http://www.homeimprovementwatch.com All the Home Improvement Watch news! en-us Copyright 2008 www.homeimprovementwatch.com http://backend.userland.com/rss/ Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:53:20 EST http://www.homeimprovementwatch.com/images/hiw_headerlogo2.jpg http://www.homeimprovementwatch.com http://www.homeimprovementwatch.com/articles/Portable-Cooling-Guide:-Maintaining-your-Portable-Air-Conditioner/1413.htm When you need supplemental cooling or you cannot install traditional air conditioners because of impracticality or cost, a portable air conditioner is a great solution.  Portable air conditioners can be moved from room to room. They do not require permanent installation. All you need to do to make sure the portable air conditioner works properly is vent it through a window or wall.   The maintenance on portable air conditioners is almost as easy as the set up and operation. Of course, to operate a portable air condit (ELynn@air-n-water.com) Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:14:13 EST http://www.homeimprovementwatch.com/articles/Planning-for-DIY/1412.htm What ever job or project you are getting ready to do around the home, however big or small, it really pays to remember that planning is everything. Do your research, make notes, take measurements, stand back and ponder. Never ever rush in before you are sure what you are doing. This has always been my failing when it comes to home improvements - I'm far to eager to get started and it has cost me my pride in the past. Not just in shelves that are wonky, floors that are uneven, or damaged carpets, windows or walls either. (cbosleeds@yahoo.com) Wed, 16 Jul 2008 02:22:36 EST http://www.homeimprovementwatch.com/articles/Cooking-Up-the-Designer-Kitchen-of-Your-Dreams/1411.htm Easy Ways to Add New Spice and Flavor to a Tired Space By: R.L. Fielding If your household is like most, you do not have a full-time, live-in chef.  And there probably isn’t a full set of the latest and greatest designer kitchen appliances at your disposal to prepare the finest in world cuisine for your family each night.  Chances are good that your favorite room in your home is not your kitchen. Yet a kitchen offer (jlang@digitalbrandexpressions.com) Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:15:40 EST http://www.homeimprovementwatch.com/articles/-How-to-maintain-the-Septic-Tank-and-Septic-System/1410.htm It is always better to take precautions then look for a cure. Improper maintenance of these systems leads to destruction of needed bacteria, which may cause damage to the system and force it to fail. If this is not taken care of, sludge is formed which further flows into the absorption fields and the system can be clogged. If this happens, it is a difficult part to be handled, as you can pump out the tank but not the drainfield. And if this often repeated it can cause irreparable damage to the system and you may end up having to instal (martin@diystuff.com) Mon, 14 Jul 2008 05:46:32 EST http://www.homeimprovementwatch.com/articles/Have-Water-and-Ice-at-the-Your-Fingertips-with-the-NewAir-AI-400SB-Wat/1405.htm Studies have shown that almost 80% of Americans are walking around dehydrated. Many of us drink too much caffeinated coffee, soda, or energy drinks, and these can cause our bodies to lose water. This is a cause for concern because water is necessary for our bodies to digest and absorb vitamins and nutrients. Moreover, water detoxifies the liver and kidneys, and also carries waste away from the body.   There are also several other benefits to keeping your body well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and a steady dose of (jwong@air-n-water.com) Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:56:03 EST http://www.homeimprovementwatch.com/articles/Decorating-Possibilities-for-your-Fireplace-Area/1408.htm If it's time to replace that old, beat up fireplace screen that's looking more dilapidated every year, consider choosing a new fireplace screen that will enhance your room's decor and be something you can be proud of. Fireplace screens can serve many purposes, ranging from safety to aesthetics, but if one of your objectives is to create a beautiful living space, the right fireplace screen can make a world of difference! A good starting point for making the best choice is being aware of some of the product variations that are available. (optimalbiz@yahoo.com) Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:07:37 EST http://www.homeimprovementwatch.com/articles/Choosing-Between-Steam-or-Hot-Water-Heat:-Advice-for-New-Homebuyers/1406.htm Choosing Between Steam or Hot Water Heat: Advice for New Homebuyers By R.L. Fielding The home buying process can be complicated, with many details to consider. Should you buy a house with two stories or just one? Hardwood floors or carpeting? Laminate countertops or marble? When real estate markets are hot, and energy costs are stable, buyers have had a history of only looking at the superficial elements of the home, with few taking the time to really analyze the type of heating system that is in place. In times where home heating cost () Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:30:23 EST http://www.homeimprovementwatch.com/articles/Your-Downstream-Neighbor/1407.htm YOUR DOWNSTREAM NEIGHBOR   My kind neighbor up the hill, who knows in some way that my work is related to wastewater, asked me the other day, “You know I have a septic system right? Well, I’m painting the upstairs at my house and I’m wondering where I should wash out my brushes.  Is it harmful to my system or to the environment?”  I thought to myself, I bet this is not the only person who ever pondered what to do in this situation.  Should I ask him into the house for a glass of cold (brians@flxx.com) Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:41:56 EST http://www.homeimprovementwatch.com/articles/Staining-and-Protecting-Wooden-Fences/1404.htm If your fence is built out of wood, there is a good chance it will require periodic sanding and staining to maintain its structural stability and attractive design. Wood is porous by nature, and over time, the stained finish wears away, leaving the wood unprotected to the elements. Dirt, pollen, and mold spores settle into the pores, leaving the wood a dull gray. Unless you enjoy the rustic, vintage look, you will need to repair the finish every two to three years. Begin by inspecting the fence for any rotten, broken, or weak boards. Once the f (david@calfinder.com) Thu, 19 Jun 2008 02:49:42 EST http://www.homeimprovementwatch.com/articles/NewAir-AF-321-Swamp-Cooler:-Five-Reasons-to-Purchase/1403.htm 1. Cost Effective: Swamp coolers in general are extremely cost effective. The estimated cost is ¼ that of refrigerated air. The power consumption is limited to the fan and water pump as opposed to an air conditioner’s compressor, pump and blower. The NewAir AF-321 Swamp Cooler runs on only 85 watts of power. That’s the same amount of power as a light bulb. It also does not use a water pump, but just a small motor to rotate the cooling pad. This means it uses less power than swamp coolers with water pumps and is quieter as well. 2. Che (ELynn@air-n-water.com) Thu, 15 May 2008 04:22:10 EST http://www.homeimprovementwatch.com/articles/NewAir-ADS-600-Electric-Mini-Dehumidifier-Product-Review/1402.htm Dehumidifiers are household appliances that reduce the level of humidity in the air. This can be helpful for those concerned about mold and mildew growing inside their homes. Mold can be allergenic which can mean irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Besides the prevention of the growth of mold which has unpleasant health risks for human beings, humidity can cause unsightly condensation and can make it hard to dry laundry. The NewAir ADS-600 Electric Mini Dehumidifier is an excellent dehumidifier that can help you prevent the growth of mold a (ELynn@air-n-water.com) Thu, 15 May 2008 04:21:06 EST http://www.homeimprovementwatch.com/articles/The-NewAir-AF-315-Swamp-Cooler-Product-Review:-Eliminate-the-Dryness!/1401.htm Air conditioning seems like a miracle when the sun is beating down outside. It creates a pleasant atmosphere, but it can also have negative effects on your health. Air conditioned air is usually very dry. This dry air can irritate the delicate lining of your nose and mouth, making them cracked and dry. Your body floods these areas with mucus to prevent them from becoming dry which can make you feel stuffed up among other flu-like symptoms. Nosebleeds can also result from the damaged inner nose lining caused by air conditioning. Air conditionin (elynn@air-n-water.com) Tue, 06 May 2008 11:44:02 EST http://www.homeimprovementwatch.com/articles/The-Thermally-Comforting-Technology-of-the-New-Air-AC-12000E-Portable-/1399.htm Have you ever heard of thermal comfort? It may be a foreign term to your ears but your body knows it well. It is defined as the state of mind that feels satisfaction with the surrounding environment. Keeping that sense of thermal comfort for the occupants of buildings and other enclosures is one of the most important goals of HVAC design engineers. When the heat generated by human metabolism is allowed to dissipate to maintain thermal equilibrium with the surroundings, thermal comfort is maintained. If you gain or lose heat beyond that equilibrium, a sensation (elynn@air-n-water.com) Thu, 17 Apr 2008 02:24:11 EST http://www.homeimprovementwatch.com/articles/Central-Vacuum-Cleaners:-Install:-It's-no-problem-at-all!/1400.htm Central vacuum cleaners are different from standard vacuums in that they are installed into a home much like central heating. Central vacuum systems remove the dirt from the home and send it through tubes that are installed in the walls to a receptacle in an out of the way location like a garage or a basement. With these systems all that is carried is a lightweight hose and a power brush instead of moving a large vacuum unit from room to room. Vacuuming will always be convenient with a central vacuum system because the power (elynn@air-n-water.com) Thu, 17 Apr 2008 02:25:57 EST http://www.homeimprovementwatch.com/articles/Four-Real-Estate-Deal-Killers/1398.htm Four Real Estate Deal Killers   By R.L. Fielding Many news reports point to the sub prime lending mess as the cause for the housing slump. But home sellers should know that plenty of people with good credit are simply cautious buyers, which can keep sales down.   In most areas it’s a buyer’s market, so people can be picky. “Most buyers in this market will try to re-negotiate based on the findings of their home inspection. If the seller is unwilling to make repairs or lower the price, they may walk aw () Wed, 16 Apr 2008 03:20:58 EST http://www.homeimprovementwatch.com/articles/Wet_Dry-Vacuums:-They're-a-Sucker-for-Spills!/1396.htm A wet/dry vacuum cleaner is a vacuum cleaner that allows you to vacuum and wash all with one cleaner. With a wet/dry vacuum you can clean water spills efficiently and also remove dust, dirt, mites, pollens and other types of allergens. Wet/dry vacuums are large canister type vacuums that are useful in a garage or workshop as well as in the home. Some are able to pick up large amounts of liquid spills and construction debris that would ruin a regular vacuum. They can be kept in the garage to help clean out your car or used in the home to help cl (elynn@air-n-water.com) Thu, 10 Apr 2008 07:06:43 EST http://www.homeimprovementwatch.com/articles/Compact-and-Convenient:-The-NewAir-AI-100S-Portable-Ice-Maker-/1397.htm Some people may wonder why exactly portable ice makers are needed. There really are many reasons. At parties, ice is an essential item. You can make it at your home without having to run to the store to purchase it. If you live in a small home, apartment or even an RV, the compact size of a portable ice maker might appeal to you. In the case of a storm that might leave supplies low, you'll be able to make your own ice. It's just plain convenient to be able to make your own ice. All you need is water. The cycles are faster than the cycles on a (elynn@air-n-water.com) Thu, 10 Apr 2008 07:07:38 EST http://www.homeimprovementwatch.com/articles/PEXsupply-a-Best-Destination-for-Plumbing-Tools-and-Equipments/1390.htm Pexsupply.com is the best destination to find the most durable and good quality PEX Tools, crimping tool, clamping tool, expander tool, wirsbo tool and PEX expander tools. We provide valuable products in most competitive affordable prices. PEX Plumbing has become popular now a days because of its ease of installation and results in high quality systems. PEX Plumbing uses PEX Tubing instead of copper pipe that was commonly used in traditional plumbing systems. The main components to PEX Plumbing are PEX tubing, PEX Manifolds, and PEX Fittings an (pexsupply1@gmail.com) Wed, 02 Apr 2008 01:13:36 EST http://www.homeimprovementwatch.com/articles/Use-Honey-well-Thermostats-to-add-Quality-and-Comfort-in-Life/1391.htm @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> Pexsupply.com is the best source for finest quality Honeywell Thermostats and offers excellent products with high stability and performance to cater to all your requirements. We supply best quality products at affordable prices to all types of customers. Thermostat is a device which controls the heating and air-conditioning systems at home as these are the most energy using s (pexsupply1@gmail.com) Wed, 02 Apr 2008 01:17:43 EST http://www.homeimprovementwatch.com/articles/Vinyl-Replacement-Windows-Installation-Tricks/1395.htm Looking to save money on your heating and air conditioning bills? Vinyl Replacement Windows are your answer. With some help from an experienced professional window replacement company, you can manage the job yourself and save a lot of money. You’ll save money by installing them yourself and you’ll save money on your energy bills. Benefits Modern vinyl replacement windows can offer homeowners of aged homes many advantages. One example; it is very improbable that you will find “ (Site Admin) Sun, 06 Apr 2008 14:13:52 EST