The recall involves the Campbell Hausfeld model HU200099AV air compressor with 20 gallon tank. The recall includes date codes ranging from January 2009 through June 2009 and were exclusively sold at Walmart.
The compressor's thermal overload, which shuts the unit off when it overheats, can fail. This can lead to overheating, melting and a risk of fire.
For information on this recall go to CPSC website.
www.thediypal.com
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Welding Safety Apparels
For welders, safety is one that cannot be taken for granted and safety apparels are part of keeping safe. Good reliable safety equipments are a must because welding is inherently dangerous profession.
Hobart Welding Product just introduced a variety of welding apparels which includes leather and flame retardant cotton welding jackets, leather aprons and flame retardant cotton welding sleeves.
Hobart's Leather Welding Jacket is available in three sizes: L, XL, XXL. MSRP $60. The cloth welding jacket is available in three sizes: L, XL, XXL. MSRP $35. Aprons MSRP is $20 and the sleeves are selling about $8.00.
For more information on these products visit Hobart Safety Acessories.
www.thediypal.com
Hobart Welding Product just introduced a variety of welding apparels which includes leather and flame retardant cotton welding jackets, leather aprons and flame retardant cotton welding sleeves.
Hobart's Leather Welding Jacket is available in three sizes: L, XL, XXL. MSRP $60. The cloth welding jacket is available in three sizes: L, XL, XXL. MSRP $35. Aprons MSRP is $20 and the sleeves are selling about $8.00.
For more information on these products visit Hobart Safety Acessories.
www.thediypal.com
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Save Energy, Save Money
During this lean times, everyone is looking to save a buck and you can start by saving energy at home and a good one to start is replacing those incandescent light bulbs we use all over our homes.
According to the EPA and the US Department of Energy if every American home replaced just one light bulb with ENERGY Star qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light 3 million homes for a year. That amounted to $600 million in annual energy cost, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.
Replacing those incandescent light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs makes a lot of sense and eventually will save you energy cost. Compared to the incandescent light bulb, CFLs use about 75% less energy, 75% less heat which means they are safer to use, last 10 times longer which means all this could save you $35.00 for each bulb's lifetime use.
CFLs comes in different sizes and shapes, for indoors and outdoors, warm or soft lighting and are great to be used in all areas of our homes.
Some CFLs works with dimmer switches but make sure to read the labels because majority of CFLs will not work with these switches.
It's a small start but it makes sense, it will save you energy cost in the long run and also great for the environment.
www.thediypal.com
According to the EPA and the US Department of Energy if every American home replaced just one light bulb with ENERGY Star qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light 3 million homes for a year. That amounted to $600 million in annual energy cost, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.
Replacing those incandescent light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs makes a lot of sense and eventually will save you energy cost. Compared to the incandescent light bulb, CFLs use about 75% less energy, 75% less heat which means they are safer to use, last 10 times longer which means all this could save you $35.00 for each bulb's lifetime use.
CFLs comes in different sizes and shapes, for indoors and outdoors, warm or soft lighting and are great to be used in all areas of our homes.
Some CFLs works with dimmer switches but make sure to read the labels because majority of CFLs will not work with these switches.
It's a small start but it makes sense, it will save you energy cost in the long run and also great for the environment.
www.thediypal.com
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Is Your Water Heater Needs Replacing?
Don't get caught unprepared when your water heater fails. Water heaters lasts about 10–15 years or so, so if your water heater is getting close to the end of it's service life, start looking around for a replacement and replace them before they actually fail.
Take in consideration of all the available options and models of water heaters in the market today and choose one that will save you energy, operating cost and the one that will meet the hot water demand of your home.
Some of the available types of water heaters are Heat Pump Water Heaters, Gas Storage Water Heaters, Gas Condensing Water Heaters, Whole-Home Gas or Electric Tankless Water Heaters, Solar Water Heaters and Heat Pump Water Heaters.
Here are some of the checklist you can use before purchasing.
www.thediypal.com
Take in consideration of all the available options and models of water heaters in the market today and choose one that will save you energy, operating cost and the one that will meet the hot water demand of your home.
Some of the available types of water heaters are Heat Pump Water Heaters, Gas Storage Water Heaters, Gas Condensing Water Heaters, Whole-Home Gas or Electric Tankless Water Heaters, Solar Water Heaters and Heat Pump Water Heaters.
Here are some of the checklist you can use before purchasing.
- Check for product availability in your local area and on the web and do a research comparison.
- Decide on what size you need according to your household hot water demand, your plumber or sales person will be able estimate them for you.
- Get quotes on water heater cost and installation, get them in writing.
- Find out about warranty on the water heater, parts and labor.
- Make sure you have the available space for your new model and size you choose.
- Take in considerations any additional expenses such as additional electrical wiring or additional plumbing.
- Find out if there are special deals and any tax credits for purchasing a qualified Energy Star compliant water heaters.
- Find out if your contractor will obtain all the necessary permits for you.
- Get references for your contractor.
- Check the companies you are dealing with the Better Business Bureau.
www.thediypal.com
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Change your Clock, Change your Smoke Alarm Batteries
March 8, 2009 at 2:00 am is the start of daylight saving time, don't forget to set your clocks before you go to bed but most importantly, this serves as a reminder for all of us to replace the batteries of our smoke alarms.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA),
www.thediypal.com
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA),
- A 2004 telephone survey found that 96% of U.S. households had at least one smoke alarm, yet in 2000-2004, no smoke alarms were present or none operated in almost half (46%) of the reported home fires.
- An estimated 890 lives could be saved each year if all homes had working smoke alarms.
- 65% of reported home fire deaths in 2000-2004 resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
www.thediypal.com
Friday, February 27, 2009
Reclaimed Greywater to Flush the Toilet?
The Sloan Valve Company's new Sloan® AQUS® Greywater System does exactly that, reclaims greywater from bathroom lavatory drains and reuses it to flush toilets, which could mean savings of gallons of water annually. The system is currently ideal for hotels, schools and many commercial applications, a common household probably will not generate enough greywater for this system to be practical but if Sloan Company can come up with a home model, it will be a great one for household use, but who says you cant try this one for your home?
The systems basically, funnels water collected from sink drains, sanitizes, cleans and filters the water. The water then stored to a reservoir under the sink for future use. When a toilet that is connected to the system flushes, water from the reservoir is used to flush the toilet, a very ingenious way to save and tap greywater.
www.thediypal.com
The systems basically, funnels water collected from sink drains, sanitizes, cleans and filters the water. The water then stored to a reservoir under the sink for future use. When a toilet that is connected to the system flushes, water from the reservoir is used to flush the toilet, a very ingenious way to save and tap greywater.
www.thediypal.com
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Electrical Cords Safety
Electrical cords that are damage or used improperly can posed a serious risk, they can be a source of shock hazards, fire hazards or tripping hazards.
Here are some few tips to prevent injuries or accidents involving electrical cords from occurring.
Here are some few tips to prevent injuries or accidents involving electrical cords from occurring.
- Before using electrical cords, make sure they are not damage, check the insulation make sure they are not chafed or cut. Make sure all the prongs are there and not damage.
- Use GFCI along with your electrical cord when working outdoors, in close proximity with water, or in damp conditions.
- Remove all cords out of foot traffic paths, they pose a tripping hazard when stepped on. If this is not unavoidable, use duct tape to keep them flat and secure on the floor, use this only as a temporary solution.
- Move cords or furniture so cords are not covered. Heavy weights or traffic can damage cords, crushing insulation or breaking wire strands, creating a fire or shock hazard.
- Unwrap cords. Wrapped cords trap heat that normally escapes loose cords, which can lead to melting or weakening of insulation.
- Do not use nails or staples to fasten electrical cords, nails and staples can tear or crush the insulation or cut the wires inside, presenting a fire or shock hazard.
- Do not overload cords, make sure extension cords are not carrying too much load than what they are supposed to, if so replace cords with a higher capacity cords (16 AWG handles 1375 W, use 14 or 12 AWG for heavier loads). Too much current will cause the wires to get hot. If the cord, plug, or outlet feels warm, it may be overloaded, and can be a fire hazard.
- Do not use extension cord as a permanent wiring, extension cords are not as safe as permanent house wiring. Have additional outlets installed, installed wiring can carry more current and is protected from accidental damage that could cause shock or fire.
- Do not pull on the electrical cord itself when unplugging, remove them by the plug.
- When using electrical cords, make sure they do not come in contact with water, water and electricity do not mix and can result in serious shock or fire.
- When done using them, unplugged and remove them from electrical source.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Handy Solutions for Common Interior Paint Problems
Tips from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute
Now is the perfect time to look around your home and take stock of areas in need of repair or an inexpensive spruce up with the holiday season behind us and warmer weather still months away.
“A simple change of paint color can rejuvenate a tired kitchen, warm a family or living room or help to create a restful bedroom. But, before opening that first can of paint, correct surface issues and make sure your walls are clean and sound. Good surface preparation coupled with top quality paint, brushes and rollers will help to insure a long-lasting and beautiful finish,” Debbie Zimmer, color and decorating expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute explains.
Common Interior Surface Paint Problems
1. Foaming or Cratering
This occurs during the formation of bubbles and results in small, round concave depressions when those bubbles break during paint application and drying.
Possible causes include shaking a partially filled can of paint, use of low quality paint or very old latex paint, applying paint too quickly or excessive rolling and brushing, using a low quality roller cover or wrong nap length or applying a gloss or semigloss paint over a porous surface.
Solution
All paints will foam to some extent during application: however, higher quality paints are formulated so bubbles break while the paint is still wet, allowing for good flow and appearance. Apply gloss and semigloss paints with a short nap roller, and apply a sealer or primer to porous surfaces before painting.
2. Mildew
The black, gray or brown areas of fungus growth can occur on paint or caulk surfaces. Mildew forms most often on areas that tend to be damp with little or no sunlight. Ideal areas include bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.
Possible causes include use of a low quality paint, with minimal or no additives to prevent growth, painting over a surface where the mildew has not been removed or applying paint in “too thin” of a coat.
First test for mildew by applying a few drops of household bleach to the discolored area, then rinse; if it disappears it is probably mildew.
Solution
Remove all mildew from the surface by scrubbing with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach, three parts water), wearing proper safety protection, including rubber gloves and eye protection. Rinse thoroughly, prime bare surfaces and paint. To protect against mildew, use a top quality latex paint and clean when necessary with bleach/detergent solution. Consider installing an exhaust fan in high moisture areas.
3. Brush and Roller Marks from Poor Paint Flow and Leveling
Failure of the paint to dry to a smooth film results in unsightly marks or patterns after the paint dries.
Possible causes include use of low quality paint or wrong type of roller cover or low quality brush, adding additional paint to “touch up” partially dried painted areas, re-brushing or re-rolling partially dried painted areas.
Solution
Use high quality paints to prevent this problem from occurring. Quality paints contain ingredients that enhance paint flow and form a smooth film. When using a roller, be sure to use a cover with the recommended nap length for the type of paint being used. Use a high quality brush, a poor brush can result in poor flow and leveling.
About the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute
The Paint Quality Institute(SM) was formed by Rohm and Haas Company in 1989 to educate people on the advantages of using quality interior and exterior paints and coatings. The Paint Quality Institute's goal is to provide information on the virtues of quality paint as well as color trends and decorating with paint through a variety of vehicles, including television appearances, newspaper and magazine articles, and instructional literature. Be sure to visit the Paint Quality Institute at www.paintquality.com.
www.thediypal.com
Now is the perfect time to look around your home and take stock of areas in need of repair or an inexpensive spruce up with the holiday season behind us and warmer weather still months away.
“A simple change of paint color can rejuvenate a tired kitchen, warm a family or living room or help to create a restful bedroom. But, before opening that first can of paint, correct surface issues and make sure your walls are clean and sound. Good surface preparation coupled with top quality paint, brushes and rollers will help to insure a long-lasting and beautiful finish,” Debbie Zimmer, color and decorating expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute explains.
Common Interior Surface Paint Problems
1. Foaming or Cratering
This occurs during the formation of bubbles and results in small, round concave depressions when those bubbles break during paint application and drying.
Possible causes include shaking a partially filled can of paint, use of low quality paint or very old latex paint, applying paint too quickly or excessive rolling and brushing, using a low quality roller cover or wrong nap length or applying a gloss or semigloss paint over a porous surface.
Solution
All paints will foam to some extent during application: however, higher quality paints are formulated so bubbles break while the paint is still wet, allowing for good flow and appearance. Apply gloss and semigloss paints with a short nap roller, and apply a sealer or primer to porous surfaces before painting.
2. Mildew
The black, gray or brown areas of fungus growth can occur on paint or caulk surfaces. Mildew forms most often on areas that tend to be damp with little or no sunlight. Ideal areas include bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.
Possible causes include use of a low quality paint, with minimal or no additives to prevent growth, painting over a surface where the mildew has not been removed or applying paint in “too thin” of a coat.
First test for mildew by applying a few drops of household bleach to the discolored area, then rinse; if it disappears it is probably mildew.
Solution
Remove all mildew from the surface by scrubbing with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach, three parts water), wearing proper safety protection, including rubber gloves and eye protection. Rinse thoroughly, prime bare surfaces and paint. To protect against mildew, use a top quality latex paint and clean when necessary with bleach/detergent solution. Consider installing an exhaust fan in high moisture areas.
3. Brush and Roller Marks from Poor Paint Flow and Leveling
Failure of the paint to dry to a smooth film results in unsightly marks or patterns after the paint dries.
Possible causes include use of low quality paint or wrong type of roller cover or low quality brush, adding additional paint to “touch up” partially dried painted areas, re-brushing or re-rolling partially dried painted areas.
Solution
Use high quality paints to prevent this problem from occurring. Quality paints contain ingredients that enhance paint flow and form a smooth film. When using a roller, be sure to use a cover with the recommended nap length for the type of paint being used. Use a high quality brush, a poor brush can result in poor flow and leveling.
About the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute
The Paint Quality Institute(SM) was formed by Rohm and Haas Company in 1989 to educate people on the advantages of using quality interior and exterior paints and coatings. The Paint Quality Institute's goal is to provide information on the virtues of quality paint as well as color trends and decorating with paint through a variety of vehicles, including television appearances, newspaper and magazine articles, and instructional literature. Be sure to visit the Paint Quality Institute at www.paintquality.com.
www.thediypal.com
Monday, January 12, 2009
Winter Tree Care Tips for Homeowners
Winter brings frigid temperatures, icy winds, and plenty of snow. Just as people battle Mother Nature at this time of the year, so do trees, with one major exception: trees can't avoid exposure to the elements.
"While your trees seem to be in a state of hibernation in the winter, exposure to the tough conditions can cause them major stress," said Jim Skiera, Executive Director of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). "Minimize that stress by helping your trees through the cold months, a little at a time. If you take care of your trees in the winter, you'll be rewarded in the spring."
1. Put composted organic mulch under your tree in the fall or early winter to help retain water and reduce temperature extremes. A thin layer of mulch will act like a blanket and give the tree's roots a little extra winter protection.
2. Give your trees a drink. Winter droughts require watering as much as summer droughts. If temperatures permit, an occasional watering during the winter on young trees can be a life saver. But be sure to water only when soil and trees are cool but not frozen.
3. Prune your trees. Winter is actually one of the best times to prune because it is easier to see the structure of trees without their leaves. But limit pruning to deadwood and poorly placed branches in order to save as many living branches as possible.
4. Prevent mechanical injuries. Branch breakage or splitting can be caused by ice and snow accumulation, or chewing and rubbing by animals. Prevent problems from occurring on young trees by wrapping the base of trees in a hard, plastic guard or a metal hardware cloth. Wrapping trees with burlap or plastic cloth also can prevent temperature damage. Just remember to remove the wraps and guards in the spring to prevent damage when the tree begins to grow.
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research around the world. Headquartered in Champaign, Ill., ISA is dedicated to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees. For more information, contact a local ISA Certified Arborist or visit www.isa-arbor.com.
www.thediypal.com
"While your trees seem to be in a state of hibernation in the winter, exposure to the tough conditions can cause them major stress," said Jim Skiera, Executive Director of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). "Minimize that stress by helping your trees through the cold months, a little at a time. If you take care of your trees in the winter, you'll be rewarded in the spring."
1. Put composted organic mulch under your tree in the fall or early winter to help retain water and reduce temperature extremes. A thin layer of mulch will act like a blanket and give the tree's roots a little extra winter protection.
2. Give your trees a drink. Winter droughts require watering as much as summer droughts. If temperatures permit, an occasional watering during the winter on young trees can be a life saver. But be sure to water only when soil and trees are cool but not frozen.
3. Prune your trees. Winter is actually one of the best times to prune because it is easier to see the structure of trees without their leaves. But limit pruning to deadwood and poorly placed branches in order to save as many living branches as possible.
4. Prevent mechanical injuries. Branch breakage or splitting can be caused by ice and snow accumulation, or chewing and rubbing by animals. Prevent problems from occurring on young trees by wrapping the base of trees in a hard, plastic guard or a metal hardware cloth. Wrapping trees with burlap or plastic cloth also can prevent temperature damage. Just remember to remove the wraps and guards in the spring to prevent damage when the tree begins to grow.
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research around the world. Headquartered in Champaign, Ill., ISA is dedicated to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees. For more information, contact a local ISA Certified Arborist or visit www.isa-arbor.com.
www.thediypal.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
