Home Improvement

Air Filters: A Quick Guide

Written by: Your Filter Connection

Everyday, dust mites feed off the 30,000-40,000 dead skin cells the body sheds every minute, but before they can, mites need dust to mature.  And one of the biggest methods for preventing dust from entering a home is a clean A/C or heater filters.  Even worse, old and worn-out devices can cause heavy loads of dust, lead to allergies and even asthma flare-ups. If you’re in the market for a new filter, here’s a quick guide for understanding the differences and usages for each one.

 

Fiberglass and Polyester

 

Considered the cheapest of the four, fiberglass and polyester capture large particles like lint and dust. However, because of their inability to capture smaller objects—like pollen or dander—people with sensitive noses can still experience discomfort. Still, because of their inexpensiveness and simplicity to dispose of, most people will choose these types of filters.

 

Washable and Reusable

Upping the purchasing cost, washable filters provide a convenient solution to protecting homes against large particles. Ideal for either furnaces or air filters, these products can be used for years, so long as they are cleaned regularly. For example, a replacement honeywell air filter can last a few months or a few years if the filter is washable. Disposable options also exist if the goal is immediate cost-savings.

 

Pleated

Compared to the previous two, pleated filters are easily disposed of while capturing larger particles through its mesh lining. Typically, pleated filters work well with protecting a household against dust mites and lint, but against smaller objects, like virus carriers, smog and smoke, these filters prove futile.

 

Electrostatic

Electrostatic filters offer protection against small and large particles, but compared to the others, requires constant changing to maintain its effectiveness. Still, an electrostatic furnace filter or an A/C unit will ward off pollen, smoke, smog, virus carriers and even mold. For individuals with intense allergies or asthma attacks should consider investing in electrostatic filters. The added quality ensures the best possible air quality with the fewest possible pollutants.

 

While each of the four provides its own advantages and disadvantages, they all help ward off some type of pollutant that can further aggravate asthma or allergies. Depending on your sensitivity to pollen or dust, you may not need an expensive filter. And to further prevent any flare-ups, ensure to clean your sheets, remove any carpeting and ensure carpets are vacuumed regularly.

Eco Friendly Projects to Do Around the Home

Written by: Toolsmith Direct

Looking for methods to green up your lifestyle without breaking your budget? You can actually save money with some of these tips for going green. All of these projects are simple to do yourself, and promote a greener lifestyle. You’ll need some Kawasaki tools, like a drill, a socket set, and boxes of screws and nails. None of these projects is particularly difficult, except for replacing a countertop, and most can be done within a weekend.

Read on for a few ideas on eco friendly projects you can do around your home.

Install a Clothes Line

The revolutionary solar clothes dryer, or clothes line in common-speak, is fairly simple to erect. It requires two anchor points and a rope, so there is plenty of room for experimentation. You can use a Powerbuilt drill to create a starter hole in the boards near your roof, the same place where you might hang Christmas lights. You can also run your rope around a tree, or anchor a pole into the ground. Stretch the chord taut and pick up a bag of wood clothes pins online.

Remodel and Green Up Your Kitchen

There are a few approaches to an eco-friendly kitchen, and all of them are viable. Solar screens, for instance, can give you protection from the heat of the sun with the option to let a breeze into your home. You can also purchase newer and more energy efficient appliances. You can use a Trades Pro hammer or pry bar to loosen your counter top, and replace it with a renewable surface like granite.

Change the Paint You Use

If you switch to a non-toxic paint, it generally increases the quality of living in your home. The paint is also designed to make it difficult for mold spores to grow. The freedom from chemicals like formaldehyde are especially good in homes with kids, who may be susceptible to chemicals in the air more so than adults. If you cannot use no-VOC paints, utilize low-VOC paints and clear the home after painting has finished. During painting, be sure that you are wearing a mask and are not directly breathing fumes.

Conclusions

With a few tweaks, and a weekend or two of spare time, you can green your house and lower your footprint on the environment. You can extend your green lifestyle into all the things you use around the house, like cleaners made of natural liquids.

Related Story: Make Sure You Have the Right Tools for the Job

Related Story: Low Cost Green Home Improvement

Help the Environment By Switching to Artificial Grass

Making a commitment to “go green” with your home makes sense in a variety of ways. A home that is environmentally conscious is not only good for the environment but also can save homeowners a significant amount of money with factors including reduced power and water bills. Doing things like installing solar panels or using energy efficient appliances area are great for the environment, but did you know that switching your lawn to synthetic grass can also be a big help?

There are many reasons why a synthetic turf lawn is a significant improvement over a natural grass lawn for the environment, starting with water conservation. According to the EPA, the average household uses 320 gallons of water a day, with 30 percent of that used outdoors. Much of this comes from the need to constantly water lawns to keep them fresh and green. Switching to an artificial grass lawn eliminates almost all need for watering, meaning that you can potentially save thousands of gallons of water in a year.

Along with saving water, switching to an artificial turf lawn has other benefits for the environment. Artificial grass doesn’t require chemicals and pesticides, which can run off from the lawn and into the street and sewer. You also don’t need to use equipment such as lawnmowers and edgers which run on gas and emit carbon dioxide into the air. These are just some of the reasons why switching to an artificial grass lawn makes environmental sense along with helping you to save money.

Artificial Turf Supply Commercial & Residential Division is the wholesale division of Artificial Turf Supply. Visit their site to browse through the latest selection of high-quality artificial turf.

Green Jobs Around the House

Written By Toolsmith Direct

When it comes to fixing your house up, one of the greenest things you can do is handle the project on your own. After all, you live there, so that’s already saving gas. Plus, not a lot of professionals are dedicated to green services. Those that are may simply say as much for your business. But you know you’re committed and that you’ll do a good job too, so it makes sense to simply attach the problem on your own.

First, plan out the job all the way through. Waste is a big contributor to pollution and debris that ends up in landfill. Also, the more you have to do something over, the more energy you use.

Once you have your plan, you should know what kinds of tools you need. Trades pro and Kawasaki tools both make some green options, so you may want to start there. Otherwise, think about buying used tools.

Once you have everything you need, it’s time to get started. Be calculated with your approach so your plan is executed to a “t” and waste kept to a minimum.

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Are you the type who likes to handle household projects all on your own? If so, it makes sense that you need the right tools to do the best job; otherwise, why not just hire and pay someone else to do it. Whether it’s a snap-on generator, a socket set or any other tool you need, Toolsmith Direct has you covered with name brands like Powerbuilt and more.

Tips to Secure the Doors in Your Home

Intruders usually enter through doors and windows of the home. Since burglars tend to identify unsecured homes for break-ins, it’s important to reinforce and secure these entry ways. Doors should also be secured against extreme weather, such as hurricanes or tornadoes. A bit of planning and these tips can help you prevent unauthorized break-ins and protect your home from catastrophic weather events.

Cost-effective lighting at entrances

Lights at the entry door, garage(s), or side/back doors are important. Make sure you’ve installed bright lights at these entrances. Install motion sensor lights if you’re concerned about remembering to turn the lights on at dusk. These lights are stimulated when an individual walks past them. Solar powered lighting is another cost-effective strategy for securing these entrances.

Peepholes and deadbolts

Small changes, such as peepholes at front or frequently used side and back doors, can add security to your entrance points. Deadbolts are also a low-cost and effective strategy for protecting the home from the inside out.

Secure sliding glass doors and adjacent windows

Sliding doors with glass are beautiful, but easily broken by intruders seeking access to the home. Install horizontally fitted bar locks on these doors, and make sure to add window locks adjacent to the door. Don’t install bars with keys because, in an emergency, these might not be handy.

Extreme weather

Keep doors closed and locked at all times, and close windows, shades, blinds, and curtains when you’re away from home. Make sure that all inner and outer doors are locked. If you live in an area where storms frequently occur, storm shutters should be available for use prior to the arrival of a hurricane or other extreme storm. Alternatively, use wooden boards and nails to keep windows protected and sealed shut before the storm hits.

 

Tips on Buying Outdoor Artificial Grass

Do you need outdoor artificial grass? Outdoor artificial grass is a beautiful, water-wise alternative to natural grass lawns and landscaping. It can be used to enhance your home or business. It can be used to landscape pools, gardens, and even roof tops. So how do you know you’re buying the right stuff? Artificial Turf Supply Commercial & Residential Division offers the following tips on how to purchase outdoor artificial grass.

UV-Resilient

Harsh UV rays can damage the fibers of synthetic turf, especially if the product is not made for the outdoors. However, one of most important features of outdoor-ready fake grass is its protective coating against UV rays. Look for synthetic turf that is UV-resilient so that you can install fake grass anywhere in your home or business without worrying about it getting damaged by the sun.

High-Traffic Turf

Today’s advanced synthetic turf comes in various traffic levels ranging from low to high. Depending on where you plan to install the turf, you might need to purchase high-traffic synthetic turf. High-traffic turf is better suited for outdoor projects such as lawns and dog runs and will last longer than the lower levels.

Natural Colors

Outdoor synthetic turf should look like natural grass, which means it should be more than just one color. Some of the best synthetic turf on the market comes in a variety of hues such as a few different greens and some brown. Look for tri-color turf, ideal for landscaping projects such as lawns.

Artificial Turf Supply Commercial & Residential Division provides synthetic lawns for homeowners and businesses. Visit the website to learn more about synthetic turf solutions that are right for you.

Create A Warm Home

Tired of always complaining how cold your floors are? A lot of people know how uncomfortable it is that you would have to rush to your bed and put on socks so that you would feel warm and comfortable again. There is a wide array of products that will be perfect for your home especially during the cold seasons. There are many products that will let you enjoy heated floors without having to pay so much. If you want Heated Tile, no problem because customers will have a variety of it that they can easily choose from. Infloor Heat can be expensive if you purchase it from other companies. But if you choose the right company with the right services, there will be no dent in your wallet since all its products will have a reasonable and affordable price wherein you will surely be able to get the true value of your money! Some companies also offer free installation or if you are feeling handy, they can even teach you how to install it yourself with some very informative videos that offers a demonstration of the step by step process that you can easily do at home to make sure that your products will be working and functioning in no time! The possibilities are endless once you no longer have to worry about cold floors anymore. Feel fulfilled and satisfied knowing that you have provided a warm home for you and your family.

Take the time to browse through the internet and you will find many products available for you. Some companies also offer Ceramic Tile Floor Heating, which is a favourite among customers.

The Most Efficient Way to Keep Warm

Depending on where you live, there may be many months out of the year where you find it difficult to remain warm, even when you’re inside your own home. Of course, most of us rely on indoor heating of some sort to stay as comfortable as possible. But what if there was another option that took the idea even further? If you’ve never heard of under floor heating before, chances are this will be a real game changer for you.

Thanks to a system called hydronic heating, that has actually been around since ancient Roman times, your home can have floors that actually warm up right below your feet. Furthermore, these days, you can choose just about any floor in your home. So it doesn’t matter if you’d like the feature in your kitchen, living room or bedroom, you can get nice warm heat right where you’re standing. One of the most popular choices is to have it installed in your bathroom. Imagine never getting out of the shower only to deal with a freezing cold floor.

So if you’re in the market for a home improvement project, consider installing heated floors. You’ll remain warmer and more comfortable all year round.

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EZ Floor Heat is your premier resource for the best way to remain warm in your home all year round. Their website carries a number of options, including those by Easy Heat,that guarantee you one of the most innovative ways in the world to remain comfortable.

 

How to Remove an Existing Door

Purchasing a new front door for your home is one of the most exciting ways that you can transform the look of your house. It’s an attention grabbing item that has massive curb appeal and will make people notice the fresh look of your home from the street. With pre-hung doors becoming affordable, it’s never been cheaper or easier to put a new door into a house.

But before you install a new front door on your home, you need to take out your old door. It’s a process that can be relatively quick and easy. However, if you don’t do it correctly, you can damage parts such as the interior moldings that you will need for your new door. In order to do the job right, here are four steps to take to remove most doors:

Step #1: Taking the actual old door out of the door frame is fairly simply. All you need to do is tap the hinge pins loose by using a hammer and a set of nails. Once they are loose, just open the door and lift the door off. Most doors are heavier than you expect, so have someone available to help.

Step #2: Next you’ll need to take the old trim off of the frame. You can do this by using a pry bar to pull the trim off of the frame. Placing a putty knife between the pry bar and the wall will protect it from getting scraped.

Step #3: After this, you have to remove the exterior trim. This is done by cutting the caulk away from between the exterior trim and the siding and prying the trim away from the door jamb.

Step #4: You’ll then need to remove the jambs. You can cut through the side jambs by using a tool like a hand saw and then pulling them out.

 

The Advantages of Envirofill Artificial Grass Infill

If you’re shopping for artificial grass for your home or commercial property, you will have to determine whether you will also need to purchase infill — material put between the blades of artificial lawns. But not every fake grass project requires infill. For example, you will not need to buy infill if you’re using synthetic grass strictly for aesthetic purposes. Infill is also not required if you’re using fake grass to landscape slopes and steep hills. If you’ve been told that you need infill, read on to learn whether Envirofill artificial grass infill is the right product for you.

Artificial Turf Supply carries two main types of infill: crumb rubber infill and acrylic-coated sand infill, or Envirofill. Artificial grass suppliers use crumb rubber infill for athletic applications and commercial playground structures. But if you’re not designing an athletic field or a playground, then you probably need Envirofill. Here’s a look at Envirofill and when you will need it for your synthetic turf project.

Advantages of Envirofill

Acrylic-coated, green sand, Envirofill is utilized to keep the residential artificial grass blades from bending or falling over. The final result is blades that stand up and appear like natural grass blades. However, Envirofill offers more benefits than the standard infill. Envirofill helps prohibit pet odors and the growth of bacteria. It’s also designed to keep the turf cooler. In fact, Envirofill has been shown to keep fake turf 25 percent cooler.

Another advantage of using Envirofill is that it helps extend the life of your synthetic turf products. Envirofill is used to make the synthetic turf system more durable. Finally, Envirofill can be used to add a layer of softness underfoot.

When to Purchase Envirofill

There are many synthetic turf applications that can be enhanced by the use of infill. Do you have pets? If you have pets, for example, Envirofill is a must. Use Envirofill if your pets go to the bathroom on the turf, because it will combat bad odors and keep bacteria from growing on your turf. It’s also important to use Envirofill if you plan to create an exercise run for your dog. Using Envirofill for your dog run will make it more durable.

Envirofill is also useful in high traffic areas. Whether you’re using fake grass to design a walkway to your front door or to create a backyard retreat, Envirofill infill will ensure that your turf doesn’t wear down under heavy foot traffic.

Other applications that require Envirofill include areas that are 500 square feet or smaller, backyard play structures, and commercial uses, and retail projects.

 

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