Thermal Coffee Makers Are A Great Option

Thermal Coffee Maker Ratings

For many people coffee is an essential part of the day. The more of a headache something becomes when you depend on it and can’t get it. A day without coffee is a bad day and a day without good coffee is just not the same. You need to pick from the assortment of coffee makers to find the best one for your home. Pick a thermal coffee machine for your kitchen if you want the best one around. You should make sure to check out the ratings on them before you by. You will know the best price for your machine and what features you want to purchase.

These are not the only option on the market in terms of brewing machines. You can still get an old-fashioned drip machine or even a French press. If you want something newer, you can try the pod machine that shoot steaming water through a coffee filled pad like a European coffee house. You can also buy an espresso maker if you are a real connoisseur. Make sure you get ratings on any type of machine before you buy.

Thermal coffee makers might win you over, because these keep your coffee hot for hours at a time. You can preserver your coffee flavor and keep it from burning while it stays warm and ready for you. You can get a large one that holds 8-10 cups of coffee at a time. This is great for a large family or for your office. Usually the carafes are made from stainless steel. If they are double-walled then they can operate alone or together. The double-wall carafe will keep your coffee tasting great at the perfect temperature all day long.

Some have 24-hour digital timers that you can program. They may have other features like easy to change filters, auto shutoff, and gold or platinum permanent filters. You can also buy one that allows you to pour your coffee even if the whole thing isn’t done brewing. You can also buy one with different color lids so you can remind your office if its regular or decaf.

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Get A Replacement Pot For All Coffee Makers

Replacing Your Coffee Pot

If you are a coffee lover like I am, then you know there is nothing worse than accidentally dropping your coffee pot! If I haven’t had my morning cup yet, then you shouldn’t even bother talking to me. If I accidentally broke my pot before my morning java, I’d be in tears for sure. Throw out my TV, short circuit my laptop, but please don’t break my coffee pot. If I were to break it, my husband would hear only whining until a new coffee pot safely reached my machine.

Although it is easier than it used to be to find a coffee pot replacement for a variety of different coffee makers, it still make take awhile to get to you. Once a friend’s pot broke and she flipped out. I didn’t really understand it at the time because I wasn’t such a big coffee drinker. I helped her search at over six stores until she found one that fit her machine. We didn’t get the right one till we searched out a tiny mom and pop store.

That was in the days before the Internet, but now it is even easier. You can find a pot online, but it may take awhile to end up at your doorstep. You might want to choose a reputable company to ship your coffee pot since they are so fragile. If you buy a pot on Ebay, then make sure your seller knows how to properly pack a coffee pot and buy shipping insurance.

You can search and find a pot in a local store, but it can be a pain. You need to the exact pot if you have the kind of coffee maker that pauses for you. Watch over the first pot of coffee that you make to ensure that everything is working well. You don’t want an accident with your new pot! Getting the exact model for your machine is the best option, but it can be tricky. Best thing to do is keep your pot safe at all costs!

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Use Any Coffee Maker To Brew For Cooking

Coffee Recipes

If you love your cup of java then you love to try some foods that use coffee as an ingredient.

Usually coffee is used in dessert, but it isn’t just used for sweet foods. Coffee is also used in sauces for meat, in spicy chili, and even for certain kinds of pot roasts.

Grinding your own beans or buying them freshly ground is the best way to ensure that your coffee flavors will come out well in your food. Use filtered water in your coffee maker brew your coffee right before cooking to make sure it is the freshest it can be. You should also be aware then when using coffee to cook, it is usually prepared a lot stronger than how you would drink it. Here’s some great recipes to try in your kitchen.

Meatloaf Sauce with Coffee

Outside of Australia this traditional sauce is gaining popularity. It’s delicious and simple. Start by adding a tablespoon of instant coffee to ¼ cup of filtered water, ½ cup of ketchup, and ¼ cup of dry red wine, add some Worcestershire sauce to taste, two tablespoons of vinegar, a spoonful of margarine, and finally two tablespoons of lemon juice and a hint of brown sugar.

Let your meat cook for 30 minutes before adding the sauce and then add your sauce and cook for 45 more minutes at 190C or 375F.

Espresso Flavored Brownies

For the chocolate and coffee lover, this is the best recipe out there!

In a sauce pan combine a cup of sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and a stick and half of buttern and heat. Now add a teaspoon of vanilla, four ounces of chopped up semi-sweet chocolate, and stir entire mixture until its melted. You can now add a tablespoon of your favorite ground dark-roast or you can add two teaspoons of espresso granules for an interesting change.

Now that it’s all mixed up then pour it into a bowl to allow it to cool. Add three eggs while the mixture is still warm and a cup of flour. Pour the whole thing into a baking pan and bake for 30 minutes.

Black Russian Cake

Using a store-bought dark chocolate cake mix you can add one cup of veggie oil, one packaged of instant pudding (chocolate of course), four eggs, ½ cup crème de cacao, and for the final touch add Russian coffee. Use 1 oz of vodka, ½ oz of Kahlua, and 5 oz of hot black coffee to make this mixture.

Beat all the ingredients together and use a tube pan to bake at 350F or 177C for 45 minutes.

If you want to get creative try using coffee in all kinds of recipes from cookies to ice cream! Try Kahlua which is made from coffee to enhance all kinds of desserts.

Make your own coffee syrup using a cup of sugar and a cup of extra strength Colombian. Boil them together in a pan on the stove and let the sugar dissolve. Simmer at a lower temperature and then allow it to cool. A great treat over ice cream!

No matter what your favorite coffee machines are, give these inventive recipes a try!

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Finding A Coffee Table Is Harder Than A Coffee Maker

Choosing the right glass coffee table with my wife was more difficult than agreeing on the best coffee maker. At least we both feel passionately picking out from the best coffee machines, but this passion made us divisive when it came to finding a good table to rest our coffee on. We are both professionals and like getting things our own way. Usually we give each other space so we don’t need to fight over silly things, but when it comes to home décor, my wife wants things here way. Unfortunately, I want things my way too and this caused quite a stir when we tried to buy a table together.

We couldn’t agree on a single coffee table after we had visited over 10 stores. I have a modern sense of taste and want something that is clean and simple that give the room a nice feel and is practical. My wife on the other hand would prefer the coffee table of an Austrian nobleman. She would probably have bought the gold-plated table with rhinestones and lion’s feet if I had agreed to it. I wasn’t going to live in this kind of Venetian palace and told her so, which she did not like. If she wants to play decorator for the King of France, then fine, but not in my home!

We were coming close to a bad fight, but I stopped this from going too far. We don’t forgive and forget quickly like some couples. Our fights can go on for days and are most unpleasant. I didn’t want a stupid coffee table to ruin my next week, so I went ahead with a compromise on the coffee table. We chose one that we could both live with even though neither of us was really crazy about it. At least we got something to put our coffee on and went home while still speaking to each other!

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The Benefits Of A Portable Heater

Travel is one of the modern family’s ways to escape; a weekend camping excursion, an extended fishing trip, or week in the mountains can offer a chance to reconnect – a rare commodity in today’s busy world. But taking advantage of the bevy of technological advancements available to us means that a family getaway doesn’t have to mean “roughing it” in uncomfortable temperatures. The portable heater has made it possible to enjoy the great outdoors without being hindered by the weather, thus maximizing our enjoyment and opening up a world of possibilities.

The portable heater can be used in a variety of ways to increase comfort while on the go. A standard portable heater – at use in the outdoors – can instantly warm a tent, cabin, or camp ground. Obviously, this can greatly increase the comfort level of those who are spending many nights in formidable temperatures. Additionally, a heat source of this type can ward off animals and insects, forming an invisible barrier around your living space.

In addition, a portable heater used to heat water can be significantly beneficial in this instance. There’s nothing worse than bathing in ice cold water; a portable heater allows us to enjoy all the wonder of nature while still taking advantage of modern conveniences.

A portable heater of this nature is operated under a battery source, making electricity – a rare commodity in the wilderness –unnecessary. Subsequently, it is wise to bring extra batteries along with you on any journeys; ensure consistent comfort by ensuring an adequate energy source.

Of course, when using any portable heater, safety is of the utmost importance. Be sure that any portable heater that you purchase is certified and quality assured. Make sure that you understand all operating instructions. And keep your portable heater away from any material that it could mistakenly ignite – including clothing, blankets, and tent material.

The use of a safe and efficient portable heater can bring your outdoor enjoyment to the next level, allowing you to explore all that nature has to offer without be hindered by weather.

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Kitchen Appliances Save More Time, Labor Than Ever Before

Salesman: "This machine will cut your workload at home in half!"

Housewife: "In that case, I'll take two!"

An old joke, but as the 21st century unfolds, it becomes truer than ever. Compared to previous generations, people today can find working in the kitchen easier and even fun. The gadgets that compete for precious counter space in kitchens across the country are ready to slice, dice, peel, blend, bake and grill in ways that would have amazed the great-grandparents of their owners.

A century ago, the idea of kitchen appliances simply didn't exist. There were hand-operated vacuums, and many homes had only an icebox, a washtub, and a sink with cold water, usually operated by a pump. Often the pump was outside the back of the house, or in the street for communal usage. With the advent of electricity, the idea of labor-saving devices slowly took hold. Fifty years later, iceboxes were replaced by refrigerators, which did away with having ice delivered. Toasters became one of the first devices anywhere in the home to use power. One early counter top machine seen in many homes was the electric can opener. Seen at the time as a frivolous novelty, nowadays it's hard to imagine opening cans without them (especially since nobody can remember where the old-fashioned hand crank opener is). Following close behind it was the coffeemaker, taking over from the percolator that used to sit on a burner of the stove. And its close cousin, the teakettle. Machines like the blender were first developed for commercial use, and quickly found their way into domestic service.

The next big advance in kitchen technology was the microwave oven in the 1970's. It was to kitchens what the VCR was to the living room - revolutionary in itself, it can now be seen as the beginning of a whole wave of gizmos to be lined up beside the sink. Soon afterwards, the market exploded with toaster ovens, sandwich grills, pasta makers, ice cream makers, yogurt makers and the like. This reached a zenith with the advent of the food processor. Seen as a sort of companion to the home computer (a.k.a. the "word processor", since nobody could think of any other use for a computer in the days before the web), these kings of the counter top combined blender, grater, masher, slicer, dicer and a few more things all in one package.

Right on the heels of the food processor was the bread machine. As the nation longed for a healthier, more natural diet, something that could mix, knead and bake a staple foodstuff such as bread was seen as ushering in a new way of thinking about what we eat. Unfortunately, while many homes have bread machines today, few actually get any use. The loaf pans are smaller than commercially sold loaves, the mix makes the bread much more expensive, the machine needs cleaning after each loaf, and nobody wants to actually have to slice bread anymore. So not every step forward has been fully embraced by the masses.

The future for kitchen appliances however, looks brighter than ever. In a world where the can opener looks quaint alongside the modern no-stick grill, the next big revolution will be the interconnecting of all these devices to a home intranet. By the end of this century, most western kitchens may be a network hive of activity, as devices share information between themselves, larger equipment such as the oven and fridge, and even across the Internet. No doubt new machines will be introduced, some bizarre hybrids of what we already have, some as unknown to us as a microwave would have been in 1907. Our great-grandchildren will chuckle to themselves as they ponder all the effort we put into buttering our toast or stirring our coffee each morning. Are you ready for the kitchen of the future?

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Compact GE Refrigerators - Are They All That?

Overwhelmed by the number of companies and models of compact refrigerators available in the market? Well, freeze your choice and decide on a GE compact refrigerator!

Since inception in 1878, GE home appliances have set a benchmark in style and quality by the application of innovative technologies. This has made them one of the largest manufacturers of major home appliances globally. Continuing this legacy of bringing ‘good things to life’, GE began manufacturing home refrigerators way back in 1917.

GE compact refrigerators ranging from 1.7 to 6 cu. ft. size allocate the available internal space in just the right proportion between the fresh food refrigeration and freezer sections. A conveniently located analog dial guarantees efficient temperature control. The foam insulation to the cabinet and door ensures a low noise and energy efficient operation.

Up to 3 wire cabinet shelves provide adequate storage for fresh food, beverages and even pizza boxes! 1 full-width and 2 half-width molded door shelves provide secured storage for smaller packages and permit storage of tall bottles as well. An optional can rack can stock 12-ounce beverage cans for easy access. The full width freezer accommodates not 1 but 2 ice trays, giving a wholesome supply of ice-cubes to chill your drinks.

They are available in built-in and freestanding options with elegant white, black or stainless steel smooth surface finishes. The clean steel rich exterior finish is resistant to fingerprints, stains and blotches to keep that new look intact for a longer time. The color – matched recessed door handles do their bit to maintain the refrigerator facade. Rollers located behind bottom grille provide proper leveling and ensure that moving the refrigerator for cleaning and maintenance is not a backbreaking job!

GE compact refrigerators are available at both - well-established national and local dealers. Their website provides host of useful technical information on all available models including user and care manuals, installation information, energy guides, dynamic maps for locating nearest dealer and much more. They offer an optional 5-year paid warranty package over and above the standard 1-year manufacturer's warranty.

Thus, with its wide selection of compact refrigerators, GE offers the combined advantages of adequate refrigeration capacity, sleek interiors and flexible shelf and in-door storage. So if making informed decisions is your way of choosing your home appliances, GE compact refrigerators is just the right choice for you.

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Aquasana Shower Filter: Experience Naturally Healthy Showering

There is no doubt water is the fundamental part of our lives and it performs various functions internally and externally to keep human body fit and healthy. But water, we use or drink, has to be clean and pure to ensure healthy life. And we only think about filtering and purifying water for drinking and cooking purpose to keep ourselves fit. But in case of showering or bathing we generally don’t give much attention to our water. But do you know 50% of daily exposures come from our showering? Despite our body is water proof, still it absorbs the water contaminants when water rolls over the body and can cause various harmful diseases. To ward off this type of menace, there is no better remedy to your water other than shower water filters.

When we talk about shower filters the picture of brand come into our mind is Aquasana. The brand Aquasana is innovator for producing quality shower filter whether it is feature wise or technology wise. Aquasana shower filters are most reliable and widely used shower filters as they not only clean the water but also eliminate the harmful contaminants.

All over the world to treat water chlorine is used by water supplying authority. But this chlorine in the shower can cause symptoms of brittle hair, dry skin, dandruff and red irritated eyes. On the other side when chlorine mixed water is heated it produces chlorine gas and when we inhale it, it enter directly into our bloodstream that can creep into and irate our lungs. But, if you have Aquasana shower filter then you have no reason to worry about these kind of problem. These filters not only eliminate chlorine and chloramines but also eliminate other harmful contaminants like lead, Iron Oxide, Sodium Hypochlorite, Hydrogen Sulfide.

In spite of being vastly technological based, still these shower filters are easy to install and use, and to operate them no technical skill is required. These filters produce instant pure and clean water whenever you go for bath. Being so expedient, however, these Aquasana shower filters are available at very reasonable prices. They also come in different shapes and chic styles and work with almost every shower. These filters are reversible and that only needs to replace in one year and also have the inbuilt sensors which informs you, when the cartridges need to be changed. So if you are health conscious then install most refreshing shower filter like Aquasana shower water filter and experience naturally healthy and soothing showering.

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How To Decide Between 4 Major Types Of Vacuum Cleaners

The key to deciding which vacuum cleaner is right for you requires an understanding of your home environment and your own personal preferences.

Despite the claims from manufacturers, there isn't a vacuum cleaner that is right for everybody. Each environment is different and some machines are simply better suited for specific situations.

There are four major types of vacuum cleaners and each of them offers something that other models don't. With this overview of major types and their features you'll have a much easier tack deciding what's best for your home.

Upright Vacuum Cleaners
While developments in technology have introduced a range of vacuum styles to the market place, many of the features of upright vacuum cleaners keep them a firm favorite in the cleaning stakes. They come in both residential and commercial models and they usually have a base that contains the beater brush and motors, and the bag or box enclosure that contains a filter bag or canister for debris.

Upright vacuum cleaners can include many features such as front lights, brush height controls, on board hose and attachments and different power modes. These vacuums are great for flat open areas and small stairways. Uprights tend to be less expensive than canisters and are easier to store even though they are bit heavier.

Some of the best upright vacuum cleaners as per reviews are from Dyson, Eureka and Hoover brands.

Canister Vacuum Cleaners
Canisters are versatile cleaners that can address a variety of cleaning applications. Canisters with powered brush rolls offer cleaning performance similar to that of uprights. On back pack vacuum cleaners the canister is worn on the back and is usually made from light weight material like plastic or resin compounds.

The canister on the vacuum usually contains a motor at one end and a filter bag at the other. The hose is usually connected to the top end of the vacuum and can be fitted with attachments for all types of cleaning jobs.

Back pack vacuum cleaners are great for cleaning hard to reach places and large stairways. Because of the portability of these vacuum cleaners they are used commonly in commercial cleaning environments.

Canisters generally have more suction and greater airflow than uprights, but can be cumbersome to carry and store. Though lighter to the touch when cleaning (just a hose and cleaning wand), canisters must be carried around.

Some of the best canister vacuum cleaners are from Miele, Sebo and Electrolux companies.

Central Vacuum Cleaners
If you are tired of pulling a vacuum cleaner around the house, you can consider a central vacuum system. It cleans like a canister vac without your having to push, pull, or carry the motor and body around. For many homes, central vacuum systems can offer not only additional convenience, but also less noise, less dust and more power.

The typical central vacuum system has a large canister vacuum motor mounted in the garage or basement. Because of its wall-mounted, remote location outside the home's living space, central vacuum system motors can be larger and heavier than what is inside a standard vacuum cleaner, thereby offering more power.

Also, since the motor is located out in the garage, the vacuum cleaner operates with considerably less noise inside the house and without any of the re-circulated dust that's common with most standard vacuum cleaners.

Some of the best central vacuum cleaners are from Eureka and Broan-Nutone companies.

Cordless Vacuum Cleaners
Combining cordless convenience with impressive suction, these vacuum cleaners tackle bare floors and carpets wherever you take it. Lightweight and slim in profile, they are ideal for speedy pickups and everyday cleaning jobs.

A cordless vacuum cleaner is a battery operated unit with a charging base that also acts as a storage stand, and charging can be continuous without damage to the machine.

Some units sport two nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries, one at the brush head and the other in the main unit. The battery in the brush head compensates for the 10% lower suction power by powering a rotating brush, and cuts down on weight by eliminating the need to thread the power cord through the hose to the brush motor.

Other units sport nickel-hydrogen battery which helps to reduce its size and weight and offers larger electricity storage capacity than nickel-cadmium batteries.

Some of the best cordless vacuum cleaners come from Roomba, Dirt Devil and Electrolux brands.

Choosing a vacuum cleaner can be a tedious task, when there are hundreds of models and brands. So if you are looking for your ideal model, first choose a broader category like canisters or uprights and then look into more detailed vacuum cleaner reviews.

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How To Decide Between 4 Major Types Of Vacuum Cleaners

The key to deciding which vacuum cleaner is right for you requires an understanding of your home environment and your own personal preferences.

Despite the claims from manufacturers, there isn't a vacuum cleaner that is right for everybody. Each environment is different and some machines are simply better suited for specific situations.

There are four major types of vacuum cleaners and each of them offers something that other models don't. With this overview of major types and their features you'll have a much easier tack deciding what's best for your home.

Upright Vacuum Cleaners
While developments in technology have introduced a range of vacuum styles to the market place, many of the features of upright vacuum cleaners keep them a firm favorite in the cleaning stakes. They come in both residential and commercial models and they usually have a base that contains the beater brush and motors, and the bag or box enclosure that contains a filter bag or canister for debris.

Upright vacuum cleaners can include many features such as front lights, brush height controls, on board hose and attachments and different power modes. These vacuums are great for flat open areas and small stairways. Uprights tend to be less expensive than canisters and are easier to store even though they are bit heavier.

Some of the best upright vacuum cleaners as per reviews are from Dyson, Eureka and Hoover brands.

Canister Vacuum Cleaners
Canisters are versatile cleaners that can address a variety of cleaning applications. Canisters with powered brush rolls offer cleaning performance similar to that of uprights. On back pack vacuum cleaners the canister is worn on the back and is usually made from light weight material like plastic or resin compounds.

The canister on the vacuum usually contains a motor at one end and a filter bag at the other. The hose is usually connected to the top end of the vacuum and can be fitted with attachments for all types of cleaning jobs.

Back pack vacuum cleaners are great for cleaning hard to reach places and large stairways. Because of the portability of these vacuum cleaners they are used commonly in commercial cleaning environments.

Canisters generally have more suction and greater airflow than uprights, but can be cumbersome to carry and store. Though lighter to the touch when cleaning (just a hose and cleaning wand), canisters must be carried around.

Some of the best canister vacuum cleaners are from Miele, Sebo and Electrolux companies.

Central Vacuum Cleaners
If you are tired of pulling a vacuum cleaner around the house, you can consider a central vacuum system. It cleans like a canister vac without your having to push, pull, or carry the motor and body around. For many homes, central vacuum systems can offer not only additional convenience, but also less noise, less dust and more power.

The typical central vacuum system has a large canister vacuum motor mounted in the garage or basement. Because of its wall-mounted, remote location outside the home's living space, central vacuum system motors can be larger and heavier than what is inside a standard vacuum cleaner, thereby offering more power.

Also, since the motor is located out in the garage, the vacuum cleaner operates with considerably less noise inside the house and without any of the re-circulated dust that's common with most standard vacuum cleaners.

Some of the best central vacuum cleaners are from Eureka and Broan-Nutone companies.

Cordless Vacuum Cleaners
Combining cordless convenience with impressive suction, these vacuum cleaners tackle bare floors and carpets wherever you take it. Lightweight and slim in profile, they are ideal for speedy pickups and everyday cleaning jobs.

A cordless vacuum cleaner is a battery operated unit with a charging base that also acts as a storage stand, and charging can be continuous without damage to the machine.

Some units sport two nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries, one at the brush head and the other in the main unit. The battery in the brush head compensates for the 10% lower suction power by powering a rotating brush, and cuts down on weight by eliminating the need to thread the power cord through the hose to the brush motor.

Other units sport nickel-hydrogen battery which helps to reduce its size and weight and offers larger electricity storage capacity than nickel-cadmium batteries.

Some of the best cordless vacuum cleaners come from Roomba, Dirt Devil and Electrolux brands.

Choosing a vacuum cleaner can be a tedious task, when there are hundreds of models and brands. So if you are looking for your ideal model, first choose a broader category like canisters or uprights and then look into more detailed vacuum cleaner reviews.

Continue reading...

How Do We Keep Our Drinking Water Safe?

Reverse Osmosis Water Purifier Removes Smallest Bacteria

One of the best and safest ways to purify your drinking water is to use the reverse osmosis water purifier. It removes even the smallest particles from your drinking water, most of these particles are smaller than the eye can see.

Reverse Osmosis was developed by the U.S. government to desalinate sea water for ships and submarines. One of the major advantages of reverse osmosis water purifiers is that they do not use any chemicals such as chlorine or iodine and do not require frequent filter changes or cleaning.

The secret of reverse osmosis is its ability to filter out even the smallest of particles. The human hair is about 1 micron, however disease causing bacteria is much smaller, typically between about .01 and .001 micron. A reverse osmosis water purifier utilizes layers of membranes, rolled into a cylinder with effective filtering to .0001 microns.

Due to the small size of the membranes it takes longer for the water to filter. The typical single-family home use will usually need at least 50 gallons of water per day and achieving that capacity will depend on the length and number of the membrane sheets within the filter.

Typically a larger quantity of shorter membranes allow water to pass through more quickly while fewer sheets of longer membranes may still increase the time it take to filter the water. Units mounted under the kitchen sink are excellent alternatives to larger whole house units. They will allow for filtering all your drinking and cooking water while reducing the expense of filtering all your water.

Water in Water out

Temperature and pressure of the water flowing into the system will affect the filtering capacity or the reverse osmosis purifier. Industry recommendations call for water pressure of 50 psi @ 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Since most home water supplies do not fall into this category, most reputable reverse osmosis water purifier suppliers will not usually guarantee a specific claim as the amount of water that a system will produce daily.

The life of the membrane filters is an added advantage of the reverse osmosis water purifier. Other types of water filtration systems require a new filter between two and four weeks, depending on the type and density of the impurities in the water. Most reverse osmosis water purifier systems have a self-cleaning ability that uses unfiltered water to wash over the membranes, vanishing collected impurities into its drainage system. Of course one of the drawbacks to this is a lot of water goes to waste, this may or may not matter depending on if you are paying for the water you are filtering.

Due to the fact the impurities are washed down the drain and you are not trying to pass water through a filter that is already loaded down with contaminants your water will be more consistent and cleaner.

R-O units can easily be found at all the major home centers and online and are a worthwhile and healthy investment.

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Using The Cool Ground To Cool Your Home

If you dig down five feet in the middle of a desert, the ground will be cool. You can use this inherent coolness to keep the temperature down in your home as well.

One of the things you notice when you visit a cave is the cool temperature. The outside air can be hot enough to boil an egg on the sidewalk, but once you step down into the cave, you encounter cool and dehumidified air. This is because the temperature below ground level tends to remain at a constant level. This temperature can be calculated roughly by knowing the average temperature of the above ground air. For example, the city of Chicago has an average temperature in the area of 72 degrees. This average comes from the fact that it drops to 10 degrees in the winter, and swelters at over 100 degrees in the summer. The 72 degree day is a rare, if welcome, break in the extremes.

It is the average, however, and the layers of earth tend to insulate very well. It is reasonable to assume that after centuries of this average temperature, any air trapped underground would settle out at this average temperature and maintain it. This has led to the idea that this constant temperature air underground could be tapped for both heating and passive air conditioning. If your home happened to be built on top of a large cave, you could run a pipe from your home to the cave. Using fans to cause circulation, the cool air could be pulled up from the cave, and the ambient air from the home could be pushed down into the cave.

Since many homes do not happen to be located on top of caves, the idea has been conceived of digging artificial caves under homes and laying pipes to connect them to the homes. A system like this would require only the power it takes to run the fans that would facilitate the proper circulation between the “cave” and the home. It would eliminate the use of compressors which draw the majority of power used in air conditioning.

Another version of this plan would involve the laying of long pipes underground. The idea here is that the “cave” is not necessary. Simply running the air underground through the pipes would allow the air to be cooled. An underground pipe system would be a bit expensive and awkward to install in an existing building. It would be a little less difficult in new construction as the pipes could be laid during the excavation that would take place in laying the foundation of the building.

Regardless of any initial expense, a passive underground system would need little or no maintenance, and beyond circulating fans, little or no energy consumption. Although passive pipe air conditioning, like solar powered air conditioning, is new and mostly experimental today, the combination of global warming and increased population is making an energy solution to air conditioning critical.

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Can You Use The Sun To Cool Your Home?

When you think about the sun, heat is usually the first impression one gets. A recent twist on the idea has led to the possibility of cooling your home with the sun. Seriously!

Environmental concerns are a very important factor in a number of areas and air conditioning is one of them. The wide spread use of air conditioning has created ever increasing electrical energy demands, and the power generating capacity is struggling to keep up with this demand. During demand peaks created by hot spells, there have been power outages and brown-outs in the past. One of the ideas that has been developed to cope with this problem is the use of the sun as a power source. This seems a logical concept since the sun creates the problem by creating heat. How great it would be if the sun could also provide the solution.

In Europe, the technology for using solar energy for both heating and cooling is quite advanced and many larger building have been using a form of it for years. The method used is based on the thermo-chemical process known as sorption. Sorption takes two forms. When a liquid or gas is attached to a porous, solid material it is called adsorption. When the liquid or gas is taken in by liquid or a solid, it is called absorption. The European technology involves the use of a sorbant, usually silica gel. The silica gel is heated by the sun and is dehumidified. When water vapor or steam is added to the dehumidified gel, adsorption takes place and heat is released.

Basically, when heated ambient air is drawn through the system in what is called a heat reclamation rotor, the heat is drawn out of the air, cooling it. The cooled air is recycled back into the building. The major drawback to this system is the large size of the units, and of the area that must be exposed to the sun. This makes its use practical in large buildings, but not applicable for home use.

Solar energy for home use is an emerging technology also. However, the idea here is to use the energy to power existing air conditioning units rather than replacing them with new technology. Photovoltaic cells mounted on the roof converts solar energy into AC power that can be used to power the air conditioner. In most cases, the amount of power is not sufficient to run the unit, but can supplement the regular electrical supply. The major advantage here is that when the electrical demand is the highest, which would be during the peak daylight hours, the sun will be bearing down most directly on the PV cells.

There is a surge in power consumption during start up of an air conditioner unit. Solar photovoltaic cells can be used to keep the unit running at a very low speed during times it would normally be shut down. This can further reduce the regular electrical use by eliminating many of the starts and stops of the cycle. Solar energy is an emerging technology in a world that is seeking alternative sources of power. Hopefully, in the future, the sun, which creates the heat and humidity that we seek to eliminate with air conditioning, will provide the solution to our continued comfort.

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Making Your Air Conditioner Last Longer

Air conditioners are not cheap. You definitely do not want to be buying a new one every year or so. A bit of preventive work can make them last.

One of the biggest problems with most air conditioning units made today is that they are tough, and well built. This may not seem like much of a problem, but what happens is that most home owners become very complacent about their air conditioners. They continue to run and run year after year, and many people tend to worry little about them as long as the air is cool and comfortable. The truth is that without routine maintenance, a normal air conditioning unit loses about 5% of its efficiency each year. This means that within a short time your powerful SEER 13 unit is working more like an older SEER 8.

A good air conditioner can last 15 years, or even longer, with just routine maintenance. It will also operate at its rated capacity for most of that period. Much of the maintenance that is required to keep your unit up to snuff is inexpensive and easy to perform. The first step is to make routine inspections of your unit to discover any potential problems. The best time to perform any air conditioner maintenance is a little bit before it is needed. Check all hoses for leaks and make sure the condensate tube is draining freely.

Filters are critical to the proper and economical operation of the air conditioning unit. They should be inspected often and changed or cleaned monthly. This is even more important during the summer months when there is a higher level of dust and pollutants in the air, and, of course, the units are running more frequently. Other methods of insuring maximum air flow through the system include cleaning and vacuuming of the registers and air vents. You should also insure that furniture and drapes are not blocking registers.

The outside compressor should be cleaned with a hose. Plantings should be kept at least a foot away, and grass and weeds should be trimmed to insure adequate air flow around the unit. Remove any debris from the fan area. During the winter months, the compressor should be covered. It is also a good idea to remove any window air conditioners during the winter, and store them until they are again needed. A yearly tune up of your air conditioner by a certified technician can cost between $50 and $100, but can result in as much as a 5% reduction in yearly operating cost.

You can also increase the life of your air conditioner by finding ways to not have to use it. Programmable thermostats can regulate temperature to decrease use at night or when the house is vacant. Simple things like ceiling fans or attic ventilation fans can reduce the demand on the air conditioner. Even planting trees to increase shade or using drapes over windows facing the sun can help. Reduction of use combined with proper maintenance can increase the life span of any air conditioner. One important safety consideration is to make sure that all power is turned off to the air conditioner before performing any maintenance.

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Efficient Air Conditioners Save You Money

Cool air feels good, but high utility bills do not. Efficient air conditioners can save you serious money over the life of the system and keep you just as cool.

When you are considering the efficiency of an air conditioner, size is everything. Oversized and undersized can be equally bad. When a unit is oversized, it will cycle over and over. The constant starting and stopping of the unit will pull more energy, and the dehumidifying properties of the cooling coils will not have time to fully operate. This will result in moisture being blown into the duct works and the ambient air with each start up. If the unit is undersized it will not be able to generate enough cooled air to maintain the desired temperature, and will run constantly.

Air conditioners are rated on their efficiency using a measurement known as the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). This measurement is the cooling output divided by the energy consumption with climate and certain other variables factored in. The higher the SEER number, the more efficient the unit, is the general rule. Older units might have a SEER as low as 7 or 8. For a long time, The Department of Energy mandated a SEER of 10 as the minimum for all newly installed units. This figure has recently been raised to 13, and is a topic for debate currently. Some units are capable of SEER ratings as high as 17 or 18.

Window units use EER (Energy Efficient Ratio) rather than SEER, but the principle is basically the same. The principle of “bigger is not necessarily better” applies to window units also. Humidity plays such an important role in comfort, and is often more important than just mere temperature. Smaller units tend to remove more moisture because they have longer runs. When a unit first starts it actually blows a bit of moisture out of the unit. Once the cycle is running smoothly, the condensation of moisture on the cooling cools begins. Therefore, a longer running cycle is going to provide a more comfortable environment.

There are other factors that will increase the efficiency of an air conditioner and result in a reduction of operating expense. A programmable thermostat is one such idea. The thermostat can be set to automatically raise the ambient temperature at night during sleep or when the home is vacant during working hours. A ten degree raise in temperature setting during these time periods can result in a ten percent reduction in operating costs.

Properly maintaining your system will also result in increased efficiency. Routine changing of filters is one of the most important maintenance requirements. Efficiency of air conditioning is an issue that goes beyond savings to the owner of the home or building. It is an issue of national concern. The wide spread use of air conditioning has created a large strain on electrical power demand especially during heat waves. Power generation is struggling to keep up with demand and brown-outs have become frequent during periods of high demand. Air conditioning efficiency takes place on an individual level, but the air conditioning industry is working to improve efficiency with improved models and the development of new technology as well.

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Multiple Location Air Conditioner

If you are considering an upgrade to your air conditioning, you are going to have to choose a system. Here we cover a unit that is actually separated into two locations.

A dual or separated air conditioner is one where the two main components of the unit are split between two physical locations. Although the initial installation cost is generally higher for a split type air conditioner, they tend to be more energy efficient in the long run. This savings is energy will quickly recoup the installation cost. There is a big noise reduction as the compressor is located in the outside unit. These air conditioners are suggested for use in places where there is a space problem.

The air handling unit is on the inside. This consists of the evaporator section and the duct work that circulates and delivers the air. The fan motor is also located inside along with the filters. The evaporator coil is located inside also. The evaporator coil is where the refrigerant actually vaporizes and the heat adsorption takes place. The thermostat which controls the system is located indoors also, of course, but usually at a more central location where a temperature measurement can be more effectively made.

The divided unit is often referred to as having a cold side and a hot side. The cold side is the indoor unit where cooling actually takes place. The hot side is the outdoor unit where heat is given up from the refrigerant. The hot side unit has a fan assembly to aid in the removal of heat from the condenser coils. It also has its own control logic.

Split air conditioners are used in homes as well as business buildings. Many office buildings and retail establishments use split types due to the larger size of the condenser units. The larger size condensers can be located more easily outdoors behind the buildings, or in some cases, on the roofs of the buildings. Very large buildings and most multi-story buildings have problems using split systems due to the distance between the units. Duct work becomes unmanageable at such distance and results in too much inefficiency. Water chiller units are generally more appropriate for these types of structures.

Another type of split system is known as the mini split system air conditioner. Since an estimated 30% of energy consumption results from duct work loss of cooling, the mini split system eliminates duct work. It operates more like a window unit except that it is connected to an outside condenser by means of a conduit. The conduit requires only a 3 inch hole in the wall to connect the units. The conduit contains the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate drain. These systems are popular because of their small size and flexibility. They can be floor units, some of which are mounted on casters and can be moved to where they are most needed. They can also be mounted on the walls or ceilings. As many as four individual units can also be connected to a single outdoor unit.

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Make It Start with a Door Switch – Dishwasher Repair

You wouldn't even know your dishwasher had one until it isn’t working. These little switches are tucked inside the control panel of your dishwasher and most times are a part of the door latch. The door latch pulls the door securely to the main body of your dishwasher and prevents water from leaking during a cycle. If your dishwasher doesn't start, it could be due to a faulty door switch.

How the door switch works

When the dishwasher door is open, the switch is off. Inside your dishwasher tub will be a metal or plastic prong. Close and latch the door. The prong will depress the door switch completely and the circuit will close allowing the dishwasher to start. Check the prong to make sure it's not loose or bent and it's properly activating the door switch.

It is important to disconnect the dishwasher from its power source before attempting any repair. You can unplug the dishwasher from the outlet, remove the fuse from your fuse box, or flick the breaker switch on your circuit panel. This will prevent you from getting an electric shock.

What a door switch looks like and where it's located

Typically a dishwasher door switch is an inch long. It can be black or red and has metal prongs called terminals protruding from the body. Some door switches have two terminals and some have three.

The terminals can be a common terminal (COM), normally closed terminal (NC) or a normally open terminal (NO). Switches with only two terminals will either have a COM and a NO, or a COM and an NC. Door switches with three terminals have COM, NC, and a NO.

Your dishwasher's door switch will be behind the control panel on the front of the unit. It may be necessary to remove the inner panel of the door first. You can do this by removing a few screws. The screws at the bottom of the door are for the hinges. You do not need to remove the whole door for this repair.

Once the inner panel is removed you may find another smaller panel covering the back of the control panel held in place with screws or clips. By removing this panel you will gain access to the latch assembly housing the door switch.

How to remove the switch

Carefully use needle nose pliers to pull the wires leading from the harness off the terminals. For door switches that have a locking clip, depress the lever as you gently pull the harness away from the terminal.

Take your time while removing switches that are a part of the latch assembly or that have a bracket. If you rush and break the switch's housing you will end up having to replace more parts.

How to test your door switch

Use an ohmmeter to test the switch for continuity. This test is for door switches with three terminals.

1. Set your ohmmeter to measure resistance at a scale of Rx1.
2. Touch the metal tips of the test leads together and zero your ohmmeter by adjusting the thumbwheel in the front of the meter until the needles reads "0" on the scale.
3. Touch one meter lead to the COM terminal and the other lead to the NO terminal. Do not push in on the actuator.
4. Your meter should give a reading of infinity, meaning the circuit is open, and there is no continuity.
5. Without moving the meter's leads, press down on the actuator until you hear a 'click'.
6. With the 'click' of the actuator, the meter should produce a resistance reading of zero ohms. This means the circuit is closed and continuity is present. (You will only hear this click with a door switch with three terminals.)
7. Keep the meter lead that is touching the COM terminal in place, but move the other meter lead from the NO terminal to the NC terminal.
8. When the actuator is released, you should receive a resistance reading of zero ohms.
9. Now set your ohmmeter to its highest resistance scale and touch one meter lead to the NO terminal and the other meter lead to the NC terminal.
10. The resistance reading between these two leads should be infinite.
11. Finally take a resistance reading from both the NC terminal and the NO terminal to any metal mounting hardware that is a part of the switch assembly. You should receive a normal reading of infinity.

Any readings that differ from the tests above are signs of a defective door switch that will need to be replaced.

Replace the old switch with a new one, using the same process as explained above. Reassemble the inner door panel and reconnect your dishwasher to its power supply. Don't forget to replace your fuse or turn the breaker switch back on. Run your dishwasher through a cycle to make sure it's working properly.

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My Dishwasher is Not Starting - What Can It Be?

The dishes are in the dishwasher and you close the door. You hit the start button and nothing happens. What now?

First make sure the dishwasher is getting power. Check your fuse box for blown fuses. If you have circuit breakers, check to see if they are tripped. Make sure plug from your dishwasher is secure in the outlet.

If power is not the problem, take a closer look at some of the electrical parts of your dishwasher. The most common part to fail is the door switch.

A door switch is used to start and stop your dishwasher. It's a safety feature that won't allow water to flow with the door open. With a faulty door switch, there is a chance your dishwasher won't start at all.

Dishwasher door switches are about an inch long. They are usually black but can be red. There are metal prongs on the body of the switch called terminals. Some door switches have two terminals and some have three.

If your door switch is OK, check the timer assembly. This controls when and how long power is sent to other controls on your dishwasher. If these controls don't receive power, they won't work.

The timer assembly contains a motor. Check this motor as well. It is often cheaper just to replace the timer motor rather than the complete assembly.

My last suggestion is to check the cycle selector switches. These switches indicate cycles for washing, drying, and setting the temperature of the water. If one of your switches is the problem your dishwasher may not start.

Dishwasher cycle selector switches tell the timer which cycle to run by opening and closing electrical circuits. Most selector switches are six to eight inches long. They are usually black and have terminals.

By testing each one of these parts with an ohmmeter you should be able to determine why your dishwasher is not working. It is possible for other parts to fail but these are the most common parts to check.

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Sanitair Vacuum Cleaners – Bringing Commercial Cleaners Home

Sanitair vacuum cleaners might be more famous for their commercial than domestic use, but these cleaners are fast gaining popularity in the household cleaning world. Combining the ease of use of a regular domestic cleaner with all the cleaning power of a commercial vacuum, Sanitair vacuum cleaners are one tool made for work that you really won’t mind taking home with you.

You would expect a commercial vacuum like a Sanitair vacuum cleaner to offer superior cleaning power – after all, commercial Sanitair vacuum cleaners have to vacuum the dirt and debris created in a busy environment frequented by perhaps hundreds or thousands of people. With that in mind, your first thought might be why would you need a Sanitare vacuum cleaner? The simple answer is that Sanitair vacuum cleaners offer much more than just a powerful clean.

Reviews of Sanitair vacuum cleaners consistently report that these cleaners are as easy to lift and manoever as any domestic vacuum – in fact many of the well-known domestic vacuum brands are more hefty and difficult to get around. Combine this with the superior durability of commercial devices like Sanitair vacuum cleaners, and you are surely on to a vacuum winner.

The advantages of using Sanitair vacuum cleaners don’t end there. Their commercial construction means that a Sanitare vacuum cleaner offers more dirt storage capacity than most conventional domestic cleaners, reducing the frequency with which you have to empty the vacuum. The powerful HEPA filtration included in Sanitair vacuum cleaners also ensures that not only is this a powerful cleaner, but a Sanitair vacuum cleaner also clears your living environment of the dust and debris that can exacerbate allergies.

Sanitair vacuum cleaners don’t just offer a commercial strength clean for your home; they have so much more to offer. For a low maintenance, easy to use vacuum, a Sanitare is the right cleaner for you.

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Basic Appliance Repair Tips

Appliance repairs often strike at the most inopportune times. Unfortunately, they can leave a gaping wound in your budget, if you don't plan for them. Here are a few ideas and tips to consider, that will help ease your next appliance repair problem.

Before You Do It Yourself

Make sure the appliance isn’t covered by a service agreement or warranty. If it's still covered under warranty, you will need to find out how to use the warranty properly. First call the company offering the warranty and ask them for clarification on using the warranty properly (DO NOT void the warranty by trying to fix the appliance yourself). After that, your next step is to contact (or take) the appliance to an appropriate maintenance or service company. Have them do the repairs under the protective cover of your warranty. Also, you should make sure you are properly reimbursed for all charges after having your appliance repaired.

Do It Yourself

If there is no warranty or coverage on your appliance, your next step is to track down the owner’s manual, and try and make the repair yourself. You shouldn't repair an appliance without having the service manual with you. When the manual or warranty isn't an option, your next choice will be to look under the lid, or inside of the appliance, and find the basic instruction guidelines. Most appliances have a small set of operating instructions, printed on the appliance somewhere, which MIGHT help you solve your problem. For most of us, though, these steps probably won't be enough.

Finding an Appliance Repair Service Company

If you aren't able to make the repairs yourself quickly and easily, then you will need to find an appliance repair service to do the job right, and get your appliance working again. There are several ways you can find an appliance repair company in your area. You can...

1. Hunt down and dust off that huge yellow pages book, lying somewhere in the dark, outer recesses of your home.

2. Ask a friend or family member who they use for their appliance repairs

3. Visit www.LocalApplianceRepair.com and find an appliance repair service in your city, with just a couple of mouse clicks.

4. Visit an online directory, like Yahoo's ™ yellow pages

5. If you’d like input from an independent source, on reliable local appliance repair companies, call a major real estate firm (in your area) and ask who they use for their appliance repairs.

Appliance Repair Services

A majority of repair companies have technicians available who can repair most household appliances. Major appliance repair companies will typically make service calls to your home. Small appliances often get repaired at the local repair shop, instead of at your home. If it's a small appliance, you want to make sure they offer repair or replacement services for it. This would include items such as microwave ovens, oven fans, heaters, Kitchen aid ™ mixers, other small miscellaneous kitchen appliances, and maybe even power tools.

Questions to Ask Repair Companies

Once you have the names of a few appliance repair service companies, you may want to ask any or all of these questions when you call...

1. Ask when the soonest they can come out to make the repair? If the timing is adequate, ask how punctual they are (and if they have a guarantee on the time)? There's nothing worse than waiting all day for a repair that won't happen that day.

2. Ask if they offer a guarantee on their work and their parts?

3. Ask about a written estimate; service call charge; fees; or a combination of written estimate with final bill?

4. Ask if it is possible to add service call fees to your monthly utility bill.

5. Gas, electrical, radiation, and refrigeration repairs require special considerations. Qualified Repair technicians must have experiences with gas, electrical, and refrigeration issues. When they repair gas appliances and microwave ovens, appliance repair technicians need to be aware of dangers form gas and radiation leaks. When you need to have your stove fixed or your gas lines checked for leaks, you definitely want to call a home appliance repair person for help. Mostly, just make sure they are qualified to fix the specific appliance you need repaired.

6. If you're interested, you can ask them if they offer a monthly service plan. Having a consistent appliance repair technician and service can keep your home appliances humming right along, and may also help prevent unwanted breakdowns. This would give you peace of mind for all your major home appliances, and keep all your appliances protected under one convenient repair plan. You can also ask questions, which might include concerns about appliance installation, operation and repair.

Hopefully some of these tips will help ease your next appliance repair problem. Once you have exhausted all of these steps, and if the repair still didn't work, then it might be time to look into buying the new appliance you've been dreaming of. But we'll cover that in another article.

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Table Decorations for Baby Showers

Planning the table decorations for baby showers is one of those details that can often stump even the most coordinated party planner. There are so many choices that it can be overwhelming to make a choice. There are some unwritten rules that may help out a person who just can’t figure out what to use as table decorations for baby showers.

Usually the size and shape of the table makes a big difference on how the table is decorated. Round or square tables usually have a centerpiece, where rectangular tables usually have a runner. Round or square tables are smaller so the idea is to keep space for guests to eat and such without having the table decorations overbearing. That is why centerpiece style decorations often are used. Rectangular tables allow for more choice. There can be a long runner table decoration down the middle of the table or a few different centerpieces can be used down the center of the table. Many times favors double as decorations so they are each set at each place setting. The decorations usually follow the theme of the party, so once a person decides the type of decorations they want to use they can move on to choosing the particular decorations that match their theme.

These general ideas can really help a person to figure out exactly what they need for table decorations for baby showers. There are many options for table decorations for baby showers online and a person may also find more tips when looking.

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Tips for Finding the Right House Plan

Identify your outer style - what homes styles are you drawn too? French Country, Traditional, Spanish , Cape Cod, Colonial or Craftsman. When searching for the right house plan it is important to choose one that not only meets your individual needs but also keeps in mind the style of home that is most appealing to you.

Identify how your family lives -will you need formal spaces, recreational spaces, informal spaces, indoor-outdoor spaces, Determine if you prefer a one story or a two store home. Also determine the number of bedrooms and bathrooms will you need. This will help narrow your search for the right house plans. Keep in mind the lot characteristics including dimensions, natural landscaping and future marketability of the home. Your lifestyle is a key consideration in selecting a house plan. Do you entertain frequently? Consider a formal dinning room and traditional living room for large formal entertaining. Are you nearing retirement? Consider a one story to limit stair climbing. Are you starting a family? Be sure to include enough bedrooms to allow for your expanding family. Do you love to cook? Be sure you have ample room and amenities in the kitchen to accommodate.

Walkthroughs - Walk through houses under construction in your area to see what things you like and don’t like about each plan. During these walkthroughs take careful notes about what you like and don't like about the features in each home. Request floor plan samples from the various builders. Attach your notes to each floor plan so you can quickly recall the features of each house plan that you liked. Check with your local homebuilders association for the location of new home builders in your area. Visit each builder, walk their models and review their available house plans.

Careful note taking - Make a folder of ideas and pictures from magazines that you like. This will help you identify your style and keep a record of the features that you might want to incorporate into your home plan. As you perform your walkthroughs, take a camera so you can take pictures of the various homes you visit and key features of each home that you want to remember.

Search through stock home plans – Research styles and plans on the Internet. You can also purchase house plans on the web or in books at your local new or used bookstore. You should be able to get hundreds of home plans through these sources for little or no money. These house plans can be modified to meet your needs. Also visit new home builders in your area to get great house plan ideas.

Can't find that perfect home floor plan? - Find a reputable architect who can custom design the perfect house plan for you. Make sure to research the architects in your area and visit their work if at all possible. Using the notes, magazine clippings and photograph you've collected the architect should be able to design a home that is a perfect fit.

Building Codes-Be sure that any house plan you select complies with national and local building codes. The house plans should include necessary drawings, specifications and schedules for bidding, permits, and construction.

Once you have your dream house plan, find a reputable builder or contractor in your area. Your local Homebuilders Association should be able to help with this search.

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After The Vines Of Summer – The Need For A Master Plan

A permit and a promise

The reality in the Gulf Coast of Mississippi can be seen in the building permits in the front window of almost every home fading fast due to the hot summers sun. They are analogous to the hopes of the occupants battling insurance companies, waiting on long promised grants, and waiting on volunteers to complete work when materials become available.

It is impossible to reconcile the incongruity between volunteers helping the people of Waveland and developers seeking to profit from reconstruction. And added to that dilemma is the reality that neither money nor an updated building code is going to save the area from the next devastating storm with a 20 foot tidal surge. It happened before in 1969, it happened in 2005, and it will happen again. The rest of the world believes this is all “fixed” and have moved to other endeavors and interests.

Not an instant soluntion

We, as volunteers, toil on as this is all part of the long term recovery plan for those that have chosen to stay. Owners of 80,000 homes in Mississippi want to get their homes built in the next six months. Reality dictates it will take up to five years. Someone will be first, someone will be last. All are on one waiting list or another. All believe they are at the top of the list somewhere and no one wants to burst their bubble and suggest that we might have to go to a lottery for volunteer assistance in order to make this equitable.

All that debris

Summer has hidden a lot of the remaining debris in the vegetation. Winter approaches fast and nature will reveal all that long lost debris from under the vines of summer. FEMA is left to track down and haul off the dwindling elusive debris one piece at a time and note the spiraling unit cost of cleanup. Now it’s down to “hunt and peck” whereas before it was everywhere and within easy reach.

The long term plan?

The Long Term Recovery Committees battle politics – both internal and external brought on by the lack of true leadership, funds, the never ending grant writing saga and a critical shortage of Case Mangers – paid or volunteer. Post traumatic stress is showing clearly on the long term volunteers who have remained steadfast despite the overwhelming demands on their time and dwindling volunteer resources due to lack of preemptive marketing. No one allowed a budget for a marketing plan to recruit volunteers. No one is truly marketing on a National scale as there is no entity in charge of that part of the equation. Nor has any organization stepped in to take on that task although many have suggested it would be a “good idea” at the never ending meetings coordinators and case managers attend on a weekly basis.

The Hancock Long Term Recovery Committee can not even agree to give its participating members a list of the homes they have accepted into the program – the net result some organizations find themselves working on a home that is on the LTRC list by accident and not by design thus complicating the LTRC response. Of the 46 projects the LTRC have accepted that fit their stringent guidelines – only one has been completed and it has been weeks since any of the Case Mangers have been given an update. Any complaints are ignored and emails remained unanswered with the committee leaders believing the problems will go away if they avoid the issues.

An incomplete census

And the success is measured one house at a time – and events are truly a joyous. No one really knows how many – no one entity is collecting the data. Prior to the storm Waveland had 10,000 residents. At the anniversary of Katrina in 2006 it was estimated that 2,500 had come back home. No one really knows – the needs assessment for Hancock County has only returned 1400 complete responses for the entire County. By design the method of data collection for the Needs Assessment was going to reveal a hit and miss response as there was no follow up on the non responsive addresses. Paperwork is so overwhelming that most have long tired of requests to fill in forms – so a non responsive address does not reveal a true result.

How many volunteers?

Nor do we know how many volunteers are on the ground, the organizations they represent, or their long term plans on continued assistance. There never was a mandate to register the volunteers or the organizations. The structure of assistance is a conglomerate that forces the home owners to go from church to church, disaster relief organization to disaster relief organization – registering on each and every list they can find.

Consclusion

The lack of an overall plan for reconstruction is clearly showing in the end result – slow return of the region to its former population levels, and the fact that only 12,000 trailers have been returned in Mississippi alone in over a year since the storm.

It is time for a Volunteer Summit with all participating Volunteer Organizations invited in order to develop a comprehensive plan and elect panel to oversee the volunteer response and develop a marketing plan to attract more volunteers. This panel needs a true leader; consisting of members with a comprehensive vision and the patience and wisdom of Jobe who truly have worked in the trenches on the ground and know the nuts of bolts of what it takes to get the job done. They must be able to separate themselves from ego, overwhelming personalities, personal agendas and individual mission statements of the participating organizations and work towards an end result that benefits all the victims equitably despite their varying fiscal abilities to recover. It is time to develop a comprehensive recovery Master Plan.

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Why Should I Cover My Air Conditioner During The Off Season?

Air conditioning manufacturers make rugged, high quality products that are designed to withstand the elements i.e. snow, wind, rain, sun, and extreme heat/ cold. However, an air conditioner's filters, coils and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to operate effectively and efficiently throughout its years of service. Unlike the evaporator coil, the condenser coil is exposed to unfiltered outdoor air. Air borne dirt will become lodged in the condenser when the outdoor environment is dusty, or if there is foliage near by. Depending on where you live dirt can build up very quickly. Just about everything that contacts the coil surface can have an insulating effect. Dirt, dust, seeds, bugs, foliage, grease, corrosion, pollution, and even bacteria and other microorganisms can act as an insulating barrier. Anything that touches the coil reduces the heat transfer of unwanted heat from the refrigerant to the outside air.

Air conditioning manufacturers design equipment to achieve the highest SEER level of efficiency using the least amount of refrigerant. The systems are perfectly balanced and anything that affects the heat transfer creates an imbalance which drastically affects performance. A dirty coil reduces heat transfer which causes temperature and pressure of the refrigerant entering the compressor to increases above normal levels. The compressor will than work harder and draw more amps to keep up. The cooling capacity of the system will be greatly reduced and the mechanical components will be significantly stressed. A dirty coil means a higher operating cost, more wear and tear on the compressor and fans, and inadequate cooling.

Coils that have little maintenance performed often become clogged with seeds and dirt over time. If the condenser airflow is restricted on a hot day the compressor head and cylinders will become extremely "hot". The oil will than begin to break down and lose its ability to lubricate causing accelerated wear and allowing contaminants to enter the system. This can cause rings, pistons and cylinders to wear resulting in lower compression, leaking valves, and metal debris in the oil. Once this occurs compressor failure will soon follow. Air conditioners are a closed loop system and changing the oil is not a normal or easy procedure. The oil used in air conditioning systems is extremely resilient but will prematurely break down if the system is not looked after. Imagine trying to drive your car for 10 years without ever changing the oil. When a hermetic compressor fails the only way to fix the system is to replace the compressor. This involves opening the system, having the refrigerant and oil removed, and filter dryers installed to clean up the system of moisture and acid that will be introduced from opening the system and left from the failure. This is a very costly procedure and many systems at this point are not worth fixing.

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Need A Vacuum Cleaner? Best Rated Vacuums Can Be Found

So which cleaning system gets the vote of vacuum cleaner best rated? Though it isn’t difficult to locate, especially with the help of the Internet, a vacuum cleaners rating, it seems that very few of the ratings and reviews agree. As is the wont of we fickle humans, it seems that vacuum cleaner best rated depends largely on personal preference.

It is very difficult to identify one vacuum cleaner best rated, though the job becomes easier when categories of vacuum cleaner are introduced. While opinions in any vacuum cleaner consumer rating differ on whether a bagged or bagless vacuum is best, there are trends within each category that help narrow down the contenders for vacuum cleaner best rated. In the bagless category, the high profile Dyson vacuums are often thought to be the vacuum cleaner best rated, but many expert reviews and vacuum cleaner consumer rating do not bear this out. It is the perhaps lesser-known Bissell brand of vacuum that frequently receives a high vacuum cleaners rating.

In the bagged category, other perhaps less well-known manufacturers are voted vacuum cleaner best rated, with makers Kenmore and Eureka rating ahead of other names. Across both bagged and bagless vacuum categories a number of other cleaning requirements must be addressed, such as the size of the area that will need to be cleaned, and how much use will be required. Vacuum price must also be a consideration when assigning a vacuum cleaners rating, as you really do get what you pay for. Once again, it is Bissell that does well as vacuum cleaner best rated in terms of price, but if you have more money to spend on a cleaner, brands like Oreck and Kirby receive a high vacuum cleaner consumer rating.

Unfortunately for consumers, it is difficult to cite one cleaner as vacuum cleaner best rated, but with the help of a reliable vacuum cleaner consumer rating, it is possible to narrow down the list of vacuum contenders. Be sure to review the vacuum cleaners rating of any cleaner before you purchase, and be sure to make a list of your own cleaning requirements to help you determine your own personal vacuum cleaner best rated.

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Purchasing a Wood and Coal Furnace

The majority of individuals in America heat their homes with gas or electricity. Many of those individuals mistakenly believe that gas and electricity are their only home heating options. The fact is that there are a number of home heating alternatives. One of those methods is the use of a wood and coal furnace.

The decision to purchase a wood and coal furnace is a large one. The biggest cost of owning a wood and coal furnace is the initial purchase; however, that purchase can quickly pay for itself in the money that you will be saving. The best way to decide if a wood and coal furnace would be beneficial to your home is by weighing the pros and cons of all heating methods. Once this is done it is likely that you will see the benefits of owning a wood and coal furnace.

Once the decision has been made to purchase a wood and coal furnace you will need to find out where they are sold. There are a number of home heating stores or home improvement stores that sell these furnaces. Making a purchase from a department store is easy to do; however, you may be missing out on other furnaces. The size of a retail store often prevents a wide variety of items from being sold. There are currently hundreds of different wood and coal furnaces. Purchasing one from a retail store may limit your selection to only two or three furnaces. For this reason, there are many individuals who make the decision to purchase a wood and coal furnace online.

The greatest benefit of online shopping is that you can compare products and their prices all in a matter of minutes. While using the internet to purchase a wood and coal furnace has a number of benefits it also has one fairly large disadvantage. The internet makes it possible for anyone to sell just about any item that they want. The purchase of a wood and coal furnace is not a cheap one; therefore, you will want to make sure that you are dealing with a reputable company.

The best way to determine if you are dealing with an experienced heating company is by visiting their company website. All reputable online wood and coal furnace dealers should have a company website that offers valuable information on themselves and the products that they sell. It is also important to make sure that a company’s contact information is displayed on their website. If you agree to purchase a wood or coal furnace you may need to contact the seller; therefore, this information is essential.

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