest semblance of order to them as well. You are a busy person, and you most likely do not need the delay and frustration of trying to choose clothes to wear from a messy closet in which you cannot even see all of your clothing choices. The wonder hanger keeps all of your clothing visible for faster choosing. You will not have to deal with stuff falling onto the floor of your closet either as the wonder hanger keeps everything securely in place. The Wonder Hanger works for hanging and keeping more than just clothes organized. Use them to hang purses, scarves, belts, ties, and similar things that can make a mess of your closet in a snap. Now you can hang these items neatly, grab any of them as needed, and be out the door and on your way sooner and with much less stress. You may have seen or heard about the Wonder Hanger in advertisements on TV. You can find more information about the Wonder Hanger online and even order your Wonder Hanger set through several vendors, including the official Wonder Hanger website. Learn why the Wonder Hanger has become so popular and are finding their way into many closets in homes all across the country today. The Wonder Hanger set includes all of the tools you will need for expanding your closets storing capability, and for organizing and keeping everything in your closet in a neat and orderly fashion. Consider how many ways an organized closet can benefit you and it is all thanks to this low cost miracle hanger extension known as the Wonder Hanger. Store more clothes and other belongings in your closet, protect clothes from getting wrinkles, find clothes to wear with less hassle and stress, spend less time having to clean and reorganize your closet to keep it orderly and tidy, and help keep the rest of your home tidier by expanding the storage spaces in all your homes closets with Wonder Hangers.  About the AuthorArianna Jordan is a freelance writer who writes about home organization often discussing a specific product like the wonder hanger. Article Source: Content for Reprint24 Jun 2009 at 11:03am When preparing your home for sale, in addition to de-cluttering, painting the walls, and sprucing up the landscaping, it's also important to look at the condition of your flooring. Most of us grew up in homes with lots of plush carpeting. Cozy looking and soft to walk on, carpet is still an extremely popular choice in residential spaces. There are however, a few downsides to carpeting, including the fact that they emit chemicals like formaldehyde into the air. They also get stained and dingy looking fairly quickly, and become mildewed and musty-smelling if liquids come in contact with it. Because they absorb things like smells and moisture, carpets that aren't cleaned regularly can really make a room appear lackluster. Even when buyers are purchasing a resale home, they want to think that the house they're buying is brand new. They don't want to step on rug that another person's been tracking dirt all over or dropping food on. This is part of the appeal of smooth flooring options like hardwood or laminate. Spills can be cleaned up quickly and effectively, and chemicals from things like synthetic fibers, padding, and carpet backing are a non-issue. Style is also a factor, with hardwood or laminate flooring options appealing to more buyers than carpet. Hard flooring options tend to be more flexible than carpet, and look great with a variety of furniture styles and color schemes. They can also be covered with area rugs wherever necessary. Over the past ten years, laminate flooring has become one of the most popular options for homeowners. Inexpensive, low maintenance and extremely durable, laminate flooring is a great alternative to stone or hardwood floors. Laminate flooring is built out of melamine resin and can be designed to resemble natural wood grain, stone, marble, or granite. It can make a room appear larger and more modern, holds up extremely well in high traffic areas, and is very easy to install. Bamboo flooring has also garnered a lot of attention in recent years. Bamboo is a great hard flooring material for homeowners who are looking for environmentally conscious materials. Bamboo floor materials come from Moso bamboo stalks, which grow back very quickly. The fact that the plants themselves don't have to be destroyed in the harvesting process is part of the reason that these types of floors are considered eco-friendly. Bamboo is also very strong, insect resistant, and attractive. It can mimic the natural grain patterns of hardwood, or you can choose to buy classic bamboo style with its characteristic "knuckles". Like bamboo, cork is another environmentally friendly flooring material that has become quite popular with homeowners. Cork grows as bark on the Cork Oak tree, and can be harvested every 10 years or so. Cork can be taken without harming the tree, and the bark eventually grows back, making this type of flooring very earth-friendly. In addition to being produced from a natural resource, cork floors are also very practical. Cork is fire and water-resistant, retains heat and reduces noise. Cork flooring is also affordable, and available in a variety of stains and designs. Ceramic tile is a popular sight in kitchens and bathrooms, as it is water-resistant and affordable. Ceramic can be a little chilly underfoot, and becomes quite slippery when wet, but buyers can find slip-resistant styles and install in-floor heating. Hardwood has long been a classic choice for flooring, though its cost can be prohibitive. Hardwood also requires more maintenance than laminate, and has greater impact on the environment than bamboo or cork. When choosing a flooring material, take into consideration the size of the room, the costs of the materials, and their ease of care. Make sure you don't install something that will require a lot of scrubbing or refinishing to keep looking nice. You want your home to put its best foot forward-without breaking the bank. About the AuthorRE/MAX of Boulder consistently ranks as one of the top realty firms in the Boulder CO real estate market. To learn about Lafayette real estate opportunities, visit BoulderCO.com. Article Source: Content for Reprint23 Jun 2009 at 2:37pm If you have been considering replacing a kitchen or bathroom floor, you may have looked into vinyl or linoleum floors and may well have been met with a jumble of contradicting and confusing data on the details of these flooring options. Vinyl and linoleum are two very different flooring products. Unfortunately, the terms are often used synonymously which can be very misleading. Vinyl is PVC, made from petrochemicals. It is layered with a cushioned backing of felt or fibreglass, a colored or patterned middle, and a clear protective top layer. Linoleum is a mix of linseed oil, wood or cork flour, tree resins, ground limestone, and organic pigments pressed onto a jute backing. Due to the method of fabrication, vinyl has a layer of color and pattern sandwiched into the middle of the product. Linoleum, in contrast, has a solid color or pattern the whole way through. While vinyl is often available in a multitude of different patterns built into it, linoleum is generally available in mottled solid colors or marbled colors. To get a linoleum pattern, you can use a selection of different colored tiles to create a pattern or use a contrast colored inlay. The cost of both of these products can range wildly depending on what sort of quality you're looking at installing. As with most things, the better quality you choose, the longer the product will last and the more it will cost. High-end vinyl can last upwards of 30 years if treated well. However, it is not recommended for the hard use of a commercial kitchen as sharp instruments of excessive heat can cause damage. Quality linoleum can last upwards of 40 years if treated well and is often used in commercial kitchens as well as hospitals. It is not damaged by dropping knives on it or the normal heat you would find in a kitchen. These days, one of the most important aspects for many people who are choosing materials for their new or renovated home is that of environmental friendliness. This is one area where vinyl and linoleum are extremely different. Vinyl, being a PVC product, is made from non-renewable petrochemicals, and while it does last a long time due to its inert properties, it is also not easy to get rid of for the same reasons. Vinyl is purported to be inert and as such does not take special considerations when you put it into a landfill, however, when you put an inert material into a landfill it stays there forever. Linoleum, on the other hand, is made from quickly renewable resources and does break down in a landfill. Another deciding factor for many people when choosing a flooring type is that of health concerns. You may have read recently about VOCs or volatile organic compounds; these are gasses given off by a variety of things both inside and outside your home. VOCs can be natural, for example those given off by trees, or synthetic like those given off by plastics. VOCs can make you sick or exacerbate allergies and asthma. Vinyl gives off VOCs while linoleum does not. Linoleum often smells when it is freshly installed and some people may find that the smell of freshly installed linoleum is rather disagreeable, but with some good ventilation it will subside. Otherwise, linoleum is classified as asthma and allergy friendly by the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. In conclusion, it is very hard to get a straight up bunch of facts about the pros and cons of vinyl and linoleum online. Any website funded by a vinyl company is blatantly pro-vinyl and likewise for the linoleum companies. However, I think that if you're looking at the issue from the angle of renewability of materials and health of the consumer, linoleum wins this battle hands down. About the AuthorFor information on Seaside Beach real estate, contact Michael Taylor, your Destin FL real estate expert, at DestinRealEstateSales.com Article Source: Content for Reprint18 Jun 2009 at 11:10am With our heightened concerns for saving money, the idea of energy efficiency seems to pop up more and more when looking at home articles. However, do you really know how to make your home more energy efficient? Energy efficient housing is beneficial not only for the winter time but also in the heat of the summer. Most of the things that keep your house warm when the temperature outside is cold will keep the heat outside in the summer as well. The energy required in heating up or cooling down your home can cost a bundle and is usually one of the largest ways that you can make a difference to the energy efficiency of your home. For most people, the most obvious way to make your home more energy efficient is to reduce the amount of transfer between the indoor and outdoor temperatures. Increasing your home's insulation as well as making sure that you have properly sealed windows, doors, and vents are all good ways at reducing heat loss or gain in your home. A less obvious way to reduce that transfer is by making sure that you have properly sealed thermal windows in your home. Any units that may have lost their seal will not help to reduce heat gain or loss to the same extent that well sealed units in non-metal frames will. The main thing to remember when you've got your house all sealed up like your grandma's couch under plastic is that there will be no transfer between the air in your home and the air outside. While this is good news in regards to heat, it's bad news for air quality. So, the best compromise to this situation is ventilation with a heat recovery system. These systems have a simple counter-flow heat exchanger that transfers the warmth between inbound and outbound air. A good ventilation system can also help prevent build up of volatile organic compounds. In a tightly sealed home a dehumidifier might also be an essential appliance; high humidity can cause problems with mold and mildew. Some other great ideas for helping keep your home more energy efficient are passive strategies. These passive methods include creative use of window coverings, keeping the heat in or out of your home depending on the season. Landscaping can be a great way to moderate the temperature in your home as well; deciduous trees can shade the sunny areas of your home in the summer while allowing the light and heat of the sun into your home in the winter time when it's welcome. Energy Star appliances can, for an investment, help your home be more efficient as well. Most appliances are available in an Energy Star rated version which can help you save a fair amount of cash, particularly if you're upgrading from a really old inefficient model. Remember as well that using your appliances less can also make a difference. Wash only full loads in your washing machine or dishwasher, and turn off the drying cycle in the dishwasher. You'll reduce the amount of energy used in your household and also the amount of heat and humidity released as well. If you take on one area to reduce energy usage or heat transfer in your home at a time as you can afford to, then you will see a reduction in your energy bills. How much you can save often depends on how much you can invest into new appliances because the most efficient ones are usually more expensive. However, any improvements that you make to your home is an investment, not only in regards to your own energy bills but also as home improvements that can add value to your home and in some cases qualify you for a tax break. About the AuthorThe Affinity Group is a prominent name in Denver real estate, with agents specializing in working with both buyers and sellers of real estate throughout the Denver area. Visit JakeMarsh.com for details about their services, property listings, and information about their service areas, like Boulder real estate. Article Source: Content for ReprintHardwood floors is a very simple way to improve the value of your home. When you install it yourself and decrease the costs associated with installation that value is even greater. I will explain simply and methodically how to install hardwood floors. Don't tie yourself down with electric power tools. Free yourself from the power outlet and extension cords and buy cordless power tools and go anywhere you want. Fridges contain hazardous gas, and therefore need special disposal. This article will explain your options and guide you through this process. Your cabinets are a large part of your kitchen decorating scheme, discover some options in kitchen cabinet design. Compares the Pros & Cons of both Name Brand Power Tools and Non-Name Brand Power Tools and then explains what brand would be best for you. When building a new home, adding on an extension or even just a simple remodel within your home, you should always consider your local environment to maximize the efficiency of every aspect of your project. Have you ever wondered how the pros create a designer kitchen? Here are some simple guidelines for creating your designer kitchen. Above ground pools are a fantastic add-on for your home. Read on for advice on setting your's up and essential care tips. Tankless water heaters are more efficent in heating hot water than conventional water heaters and can save consumers on their energy costs. If you are in the market for loft beds or bunk beds, a major choice is wood versus metal. Depending on the overall look and size you desire, you will want to choose a differently constructed bed. Although both materials are both sturdy and safe, many individuals choose either metal or wood when searching for the optimum bed to fit the room. Individuals of all ages choose to invest in a loft bed or bunk bed for their home. This classic childhood sleeper is quickly becoming a fun, inventive way for 'tweens, teens, college students, and young adult hipsters to maximize their space without having to roll out a sleeping bag every night. When it comes time to shop for furniture, look to stores that specialize in bunk beds or loft beds. Individuals of all ages choose to invest in a loft bed or bunk bed for their home. This classic childhood sleeper is quickly becoming a fun, inventive way for 'tweens, teens, college students, and young adult hipsters to maximize their space without having to roll out a sleeping bag every night. When it comes time to shop for furniture, look to stores that specialize in bunk beds or loft beds. Home remodeling can be done for function or just because the house needs a new look, or a combination of the two. Are you in need of a quality clock to keep time in your home? Do you want a timepiece that marks each hour by a sound? Are you interested in a unique and historic piece that is sure to bring beauty and charm to your home? Do you want a fabulous conversation piece that is sure to catch the eye (and ears) of all who visit your home? If your answer was "yes" to any of these questions, consider purchasing a cuckoo clock for your home. Cuckoo clocks are unique creations that are centuries old. The first cuckoo clock was produced back in the early 18th century in Germany's region known as the Black Forest. Clock making in this area of Germany dates back to the early 17th century, almost a full hundred years before clockmakers and craftsmen produced the very first cuckoo clock. |
20 May 2009 at 3:35am When installed and maintained properly, your laminate flooring will give you many years of service. In fact, one of the best features of laminate is how easy and inexpensive it is to care for. Anyone considering laminate floors should be aware of the differences between them, as these differences often determine installation methods and care requirements. Laminate Floors- How to Install for the Best Results Before you install your laminate floor, keep in mind that most of the problems that arise later with laminate floors are due to improper installation. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your particular flooring. In general, there are three basic types of installation for laminate- standard, pre-glued and snap-and-lock. The one you choose will depend on your budget, skill level and the kind of design you desire. Standard installation requires that you glue the laminate directly to the subfloor using laminate adhesive. This method is not appropriate for floating floors, but keeps the flooring securely attached in much the same way as tile flooring. Pre-glued laminate installation is for floors that come with adhesive already applied to the back. You simply wet the glue with water and secure to the subfloor. Snap-and-lock installation is probably the most popular method of laminate floor installation. It allows the do-it-yourselfer to easily lay down the floor without the use of adhesives. Snap-and-lock floors snap together using a locking tongue and groove mechanism. All methods of installation require a flat, level surface, and don't forget to acclimatize your flooring to your home for at least 48 hours prior to installation to prevent buckling. Proper Maintenance of Laminate Floors for Years of Lasting Beauty Once your floor is properly installed, you need to keep it looking good. Like hardwood, a clean laminate floor is a happy floor. Unlike hardwood, however, laminate requires no sanding, sealing or refinishing. A simple damp mopping with mild detergent will maintain the good looks of your laminate floor for years. Another tip is to keep the room temperature at about 72 degrees and monitor the humidity to prevent warping. Always lift furniture when moving it or you may scratch your laminate. Use felt pads whenever possible. Other common sense measures include removing dirt and oil from the edges of the floor and around area rugs, and avoiding abrasive cleaners. Follow these guidelines for the installation and care of your laminate floor and you will get to enjoy its beauty for many years.By: Elizabeth HruschFor more information about laminate floors visit http://www.bestlaminate.net. 20 May 2009 at 3:29am Figuring out which type of insulation to use is so much easier when you have an idea of what the different types are, how effective they are, and where they are used. You want to make sure that you get the best product for the job that you can afford.One of the slightly more expensive options out there is residential foam insulation. However, you will recoup your costs over time with the additional savings in energy costs that you will get through using expanding foam. Because it expands to fill any spaces where air and moisture might enter the home, it is one of the best types available. It is easily applied through a spray nozzle.For something more affordable, you could get one of the forms of blow in insulation. Commonly used types include fiberglass (the most effective), mineral wool, and cellulose. You will need a thicker layer than you would if you used fiberglass or mineral wool batts, but this will save you some money and make it easier to insulate hard to reach areas.More common in the UK, foam roof insulation is now becoming more popular in the US. In the past it wasn't used since it was believed that roofs needed to be vented. If your roof is vented you can still use it for your attic floor, however, it won't control the temperature of the attic as well.One of the places you should be sure to insulate is your attic. Attic ceiling insulation is especially important since heat rises and you don't want all your heat in the winter to go right out through your roof. You want it to be trapped in the house and keeping your warm.Although many people do not use garage door insulation, it can really help to regulate the temperature of your garage and make it a more useful place. You might also find that you save on your energy bill if you use it and have an attached garage. It is very easy to install yourself with kits available on the internet.Anyone with a steam or hot water based heating system should also be sure that they are properly insulating their pipes with steam pipe insulation. Other types cannot withstand the temperatures of these pipes, and without the correct product you will lose heat quickly and it won't reach the farthest areas of your house.Finally, cellular glass is a fire resistant, strong type of commercial insulation that is used for insulating roofs and special types of pipes and equipment, especially when there are either very hot or very cold temperatures involved or when it is important that the product be waterproof.By: Simon HarrisSimon Harris writes about insulation at http://www.insulationanswers.com 20 May 2009 at 3:23am In-home air purification may not be on the top of your priority list, but it should be. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that "indoor air pollution is one of the top five most urgent environmental risks to the public." In fact, numerous studies have concluded that indoor air quality can be up to 5 times more harmful than outdoor air. For this reason, it is imperative to at least consider the possibility of using an air purification system in your home. While there are many types, all air purification systems can dramatically decrease the amount of allergens, dust, pollen, dust mite feces, and other harmful irritants in your home.Media FiltersThis is the simplest and most commonly found type of purification device. This type of system forces air through a filter, which can be made from various types of materials, such as paper, cotton, or other fibers. The filter then traps particles through size exclusion, removing them from the atmosphere inside your home.Electronic FiltersSometimes called Ionizers, these filters use charged electrical surfaces to generate electrically charged ions. The ions attach themselves to particles, which are then elecrostatically attracted to a charged collector plate, effectively removing the particle form the airstream. These systems can usually be found either with or without a fan.HumidificationThese systems are pretty self-explanatory. A filter is combined with a humidifier, allowing you to add needed humidity to your home. The benefit of humidification is that many bacteria and viruses can only exist or thrive in low-humidity environments. By increasing the humidity level in your home, you can effectively decrease the levels of harmful illness-causing agents in your home. Increased humidity can also help with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems.Ultraviolet FiltrationThese systems are sometimes referred to as UVGI systems, which stand for Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation. These systems are extremely effective at removing mold and bacteria. They work by neutralizing and destroying microorganisms found in the atmosphere, such as bacteria and viruses.Contact your local HVAC service technician to help find which type of home air purification will be best for you and your home. Other factors to consider when choosing an air purification system include noise level, filter replacement frequency, building size, and health conditions and history.By: Budda OliverMr. Oliver is a marketing agent of Arundel Cooing and Heating. The HVAC contracting company provides heating and cooling services throughout Maryland. For more information on their HVAC Contractor please visit their website. 2 May 2009 at 9:59pm  You can find indoor wall water fountains almost anywhere, be it in the home, at the office, or sometimes in public places like parks and schools. Thinking about fountains likely conjures up images of majestic stone structures, or perhaps beautiful yet small installations that complement any indoor decor with their delicate visual appeal. Imagine the sound of it: imagine the softly falling water trickling down into a tranquil pool. The sound is consistent, natural, and beautiful. You might even associate certain smells with your indoor water fountain, like the scent of the air after a fresh rain. But did you know that water fountains also serve health purposes, and may improve your home's environment?Yes, fountains are healthy. This was likely not the first thing you thought of when I asked you to think about water fountains, as the health benefits of these aquatic decorations are largely overlooked. But it's true: water fountains have been shown to have a number of modest physical and mental health benefits, from stress and pain relief to environmental temperature regulation.To start the sound of water flowing is more than just a nice noise to hear." The trickling, splashing sound of falling water actually produces a multi-frequency sound called "white noise" that muffles and sometimes completely cancels out other sounds within its frequency range. This means you will not have to put up with barking dogs, the hum of electric wires overhead, traffic jams, or noisy neighbors. Now you can site back, relax, and soak up the soothing sounds of water splashing over carved stone and rocks. Improve relaxation and release the everyday stress by muffling the obnoxious noises in your environment.The splashing action of water fountains also purifies the air you breathe, by breaking water molecules into negative ions. The negative ions use their negative polarity to attract and bond with positively charged particles in the air, dampening and neutralizing them. This means you no longer have to worry about breathing in unwanted dust particles, toxins, allergens, and bioaerosols every time you breathe, you wall fountain will take care of them for you.Another benefit of indoor wall fountains is humidity control. Installing such a fountain generally increases local humidity by a factor of two percent. That may not seem like much, but it may make all the difference between a cold and dry environment and a comfortable one. We as human beings must maintain a certain level of humidity in our environment to feel comfortable: roughly fifty percent. This humidity moisturizes the skin and makes the area around you feel a little warmer. A new indoor water fountain may help to improve you skins health and make your home more comfortable.A wall fountain is certainly not a cure-all but the effects are noticeable. Need a little more comfort in your home, maybe just a little more stress relief and relaxation, or if you like to breathe cleaner fresher air, and wall water fountain is what you have always needed.By: Wyatt FriskWyatt Fisk is an experienced freelance writer who specializes in articles on indoor fountains. He hopes to inform and help his readers make smart decisions on http://www.fountaincrafters.com/.2 May 2009 at 9:50pm  Whether you are getting ready to sell your home, refinance or just want to make your home look the best on the block, these ten tips are sure to get your home noticed first by potential buyers, appraisers or even the Jones's next door and are guaranteed to pay for themselves ten fold.1. Clean your driveway! You can buy a cement washing/cleaning kit at your local home center for about 20 bucks. With a little splash of cleaner and a whole lot of elbow grease you can dramatically improve the look of your driveway. If your driveway is of decent size be sure to clean out the expansion joints and grooves that can accumulate years of dirt and debris.2. Wash your windows. No, I mean really wash them. Clean the tracks, take the screens out and wash them with soap and water. Clean out the weep holes and wipe down the frames as well. If you have vinyl windows, wash them with some acetone (about 4 dollars at your local home center) and wipe down the frames inside and out to make your windows look brand new. If they are white aluminum, buy some spray paint and touch up any areas that are scratched or worn.3. Plant a few plants. At the local nursery they usually have what they call a "clearance rack" I guess you could say. You can pick up 5 or 6 plants for 3.99 to 8.99 that will beautify the front of your house for about 30 dollars. Remember a reputable nursery will give you a warranty on plants so don't be afraid of the clearance rack, those plants are fine, if they die, you get a new one for free. Try to pick colorful plants that compliment the color and style of your home. You won't believe how many times I've seen a cactus in front of a colonial style house.4. Replace the porch light. You can also find these on the clearance rack at the local home center. Nothing gives away the age of your home than the porch light. People will paint the house, replace the windows and re shingle the roof, but leave that same 20 year old porch light with faded glass panels and rusty frames. While you're at it, replace the doorbell as well. Little things make a huge difference. Many things the prospective buyer may not even consciously notice the little things but they add up quick and give the buyer that feeling of "ok I think this is the one, I don't know what it is, but this house is really speaking to me!"5. Have a garage sale. Get rid of all extra items in your home, garage and backyard. If you can't sell it, and you aren't going to use it in the next few months, consider putting it in storage or keeping it at a relative's house. Any debris, clutter and "stuff" you can remove from your yard and garage will make it look bigger and more pleasing to the eye. I even recommend removing the garden hose and reel so the yard has a cleaner, crisper look. This isn't an article about removing clutter, there have been books written on that subject, but if you aren't going to use it in the near future, sell it. If it doesn't sell at a garage sale, try ebay, anything to get rid of all the junk. When your house/garage/sheds/closets are full to the top with junk and clutter, it really creates an eyesore and many people will judge how you took care of and maintained the house by this sight alone.6. Help a neighbor. If your yard blends with the neighbors along one or both sides, offer to clean up his yard a little bit. Offer to mow his lawn for being such a great neighbor or tell him you have some extra plants that you can't find a place for and offer to plant them for him.7. Shutters. From time to time home centers have the faux wood shutters on sale. I've seen 4 footers for as low as $9.99 for a pair of 4 footers. One of these on either side of your front window, painted with some left over paint from when you last painted your eaves will set your home apart from the others on your street.8. Curb Appeal. Don't' forget about the actual curb! Your house doesn't start at the driveway; it includes the sidewalk, the curb, even the asphalt or street in front of your home. Are there large oil spots, is your house number painted clearly on the curb. Get your curb in order.9. Re-screen your window screens. For about 20 dollars in mesh and a 4 dollar re-screening roller you can make your dusty, dirty, hole ridden, cat shredded screens look brand new. There is nothing like showing your home with a few windows open (weather permitting). It gives the prospective buyer a feel of what it will be like living there. You can open the windows on a nice day, they work, look clean and best of all it has screens and they keep the bugs out.10. Trim all foliage. Trees, bushes, the grass. Trimming foliage makes it look brand new, bright and green and healthy. Any dead or burnt plants should be trimmed down to allow it to grow back faster.By: Craig Osterhoudt http://www.youcandoit.typepad.com |
4 Jul 2009 at 12:01am Outdoor living areas are one of the greenest additions you can make when it comes to remodeling your home. After all, what's greener than creating a space that allows you ...Read more about Going Green with Decks, Patios, and Porches 3 Jul 2009 at 12:01am When it comes to going green, few aspects of your home have more potential than your plumbing. Greening your plumbing can reduce home energy costs, improve your home ...Read more about Green Plumbing 2 Jul 2009 at 12:01am Painting and staining are often overlooked when it comes green remodeling. After all, when the subject of green remodeling does come up, most homeowners think of things ...Read more about Making your Interior Paint or Stain Green 1 Jul 2009 at 12:01am Land of the free, you say? Well, not if you want to wrestle a bear in Alabama or your kid wants to build a snowman bigger than him or herself on school property in Alaska! We've...Read more about Odd Home Improvement Laws 30 Jun 2009 at 12:01am The facts are in, folks, and a smelly party is not only uninviting, it�s also something that people will remember and associate with YOU! So, if you want to spread some...Read more about Home Odors Are you looking into how to lay pavers? Are you wondering if a product such as Kerala or Roterra slate pavers will add value to your home? Why are paver patio designs and installations so popular among do-it-yourself enthusiasts? Let's take a quick look at some of the characteristics and ... Are you planning to design your own kitchen or bathroom? How about looking into a Tontu Corian installation with backsplash as your vanity top or countertop option? This material has become all the rage and comes with a long list of benefits. While it is inevitable that there will be ... Looking for discount countertop samples to cut home remodeling cost? When it comes to vanity tops in Corian®, price is much less of an issue. You can now even get free samples (when available) to match the various color options to other surfaces in your home. Corian® vanity tops are ... Once you have decided on laminate floors, install your planks with the greatest of care. The durability of your installation depends on this. It is worth spending some time on research to make sure that you know how to install a laminate floor correctly. Let's take a look at some ... Looking for a floor installation that is both family and environmentally friendly? Evora Discount Cork Flooring is such a range. Let's take a quick look at what you can expect from this wholesale cork flooring installation, before you decide which free cork samples to order: Renewable Source This is a highly ... Many of our visitors are trying to find all kinds of cool tools for DIY projects and home improvement experiments. On this page we will try to give you a heads up about what is available. Please note that we haven't tested all of these ourselves. Some of these cool ... Once you have decided to install one of the Wilsonart laminate floors, you also have to consider cleaning and maintenance. This is where the range of Wilsonart floor cleaners come in. You don't have to worry about maintaining the good looks of your brand new floor. With a Wilsonart floor ... Discount Roterra Slate Tiles in California Gold Slate or Raja Multi remain high on the list of interior designers. Thanks to the natural color variations, every floor installation will be unique. To get an idea of the effect, you can order free samples. The California Gold Slate line comes in ... Tiles will always be a durable, practical home decor solution for DIY enthusiasts. If you can get discount floor tile samples to examine in the comfort of your own home, so much the better. The ranges are mind boggling. Choose from kitchen to garage floor tiles, Mosaic tile solutions, or ... The Hunter Douglas window treatment company seems in the business of creating happy home executives! Changing your window coverings will change the whole ambience in your home, introducing air and light play. Alustra Silhouette Hunter Douglas window treatments allow you to select the perfect privacy level for each room in ... |
3 Jul 2009 at 8:10am Make a patio or garden border that does double duty as extra backyard seating 3 Jul 2009 at 8:10am Save on recurring rental and professional landscaping costs by investing in some DIY machines of your own 3 Jul 2009 at 8:10am Salvaged windows, weathered seating, and rustic garden ornaments turn a small deck into an enchanted 
spot for entertaining. Here’s how to put together a similar space in your yard 3 Jul 2009 at 8:10am This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to install a new water-saving toilet 3 Jul 2009 at 8:10am When your gas-powered cutter isn't doing the job, diagnosing and fixing the problem—or telling the mechanic what's wrong—is easy when you know what to look for 3 Jul 2009 at 8:10am Need to do some landscaping? Learn how to move a small tree safely out of harm's way 3 Jul 2009 at 8:10am You submitted thousands of remodels to us. Then you voted on your favorites. Here are some of your top picks and ours 3 Jul 2009 at 8:10am We were able to remove the decayed wood, but what is a sturdy way to replace the aggregate redwood grid? 1 Jul 2009 at 9:45am Old-fashioned rain barrels conserve water while supercharging your lawn and garden 1 Jul 2009 at 9:45am Catching and using rainwater can be as simple as a single plastic barrel with a gravity feed to a flower bed. Or they can be sophisticated systems that supply all your water needs. Here's how each is built. 1 Jul 2009 at 9:25am Make a patio or garden border that does double duty as extra backyard seating 1 Jul 2009 at 9:25am Create an automatic watering system that makes sure lawn plants get their fill. 1 Jul 2009 at 9:25am Pop-up lawn sprinklers deliver a precise amount of water, then automatically shut off and drop out of sight 1 Jul 2009 at 9:15am In this how-to video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook fixes a severed irrigation line 1 Jul 2009 at 9:45am Old-fashioned rain barrels conserve water while supercharging your lawn and garden 1 Jul 2009 at 9:25am Make a patio or garden border that does double duty as extra backyard seating 1 Jul 2009 at 9:25am Create an automatic watering system that makes sure lawn plants get their fill. 1 Jul 2009 at 9:25am Pop-up lawn sprinklers deliver a precise amount of water, then automatically shut off and drop out of sight 30 Jun 2009 at 9:25am Keep out winter’s chilly winds or summer’s oppressive heat with these easy-to-install architectural features 30 Jun 2009 at 9:25am They look good, control light, and add insulation |
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