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Monday, May 27th, 2013

Have you seen some of the stuff that gets trapped in an air conditioner filter? If not, it may be because you haven’t cleaned yours in a while. Changing the AC filter two to three times per year is the best way to ensure optimal performance from the unit, and minimize particles in the air you breathe. Check out these pro tips on how to clean an AC filter.

Begin by assembling the following items:

– White vinegar or strained cider vinegar

– Permanent magic marker

– A strong vacuum (hand-vac is okay)

– A whole sheet pan with raised sides (or similar)

– A soft bristle scrub brush or roll of strong paper towels

– One bath towel

How To Clean An AC Filter

1. Turn off the unit and unplug it. Next, find and remove the filter cover. This may require a screwdriver, although some covers have slide or push tabs. Before removing the filter itself, use your magic marker to mark which side is the front and which goes on the left. This will make reinserting it much less frustrating. Once it’s clearly labeled, remove the filter. It should just slide or pull out. If it doesn’t, wiggle it slowly until it comes loose.

2. Once the filter is out, use the vacuum hose or hand-vac to suck as much dirt out of the filter as you can. When you’ve gotten as much dust and dirt off the filter as possible, it’s time to sanitize. This can be the tricky part.

3. Place the filter in the sheet pan or any container that is large enough for it to lie flat and has sides at least a half-inch taller than the filter itself. Pour in a solution of half-distilled or filtered water, and half white vinegar or strained cider vinegar. If you clean your filters often, you should only need to soak them for an hour or so. If they’ve not been cleaned in more than six months, you’ll want to soak them for at least three hours. The filter should be submerged, with no part of it exposed to the air.

4. When the soaking is done, it’s scrubbing time. Use the brush or paper towels to remove any additional debris from both sides of the filter. Once that’s done, take the filter outside and give it a vigorous shake. Place it on a towel in the sun and let it dry completely. When it’s fully dry, replace the filter using the handy guides you drew earlier.

Contact Heating And Cooling Professionals

Even if you do not know how to clean an AC filter, there are professionals who do. You can connect with them quickly and easily via TalkLocal. Our concierge service is fast and free and will take the heartache out of finding local professionals in your area.

Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

Magnetic Trigger Point Therapy

Monday, May 27th, 2013

Magnets are not just used to decorate your fridge; they can help relieve physical pain as well. During magnetic trigger point therapy, magnets are placed on specific locations on your body. The magnetism increases blood flow in your body, reducing inflammation. Keep reading to find out more about magnetic trigger point therapy.

What Are Trigger Points?

When your body is injured or overtaxed, contraction knots can develop in tissue and muscle, which result in stiff muscles or trigger points. These painful points often send the pain to another part of the body, causing doctors to often misdiagnose the source of the pain.

What Causes Trigger Points?

Muscle trauma, muscle strain, stress, anxiety, poor nutrition, and postural strain can trigger a trigger point. When your body undergoes any of these, it tries to adjust itself accordingly, which ends up putting more stress on other parts of your body. Your blood flow can become irregular, which leads to more serious health problems. The accumulation of all this triggers a trigger point, causing the pain.

How Can Magnets Relieve Pain From Trigger Points?

Magnets can be used on aching feet, back pain, headaches, arthritis, and tennis elbows, as well as many other common types of muscle pain.

A medical magnet can cost between $5 and $900 and can come in various shapes and sizes. They also come in various strengths, which is called gauss. Ask your doctor about which magnet works best for you.

The magnet should be placed directly on the skin over the affected area. By relaxing the capillary walls, magnets increase the blood flow to the affected area of your body. This enables the healing process and promotes pain relief. You may rub the magnetic over the area. You can also leave the magnet over the painful area for a while; medical tape is a great way to hold the magnet in place.

Find A Qualified Therapist Today

Ask your local massage therapist about magnetic trigger point therapy. TalkLocal can connect you with quality, local therapists in just minutes. Simply tell us what you need, where you are located, and when you are available, and we will connect you with qualified professionals in your area, for free!

Posted in Massage Therapy | No Comments »

How To Seal An Asphalt Driveway

Monday, May 27th, 2013

An asphalt driveway can be a nice asset to any home. They tend to be more durable as driveways than concrete or other paving methods due to their ability to withstand extreme temperature changes.

Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever, and that once-smooth, bright, black driveway can dull and crack. Sealing an asphalt driveway can greatly extend the life of it.

How To Seal An Asphalt Driveway

1. Clean off the driveway by first sweeping and then power washing (or at least using a high-pressure hose attachment). This clears off all dirt and debris so it is not permanently sealed into the driveway.

2. For small defects in the pavement, use a crack sealer to fill them in. For larger ones, asphalt patches may be required. This is sometimes called “cold patch” by distributors because it is a cold form of asphalt that may be packed into potholes. This is the material used by road crews to patch asphalt roads.

3. Once the driveway is as smooth as possible, use a squeegee to apply an asphalt sealer according to package directions. Be sure to stir the sealer first using a paint stirrer or something similar. Use the squeegee in the manner you would a paint roller taking care to cover the driveway in a thin, even layer.

4. Be sure to wash the squeegee when finished or it will be ruined and unable to be used for future jobs.

5. Stay off the driveway for 24 to 48 hours, or according to the sealer directions. It needs time to set.

Not An Easy Task

Ultimately, there is a reason professionals that know how to seal an asphalt driveway make their living doing so — the task can be challenging for the inexperienced. If you are worried about where to find, or how to apply, the necessary materials, call an expert.

While most handymen do not generally install asphalt driveways, many can certainly seal one. TalkLocal will help you find a qualified handyman near you quickly. Our service is entirely free and you will not regret asking for the help.

Tags: asphalt driveway, driveway
Posted in Handyman | No Comments »

Remembering American Soldiers This Memorial Day

Monday, May 27th, 2013

Written by Dallea Caldwell

They say soldiers never die, they just fade away.

This Memorial Day, many Americans are grasping for the vapors of loved ones who’ve literally gone up in smoke in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other war zones around the world and throughout recent history. A fortunate many hold dear to soldiers still fighting, in hopes that they return safely so that their hair fades to grey, along with the fiery courage that calls them to service, long before the hero him or herself ever does.

They say soldiers never die until they are forgotten.

Memorial Day calls Americans to remember the brave few who lived and died for the land and people they loved. Remembrance breaths life into the spirit of service, courage, and sacrifice to which these brave men and women have devoted themselves.

They say a great many things, those who speak for the dead.

So many poetic speakers for the dead only speak and do not live for the principles for which those soldiers stood. So in closing, we’re letting one soldier speak for himself — through historical letters — in the hopes that it inspires everyone to serve in any way they can.

“I am willing — perfectly willing — to lay down all my joys in this life… But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows — when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children — is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country?”

– Sullivan Ballou, Civil War, July the 14th, 1861

Remembering American Soldiers

The TalkLocal Team wishes every American family a loving Memorial Day full of remembrance for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and comfort for those families with triangular flags on their mantles.

Happy Memorial Day.

Posted in Seva Call | No Comments »

Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Brush My Teeth?

Sunday, May 26th, 2013

When you are brushing your teeth and you notice the taste of blood, you might begin to worry. You may begin to think: Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth? This can be a worrisome situation, and it could be a sign of serious issues. Most of the time, though, it’s just a small problem that can be easily fixed.

If you’re asking yourself: Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth? You should also ask yourself these questions:

Am I brushing too much?

Although most people don’t brush enough, sometimes people do brush their teeth too much. It might seem like a good solution for bad breath, but brushing more than five times a day can cause wear and tear on your gums. Dentists recommend you brush after every meal or at least two to three times per day.

What kind of toothbrush am I using?

Every kind of toothbrush has its bristles labeled soft, medium, or hard. Sometimes, people think that using a hard-bristled toothbrush means they’re getting their teeth cleaner because it feels like you’re scrubbing harder. However, dentists actually recommend you use a toothbrush with soft bristles. The soft bristles are gentler and still get the job done. Using too hard of a toothbrush can cause some irritation to your teeth and gums and ultimately lead to bleeding.

Am I being too tough with my soft brush?

If your brush is soft, you might evaluate how you brush your teeth. If you’re going too fast and too hard, you could be causing that blood to show up. You want to be firm but gentle when brushing your teeth. Go in slow, circular motions, spending about 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth. The same goes for flossing. Don’t rush and don’t be too rough.

Let A Dentist Diagnose The Problem

If you are using the right kind of brush, brushing slowly and gently, and not over brushing, you might have a more serious issue such as gum disease or gingivitis. These can easily be prevented and cared for once developed.

TalkLocal can connect you with a dental health professional to answer your questions about these issues and help get your teeth healthy again.

Posted in Dentists | No Comments »

What Is House Flipping?

Sunday, May 26th, 2013

It’s on all the television networks. There are countless shows about interior designers, real estate agents, and even just average Joes doing it. Maybe you’re interested in doing it yourself.

Regardless of what you do or do not know about it, you’re probably asking yourself, exactly: What is house flipping? Well, you don’t have to be a professional to do it, but you do need a certain set of skills. Below, you will find some answers to your common questions.

What is house flipping?

House flipping is, essentially, buying a house with the intention of selling it for a profit. What you do in between the buying and the selling depends on a lot of different factors.

Do I have to renovate the house?

Not necessarily, but once again, this depends on the situation. If you buy a house that is cheap because it is damaged, in order to make a profit on it, you’ll have to fix what is damaged. That said, you need to do so in a way that doesn’t lower the equity of the home. For example, if your repairs will add $2,000 to the house’s value, you don’t want to spend $2,000 (or even $1,500, really) on them.

Do I have to make mortgage payments on the house?

Most house flippers plan their flipping so they won’t have to make payments, as that creates a loss of equity. For example, if the payments are typically due the first of the month, you’ll want to buy the house after the mortgage is paid, make sure any renovations or changes are finished as soon as possible, then sell the house before the next mortgage payment is due.

Do I need to buy a certain kind of house?

Yes and no. No, there isn’t a specific type of house reserved for flippers, but yes, you need to buy a type of house that you are confident you can flip and sell. Oftentimes, foreclosed homes are sold for much cheaper than they’re worth, which makes them good candidates for flipping. That said, foreclosure and other factors may affect the equity of the house.

Do I need money to begin flipping?

Yes, you do. You need to be able to afford the mortgage on the house, just in case. Although your plan will not include paying the mortgage, you don’t want to end up in a sorry situation if something happens.

Get More Information From The Pros

Real Estate is a tricky market. If you need help navigating it, we can help. At TalkLocal, we connect you with the professionals in your area who have the answers you need. These can range from real estate agents to handymen that could offer assistance in fixing up a home.

Posted in Real Estate | No Comments »

Windows 8 Common Issues

Sunday, May 26th, 2013

No operating system is perfect. Users are always going to have their share of gripes with whatever system they are working on. This includes Windows 8.

If you use Windows 8 and have run into certain problems, check to see if they fall on our list of Windows 8 common issues.

Windows 8 Not Recognizing The Printer

One of the Windows 8 common issues shows up when users try to print. Occasionally, their print job will be interrupted, delayed or not registered at all. In this case, it might be worth reinstalling your printer all together.

Each printer comes with a driver CD.

1. Uninstall the printer if you had previously installed it.

2. Go to the start menu and click “Devices and Printers”.

3. Choose to add a device and pick the driver. Once you install the printer, restart your computer to see if that did the trick.

Automatic Restarts

Few things are more frustrating then when your computer randomly restarts by itself — especially if you were in the middle of something. This is a very widely experienced problem on Windows 8 but can luckily be tempered.

1. If you go to the start menu and type “power,” you can access the power options.

2. Uncheck the box that says “Turn on fast startup,” even though it is recommended. This should help curb the issue.

Windows 8 Is Freezing

Not too uncommon from the issues other operating systems face, Windows 8 has a propensity to freeze. In this situation, you should check to see if a new program or driver was either install or updated. If it was, try removing the program to see if it is the source of the constant freezing. You can also always run System Maintenance troubleshooting to identify the issue.

Are Your Issues More Serious?

These are just a few of the Windows 8 common issues. If you run into something more serious and need the help of a computer repair professional, use TalkLocal to find one. We can connect you with one in your local area that is able to help out. You won’t have to waste your time talking to people who will either try to charge you too much or don’t even have the knowledge to fix your problem.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

What To Expect From Roadside Assistance

Sunday, May 26th, 2013

Many insurance policies or a AAA membership proudly boast that they offer roadside assistance. You may be left wondering what to expect from roadside assistance. Or, what exactly will be included in your roadside assistance plan? The answer to this question varies, but here is a list of general services you can expect to from such plans.

Flat Tire Repair

If your vehicle sustains a flat tire while on the road, your roadside assistance coverage should pay for a professional to meet you on location and change your tire. If you don not have a spare, you will have to pay for a new tire and its installation.

Lockouts

If you lock your keys in your car, or if you lose them completely, roadside assistance should cover the cost of a professional to retrieve the keys from the vehicle but not the cost of the locksmith and new keys.

Towing

In the event of a flat tire or car breakdown, your roadside assistance should cover towing. Check your policy, because many will cover towing for only a certain distance or cost. Depending on your policy, you may be required to pay the professional and be reimbursed by your insurance company later.

Out Of Fuel

If you run out of fuel on the road, most roadside assistance plans will pay for a contractor to bring you a small amount of fuel to get you to the next gas station. Generally, you will not need to pay any fees.

Dead Battery/Jump Start

If your battery is dead, many roadside assistance plans will cover the cost of a professional coming to jumpstart it. He or she will bring his or her own cables, so you do not need to have your own.

Need Help?

If you do not know what to expect from roadside assistance on your individual plan, contact a professional. TalkLocal can find a professional in your area for free. Our service is very easy and will put you in touch with someone in minutes.

Posted in Towing | No Comments »

How To Build A Wooden Gazebo

Sunday, May 26th, 2013

If you have finished your landscaping but something is still missing, you may be exploring how to build a wooden gazebo in order to complete your look. Wooden gazebos can add a beautiful, whimsical quality to any landscape and provide a sheltered area to enjoy your creation. Experienced builders may simply need a blueprint design in order to determine how to build a wooden gazebo, but for the less experienced of us, many home stores make it relatively simple.

How To Build A Wooden Gazebo

1. Find out the permit requirements in your area. Some towns are stricter about building requirements (i.e. depths of posts, spacing of joists, etc.) than others.

2. Ask your local lumber store if they provide blueprints for out-buildings. Many will help you design your building and even get you the exact lumber and materials you need to complete your project.

3. Ask if they can pre-cut the material for you. This might make the cost a bit more expensive, but it will take a lot of the guess work out of your project.

4. Before you check out, make sure you are provided everything you will need to complete your project. Most stores will provide kits that are not necessarily sold in boxes. Instead, the store will put together a package of everything you need.

5. Follow the blueprints exactly. You will want at least one other person with you to help you stay on track and make sure you are safe. Even though your materials may be pre-cut, that does not eliminate the possibility of an error. Be prepared to shave off some pieces to ensure the perfect fit.

Overwhelmed?

If the idea of taking on a complicated project like a wooden gazebo is just a bit too overwhelming, try calling a professional. He or she will know how to build a wooden gazebo in likely a much shorter time than you could. TalkLocal can match you with a qualified professional in your area for free. Try our easy service today!

Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

Storage Facilities For Wine

Saturday, May 25th, 2013

Nothing beats a glass of fine wine. For that reason, you might have numerous bottles laying around your own home. Wine connoisseurs will tell you that the older wine gets, the more valuable it can be. For that reason, many wine collectors do not crack into their bottles immediately.

At the same time, not everyone lives in a home that can accommodate a wine cellar, leaving wine lovers like yourself in need of storage facilities for wine.

It might sound odd, but storage facilities for wine – and nothing else — have cropped up around the nation, catering to hardcore wine collectors. These are a lot different from typical storage units, as the conditions are perfected for storing wine.

When storing wine, you must be conscious of:

Temperature

Wine is extremely sensitive to its surrounding temperature. Most wine enthusiasts have agreed that storing wine at 55 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Anything above 70 degrees can damage the wine, while anything colder than 45 degrees could present a freezing risk. Storage facilities for wine design their facilities around this notion and allow you to store your wine at a temperature that will seal in the most flavorful taste.

Temperature Changes

Even major shifts in temperature can make a bottle of wine expand and contract, loosening the cork and allowing air to enter in. This damages wine in a very bad way. Facilities devoted to storing wine should keep the temperature at a consistent level, unlike other storage facilities which may not even offer climate control.

Light

Artificial light can cause fading on a wine label, and ultra-violet rays from sunlight can damage wine. Make sure to choose a facility that stores wine in a dark climate, which is preferred by all wine lovers.

Storage Position

Even the position in which a bottle of wine is stored plays a factor in preserving it. It is important to store wine sideways so that some of the wine is touching the cork at all times. This prevents the cork from drying out and losing its seal. The ideal storage facility for wine offers racks in which you can store your wine in the proper position.

Not Sure Where To Find A Storage Facility For Your Wine?

Clearly, these wine-specific storage facilities are not as common as general storage facilities, but they are out there. TalkLocal can help you find them with a few clicks of the mouse. We make any search ultra-easy, and free.

Posted in Moving and Storage | No Comments »

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