Wind vs. Solar for Residential Homes

Homeowners seeking a more sustainable energy source are often faced with two viable options: wind and solar. Both have their benefits and disadvantages, though much of the decision comes down to where you live. Local government regulations, wind patterns, land elevation and more all play a role in deciding whether to go in on wind or solar energy.

Wind Energy

Wind turbines are often considered the best option for large-scale applications. They can be installed mostly anywhere, even far out at sea. Installation is prompt and modern turbines can be silent in operation, though smaller turbines can create noise. Still, although installation is technically possible anywhere, some locations do not have enough wind power to truly benefit.

Small turbines must be situated in areas with above-average wind patterns and require a smooth airflow. For residential homeowners seeking a realistic option, investing in wind energy can be a risky proposition if your area does not provide this. If you’re living near trees or a busy road, a wind turbine is not likely to be a good choice, especially considering that wind turbines need to be mounted very high.

If you live near the coast or in an open exposed area, however, wind energy could be your best option. You will need land, as roof-mounted turbine can cause turbulence and inefficient energy. Regardless, a site survey is essential to avoid investing in wind energy that will barely be used. This will measure wind speeds at various locations throughout the area and ensure optimal performance. There are a number of solar and wind power prediction systems available for this purpose.

Wind power can be a very efficient, clean form of energy, but only if you live near a coast or wide open spaces.

Solar Energy

Solar power is a frequent choice among suburban areas and cities, which lack the proper space and wind specifications to take full advantage of wind energy. Like large-scale wind power, solar power is silent in operation and even less conspicuous, with the ability to be roof-mounted without losing efficiency — as long as there’s nothing blocking the sun. If you live in an area with wind speeds less than 5 meters per second, you will undoubtedly find better value with solar power as opposed to wind power.

It’s also worth considering that installing wind turbines often requires local government approval, as they can disturb neighbors with appearance and noise. Solar power does not require nearly as much approval. Quick installation with minimal cable usage and maintenance make solar power a more hassle-free local addition.

Additionally, solar radiance is more predictable than wind patterns, so there’s a more steady energy output with solar energy. It’s another reason why residential areas in suburbs and cities will likely opt for solar energy in most cases.

The choice often comes down to where you live, specifically the area’s wind patterns and sunlight exposure. Once you decide on the best system for you, you can invest in energy you know is good for the environment and your wallet.

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5 Simple Garden Improvements that Will Increase Your Home’s Value

What’s next for your garden? If you have trouble answering this question, consider making improvements that add to the value of your property. You can start with some of these projects:

Make Improvements on Your Grass

You are likely to turn off potential buyers when your grass in the front yard is threadbare or patchy. Spend some time sprucing up your lawn before you consider selling your home. If the existing turf is beyond repair, a smart idea is to invest in new grass. The increased value to your property cancels out the cost of this landscaping expense.

Start Mulching and Weeding

One effective way to convince home buyers that your home is a valuable option and to also keep your garden in tip top condition is to mulch and weed. Instead of using alternatives like sugarcane, it is better to go with pine bark, forest fines, and other utility mulches. These create a cleaner and smoother aesthetic. Though you may be tempted to use wood chips for their nourishing properties, they tend to lead to added maintenance and mess.

Make Sure Your Lawn Is Defined Clearly

Messy edges can jeopardise the overall look of your lawn, even if it is tidy and neat. The grass looks low maintenance when you edge your lawn, and it’s easy to do. This is going to be a huge benefit when you decide to sell your home. You can complete the tasks of creating a divide or border with nothing more than a sharp spade. There is no need for special tools.

Introduce Form and Colour

Adding colourful containers, planters and installing impressive water features will liven up any dull entryways. You might also add attractive clipped topiary along with bright flowering perennials and annuals. This will give your garden an instant visual lift without costing you much. Plus, if you sell, you do not have to leave the containers or fountains behind. You can install them outside of your new home.

Limit Your Variety

Most of the time, having a large variety is a good thing. Yet, if you ever want to sell your home, take it easy on the variety. The more plant species there are, the more wary buyers will be of the upkeep that comes with such a diverse array. Try to group similar flowers together and pick complementary tones if you must have many species. This will make the yard easier to sustain when you sell your property.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/08/garden-improvements.html

Installing A Roof Lantern During A Home Renovation

Roof lanterns are the perfect addition to a home during a renovation due to the characteristics that allow light to flood into areas of your property that were previously dark. Light can flood into downstairs extensions of through flat roof extensions, and a roof lantern, rooflight, or skylight can be designed in bespoke fashion to dimensions that suit your specific home renovation project. Always make sure that your home renovation is fully thought out, designed and planned, with a roof lantern as part of the explicit design that you have agreed with your builder. That way it ensure that there are no nasty surprises further down the line and the roof lantern can become the perfect cherry on the top of your home renovation plans.

The beauty of roof lanterns within modern architectural design and home renovation techniques is that they bring so much elegance, light and joy to any room that they are applied to. Flat roof extensions and other flat roof areas that are being renovated on a project are the perfect surface for a roof lantern to be installed. These areas can come to life with modern glazing bringing with it a year-round warmth that provides home owners to utilise a brand new space no matter the weather outside. Roof lanterns can include two-tier vertical windows, be of various dimensions and with rectangle roof lanterns with large glass panels you have control over opening a room up immensely with just the choice of roof lantern design.

Within a home renovation there are many different factors to consider but a roof lantern application offers flexibility with its design and choice of colours. Whether you are adding to a traditional structure or building a modern extension to a property, through a flat roof extension, a well designed roof lantern, made from PVC or Aluminium will add a whole new dimension to the room it is being applied to.

All rooms are different during home renovations and this will alter where you choose to place the roof lantern, as well as the dimensions of your roof lantern and the size of the panes of glass. If you are looking to install rooflights on the flat roof of a long, narrow room and you are looking for multiple roof lanterns, the best approach might be to have a number of windows evenly spaced out along the length to ensure that all areas of the room benefit from the extra light. In a room that is tall and not as long it might pay to have one roof lantern, designed to be large in dimension and with larger panes of glass than the other option. In these instances the light will flood down from above and cover the whole room through one roof lantern.

As each project is different, it is good practice to speak to specialist roof lantern suppliers who understand how to produce bespoke designs for a range of requirements and desires. Once a roof lantern has been designed to your specification it can be helpful to have experts at hand to offer installation guidance as well.
Content written by Hannah Grimsby

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/08/installing-roof-lantern.html

How Do I Snake A Drain Like A Pro?

If you notice that the water in your sink or bathtub isn't draining properly, then you probably have a clog or blockage. One of the best tools you can use to remove a clog is a drain snake. Drain snakes are relatively easy to use and inexpensive, making them a premier choice if you are looking to tackle this problem, DIY style. Drain snakes can be found at almost any hardware or home improvement store. This unique tool can help you save money and time by avoiding calling a plumber and paying those pesky service fees. Keep reading to learn how to use a drain snake and improve your handyman skills.

How To Use the Snake

You can purchase a drain snake online or at your local hardware store. We also suggest investing in rubber gloves to help improve your grip when using the snake. Before you begin to snake the drain, whether it's in the toilet or sink, be sure to shut off the water to the appliance you're working with. Now you're ready to use the drain snake.

Step-by-step Guide On How to Snake a Drain

All I have to do is follow these five simple steps:

1. Insert the end of the snake into the drain.

If the drain has a cover, you may need to use a screwdriver to remove the top compartment so the snake can slide into the drain).

2. Feed the snake through the drain.

Do the step slowly so you do not accidentally damage any of the pipes. If you get stuck at any point, try to move the snake in and out to get past it.

3. Slowly begin to turn the crank of the snake to help it move farther down the pipeline.

If you are having trouble doing this, you can pour some water down the drain to help the process proceed smoothly.

4. Wait until you feel some resistance with the snake, which insinuates that you have reached the blockage or clog.

Wiggle and push the wire to help loosen the clog. Move the end of the snake past and back through the clog repeatedly until you don't feel any more resistance.

5. Once you have dismantled the clog, pull the snake out.

You may need to do this multiple times to clear any residue or debris of the end of the snake and repeat the process.

What to Do After Snaking a Drain

After you have removed the blockage from the pipe, return all the pieces to the drain and run some water down to make sure it properly drains.

Plumbing Experts

If you've used drain cleaner and followed the instructions detailed above and your drain is stilled clogged, it may be time to call in professional plumbers. Certified plumbers will undoubtedly have the right equipment onboard their work trucks to ensure they can fix your clog on the first visit. Professional plumbers will use their own specialty drain snake. One that is stronger and better at breaking down thick clumps of grease, hair, and other obstructions that make their way into your drains.

Featured images:

•  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: Getty Images

If you are are having issues with a clogged drain, then it's time to call a plumbing company you can trust. Our experienced and certified plumbers will come to your home, examine your plumbing system and fix the plumbing problem quickly and effectively. Available to you 24/7, ACE Home Services is the Phoenix plumbing company trusted by more Valley residents.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog UK http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/08/snake-drain-pro.html

Flowering Shrubs You Should Add to Your Garden

No matter how big your garden is — small and new, or full and overgrown — there’s always room for a good ol’ flowering shrub. There are an endless array of species, variations and blooms to choose from. Whether you’re looking for thick coverage, seasonally inspired flowers or year-round color, there is a shrub for you!

Here’s a list of a few must-have flowering shrubs you should add to your garden this year.

Hydrangeas

A classic addition to any hedge, front porch or garden, hydrangeas have a timeless beauty that can’t be missed. There are several varieties of this flowering bush, so it’s not hard to find a hydrangea that fits your yard specifications perfectly.

If you’re located in the Pennsylvania region, the Oakleaf Hydrangea is highly recommended by garden experts. These shrubs sport long stalks with clumps of tiny flowers at the end. Some species of hydrangea change colors in the fall, with vibrant orange and yellow leaves.

Camellias

This beautiful, unique shrub flowers in the fall. Blooms come in white, red and both lighter and darker shades of pink. These bushes are excellent for areas that have light shade — perfect if your yard has mature trees or tall pines that block out some of the sun. Resilient and colorful, these beauties will provide your yard with year-round foliage and a pop of color amid the falling leaves of autumn.

Mock Orange

That’s right — these blossoms mimic the scent of oranges when they bloom in late spring or early summer. They do great in full or partial sun, and nothing can beat the beauty of their big, white, citrus-smelling blossoms. Mock orange would be the perfect addition to any garden, especially to perfume the air near social sitting areas.

Japanese Pieris

The Japanese Pieris is an evergreen shrub, staying vibrantly green all winter long with blooms that form in the summer and stay colorful throughout the colder months of the year. With varieties in white, pink and red, these bell-shaped flowers resemble lily of the valley and can be a great source of holiday color. The bushes grow well in shady areas, so this one would be a great choice for a garden that already sports mature plants that keep others from full sun.

You have every reason to plant Japanese Pieris this year. It’s time to branch out and get fancy!

Mountain Laurel

If you happen to live in a particularly sandy area or somewhere with high elevation, mountain laurel is for you. Its blooms resemble little shell-like cups, and grow in deep reds, pinks and blush colors. These are hardy plants that do well in partial shade and elevated, sandy environments.

Lilac

One of the most highly anticipated blooms and smells of spring, lilac can be 10 to 12 feet tall when full-grown, and does best in full sun. There are several varieties of this shrub, including many miniature versions for smaller gardens. Versatile and easily recognizable, these are a must-have for your home garden. As always, brush up on how to plant and care for lilac shrubs before you plant!

Azaleas

Hardy and wildly colorful, azaleas come in almost every color you can imagine. Blooms appear in the spring, and are the perfect shrub to add Easter color with. These plants enjoy dappled light under a tree canopy, and are a great addition to a yard with mature trees. You might also consider planting small bushes in a mulch run around a tree to add some flair to your front yard.

Diabolo Ninebark

Sporting unique dark leaves and pink-tinted blooms, these bushes add both depth and beauty to your garden. Ninebark does well in full sun or partial shade, and is most receptive to pruning after blooming in the spring. Light flowers and deep green, purple and nearly black leaves provide striking contrast. This bush is definitely a must-have if you’re feeling more adventurous.

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How to Refinishing Hardwood Floors

The greater part of refinishing hardwood floors involves preparation. But even before you start preparing, it is essential that you find out the extent of the scratches on the floor. If you are lucky, the scratches are just on the top and this will be a much easier task. On the other hand, if the scratches have gone deep into the wood, then you need to prepare to do a lot of sanding. 

For scratches that are just on the surface, a simple reapplication of polyurethane coating on the old finishing will do the trick. But if the scratches run deep into the wood, then you need to sand it right to the bare wood and for this, I would recommend you find a good belt sanderso that you do not take too much time and the sanding is done evenly.

Types of finishing

There are 3 main finishes you can choose from and these are

Polyurethane: This is preferred by many because it lasts longer and is best for high traffic areas. You can choose between oil based or water based poly finishing. It has a plastic look about it and you can choose between different degrees of luster.  I have noticed that the newer ranges of Polyurethane finishing do not darken wood so much. One thing you should know though is that poly finishing is not easy to spot repair.

Varnish: if you want to be able to make spot repairs, choosing varnish is a good idea. It comes in different varieties of luster and the more glossy variety is durable. It tends to darken with time, but you can always do a quick repair when that starts to happen. 

Penetrating sealer: if you would like to maintain a more natural wood look, this is what you can use. You, however, need to know that it is not as durable as the other 2 but it is much easier to repair. It is also a cheaper option. 

Step by Step Guide 

Step 1

Remove the old finishing and then sand the wood to remove all the scratches. It is important that before you start this, you have the necessary protection. This will include eye protection as well as a dust mask. Ensure that the surface is smooth and even. 

Step 2

Clean the surface, ensure that all the dust is removed from not just the floor but also the walls because you do not want particles falling onto the finishing as it dries because this will create rough patches. You can then use a vacuumto remove any more dust that may have settled after the initial cleaning. You then can use a tack cloth to pick up further residue from the surface. I would advise you have a number of tack clothes to prevent you from exceeding a single cloth’s capacity. 

Step 3

Apply the sealer. I prefer to apply sealer immediately after getting rid of all the dust, it prevents any other particles from settling so it is a good idea to plan your time so that at least on the same day you do the sanding, you are able to do the sealer application. The sealer needs to be applied evenly and generously but it should not be too much since the wood will not absorb excess sealer and it will dry and look terrible. Now let the sealer dry.

Step 4

When the sealer has dried, it is time to buff the floor. You can do this with a number 2 fine steel wool. Go over each area once or twice, starting from the wall and moving backwards in a left to right swing movement. It is important that you do not over do it and end up cutting through the finishing. 

Step 5

Once again, get out your vacuum and tack cloth and clean the surface just to be sure there are no particles that have settled again as you prepare to add a layer of coating. A smooth surface is important for a great look and feel.

Step 6

Hoping you have already made a choice of finishing coating, you are now ready to apply the first layer. They usually come with directions on how to apply and especially how long to wait for it to dry before you can apply the next layer.

Step 7

Apply the second coat of finishing and then let it dry for at least 24 hours before you can return the furniture or allow people to walk over the surface. 

To ensure you do this job perfectly, I would recommend you try it out first on a small patch of the floor just to ensure you have understood the entire procedure and if it looks good, then you can proceed to do the rest of the floor. Also make sure you have all the tools and protection you will need before you get started, from experience, I have learned that having to run to the hardware store midway through the task can ruin your progress and you may have to start over again.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog UK http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/08/how-to-refinishing-hardwood-floors.html