If you are like most people, you are at home less than 12 hours per day. With a programmable thermostat on your heating system, you can reduce or increase automatically.
Program your new thermostat to 5 or 6 degrees less while you are at work and 3 or 4 degrees less while you sleep and you should save about 5 % on your heating bill.
These thermostats sell for less than $100 a should be installed by a qualified technician. As expensive as electricity and heating fuel is, it will not take long to save the $100 you spent on the thermostat.
Email me at tdmccurry@yahoo.com if you would like my help choosing a thermostat. Some of them are not user friendly.
Stay thrifty,
TD
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
SAVING ENERGY AND MONEY...CONTINUED
Any opening to the outside in your home costs you money when heat is allowed to escape through it. No brainer, right? Consider the exhaust fan in your bathroom. It is vented to the outside and when you leave it on longer than necessary it will draw the heat from your home even if your bath door is closed. If you tend to leave the fan on for extended periods of time, install a timer in place of the fan switch.
Fireplaces are so warm and cozy, but after the fire goes out, the warm air from your heating system goes right up the chimney if you don't close the damper on the flue.
Even the vent hood above your range will take the warm air from your house just as fast as it removes cooking odors and steam. Minimize its use.
More to come...
TD
Fireplaces are so warm and cozy, but after the fire goes out, the warm air from your heating system goes right up the chimney if you don't close the damper on the flue.
Even the vent hood above your range will take the warm air from your house just as fast as it removes cooking odors and steam. Minimize its use.
More to come...
TD
Thursday, January 27, 2011
SAVING ENERGY AND MONEY...CONTINUED
Making a conscience effort to use less energy needs to be a group effort involving every member of your family. If a light is on and no one is in the room, someone turn it out. Don't leave the exterior door open when making multiple trips in and out of the house. Install lower wattage bulbs in all lamps and light fixtures.
Not everyone will be on board immediately, but just be patient and stay aware. Don't forget, this is saving money. Keep a record of electrical power or natural gas consumption. It's printed on your bill. That will help motivate the family.
More to come...
TD
Not everyone will be on board immediately, but just be patient and stay aware. Don't forget, this is saving money. Keep a record of electrical power or natural gas consumption. It's printed on your bill. That will help motivate the family.
More to come...
TD
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
SAVING ENERGY AND MONEY
Saving money by saving energy is best accomplished by paying attention to details. Your home is riddled with features that waste energy and cost you big bucks. Identifying the seemingly insignificant energy "hogs" in your home and correcting them all will result in considerable savings. Not all these corrections require the purchase of any materials...it's just changing the way you do things.
For instance, instead of washing your clothes in hot water, switch to cold temperature detergent and cold or warm water. If you do as much laundry as we do, this alone will save a lot of hot water.
Stay warm,
TD
For instance, instead of washing your clothes in hot water, switch to cold temperature detergent and cold or warm water. If you do as much laundry as we do, this alone will save a lot of hot water.
Stay warm,
TD
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
IT'S ALL ABOUT SAVING MONEY...
During these uncertain financial times, we as homeowners are faced with challenge after challenge. "Making ends meet" with rising seasonal heating costs is a major challenge. If only we could lower our energy consumption by 10% without freezing to death in the process. Well, you can.
Over the next several posts, I will be sharing with you, tips that will help make your home more efficient. Let's look at one of the major offenders of energy consumption...the water heater.
If your home is equipped with a 40 gallon water heater, it maintains 40 gallons of water heated to the temperature set on the thermostats...whether you are using it or not. You can save up to 15 % of cost of heating water for your home by following a few simple steps.
If you have an electric water heater, your power company may offer a timer that will reduce energy consumption by turning the system off when it is used least...the early morning hours. Our local power company installs these at no charge to the customer. It saves everyone money.
Also, you can purchase an insulation blanket for your water heater. The more insulation that surrounds your water heater, the longer the water inside it stays hot. Again, you save money.
Finally, by simply lowering the thermostats on your water heater elements, will reduce your water heating costs. You can save nearly 5 % by lowering the temperature 10 degrees. Caution...electric water heaters operate on 220 volts and touching an electrical connection can really hurt you. Ask an electrician to help you. It will take him 5 minutes. Or better still, give the guy from the power company $5 to do it for you while he's there installing the timer.
Follow these simple steps and reduce your water heating costs.
You're saving money now...
TD
Over the next several posts, I will be sharing with you, tips that will help make your home more efficient. Let's look at one of the major offenders of energy consumption...the water heater.
If your home is equipped with a 40 gallon water heater, it maintains 40 gallons of water heated to the temperature set on the thermostats...whether you are using it or not. You can save up to 15 % of cost of heating water for your home by following a few simple steps.
If you have an electric water heater, your power company may offer a timer that will reduce energy consumption by turning the system off when it is used least...the early morning hours. Our local power company installs these at no charge to the customer. It saves everyone money.
Also, you can purchase an insulation blanket for your water heater. The more insulation that surrounds your water heater, the longer the water inside it stays hot. Again, you save money.
Finally, by simply lowering the thermostats on your water heater elements, will reduce your water heating costs. You can save nearly 5 % by lowering the temperature 10 degrees. Caution...electric water heaters operate on 220 volts and touching an electrical connection can really hurt you. Ask an electrician to help you. It will take him 5 minutes. Or better still, give the guy from the power company $5 to do it for you while he's there installing the timer.
Follow these simple steps and reduce your water heating costs.
You're saving money now...
TD
Monday, January 24, 2011
UPDATE TO "BEFORE YOU HANG THAT CEILING FAN"
Evidently, several of my readers are concerned about hanging a ceiling fan on an existing electrical box. Let me reiterate. Do not, under any circumstances, hang a ceiling fan where a light fixture was previosly located without first confirming that the electrical box that actually supports the fan will support the additional weight of the fan.
The electrical box should be screwed to a wood block which is firmly attached to the ceiling framing of the house. If this is area is not accessible, a metal fan brace may be used. This brace is actually installed through the opening where the electrical box is located, and attaches itself to the framing members on both sides of that opening. This is manufactured by Westinghouse and for more information you may follow this link... http://www.lightingdirect.com/westinghouse-01100-fan-brace/p1959
If you have questions or need my assistance installing the brace you may email me @ tdmccurry@yahoo.com .
Be Safe,
TD
The electrical box should be screwed to a wood block which is firmly attached to the ceiling framing of the house. If this is area is not accessible, a metal fan brace may be used. This brace is actually installed through the opening where the electrical box is located, and attaches itself to the framing members on both sides of that opening. This is manufactured by Westinghouse and for more information you may follow this link... http://www.lightingdirect.com/westinghouse-01100-fan-brace/p1959
If you have questions or need my assistance installing the brace you may email me @ tdmccurry@yahoo.com .
Be Safe,
TD
Monday, January 17, 2011
BEFORE YOU HANG THAT NEW CEILING FAN...
In most cases removing and installing a new ceiling fan is not a big deal. But, if you are considering hanging a ceiling fan where a light fixture was previously located, be very cautious.
It certainly is a good idea to confirm that the box your new fan will be attached to will support the fan. I always do this. The guy that installed the first one may not have supported the box properly.
I usually install wood blocking between the framing members to carry the weight of the fan. The metal electrical box containing the wires is securely fastened to the blocking with several #10 X 1 1/2 inch screws...then you don't have to worry. If you don't have access to the framing above the ceiling, your local electrical supply has a bracket that you can install through the hole in the ceiling where the old electrical box is located. The apparatus actually anchors itself into the framing on each side of the hole...ingenious...wish I had thought of that.
If this is a project you are considering soon, email me and I will give you the manufacturer of the bracket and help you with any other concerns.
Later,
TD
tdmccurry@yahoo.com
It certainly is a good idea to confirm that the box your new fan will be attached to will support the fan. I always do this. The guy that installed the first one may not have supported the box properly.
I usually install wood blocking between the framing members to carry the weight of the fan. The metal electrical box containing the wires is securely fastened to the blocking with several #10 X 1 1/2 inch screws...then you don't have to worry. If you don't have access to the framing above the ceiling, your local electrical supply has a bracket that you can install through the hole in the ceiling where the old electrical box is located. The apparatus actually anchors itself into the framing on each side of the hole...ingenious...wish I had thought of that.
If this is a project you are considering soon, email me and I will give you the manufacturer of the bracket and help you with any other concerns.
Later,
TD
tdmccurry@yahoo.com
Thursday, January 13, 2011
DIRTY AIR CONDITIONING FILTERS COST YOU BIG $$$$$$$
I was in a condo today, answering a complaint regarding poor air flow in their heat system. The first thing I did was check the filter. It's doubtful that the filter had ever been changed. The system happened to be running at the time, and as I removed the filter, you could almost hear the equipment breathing a sigh of relief.
Dirty filters cost money because they restrict air flow. This in turn causes the entire system to work harder to try to maintain the temperature. If the system is working harder, it will wear out quicker. Have you priced a new heat and air system lately.
Change your filter on the first day of every month. They are cheap! You may even consider a paper filter that will eliminate more of the dust in the air...better for your heat and air condition system and better for you.
Stay warm...
TD
Dirty filters cost money because they restrict air flow. This in turn causes the entire system to work harder to try to maintain the temperature. If the system is working harder, it will wear out quicker. Have you priced a new heat and air system lately.
Change your filter on the first day of every month. They are cheap! You may even consider a paper filter that will eliminate more of the dust in the air...better for your heat and air condition system and better for you.
Stay warm...
TD
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
PROPER INSTALLATION OF A DISHWASHER DRAIN LINE
There is a hose that extends from the pump under a dishwasher to the drain assembly under the kitchen sink. This pump and hose removes the water from the dishwasher after the wash and rinse cycles.
When you install a new dishwasher, the routing of the drain line is at the discretion of the installer. More times than not, the drain line is installed incorrectly. Rather than routing the drain through a hole in the side of the sink cabinet near the floor, the drain line should be located above the level of the bottom of the sink. This prevents dirty water from washing back into the dishwasher.
Also the dishwasher drain should discharge into the side of the garbage disposal if the kitchen sink is equipped with one. The disposal can then grind up all the large food particles that are pumped out of the dishwasher.
If you route the drain line through the disposal, make sure it's drain fitting has been prepared properly. Drain fittings in new disposals are plugged with a plastic knockout. If this knockout is not removed, the installation instructions tell you how, the dishwasher will not drain.
HAPPY DISHWASHING!
TD
tdmccurry@yahoo.com
When you install a new dishwasher, the routing of the drain line is at the discretion of the installer. More times than not, the drain line is installed incorrectly. Rather than routing the drain through a hole in the side of the sink cabinet near the floor, the drain line should be located above the level of the bottom of the sink. This prevents dirty water from washing back into the dishwasher.
Also the dishwasher drain should discharge into the side of the garbage disposal if the kitchen sink is equipped with one. The disposal can then grind up all the large food particles that are pumped out of the dishwasher.
If you route the drain line through the disposal, make sure it's drain fitting has been prepared properly. Drain fittings in new disposals are plugged with a plastic knockout. If this knockout is not removed, the installation instructions tell you how, the dishwasher will not drain.
HAPPY DISHWASHING!
TD
tdmccurry@yahoo.com
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
CHECK THE WATER SUPPLY LINE TO YOUR ICE MAKER
I was in a house recently that suffered substantial damage from a ruptured ice maker supply line. The owners of the home were out of town at the time and the water probably ran for two days. Hardwood flooring, cabinets, carpeting and walls were all damaged...tens of thousands of dollars in repair costs. All this happened because of a 1/4 inch plastic water line that is connected to the ice maker.
Never use a plastic pipe on a pressurized water supply. I recommend a braided stainless steel supply line made especially for ice makers. This line is easy to install and is made with connectors that are virtually leak proof. You will have it replaced in 10 minutes, and you may have saved $50,000.
Turn the water supply to the ice maker off and remove the old line. The new line attaches easily on the same connections. No special fittings should be needed.
Incidentally, you can find those stainless steel ice maker lines at Lowes. It's item # 215851 and it sells for $21.
You are becoming quite the handyman!
TD
tdmccurry@yahoo.com
Never use a plastic pipe on a pressurized water supply. I recommend a braided stainless steel supply line made especially for ice makers. This line is easy to install and is made with connectors that are virtually leak proof. You will have it replaced in 10 minutes, and you may have saved $50,000.
Turn the water supply to the ice maker off and remove the old line. The new line attaches easily on the same connections. No special fittings should be needed.
Incidentally, you can find those stainless steel ice maker lines at Lowes. It's item # 215851 and it sells for $21.
You are becoming quite the handyman!
TD
tdmccurry@yahoo.com
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
HOW TO CLEAN STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES
I have been in the construction business for an eternity and I have installed countless kitchens. Most of the kitchens I have done in the last several years have had stainless steel appliances. They look great but they are so difficult to keep clean, especially if you have children. Every fingerprint shows. And the cleaning solutions currently on the market are expensive.
Recently, I met an appliance repair guy that turned me on to a better way to clean stainless, and it is cheap. Are you ready...Johnson's Baby Oil. Try it. You will be amazed.
Just apply a small amount to a soft cloth, such as an old t shirt, and wipe it on a small area, removing the excess oil as you go. There is even a bonus; it resists smudges
Spread the word and tell them you read it on handymanforfree.blogspot.com .
Later,
TD
tdmccurry@yahoo.com
Recently, I met an appliance repair guy that turned me on to a better way to clean stainless, and it is cheap. Are you ready...Johnson's Baby Oil. Try it. You will be amazed.
Just apply a small amount to a soft cloth, such as an old t shirt, and wipe it on a small area, removing the excess oil as you go. There is even a bonus; it resists smudges
Spread the word and tell them you read it on handymanforfree.blogspot.com .
Later,
TD
tdmccurry@yahoo.com
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
HOW TO PATCH A SMALL HOLE IN YOUR WALL QUICKLY
So your walls are full of holes from moving pictures every week...welcome to my world. My wife enjoys moving things around and I enjoy repairing all the extra holes, so life is good. There is an easy way to repair those coin-sized holes.
First, try to find a permanent home for that picture...or not. Anyway, plaster of paris is a great product for making small repairs. Simply mix a small amount, about the size of a golf ball, with water in a cup and stir thoroughly. But hurry, plaster of paris sets up in a New York minute. After mixing, apply the plaster with a very small putty knife and strike it off flush with the wall. Use the putty knife to force the plaster into the hole. After 5 minutes, sand the spot and repaint. If you didn't sand a large area, you can probably repaint only the spot you repaired. You just saved a ton of time and money, now move that picture for your honey.
TD
tdmccurry@yahoo.com
First, try to find a permanent home for that picture...or not. Anyway, plaster of paris is a great product for making small repairs. Simply mix a small amount, about the size of a golf ball, with water in a cup and stir thoroughly. But hurry, plaster of paris sets up in a New York minute. After mixing, apply the plaster with a very small putty knife and strike it off flush with the wall. Use the putty knife to force the plaster into the hole. After 5 minutes, sand the spot and repaint. If you didn't sand a large area, you can probably repaint only the spot you repaired. You just saved a ton of time and money, now move that picture for your honey.
TD
tdmccurry@yahoo.com
Monday, January 3, 2011
CHANGING KITCHEN AND BATH CABINET DOOR KNOBS
New hardware on your old kitchen or bath cabinets will make a real difference in appearance. And, it is easy to do.
There are soooo many different styles of cabinet hardware. It will boggle the mind. If you are replacing the knobs or pulls to change the style, remember, it must cover the hole that is already there. It isn't so crucial when replacing the knob, but pulls (handles with more than one screw) are a bit more complicated. While they may look the same, the screws are not the same distance apart. They vary from one inch to six inches and sometimes in 1/4 inch increments.
The best approach is to remove one of the pulls and take it to Lowes or Home Depot with you. Then you can match the size of the pulls more easily. If you are looking for something a bit more expensive, go to your local kitchen and bath design center. They have a much broader selection.
Good luck! Take a before and after shot and share it with me.
TD
tdmccurry@yahoo.com
There are soooo many different styles of cabinet hardware. It will boggle the mind. If you are replacing the knobs or pulls to change the style, remember, it must cover the hole that is already there. It isn't so crucial when replacing the knob, but pulls (handles with more than one screw) are a bit more complicated. While they may look the same, the screws are not the same distance apart. They vary from one inch to six inches and sometimes in 1/4 inch increments.
The best approach is to remove one of the pulls and take it to Lowes or Home Depot with you. Then you can match the size of the pulls more easily. If you are looking for something a bit more expensive, go to your local kitchen and bath design center. They have a much broader selection.
Good luck! Take a before and after shot and share it with me.
TD
tdmccurry@yahoo.com
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