Eliminating Lead from Your Water Supply
Last month we mentioned that more than 400,000 people die from lead poisoning a year in the United States. It can also cause serious health problems, especially in children and older adults. We also discussed several sources of lead poisoning, including lead paint, lead dust, soil and food. This month we will look at sources […]
How Are Better Business Bureau Ratings Determined?
Go to many Websites or storefronts, and you may see a Better Business Bureau (BBB) icon or sticker, signifying that the company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. In addition to that accreditation, the BBB assigns rating to each accredited business. Here are the factors they look at to determine the rating: Complaint history. […]
Generator Safety Tips You Should Always Follow
Extreme heat can challenge the most stable power sources. Air conditioners run constantly, putting pressure on the local utility. Increased pressure on your area’s local utilities can cause power outages to occur, leading to inconvenience, damage, and expense. A home generator is a good solution to avoid those problems. But before you fire up the […]
The Different Types of Water Heaters
Regular gas or electric hot water heaters usually last between 10 and 15 years. If yours is reaching that time frame, it might be time to consider the different types of water heaters and what type you want next. When the time comes to consider buying a new water heater, you need to understand the […]
Tips for Hiring a Plumber
That drain that won’t drain. That sump pump that won’t pump. That water heater that won’t heat water. As Roseanne Roseannadanna used to say: “It’s always something.” While it may not always be something, you quite frequently do need the assistance of a good plumber. So how do you select an experienced plumber? Here are […]
Tips for Buying a Standby Generator
Hot weather. Cold weather. Pouring rain. Even high winds. All can cause a power outage in your house. And the results can be quite aggravating. Spoiled food. Lost data. And inconvenience. All these nuisances can be avoided if you have an automatic standby generator. These generators are connected to your home’s electrical system, turning on […]
Tips for Buying a Refrigerator – Part 2
Last month we began providing tips for buying a new refrigerator. We discussed: Advantages and disadvantages of various styles (top, bottom, side-by-side, French door models) Size (width, depth, height) Color and finish (black, white, slate, stainless steel, black stainless steel, matte black stainless steel) Here are some other things to consider. Energy efficiency. Energy Star-certified […]
How to Prevent Lead Poisoning
More than 400,000 people die from lead poisoning a year in the United States. Lead poisoning can also cause serious health problems such as high blood pressure, respiratory problems, depression, reduced sperm count, and miscarriages and stillbirth. Young children are especially vulnerable, and childhood lead poisoning can stunt their physical and mental development. Children exposed […]
How to Keep the Upstairs Cool in the Summer
Picture this: you’ve spent the past few hours on a recent summer evening relaxing in the downstairs living room in a comfy 72 degrees – exactly what you set your thermostat to. But when it’s time to call it a night and you begin to walk upstairs, you slowly notice the temperature starting to rise. […]
Electrical Terms 101
When an electrician comes to your house, or when you’re looking at electrical items at the hardware store, you might be exposed to some language you absolutely do not understand. That’s completely understandable, as electric work is a highly specialized field that many homeowners don’t know about. To make it a little easier to understand, […]