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Archive for 2013

Sunday, June 23rd, 2013

Isn’t it a shame to see all the spoiled food in your refrigerator go to waste? You probably feel bad enough for not eating those tasty leftovers, so, instead of throwing them in the garbage, you might consider home food composting.

This is an effective way of limiting waste in local landfills, while taking a more eco-friendly approach to everyday living. Home food composting is easy and can benefit both you and the environment. If you are interested in engaging in this increasingly popular activity, here is some information.

Know Your Locality’s Stance On Food Composting

You might not want to gather together a compost pile before you consider local laws. Some areas forbid composting food because they believe it to be unsanitary, citing that it attracts various animals or bugs. Other areas are very much accepting of home food composting, and will even provide curbside service. Check with local resources to find out what the laws are in your area.

How To Store Food Compost

Compost can be stored in a number of ways. The following are a few:

– Compost Pail: This is a way to keep food compost in the house before dumping it into a bucket or compost pile. Some companies offer airtight pails specifically for this purpose.

– Compost Buckets: You can throw all of your food waste into a large bucket and let the food decompose. It always helps to add in dirt, leaves, mulch, or other natural substances to speed up the decomposition process.

– Compost Pile: Board up an area of the yard and stack your food compost there until it breaks down.

Some Foods You Can Compost:

– Fruits and vegetables

– Grains

– Egg shells

– Coffee grounds and filters

– Expired boxed foods

Foods To Avoid Composting

– Meat or meat byproduct

– Fish

– Dairy products

– Greases and oils

Find A Resource On Home Food Composting

There are a number of garbage removal experts who can help you clear away waste that you do not compost. When you need to get a hold of them, try using TalkLocal. We will connect with someone who can help you right away.

Posted in Garbage Removal | No Comments »

How To Save Energy With Home Improvements: Roofing

Saturday, June 22nd, 2013

Although your first instinct when trying to figure out how to save energy with home improvements may be to invest in better appliances, perhaps you should consider updating your roofing. We all know heat rises, and therefore your roof is your last line of defense when it comes to insulation.

Find out why saving on energy is important and how to do it with your roof.

What Does Saving Energy Mean For You?

With all the talk of “going green” today, it isn’t likely you have been immune to the outpouring of information on energy usage. In case you have missed it, here’s how it works.

To produce energy, we mostly rely on fossil fuels. These fuels are not only irreplaceable, but they emit what are known as greenhouse gasses. These gasses destroy the atmosphere and are thought to contribute to global warming, which has been blamed for the increase in extreme weather. If none of that convinces you, perhaps the impact on your wallet will. Using less energy means you spend less money. Simple.

Roofing Solutions

A more pricey answer for how to save energy with home improvements is to install solar panels. Although it is rare to be able to function entirely off of solar energy, using solar panels can decrease your energy usage. The panels use the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity you can use to power things in your home.

A less expensive option is to install insulated roofing. Although this type won’t generate its own energy, it will prevent heat from escaping during the winter or entering in the summer.

Also, do not forget about reflective roofing, which also helps to prevent the sun from heating up your attic and subsequently your home. The reflective materials cause the sun’s rays to bounce off instead of absorbing into the roof.

Start Saving!

To find out more about what energy-efficient roofing can do for you, consult an expert. TalkLocal can find a roofing professional in your area that is highly qualified. The best part is that our service is absolutely free, and you will be speaking to a qualified professional in minutes. We also leave you with options, so you can make the final choice.

Posted in Roofers | No Comments »

Computer Won’t Hibernate

Saturday, June 22nd, 2013

The hibernate setting on your computer is a godsend when you have numerous documents or tabs opened on your computer. Instead of reopening everything, hibernating your computer will save everything until you return to it at a later time. It saves battery and shortens the time it takes for your computer to boot.

Though there are some great benefits to the hibernate setting, some users choose to disable it. If you find that your computer won’t hibernate, a simple fix may be to check the setting.

To Enable Hibernate In Windows 7:

1. Click the Start Menu.

2. Type “cmd” in the search box.

3. Hold Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

4. Type “powercfg /hibernate on” in the command prompt. This should enable your hibernation on your computer.

Now you need to turn on Hibernate on in your power options.

1. Open Advanced Power Plan Setting.

2. Click the + by Hibernate after to expand it.

3. In the box beside Setting (Minutes), type the number of minutes for your computer to be idle before it hibernates.

4. Click OK.

If you are able to hibernate your computer, but it turns on again shortly after, there may be a device or program that is disrupting hibernation.

To Prevent Devices From Disrupting Hibernation:

1. Click the Start button >> Control Panel >> System and Security.

2. Under system, click Device Manager. Type the administrator password or give confirmation if needed.

3. One of the hardware categories listed may be disrupting hibernation — USB flash drives are common culprits. Double-click one of the devices to check.

4. Click Power Management.

5. Clear the check box next to Allow this device to wake the computer.

6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 for all devices.

To Prevent Programs From Disrupting Hibernation:

1. Click the Start button >> Control Panel >> System and Security >> Power Options.

2. Click Change plan settings on the Select a power plan page.

3. Click Change advanced power settings on the Change settings for the plan page.

4. Expand Sleep >> expand Allow wake timers.

5. Click Disable. This should prevent your computer from being disrupted when it is running on battery and when it is plugged in.

6. Click OK.

Need Help? We’ve Got Your Back

If none of the above options have allowed your computer to hibernate, you should consult technical support. TalkLocal can help you find local professionals to help you with all of your computer needs. You will be connected with up to three, high-quality professionals in your area within minutes.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

What Is A Mattock?

Saturday, June 22nd, 2013

If you are a gardener, you may be aware of the many tools needed to create the perfect garden or flower bed. Some of these tools, such as shovels and watering cans, are easy to identify because they are familiar.

There are many other tools that are not as well known and can even look like they are from another planet. A mattock is one of these tools. The mattock has been around for centuries and was used by many ancient cultures, including the ancient Greeks. If you have ever wondered about a mattock, this information will help you.

What Is A Mattock?

A mattock is a hand tool that is used to dig holes and small trenches. It resembles an ax and has a double-headed, dull blade on one end. These tools range in size from three to four feet long and can weigh as much as eight pounds. They typically have wooden handles, but some are made from metal and other materials as well. A screw holds the head of the mattock in place so it does not fall off the handle as it is being used.

What Is A Mattock Used For?

Mattocks have all sorts of uses, most of them in the garden. Many gardeners and farmers use the tool to crush up dirt so that plants can be planted in soft soil. They are also used to dig holes for bulbs, plants, and even seeds. Many people will even use a mattock to cut down small trees, break up and remove gravel, or cut up small logs and stumps so they can be removed and the area can be used as a garden or flower bed.

The mattock may look a little strange but it is a very useful tool. Once you have mastered the technique, you will not know how you every lived without such a versatile piece of garden equipment.

Need Gardening Help?

Whether you are looking for a place to buy a mattock or scouring for help in your garden, TalkLocal has all your resources on one, convenient website. Through our innovative service, you will be connected with professionals of all industries right in your local area. We’ll have you on the phone with the right professional in just minutes.

Tags: mattock
Posted in Handyman | No Comments »

Small Bose Speakers

Saturday, June 22nd, 2013

Speakers are a contentious issue among fans of music, movies, and video games. Everyone is looking for something different — from thumping bass to surround-sound battle scenes, consumers are all looking for different things from their speakers. TV is useless without sound.

If you are researching new speakers, you’ll want to make a list of your specific needs. Such as:

– Price. Money is finite, after all.

– Layout of the room the speakers will be used in.

– Portability needs, if any.

– What devices you’ll be attaching your speakers to.

– The sound you’re looking for.

Small Bose Speakers

Many consumers have grown to be big fans of small Bose speakers. Bose products are a bit of an investment over popular national brands like Sony or Panasonic. Compared to designer speaker brands like Polk, Bowers and Wilkins, or Kilpsch, Bose speakers can actually save you money while still providing great sound.

Small Bose speakers are especially effective for those that want to get a lot of sound from a small speaker or two. They also help you limit the number of wires running to and from your television. Small Bose speakers sound great whether you are watching a movie or blasting a Shostakovich symphony.

Whether you are looking for small Bose speakers or some towering concert-hall stacks, everybody has an opinion to offer on which speakers you need. That’s why the best thing may be to do a little leg work.

The only surefire way to find out which speakers you like the best will be to go and listen to some. The sales associate should offer to demonstrate the bass, treble, surround, and other effects through any speakers you are interested in. Avoid anyone who tries to drastically up-sell you or who will not give you straight answers to your questions. Your new speakers will be a big investment that should bring you years of aural enjoyment.

Need Help Installing Them?

TalkLocal can help you locate a local professional to help you install your small Bose speakers and other audio equipment. Try it right now, and you can be chatting with a service professional in a minute or two, for free!

Posted in TV Repair | No Comments »

Where To Find A Notary

Saturday, June 22nd, 2013

As we go through life, there are certain documents that must be officially notarized in order to be considered legally binding.

Having a document notarized means that a person appointed by the Secretary of State first witnesses us signing a document and then signs or stamps the document to confirm their status as a witness.

The purpose of having documents, such as wills, notarized is to ensure that no fraud is committed. As a trusted member of the state, the stamp or signature of a notary is held to a high degree of authenticity. If you are wondering where to find a notary, you may be surprised at how easy it actually is to find one. There are a few places to check, and make sure to ask if there is a fee involved with the process.

Source Of the Documents: The place where you received the documents should be able to handle your notary needs. Institutions which require documents to be notarized will often have a notary on staff or will at least know where to find them.

Your Insurance Company: Insurance agencies often deal with sensitive and important documents which need to be verified as official. Many will staff a notary for such purposes. If you have a good relationship with your insurance company, they may allow their notary to notarize your document for free.

The Post Office: This can be an especially handy place to find a notary because, if you need to mail your document, you can do it all in one place. This will come with a fee, though.

Your Bank: As with insurance companies, the high volume of important documents which come from a bank means they generally have a notary on staff. Depending on the type of accounts you hold with them, they, too, may notarize your document for free.

A Public Library Or Courthouse: If all else fails, these two public institutions should be able to find you a notary.

Want To Find A Notary Quickly?

With TalkLocal you will never need to know where to find a notary. We will find a local one for you. We take care of the search process and get you on the phone with someone who can help. Try it out for free.

Posted in Notaries | No Comments »

Tesla Model S Price

Friday, June 21st, 2013

Few companies have seen great luck with their version of the electric/plug-in hybrid car. The Chevy Volt has witnessed solid sales, but a relatively newer manufacturer has stepped in to seemingly corner the market.

The Tesla Model S has proven itself as the best-selling electric/plug-in vehicle in the United States. This is somewhat of a surprise considering the Tesla Model S price.

However, when it comes to electric cars, buyers need to work past the sticker shock to take into account the amount of money they will save in fuel throughout the life of the vehicle.

What Is The Tesla Model S Price?

The lowest Tesla Model S price you will see is just north of $62,000. This model features a 60 kWh battery in it and is the very bare standard of the vehicle. As you move into the 85 kWh battery, or even the version with the upgraded power train, buyers are now looking at a price tag closer to $90,000.

Surprisingly, this range is not far off of popular luxury gas cars, like Mercedes-Benz or Audi.

The Model S is a luxury car, and the price tag fits. But, compared to luxury cars of similar price, you are actually getting a far greater deal with the Tesla Model S price.

Figuring In Fuel Costs

The average vehicle in 2013 got 23 miles per gallon. Drivers can do some things to increase their gas mileage, but not significantly.

Because of the electric elements of the Tesla Model S, it gets roughly 89 miles per gallon. Rough math estimates that over the course of five years, Tesla Model S drivers will save $8,500 in fuel costs compared to traditional gas vehicles.

This, of course, is the big draw of electric cars today, especially with skyrocketing gas prices.

Car Need Servicing?

Electric cars could be trickier to service. Luckily, TalkLocal can help you find local help for any problem you might have. Fill out a free request form on our site and we’ll connect you with three qualified mechanics in your area who are available to help you.

Posted in Auto Repair | No Comments »

Traditional Hilot Massage

Friday, June 21st, 2013

Even in Western culture, men and women have taken advantage of ancient practices which have originated from all over the world in order to cure their aches, pains, and ailments. Traditional Hilot massage is one of those, and the practice has grown to be quite popular in the United States.

If you haven’t heard of this treatment method, read on — maybe traditional Hilot massage can benefit you.

What Is A Hilot Massage?

Originating in the Philippines, Hilot massage incorporates traditional massage, chiropractic manipulation, and holistic health. Together in practice, this method is believed to not only cure aches and pains, but also other health issues.

This practice is carried out by a Hilot, which is considered a healer in the Philippines.

What Is The Theory Behind It?

The idea behind traditional Hilot massage is that aches, pains, and illnesses all originate from an imbalance in the body. This imbalance can be physical or it can be an imbalance of energy.

The Hilot examines the body to find areas of imbalance. By using their massage methods, they correct this imbalance, which gets rid of whatever is ailing you.

What Is A Hilot Massage Like?

This treatment is akin to deep tissue massage, but it is typically gentler. Often, the Hilot will use oils to help relax the muscles and loosen them if they are tight. This is why a Hilot massage is perfect for someone who is experiencing a lot of stress, which tightens their muscles.

Gentle manipulations are also administered during this process. Some very traditional Hilots even incorporate herbal medicine and chanting throughout the massage.

Where Can I Get A Traditional Hilot Massage?

Not all massage therapists offer this unique treatment. Don’t waste your time talking to professionals who can’t help you. Use TalkLocal to weed out irrelevant results in your searches. We take it one step further by actually connecting you via telephone to professionals who can help.

Posted in Massage Therapy | No Comments »

How To Save Energy With Home Improvements: HVAC

Friday, June 21st, 2013

The newest trend in home ownership is to save as much energy as possible. Saving energy is not only good for the environment, it is good for your budget, as well. One of the many ways homeowners are looking into how to save energy with home improvements is through updating their HVAC systems.

The following are some benefits of updating your systems and things to watch out for.

Why Update?

If you’re searching for how to save energy with home improvements, updating your HVAC system will certainly do this. The average homeowner spends $1,000 per year on heating and cooling. This makes up about half of your total energy bill.

Energy efficient systems can save you up to 30 percent on your heating and cooling bill. In addition to helping your budget, energy-efficient systems help protect the environment. It’s simple, really; the less energy you need, the less you use, and the less that is produced from nonrenewable energy sources.

Energy Star

Walk through any home improvement store and you are bound to see these light blue and white star logos all over, but what do they mean?

These special stickers denote that the product has met, or exceeded, the rigorous requirements of the United States Environmental Protection Agency for energy efficiency. You can trust that an Energy Star-rated air conditioning unit will really do what it claims to do because it is regulated by the government.

However, it is important to make sure that both your cooling AND heating systems are updated. Often, your furnace will provide the blower that forces the cold air from your air conditioner into your home. If your furnace and blower are not energy-efficient, your system won’t perform as efficiently as its rating.

Hire A Professional And Let The Savings Begin

Updating your systems on your own can be tricky. It is best to leave the physical work to a professional. Let TalkLocal find a qualified professional in your area. Our service is free and incredibly easy. We track down three qualified professionals right away, and you make the final choice.

Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

Deck Material Cost

Friday, June 21st, 2013

A deck can add beauty and value to your home and make your yard more enjoyable. If you want to build your own deck, there are many things to consider, such as the deck material cost, the size of your deck, and if you plan to build it yourself or hire someone else to do it.

Who Will Build It?

Many people choose to build their own decks because it is cheaper. If you have the time and skills to do this, building your own deck may be the best option for you. If you do not know how to build a deck or do not have time to do it, it may be wise to hire a contractor. The contractor will give you an estimate of how long it will take and how much it will cost to complete the deck you want.

Deck Size

Measure the area of the space where you plan to build your deck. This will tell you how much material you need and help you determine the cost to build your deck as well as the amount of time it will take.

Deck Material Cost

Whether you decide to build your deck yourself or hire someone else to do it, you still need to figure in the deck material cost. This includes posts, boards for the frame, deck boards, and nails or screws. You can visit your local home improvement store to get an accurate estimate of these costs. Deck boards usually range between $1 and $3 each, posts cost around $5, and nails and screws are sold by the box and can cost anywhere between $5 and $20, depending on the type you plan to use.

A Costly Endeavor

There are many reasons to build a deck onto your home. Be aware, building a deck can be a major investment and can take a lot of time. Consider all of the above factors before you start building. If you are not skilled in such a task and want to make sure it’s done right the first time, you might want to find a local professional to help you. When that is the case, TalkLocal should be your first stop. We’ll not only find the right professional for you, but we’ll connect you with them directly, too!

Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

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