by Dave Logan

Not to start the day off with a grim statistic, but: carbon monoxide poisoning is the number one cause of accidental poisoning deaths in The United States. This may come as a surprise to many, but it makes sense if you think about how ubiquitous carbon monoxide is in our everyday lives. On the bright side, you can easily protect your family from dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home by researching and purchasing a carbon monoxide detectors. Most importantly, you need to understand which detector is right for your home and how it works.

As a rule, carbon monoxide detectors should not be used as a replacement for proper maintenance and troubleshooting for any fuel-burning appliances. The detector is to serve as an auxiliary mode of detection and protection only. Ultimately, the performance quality of carbon monoxide detectors is all over the map. Some detectors perform very well, others completely fail to alarm residents even when tested at extremely high carbon monoxide levels. You need to do some good research and solicit the advice of a trusted home improvement professional before you make your decision. Remember, carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible, so detection (false or accurate) can prove to be a real challenge.

When you do choose the right detector for your home, make sure you precisely follow the instructions that come with the unit. And of course if anyone in your family is experiencing symptoms of poisoning, you need to seek medical attention immediately.

For more helpful information on these and other home improvement projects, check in often with the TDL Blog. And don’t forget to visit TeamDaveLogan.com to find a trusted home improvement professional in Denver and Boulder that will help you with your next project!

by Dave Logan

1. Pick a new thermostat that best fits your home. A programmable thermostat gives you the ability to set specific temperatures for specific times of the day. This allows you to not only have the freedom and control to dictate the most comfortable temperatures for you and your family, but also to save on your home’s energy expenses. Saving fuel and electricity are critical in today’s energy economy.

You can select a reasonably-priced, programmable thermostat that provides very accurate temperature readings for your home. Check out options online or at your local hardware store.

2. Get rid of your old thermostat. Kill the power to your furnace or air conditioner before you install the new thermostat. This will ensure you avoid any damage to your furnace’s electronics. Next, you need to disconnect all four wires from your old thermostat. Use a piece of electrical tape to secure the old wires to the wall after disconnecting. This will keep them from sliding into the wall while you are working.

3. Install your new thermostat. Installation is pretty straightforward. Each of the terminals on your new thermostat has a letter code. Each wire that connects to its respective terminal has a color code. Recognize which color-coded wire belongs to each letter-coded terminal. Ultimately, just remember to always follow the letter code and you will be fine. Next, you will install the new wall plate for the thermostat. The new thermostat may or may not line up with the screws from the old thermostat. If not, simply drill new holes (and anchors if appropriate) and install the plate. Finally, attach the wires to the terminal screws as previously mentioned. Place the batteries in the thermostat, put the cover in place, and there you have it!

4. Program your new thermostat. Depending on which thermostat you purchase for you home, you will need to closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions for programming your thermostat. Temperature settings are of course the same, but your new unit will allow you to customize specific (and multiple) times for activating heat or air conditioning. You can set specific temperatures for during the week (when you are at work) or during the weekend (when you are home); and of course temperatures for evening and nighttime hours.

5. Enjoy cost savings on your energy bill!

For more helpful information on these and other home improvement projects, check in often with the TDL Blog. And don’t forget to visit TeamDaveLogan.com to find a trusted home improvement professional in Denver and Boulder that will help you with your next project!

By Specialized Electric

If you own a home that was built in the mid 1960’s to the early 1970’s, there is a chance that it has some aluminum wiring.  According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, research shows that homes wired with aluminum wire manufactured before 1972 are 55 times more likely to have one or more connections reach “Fire Hazard Conditions” than a home wired with copper.

What is the Danger of Aluminum Wiring?

How unsafe is aluminum wiring?  Aluminum is a fine conductor of electricity, and is generally not unsafe.  However, every point of connection of the wire can be a potential fire hazard if not connected properly.   This includes every electrical “opening” in the house, including outlets, switches, light fixtures, and major appliances.  Corrosion of the metals in the connection, particularly the aluminum wire itself, causes increased resistance to the flow of electric current, which causes overheating.

Danger Signs with Aluminum Wiring

Signs of trouble in aluminum-wired homes can include warm-to-the-touch face plates on outlets or switches, flickering lights, circuits that don’t work, or the smell of burning plastic at outlets or switches.  Unfortunately, not all failing aluminum wired connections provide such easily detected warning signs, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission,.  In fact, aluminum wired connections have been reported to fail without any prior indications or problems.

What Can Be Done?

Typically, it is not practical or necessary to replace aluminum wiring in a house.  However, we recommend that properly installed UL listed devices be installed at every switch, receptacle, light fixture, and any other electrical “opening.”  Additionally, all connections at the electrical panel(s) should be treated with an antioxidant compound and be checked periodically.  It is in your family’s best interest to have your home inspected by a licensed Electrical Contractor in order to determine impending trouble.

For more information or if you have concerns about your panel, contact Specialized Electric Company at 303-988-7997 for a free evaluation.

By Handyman Matters

As the crisp fall air ushers in a new season, many gardeners may be left wondering: what now? Handyman Matters expert craftsmen offer these tips on the best things you can do this fall for a fabulous garden next year.

Plant now, bloom later

First off, plan ahead for next spring – fall is the time to take stock of your garden and plan for next year. You can see what worked and what didn’t, where you have holes and what needs to be replaced or moved. Once you know what you want to add, plant new perennials and shrubs in the fall, and you will have larger, stronger plants with better blossoms next spring.

Give your containers a fall facelift

By summer’s end, container plantings have often seen their day. Give your tired containers a fresh look by adding bright fall annuals and colorful foliage in bold fall colors of red, orange, deep purple and gold. There are still plenty of plants available at your local garden center that will see your containers through the cooler months of fall.

There are plenty of pansies, mums and asters available, but don’t stop there.  You can create wonderful unique fall flower pots using foliage and flowering plants in the colors of autumn. Some favorites are yellow, red and rust colored snapdragons that will keep blooming through a bit of frost, and orange and rust coleus.

Everything’s coming up roses

Establishing roses in the fall is easy, the weather and soil conditions are better in the fall, as opposed to spring when it tends to be cold, muddy and wet. For fall color, we recommend planting the new Drift groundcover roses. Continuously blooming from spring to early frost, they are naturally dwarf, with very attractive foliage. Just remember to give them plenty of water and lots of sun.

Frost protector

No matter what you’re growing, a sudden frost or freeze is deadly, spelling doom to your garden and landscape. Protect your lush flowering baskets, vegetables, herbs and favorite plants from frost with non-toxic sprays that increase tolerance to cold and protect the plants.  This means you can get a couple more weeks of growing and harvesting – at least two weeks earlier in spring and two weeks later in the fall. Just imagine tomatoes in October and mums still blooming after Thanksgiving.

Deer-proof your garden

Winter months are some of the deadliest times for deer destruction in the garden. Deer are creatures of habit and stay near a good food source, like your backyard.  They like a lush garden and lawn for munching on, especially in the winter. To keep deer out, look for all-natural products that use taste and scent aversion to turn animals off your plants and make them unappetizing to common garden-munchers.

Winterize your accessories

Mother Nature “naturalizes” cast stone and terra cotta garden accessories, but the harsh forces of winter can cause fine planters, birdbaths and statuary to crack and crumble.

According to the “garden accessory connoisseurs” at Campania International, a little care will help your garden “art” last for generations.

Cast stone planters and statuary should be raised off any surface which freezes and thaws. Terra cotta planters, which can absorb moisture and are subject to winter freeze-thaw cycles, should be stored indoors for winter. If your planters are left planted outside over the winter, raise them off the ground so they will drain and not freeze to the surface. To winterize both cast stone and terra cotta accessories, simply place them on two pressure-treated wood strips, making sure not to block the drainage hole.

For birdbaths and fountains, bring tops in for the winter. All bases, bench legs and statuary should be raised up off the ground, so as not to freeze to the ground’s surface.

Whether you need to make an everyday home repair or want to make a home improvement, choose the professional handyman services of Handyman Matters. Contact your local branch today HandymanMatters.

by John Ward
Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric
www.ApplewoodFixIt.com

Most of us don’t think much about our plumbing or electrical systems when we think about “going green.” But, in fact, these two areas in a home can have lasting green effects in the pocket as well as the environment.

When you cut energy costs, you’re saving money as well as natural resources. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that the home sector uses approximately 66 percent of the electric energy in this country. That electrical consumption doubled between 1989 and 2005. As our population grows these numbers will continue to grow as well, that’s why it’s important to take steps to minimize your footprint.

You might be surprised at how many ways you can cut costs and energy consumption around your home. Here’s a list of effective measures to make a greener environment and make your wallet a little greener as well.

Shade management 1: Keep the shades open on the sunny side of the house to help heat it in winter. Shut the shades to help cool it in summer.

Shade management 2: Landscape so that in the summer, trees, vines and shrubs shade driveway pavement, courtyards, large windows, etc.

Cross-ventilate: Opening windows on just one side of the house isn’t effective – the air has no path to flow through. Open windows on opposite sides to create a breeze.

Use a reversible ceiling fan: It’s effective both in winter and summer, generating a direct breeze in the summer and redistributing rising hot air in the winter.

Use CFL & LED lights: Replace your standard incandescent bulbs with long-life, energy efficient “compact fluorescent lights” or the new LED technology, which is now available for home lighting. They come in a variety of shapes and applications.

Use dimmers and mood lighting: If you’ve got dimmers, use them! If not, have them installed. They create comfortable lighting and save energy.

Use task and tract lighting: It’s more efficient and reduces the glare of an overly lit room.

Clean or paint walls: Dingy walls don’t reflect light well and give the room a “dark” feeling.

Use outdoor sensor lights: Instead of leaving porch and yard lights on all night. They provide even more security, reacting to motion.

Differentiate the toilet from the waste basket: Don’t use the toilet for cigarettes, paper or an occasional nose tissue. You can save 200-300 gallons a month.

Install aerators: They’re easy to put on kitchen and bathroom faucets, reduce water consumption and still provide a refreshing flow.

Wash full Loads: Don’t use the dish and clothes washers until they’re full.

Fix leaks: One simple leak can waste 20 gallons a day. Rid yourself of those annoying drips and pocket the savings.

Keep a bottle of water in the refrigerator: Instead of running the tap water until it’s cold.

Don’t sprinkle, irrigate: An irrigation hose uses less water and makes it easier for your lawn to “swallow.” If the grass springs back when you lift your foot, it doesn’t need water. Also, watering in the morning instead of dusk helps prevent fungus growth.

Use mulch: A layer around trees and plants slows down evaporation, reducing water needs.

Use a broom, not a hose: And get a little exercise sweeping the drive and sidewalks.

Capture tap water: While waiting for the water to heat up, capture the cool water and use it on your plants.

If replacing or adding appliances, consider:

• Energy Star ratings and recommendations
• Low-flush toilets
• Programmable thermostats
• Heat pumps that distribute heat more efficiently
• Evaporative coolers
• Circulating hot water pumps for larger homes where faucets are far apart

Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric can provide you with a “green” audit of your Denver or Boulder home. We recommend to annually check plumbing and electrical for efficiency to ensure you’re maximizing resources and saving money.

John Ward has owned and operated Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric for more than 36 years. He is a master plumber and recognized as an industry leader for his knowledge and ethical business practices. Applewood is the 2009 Large Company Better Business Bureau Marketplace of Trust winner and Contractor Magazine’s 2009 Contractor of the Year.

by Dave Logan

The sole purpose of your septic system is to transport all household wastes to a holding tank for treatment. Sounds simple enough, but improper maintenance of your septic system could result in some very unwanted problems. Your sewer line initially delivers all waste to a septic tank buried near your home. The solids settle to the bottom of the tank where microorganisms get rid of it. Waste fluids flow to distribution boxes that then discharge it through pipes in a drain field. Your septic tank needs to be pumped as necessary to rid it of collected solid wastes.

So how often do you need to have your septic tank pumped? In short, it depends on how large your septic tank is and how many people occupy your home. A small family of two can typically go about five years before needing to have the tank pumped. However, a large household of 5 or more (using a tank of about 2000 gallons) should have their septic tank pumped about every 2-3 years. We recommend contacting your plumber to guide you with this decision. They may want to come out annually and check your water levels. Given the importance of keeping your septic system well maintained, trusting your plumber is always the best idea!

For more helpful information on these and other home improvement projects, check in often with the TDL Blog. And don’t forget to visit TeamDaveLogan.com to find a trusted home improvement professional in Denver and Boulder that will help you with your next project!

by Dave Logan

Let’s face it: winter isn’t the ideal time to take on home improvement projects. Sure, there are some indoor projects you can do, but it’s best to get the bulk of your projects done before the cold, winter months arrive. Here are five projects to get knocked out this fall:

1. Replace your windows. Old or poor quality windows could easily be the leading cause of your heating bill skyrocketing upwards this winter. Consider replacing your windows now to keep your energy costs down. You’ll realize that return on investment sooner than you think!

2. Repair or replace your roof. Get a professional roofer out to your house before the end of October. Being proactive about roof repairs will save you a lot of money (and headache) before winter gets here. A professional can teach you how to locate leaks on your own from the inside as well as provide several seasonal tips for you to be aware of down the road. And if you need an entire roof replacement, well now’s the time to get that done, too!

3. Replace your gutters. If your gutters are leaking or damaged, it can cause a lot of unwanted structural damage. Excess moisture on the interior is also a hotbed for mold and mildew. Trust me, these repairs are potentially far more costly than replacing your gutters, so get them looked at by a professional roofing contractor this fall.

4. Insulate your attic. This one’s a no-brainer. Proper insulation keeps your energy costs down and the heat inside your home.

5. Remodel your kitchen and bath. With school back in full swing, now is a quiet time to take on a kitchen or bath remodel. You will thank yourself for taking on a project like this once the holidays get here!

There are many home improvement projects you should consider before old man winter arrives. Put your trust in your own home improvement professional and get these projects knocked out this fall.

For more helpful information on these and other home improvement projects, check in often with the TDL Blog. And don’t forget to visit TeamDaveLogan.com to find a trusted home improvement professional in Denver and Boulder that will help you with your next project!

by Dave Logan

Soon it will be time to head up to the Rockies to witness the stunning Aspens changing color. Yes, it’s just about fall, and few places are as beautiful as Colorado in the fall (or any season for that matter!). So what are your plans for your own fall landscaping? Now is the time to start incorporating fall colors into your garden, and what better way to accomplish this than by planting fall flowers!

Here are five of our favorites for Colorado:

1. Larkspurs come in a variety of shades of blues, purples, lilac, white, rose and pink. They typically grow up three feet high but can definitely grow taller than that. You can start them off in the fall, just make sure you get them going before the first frost arrives.

2. Snapdragons have brightly colored flowers (in nearly every shade but blue) that are especially profound in cooler weather, making a perfect addition to your fall garden. The name “snapdragon” is derived from the opening-mouth appearance of the flowers themselves.

3. Calendulas (pot marigolds) have the appearance of the perfect fall flower: rich golden and rust colors. Calendulas are very resilient and can even resist a light frost if they are well-established. The name “pot marigold” refers to its gold flowers that bloomed during the festivals celebrating the Virgin Mary (marigold); and of course its use in cooking (pots).

4. Petunias come in an abundance of choices and bloom best in cool, fall weather. They have wide trumpet-shaped flowers and do well in almost every condition (except extremely hot weather). Available in almost every color but black and blue, we recommend making petunias a staple in your fall garden.

5. Nasturtium flowers revitalize themselves in cool air and bloom well into fall. These flowers exhibit rich “jewel-toned” colors and make an exhilarating addition to any fall garden. They grow easily, work anywhere, and flourish with little maintenance. Bonus: the nasturtium leaves and flowers are edible! Steeped with a peppery zest, you will find the seed pods are sometimes used as a substitute for capers.

For more helpful information on these and other home improvement projects, check in often with the TDL Blog. And don’t forget to visit TeamDaveLogan.com to find a trusted home improvement professional in Denver and Boulder that will help you with your next project!

by Dave Logan

1. Ventilate. Painting your garage floor requires paints, epoxy, and cleaners that most certainly produce toxic fumes. Make sure your garage work area is very well ventilated and you won’t have any problems. Wearing protective eyewear, gloves, and covering exposed skin is always a smart idea for projects like this.

2. Clean the concrete floor. It’s important to sweep and take a shop vac to your garage floor before you being priming and painting. You need to make sure all debris is gone in order to achieve a smooth, effective result. Before you begin painting, sweep and clean the floor thoroughly. Use a concrete cleaner to rid the flooring of old stains. After you spray on the cleaner, wait a few minutes and scrub the spots with a hard brush. When you’re done, rinse the entire floor from back to front using a hose (or better yet, a pressure washer).

3. Repair the cracks. Now that your floor is clean, use a concrete-repair compound to patch cracks in the floor’s surface. Your garage floor will need to be totally dry before applying any sort of compound.

4. Prime the surface. Priming is the critical element before painting. It’s the only way to be sure your paint job will last for years to come. Grab a long-handlesd paint roller and slap on a heavy coat of primer. You will need to wait 8-10 hours for the primer to dry before you apply the first coat of paint.

5. Paint the surface. There are many types of quality paints on the market today that will more than suffice for your garage floor. Follow the application instructions available with whatever paint you choose. The first coat should be applied thinly and evenly. Wait at least 24 hours and apply a second coat. Two coats is all you need. Wait about 3-5 days before driving or parking on the newly painted surface. Finally, you will want to keep an eye on the surface and perform annual touch-ups to keep your garage floor protected and looking good!

For more helpful information on these and other home improvement projects, check in often with the TDL Blog. And don’t forget to visit TeamDaveLogan.com to find a trusted home improvement professional in Denver and Boulder that will help you with your next project!

by John Ward

Homes are meant to keep our families safe, but unfortunately many things in our homes can malfunction make us sick or cause more serious harm. The water you use to bathe, drink and clean with can become contaminated by backflow in your water lines and make you and your family sick.  Water contamination caused by backflow was responsible for more than 4,400 serious illnesses in 2005 according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).   Backflow is the reversal in water or sewage direction due to reversed water pressure. The reverse pressure can force sewage or other contaminates into your water lines, or it can suck contaminated water back into them.

According to the CDC , 51 percent of waterborne outbreaks caused by distribution system deficiencies between 1971 and 2000 were caused by backsiphonage. Backsiphonage occurs when pressure drops and contaminated water is drawn into the potable system. This can spread diseases like e-coli and Giardia, which cause stomach problems and fever.

The most common ways your home drinking water can become contaminated include:

• Hoses – Whether you leave the nozzle submerged in a bucket or laying on the ground, backsiphonage can suck contaminated water into your drinking water.
• Lawn Sprinkler systems – Sprinklers are also susceptible to backsiphonage, and the water drawn back into the system from there will contain fertilizers, pesticides and other organic matter.
• Break in the city water line – A break  can allow polluted water and other contaminants to mix with the city water supply.
• Well water – Well water can come into contact with untreated water from run-off. Malfunctioning well  pumps can also cause backsiphonage.

All new outside hose faucets and lawn sprinkler  systems are required to have built-in backflow prevention devices, but if you haven’t updated your outside faucets or sprinkler system in the past 10 years you may be at risk. The simplest way to prevent contamination is to install new backflow prevention devices on these systems.

If you are concerned about the safety of your water, call Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric. We can test for contamination and determine the source, or we can install a sprinkler/irrigation system that has built-in back flow prevention.

John Ward has owned and operated Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric for more than 36 years.  He is a master plumber and recognized as an industry leader for his knowledge and ethical business practices.  Applewood is the 2009 Large Company Better Business Bureau Marketplace of Trust winner and Contractor Magazine’s 2009 Contractor of the Year.