by David Lefkovits, www.LefkoRenovations.com
One of our most basic needs is to provide a roof over our heads. But for many of us, our home goes way beyond satisfying our need for shelter. It is our sanctuary from the outside world. It is a place to entertain our friends and family. It is the safest place to enjoy family life. Our needs are transformed as our family evolves and our economic situation changes. As time goes by, we seek to enhance the quality and enjoyment of our family life. 
By: Dillon Widder
After setting the alarm for the weekend at your home or business you leave thinking everything is safe. Then, the totally unexpected happens, you return to find that your AC unit has been stolen or completely stripped of its copper parts. Copper theft like this happens everyday and is one of the fastest growing crimes in America, but thanks to AC Armor you no longer have to put your AC unit at risk.
To continue our series on appliance maintenance tips, check out these pointers for common washer and dryer problems and how to fix them:
DRYER
No heat
Photo courtesy of homeappliances.wordpress.com
For both gas and electric dryers, the most common problem is usually a fully or partially clogged vent. So, you’ll want to check the dryer vent hose and ideally vacuum the lint out of the dryer (by removing the front dryer panel to gain access to the area beneath the dryer where the lint accumulates) to avoid a fire hazard. And if your electric dryer is not heating, the first thing to check are the fuses/breakers in your house fuse panel. There are two separate fuses/breakers for your dryer and if one of the two should fail, it is possible for your dryer to run but not produce any heat.
WASHING MACHINE
Prevent rupturing hoses
Over time, the water hoses that came with your new washing machine may leak or burst. It’s a good preventive maintenance practice to check these hoses from time to time for any sign of wear or weakness. Often there’s a small blister in the rubber of the hose, which could rupture. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the hoses every 5 years. Note… If the hose ruptures, large quantities of water could gush from the hose. If it’s the hot water hose that ruptures, the gushing hot water may scald anyone nearby. For more peace of mind, one alternative is to use high quality stainless steel fill hoses that may offer a greater degree of protection.
–Contributed by Mark Miller, communications director, www.AppliancePartsPros.com
In the market for a new kitchen appliance? Find out what you need to know before you buy on the Atlanta Home Improvement website.
By: Dillon Widder
During any home improvement project there are a number of products used on a regular basis and as a result, there is often times a number of bulky chords that get in the way as well as a dangerous lack of surge protection. Fortunately, the clutter can now be tamed with the help of Accell‘s new enhanced PowerSquid Surge Protector and Power Conditioner.
This safe and easy way to provide 1080 joules of surge protection accommodates up to five bulky transformer plugs with ease, and comes equipped with a Noise Reduction Filter capable of reducing line static caused by “dirty” power, often seen as snow in pictures and crackling in audio.
Unlike other surge protectors, which will leave your equipment unprotected and continue to conduct power after its maximum joule level has been reached, the PowerSquid will automatically stop conducting power after it exceeds its 1080 joule level. these safety precautions, PowerSquid’s high joule level and its ability to play nice with any appliance or electrical equipment make it the ultimate surge protector for any homeowner planning a home improvement project.
Check out more home improvement products on our blog.
By: Dillon Widder
This February 18th don’t miss the fourth annual Decatur Old House Fair taking place at the Atlanta Decatur Downtown/Emory & Conference Center at 130 Clairemont Ave. in Decatur, GA.
The event, which gives homeowners a chance to discover new ideas, materials and techniques for rehabilitating, furnishing and maintaining their older home will open its doors from 9:00am-5:00pm and feature a number of retailers, suppliers and other professionals in home improvement, historic preservation, renovation, interior furnishings and construction giving homeowners with helpful tips on restoring original windows, and improving an older home’s energy efficiency.
Featured seminars include subjects ranging from researching your old house, landscaping, storm windows, wood windows, and kitchens & baths.
This year’s fair will also include an opportunity to hear some fun ideas for enhancing your older home from HGTV personality and co-host of Today’s Homeowner on 11Alive, Jodi Marks, as well as an opportunity for a 20 minute consultation with exterior color expert and author of 1820-1920, Century of Color, and Victorian Exterior Decoration, Roger Moss.
Tickets for the event are available online at Brown Paper Tickets, and are $10 in advance and $15 at the door so be sure to buy them early.
How to solve common problems with kitchen appliances and keep them in working order? Follow these care and maintenance tips:
REFRIGERATOR
Keeping the drain pan clean
In automatically defrosted models, built-up water from the melting frost flows out a drain in the floor of the freezer and into a pan at the freezer’s base, where it evaporates. Food particles and ice build-up can be carried along, clogging the drain and causing odors. Clean the drain regularly by following these steps:
● Force hot water through the drain.
● If the solution will not go through the drain line, it may be clogged with ice or food and you may have to clear it with hot water for the ice and a small wire for the food.
● Empty the pan and wash it.
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When Ann, an Atlanta area homeowner, discovered a tablecloth from Williams-Sonoma that fit both the color scheme and style of her dining room, she called professional designer Joan Miller with The Blind Ladies to help create matching drapery panels. Ann had the idea to use rectangular tablecloths with a matching border for the drapes, and Joan followed through by taking measurements, selecting hardware and installing the custom design. Making the idea come to life in just four weeks, Joan was able to help Ann and her husband give their dining room a new look for about $853.
After
The cost breakdown for the $853 project is:
$200 approx. tablecloths (Williams-Sonoma)
$240 rods and Select Drapery Hardware (United Supply Co.)
$316 design and workroom labor
$75 installation
sales tax
This is the first entry from the professional category of our “Decorating on a Dime” Contest. Check out all the winning projects on the Atlanta Home Improvement website.
By: Dillon Widder
Is your shower the ultimate eye sore of your home? Is it filled with unsightly old caulk in desperate need of replacing? The solution to your bathroom bind may be to replace your existing shower with the new caulkless Accord Showers by Sterling.
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