1. Always make sure that the air conditioner is sized appropriately for your window.

It sounds overly simplistic, but air conditioners really only come in a few widths, and windows are very different. If you have an older house, you may have very narrow windows, while newer homes may have wider windows. Although many air conditioners do come with little plastic curtains that can stretch to either side, this is not a very effective means of keeping the heat out.

Try to find an air conditioner that is as close as possible to the width of your window. If you can’t find the perfect fit, consider using a more substantial material to provide a closer fit between the window and the air conditioning unit. Plywood painted to match your house is a great and easy fix for this problem.

2. Always make sure that you use a foam strip above and below the unit.

This is something that many people forget when they are installing their window air conditioners. That strip is going to help block out hot air from coming into your house and it is important to make sure that it is the right size for your window. It is a good idea to put it on the bottom and top of the unit for the best results.

In addition to helping with energy savings, that foam strip will also help your air conditioner run a lot quieter. The vibration from the unit can be pretty irritating when it is rattling a double pane window. By installing the foam, you’re cutting down on how much vibration will actually reach the glass.

3. If you have an old unit, it’s time to upgrade.

Today’s air conditioners are much more energy efficient and easier to install than the units of old. Gone are the clunky boxes that take two people to heft into the window and gone are the sky high electric bills. Many of today’s air conditioners can be run for about the same cost as a lamp, while the older models are closer to a chest freezer.

It is also a good idea to replace an air conditioner that is more than ten years old. The parts on these models do wear out and the Freon will not be as effective as it once was. The result is that the unit has to work harder to make it cooler in your home and you end up spending a lot more money.

Lastly, always make sure that your air conditioner is not on the side of the house where it will be exposed to constant sun. It makes it harder for the unit to run and it will not be able to keep your room cool.

Photo Credits: 1

Originally posted 2008-12-04 08:16:42. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• How to Install a Permanent Water Filter No matter where you live, there is a chance that you may be dealing with some contaminants in your water. Many of us have trace amounts of lead in our drinking water and this can be harmful to your health over time. It is a good idea to have your......
• Washing Windows 101 Washing windows is one of those household chores that no really looks forward to. But cleaned windows can really give the appearance of your home, both inside and out, a boost. If you've been spraying window cleaner and rubbing away with paper towels, or hosing off those upper floor windows,......
• How to Replace Window Screens Windows screens may look tough, but many times they are all too fragile. One small tear can mean a house filled with bugs, but thankfully, it’s easy enough to fix them if you have the right tools. Here’s a quick guide to replacing and repairing window screens that anyone can......
• 10 Ideas for DIY Home Improvement There are a lot of different DIY home improvement projects that you can take advantage of in order to change up the look and feel of your home quickly, easily and effectively. Why pay an arm and a leg for contractors and professionals when you can make grand changes to......
• Review of Ty's Tricks by Ty Pennington Since tomorrow is July 4th, I've decided to take it off. There will be no blog post tomorrow which is why the book review is today instead of Friday. Have a great weekend everyone! If you're into do it yourself television, you've undoubtedly heard of Ty Pennington. He's been on......

• Pella Windows, Screens & Hardware Building & Hardware Home Improvement
• Alternative & Solar Energy Store
• Comic Strip Art Original Comic Art Comics Collectibles
• Foam Noodle Toys & Games Pool Fun Pools & Spas Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living
• Chargers & Inverters Alternative & Solar Energy Store

If you want to replace your windows, the easiest way to go about it would be to get the model of the windows you currently have installed. If you can, also be write down the measurements of the window and get them to be as accurate as possible. Any home window installation place or home improvement store will have information about your window and can help you find another window that will fit in the same space. If for any reason they don’t have your window model in their registry, the measurements you took will be able to help them find the right window for you. To install brand new windows, you might find it easier to buy the window you are interested in first and then measure out what you are cutting based on the measurements of the window.

Either way, you’ll need moisture seal to place around the edges of where you will be mounting the new window. Make sure the seal goes all the way around the edges and goes right up against the inside edge near the opening. You’ll then want to install shims at the base of where the window will go. They must be level and cut to be even with the opening. If there are already shims in place, you should examine how they look before removing them so you know what yours should look like. Even if there are already window seals and shims in place, you will want to replace them with new ones each time you do a home window installation.

Once you’ve got your foundations laid out, it’s time to put in the window. Place the window in the certain of the opening. Make sure it is as even as possible on all sides and use a nail in one corner of the trim to help keep it in place. When you have the nail in, you can take the time to see if the window is level. Your home window installation should be as accurate as possible so you don’t need to redo it later on.

When the window is level, you can continue nailing the trim. You will want to use caulk around the edges to fill in any holes or cracks that might be left between the siding and the window. Every window is slightly different and there may be special instructions for your window and how to properly caulk it. After the caulk is dry, go back through one more time to ensure that there is no air getting through the window when it is closed. If there isn’t you can remove any protective coverings your window might have had because you have successfully installed your window.

Photo Credits: takomabibelot

Originally posted 2009-09-14 06:40:09. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• How to Choose and Install Automatic Lawn Sprinklers Though it might look like an intimidating project, you can install automatic lawn sprinklers and avoid the pricey professional installation fees. Sprinkler systems come with step by step installation instructions to help you. First, you need to decide what kind of automatic sprinklers will work best for you. If you......
• Tool Box Essentials pt 1 It does not matter where you are living, or whether you are renting or owning your home. If you have four walls as well as a roof, then you are eventually going to have something that requires repairing, installing or updating. Having the right tools makes all the difference in......
• 6 Ways to Childproof Your Home Children are a blessing, but if you are expecting a new arrival, there are quite a few things that you will need to do to your home to make sure that it is childproof. As soon as they are able to crawl, they are able to get hurt, so it......
• How to Install a Kitchen Sink If you're sick and tired of your old kitchen sink, replacing it with a new one is not all that difficult. If you're working with an entirely new surface, the steps for installation will be the same as provided below, but you will need to add the steps of......
• 9 Ways to Reduce Heating Costs There are a number of techniques that you can do to reduce your heating costs. Here is a list of tips and techniques to give you the ability to reduce your heating bill. 1 - Find a warm pair of socks. Sounds silly, but feet that are cold will send......

• Nail Care & Polish Store
• Stargazer 6 Dreadnought Model No6 Acoustic Guitar Strings Acoustic Musical Instruments
• Pond Level Valves Watering Equipment Gardening & Plants Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living
• Hand Cream Nail Care & Polish Store
• Childrens Window Treatments Window Treatments Home Store

If you're replacing knobs, then the procedure is fairly easy. You simply measure the knobs and pulls you're already using and purchase those that will fit. If it's a new installation, you'll want to pre-drill the holes by measuring carefully on the pull before marking on the wood. Make sure when you tighten the screws of your new cabinet knobs and pulls that they feel secure and don't wobble. Washers inside the drawers and cabinets can help if there's play in the new knobs when you open doors and drawers.

You can choose cabinet knobs and pulls completely according to aesthetics. If you really love the look of one, then go with it. But there are situations where you may want to consider the differences between cabinet knobs and pulls, and choose one over the other. Purchased cabinets that come with hardware usually have knobs, but you can also opt for pulls, which are simply handles. Knobs require one screw, where pulls require two--one at each end. If a drawer you have already has two screw holes, you're better off purchasing cabinet pulls that will fit in the holes.

Alternately, you could putty the holes, repaint or refinish the surface and make a new hole for a knob. But that's a lot of trouble to go from a handle to a knob, and likely not worth it. If you really want to use a certain style of knob, merely use two on each drawer or cabinet. This makes an interesting look, and gives you twice the stylish knobs that you want to use so badly.

Cabinet knobs and pulls serve the same purpose, but if you're installing them for the first time on cabinetry without holes, installing knobs means half as many holes to measure for, mark and drill. Knobs also come in many more decorative styles than cabinet pulls do. Knobs come in a wide variety of materials like wood, glass, ceramic, porcelain and metal. You can even find cabinet knobs with special designs on them like flowers or novelty shapes. And since you only use one hole, they're easily interchangeable.

Cabinet pulls, however, come in fewer styles and require two holes. Some specialty and high-end pulls with large bases may not have standard holes and be better for a new construction than an existing one. Cabinet knobs and pulls aren't interchangeable, unless you use two knobs in the place of one pull. But pulls are ideal for families with people who have trouble grasping small objects, like some people with arthritis or motor coordination problems. Choose cabinet knobs and pulls carefully, not just for beauty but for function.

Lot of 12 Sea Turtle Drawer Cabinet Knobs by Knob Hill Great Shape

US $19.99

Sale

Cabinet Hardware Brushed Satin Nickel Knobs 5302 G10

US $1.19

Sale

Grace Digital large dial radio AM FM 2 band analog rad

US $69.30

Sale

Bogen indoor and outdoor all weather speaker with fully

US $190.74

Sale

Amerock Cabinet Hardware Satin Nickel Bar Pull 19011 G9

US $3.19

Sale

Cabinet Hardware Flat Matte Black Pulls 4003FB

US $1.95

Sale

Oil Rubbed Bronze Cabinet Handles Pulls 2322ORB

US $1.99

Sale

Oil Rubbed Bronze Oval Cabinet Knobs 4886ORB

US $1.29

Sale

8 Stainless Steel Arch Kitchen Cabinet Handle Pull

US $4.20

Sale

Pink LADYBUG Green Gingham Cabinet DRAWER Pull KNOB

US $2.97

Sale

Satin Nickel Euro Style Cabinet Bar Pulls 161 128SN

US $3.79

Sale

Amerock Oil Rubbed Bronze Cabinet Hdw Pull Knob

US $1.39

Sale

6 Cabinet Hardware Stainless Steel Bar Pull Handle

US $2.20

Sale

LifeSmart Stealth 6 FP Quartz Infrared 1500 Watt Heater

US $170.00

Sale

Cabinet Hardware Brushed Satin Nickel Pulls 53701 G10

US $2.39

Sale

Satin Nickel Cabinet Hardware Round Knobs 5422SN

US $.99

Sale

Oil Rubbed Bronze Birdcage Cabinet Pulls 1749 128ORB

US $4.29

Sale

Oil Rubbed Bronze Round Cabinet Knobs 775ORB

US $1.68

Sale

70 SOLID BRASS CABINET DOOR HEX KNOB NEW BULK IN BAG

US $24.99

Sale

VINTAGE SONIA MESSER DOLLHOUSE FURNITURE SIX DRAWER TWO CABINET HUTCH

US $26.63

Sale

Olympic Opta tube radio West Germany Kobold type 5720W 4 repair like Telefunken

US $40.00

Sale

Soundcraftman Preamplifier octive band equalizer preamp PE 2217

US $91.00

Sale

STAINLESS STEEL 4 Kitchen Cabinet Bar Pull Handle Knob

US $9.49

Sale

Stainless Steel Cabinet Door Knobs 25 Pcs

US $12.49

Sale

Sentinel 284 Marbelized Butterscotch Catalin Radio with Wavy Grill

US $1,000.00

Sale

Photo Credits: Kelly Sue

Originally posted 2009-09-14 12:54:54. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Kitchen Remodeling Basics Remodeling your kitchen can dramatically increase the value of your home. Whether you are trying to sell your home or you just want it to look nicer, there are a lot of options you can use when remodeling your kitchen. Before you get started, you're going to want to come......
• Screw Extractor Guide pt 2 This is part two of a series on screw extractors. These are handy little tools that come quite in handy any time you have a screw head that has become stripped out or that has broken off, or if you have a bolt that has a head that has become......
• Fixing a Leaky Faucet At best, a leaking faucet is more than capable of being annoying. At worst, a leaking faucet is capable of being extremely wasteful. The sound of water as it continuously drips into a sink can be completely maddening over time. Luckily, the fix required for repairing a leaky faucet is......
• How to Install Kitchen Cabinets Installing new kitchen cabinets is a great way to give an old kitchen a facelift. In addition to being more useful, new kitchen cabinets can add value to your home and make it look a lot nicer. Before we get started, let's make sure you have all the tools you'll......
• How Do I Install Under Cabinet Lighting I love my kitchen, I really do - it's just so dark over the countertops, which makes food preparation a bit dangerous. I've been looking into DIY under cabinet lighting options over the past couple of months and I think I've found a suitable option for our kitchen. Since we......

• Iron Handles, Pulls Cabinets & Cabinet Hardware Building & Hardware Home Improvement
• 14" Drawer Glides & Slides Cabinets & Cabinet Hardware Building & Hardware Home Improvement
• Accessories Cabinets, Racks & Safes Gun Safety & Storage Hunting
• Periods, Styles Antiques
• Gardall Cabinets, Racks & Safes Gun Safety & Storage Hunting

For the purpose of security, there are one-way pet doors that make it possible for animals to go out but not for them to come back in. There are also doors that have magnetic locks, and doors that only allow animals with special security collars to pass through. These things can prevent burglars or other animals from gaining access to the home. This will ensure that your pet cannot invite anyone else into the home for the night without you knowing.

Pet door installation tends to be a really easy process, meaning that just about anyone can install a pet door with the right tools and basic knowledge and understanding of how to use them. Here are the basic steps involved in the process:

1 - The first thing that you are going to want to do is to determine the size of the pet door that you are going to need. Pet doors come in a variety of different sizes to suit the size of your pet. You want to make sure that the pet door that you choose will accommodate the largest pet that is going to use it. If you have a puppy but he will grow into a much larger dog, install a larger pet door now rather than having to replace a smaller door when your pet grows up.

2 - Before you make any cuts in the door you want going to want to use the measurements that you took in order to create a hole in a piece of practice wood or cardboard. Encourage your pet to step through the hole. How easily does the pet fit through the hole? This is an important step in making sure that your measurements do indeed match up with the size of your pet. If your pet has trouble getting through the hole or seems uncomfortable, choose a larger sized door.

3 - Finally once the proper sized door has been chosen and purchased, you can cut the appropriate hole in the door. It can be relatively rough, because the door insert is designed to cover the hole up well. Just take care to make sure that the hole is even, placed in the right spot and the right measurements in order to install your door. Once the pet door has been installed, give your pet some time to grow accustomed to it.

Plexidor Small Door Unit Satin small dog or cat door

US $149.00

Sale

Collar Key for Plexidor Electronic Dog Door Units

US $39.00

Sale

Plexidor Medium Wall Unit Satin Dogs up to 40 lbs

US $435.00

Sale

Plexidor Large Electronic Dog Door Wall Unit

US $1,249.00

Sale

Plexidor Large Electronic Dog Door Unit up to 125 lbs

US $1,149.00

Sale

Plexidor Extra Large Dog Door Unit Satin

US $567.00

Sale

Plexidor Extra Large Dog Door Wall Unit Satin

US $699.00

Sale

Plexidor Large Dog Door Unit Satin

US $359.00

Sale

Plexidor Medium Door Unit Satin Dogs up to 40 lbs

US $295.00

Sale

Plexidor Small Wall Unit Satin small dog or cat door

US $266.00

Sale

Plexidor Large Dog Door Wall Unit Satin

US $472.00

Sale

Plexidor® Energy Efficient Dog Door US made Large Satin

US $359.00

Sale

Photo Credits: Eggybird

Originally posted 2009-10-02 03:05:24. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Steps to Installing a Home Steam Shower A home steam shower makes your bathroom a retreat, and if you're a do-it-yourselfer with some experience you can probably handle at least some of the installation yourself. Not only will it make time spent in the bathroom more enjoyable, but any type of bathroom remodeling improves the value of......
• Change a Lock in 5 Steps Changing out a lock tends to be a relatively simple and straight forward task that only requires a few minutes of your time. A little bit of effort can really go a long way when it comes to providing you with some much needed peace of mind. This is a......
• Door Installation Instructions for Knocked-Down Pre-Hung Doors Doors are something in our homes that we often take for granted. On the surface they are fairly simple, but as with most things in the home they’re a lot more difficult to deal with when you’re doing it yourself. Below you’ll find some door installation instructions to help you......
• How to Install a Home Security System: Most Common Pitfalls Installing a home security system might seem easy. To be sure, it’s a lot easier to install one today than it was just a decade ago. Inexpensive consumer electronics components combined with robust wireless technology means that even an amateur can put in a decent system. Just because it’s easy,......
• Choose the Right Home Smoke Detector A home smoke detector or smoke alarm is the best safety device you can use to protect yourself and your loved ones. Most homes in which a fire breaks out and someone is killed don't have a working home smoke detector. These are inexpensive devices that can save lives. You......

• Basic Strength Training Gym, Workout & Yoga Exercise & Fitness
• Door Décor Door Accessories Home Décor & Accents Home Store
• Fire Escape Ladders Home Security Home Improvement
• Craftsman Transmitters Remotes & Transmitters Garage Doors & Openers Building & Hardware Home Improvement
• Install Bat & Butterfly Houses Bird & Wildlife Accessories Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living Nursery

• a level
• a hacksaw (just in case)
• screwdrivers of various sizes
• plenty of screws
• wood glue (in some cases)
• a sander or rough grade sandpaper
• vise grips
• a crowbar
• measuring tape
• a sledgehammer
• a power drill

Before you can install your new cabinets, you're going to have to rip out the old ones. This can actually be quite fun and it's a great way to get out some frustrations. Remove everything in the cabinets, and then take off the doors. If they are screwed into the wall, carefully remove the screws. If you are working with big cabinets, it's really helpful to have someone else on hand to help take it down from the wall. If not, make sure you have some way to catch those cabinets if they should come down when you are unscrewing them.

If you cannot remove the old cabinets easily, you may need to use that crowbar. Place the end of the bar behind the cabinets and lever outwards. It may take a few tries. If worse comes to worse, grab a sledgehammer and start pounding. Completely remove all the wood and any fittings for the old cabinetry before proceeding. If the wall looks a bit rough, you may want to sand it down to make sure that your new cabinets will sit flush.

Now that you have completely removed the old cabinetry, you're ready to get started with the new. Place them where you think they should go and then get out your level to make sure that they are even. Using your measuring tape so that you have the exact measurements before you start drilling. It is a lot easier to fix something during this stage than it is to try to fix crooked cabinets.

Take your time and make sure that everything is level. Once you're satisfied, you can start drilling. If your cabinetry came with any special installation instructions, please refer to these now. For your screws, you're going to want to make sure that they are rated to hold the weight of the cabinets. Most people prefer to countersink their screws for safety. Line up where you will need to drill and create holes in both the cabinetry and the wall to make it easier.

Then, attach your screws, countersinking if necessary and assemble your cabinetry. The whole process should take only a few hours, and less if you have help. There are several schools of thought if you're working with unfinished cabinetry. Many people prefer to sand, stain and varnish before installing. Others prefer to do this later, or sand and stain, then varnish after they're installed. It's up to you, but keep in mind that installation can cause nicks in your varnish.

Photo Credits: 1

Originally posted 2008-08-12 05:01:50. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Installing a New Medicine Cabinet If your medicine cabinet has seen better days, or you would like to add one where there is only a mirror, there are a few options available to you. It is easy to find prebuilt medicine cabinets at any home improvement store, so this article will focus on installing these.......
• How to Replace a Window Replacing your windows can bring numerous benefits to your home. Not only will they look nicer and add value to your property, but you can also gain significant energy savings. Most new windows are now heat and cold efficient and will greatly reduce the amount of drafts coming in as......
• Thermostats 101 On occasion, you should test your thermostat with a thermometer to verify that it is giving accurate readings. Place your thermometer next to your thermostat for around ten minutes, and then compare the readings of each. As long as they read within 5 degrees of each other, then your thermostat......
• Wall Texturing Techniques Painting a room is one of the easiest and best ways in which to freshen up the look of a room. But, there is more to painting than simply applying paint with a roller or a brush. You can create dramatic, one-of-a-kind looks if you try using a wall texturing......
• Repairing Cracks in Walls If you have an older home that has some structural damage, or if you are starting to notice tiny cracks in the walls, the time to fix these is now, before they get any worse. If the crack is serious, you may need to get the help of a professional,......

• Gas Back Pack With Electric Start Leaf Blowers & Vacuums Outdoor Power Equipment Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living
• Fryers Small Kitchen Appliances Kitchen, Dining & Bar Home Store
• Jello Molds Kitchen Tools & Gadgets Kitchen, Dining & Bar Home Store
• Cabinets, Racks & Safes Gun Safety & Storage Hunting
• Varnish Violin String Acoustic Musical Instruments