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Archive for 2013

Wednesday, May 29th, 2013

Gas and electricity are not the only forms of fuel that we can use to heat our homes and offices. Geothermal heating is a relatively new breakthrough in heating and cooling. Because gas and electricity are used to heat and cool most homes, at this point, you are probably still thinking: How does geothermal heating work?

How Geothermal Heating Works

– The earth essentially acts like a giant solar panel. When the sun beats down on it, the earth actually absorbs and stores upwards of 60 percent of the energy. This is held just below the earth’s crust. Geothermal heating simply taps into this little-known supply of heat.

– A geothermal heating system is comprised of a series of pumps and pipes that extract the heat from underneath the earth’s crust and transfer it into your home.

– The pipes that go into the ground are filled with a solution very similar to water. The water solution absorbs the heat from inside the earth and brings it up to a heat exchanger pump. The heat exchanger extracts the heat from the solution and pumps it through additional mechanisms and into the home.

– The solution is, in turn, cooled off, so that it travels back down into the pipes and into the earth where it can absorb more heat. The process continues from there to keep a steady flow of natural heat flowing into your home.

– This same geothermal energy technology can also be used to cool off a home. In that situation, the cool air is pumped out of the home and into the ground.

– Additionally, geothermal technology can also be used to efficiently heat water in your home.

Heat Your Home With Geothermal Energy

It is hard enough for most people to answer: How does geothermal heating work? The process of setting up a geothermal heating system is even more complex and requires the help of a certified professional. Use TalkLocal to locate such a professional simply by logging on and filling out a little bit of information. We’ll connect you with the right professionals in your area for free!

Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

Best Uses Of A Small Garden

Wednesday, May 29th, 2013

If you have a small backyard or limited space for a garden, there are ways to make the most of it. Some of the best uses of a small garden turn out to be the most beautiful. Don’t let a small area prevent you from enjoying a garden. Utilize some of these methods that will have you planting and gardening anywhere.

Raised Flower Beds

Raised beds can be placed anywhere and are easy to build yourself. Simply build a box or rectangle shaped wooden frame, place it in the desired area and fill it will potting soil. Add your flowers or other plants and tend to them as you normally would. Raised beds can even be used on concrete patios or balconies.

Stacked Garden Beds

The best way to make the most out of a small area is to stack some garden beds. This is one of the best uses of a small garden because the stacked beds give you more space vertically even if your overall space is limited. To build stacked beds, start with large base and fill it with dirt. Add another bed on top of the base but offset it so it does not cover the entire open space. The space should resemble stair steps. You can plant various plants and vegetables in each section of the stacked bed.

Borders

If you do not have any yard space, look for a place to add a border garden. Choose the area around your house, patio, or sidewalk. Dig a small trench and add your plants. You can add gravel or mulch on top of the dirt to create a tidy look that adds beauty to your yard. Border gardens work well with flowers but can also be used to grow vegetables and other garden items.

Need Some Ideas?

The best uses of a small garden can help make your yard look nice and be useful. If you have a small yard or no yard at all, don’t get discouraged. Use one of these solutions and get your green thumb ready.

You can also seek professional help by logging on to TalkLocal and putting out the word. We can connect you with qualified landscapers that can help with your project.

Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

Cheap Soundproofing Material

Wednesday, May 29th, 2013

If you have noisy neighbors, you may feel the need to soundproof your house in order to get some peace and quiet. Or maybe, you are the noisy one, and you do not wish to bother your neighbors. Either way, soundproofing can be very expensive, but there are some more cost effective ways to soundproof your house. This article will describe some cheap soundproofing material.

Green Glue

The cheapest way to sound proof your house is with Green Glue. Applying Green Glue in between drywall layers will reduce noise coming in and out of the walls.

Silent Panel

Another low cost way to soundproof your house is with a silent panel. Silent panels are boards made of polypropylene that can be put in ceilings or walls. They are also helpful in preventing the growth of mold and mildew, so a silent panel is an excellent choice for an area that room that might have moisture, such as a room with a swimming pool, or a public building that might not always be treated with care, such as a school or gym.

American Sound Isolation Tape

Another sound proofing option is American Sound Isolation Tape. American Sound Isolation type provides a similar function to foaming a ceiling or wall, but it is less expensive and less of a hassle.

Find Cheap Soundproofing Material

If you do not know how or do not wish to soundproof your house yourself, you can contact a professional handyman to do the soundproof installation for you. A professional handyman should also be willing to give you some advice about what material is both the cheapest and most effective in soundproofing a room or a house. With the help of TalkLocal, you can be on the phone in minutes with up to three, high-quality handymen in your area that are available when you are.

Tags: soundproof
Posted in Handyman | No Comments »

Mouthwash Versus Dental Floss

Tuesday, May 28th, 2013

Let’s face it — a lot of us just don’t floss as much as we should. Some people don’t floss at all. Mouthwash is commonly accepted as an equal alternative to flossing, and a lot of people prefer it more. All you do is swish some minty stuff around in your mouth for a little bit and you are good to go. The tingles it leaves behind even make you feel like your mouth is cleaner. But the battle between mouthwash versus dental floss is more than just black versus white or ‘A’ versus ‘B’.

Check out this information about each.

Mouthwash

– Mouthwash is a minty-flavored rinse that usually uses alcohol to clean your teeth and your mouth. Even those that don’t contain alcohol leave you with a tingly feeling that makes your mouth feel fresh and clean.

– Compared to flossing, that clean feeling is deceptive. Mouthwash can soften plaque and tartar build-up, but it usually isn’t effective at removing that build-up altogether.

– Mouthwash can also cause aches and pains if you have sores inside of your mouth. Some washes, especially those that use alcohol, can also kill the good bacteria that your mouth needs.

– When used properly, mouthwash can aid in the removal of build-up and works very well to freshen your breath. That said, it shouldn’t replace flossing.

Flossing

– Floss is a thin, string-like material, either waxed or unwaxed, that works in between your teeth where brushes can’t reach to loosen and remove plaque and tartar build-up.

– Despite what mouth wash commercials may lead you to believe, floss is the most effective way to get rid of build-up between your teeth. It cannot be replaced by mouthwash or any other method.

– Flossing helps get rid of the food particles left behind by brushing. If those food particles are left, the build-up they produce can lead to painful gum issues, gingivitis and even gum disease.

– A lot of people say they don’t floss because it hurts their teeth and makes their gums bleed. Actually, not flossing is the cause of that pain and bleeding. Build-up between your teeth makes your gums weaker and more sensitive. When you floss and remove that build-up, your gums may bleed at first because they’re weak. After about one to two weeks of flossing (depending on your gums), the bleeding and pain will subside.

Pay A Visit To The Dentist

Dental health and hygiene is really important. Because of that, there is one clear winner in mouthwash versus dental floss. Mouthwash can aid in proper hygiene, but it can’t replace flossing. If you have more questions about your dental health, TalkLocal can connect you with the professionals in your area who can help.

Posted in Dentists | No Comments »

Dumpster Rental Cost

Tuesday, May 28th, 2013

If you are planning a large home project with lots of expected waste, you may be wondering about the average dumpster rental cost in your area. After all, renting a dumpster is arguably the most efficient means of handling large surges of waste.

Like storage rental, the cost of a dumpster can vary depending on a variety of factors. The following are five factors to consider when determining your dumpster rental cost.

Location

The price of disposing waste in municipal landfills varies greatly by area and is the main factor in determining how much you will pay for a dumpster. The way this works is as follows.

The full truck will drive across a scale upon arriving to the landfill. It will dump the load and return to the scale empty. The difference in weight is then charged according to the going rate per ton at your landfill.

Flat Rate

Many dumpster rental companies will offer a flat rate to use the dumpster for a certain amount of time. This rate is usually around a few hundred dollars and should include delivery, pick up, and the actual disposal.

Extra Fees

Always read the fine print. Some companies will offer you the dumpster for a certain rate but tack on fuel surcharges if you live a certain distance from the landfill. Others will apply a fee if you choose to keep the dumpster longer than the normal time.

Weight

Most companies will quote your charge based on a maximum weight allowance. When you receive your flat rate, be sure to ask about the maximum weight allowance. If you are allowed a load of four tons and exceed that weight limit, you will likely be charged a fee.

Type Of Waste

Some waste must be disposed of in a secure manner. Depending on the type of waste you are disposing of, you may be charged more if special circumstances apply to your waste.

Garbage Removal Experts Are Available To Answer Your Questions

Your best option when determining dumpster rental cost is to contact a local garbage removal expert. He or she will be able to give you local quotes for your waste disposal. TalkLocal can find a local professional for you, and we won’t charge you anything for it.

Posted in Garbage Removal | 2 Comments »

Where To Dispose Of Fallen Trees

Tuesday, May 28th, 2013

Factors such as frost and decay can cause you to have a newly fallen tree to clean up. You may be wondering, therefore, where to dispose of fallen trees. There are a variety of options to choose from, and you really just need to pick the one that works best in your area. First, however, here are some things to consider.

Permits

Shockingly, some municipalities require permits for tree removal, even if the tree was not intentionally cut. In some locations, you might be instructed to set the tree by the road during a certain time of the year. Others might require you to cut up the tree and dispose of it with other natural waste. The local laws in your area will dictate how and where to dispose of fallen trees.

Safety

Make sure there are no downed power lines or nearby rushing water. When trees fall over, they can sometimes become entangled with dangerous power lines. If you think there may be a downed power line, stay indoors and call the power company immediately.

Preparation

Regardless of your disposal method of choice, you will have to prepare the tree to some extent. Begin by cutting off the top branches in manageable pieces and work your way to the trunk until the tree is cut into small enough pieces that a person may carry them.

Methods

Burn it: Depending on your city codes or needs, you could keep the wood for firewood.

Sell it: If you don’t have need for firewood, someone else might. Some people use wood-burning stoves to heat their homes in the winter and are always looking for good wood to store.

Rent a dumpster: If your tree is too large to pick up, you may need to rent a small dumpster to have the tree hauled away in.

Hire a professional: Professional tree removal companies are equipped to prepare and haul away your tree. They may also be able to grind the tree up into mulch on site. You could use this mulch for landscaping or allow the workers to haul away the material.

Locate A Professional

If tree removal sounds like too large of a task for you to handle, call a professional. TalkLocal can find an expert in your area who will know exactly where to dispose of fallen trees. Our service is free and incredibly easy.

Posted in Tree Removal | No Comments »

How To Find A Chauffeur

Tuesday, May 28th, 2013

If you are planning to attend a special event or simply do not wish to drive yourself around, you may want to hire a chauffeur to drive for you. Chauffeur services are more luxurious than regular taxi services and are available in most cities. Before you can order your personal driver to take you from place to place, you have to know how to find a chauffeur. Here are some tips to help you.

Search Online

Use your favorite search engine to find chauffeur services in your area. You can find the contact information for the services on the company website and even read reviews about the different services available so you can easily decide which one you want to use. Some chauffeur websites may even allow you to reserve your driver and car online. Then, there is always Seva Call, but we’ll save that for last.

Ask A Local

If you are in a city other than the one you live in and want to hire a chauffeur, your best bet is to ask a local. A local may have used different companies and will not only be able to tell you where to find a chauffeur, but which one is the best.

Check The Phonebook

Everyone has a phonebook and even if you are traveling, you can find one in a hotel room or rest area. While it might be the most old-fashioned of avenues, you can go through the listings in the phonebook and contact each company to inquire about rates and services. When you find a company or driver you want to hire, make the arrangements over the phone and set your appointment.

Having a personal driver is a great way to arrive in style to a wedding, prom, job interview, graduation or other special event. Knowing how to find a chauffeur is the first step towards getting your own personal driver. Why not have some fun and spend a little money to turn heads and get some attention? Everyone deserves some luxury sometimes.

The Easiest Way To Find A Chauffeur

While these methods of finding a chauffeur are certainly viable, you can save your time and energy by trusting the search to TalkLocal. We have the power to connect you to a chauffeur in your area in a matter of minutes.

Posted in Limo Rental | No Comments »

Why Use A Virtual Machine?

Tuesday, May 28th, 2013

A virtual machine is a computer that is run virtually, from almost any location. Virtual machines are convenient because they allow you to access your files, email, and anything else on your computer from another location. They are great for people who travel or need to bring their office work home with them. Many people wonder, why use a virtual machine? There are many benefits to virtual machines; here are a few of them.

Try New Things

If you want to try something new, but do not want to load it on your computer, you can build a virtual machine and use the new program on it. Virtual machines can be built to use completely different operating systems than the actual computer.

Create A Home Office

If you need to bring your files home from work or school, you can use a virtual machine to create a complete office that mimics the one you use. You can add specific software and even access and transfer files between machines.

Create A Kid-Friendly Computer

If your children like to use your computer but you are afraid that they will harm it or accidentally download a virus, let them work on a virtual machine. The virtual machine will let your children use the computer anyway they want, but will not harm your original files or anything outside of the virtual machine you have created.

A virtual machine may sound like something complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. You can find many software programs that will help you create your virtual machine. You can also find tutorials online. Why use a virtual machine? Why not? Virtual machines can give you peace of mind while working on your computer or letting other people use it. They are a great source of protection for you and your PC.

Need Help With A Virtual Machine?

If you need help setting up a virtual machine, or run into issues while using one, hop on TalkLocal to put the word out to local computer repair professionals who are eager to work with you. We make the search process easy, and our service is completely free!

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Why Do I Need A Lumbar Roll?

Monday, May 27th, 2013

Back pain is more than just a pain in the back — it can cause serious discomfort and health issues. Your entire day can be ruined by back pain. We have certain things that help us avoid back pain and keep our bodies postured positively. One such item is a lumbar roll. You might be wondering: Why do I need a lumbar roll?

Listen up! These answers might help you.

Why Do I Need A Lumbar Roll?

Slouching is really bad for you

Not only does it hurt, but it hinders your body. When you slouch, you’re holding your muscles in an abnormal position for a really long time. Even though it doesn’t feel like you’re using your muscles, you are. You’re stretching them awkwardly.

Over time, this weakens them. If they are weakened too much for too long, you can even develop really serious side effects like disc degeneration. Discs are the little pieces of cushion between your vertebrae. You can also bulge your discs out, which can press on nerves and cause horrible pain in other parts of your body.

Good posture avoids slouching

This means that having good posture is really good for you. When your body is properly postured the way nature intended, your discs do nothing other than cushion your vertebrae. If you’ve had bad pad posture for long enough, it might actually hurt to sit properly. That’s because your muscles aren’t used to it. Keep doing it and your posture and back will improve greatly.

Lumbar rolls help make proper posture feel more natural

Using a lumbar roll on the back of your chair when sitting helps you feel like you’re not doing any work to hold your muscles up the right way, even though they’re not used to it. This helps you keep yourself sitting up straight without realizing it, thus practicing good posture and avoiding slouching and back pain.

Chiropractors Can Assess Your Need For A Lumbar Roll

With the help of a lumbar roll, your back can be in awesome condition. It may take some time, but it’s worth it. If you’re worried you already have a serious back issue, you may need professional help. TalkLocal can connect you to the professionals you need to make every day a little more bearable without back pain.

Posted in Chiropractors | No Comments »

What Is An Appearance Bond?

Monday, May 27th, 2013

Run-ins with the law are no fun to deal with, but they are particularly stressful if you don’t completely understand the terminology or how it all works. If you find yourself wondering: What is an appearance bond? Check out this quick guide to help.

What Is An Appearance Bond?

The most basic definition of an appearance bond is money you pay to get out of jail under a promise that you will appear in court at your scheduled court date. If you get arrested for something, you might not be able to go to court immediately. Often times, there are at least a couple of days before your court date. By paying an appearance bond, you get to leave jail under the promise that you will come to court.

The price of the bond is based on what you have done. For example, someone who has had a small altercation or was arrested for a misdemeanor will have a much lower bond than someone who has committed a felony.

You are not always guaranteed the opportunity to pay an appearance bond. If you have done something very serious, or if you are deemed a danger to society, you may be kept in prison to avoid anything else from happening. Often, people who are accused of committing violent crimes have to stay in jail.

Usually, if you do have to stay in jail, your time served is taken out of your sentence if you are found guilty. For example: If you are sentenced to two years in prison, but you spent six months in jail since you didn’t get an appearance bond option, you’ll likely only spend an additional one-and-a-half years in prison.

If your bond amount is not determined immediately, you are entitled to a hearing to set a bond amount within 72 hours of your initial arrest. This is usually when judges determine no appearance bond option is available if necessary.

Get Help!

If you find yourself stuck in a legal pickle, you should seek professional help to insure that everything is done properly and in your best interest. TalkLocal can connect you with the professionals in your area who can help. We give you access to lawyers, bail bondsmen, and a long list of other professionals.

Posted in Bail Bonds | No Comments »

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