2013 Archives - 149/166 - Talk Local Blog

Archive for 2013

Wednesday, February 13th, 2013

There are few things worse than having mold infesting your home. Mold can be extremely detrimental for your health and it is disgusting to look at. Mold usually forms in damp areas, areas that are difficult to reach, and places that aren’t regularly cleaned. When not taken care of, mold can multiply and produce spores that may be harmful. Not all molds are toxic, but there are quite a few people who are susceptible to reactions when coming into contact with mold. Symptoms can range from headaches and body aches to nausea, difficulty breathing, and in some cases, death.

How to Get Rid of Mold in the House

Clearly, if you have mold in your house you will want to get rid of it, so if you are worried about mold and are wondering how to get rid of mold in the house, don’t worry – there are ways.

1. Find yourself some rubber gloves, goggles, and a facemask (especially if you know your body reacts to mold). With these equipped, it’s time to start removing mold!

2. The cleaning solution you will use to remove the mold can either be store bought, or there is a home-made solution that works effectively. A gallon of water, a cup of bleach, some soap, and some vinegar works well to remove mold.

3. One of the first places you will want to check is the bathroom, where mold can grow rapidly.

4. Start removing the mold that you can see. The mold will have a musty odor, and looks like dark fuzzy spots.

5. Once you identify the mold, use a scrubber and scrub away the mold using the cleaning solution.

6. Rinse the newly cleaned area with water and ventilate the area once you’re done.

7. To prevent the growth of new mold, ensure your home is kept clean and there are low humidity levels throughout your home. Using an air conditioner or a dehumidifier can help for this.

8. Objects like rugs and carpets that have gotten wet are at risk of mold growth so get rid of these if you want to ensure your house stays mold-free. Also, continue checking places where you know mold has grown before to ensure it doesn’t grow again.

Additional Help

If you are having problems with mold in your home and these steps don’t work for you, it may be prudent to find a professional to take care of this for you. If you are looking for a professional cleaner who can get rid of mold in your home, consider using TalkLocal to find a cleaning company for you. TalkLocal is a free service that will connect you with top-quality, reputable cleaning professionals in your neighborhood within minutes. Just enter in your specific problem, location and availability, and up to three companies will call YOU directly, saving you the time and stress of finding one yourself.

Posted in Maid Services | No Comments »

Want Your Front Lawn to be a Showstopper?

Tuesday, February 12th, 2013

While it is nice to have a beautiful backyard with a nice garden and lights, the front yard is what all your guests and passers-by will see. Thus, it is important to make a good impression so people will appreciate the look of your house even more. Do you want your front lawn to be a showstopper?

Make Your Front Lawn a Showstopper

Whatever you choose to do, though, make sure it does not resemble your neighbors’ lawns too much; otherwise, your lawn won’t look unique.

Additional Help

If you want help picking the plants and lights, figuring out where to put them, or need any other useful information, talk to a professional landscaper! That way, you won’t have to deal with everything by yourself, especially the installation. To get the help you need as soon as possible, use TalkLocal to find an available landscaper in your area quickly and easily.

Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

Blue Screen Error: Driver IRQL Not Less Or Equal

Tuesday, February 12th, 2013

So you have an intimidating error message on your computer. “Driver IRQL Not Less or Equal” error usually occurs when there is a problem in the compatibility between the particular software or driver in operation and the operating system of your computer. There are two ways you may be able to fix this error.

Method 1: Using the Safe Mode

The Safe Mode is a mode of computer operation that boots up only core components needed for the computer to function. That means that any downloaded programs in your computer will have no effect since they are not put into operation. The safe mode is generally used to remove/undo poorly configured software that might be interfering with the operating system.

Try using the Safe Mode to solve the problem. Follow these steps:

1. During the computer bootup, enter the Safe Mode by pressing the F8 Key.

2. Enter the Safe Mode and uninstall the software/driver that you think is causing the problem. Reboot the computer to check if everything is in working order.

Method 2: Not Using the Safe Mode

For some reason if you are not able to access the Safe Mode, try fixing the error at your hard drive. For this you will need to acquire the corresponding windows disk or recovery disk to your operating system.

1. During the computer bootup, press the F2 Key to Enter the BIOS menu.

2. Go into the boot menu inside the BIOS menu and set the initial boot device as the disk.

3. Save these settings and exit the BIOS menu.

4. Insert the disk into the CD/DVD rom if you have not already.

5. Boot your computer with the disk.

6. In the recovery console mode, type “chkdsk /r” in the prompt.

7. Confirm by typing “y”.

8. Now you should be able to access the hard drive. Access the drive and fix the issue.

Additional Complications and Advice

If above recommendations do not resolve the issue, it means that there are additional complications in your computer, including but not limited to: damaged hardware, or the lack of usable RAM.

At this point it is recommended that you call for help from the local experts. TalkLocal can help you find quality local professionals in your area who will be available to help you when you need them.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Care for Wood Floors

Tuesday, February 12th, 2013

Hardwood floors are beautiful additions to your home. They can add both warmth and elegance to the appearance of any room. Unlike carpeting, hardwood floors do not trap dust, mold, or dust-mites, and so are the flooring of choice for those with allergies. However, caring for hardwood floors is a lot different than caring for a room with carpeting. Hardwood floors can be dented or scratched, they can lift due to moisture accumulation, and their finish can be dulled by harsh detergent. You need to be careful and take certain precautions to keep your hardwood floors beautiful for years to come. Here are some tips on how to care for wood floors.

Things NOT to do

Things TO DO

Additional Help

If you have more questions about how to care for wood floors, you should talk to a professional. Use TalkLocal to get in contact with up to three flooring professionals in your area, who will be available to help you when you need them.

Posted in Carpet Cleaners | 1 Comment »

Slow Internet Connection

Tuesday, February 12th, 2013

Is your internet connection too slow? There are many things that can affect your internet connection speed, from wireless interference, to viruses, to problems with your internet service provider. A slow internet connection may indicate that there is some problem with your network. Here are some tips to improve your internet speed.

1. The first thing you should do when diagnosing your connection is to run a free online speed test. Compare the results of this test to the speed that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is supposed to provide you. If the test results are significantly lower than the speed listed by your ISP, try again on another computer. If both computers are running slowly than the problem may lie with your ISP and you should contact your service provider to get it resolved.

2. If one of your computers is running slower internet speeds than the other, it may have a virus or spyware. Run a thorough scan on your computer for each and remove any threats that are detected. If you need a good free antivirus program you can try Avast! or ThreatFire.

3. Wireless signal interference is a very common cause of a slow internet connection. If you are connected through a wireless network your signal may be interfered with by household appliances or other wireless networks, as well as by the actual building structure. To avoid these problems you can try positioning your wireless router for optimal signal broadcasting.

4. Closing programs that you are not using can free up memory that may be needed for your internet connection. Additionally, check to see if your computer’s hard drive is full. Your computer can use free hard drive space as virtual memory so getting rid of any files you don’t need can improve your computer and connection speed.

5. Upgrade! If your computer is more than five years old, it may not have the power necessary to quickly access newer website content. If you can find no other problems, it might be time to upgrade to a newer system.

Additional Help

If you continue to experience a slow internet connection, or if you would like professional help, use TalkLocal! We will connect you with up to three computer technicians in your are who will be available to help you when you need them!

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Time-Saving Opportunity Knocks in Newark- The Gateway City

Tuesday, February 12th, 2013

Gateway City’s small businesses would knock down your door and install a new one if they could find you when you needed them most. That’s where Seva Call comes in, after knocking first, of course. Seva Man is bringing his service seeker’s time-saving breakthrough to Newark, New Jersey. Not only will Newark residents be able to securely connect with up to 3 applicable service professionals within minutes, but businesses too can open the floodgates to new customers and quit drowning in countless search engine results hoping a customer will drop them a line. Opportunity is knocking, and it sounds like a phone ring.

“Newark is full of small business ripe for growth with the help of a broader, more easily accessible consumer base” observed Sean Coleman, Seva Call marketing representative. “They’re not pummeling anyone with small and countless advertisements, but with Seva Call, that’s no longer a disadvantage. Customers and businesses don’t stumble upon one another. A customer seeks a service and only companies able to provide that service when and where the customer needs will service. No advertising guru can promise that.”

Newark is such a bustling city and sometimes Murphy’s Law rules the day. Say you just woke up to find that a tree had fallen onto your car last night, and you forgot the six week anniversary of the time you and your girlfriend shared a bowl of ice cream and she “just knew,” she said. Go to sevacall.com and fill out a request form for all of your needs: tree removal, a florist, a house-cleaner to prepare for a quiet night at home or a limousine service if you want to pull out all the stops. Check out www.talklocal.com and find your quick fix fast!

Posted in Seva Call | No Comments »

Should I Separate My Recyclables?

Tuesday, February 12th, 2013

Should I Separate My Recyclables?

According to EPA statistics, Americans create several million tons of garbage every year. Curbside recycling for homes and businesses reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills while simultaneously also reducing the amount of raw materials needed to create new products. However, as a resident or business owner, you may not know the correct way to recycle. Every municipality is different, although there are a few general guidelines for recycling that everyone should follow.

General Answer: Yes

Especially for businesses, the answer to the question, “Should I separate my recyclables” is yes. Often recycling companies require at the very least that you separate paper and commingled recyclables into separate bins or containers. The amount you must separate your commingled recyclables depends on the recycling company and your city or county’s recycling requirements.

What Does “Commingled” Mean?

As it applies to recycling, the term “commingled” refers to recyclables like glass, aluminum and tin. Many curbside recycling companies will accept “commingled” recyclables together in one bin rather than requiring them to be separated out into individual bins. Allowing residents to mix these items together makes it easier for them to recycle because it’s less work. Items are then separated at the recycling plant. Recycling requirements may be different for businesses, however. Because businesses generate more waste, recycling companies may require that companies separate glass and aluminum, for example, rather than allowing them to be recycled together, as they often do for private residents.

Check with Your Municipality

If you aren’t sure whether or not you can mix your recyclables, contact your local municipality for guidelines. They will have a list of items that you are allowed to recycle, and they will often have a list of prohibited items as well. Some municipalities allow you to commingle all of your recyclables including paper while others are very specific about how your recyclables must be separated and put out on the curb. You should follow the directions of your municipality. If you break the rules, the city may have the right to stop picking up recycling from your residence as well as issue you a fine for recycling improperly.

Additional Help

If you need help with garbage removal or recycling at your home or business, allow TalkLocal to find reputable waste removal services for you. We will connect you with up to three local professionals in just minutes!

Posted in Garbage Removal | No Comments »

How Much to Rent a Limo for Prom?

Monday, February 11th, 2013

How Much to Rent a Limo for Prom

Prom, and the events surrounding it, is often the highlight of a kid’s high school career. If you’re looking to make the most of your prom night, then check out these top 10 things to make prom great. Everything should be perfect for this occasion, from the pre-prom dinner to the corsage, all down to the transportation. Transportation is especially important, as it seems nearly every high school student rents limousines for their prom night. If you’re one such student, you may be asking yourself how much you should pay to rent a limo for prom. There is no quick answer for this question. This depends completely upon you and your limousine mates.

Things to Keep in Mind When Renting a Limo for Prom

If you want to arrive at your prom in style, renting an elegant limousine may be on your mind. Generally, prices depend on the number of people in your limousine and the amount of time you require the limo to be present.

If you want to rent a stretch limo, costs can range from roughly $70-$110 per hour plus gratuity (which is usually around 10-20% of the total cost). A stretch limo is usually a stretched sedan that allows more legroom per passenger. These types of limos can usually hold around six to eight people depending on the degree of stretching. If you prefer a luxury SUV, these will generally cost a little bit more, usually in the $90-$150 per hour price range. These types of limos are ideal for groups of six or more (depending on the design) and are an even more awesome way of showing up at your high school prom.

Overall prices start going up depending on how many people you want your limousine to hold. Of course, this also means the price per person will be changing as well. Sometimes, having a larger limousine with more people can end up being cheaper per person. If you’re looking to rent a limo, the best way to do so would be to find out who would be interested in going in your limousine and then booking the rental as soon as possible. This may result in a reduced price if you book it early enough, and you won’t have to worry about any transportation issues until your prom.

Additional Help

All in all, renting a limo for your prom is an easy thing to do, and it can be fairly inexpensive if you do it early enough. If you’re interested in booking a limousine, consider using TalkLocal to find a reputable limousine rental company for you, as well as how much it would cost to rent a limo. TalkLocal is a free service that will connect you with top-quality, limo rental companies in your neighborhood within minutes. Just enter in your specific problem, location and availability, and up to three companies will call YOU directly.

Posted in Limo Rental | 6 Comments »

What is Overseeding?

Monday, February 11th, 2013

Your once green and luscious lawn has started to develop bare spots and dead areas of grass. All of a sudden, your meticulous care and watering doesn’t seem to be helping it as much as it used to. Weeds have started to creep into your turf. What happened to your lawn? The question you should really be asking is “what is overseeding?” Just as people grow old and tired, your lawn ages with time and begins to thin out as its reproduction rate starts to drop. But don’t fret! You can rejuvenate your lawn back to its former lusciousness in a process called overseeding.

What is Overseeding?

Overseeding is the process of adding new seeds into an already existing lawn. Contrary to many homeowner’s beliefs, fertilizer itself cannot solely sustain a lawn; the grass actually needs to be revitalized every five or six years. Overseeding allows for new grass blades to thicken up your lawn and defend against harmful diseases, keeping your lawn luscious throughout the next couple of years.

How Do I Overseed My Lawn?

The first step is to mow the area with your lawn mower on the lowest setting. After mowing the area, you’ll need to thoroughly rake the area to expose the bare soil, removing all of the old grass clippings. This will help expose the dirt that you’ll be sowing the new seed into, and will also ensure that your new seed germinates (it will not germinate if it is not in direct contact with the soil).

If you live in northern climates, you should look to purchase Kentucky bluegrass or fescue, while southern climates should look to purchase Bermuda or Zoysia grass. These types of grass seeds will have low proportion of weed seeds, ensuring that your reseeded lawn will have few weeds when germinating.

Lastly, you’ll want to water the new seed daily for an entire month. The goal at this point is to keep the seeds moist so they’ll germinate. Instead of watering once a day, spread the watering out into sessions (such as two 30-minute sessions) to be more effective.

Additional Help

Overseeding is an incredibly important process for your lawn, though it is quite labor intensive,and may require commitment and hard work. If your lawn is infested with weeds, you’ll need to kill off the existing lawn before you continue. If you are not looking forward to doing this work, then contact a professional landscaping company to overseed your lawn. TalkLocal can connect you with the highest quality local landscaping companies in your area in just minutes. You’ll have your lawn back to its luscious green in no time!

Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

Air Conditioning System is Not Working

Monday, February 11th, 2013

It’s getting hot outside and all you want to do it is keep it nice and cool inside. However, the sunny days have made it hot inside your house and your air conditioning system is not working.

Possible Issues

If you cannot get the air conditioning system to activate at all, then the most common causes lie with a blown circuit breaker or fuse, improperly set or faulty thermostat, or an internal switch being off. However, before you do anything, you should make sure that the thermostat is set in the cool position and not to off or heat.

If it is in the cool position and the air conditioning still won’t turn on, then you have your work cut out for you. You should check that the double breaker, aka the 240 circuit breaker, controlling the air conditioning compressor/condensing unit, and the 120 circuit breaker are in the on positions. If a circuit breaker has popped or a fuse is blown, you can reset the breaker and replace the fuse. If they fail again, you should probably call for expert help.

Additional Help

If you need more help with your air conditioning problem, go to TalkLocal.com. This free service will call numerous heating and air conditioning experts for you so you can get the help you need when you need it! Even if all you need is a consultation!

Posted in Heating and Cooling | 1 Comment »

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