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Tips for Improving Home Heating with a Pellet Stove

When the trees begin to cover the ground with their leaves it’s a sign that the cold will soon be knocking on the door. That is when it becomes urgent to have a good home heating system. An economic, ecological, profitable and efficient system, such as a pellet stove, which uses biomass as fuel to make the home a pleasant environment. But how can you improve and optimize a pellet stove to heat a home?

The first important point is to take into account the location. Pellet stoves do not have a masonry shell like chimneys, so the heat they produce radiates 360 ° around them. That is why it is important to place the stove in an open room, preferably with a single wall around it, avoiding corners, thus the diffusion of heat has fewer barriers.

These home heating systems have a high calorific value, so with very little “pellet” fuel they are able to generate a lot of heat.  However, that heat can be reduced to your surroundings in large rooms. In these cases, in order to promote the diffusion of the produced heat it is advisable to install a pellet stove with integrated ventilation system.

Not all pellets are suitable for use in biomass stoves. As with chimneys there are woods that are better than others, with greater calorific power. So when buying pellets you must check that it has a low degree of humidity, that in the pressing it has been given a suitable density and that they come from sustainable productions, for example the pellets made with traces of olive bones.

The air to a pellet stove is supplied from below, thus ensuring that all biomass fuel has sufficient combustion and the fire has the required intensity. Lack of air causes fumes and poor heating, so it is important to clean the ash drawer frequently, preferably before each use and before each winter season use a chimney sweep cleaner suitable for pellet stoves to clean the evacuation ducts of fumes.

Finally, make sure that the room where the stove is is properly ventilated, which favors a better heating of the home.

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Four Ideas to Improve Your Exterior Lighting

If you do not want your garden to disappear at night, install good outdoor lighting. In many occasions the decoration and protection of the home, is focused on the interior. But what about the exterior?

Your garden should reflect your personality, decorate it to your liking and improve the security of your home.

A simple way for your gardens to become a cozy and safer place is to install outdoor lighting.  It is not only necessary to have good lighting in summer; in winter, when the nights are longer, and we find fog and bad weather, good lighting is more important than ever.

If you do not know how to go about picking out the right lighting, here are some ideas to improve the lighting of your garden:

  1. Place lights along areas where there is traffic such as the road, main entrance and garage. In this way, you improve the security of your home by increasing the visibility of the entrances and exits. Besides illuminating these areas well, accidents can be avoided because there will not be a lack of light. For this you can use high power spotlights, such floor lights which can be purchased at any home improvement store.
  2. Light up the elements of your garden: highlight those elements of your garden that you like. You can light up tall trees, like small shrubs, flowers, a small pond or fountain. Anything. The trick is to hide the light well and focus the elements correctly so that they truly illuminate what you want them to see, and do not create shadows that instead of illuminating, hide what you want to display. Play with the colors and spotlight combinations, make your garden be eye-catching at night.
  3. Place lights in such a way to create a path: create a path of lights towards the entrance. This in addition to improving visibility at night, makes your garden look much more modern and cozy. For this you can opt for two options: recessed lights in the ground or pathway lights. We recommend this last type of lighting: it does not waste electricity, as most now come as solar powered, and although they do not give much light, it is enough to light the way.
  4. Place torches or candle holders: this type of lighting is purely decorative. It is obviously for the good weather, and will give a very warm look to your garden. These can be placed within the garden if you’re hosting a party or as holiday decorations.
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How To Replace Pipe In An RV

Replacing the pipes in an RV is very similar to replacing the pipe in a standard residential home. It’s just a matter of removing the old parts and putting in the new ones. Spare parts do not need to be RV-specific parts. Standard PEX plumbing pipe can be used as a substitute for hot or cold supply lines. Drainage pipes can be standard PVC pipes used in residential plumbing. The only differences are the incoming will go to a fresh water tank and the leaving will go into two separate holding tanks with special adapters for the connections.

Instructions

  1. Close the water supply to the RV. Empty the fresh water tank, sewage tank and dirty water tank.
  2. Disconnect the sink and shower supply line. Cut the tube near the end to remove the connections. Look under the house and locate the other end of the pipe and any coupling on the line. Cut the other end of the tube into the nearest coupling or tank inlet. Pull the tube slightly to make sure it slides freely. Leave one end and tape it firmly to the end of the new PEX pipe. Pull the old pipe tightly with new pipe. Continue pulling until the new pipe appears on the coupling or the other end of the pipe. Remove the ribbon and attach new connections with adapters.
  3. Disconnect the drain hose from the electric unit. Saw the tube in half at the connector locations or anywhere along the pipe that will ease the removal. Remove parts and replace with standard residential PVC pipe and fittings. Use glue to hold couplings in different places. Secure piping while maintaining proper drainage slope in the motor home with nylon flanges.

Tips & Warnings

  • Special RV water baths and water heaters can be used for replacements.
  • Appropriate one-way valves should be installed in all tank and bathroom locations.
  • Each section of the feed tube can be removed and replaced individually. Use as few connections as possible for each section of pipe.
  • Access to plumbing pipes and connections may require the removal of panels from under the motor home.
  • Connections in the fresh water tank and sewer and gray water tanks can be tailored to connect to standard residential plumbing connections.
  • Always take precautions and wear proper safety equipment while using hand tools
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How to Clean a Drain with a Snake

A drainage snake – also known as a drainage auger – is a tool used by plumbers to clear clogged drains. It consists of a handle, a flexible metal “snake” and a hole in the end to break the blockage. Breaking a nuisance with a drainage snake is something that most homeowners can do themselves, without having to hire a plumber. Drain snakes are available in every hardware store and are available in many shapes, lengths and materials.

Instructions

Shallow clogs

  • Insert the snake into the drain.
  • Push the snake deeper and deeper into the tube, turning the crank clockwise, adjusting to reposition the handle as you go. You can stop pressing when you get to the obstruction.
  • Turn the snake clockwise to allow the auger into the obstruction.
  • Pull the snake slightly backwards to break off parts of the blockage. Depending on the size of the obstruction, you have to do this several times to clean the drain.
  • Run hot water through the drain to remove the jam from the rest of the pipe.

Clogs of deep

  • Remove the trap under the drain with a socket wrench. Directly under the drain, you will notice a horizontal and vertical piece of pipe connecting pipe. This section is known as a trap and will have to be removed to snake the drain.
  • Insert the snake from above into the horizontal piece of pipe under the sink. Force the snake downward when you reach the “T” in the pipe.
  • Push the snake deeper and deeper into the tube, turning the crank clockwise, adjust to reposition the handle as you go. You can stop pressing when you get to the blockage.
  • Pull the snake slightly backwards to break off parts of the obstruction. Depending on the size of the blockage, you’ll have to do this several times to clean the drain. You’ll know the drain is clear when you no longer feel a blockage in the pipe.
  • Replace the trap and run hot water through the pipe to purge the remainder of the obstruction.

Tips & Warnings

  • If these strategies do not work, you may need to call a plumber who will have access to more powerful tools to help get rid of the blockage.
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How to Build a Concrete House

Concrete blocks can be an inexpensive material for building your next home. They are not only relatively simple and basic, but are also considered structurally sound and solid. In the following article, you’ll learn about the steps required to build a house of concrete blocks.

Instructions

  1. When the company delivers the blocks, the load will consist of 80-90 blocks that must be broken down into stacks of blocks 10-12 and stacked about 2 feet (0.6 m) from the floor where the house will be built.
  2. Mix the mortar according to instructions on the bag, usually 16 shovels of sand and half a sack of cement. Put two to three shovels of sand and then half of the bag of mortar in the truck. Mix the dry parts with a hoe and then add the rest of the sand. Once all the dry parts are mixed, gradually add water and mix until it has the consistency of cake batter.
  3. When the mortar is mixed and ready, put some shovels in the corner. Make sure you have four corners reference to work from and that the walls are relatively square to each other. You’ll build at least four corners until about five blocks high. Spread mortar mix in two thick lines almost as wide as the concrete slab and thick enough to put three or four blocks along. You have a corner of 90 degrees. After the first row has been laid, stagger the next block to put it midway on the lower block. Use a level and plumb in the corner of your walls to be perfectly straight, square and vertical. Use a brush to soften the mud joints between the blocks.
  4. Once the corner walls have been made with five blocks, work on the middle section. Using blocks of lines, stretch nylon cord and tie it around the block. Place the blocks on the corners of the front row and start filling the first course.
  5. Continue until you have the desired height walls, generally 8 to 10 feet (2.50 to 3 meters) high.

Tips & Warnings

  • If possible, hire an assistant. It is always faster to have someone who can help maintain the mix, stack blocks and mortar.
  • Safety first. Never let the walls get higher than allowed. They might be unstable and fall.
Home Decoration 10

Decorating tips for your office

Decorating an office is not just adding some pictures on the wall. When choosing decorative items for your office, it is important that you select elements that reflect the personality of your company. Whether for your personal office or your work office, there are many ways to create an attractive environment without spending a fortune.

Warehouse office

For the storage in your office, be sure to select the most decorative furniture, instead of aluminum filing cabinets. These filing cabinets may work best in a hospital, but for an office with style, choose shelves and desks made of wood or that have an aluminum surface.

Allow customization

Let your team use some personal things to help promote moral, showing off the personality of coworkers and what they like. You can limit the amount to only a bulletin board or shelf of personal items, and consider restricting racist, sexual, political or religious messages so no one feels uncomfortable.

Motivational Poster

Framed posters are not only attractive, but can also improve morale and instill a creative workforce. These can be hung on the wall opposite doors, in the bathroom, or in the break room. Small plates with inspirational phrases are available in decorative stores or office supply stores online and in many US cities.

Plants in the office

Some plants can thrive in an office setting. It is always interesting to observe uniformity and constant change of its foliage, in addition to improving air quality. Having plants in your office is a great way to add decor, whether you choose a tree, an aromatic herb for the window, aromatic floral bouquets or hanging ferns. It is also a necessary element of Feng Shui.

Office color

The color on the walls has a big impact on the mood in the office. Painting helps transform a room cheaply. There are theories on the effects that colors have on productivity and morale of the team. Try to match colors in the room to create an environment that is attractive but not too relaxed. According to Janet Lynn Ford Worx, “The combination of colors may be overlooked when it is pleasant, but may be highly offensive when the composition seems to clash.” Use a color wheel to choose complementary colors and opposites, and search for neutral colors with less thought. Pink, for example, can be relaxing and stimulating, but is perceived as a feminine color and for many men may not be suitable for an office.

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Achieving an Antique Look with Gold Paint

Although there are many antique items available in most home improvement and craft stores, you can save money by using gold paint in combination with other materials to create a faux antique gold finish. You can paint any article to have an antique gold finish with the right paints and primers, but ceramic or wood items with a natural matte finish will not give much brightness. To receive an old appearance, a gold finish with give you the antique look with the best results.

Instructions

1.  Clean the surface with a damp cloth in soapy water to remove any residual grease or dirt. Dry completely.
2.  Sand the surface lightly with 120-grit sandpaper to remove stains or minor dents. Clean the surface with an anti-static cloth to remove dust. Sand the surface again with 180-grit sandpaper to make the surface very smooth.
3.  Paint the surface with gold paint. Add one or two more layers, allowing each layer before applying the next.
4.  Sand the painted surface lightly with 220 or 240 grain sandpaper. Focus on the areas that regularly show wear such as corners, the upper and lower parts of the surface and areas frequently used.
5.  Dip a clean brush into dark varnish or coffee paint. Remove the excess on a paper towel. Lightly brush the brush on the surface, leaving much of gold paint visible.
6.  Remove any excess varnish or paint from the surface. Allow to dry.

Tips & Warnings

  • Apply the gold paint in thin layers to avoid smudging.
  • Brush the coffee paint or varnish very slightly. If it is thick, consider thinning with paint solvent or water for a better result.
modern-bedroom

Determining Wall Shelf Placement

You can add decorative interest to the walls of any room in your house with shelves. They provide a space to display various items, from photos to collectibles. Wall shelves come in different sizes and colors, allowing you to customize a look for your home. When hanging wall shelves, consider the design to create a display that is not only visually appealing, but practical for the intended use.

Instructions

  1. Decide where you want to hang the shelves. Choose the wall you want them to be displayed and determine exactly where you want to place them: in the middle of the wall or to one side, for example.
  2. Determine how you want to organize the shelves. For example, you can hang them in a vertical column, a horizontal line, a diagonal line or in a square. Choose a decoration that will attract the eye and serve as the best way to showcase the items you want displayed on the shelves.
  3. If you’re hanging shelves above each other, measure the height of the tallest item you are trying to display and space the shelves accordingly. If you are placing the shelves in a horizontal row, decide how much space you want between each. For example, spacing them too far apart may make them look like random elements, while placing them too close can create a stacked look.
  4. Install wall shelves. Once you’ve decided on a design, hang the shelves. Make pencil marks on the wall to indicate exactly where you want to hang each shelf. If possible, hang them on the wall studs. If there are no studs along in the chosen area, use anchors to secure the shelves to the wall. Use a level to make sure the shelves are hung straight.
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Eliminating Odors in Shower Drains

The bad odor emanating from a shower commonly comes from problems inside the pipes; however, this is not always the case. To effectively get rid of the bad odors coming from the shower drain, you must first determine the source of the odor.

Odor of pipes and fixtures

When trying to locate the source of the foul odor of a shower drain, begin with the drain and plumbing. Due to humidity and heat, shower pipes are prone to mold formation, which often appears in visible areas of the shower, such as in the shower head and the plug. Shower tubes are prone to a slime that is formed from the organic matter present in the shower, which is commonly present in the drainage area.

Drain Cleaning and Tube Top

Getting rid of a bad smell from the shower drain is a fairly simple process, although it can be a hand -intensive depending on where the pipes are that the smell is coming from. Begin cleaning the pipes by removing the drain plug and cleaning the plug with a soap and brush. Clean the drain and pipe just inside the leak by lathering with a soapy brush and scrubbing the inside of the drain and pipe. You should let the water run for about a minute to rinse the loose sludge down the drain.

Deeper cleaning in the pipe

When the odor does not subside after cleaning the drain plug, the inside of the manifold and the top of the shower tube, you should go deeper into the pipes. Rent a probe and push it into the drain. This will break up the slime that may have formed deep in the pipes. It also has the ability to hook clogs, breaking and pulling them from the pipes when needed.

Elimination of external odors

If you clean the drainage fittings, inside drain and use a probe deep in the pipes and the odor remains, the odor is not coming from the drain itself. Humidity can dissolve odor-causing substances and make the odor more prominent, which can occur when water runs, making you think that drainage is the source. So if the cleaning does not eliminate the smell, look for external sources. If you cannot find the source of the smell, you should call your local health department to make sure the smell is not coming from the sewers.

Home Decoration 1

Making Space for Clothes in an Apartment

Finding enough space for clothes in an apartment is sometimes difficult with little available space. This is particularly frustrating if more than one person lives in the apartment. Getting rid of excess clutter and using organizational tools is an effective way to create more space for clothes in your little home. Using all available space to store items is possible with a little creativity and the right kind of furniture.

Instructions

  1. Look through your belongings and discard those items that are broken, stained or need repairs. Donate clothes you do not like or that do not suit you. Get rid of the gadgets, electronics and other items that you do not use often enough to store them. Start with one drawer at a time, or room, and donate or discard everything that is not functional, does not have sentimental value or does not add beauty to your apartment.
  2. Install decorative wall hooks on a bedroom wall or any bare space; hang hats, bags, belts, jackets and coats.
  3. Wash and fold clothes that you will not use this season. Store in plastic tubs under the bed; some containers come with wheels for easier access. Use high and difficult to reach shelves for such garments as well. Once the season changes, take them out of storage and replace them with clothes you were wearing.
  4. Stack storage boxes with covers in your closet to use vertical space along the closet walls. These boxes are available in a variety of sizes to store everything from blankets and quilts to shoes. Label the boxes with adhesive labels or cards and tape. This allows you to detect with a glance what’s inside the containers. Place them so that the containers with frequently used items are at the top. Another idea is to install shelves that allow you to use the space more wisely.
  5. Buy multipurpose furniture with hidden storage or a cedar chest for storing bulky items and provide additional seating. End tables and Coffee tables with hidden storage offer more vertical storage space than just a desk or table.
  6. Invest in a rack, available in discount stores or home stores and put it behind a wall to hide clothing.
  7. Add an extra closet rod in your closet. This doubles the hanging space and helps organize your closet area. Hang shirts, sweaters and jackets on the top shelf, and hang skirts and pants on the bar below.

Tips & Warnings

  • Place a tablecloth on an unsightly storage box to transform it quickly into a table. This gives you a place to store seasonal clothes for sports or other events that you rarely use, but you do not want to let go.