Recently, while visiting some friends, they asked my thoughts about some fine white crystals growing on the decorative tile around their fireplace. They have propane gas logs in their fireplace so the flue is supposed to be shut. that substance is called “efflorescence” and its a salt crystal that…

Without annual maintenance, your air conditioning doesn’t operate at its peak efficiency and is more likely to lead to expensive repairs down the line. Some maintenance checks require a professional, so have one come out every 2 to 3 years to check the coolant level and electrical parts.Outside1. …

The purpose of foundation vents is to allow passing air to carry moisture out of crawlspaces. Except in particularly dry climates, that often isn’t suitable. Even in warm hot summer months the humid moisture laden air will condense on the cooler foundation walls, pipes, ductwork, and even the unde…

A couple of disjointed thoughts that leads me to that post:1. I just finished reading an composition about homeless dumping and it got me thinking about a couple of things. Chiefly, giving here at home.2. My mom, who gives much to her church sponsored charities, was asked to give to a specific ch…

A programmable thermostat can be set to not heat or cool as much when you’re not home to enjoy it, thus saving you hundreds of dollars a year. Not too shabby for a $30 investment! that may seem like a daunting task at first, but its really very simple: 1. Turn off capability at HVAC unit and tri…

I recently read an editorial about a science teacher who wanted to see how low he could cut his potential bill. His success was so remarkable, that the potential company took notice and suspected him of tampering with his meter. Many of the things he did were simple things that any of us could do …

Laminate wood flooring is an excellent alternative to natural wood flooring with a few key benefits:1. Price - As more manufacturers get into the market, the quality of the products available goes up and the prices come down.2. Ease of Installation - Installing laminate flooring is incredibly ea…