The Life of a Maintenance Man

Energy Saving Ideas At No Cost To You

noreply@blogger.com (Thelifeofamaintenanceman) — Wed, 8 Dec 2010 22:20:00 -0800

1. Lower the indoor temperature a few degrees in winter. Set it even
    lower to about 50 degrees when you on vacation. You'll save an
    average of two percent per degree on your electrical bill.

2. Close off unused rooms and lower the temperature setting your thermostat
    60 degrees of or adjusting the register. You'll save up to $60 per year.

3. Clean your furnace's fan with a soft brush and a vacuum often.

4. Open Shades and blinds to let sunlight during the day and close them
   to reduce heat loss at night. For cooling, close them during the day.

5. Fill clothes washers and dishwasher for more efficient energy use, rather
    than cleaning partial loads.

6. Skip the dishwasher drying cycle and cut 50% of energy use per cycle.

7. Wash clothes in cool water rather than hot water. 90% of total amount
    of energy used goes into heating the water and 10% into operating the
    actual appliance.

8. Clean clothes washer and dryer lint screens after every use.

9. Close fireplace damper when the fireplace isn't in use. If it's never used,
    insulate the flue.

10. Turn off room air conditioners when you leave for about an hour or more.
     You could quickly cool the room later.

GreenDIYenergy.com

noreply@blogger.com (Thelifeofamaintenanceman) — Wed, 1 Dec 2010 23:12:00 -0800

Why pay thousands of dollars for solar energy ($27,000 average cost) when you can build your own solar panel system for just a fraction of the retail cost? You can build a single solar panel, or you can build an entire array of panels.
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2nd Step Into Going Green

noreply@blogger.com (Thelifeofamaintenanceman) — Wed, 1 Dec 2010 22:41:00 -0800

Conserve Energy and Money
When turning your house green you need start focusing investments on projects
that cost little or no money. There are many energy saving strategies that require
small amount of skills. For example changing you lights, light bulbs, and installing
a programmable thermostat. Here some examples that will help you accomplish
you goals:

DO IT YOUR SELF

     1.Replace Light Bulbs
     Fluorescent bulb use only 1/3 to 1/2 as much energy as standard bulbs,
     and also have a longer life span. Typically compact fluorescent bulbs cost
     about $ 3 each. And will pay for them self's in about 6 months to a year.

2. Replace Worn out Thresholds and Weather Seals

By replacing all of your weather striping around your windows and doors
      you"ll be preventing your home from drafts and warm air leakage. Weather
      striping a window or a door most often cost about $10 to $30 per opening.
      And will pay for them self 's in about 1 to 3 years.

3. Install a New Programmable Thermostat

       You could you heating and cooling bills by up to 15%. The cost of a programmable
       thermostat cost anywhere from $30 an well over $100. Typical payback ranges
       anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

     4. Check Your Heating and Cooling Ducts for air leaks
      By sealing off the joints and gaps you could save up to 10% on your
      heating and cooling bills. The cost of sealing your ducks could cost
      anywhere from $25 to $50. Typically will pay for it self in 1 to 2 years.

     5. Install Light Controls
      Motion sensors, switches, photocells, timers will shut off light automatically
      when they're not needed.

   6. Insulate Water Heater
      Check owners manual or specifications to make sure a insulated blanket is
      recommended for your model.

     7. Change Furnace Filters
Every month filters need to be change.

1st Step Into Going Green

noreply@blogger.com (Thelifeofamaintenanceman) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 23:05:00 -0800

Hire an Energy Auditor
Hiring a professional could cost you about $250 to $500 dollars. But it's worth
the money. The auditor could provide you with a good energy saving strategy, and
point out where to start.Call your local utility company to recommend you one, or in
some cases provided you with that service at no cost.

The auditor may often check for and rate it's performance base on:

Air leaks
Insulation levels
Condition of heating and cooling equipment
Appliances

Cost effective is the most important criteria in turning your home green. For an upgrade
to be worthwhile, the estimated savings should cover the cost of the upgrade in about
seven years or less. You could start spending money in renovations that in the long
run wont provided you with much savings, and leave behind the ones that provide you
with the best possible result. A good train energy auditor should provide you with a
guide to accomplish your goals.

PLEASE FOLLOW MY BLOG FOR DAILY RENOVATION TIPS. THANK YOU!

GO GREEN! And Save ENERGY

noreply@blogger.com (Thelifeofamaintenanceman) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 22:13:00 -0800

According to http://homenergysaver.lbl.gov/consumer/ The
Yearly Energy Costs for Typical Homes in Seattle, Washington is:

Typical Home $2,189
Efficient Home $1,638

Importance of Residential Energy Use

$241 billion. That's how much is spent every consumers spend each year on energy for home use. About 1 in 5 of the nation's energy dollars is spent in homes. Energy efficiency improvements could cut this number by well over half.

90% of your time. That's the proportion of the average American's time spent indoors. The quality of indoor air is often worse than the air outside. Moisture and gasses from building materials are some of the many invisible sources of indoor air pollution. When done right, energy efficiency upgrades will also improve indoor air quality and make your home safer and more comfortable.

1.2 billion tons of greenhouse-gas emissions. That's what is emitted (as carbon dioxide) into the atmosphere as a byproduct of making the energy to power U.S. homes. Every single thing done to save energy at home trims these emissions.

Did you know that the typical U.S. family spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills? Unfortunately, a large portion of that energy is wasted. And each year, electricity generated by fossil fuels for a single home puts more carbon dioxide into the air than two average cars.

Right in your own home, you have the power to reduce energy demand, and when you reduce demand, you cut the amount of resources, like coal and gas, needed to make energy—that means you create less greenhouse gas emissions, which keeps air cleaner for all of us...and saves on your utility bills! Plus, reducing energy use increases our energy security.

Book Of The Week

noreply@blogger.com (Thelifeofamaintenanceman) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 17:43:00 -0800

Home Maintenance for Dummies
Just about everyone I know owns at least one Dummies book. They really are well-written and informative, despite the title. This book is no different. It’s quite comprehensive and includes both pretty big fixes that you can DIY as well as tips for annual maintenance and inspections that will help you avoid costly repair bills. It includes EVERYTHING in your home, from the foundation to the roof and everything in between. However, I do wish it had more step-by-step instructions and illustrations. It’s very text-heavy.
Click Here To Get Your Own Copy

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noreply@blogger.com (Thelifeofamaintenanceman) — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 22:03:00 -0800

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MyShedPlans

noreply@blogger.com (Thelifeofamaintenanceman) — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:18:00 -0800

As a woodworking enthusiast, you see better than most the value of a beautifully crafted piece of workmanship. You'll be glad to know that MyShedPlans offers the most complete home project resource you can buy on the Internet. It provides expert advice with step-by-step techniques, photos and diagrams to make every project easy to tackleIt is bursting with plans for over 12,000 woodworking projects! You will find plans for birdhouses, garden furniture, outdoor sheds, full size decks, and everything in between.If it can be made out of wood, it will most likely be here. Toys are included too. All plans are complete from start to finish, and include material lists, detailed diagrams, and explicit step by step instructions.

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Video Garbage Man

noreply@blogger.com (Thelifeofamaintenanceman) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:33:00 -0800

Lazy garbage man.

Video Frozen Pool

noreply@blogger.com (Thelifeofamaintenanceman) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 22:00:00 -0800

Pool got frozen. What a Pain. Power went off last night and shut
off my pump!

How to Winterize Your Sprinkler System

noreply@blogger.com (Thelifeofamaintenanceman) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 19:45:00 -0800

Step 1: Turn your water off to your sprinkler system to include your clock.

Step 2: Set up your air pump next to your main sprinkler valves. Run an extension cord if needed. I like to wear ear muffs when doing this because of the noise.

Step3:Connect your air pump hose to your sprinkler line and and close off a line while your air compressor builds up pressure to 100LBS.

Step 4: Once you've reached 100IBS it's time to open one solenoid valve at a time and open the solenoid valve by hand and then open up the air compressor valve insuring the air is being pushed out of the sprinkler heads. You will see water being released and when the water is out you will only hear air. This may take two to three times per solenoid.See my how I did this article.

Step 5: Once you blow all the lines out you will need to open all the solenoid valves and open the drain valve in the pit, if you have one

Winterise a Sprinkler System

Winterizing 101. Prepearing Your Home For Winter

noreply@blogger.com (Thelifeofamaintenanceman) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 23:01:00 -0800

Here's some help full tips that will help you prepare for this winter of 2010-2011

H V A C

1.Call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace and clean ducts.

   HVAC professional will often check for:

    * Safety check for carbon
       monoxide
    * Clean and replace air filters
    * Check blower operation
    * Clean motor and fan
    * Inspect gas piping to furnace
A service inspection should cost you a couple hundred dollars but the energy savings could and piece of mind is worth the investment. Studies have shown that up to 60% of heated air escapes from ducts before making it to the vents. That’s a lot of money leaking out of your pocket. The HVAC guy can check for any leaks in your air duct system and then take steps to seal them.

Regularly change your furnace’s filters throughout the winter. A dirty filter impedes air flow, reduces efficiency, and could even cause a fire in an extreme case. You might consider replacing your disposable filters with reusable electrostatic or electronic ones. You just have to give them a monthly wash, and they’re good to go another round.

You as a home owner should consider to:
     * Stock up on furnace filters and change them monthly.
    * Consider switching out your thermostat for a programmable thermostat.
    * If your home is heated by a hot-water radiator, bleed the valves by opening them
       slightly and when water appears, close them.
    * Remove all flammable material from the area surrounding your furnace.

2. Get the Fireplace Ready

   * Cap or screen the top of the chimney to keep out rodents and birds.
   * If the chimney hasn't been cleaned for a while, call a chimney sweep to remove
      soot and creosote.
* Buy firewood or chop wood. Store it in a dry place away from the exterior of your home.
* Inspect the fireplace damper for proper opening and closing.
* Check the mortar between bricks and tuck point, if necessary.

Thousands of fires each winter originate in chimneys. A chimney sweep can check the structure of your flue and remove any combustibles or obstructions in your chimney.

3. Check the Exterior, Doors and Windows
   * Inspect exterior for crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes; seal them.
   * Use weatherstripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home
      and caulk windows.
   * Replace cracked glass in windows and, if you end up replacing the entire window,
      prime and paint exposed wood.
* If your home has a basement, consider protecting its window wells by covering them
     with plastic shields.
* Switch out summer screens with glass replacements from storage. If you have storm
     windows, install them.
You’re likely to find drafts underneath doors and near windows. If you find a leak underneath your door put a draft snake across the bottom of it. A simple rolled up bath towel will work. If you have leaks near your windows, get some weather-resistant caulk and caulk them from the outside. You can use weather stripping as well. Other places you might want to check for leaks are where pipes and wires exit your foundation.

4. Inspect Roof, Gutters & Downspouts
* If your weather temperature will fall below 32 degrees in the winter, adding extra
    insulation to the attic will prevent warm air from creeping to your roof and causing
    ice dams.
* Check flashing to ensure water cannot enter the home.
* Replace worn roof shingles or tiles.
* Clean out the gutters and use a hose to spray water down the downspouts to clear
     away debris.
* Consider installing leaf guards on the gutters or extensions on the downspouts to
     direct water away from the home.
Clogged gutters can lead to the formation of ice dams on your roof. Ice dams occur when water backs up and freezes near the edge of the roof. The ice continues to build up and eventually forms “dams” that block the path of melted snow from your roof. Water starts pooling in mini reservoirs and begins to seep into your house, causing water damage. To prevent ice dams, clean out the dead leaves and other gunk in your gutters so water can drain freely.

5. Service Weather-Specific Equipment
* Drain gas from lawnmowers.
* Service or tune-up snow blowers.
* Replace worn rakes and snow shovels.
* Clean, dry and store summer gardening equipment.
* Sharpen ice choppers and buy bags of ice-melt / sand

6. Check Foundations
* Rake away all debris and edible vegetation from the foundation.
* Seal up entry points to keep small animals from crawling under the house.
* Tuckpoint or seal foundation cracks. Mice can slip through space as thin as a dime.
* Inspect sill plates for dry rot or pest infestation.
* Secure crawlspace entrances.
* Insulate ventilation vents with R-10 foam

7. Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
* Some cities require a smoke detector in every room.
* Buy extra smoke detector batteries.
* Install a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace and / or water heater.
* Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they work.
* Buy a fire extinguisher or replace an extinguisher older than 10 years

Winter sees an uptick in the number of home fires and cases of carbon monoxide poisoning because people are running their furnaces and boilers overtime in order to keep warm. To keep your family safe, check the batteries on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change them if needed.

8. Prevent Plumbing Freezes
* Locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency.
* Drain all garden hoses.
* Insulate exposed plumbing pipes.

* Drain air conditioner pipes and, if your AC has a water shut-off valve, turn it off.
* If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 55 degrees.
Insulating your pipes reduces heat loss and can raise hot water temperatures delivered through your pipes, which allows you to reduce the heat on your boiler. That will save you money on your gas bill. And by making your pipes energy efficient, you also don’t have to wait as long for hot water when you turn on the shower, which helps conserve water and time. Wrapping your pipes with insulation will also help prevent your pipes from freezing during those long cold nights. You can get pre-slit pipe foam at the hardware store. Simply cut the foam to the length you need, wrap it around the pipe, and fasten it in place with duct tape.

9. Prepare Landscaping & Outdoor Surfaces

* Trim trees if branches hang too close to the house or electrical wires.
* Ask a gardener when your trees should be pruned to prevent winter injury.
* Plant spring flower bulbs and lift bulbs that cannot winter over such as dahlias
   in areas where the ground freezes.
* Seal driveways, brick patios and wood decks.
* Don't automatically remove dead vegetation from gardens as some provide
   attractive scenery in an otherwise dreary, snow-drenched yard.
* Move sensitive potted plants indoors or to a sheltered area.
If you have any tree branches hanging near your roof, windows, or driveways, trim them back. Snow and ice will weigh them down and possibly cause them to break. A few years ago we had a pretty bad ice storm here in Tulsa. I remember driving by one house that had a parked car in the driveway. So much ice had accumulated on a large branch that it had snapped off and smashed the car’s roof. The owner could have easily prevented this misfortune if he had taken the time to trim his trees.

10. Prepare an Emergency Kit
* Buy indoor candles and matches / lighter for use during a power shortage.
* Find the phone numbers for your utility companies and tape them near your
    phone or inside the phone book.
* Buy a battery back-up to protect your computer and sensitive electronic equipment.
* Store extra bottled water and non-perishable food supplies (including pet food,
    if you have a pet), blankets and a first-aid kit in a dry and easy-to-access location.
* Prepare an evacuation plan in the event of an emergency.

If you’re planning to leave you home unoccupied for the winter.

Please follow this simple steps.

Water System
1. Shut off water systems by turning off the pump or shutting the valve if on

       city water. Drain the pressure tank.
2.   Open all faucets.
3.   Break a union close to the valve so water will drain out clear to the shut-off valve.
4.   Drain pump and run a second or two to be sure all water is out of lines from the pump.
5.   Flush toilets and dip all water out of the flush tank.
6.   Be sure to drain flexible spray hoses in showers and sinks.
7.   Drain water softeners so water will drain back from soft water pipes and controls.

       Brine tank will probably not freeze.
8.   Drain water heaters.

Heating Systems
Electric heating systems require no maintenance other than shutting off the power to the heating units.
Hot air heating systems:
1.   Turn off burner emergency switch which is often located at the top of the stairs.
2.   Drain humidifier which is usually located on the furnace.
3.   Forced hot water and steam systems: Drain all water in the system unless the liquid contains anti-freeze. It is wise to have this type of system drained by a plumber unless you are well-informed on the procedures necessary.
Winterize your summer home as you do your winter home. To help conserve energy when the home is not occupied, install a low-heat thermostat. By doing this your home could be maintained at abut 40 F. without a freeze-up, rather than at 55 Ft. which is the lowest temperature at which most thermostats can be set.

Texture

noreply@blogger.com (Thelifeofamaintenanceman) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:29:00 -0800

3 common wall textures fund in homes today. Check out this video clips:
1. Homax can orange peel texture
2. Homax knockdown texture
3. Texuring popcorn Cealing

How to repair a small hole on the wall?

noreply@blogger.com (Thelifeofamaintenanceman) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:29:00 -0800

Patching a couple holes on the wall is a simple procedure please check this video and tell me what you think.
How to Repair Cracks and Holes in Drywall
How to repair drywall with wood lath
Drywall hole repair how to fix a hole on the wall

Hello

noreply@blogger.com (Thelifeofamaintenanceman) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 22:07:00 -0800

Hello world welcome to my blog. In a few days I'm going to be giving you some maintenance tips, so you could repair your own place. Also I'm going to be talking about my job and what I go through everyday. PAIN FULL! Thank you and see you then. P.S. you could send me a message if you have any questions about property maintenance.