2014

2 HVAC Mistakes That Can Cause Problems Later

It can be overwhelming to be a new homeowner. In addition to footing the bill for a mortgage and trying to fill your place with furniture, you also have to worry about taking care of your investment. Unfortunately, even the most proactive homeowner might make a few bad maintenance decisions from time to time. Here are two HVAC mistakes that can cause problems later, and how you can avoid stirring up trouble.

Tired Of Paying For Utilities? The Pros And Cons Of Alternative Heating Sources

If you are looking for a way to move from using electricity, oil, or gas to heat your home, you may be on track to save yourself some money. However, there are some things you should know about using alternative heating methods, in order to choose the one that is most convenient for your family.  Coal Coal, once used widely in homes across Canada, is now an underutilized resource. However coal offers a variety of benefits over modern heating.

Allergic To Your Cat? Get Symptom Relief By Dealing With The Dander

Is your kitty giving you the sniffles and sneezes? Are you worried that as long as you have your furry friend you'll be forced to endure a constantly itching throat and swollen, puffy eyes? Relax. Cat dander is the most common pet allergy, and many sufferers can completely control their symptoms with the below three measures.  1.  Clean Your Kitty Regularly The most effective way to combat cat dander is to prevent it from entering the air to begin with.

When Water Isn't Safe: Understanding A Boil Water Advisory

Sometimes, in times of emergency or natural disasters, the infrastructure that handles, treats, and transports water can become compromised. When this occurs, the government of the area may issue a boil water advisory. This means that water must be boiled before it is consumed, because it may be contaminated with chemicals, viruses, or harmful bacteria. While this may seem simple, there are some things you should know in case you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to boil water to make it potable.

3 Ways To Spruce Up Your Concrete Driveway

After you finish building your custom home, the last thing you might want to do is grace your driveway with boring gray concrete. However, if you don't have thousands of dollars to pay for real stone, you might be wondering how to make the area look nice. Here are three ways to spruce up your concrete driveway, so that you can create a gorgeous, streamlined appearance. 1: Get it Stamped

6 Unusual Uses For Dumpsters

When you think about dumpster rental, you probably envision a large, rolling unit behind your favorite store or near an apartment complex. If you like home renovation shows on television, you might picture the larger, roll-off versions that are delivered to the work site via semi truck and picked up at a later, predetermined time once they are full of construction debris. There are other uses for dumpsters, however weird they may be.

5 Common Myths About Foam Roof Maintenance

Foam roofing has earned a mixed reputation over the last decade. It remains a good option for improving the insulation of a flat or low slope roof without costly improvements, but it also requires regular upkeep to stay in good shape and protect the rest of the home from moisture. Learn more information about the five most common myths spread about maintaining foam roof coatings before you invest in this treatment for your own home or business.

4 Ways To Prevent Holiday Fire Hazards

Christmas tree fires are one of the most common holiday worries among homeowners, but the winter months present other dangers, as well. While decking the halls, follow these 4 tips to prevent holiday fire hazards from claiming your home. 1. Use CSA-Certified Lights The Canadian Standards Association certifies string lights for safety. When shopping for light strings, look for the CSA certification mark on the packaging to ensure you do not bring fire hazards into your home.

3 Ways To Improve Your Furnace's Airflow

Your forced-air furnace requires a massive volume of air to provide heat to your home. When your furnace doesn't receive enough air, it won't be able to heat your home quickly or efficiently. If your furnace just doesn't seem to be receiving a sufficient amount of airflow, then perform or arrange for these three maintenance tasks: Replace or Clean Your Air Filter Clogged air filters are one of the leading causes of restricted airflow throughout an HVAC system.

An In-Depth Look At Ferrock And How It Compares To Concrete

Concrete is one of the most common construction materials in the U.S., with over 68 million metric tons of the material produced in 2004. It's considered the standard building material for a wide range of construction projects, from ordinary residential homes to towering skyscrapers and massive hydroelectric dams. Recently, a University of Arizona student created an eco-friendly alternative that offers its own set of useful benefits. The following takes a look at how this new material, known as Ferrock, stacks up to traditional concrete.