home diy ideas

Allow me to tell you something about finding DIY solar electricity at home guide from the internet…

It’s frustratingly hard!

A lot of DIY solar guides I came upon can be lumped into the following categories:

A) Guides that are made for folks with considerable DIY experience.
B) Guides written by DIY solar electricity wannabe experts.

I find the latter category highly annoying because they tend to provide inaccurate information that may lead to dangerous repercussions.

Dangerous like how?

Well, one time, I found a DIY solar electricity at home guide which was offered in PDF format. Now, the guide cost 9.90 dollars and the author claimed that he was a DIY solar panel expert…

The low price was a huge factor for me and being rather naïve at the time, I did not hesitate to take out my credit card – that was my first online purchase by the way…

Anyway, the guide turned out to be nothing more than digital rubbish!

It looked right at first what with all the diagrams and illustrations (albeit poorly drawn). Now, once I got to the assembling section…

Oooh BOY!

It all went downhill from there! The wiring section described in the guide was incorrect and could have posed a risk of fire hazard (my electrician friend told me so)!

It was a bad experience and I wouldn’t recommend it.

Now don’t let the above experience deter you because eventually, I was able to construct my first solar power generator in less than 7 days!

How’s that possible?

Simple really…

For beginners, always ensure you get DIY solar electricity guide presented in step-by-step video format. I believe this is the best way to learn how to generate solar electricity DIY style!

Professionally made instructional videos will show you precisely how to construct your solar panel for electricity in the safest and easy to follow, bit-by-bit fashion.

Believe me; you can’t go wrong when it comes to watching DIY solar electricity at home guide on videos.

Important note:

A complete DIY solar electricity at home guide should comprise of both videos and printable pictorial instructions.

If you’re interested in building a workable solar panel on your own, go to –> http://howtobuildyourownsolarpanels.comto get download details.

About the Author

Thomas Hussey

If you’re considering building a backyard storage shed, then one of the main considerations you will have is what type of a shed foundation to use. Here are three factors to consider when planning the type of shed foundation to build.

1. Functionality

First and foremost is the function of your shed. Is it simply for storage? If so, what items will you be storing in the shed? If they are large, heavy items, then you most likely will want to use a concrete slab for your shed floor and foundation.

What is the size of your shed? If you’re considering building a large shed (greater than 200 sq. ft.), you will want a permanent structure that will resist the movement of the ground during freeze/thaw cycles. You can accomplish this with a concrete footer sunk below the frost line. You would then either pour your concrete slab on top of this footer or you could use building blocks set on top of the footer to start the perimeter of your foundation. An alternative to this would be to sink treated lumber posts in concrete below the frost line and then start your shed floor above ground level.

If neither of these issues is of concern to your specific needs, then you can simply start your foundation as skids placed on top of the ground. Make sure you use treated lumber rated for direct contact with the soil and also insure the skids are level. Alternatively, you could use precast concrete piers or solid concrete blocks to provide support for the floor framing. Use solid concrete blocks as hollow ones may crack.

2. Durability

How long do you want your shed to last? How harsh are your weather conditions? How moist is your soil during the year? Your answers to these questions will help you decide whether to use a permanent foundation or on-grade foundations. If you really want your shed to last and hold up as long as your home, then you really must have a permanent foundation that extends below the frost line. Anything else is really just a “temporary” foundation, even though a foundation of this type could last 20 years or more.

3. Cost

How much do you have to spend on your storage shed? What other features do you want for your shed that will take money away from the foundation? Of course, the foundation is the most important part of your shed, but you still need to make it achieve your goals for having a shed in the first place. Money must be budgeted for those other features that are important to you. A permanent foundation will cost much more than a non-permanent one. Only you can balance the needs of those features against the longevity of your foundation.

About the Author

To learn more about building a shed foundation, you can visit Tom Whitlow’s website at www.ShedBuildingTips.com. Tom has spent over 20 years helping others build great looking sheds for functionality and fun.

Solar power electricity can be produced from two principal methods, directly and indirectly. The indirect method used to make solar power electricity uses the sun’s heat to boil water and the steam is used to drive turbines to produce solar power electricity. There is a direct method which involves using PV cells to make solar power electricity and is the preferred way to supply power to your home. These cells take direct sunlight and convert the energy to DC current. You’ll need an inverter to convert that DC current to AC current.

For now, we’ll focus on PV cells and how they can help you make your own solar power electricity. You’ve probably used PV cells to power some common household items like calculators and yard lights. These devices use the same technology, only on a smaller scale. The cell consists of a silicon field which is positively charged on one side and negatively charged on the other. When sunlight hits the cell(s), the silicon inside them trap the electrons and divert them to the other side. The movement of these electrons is referred to as electricity.

One cell produces only a small amount of wattage and volts. In order to obtain enough current to power your household items, an array of cells must be constructed. This array of PV cells concentrates the electricity to an amount usable in your house. The size of the array is determined by the amount of solar power electricity needed.

Solar power electricity is now an increasingly popular type of alternative energy utilized by millions of people. Installing solar panels to your home’s power source can dramatically decrease the amount of electricity you pay for. In some cases, power companies will even pay you for any excess electricity you produce.

While PV cells are somewhat expensive, the technology is increasing and the cost is decreasing. One way to offset the cost of installing a PV cell system in your home is to apply for Federal and local grants. Governments in numerous nations around the world are offering generous tax incentives to those who choose to use solar power electricity in their homes and businesses. Another way to save on the cost is to create your own PV cell array. There are several guides that explain in detail how to do this, but they are not the same.

About the Author

Solar Energy Facts helps in answering your questions when it comes to going solar. Visit us today to learn even more information about anything and everything that has to do with Solar Power Electricity.

I have been a stay at home dad for over 15 years now and I find it is the hardest job there is today. Cleaning the house can be a real chore and back breaker until you learn how and use the right equipment. I have used, experimented and read about various forms of how to cleaning, and here are my simplified get it done tips.

`1. Use Cleaning Wipes. You can get cleaning wipes that are disinfectants, for the wood, bathroom. and to clean glass. They are fast and efficient and you just throw them away. Buy them on sale or at your local Costco or Sam’s in bulk. They get the job done clean and fast.

2. Buy a Swifferjet. This little handy devise will clean and disinfect your tile or hardware floors in a jiffy. Plus it is great for emergency clean ups when someone makes an accidental spill, etc. Again, find a coupon and buy it on sell its’ worth its money. (p.s. get the Swiffer duster as well.)

3. Get a Clorox toilet wand. These items can clean a toilet in a flash and you just pop the head off in the toilet without touching it.
Trust me they clean great.

4. Get an upright vacuum with attachments. Upright vacuums are easy to maneuver and the attachments can easily clean stairs and furniture.
Research the internet for best buys and recommendations.

5. Clean as you feel inclined to. This is to say, clean the whole house at one time if that’s how you work best or clean in short individual spurts. You can also designate a day to clean only the living room or cleaning the bathrooms if you have more than one. There is no right or wrong way here as long as it suits you.

Making cleaning fun is not my goal. Getting it done and done right is. Also, I don’t want to spend a lot of time doing it because I have enough on my plate with every day life.

I hope my tips will inspire you to clean your own home as fast and efficient as possible by using the right tools.

About the Author

Russell is retired from the corporate world and is now a stay at home dad who tries to keep up with his 3 children and loving wife. We try to cruise every year if possible. Another interest of mine is model railroad layouts. You can check out some great information on Lionel Train Layouts/ at my site http://modelrailroadlayoutssite.com/.

There’s nothing actually wrong with your home, it’s just looking a little tired and worn these days. While you may not have the budget for an “Extreme Makeover” style remodel, there are a number of relatively easy and fairly inexpensive ways you can breathe new life into the old place. Here are just a few ideas.

Freshen up Your Kitchen and Bathroom – A full scale remodel of either of these rooms can be an expensive (if very worthwhile) undertaking but even little changes can make a big difference.

Cabinets in both the kitchen and the bathroom can be refaced for far less than you might imagine and small undertakings, such as having new, attractive, energy efficient fixtures installed in the bathroom or adding an island to your kitchen to provide extra workspace, can make your home more functional as well.

Let There be Light – A simple change of light fixtures or the addition of extra lighting can instantly transform any room in the home. The options available are almost endless; from track lighting to brighten a dark bedroom to a chandelier to add drama to a boring kitchen.

Paint – Inside or out, a fresh coat of paint provides an almost instant boost to the appearance of any home. Although you may be able to tackle some interior painting yourself as a DIY project, it is best to leave exterior work to the professionals. They have the know-how to get the job done quickly, safely and efficiently and are used to scaling those twenty foot ladders!

Windows – Replacing old windows with new vinyl ones will not only improve the appearance and curb appeal of your home but save you money as well, not only in the form of energy savings but in 2010 in the form of tax breaks as well.

Spruce Up Your Yard – Mow the lawn, reseed any worn patches and plant some colorful new plants. The boost to your home’s all important curb appeal will be bigger than you might have imagined possible.

About the Author

I submit articles on behalf of Renovation Experts USA

For many homeowners, especially those with children, the kitchen is the most lived-in room in the house. It’s a gathering place, a workspace, a study area, an entertainment venue and of course, a room in which to enjoy meals together. Thus, it’s not uncommon for kitchen lights to be switched on for four or more hours per day. This presents a legitimate opportunity to save money and reduce air pollution and landfill waste by switching to energy-efficient lighting solutions.

As a source of both ambient and task light, recessed downlights (“cans”) are widely used in American kitchens. These fixtures push light down and away to light an area and a work surface at the same time. To enable the homeowner to add ambience, they’re often controlled by a dimmer switch.

For homeowners motivated to make a small investment to reduce their electricity use and/or carbon footprint, a simple light bulb retrofit in their existing kitchen fixtures is a smart and easy strategy. Simply remove the existing high wattage (commonly 65-90 watts) bulbs, and insert lower wattage eco-friendly lamps which yield equivalent light output (lumens). But since there are two types of lower cost energy-efficient lighting options from which to choose, which is preferable in this application?

High-Efficiency Halogen Lamps Beat Compact Fluorescent Lamps

We’ve looked at this question from many angles and have concluded that screw-in (self-ballasted) CFL reflector lamps, for many the obvious choice, are an inferior, energy-efficient lighting solution. Very few consumers are familiar with the new high-efficiency halogen lamps (“HEH”) which have hit the market in the last few years. The best of these models already exceed the energy efficiency requirements for incandescent reflector lamps scheduled to take effect in July 2012.

Here, we cite nine reasons why we believe high-efficiency halogen lamps, controlled by a pre-set dimmer switch, offer overall superior, energy-efficient lighting value to CFLs starting with the most important factor for electric light sources, whether energy efficient or not: light characteristics.

Reason 1 – Great Light:

• Halogen light is legendary for being white, bright, crisp, and punchy and making colors appear vivid.
• The light cast by CFL reflectors, while typically warm white, is average at best.

Reason 2 – Superior Illuminance:

• “Illuminance” describes the amount of light on a horizontal surface, measured in “foot candles.”
• High-efficiency halogen lamps, especially those with a PAR (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector) configuration, throw concentrated light downwards measurably better than CFL reflectors.
• The result? Much more artificial light where it’s needed.

Reason 3 – Effortless Dimming:

• No artificial light source dims better than an incandescent lamp. High-efficiency halogen lamps use improved incandescent technology and don’t require special dimmer switches.
• Dimmable CFLs cost more than non-dimmable versions. But dimmable doesn’t translate into impressive dimming performance.

Reason 4 – Dimming = Longer Lamp Life:

• Dimming any lamp is an energy-efficient lighting strategy because it reduces electricity consumption and harmful gas emissions. There’s an added green benefit when dimming high-efficiency halogen lamps: it extends the lifetime of the lamp.
• For example, constant dimming by just 15% (a pre-set dimmer enables this) will triple the life of the bulb, thereby reducing landfill waste and replacement costs.
• For premium high-efficiency halogen lamps, this translates into 9,000 to 12,000 hours, roughly the same as the average rated life of an Energy Star rated CFL reflector (whose projected life is static even if dimmed).

Reason 5 – Instant On:

• Just like non-halogen incandescent bulbs, halogen lamps reach full brightness with the flick of a switch.
• State-of-the-art CFL reflectors will start instantly but take 30 seconds to a minute’s time to reach full brightness (depending on the ambient room temperature).

Reason 6 – Mercury-Free:

• High-efficiency halogen lamps operate without the use of mercury.
• All CFLs contain mercury which must be vaporized to create ultraviolet energy and subsequently, visible light.
• Since mercury is a toxic substance, this necessitates proper recycling at the end of a CFL’s life.
• Further, while breakage in a recessed can is a low probability risk, an accident would cause mercury to contaminate the area below.

Reason 7 – Reliability:

• High-efficiency halogen lamps don’t contain any electronic components.
• Unlike a screw-in CFL, which contains a precise electronic component called a ballast, neither frequent on/off switching, nor trapped heat will affect the performance or lifespan of these energy-efficient lighting solutions.

Reason 8 – Lumen Maintenance:

• Lumens are the measure of the amount of light emitted by a light source. High-efficiency halogen lamps maintain their initial lumens for as long as they operate.
• CFLs, using different technology, will gradually dim by about 25% over their lifetime.
• Why does this matter? Studies have shown that at age 65, the eyes need three times more light to see as well as at age 20.
• With CFLs in a kitchen, vision needs and light output are moving in opposite directions as time passes.

The Rest of the Story – High-Efficiency Halogen Lamps Are Greener

Reason 9 – Better, REAL Energy-Efficient Lighting:

• The commonly used metric for comparing energy-efficient lighting is lumens of output per watt of electrical input. This method is appropriate for omni-directional bulbs such as traditional A-shape lamps and spiral CFLs.
• Directional lamps (floodlights, spotlights) are different. Their job is not to glow, but to throw light into a defined area or onto a specific surface.
• Compare the measured light (illuminance) on a horizontal surface from two floodlights, a 16 watt CFL BR30 (630 lumens) and a 34 watt HEH PAR30 (1) (612 lumens).
• The CFL has 39 lumens per watt vs. 18 for the HEH. Thus, by conventional measures the CFL is more than twice as energy efficient.
• Measured illuminance tells a very different story: the CFL floodlight casts just 15 foot candles of light onto the work surface in this demonstration. The HEH? 51 foot candles.(2)
• Therefore, at 1.5 foot candles per watt, the HEH bulb is 60% more efficient in real terms than the CFL (0.9 foot candles per watt).
• Or viewed another way, using typical recessed downlight fixtures, to produce an equivalent amount of light on a kitchen countertop or table, where important tasks such as food preparation and schoolwork are performed, a 54 watt CFL floodlight would be needed.
• Not only would such a lamp be more expensive to purchase, it would cost 36% more to operate and generate 36% more air pollution than the high-efficiency halogen lamp.

Notes for Previous Example

1. A 40 watt model was dimmed by 15% to reduce lumen output from 720 to 612.

2. Measured distance of each light source to the surface of the light meter instrument was 50 inches.

Illuminating the Perks of Energy-Efficient Lighting

Impressive consumer value is sometimes found where it’s least expected. We’re all for selectively installing energy-efficient lighting around the home and place of business because it leverages the fact that the cheapest and cleanest kilowatt of electricity is the one that’s never produced in the first place. But if light bulb buyers only paid attention to the popular media or followed Energy Star prescriptions, they would only know to consider CFL reflectors as an affordable, energy-efficient lighting solution for their oft-used recessed downlights.

As we’ve argued here, the exciting new high-efficiency halogen lamps (spot and floodlights), which are generally priced on par with premium quality dimmable CFL reflectors, are superior energy-efficient lighting solutions for consumers who value great light characteristics, thrift, dimming performance and environmental sustainability for their lighting dollar.

About the Author

Peter Ellinwood is the founder & owner of GreenPoma, which offers ‘green’ light bulbs at competitive prices. Ellinwood has an extensive background in product management & marketing, spending 25 years in insurance. He eventually decided to use his knowledge of marketing for a greater purpose – offering energy-saving light bulbs along with simple advice & easy ways to go green.

The biggest problem when faced with bed bugs is that the little sods just won’t go away! At least not before they have driven you mad. Exterminating bed bugs can be a difficult, and extremely frustrating task. However,as the saying goes a little knowledge goes a long way and armed with some information it is possible to successfully exterminate such pests.

The first and most essential step when exterminating bed bugs is to take fast action if you uncover an infestation. In doing this quite often it is possible to do your own successful extermination – without having to employ the expensive services of professionals to do the job for you. So, how do you rid your home of a bed bug infestation? Follow the steps below and kiss the little blood suckers goodbye.

1. ID Positively The Enemy

Making sure that you have bed bugs are in residence is the best starting point. In the many cases the indicator is bites on your body when you wake in the morning. You should also check for blood smears on sheets, discarded skins from developing bugs and any other obvious signs. Do not limit your search to the bed. Carry out a search of the whole room including the more obscure places such as inside light switches, radios etc.

2. Let The Battle Begin!

Once you are sure that your unwelcome guests are indeed bed bugs the job of exterminating the little pests can begin.

It is essential that you remove all clutter from the affected room. Place it all in sealed plastic bags and dispose of it. Use a vacuum cleaner and clean the whole room. I mean EVERYTHING! This will not only remove live bugs and nymphs but also eggs which are firmly stuck to surfaces on which they have been laid.

Next use a steam cleaner, these are a fantastic weapons if you want to win the battle against bed bugs because the high temperature will kill bugs at every stage in development. Follow the same systematic method as with the vacuum cleaner and again steam clean EVERYTHING!.

The final assault in the form of a non toxic bed bug spray should then be applied to all areas. This step is optional however, it will act as an additional safe guard in exterminating bed bugs. There are quite a few options available with regards to organic bed bug sprays – choosing an organic spray which is completely safe is the best option where there are children and pets in the house.

So, there you have it the extermination of bed bugs – in a few seemingly simple steps. However, do not be fooled into thinking one treatment and you are done. It may not be enough to completely eradicate these pests. You may have to repeat the whole process twice or perhaps more before you can claim victory over the resilient bed bug.

About the Author

Want To Know More?

Click Here For FREE Information Exterminating Bed Bugs

TreatmentForBedBugs.Com

A Perpetual Motion machine is a device that produces energy from nothing but such a device would violate the first law of conservation of energy.

The mere suggestion that it is possible to power our homes using a magnetic generator has grabbed popular attention and is now one of the hottest alternative energy products on the Web.

There have been many attempts over the years to demonstrate that a perpetual machine is possible.

In 1150 Baskara who was an Indian mathematician and astronomer described a wheel that would run forever.

IN 1235 a French Master Builder Villard de Honnecourt left a series of drawings on parchment and one of these was a sketch of a perpetual motion machine.

In 1670 the Bishop of Chester, John Wilkins showed that “Magnetical Virtues”
was one of three possible sources of energy for a perpetual motion machine.

Gradually over time the term perpetual energy became associated with scams and fraudulent schemes and so inventors began to use different names to describe these types of machines. Expressions such as overunity and zero point energy are now generally accepted ways to describe these types of devices.

There are many different patents listed for perpetual motion machines but it is still unclear as to whether they actually work.

The official policy of that the United States Patent and Trademark Office is to refuse to grant patents for perpetual motion machines unless there is a working model. But what actually happens is that many patent designs have slipped through the first stages and become logged into the system simply because the filing is done by a cleric. Once the initial filing has been done the design is reviewed by an examiner. The patents that we now see listed are there, not because they have proved that they are genuine with working model, but merely because the examiner “thinks that they work or cannot figure out why it wouldn’t work”.

Consequently there is a lot of confusion and misunderstanding surrounding the popular notion of perpetual motion machines.

Is the Magnetic Generator a Perpetual Motion Machine? NO definitely not but nevertheless it is an incredibly ingenious device that is certainly worth taking a look at. They are inexpensive to build and do generate electricity.

About the Author

Abi Wright is an online researcher on the subject of Green Energy in general and the Magnetic Generator in particular. For the latest information visit: http://magneticgeneratorinfo.com

A cordless drill is an important tool for any handyman to have. It’s user-friendly, versatile, and convenient. While a corded drill has more power in general, it can’t match all the features that a cordless drill can offer. When you shop for a cordless drill, you will come across a wide range of ones to choose from. A common approach is to buy the most expensive or the most powerful model you can afford, but this may not result in getting the best drill. With cordless drills, it’s the little things that count.

One of the downsides with cordless drills was having to charge batteries. With corded drills, you plug them in and begin working. However, the efficiency of today’s cordless drill batteries has improved significantly. Also, most drills now come with two batteries so one can charge while the other is used for operation. DeWalt and Craftsman are two brands that utilize lithium-ion batteries, though many others are now switching over from nickel cadmium. Brands will also allow you to buy a drill and other power tools without a battery or charger, in case they already have them. Many times, you can plug batteries from one cordless drill into another that are made from the same brand.

A important feature is charge time. Makita drills have batteries that charge in 15 minutes, while other brands take 45 minutes to an hour. This can make all the difference if you work for extended periods of time, and have a number of drills operating at once. DeWalt’s batteries generally charge in 30-45 minutes. As mentioned, charge times aren’t as big of an issue as they once were, especially when two batteries are included in most kits nowadays. But it’s still nice to have quick charging batteries.

Many drills now have variable speed. The low speed will generally have more torque for driving screws, and a higher speed to drill faster. Clutch settings with vary, with many mid-range drills having 20 or more. This allows the user to have more control, as they can reduce or increase torque depending on the task. All drills come with a reverse/forward switch to use when driving out a screw.

Chuck size should never be overlooked. The keyless chuck is now standard, which means they are tightened without a key. The standard chuck size is 3/8, but the heavy-duty models are 1/2 to suit larger drill bits. The larger the chuck, the more versatile the drill is.

About the Author

<strong>Read More</strong>: Makita BHP452Z 18-Volt LXT, DeWalt 3/8-Inch Impact Wrench Kit, Cordless Drill Reviews

Don’t you just hate it when you take your winter clothes out of storage and they all smell musty? The wrinkles aren’t going to be any fun to deal with either. Most people end up washing all of their clothes again. Some things even need to be taken to the dry cleaner. It takes up so much energy, time and money that it has most wondering if there is a better way. Well, there is. There are a few things you can do to make your seasonal transitions easier to manage.

The musty smell is actually mold growing in the fibers of your clothes. You can get rid of the smell by getting rid of the mold. One way is to hang the clothes out in the sun. If you have an outdoor laundry line, take your boxes of clothing outside and hang them in the full sun. Don’t attempt this if it is a damp or dreary day, or you’ll just end up helping the mold grow some more. Let the clothes hang for at least two full hours in the sun. Hang the clothes on clothes hangers that keep them slightly spaced apart in your closet. You can use a hand steamer to get out wrinkles if they don’t fall out naturally after being hung.

Another option is to use your dryer. Items that are “dry clean only” can usually be put in the dryer on low heat. You can try a home dry cleaning kit available at your grocery store or discount store, where ever you buy laundry detergent. These kits have sheets, like dryer sheets, that you put into the dryer with your dry clean only clothes.

If you want to freshen up clothes that are not dry clean only, put them in the dryer on a heat level appropriate for the fabric type with a dryer sheet. Navy blue and black fabrics may pick up a waxy residue from the dryer sheet, so dry darker items with a used dryer sheet. If you do get the residue, you may need to use a clothes shaver or lint brush to get it off.

Wool can be easily damaged by heat, so be careful using the dryer if you have wool suits or coats. You can spray a fine mist of vodka on wool items to kill the mold, and then use a lint brush to brush away any moth larvae that may be imbedded in the wool. Air-dry the garments on a sturdy coat hanger.

You may decide to invest a little in a garment rack. You can hang your clothes on cascading clothes hangers that hang lots of items on one hanger. This will help you to fit your winter clothes on one rack. Use cedar hangers to absorb moisture and deodorize clothing while it is in storage. Using a wood hanger is a great idea for helping your suits and coats keep their shape at the shoulders.

About the Author

About the Author: Joe Granville is on the staff of Only Hangers, a leading online resource for wood hangers, coat hangers and all types of clothes hangers which is recognized for the excellent quality and value of its wood hanger and coat hanger offerings.