Hello everyone and welcome to another House Help podcast.   Iâve been cleaning out my closets and found several obsolete computers along with other unwanted electronics.  What do I do with these dinosaurs?    Disposing of these unwanted items can be problematic; they can contain lead, mercury and other toxic substances which makes them unsuitable for disposal in local landfills.  Refurbishing and recycling is a responsible, effective way of disposing of your unneeded equipment.  Since the market value of most computers drops dramatically after two years, donation is an attractive option.  Best of all, donating your old equipment to a non-profit can make you eligible for a tax deduction.   Almost all three-to-five-year-old working computers can be upgraded to do useful tasks such as Internet browsing, e-mail, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and finances.  Often, non-profit organizations can refurbish these computers by installing bigger hard drives, more RAM, and a network card.   You can find a list of non-profit organizations that offer refurbishing and commercial recyclers at http://www.techsoup.org.  You should also check out http://www.electronicsrecycling.com, which is full of information about recycling and reusing computers.   If you canât find an organization near you to take your old computer, Staples makes it easy for customers to recycle eâwaste.  According to their website, customers simply take their used computers, monitors, laptops, and desktop printers, faxes and allâinâones to any U.S. Staples store.  Staples stores accept all brands. There is a $10 fee per piece which is used to cover handling, transport, product disassembly and recycling. They also accept keyboards, mice, and speakers at no charge.  Other national office supply chains are also offering similar services.   Whatever you do, donât dump your equipment into the donation box for your local thrift store, church or school.  Broken equipment and computers older than five years old canât be refurbished and their disposal becomes the responsibility, and cost, of the poor agency that has become the unwanted recipient.   Well, thatâs all for today.  Thanks for listening and if you have a question or idea for our show, please send an email to podcast@freehousehelp.org.   If you need a free referral to a reliable quality contractor, visit our website, www.freehousehelp.org.   If you like our podcast you'll love the Seegars Family Edifice Adventure.  Please tune in to this amazing video-cast: www.edificeventure.com Informative, funny, dramatic - great family/home improvement entertainment!

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Getting rid of chipmunks can be a tiresome task.  I just received an email from Kawai who wrote: I saved a baby chipmunk from my cat and I was going to put it in a box so it could rest and recoverâbut it got away and my cat chased it again, now itâs loose in my room.  What can I do to catch it? Well Kawai, thatâs quite the dilemma.  I too have battled chipmunks and so I have a few tricks to share that I think will help.   Chipmunks are ground dwellers and exist in the entire lower 48 states. Chipmunks thrive in suburban areas as well as parks and empty lots.  Chipmunks eat almost everything, so the first thing you should do is remove any possible food sources from your property. Slugs, Snails, Insects, small birds, eggs, mice, seeds, fruit Vegetables, seeds, flower bulbs, pet food   Chipmunks will eat all these and more if given the opportunity. Outside pet food bowls, bird feeders, nut trees, gardens, flowers or insect colonies can all attract chipmunks.  Donât let the cute chubby cheeks of a chipmunk charm you â chipmunk infestations can explode once theyâve moved into your property, they can be difficult to remove!   Before I cover ways to remove chipmunks from your premises, here are 10 reasons why chipmunks shouldnât be welcomed guests:   1) damaged and destroyed garden vegetables and fruits 2) chipmunks devour seed in your bird feeders. 3) chewed up cable , air conditioning and electric lines. 4) burrows which can cause water damage to patios, driveways, crawlspaces and foundations 5) destroyed flowers, bulbs and other plants 6) Flea problems that transfer from chipmunks to your pets or inside your home 7) fungus growth in planting beds caused by tunnels filling with water 8) retaining walls weakened and damaged from tunnels and water damage 9) burrows near your foundation can attract termites 10) Chipmunks will inevitably attract snakes which will come looking for the chipmunks for food.   For around $20 and a quick trip to your hardware store you can purchase a small live trap.  Smear some peanut butter and bird seed onto the bait tray and place the trap under your deck or a bush â anywhere youâve seen a chipmunk.   If youâd rather make your own trap take a 5-gallon bucker or similar container.  Fill the container Ââ  full of water.   Now, take a board and make a ramp leading to your bucket.  Have some wine corks lying around?  Place them in the bucket so they are floating on the water, disguising it.  Now sprinkle in some bird seeds and wait for the chipmunk.  Heâll jump after the seeds and then get stuck in the water.  You can then put a lid on the bucket and take your chipmunk for a little ride to a local park or forestry for release.   There are other ways to eliminate a chipmunk problem that I donât recommend:          poison peanuts          rat traps or glue traps          flooding tunnels with water or gasoline   Live trapping is the preferred, humane method for removing your chipmunk Charlie.   Well, thatâs all for today.  Thanks for listening and if you have any comments or ideas, please send us an email the address is podcast@freehousehelp.org.  To learn more about how House Help connects homeowners with reliable quality contractors, visit our website, www.freehousehelp.org.

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Who should I call to put in a gas line? Hello everyone and welcome to the house help podcast.  I received an email from Chris in Kentucky who wrote: This might be a silly question, but I can't figure out who to call to have a gas insert installed in my fireplace. We currently have a gas water heater and kitchen stove, so we need to find someone to run the line to the kitchen. Will a place that sells me the gas fireplace insert (like Sears or Menards Home Store) help me find an installer or do I need to call someone specific myself?  Can this be done by any handyman?  Is it very expensive?  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Well Chris, thanks for the great question.  Itâs one that we get quite frequently.  Iâve spoken with my local building department and our local code requires this type of work to be done by a plumber.  Although this job is fairly simple, it can be dangerous if done improperly.  Thatâs why most cities  require a permit for gas line work.  I suggest you can call your city or county building department to ask the process and the cost.   In my area the permit is $25.  After you or your contractor gets the permit and the job is completed, the building department will send an inspector out to look at the job and make sure it was done correctly -- and to current code. The cost of the job will depend on how far the plumber has to take the line and how difficult it is to access.   The skill required for this job is basic plumbing, but your homeownerâs insurance might not cover any damages that are caused by the insert if it wasnât installed by a licensed plumber or without a permit. Thatâs all for todayâs show.  Thanks for listening. If you have a question or comment, please email podcast@freehousehelp.org.  And if you need a free contractor referral for your next home improvement or repair project, visit our website, freehousehelp.org, or phone 877.360.7292 today!

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Pesky Varmints   Hello everyone, and welcome to the house help podcast.  Todayâs topic is pests.  In a previous episode we discussed ways to get rid of a pesky woodpecker.  Since then Iâve received lots of requests to discuss other types of pests, like insects and rodents. To get started, determine what type of pest you have and where they are entering your home.  Take a pad of paper and pencil, walk around the outside of your house and check these 10 places: 1. If you have a chimney, does it have a cap?  If not squirrels, birds, and raccoons could be settling in. 2. Are there any gaps between your chimney and outside wall? 3. Are any of your roof ridge vents loose? 4. Check your attic vents and flashing for loose spots 5. Are any of your window frames coming loose or pulling away from the house? 6. Check your siding for any loose pieces 7.  Look at the entry points for your utilities such as phone, cable and electric, are there any gaps? 8. Do your outside faucets have gaps around them? 9.  Are your dryer vents completely sealed and guarded? 10. Does your foundation have any cracks or gaps? Once youâve identified possible means of entry, arm yourself with some caulk and screws then plug and repair any places on the outside of your house that are inviting to pets. To keep moths away, place dried lavender around your door ways, on your window sills and in your closets. Did you know that empty paper grocery bags and cardboard boxes can bring cockroaches into your house?  The roaches love paper and glue, so bags and boxes often become infected with eggs which can hatch in your home.  If you suspect more than a few roaches are nesting in your home â call a professional.  If you just have a few, take an empty jar and pour in a little bit of beer.  Then add a few slices of banana and finally a few drops of anise extract.  Wrap the outside of the jar with tape so the roaches can easily climb in, then smear petroleum jelly around the inside rim so they canât get back out.  Leave in the cupboard under your kitchen sink for a couple of days and then throw the jar away! Have you seen a silverfish lurking on your walls, ceilings or baseboards?  You can easily build a trap to lure and kill them.  Place  cup of flour and  teaspoon of sugar in a small glass jar.  Tape the outside of the jar with tape so they can easily walk in.  Once the silverfish drop into the flour/sugar mixture they get stuck and canât get back out.  For extra insurance wrap double sided tape around the inside rim so if they try to slip back out theyâll get stuck.  Place the jar in a corner of any room where youâve seen the silverfish and in just a few days you should have them trapped and killed. Do your houseplants have aphids or other bugs?  A simple solution is to press a garlic clove into the soil near the root of the plant.  If the garlic sprouts just cut back the shoots. If you suspect that you have ants or termites, your first line of defense is to repair any roof or plumbing leaks.  Moisture in the home attracts and retains these invaders.   Before you call a professional, try sprinkling a line of chili power as a barrier defense.  You can then place a teaspoon of boric acid mixed with some jelly onto an index card and leave on your counter or under your cabinet for a few days.  You should notice the ant population dwindle immediately.  Be CERTAIN to keep this card out of the reach of pets and children. Do you have a raccoon that you just canât keep out of your garbage?  These animals hate the smell of ammonia.  So, before you put the garbage cans outside spray a small amount of ammonia over the bags. Got a squirrel or chipmunk in your chimney?  Fill a flat baking pan with ammonia and place in your hearth with the flue open.  The fumes will waft upward and drive away your intruders. Have you tried trapping a mouse with a glue trap or spring trap, but just canât seem to catch him?  Mice have a great sense of smell, so handle all traps with gloves to keep your human scent off.  Place the trap near the wallâmice have bad vision so they hug the walls when moving.  To make your bait more tempting, try gumdrops or crisp bacon, maybe even a little dried oatmeal. Getting rid of most minor pest problems is easily done yourself.  But I also recommend that you have the phone number of your contractor referral service close by.  You may find a problem thatâs either too difficult to properly diagnose or makes you uncomfortable tackling it yourself. Thatâs all for todayâs show. You'll find a transcript of this podcast at http://freehousehelp.libsyn.com.  That's freehousehelp dot l-i-b-s-y-n dot com. Remember, if you an idea or a question, email podcast@freehousehelp.org. Should you need help finding a reliable insured contractor for your home repairs and improvements, visit our website:  www.freehousehelp.org for a free contractor referral.

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Simple tricks for ridding your home of pests

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Todayâs topic is pests.    In a previous episode we discussed ways to get rid of a pesky woodpecker.  Since then Iâve received lots of requests to discuss other types of pests, like insects and rodents.   To get started, determine what type of pest you have and where they are entering your home.  Take a pad of paper and pencil, walk around the outside of your house and check these 10 places:   1. If you have a chimney, does it have a cap?  If not squirrels, birds, and raccoons could be settling in. 2. Are there any gaps between your chimney and outside wall? 3. Are any of your roof ridge vents loose? 4. Check your attic vents and flashing for loose spots 5. Are any of your window frames coming loose or pulling away from the house? 6. Check your siding for any loose pieces 7.  Look at the entry points for your utilities such as phone, cable and electric, are there any gaps? 8. Do your outside faucets have gaps around them? 9.  Are your dryer vents completely sealed and guarded? 10. Does your foundation have any cracks or gaps?   Once youâve identified possible means of entry, arm yourself with some caulk and screws then plug and repair any places on the outside of your house that are inviting to pets.   To keep moths away, place dried lavender around your door ways, on your window sills and in your closets.   Did you know that empty paper grocery bags and cardboard boxes can bring cockroaches into your house?  The roaches love paper and glue, so bags and boxes often become infected with eggs which can hatch in your home.  If you suspect more than a few roaches are nesting in your home â call a professional.  If you just have a few, take an empty jar and pour in a little bit of beer.  Then add a few slices of banana and finally a few drops of anise extract.  Wrap the outside of the jar with tape so the roaches can easily climb in, then smear petroleum jelly around the inside rim so they canât get back out.  Leave in the cupboard under your kitchen sink for a couple of days and then throw the jar away!   Have you seen a silverfish lurking on your walls, ceilings or baseboards?  You can easily build a trap to lure and kill them.  Place  cup of flour and  teaspoon of sugar in a small glass jar.  Tape the outside of the jar with tape so they can easily walk in.  Once the silverfish drop into the flour/sugar mixture they get stuck and canât get back out.  For extra insurance wrap double sided tape around the inside rim so if they try to slip back out theyâll get stuck.  Place the jar in a corner of any room where youâve seen the silverfish and in just a few days you should have them trapped and killed.   Do your houseplants have aphids or other bugs?  A simple solution is to press a garlic clove into the soil near the root of the plant.  If the garlic sprouts just cut back the shoots. If you suspect that you have ants or termites, your first line of defense is to repair any roof or plumbing leaks.  Moisture in the home attracts and retains these invaders.   Before you call a professional, try sprinkling a line of chili power as a barrier defense.  You can then place a teaspoon of boric acid mixed with some jelly onto an index card and leave on your counter or under your cabinet for a few days.  You should notice the ant population dwindle immediately.  Be CERTAIN to keep this card out of the reach of pets and children.   Do you have a raccoon that you just canât keep out of your garbage?  These animals hate the smell of ammonia.  So, before you put the garbage cans outside spray a small amount of ammonia over the bags.   Got a squirrel or chipmunk in your chimney?  Fill a flat baking pan with ammonia and place in your hearth with the flue open.  The fumes will waft upward and drive away your intruders.   Have you tried trapping a mouse with a glue trap or spring trap, but just canât seem to catch him?  Mice have a great sense of smell, so handle all traps with gloves to keep your human scent off.  Place the trap near the wallâmice have bad vision so they hug the walls when moving.  To make your bait more tempting, try gumdrops or crisp bacon, maybe even a little dried oatmeal.     Getting rid of most minor pest problems is easily done yourself.  But I also recommend that you have the phone number of your contractor referral service close by.  You may find a problem thatâs either too difficult to properly diagnose or makes you uncomfortable tackling it yourself.   Thatâs all for todayâs show. You'll find a transcript of this podcast at http://freehousehelp.libsyn.com.  That's freehousehelp dot l-i-b-s-y-n dot com. Remember, if you an idea or a question, email podcast@freehousehelp.org. Should you need help finding a reliable insured contractor for your home repairs and improvements, visit our website:  www.freehousehelp.org for a free contractor referral.

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Hello everyone!  We are back from our extended summer vacation and ready to drive ahead into fall home improvement projects. This media file isn't an 'episode', rather our 20-second show promo. Enjoy!

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Need help loosening a tight screw, nut or bolt?  This episode will give you tips and tricks to save some time, trouble and keep a few colorful words out of your vocabulary.  Download the complete episode for detailed tips.  Here's a summary: 1. Use a hairdryer or small propane torch to apply heat.  After the bolt cools, use penetrating oil or spray to loosen further. 2. Use locking plyers to get a bite:  beware using this method as you'll only have 2 or 3 tries before the head becomes completely rounded. 3. Use a combination of flathead screwdriver and wrench to add torque. 4. Try cutting new slots into the head with a hacksaw. 5. File the sides off of a screw so that you can grab it with an adjustable wrench. 6. Use a hacksaw, nut splitter ($20-$30), screw extractor ($10) or impact driver ($20-$30) to remove the offender completely.

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Hello everyone, and welcome to the house help podcast.  Thanks to everyone who's listening and sending questions and comments.   By the way, if you happen to be an iTunes user, and you like our program, please leave us feedback.   Today's topic is mulch.  Each spring piles of smelly, smoldering mulch appear in every neighborhood.  How much do you need?  What type is best for your landscape and garden?  When and how should you apply?  Whether you mulch yourself, or have landscapers mulch for you, it's important to know the answers to these questions.  Mulch not only looks nice in our gardens and landscapes, it also helps control weeds and conserves water. When organic mulch is used, it will enrich the soil as well.  When mulching in the spring, make sure to wait until the ground has warmed.  If you mulch too early in the spring your perennials will break their winter dormancy too early.  This could cause them to grow less, flower less, and maybe even die.  So we want the ground to stay cold until it really is springtime.   When your plants are perky and green, then that's the time to mulch.  To protect plants from cold harsh winters, mulch in the late fall, when the ground is nice and cold and your plants' roots have begun their dormancy period.      Water evaporates more slowly from soil that is protected from the wind and sun by mulch.  So If you mulch, you don't have to water as much, saving time, money, and a precious resource.  Ah, it's good to be green.  However, if your area ever experiences heavy rains watch your landscape for any soggy, puddled spots.  If they don't disappear in a day or too, rake off some of the mulch and let soil dry.  One negative potential side effect of mulching is that slugs, worms, and other bothersome bugs love cool, moist, dark places. To minimize bugs in areas that don't get much sunlight, use only a thin layer of mulch. And always keep the mulch several inches away from the base of your plants.  Your plants need to breathe!  A positive attribute of mulching is that raindrops won't hit the soil surface, so soil is less likely to wash away or splash onto plants. This keeps plants cleaner and free of some soil-dwelling diseases.  If your soil is dry, water it before applying mulch and don't forget to pull any weeds.    There are so many types of mulch and determining which on is for you can be confusing.  I advise asking a local expert, your extension office can help.  To help you match the right mulch to your garden, here's an overview of the types of mulch available: Newspaper is great for budget-tight gardening.  Use a layer of 5 sheets thick underneath a thin layer of attractive store bought mulch.    If you prefer homemade mulch, try using shredded leaves and dried grass clippings.  Since these materials are abundant and FREE they are perfect for a no frills garden.  But take caution, these types of mulch can heat up or mold if too thick. Try to spread no thicker than 2 inches. Shredded bark is my favorite.  I use Pine nuggets bark in my landscaping because it's durable, attractive, inexpensive, and smells great all year long.  I pay $3-$4/bag.  There are lots of bark mulches available in many colors & sizes.  Match the size of your chunks to the size of your landscaping.  If you have a small house and yard with dainty flowers, use small bark pieces.  If you have a large home with mature plantings, then the larger nuggets will look great. My second favorite type of mulch is Pine Needles, but it's a regional product that's hard to find in my area.  If you have access to pine needles and like the woodland look I highly recommend them. They last two to four seasons are provide nutrients to your plantings.Now that I've shared my favorite types of mulch, here are some tips for the application. As a rule, the bigger the mulch chunks, the longer they last. Soft or green materials, such as leaves or grass clippings, break down faster than dry woody elements, such as straw, pine needles, or bark. Stone or gravel last an eternity.  In general, mulches with heavy or large pieces are more likely to stay put. Those that form a mat, such as leaves and pine needles, are usually stable, too. Steer clear of wood chips that are a byproduct of the timber industry.  The quality can vary and often includes recycled wood from pallets and construction.  These materials may contain toxins that could cause terrible damage to your soil and plants.    If you need to cover a large area, try to buy in bulk. When evaluating cost, remember to factor in how long the material will last.   Dark-color mulches will absorb and retain more heat from the sun than lighter ones. That's an advantage in cooler regions but a disadvantage in hotter climates. Light and heat reflected from a light-color mulch (particularly decorative landscaping types, such as white stones) can dangerously overheat surrounding plants.  Wear long pants, sleeved shirts, and gloves when mulch especially if you have and cuts or sores.  Mulch can have a very high level of bacteria when it's wet.  ER doctors have told me that they see TONS of bad infections every year caused in the garden by mulch.    Curious as to how to calculate the amount of mulch you need?  Mulch is usually sold by the cubic yard, and that can leave gardeners scratching their head when trying to figure out how much to buy.  The easiest way is to visit our website, freehousehelp.org and click on the Mulch Calculator button on our home page, (click this link to go directly there now:  http://www.freehousehelp.org/mulchcalculator.html).   If you are a math junkie, use this formula: 1. First, find out the size of the area you want to cover in square feet. This is easy; just multiply the length of your garden by the width. 2. Next, decide how deep you want your mulch to be, in inches. A couple of inches is usually sufficient. 3. Now multiply the size of your garden in square feet (#1) by the depth of your mulch in inches (#2). 4. Divide the number you get in #3 by 324. This is the number of cubic yards of mulch you will need to cover your garden.  Mulching your flower and vegetable beds will drastically reduce the amount of time spent weeding, watering and fighting pests. Mulch also improves the appearance of your garden, and keeps dirt from splashing up on your flowers and vegetables when it rains.  So I say, mulch away!   That's all for today's show. You'll find a transcript of this podcast at http://freehousehelp.libsyn.com.  That's freehousehelp dot l-i-b-s-y-n dot com. Remember, if you an idea or a question, email podcast@freehousehelp.org . Should you need help finding a reliable insured contractor for your home repairs and improvements, visit our website:  www.freehousehelp.org for a free contractor referral.

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Hello everyone, and welcome to the house help podcast.  Thanks to everyone who is listening and sending questions and comments.   By the way, if you happen to be an iTunes user, and you like our program, please leave us feedback.   Today's topic is leaky toilets.  At one time or another we've all had a leaky toilet.  They are annoying, but even worse they waste water like crazy which is bad for the environment and the pocketbook.  Did you know that in just one year, a single toilet can leak enough water to fill a backyard swimming pool.  Ouch! To get started, let's test our toilets for leaks.  You'll need 10 drops of food coloring or a tablespoon of any powdered drink mix (just a little something to color the water). I also recommend that you have the phone number of your contractor referral service or plumber close by.  You find a problem that is either too difficult to properly diagnose, or you may feel uncomfortable tackling an issue yourself.  Let's review the basic operation of a toilet.  When you press the handle to flush, the handle lifts a lever inside the toilet tank which in turn lifts the flapper by a chain or wire.  When the flapper lifts, the flush valve is open and water is released under the rim in the toilet bowl.  Gravity then siphons the water and waste that were already in to the bowl through the trap and into your waste water pipes.  Once the toilet tank is empty of water, the flapper drops back down onto the flush valve drain.  Then the fill valve float rises up with fresh water until the tank is refilled.  Sometimes the fill valve is referred to as a ballcock.   Now here is a simple way to check for leaks. Remove the tank lid and flush.  While the tank is refilling add your food coloring or powdered drink mix.  The water in the toilet tank should changes colors.  Wait 15 minutes after the tank fills completely, then check your toilet bowl.  If the water in your toilet bowl has changed colors, then you have a leak.   If you've found a leak, the cause is likely one of the following: the flush valve and flapper are worn out or corrodedthe fill valve float isn't working properly anymore.   the rod attached to the float is bent the flapper and ball have become misaligned  chain or wire on the flapper is corroded or tangled I recommend if you find a leak to replace the float, rod, fill valve and flapper.  The set will cost between 10 and 15 dollars.  You will find inexpensive yet effective sets for less than 10 dollars.  For a quiet flush set including a corrosion resistant flapper you will spend around $15.   Also, to avoid leaks in other toilets, why not replace all of them in your home at the same time.  That will prevent unknown leaks in the future and all your hardware will be the same age. Replacing them is fairly simple, and instructions will be included with your hardware.  Before heading to the supply store, measure your tank height which can vary from 8 and a half inches to fourteen inches.  If you do not want to do it yourself you should plan to pay a handyman or plumber $75-$110 dollars.    You may be able to quickly fix your toilet by jiggling the handle, bending the float rod or lift wire.   This is just a temporary fix, and eventually your leak will return. One more note regarding cleaning.  Many toilet tank parts are corroded prematurely by the use of cleaning agents placed directly in the tank, such as drop in tablets.  I don't recommend these because they completely immerse your toilet hardware in chemicals and cause unnecessary damage.  If you like using automatic toilet bowl cleaners, I suggest using the kind placed directly in the bowl. That's all for today's show. You'll find a transcript of this podcast at http://freehousehelp.libsyn.com.  That's freehousehelp dot l-i-b-s-y-n dot com. Remember, if you an idea or a question, email podcast@freehousehelp.org. Should you need help finding a reliable insured contractor for your home repairs and improvements, visit our website:  www.freehousehelp.org for a free contractor referral.

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Do you want to save some money and remove your own wallpaper before having your room painted?  Don't waste money on expensive removal products -- make your own. Mix equal parts warm water and regular fabric softener in a bucket.After thoroughly mixing, pour into a paint tray.Apply generously with a paint roller to the wallpaper that is to be removed. (sponge rollers work best)Let sit for 20 minutes - don't allow to dryPeel away! For stubborn paper, run a humidifier in the room for a day or two before you apply the mixture.  The water allows the fabric softener to penetrate the paper and breakdown the adhesive on the back.  Moisture is key! Use a plastic putty knife to help lift edges, but be careful!  Don't hurt the drywall.  If you find your wallpaper is tearing into the wall board - STOP!  Sand the edges and have the area primed before painting.  Damage to drywall is noticeable and hard to fix properly. Do you have a question or show subject idea?  Email podcasts@freehousehelp.org.  Thanks for listening!  

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Spring Air Conditioner Clean-Up  Hello everyone, and welcome to the house help podcast.  Before we begin today's show, I want to thank everyone who's listening and sending questions and comments.   By the way, if you happen to be an iTunes user, and you like our program, please leave us feedback.   Okay, now let's dive in to today's topic:  Air Conditioners   Summer is fast approaching, and now's the perfect time to check on your air conditioner.  A check up will improve your air conditioning unit's efficiency and potential prevent expensive unexpected repairs during the heat of the summer.  I've heard that more than half of all air conditioners that fail do so because they weren't cleaned and maintained properly.  Ouch!  I used to be afraid to perform this type of maintenance.  But I've learned that if I follow the directions slowly, allow plenty of time to complete the task, and gather all my materials before I get started the job is really pretty easy.   Here's what you'll need for this project: A vacuum cleaner with soft brush attachmentNew air filter  Putty knifeScrewdriverLevel if you have one, otherwise use a marked measuring cup filled with waterPaper clipGlovesFace maskSpray lubricantOwner's manual to your unit, if available If this is the first time you've ever cleaned an air conditioning unit, you should allow several hours for the task.  Work carefully and don't rush.  If any of the steps seems too difficult, schedule a checkup with an HVAC professional.  This type of visit costs around $200 on the average.  Also note that the outside air temperature should be higher than 60 degrees or the compressors won't work properly and things will become much more complicated.   Before we dive in, let's review the basic parts of a central air conditioner.  There are two main sections: an outdoor unit (known as the compressor or condenser) which is the equipment that sits next to your home, and an indoor unit (known as the evaporator) which can be found in a central duct near your furnace. If your home has a heat pump instead of a furnace, the indoor unit will be in the air handler. Use the same maintenance steps we show here, the basic parts will be the same.  Refer to the equipment owner's manual for specifics on your unit.  The Refrigerant, also known as Freon, in the copper tubes absorbs heat at the evaporator coil inside, cools indoor air and then releases heat at the condenser coil outdoors.  The unit doesn't consume any Freon or refrigerant, so if the level is low you likely have a leak that will need to be fixed by a professional.   Now let's get started! First, we're going to clean the outdoor Unit.  Two copper tubes connect the outdoor compressor and its condenser coil to the indoor evaporator coil that's located above the furnace blower (the coil is a combination of fins and tubes). One tube is covered with foam insulation. If you have a heat pump, both tubes will be insulated.   Our main focus outside is to clean the condenser coil. The fan inside the condenser coil sucks air through the fins, and as a result, pulls dirt and debris with it.   You're likely to find dust, leaves, grass clippings, dead bugs and lots of other whatnots in here that block airflow and reduce the unit's efficiency.   Begin by shutting off the electrical power at the appliance shutoff box. It's usually outside within sight of the outdoor unit. Some shutoffs simply pull out; others have a handle to pull down or a fuse to remove. If there isn't one, turn off the power at the circuit breaker at the main panel that controls the outdoor unit.Now vacuum the condenser fins using a soft-bristle brush attachment. Avoid bending the fins. If damaged, they may block the flow of air, stress your unit and cause the air-conditioner to whistle. To straighten bent fins, insert a putty knife between them and pry gently.  Clear away weeds, grass and other debris that block airflow through the coil.  To maximize cooling, the outdoor part of an air conditioner should be shaded from the sun. Trees, shrubs or an awning can provide the shade, but they must be far enough away to allow warm air to escape. Trim greenery at least three feet away from the unit.Now, unscrew the top grille and open. You may need to use your lubricating spray if the screws don't loosen easily or if you don't have WD40 just use a non-stick baking spray.  The fan and wires will come with it when you open, so support it carefully to avoid stretching the electrical wires and stressing the connections. If the fan doesn't lift out when you take the top off of your unit, take care to avoid hitting it with a direct spray of water when you clean the fins.  Grab your water hose and spray the fins from the inside outward to clear dirt, grass and debris.  Look for signs of nests (from mice, wasps or other pests) and remove.Screw the top back on.Turn the power back on.Go inside and adjust the thermostat so the outdoor unit kicks on. Listen for any strange noises that might indicate damage or wear. Wait 10 minutes.Pull back the insulation on the insulated pipe. It should feel cool, about 60 degrees. The other pipe should feel warm, about skin temperature. If either doesn't feel right, it's time to call a professional to check the refrigerant level.    ** Here's a tip for next fall:  rather than wrapping your outdoor unit with plastic and completely blocking the air flow, cover your unit in winter with a piece of plywood held down by a brick or two. Wrapping your unity with plastic or any other material that completely blocks airflow will trap moisture inside and promote corrosion.**   Now let's head inside and adjust the thermostat so the outdoor unit will turn off.Make sure your furnace is off, then check the filter to see if it needs to be changed.  We're turning the furnace off to keep dust from collecting on the evaporator coil fins.  I recommend changing your filter at least once a month.  In my home, we use the inexpensive filters and change them more often.  This ensures we have clean air without stressing our unit.  Some of the filters on the market these days are so thick and condensed that your system has to work harder to pull the air through, causing unnecessary wear and tear.  **if you have a washable filter, cleaning it is simple - brush the filter free of lint, then wash it in warm soapy water.  Allow to air dry completely then reinstall.Back to work - time to open the blower compartment .  **firstmake sure the power is turned off.**Inside this compartment we need to vacuum up any dust that has collected in the compartment.  Next we'll check the condensation drain for mold and mildew. Is there a musty smell?  If so you may have bacteria growing.  If you need to clean this drain, mix  a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 16 parts water) through pour the vent at the top of the tube using a funnel.  I don't recommend attempting to lubricate motors or any other electrical parts yourself.  Have an HVAC professional do this for you when they service your furnace in the fall.  Like any major appliance in your home, your cooling system should be checked and cleaned periodically by a professional, see your owner's manual for the recommended frequency of this care.     That's all for today's show. You'll find a transcript of this podcast at http://freehousehelp.libsyn.com.  That's freehousehelp dot l-i-b-s-y-n dot com. Remember, if you an idea or a question, email podcast@freehousehelp.org.

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Did you know that in the winter your hot water heater works harder than any other time of the year?  Flushing it in the spring will remove sediment build-up.  Sediment in your hot water heater can cause corrosion, shortening the life of your unit.  It also reduces efficiency which can mean higher energy bills year round.  Follow these simple steps to flush your hot water heater.    Turn down the temperature and wait 2 or more hours for the water in the tank to cool Turn off the water supply  Attach a hose to the bottom drain valve on the water tank  Run the hose to a drain, or outside of the house  Turn on a hot water faucet in the house (kitchen or bath) to allow air into the top of your tank  Open the drain valve on the water tank  After the water has completely drained, turn the cold water supply on and several times to flush the sediment from the tank, then leave on  Check the water draining from the tank to see if it's clear  When the water draining is clear, turn off the cold water supply  Wait for water to stop draining then close the drain valve  Disconnect your hose  Turn off the hot water faucet used to allow air into the tank  Turn on cold water supply  Turn the thermostat back to 120 degrees    By doing some regular maintenance, a homeowner can extended the life and efficiency of their hot water heather.  While it is best to leave serious problems to a professional plumber, a few easy steps can save you from costly repairs.   That's all for today. You'll find a transcript of this podcast at http://freehousehelp.libsyn.com.  Remember, if you an idea or a question, email podcast@freehousehelp.org.  

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Bye, Bye Woodpecker  To me, the only thing funny about woodpeckers is watching them in cartoons.  When woodpeckers choose our homes as drilling sites, all humor is lost to noise and nuisance.  These birds drill for a variety of reasons: to attract mates, to forage insects, or to create storage and nests.  Generally, they drill on homes made of wood or with wood siding, especially of redwood or cedar.   Typically, holes in homes or buildings are caused by only one or two woodpeckers.  Once a woodpecker claims your home as its territory, getting rid of it can be very difficult.  While we may find their behavior a nuisance, woodpeckers make many beneficial contributions to nature.  Since woodpeckers are non-game birds protected by law, keep in mind that your goal is to move them, not destroy them.  First on your to-do list should be to have your house checked for pests (ex. termites, hornets and bees), which attract woodpeckers.   Woodpeckers also eat fruits, berries and nuts.  If you have a fruit bearing tree in your yard, make sure it is trimmed away from the house.  In the past, I have tried banging on the inside of the wall opposite where the woodpeckers drill without much luck.  Here are some other ideas that may help get them to stop:   place strips of reflective tape or aluminum foil on the gutteringscare the woodpeckers by hanging a colorful wind sock, a scare eye balloon, or aluminum pie pans near the area they are drilling  purchase a model owl or hawk and place near the area of concern  hang plastic, metal or nylon mesh sheets over the drilling area  use a squirt gun or water hose to spray the woodpeckers with water  attach metal or plastic sheeting over the drilling site  nail or staple chicken wire or wire mesh over pecked areas  frighten the woodpeckers away with a toy cap gun  camouflage metal, plastic or nylon deterrents that you've place by painting them the same color as your house            Most damage from woodpeckers is too extensive to repair with just a patch.   Many times, homeowners neglect repairing woodpeckers' damage and another creature takes up residence in holes drilled by the woodpecker.  Replacing the damaged portions is really the only way to prevent wood rot, deterioration and infestation. Itâs important to note that there are over 200 species of woodpeckers in North America, and all are protected by federal law.  Shooting or harming them is forbidden, and trapping is discouraged and usually not successful.  Try outsmarting your woodpecker and youâll be the one doing all the laughing!

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10 Spring Kitchen Clean-up Tips   Spring is the time for baseball, blooms, and of course cleaning.  These ten tips will guide you through this year's kitchen clean-up.  Harsh, expensive chemicals aren't needed to bust dirt and grime.  For a natural, healthy alternative use lemon juice, baking soda, cake soap and vinegar as substitutes.  Clear out your refrigerator and give it a proper cleaning.  Use water and baking soda to remove stains and deodorize.  Discard any expired food and add a fresh, open box of baking soda.  Scrub the outside with soap and water.  Finally, unplug the unit and vacuum the condenser coils to remove dirt and dust.  Ovens, stoves and vent hoods can get filthy fast.  Use soap and water to clean the cook-top, burners and knobs.  Remove the knobs first to get all the dirt behind them.  Next, deep clean the over, as described in your owner's manual.  Finally, wipe the outside of your vent hood with hot soapy water, then remove itÃïÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs filter and soak in hot soapy water to remove grease.  Rinse and dry before replacing.  Wipe cabinets to remove grease.  Use a sponge and warm soapy water to clean hinges, handles and pulls.   For stubborn muck, use a toothbrush to loosen and then wipe clean with sponge.  Remove dishes and utensils from drawers and cabinets.  Wipe clean and then replace lining if needed.  Run any items rarely used through the dishwasher.  Clean crevices around your faucet and sink with a toothbrush and white vinegar mixed with water.  Buff dry with a soft cloth.  Re-caulk if needed.  Deodorize your drains and garbage disposal.  Pour Ãïàcup baking soda, Ãïàcup ice and Ãïàsliced lemon into the disposal.  Run until dissolved.   For drains, pour in Ãïàcup baking soda and Ãïàcup white vinegar, cover drain and let stand for 5 minutes, then flush with warm water.  Dishwashers get dirty fast.  Wipe surfaces clean with warm soapy water.  Run one cycle with 2 tablespoons of citric acid and Ãïàcup vinegar.  Small appliances get grungy, too.  To clean your spice or coffee grinder run Ãïàcup of uncooked rice through to collect oils and particles.  For particularly dirty grinders, run a second cycle with one tablespoon of baking soda.  Wipe completely.  Soak your garbage pail with Ãïàcup lemon juice and 1 quart of hot water.  Rinse and dry thoroughly.  Even the cleanest of homes needs a proper spring clean-up.  Regardless of the size of your home, there are cleaning details that shouldn't be overlooked.  Remember, spring time is the best time to get your home in tip-top shape.

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Knowing how to get the most from your contractor and the types of questions to ask will ease your stress and increase efficiency.  These few tips will guide you in working with your contractor.   Price isn't everything.  A contractor with a low price isn't a deal if the product or workmanship isn't at the level you expect.  Feel free to ask what type of guarantee the contractor will offer on your improvement project.    Only use contractors that are properly insured.  If the contractor is not properly insured, you run the risk of liability if an accident occurs.    If the contractor you use has employees, be sure they carry workman's compensation insurance so you are not liable for an injured employee.  Get an estimate in writing and specify that all changes must be in writing and signed by both the homeowner and the contractor.  Never pay the entire estimate upfront.  On large jobs it's fair to pay 25-50% to cover materials.  Only pay the remainder when the work is complete and you are satisfied with the finished project.  Keep a daily journal during your project.  Include notes on the progress of the work, conversations and times, and attendance.    Every home needs repair services from time to time and there are many details to cover when planning your project. Regardless of the size of your project or the value of your home, working with the right contractor can make all the difference.

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Working with your contractor... Often, homeowners think they've planed everything for their remodeling project in advance: a budget has been prepared, materials selected, and a contractor has been chosen.  But even with all this planning, living through the project can be difficult.  House Help has put together some helpful tips to help ease your stress and provide a better living environment for you and your contractor. Know the earliest time workers will arrive and how late they may stay.  Make a note on your family calendar so everyone will know when to expect your guests.Instruct your workers where they may park and which entrance to be used.  Also, don't forget to identify exactly which person on the crew will have the keys to your home.If you have small pets or children, discuss how you will handle things like open doors and nap times.Most remodeling is messy; ask your contractor where materials, tools and equipment will be stored and when cleaning will take place.  Communicate any expectations or concerns you may have regarding the mess or supplies.  If you would like the job site cleaned at the end of each day, be sure to specify this with your contract.  Also, ask your contractor what tools and materials will be left on site during the project.   It may be necessary to designate a space in your garage or home for material storage during the remodeling.Cover all home basics with the workers, such as telephone access, which bathrooms they may use, where they may take their lunch breaks, and which areas of the home are off limits.   Protect your valuables!  During your remodeling project consider renting a storage unit or taking valuables, antiques and other personal items to a friend's home.  Most contractors will use protective coverings for your furniture and carpeting free of charge,  but double-check before the project starts to avoid any extra costs.Decide in advance how often you will be updated on the progress, delays and material deliveries.  Having a set point when you can ask questions helps communication between you and your contractor.  The larger the project, the more often your contractor should be communicating updates.Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   Decide in advance how often you will be updated on the progress, delays and material deliveries.  Having a set point when you can ask questions helps communication between you and your contractor.  The larger the project, the more often your contractor should be communicating updates.Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.    Protect your valuables!  During your remodeling project consider renting a storage unit or taking valuables, antiques and other personal items to a friend's home.  Most contractors will use protective coverings for your furniture and carpeting free of charge,  but double-check before the project starts to avoid any extra costs.Decide in advance how often you will be updated on the progress, delays and material deliveries.  Having a set point when you can ask questions helps communication between you and your contractor.  The larger the project, the more often your contractor should be communicating updates.Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   Decide in advance how often you will be updated on the progress, delays and material deliveries.  Having a set point when you can ask questions helps communication between you and your contractor.  The larger the project, the more often your contractor should be communicating updates.Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   Cover all home basics with the workers, such as telephone access, which bathrooms they may use, where they may take their lunch breaks, and which areas of the home are off limits.   Protect your valuables!  During your remodeling project consider renting a storage unit or taking valuables, antiques and other personal items to a friend's home.  Most contractors will use protective coverings for your furniture and carpeting free of charge,  but double-check before the project starts to avoid any extra costs.Decide in advance how often you will be updated on the progress, delays and material deliveries.  Having a set point when you can ask questions helps communication between you and your contractor.  The larger the project, the more often your contractor should be communicating updates.Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   Decide in advance how often you will be updated on the progress, delays and material deliveries.  Having a set point when you can ask questions helps communication between you and your contractor.  The larger the project, the more often your contractor should be communicating updates.Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.    Protect your valuables!  During your remodeling project consider renting a storage unit or taking valuables, antiques and other personal items to a friend's home.  Most contractors will use protective coverings for your furniture and carpeting free of charge,  but double-check before the project starts to avoid any extra costs.Decide in advance how often you will be updated on the progress, delays and material deliveries.  Having a set point when you can ask questions helps communication between you and your contractor.  The larger the project, the more often your contractor should be communicating updates.Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   Decide in advance how often you will be updated on the progress, delays and material deliveries.  Having a set point when you can ask questions helps communication between you and your contractor.  The larger the project, the more often your contractor should be communicating updates.Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.   Most importantly, exchange contact information with your contractor.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.  Know both home and mobile numbers for at least two members of the crew.  In the event of an emergency this will be useful.      Well, that's all for today.   Thanks for listening, and if you have any comments about the show, or ideas for future episodes, please send House Help an email:  podcast@freehousehelp.org.  To learn more about how House Help connects homeowners with reliable quality contractors, logon to our website, www.freehousehelp.org.

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