Monday, May 31, 2010

Gas Oven Troubleshooting


The first step in gas oven troubleshooting is always turn off the gas to your oven or stove before you do any troubleshooting or testing of electrical parts. Installing gas leak detectors in your home can provide an additional level of security for you and your family, and they may also help to lower your home insurance premium. Common gas oven troubleshooting tips for poor heating could result from faulty or failing heating sensors or thermostats. In convection ovens this could be a sign of a circulation fan or vent problem. In the case of older gas stoves, it may be cost effective to simply replace a broken or failing gas oven with a new or refurbished model, and if you are on a tight budget you may also consider purchasing a demo or floor model that could help you save hundreds of dollars. Many of these demo's come with a full manufacturer's warranty. Incorrect gas oven troubleshooting can be extremely dangerous, so take every safety precaution, and when in doubt call in a professional.

Popcorn Ceiling Repair


Of all of the different do-it-yourself jobs that can be done around the home, popcorn ceiling repair is one of the more difficult. It is not because it is a large job but rather, because it is difficult for you to get the exact texture to match properly. It is very important to fix the problem that caused the damage in the first place This depends on the source. If the damage was caused by a broom then that step does not help, but with water damage it is a very different story. First fix the water problem and then you can start to remove the popcorn around the area before repairing it. Then you have to put new popcorn on the area and get it to match properly. This is the most difficult part.

If you really want the popcorn ceiling repair to look seamless, you can apply it using a paint roller and textured paint. After the removal process has been done, as described above, you should begin reapplying it using the roller. Make sure that you don't go in one direction, and do not go too heavy with the new layer of popcorn. Begin to fan it out lightly in every direction and you will see that it will meld very well to the popcorn that already exists.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Enlightened Kitchen Backsplash Ideas


A kitchen backsplash is the area between the counter tops and the cabinets and/or hob of the oven. This area is then tiled out with various tiled materials like glass or ceramics but it’s the arrangement that is important. When it comes to popularity it’s hard to say which material is more popular than the other because everyone’s kitchen design and layout differs. Some common and popular kitchen backsplash tile ideas would include the following: Glass tile backsplash, Ceramic tile backsplash, Stainless steel backsplash, Granite tile backsplash, and Stone tile backsplash.

Important points to keep in mind here are that you should never install a kitchen backsplash tile that doesn’t match the countertops. Ideally its purpose is to look good and create a sense of harmony without clashing with any other colours in your kitchen.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

How to take Care of Your Carrier Gas Furnace


Some of the most frequent problems you’ll encounter with your carrier furnace are:

• Oil burner can’t start – Troubleshoot this buy looking for a blown fuse or any faulty circuit breakers. Sometimes the motor over-loads so wait for thirty minutes and press the reset button.
• The Furnace won’t fire up – This is common among other brands. The first step is to check if the tank is empty and refill it if it is. If after this you can’t see an ignition spark then use the reset button on the stack control panel.
• Not enough Heat– Start by looking if the thermostat is set to 5°, and adjust if necessary. In rare cases you’ll find that the blower is to blame by being clogged and dirty. Cleaning this should sort it out. Also check and clean the air filter if it seems blocked up.
• Noise – Start by looking for any loose parts or screws and adjust where you see fit. Blower and fan belts cause a lot of squeaking noises so lubricate with belt dresser or replace.

Looking after your carrier gas furnace will prevent it from having frequent hang-ups, especially during those cold winter months. Always call a professional if you find that you can’t solve the problem with your carrier furnace and also be safety conscious.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Outdoor Patio Designs


So what points needs to be taken into consideration before focusing on patio design ideas:


• Size of backyard – How much space you have available lets you create a layout and give you a clear indication of how much concrete to lay or tiles to pave. If paving get a well recognized paver.

• Climate – Local climate plays a big part in every aspect of patio designs.

• Backyard slope – What condition is your garden in. Does it slope? Is the soil loose? Is it firmly level? If it slopes you might want to consider a nice and stable deck.

• Purpose – What do you intend using it for mostly? Barbeques, socializing or relaxation? Establishing this gives you immediate ideas for stunning outdoor patio designs.

• Shape of Your house and yard – Choosing patio design ideas that flow and complement the overall layout of your home is recommended. Simple ideas like selecting a rounded patio layout will soften the look and feel of your garden if your house has an architectural design that boasts strong and sharp corners.

Use these easy to implement patio ideas to liven up your backyard and make your garden look like a scene from a movie.

• Installing a fireplace will transform any evening into a magical atmosphere. Speak to some designers for practical advice.
• Use smart elegant furniture as your choice but make sure to choose according to your initial design. Plastic is popular but wooden furniture is best.
• Using different plants will liven up any garden instantly.

The key here is to do more with less, and you’ll be surprised to see how easily it can be done. Patio designs always look best when you copy themes from indoors or around the home to communicate a style of unity.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Ceiling Mount Light Fixtures Can Bring Beauty To Your Space

Years ago ceiling light fixtures was considered something useful in a home and not an accessory that can bring character to a room. These days you can choose from thousands of different shapes, styles and colors. One of the most popular types is the chandelier. This light fixture is normally found in Victorian-style houses, but you can also get contemporary styles that will match any house.

Another different style that will create a beautiful effect is wall sconces. Sconces can be wired or they work off of batteries. These are very handy, because you can move them around pretty easy. The fact is no matter where you live you must have ceiling light fixtures. It takes the same time to mount any fixture, whether they are ordinary or something different that can put some character in your home. So take your time to choose the perfect lights for your home.