Thursday, July 30, 2009

What is the Most Difficult Stage of Making a Solar Panel?

What are the most difficult stages of making your very own solar panel? These final steps on how to make a solar panel can be the most difficult. To begin, take a quick look at the work you have done to make sure that it is correct, after which you will be ready to move on with these steps of building your very own solar panel for use on your own home. This is your very own way of helping to save the environment as well as cutting down the cost of your utility bills.

Step #1: once you have completed gathering the materials needed, your next step is to cut two 72x1/4x1/4 inch see through acrylic strips to the length of approximately 38.3 inches, then snip the last two clear acrylic strips to a length of approximately 37.8 inches.

Step #2: once this is one, glue one of the 38.3 inch acrylic bars to the top of the ABS white sheet, making sure to line the bar up with the edge of the sheet. Glue and then allow to dry before continuing. Once the glue has dried, take the second 38.3 inch acrylic bar to the bottom of the ABS white sheet being careful to line up with the edge, glue and then allow to dry.

Step #3: once the glue has dried, glue one of the 37.8 inch clear extruded acrylic bars to the left of the ABS white sheet making sure to line the bar up with the edge of the sheet and then allow the glue to dry before continuing. Then take the remaining bar and glue to the right of the ABS white sheet lining it up with the edge of the sheet. Allow glue to dry completely.

Step #4: almost there. Once the glue has dried, cut the remaining clear acrylic bar into 1x1/4x1/4 inch blocks and then glue each block, centered in between each of the solar cells in an alternating panel and this will provide strength to the solar panel.

Step #5: the final step to creating your own solar panel is to take the 48x48x1/8 transparent sheet which is UV treated and, cut it into to a 38.5/16x38.5/16x3/16 inch piece and then place glue along the top of the four acrylic bars which were glued to the ABS white sheet in steps 2 and 3. Place glue on top of each of the acrylic blocks and line up the acrylic sheet with the edges of the four acrylic bars and place it firmly on top. Allow for the glue to dry completely.

That's it you are now ready to receive free energy from the sun.



Autor: Mike Hickmon Mike Hickmon
Level: Basic PLUS
Hi Mike here Just a short message to tell you about my self. While I have experience in engineering, trading, science, teaching and other similar ... ...

Looking for instructions on how to build solar panel systems? Please visit BestHomemadeEnergy.com for complete details on building a solar panel system.


Added: July 30, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Discover How to Make Solar Electricity at Home - Do it Yourself

Once you discover how to make solar electricity at home, you will know how to install solar power systems easily and inexpensively. Manufacturers of solar panels demand very high prices, but you can take shortcuts to save money.

Solar panels gather energy from the light that the sun casts on our planet through solar cells. These cells channel the energy into deep cycle batteries where we store it until we need it. The job of the solar panel is to keep the batteries charged.

The parts required for building your own solar generators are very affordable and most can be found at your local hardware store. If you discover how to make solar electricity at home by making your own panels and you will save thousands of dollars.

A solar electricity system should only take about a weekend worth of time to construct if you plan properly. Spend some time researching where to get inexpensive solar cells, draw blueprints for construction and find out how much power you will need to generate.

The best spot to place an array of panels is on the south incline of your house, if that is not an option any spot that gets sunlight most of the day will do. The solar panels will only generate electricity when they are exposed to sunlight.

The knowledge acquired when you discover how to make solar electricity at home is invaluable as electricity costs are on a constant uptrend. When you discover how to make solar electricity at home you will be able to expand upon your energy system as you please.



Autor: Josh Brentwood

Professional guides designed to help you discover how to make solar electricity at home can relieve the research process. Go to http://www.renewable-edge.info.


Added: July 29, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Make a Residential Windmill From Wood

Wind turbines are very costly and buying them defeats the purpose of using wind energy. You are harnessing wind power and as such, you will use a residential windmill but buying ready-made ones will just cost you so much that it is like not benefiting from it at all. Although many advertisers claim that this is a good investment, a better investment is to spend lesser for a wind turbine that will give you the same power or energy boost; this can only be done by making wind turbines yourself.

The first step in making a residential windmill is to pick the type of wood that will withstand great wind flow. From a common standpoint or perspective, the ideal length of wood is just one meter. Once the length is decided upon, make sure you have three pieces of equal size. These will be your windmill blades. Horizontally divide each blade into five equal sizes using a pencil or a marker. One end should be marked as the baseline and the other as the tip. There should also be a difference in the markings for the front and back.

Trace a line and halfway from the tip, the fourth square should be marked down to the base. This marking will show you a diagonal line which will help you cut accurately. Once done, the blade should now look like a saw. With the wood facing up, look for the tip of the fourth section and mark it with a number 7. Saw it and smoothen the wood.

The residential windmill blades should have a 120 degree angle. Cut the three blades at this angle from the bottom and this will give you the right corners to connect the three of them. Once your residential windmill blades are ready, all you need to do is to post them on the stand and connect the entire device onto your battery.



Autor: Robert K.

Now Pay Close Attention Here - Are you seriously looking for a proven way to save money on your electricity bills? There is a Guide which will help you to Build wind power at home. You will be surprised to know that how easy it is to Build a Windmill at Home, that will not only save your money but you will help in cleaning the environment. Check the Guide


Added: July 26, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Saturday, July 25, 2009

How to Build Wine Cellar Structures - The Problems to Avoid

How to build wine cellar structures that are problem free can be tricky if you're learning as you go, but if you keep a few key things in mind, you can have everything running without a hitch. The fact is, there are a few things to consider which can be very easily overlooked, even though they can be very simple common sense things. Without watching out for these simple mistakes however, you will be courting disaster, truly - so in understanding how to build wine cellars correctly, what are these things we need to watch out for?

First up is moisture and condensation. It isn't as though it isn't obvious, but you see, this holds true even whether you are using electrical refrigeration units in your cellar (the fact that these are insulated in and of themselves isn't enough), or if you are building a wooden structure to hold and age all of your wines in your cellar, using the coldness of the cellar as passive refrigeration. Condensation can damage your walls and ceiling and flooring either way, so in understanding how to build wine cellar spaces, it's best to use a vapor barrier using the correct type of sheet rock as well as plastic sheeting to separate what holds your wines and the surrounding area, dampness-wise.

You should also remember that to make a wine cellar with flooring left simply as sealed concrete, ceramic or tile, is best - you should never ever lay down rugs or carpeting of any kind, as this is where moisture will be attracted to, and held within. This is the perfect way to start a mold farm. Mold will damage wood, ruin walls floors and your ceiling, and poses a very serious health hazard to anyone... oh, and it will completely destroy your wine as well, corked or not - be well warned, and take heed.

Using the proper woods to make wine cellar cabinetry is also something to consider here... oak and maple are nice, but there are particularly moisture resistant woods such as teak and purpleheart as well. This can be quite expensive, but the silica content in these woods allow them to be even left outdoors in any weather without ever rotting. Redwood is another type which is popular. But you must always steer quite clear away from aromatic woods (all cedar types, for example), as the aroma from these, detectable by you or not, will taint your wines and ruin them, no matter how well corked, make no mistake.



Autor: Jesse Robinson

If you'd like to learn more about how to build wine cellar structures properly, or about wine in general, including wine tasting, wine making, or even if you'd like to peruse through some free wine recipes, please feel free to hop on by the wine cellar for an informative and enjoyable read.


Added: July 25, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Friday, July 24, 2009

Your Home, Your Design, Your Money

Right off the bat, I'm not going to tell you there isn't a time and place for professional designers. That's just not true. I am a professional designer and would be cutting off my own nose to say I wasn't ever needed.

What I am saying is, a good part of our community cannot figure out design and the other part don't have time or want too.

I work with clients whom have a good idea of their own personal design style and just need that extra push and my knowledge to get it done! I truly believe with some basic knowledge and the occasional push, most of us can have a beautifully designed interior. And do it yourself with considerable savings.

I personally love old stuff. What can I do with it? Where can I use it? (maybe in a different form?) That antique headboard of aunt Fern's. Get rid of it? NOT! Figure out a great alternative. Maybe an entry bench. Maybe a garden sculpture. Think. Think outside the proverbial box. I used a very old antique headboard for the back of my entry way bench. It's fabulous. And getting famous to boot.

Stepping out of our comfort zone can be frightening. I know, I do it everyday. As an artist and designer and now a web/graphic designer, I am constantly working beyond what I currently know. But I do know this. I can and will be creative. Your creativeness can come out in your home and make sense.

How do you do this. I know you are thinking, "She is nuts. I can't achieve a well designed room, much less a whole house! I can't even pick out a bedroom paint color." Yes you can. I know you can. There is too much free and inexpensive information out there for you not be successful. But you have to do the time and the research.

When looking for inspiration, I am after every free article, picture or magazine I can get my hands on. This is the start of inspiration. I am inspired by a clients beloved work of art or a beautiful piece of furniture. I begin with main colors, design style, shape. I have designed an entire home based on an antique quilt.

You have to have a place to start. You cannot work in a vacuum. There has to be a theme, i.e. color, style, artwork, etc.

This is your beginning. Your Genesis. Rebuilt, restart, refresh and rejuvenate your life with color and serenity. If needed, a designer will come in and help with this start. You can do the rest. I can help. You can contact me if you need advice. You can visit my web site and see my successes in the do it yourself field.

Good luck and see you next time,

SK Sartell



Autor: SK Sartell

SK Sartell, a nationally acclaimed artist and designer.


Added: July 24, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

DIY Wind Turbine - Saving Money on Electricity

DIY wind turbine has been a great help in many households every since the world economic faces a crisis. The huge amount of searches on the internet has shown a major interest from people that are searching for facts in regards to this alternative energy generator. Find out why many people believe that it is an excellent source of investment.

A DIY wind turbine converts wind energy into usable electrical power. One great benefit is that wind energy is a natural resource that can never be depleted. If you are looking for a system that has the ability to generate free supplies of electricity, a DIY wind turbine is an ideal choice of investment. On top of that, it is considered as an environmental friendly device which helps to protect the planet.

In the current economic depression, many people are looking for ways to save money in order to survive through this crisis. With a DIY wind turbine, not only you can save money by generating electricity, if you manage to create more energy than you end up using for the month, your electric companies would actually pay you. Wouldn't a check be a great thing to see instead of an electrical bill in your mailbox every month? The only thing that you'll have to come out from your pocket is the maintenance of the home wind turbine itself. However, the money you manage to save from a couple of months will be more than enough to cover the maintenance costs.

Installing a DIY wind turbine isn't a difficult task. There are always professionals that will complete the task for you. Looking for a professional in your area could be as easy as going online. Many will give you an estimate price so you can decide whether you wish to make the investment. If you think you would like to handle the installation by yourself, you can always purchase a DIY wind turbine kit. You should be able to complete the installation with a few tools that can be easily found around the house.

Open your mind up to what a DIY wind turbine could do for you and your family. The benefits certainly are apparent. You can even install a home wind turbine with the help of the whole family. Not only can it make a good cohesion day, it can also be a learning lesson for your kids to find out more about alternative energy sources.

If you would to ensure your home receives adequate amount of energy, you can always install another system. The amount of energy you are able to generate is directly related to the amount of wind in your area. Therefore, an extra DIY wind turbine may come in handy for those days when the wind is not very active.



Autor: Gallen Ho Gallen Ho
Level: Platinum
Enjoys providing useful information for people. Cheers....

Explore the highly recommended Earth For Energy site that provides you with wealth of information such as Wind Power Generators, Solar Panels, Benefits and many other informative tips on Money Saving. Find out more about home wind turbine today; master the knowledge of saving electrical cost.


Added: July 22, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Monday, July 20, 2009

How to Build a Great Chicken Coop

You need to decide first how many chickens you want to keep in your chicken house, If you only want two or three then a small size coop should do you fine, but on the other hand if you want eight or more then you will need a fairly large coop. The recommend space allowance per chicken in a chicken coop is 4.5 square foot per chicken, but obviously the more the better. Make sure you consider this and decide before you buy any chicken coop plans or materials, since if you change you mind at a later date it is only going to cost you more.

Another factor that is very important when building a chicken coop is your climate and weather. If you live in hot areas then you will need to supply some form of ventilation for your chickens also if you live in a area where you get a lot of rain then your chicken house will need to be waterproofed. You can use heat lamps inside the coop when the winter sets in but it is not vital unless nights get very cold in your place of residence. The wind can also make chickens unhappy so make sure they have somewhere they can go to get shelter from it. Ventilation systems can be set up cheap as well as light sources inside the chicken coop but make sure you do not rush into buying anything expensive.

Do not forget you think about your feeding system, chickens love leftovers but also you can feed them a already prepared chicken feed which contains everything they need in there diet. It goes without saying that the more chickens you have in your chicken coop the more food you will need to supply them. You need to decide how many feeders you are going to put in your chicken run depending on how many chickens you have.

I wish you luck in building your own chicken coop.



Autor: Dominic A Harris

http://www.chickencoopsdiy.com/


Added: July 20, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Backyard Shed Plans - Easy and Economical to Build

If you are looking for additional storage or workshop areas and don't want the hassle of building an addition to your home, then you might want to look at a quick and far cheaper alternative, Backyard Sheds. Finding the right backyard shed plans will help you to establish if this is the right alternative for you.

There are a few things to consider when looking at backyard shed plans and these include:

  • How much space do you need.
  • How much money are you willing to spend and
  • What are you going to be using the space for.

Starting with knowing what you are going to be using the space for often leads to how much space you are going to need. If your backyard shed is going to only be used as storage, then assessing how much needs to be stored is your first priority. However, if you are going to be using the area for your personal use as in a workshop or office, then there are other things to consider. Spending a lot of time in a shed, especially during the heat of summer or the cold of winter will have a marked influence in the materials you are going to want to use. If you plan to use your shed as a workshop, then you may not want to construct it from a material that will resonate sound, particularly if you are into making noise.

The size of your shed can vary quite considerably, but always consider the area you have and how you can best utilize it. Sometimes it make sense to build vertically rather than horizontally, especially when it comes to storage.

Finally and most importantly, cost is a huge factor in building your backyard shed and finding the right plans for it. If you are not DIY inclined, then it is important to get the best information possible to ensure that you do not make any costly mistakes. If you are looking for a bespoke, custom made shed, then it is always going to be far more cost effective to build your own. With the fully comprehensive online guides that are now available online, you can get all the information you want in one place. These guides often include a variety of other interesting information that both the novice and the DIY guru will find of interest.



Autor: Tristan Levy

Tristan Levy has joined "The Human-Kind Project" to generate resources for charity based resort and vacation ideas around the globe.

His experience in diy makes him an ideal candidate for living in third world countries where "The Human-Kind Projects" will be based. Proceeds of all sales go to the project and to find out more visit his website at http://www.SavingMoney-LivingGreen.com or visit his diy info pages at http://www.squidoo.com/complete-diy-shed-plans


Added: July 18, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Petrify Your Timber Problems For Good

When you put timber outside and leave it exposed to the elements, you basically know before you even start that sooner or later it will start to fall apart. This will most likely be caused by Wet Rot ( Coniophora Puteana ) or some of the many other varieties of fungal decay and rot. On top of this, it is likely to also be attacked by a whole range of tiny insects, such as Termites, Ants, Spiders, Powder Post Beetle, Carpenter Ants, even slugs and wood boring insects of different types. Then of course your timber will mainly be faced with endless amounts of rainwater, ground dampness, atmospheric moisture, bound moisture and mildew.

With all of these things out there and just waiting for some nice juicy new timbers ( pre-treated or otherwise ) to attack, it's no wonder the lumber industry makes so much money from us when we have to replace or renew so many of our deteriorated timbers. Well, now we can stop all of the above and completely alleviate many of your timber renewals for a great many years to come.

To give you an example of some timber that has been left outside for almost countless years and has suffered no deterioration from rot, insect attack or otherwise, all you have to do is Google the Petrified Forest. There you will see large tree trunks which have lain exposed to the elements and still look like the day they fell, all but for one thing. They actually turned into stone and this of course preserved them intact in every detail. So, this is one example of wood that has certainly been preserved without the need for toxic chemicals and poisons being applied to it. Another great example of wood and for that matter human body preservation is found way back over three thousand years ago in Ancient Egypt.

The Egyptians in those days coated the inside and outside or their ornately carved wooden sarcophagus ( Coffin ) with Cedar Oil and then they dipped the bandages used to encapsulate their mummies in the same Cedar Oil. Even then, they had found that this wonderful natural oil was the essence of preservation and today, when we discover and excavate their ancient tombs, we have found some marvellous examples of extremely well preserved mummies and their wooden coffins also.

So where exactly am I going with this article? The answer my friend is both obvious and simple as I am going to enlighten you on the almost miraculous benefits of a totally natural organic fluid called Cedarshield Petri-Wood. As its name implies, when this product is applied to timber, it actually triggers the first stages of wood petrification, which in turn means that rot cannot affect it. However, that's not all it does.

It instantly removes all bound water and inherent moisture from the wood; it instantly stabilizes the timber, stopping it from warping, cupping or splitting and better still, it alleviates all possibility of all types of rot and decay, mildew and attack by wood destroying insects such as termites, carpenter ants and so on. It is genuinely a one time lifetime application and apparently when the supplier does the application, they provide a written guarantee against all of the above for periods up to an amazing fifty years, depending on which treatment system you choose to have them undertake.

If you decide to use this product yourself, then you do not need protective clothing or even a mask. It should be either applied by a brush or a airless spray and the structure to be treated should first of all be pressure washed beforehand and left to dry naturally before applying the fluid. Prominent Scientists who treat and preserve ancient marine artefacts are now using it with great success.

Museums are using it to treat old timber relics such as very old totem poles and wooden boats etc. It is not the cheapest product on the market but it certainly is the best. In fact it has been quoted as being "the best and most effective preservation fluid on the planet." This product can literally save us a fortune on future renewals and at the same time preserve our precious environment.



Autor: Robert M Littlejohn Robert M Littlejohn
Level: Basic PLUS
Bob immigrated from Scotland to Canada in 2002 where he settled in Ontario until relocating to British Columbia in 2007 to initially work as a ... ...

Bob Littlejohn MBA BSc


Added: July 16, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

You Can Build a Closet Yourself

If you build a closet yourself you may find it is a great way to not only save money but also create the exact type and amount of storage that you need. A few years back a good friend decided to build a log cabin on a lake in the North. He did a great job in designing and building it. It was a beautiful structure with a fireplace and large windows overlooking the lake. When the day came to move into the cabin for the summer his wife asked where the closets were. Yes that's right he left them out of the design.

My friend called me and in the background I could plainly hear his better half extolling his building abilities. With our assistance he quickly found that you can build a closet yourself. Since this was a log cabin he decided that constructing several walk in closets was impractical. However since the cabin was going to be used in both the summer months and for snowmobiling in the winter there was a need to store both summer and winter apparel the use of free standing and wardrobe closet furniture alone would not provide all the needed closet space.

One of the best places to find closet ideas and designs is on the Internet. Many closet manufactures and installers have great closet layouts design software on their websites. Many of these software packages are specifically design to help you select the company's products but they frequently can be used to build a closet yourself. Basically there are only three closet options available and they include the walk-in, reach in and free standing or wardrobe closet furniture. Since space was limited we decided on using 36 inch deep reach in and free standing designs.

Once you have your closet ideas and design you can start looking for building materials. In the case of my friend whose log cabin had no closet space we select half log siding that was very similar to the existing log structure. We roughed in the closets against the interior stud walls of each bedroom and then lined each with white cedar. This cedar closet lining basically works the same as a cedar chest. The interior shelves were also constructed of cedar. One half of the closets were dedicated to standard half and full length clothes hanging and the rest to open shelves. Open selves allow one to quickly find everything stored within the closet.

We used the same sealer used on the cabins interior log surfaces to finish the exterior of our new reach in closets. My friend's wife did her part as well by finding wardrobe closet furniture that would accent the natural look of the log cabin. We visited the furniture store and made several measurements and noted the type of construction and material. It was not long before we were back in our shop designing and building two copies.

You can build a closet yourself that will function as well as any product found on the market today. In addition the total cost of designing and building 3 standard and two free standing closets was less than $1000. If you were to purchase the two wardrobe furniture pieces it would have cost more than twice as much alone. Our total project time was about 3 weeks which was reasonable considering we all had regular jobs to work as well. As you can see you really can build a closet yourself.



Autor: Jim Kesel Jim Kesel
Level: Platinum
James Kesel, MS, is a Senior Partner with Bruce Point Partners LLC, a Retired Combat Disabled US Marine and a retired Wildlife Biologist with the ... ...

The Closet Ideas website is located at http://www.closet-ideas.com providing information on maximizing your home or business storage. Investing in good closet ideas is a great investment in the efficiency of your home or office.


Added: July 15, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Monday, July 13, 2009

Build Your Own Wind Generator Easily Using DIY Wind Power Guides

There is certainly no way one could build a wind generator without using a solid DIY guide. A quick search will give you at least 10 different guides to choose from, however the question is which one is the right one for you and which one will actually work?

Rather than buying all of the guides you would be better off checking out the product reviews for each of the guides and see what other customers have to say about them. This will not only save you a lot of time but your money will be safe as well.

Most of the guides will teach you how to build your own windmill at the lowest cost. (where to get all the components for your windmill at the lowest cost) It shouldn't cost you more than $200 for the components and the guide is usually no more than fifty dollars or even less. In fact for under $250 you can reduce your power bill by 80% or even more. Even more rewarding is the fact that you can get off the grid. Living green doesn't have to be expensive in fact you will be saving hundreds or even thousands for many years to come that you could spend for other home improvement or why not some nice vacations.

More and more people are choosing alternative energy sources in such tough economical times. The global warming crisis is another thing that should make you think even more to start living off grid. Over 80% of our energy comes from fossil fuels, so installing your own green energy source such as a windmill will not only save you money but it will protect the environment.

Dozens of DIY guides are available online and I know you probably find it hard to choose the best one. I have tested several manuals since I became a DIY enthusiast and you definitely should look for the ones that have excellent customer feedback and a good tech support just in case of any troubleshooting.



Autor: Alexandru Matei

If you're tired of high electricity bills discover how thousands of families worldwide benefit from homemade wind generators to power their homes.

For more information on how to build your own homemade windmill visit our Earth 4 Energy Guide Review.


Added: July 13, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Building a Chicken Coop For the First Time? - Easy Steps to Follow

The following technique will help you to get vigorous chickens because as long as they can get their basic needs satisfied they will be cheerful and consequently full of life

1. Before building a chicken coop, sketch the idea on paper because planning in advance can save you time and money in the long run. The materials that you may need are: wood, windows, construction tools and heavy mesh wire.

2. The chicken coop should be constructed in an elevate spot and should have good drainage so that it can be safe from inclement weather. You should install a wooden floor to prevent rats, snakes and rodents from entering in. The doors should be large enough and the windows should be facing south.

3. You should allow a minimum 8 to 10 square feet of area for every chicken, a perch space of at least 6 to 10 inches and one nest box for each four to five chickens.

4. The coop must be properly ventilated so fresh air can circulate thoroughly. It should also be adequately lighted and heated to encourage healthy eggs all year long. The roofs should slant so that there is no accumulation of water on it.

5. The feeders should be at the right height so that the chickens are can not make a big mess. If appropriate electric food and water dispensers should be installed so that the chickens are always fed and properly hydrated.

6. The windows must be enclosed with mesh wire or sliding windows. You should install fencing that is buried at least a foot underground in case some predators attempt to dig beneath the fence and enter the coop.

7. It is very important to make sure that appropriate sanitation is to be maintained in and around the coop and the hay must be changed daily.

Here is more information on how to build a chicken coop.



Autor: Virgil T Forbes

Avid homesteader. I enjoy raising chickens and teaching people how to build a chicken coop


Added: July 12, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Saturday, July 11, 2009

How to Unclog a Toilet

The task of going near a toilet with the intention of unclogging it is not a particularly appealing one. However, this is something you will need to attempt yourself, particularly if you do not wish to pay for a plumber to come and fix the problem. We all know that we wish to keep that option as the last resort. On the more positive side of things, we know that unclogging a toilet does not require expertise skill which makes your task much easier. The same cannot be said for other areas of plumbing which require complex handling skills.

Before you do anything else, the first thing you should do is to identify what is actually causing the clog. You should do this with any other clogs that you get around the house too. There are many items that end up causing clogs in toilets, as many people try to dispose items which are not suitable for the toilet. For instance, this is the case with face wipes or cotton wool. In these cases it will be necessary to use the plunger. An important tip to remember is that toilet paper is made in a way that it breaks away easily whilst being flushed. The same cannot be said for some other items.

If on the other hand, you hear bubbling in the tub, then chances are that your sewer line is clogged. You should try turning on the bathroom sink if you hear bubbling. If this makes matters worse, then it is very likely that you will need to call a plumber, as plunging alone will not suffice.

Before you start plunging, you first need to make sure that there is enough water in the toilet. This is important as it will work in pushing the clog all the way out of the drain. The method is to plunge up and down quite a few times so the plunger fills with water. Your problem may not be resolved in the initial hurdle so you may have to repeat this process quite a few times to solve the blockage problem.

The key to all this is to insert a little aggression in the plunging. This will work to force the water in the plunger through the waste outlet of the toilet , dislodging the blockage in the process. You may splash a little water outside the bowl, however you can avoid this messy business by not filling up with too much water.

Unfortunately, even with all that plunging and mess your blockage problem may still not be resolved. You may have attempted to plunge many times, failing each time. Do not worry as there is another method you can use. For this you will need what you call a closet snake (or a closet auger). In order to use the snake, all you need to do is expand the handle all the way out, insert the functional end into the outlet of the toilet bowl, and crank it down into the bowl, making sure the cable goes into the drain.

Once the bowl has been drained, you should then flush the toilet pulling the cable up at the same time. This is so that the cable can be cleaned. It is strongly advised that you flush the toilet a good number of times before you put the snake away.



Autor: Tal Potishman

Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles on home boilers, central heating, Dulwich plumbers, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.


Added: July 11, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Friday, July 10, 2009

DIY Electricity

Is it now feasible to have home made electricity? The short answer is "yes", but up until recently, all of the alternatives to commercial electricity were very expensive.

If you had a creek or small river running through your property you could dam it up and put together your own hydro power system. The ones I've heard of usually involve a cooperative of nearby landowners because of the high costs involved. Even after you get over the technological and financial hurdles though, there are still the water rights to worry about.

Two of the most common ways to make DIY electricity are by using solar power and/or wind power. Previously, these two alternative energies have been expensive too, with one solar panel or wind turbine costing two to five thousand dollars.

Fortunately, DIY electricity isn't nearly as expensive because you can trade what is referred to as "sweat equity" for the dollars you would have spent if you bought solar panels or wind turbines that were already built.

There are now several companies that offer this alternative. They sell complete plans for making DIY electricity. These plans show you how you can build your own solar panels or wind turbines for less than a $200. outlay for parts, so you can see that your "sweat equity" is worth quite a bit in this case.

No matter how easy you make it for someone to build something though, there are always some people who are afraid to build or they don't think they have enough time. A company called Earth4Energy has an interesting idea involving these people. They say that you could build several wind turbines in a week. You could then sell those turbines for $500.each. Your profit would be about $300. per unit. This looks like a very interesting idea for a business.

The cost of electricity keeps going up. My electric company raised their rates last fall a full 14% even though oil prices were plummeting and the cost of everything else was dropping. It looks like DIY electricity would be a smart "sweat equity" investment for me and for many others that are tired of electric rates that only go up. I would be sticking it to my electric company, but I don't mind; they've been sticking it to me for years. I believe that in 20 years, most houses will have either solar or wind power or both.



Autor: Craig Stanford

Craig Stanford lives in Portland, OR and believes very strongly in alternative energy. Like the rest of us he is tired of paying through the nose to the electric companies. To read more of what says about home made electricity, check out his squidoo lens at http://www.squdoo.com/DIYsolarpanelsandwindturbines


Added: July 10, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Do DIY Wind Turbine Kits REALLY Work? Well, Yes!

With sales of DIY wind turbine kits rising everyday people are starting to take note of the actual possibility of building their own homemade wind generator. And why not? It's absolutely where the future lies in terms of powering your own home both to SAVE MONEY and help clean up the environment.

Do DIY wind turbine kits actually work? Well YES, even if the actual assembling process can be slightly technical. However, through the unique simplicity of video and diagram step by step instructions put forward by energy experts, DIY wind turbine kits have become a much better choice compared to buying ready-made wind turbines for 1,000's of $$ from Energy Corporations.

Other reasons why DIY wind turbine kits are becoming popular include:

#1
Kits also come with DIY solar panel instructions which in truth is an absolute STEAL given the enormous amount of professional detail put forward by these products. Costs range between $45 and $50 and ALL offer a 100% money back guarantee which solidifies the quality of kits given your option to immediately return the product if you are not satisfied with the purchase.

#2
Google trends indicate kits are selling as far as Indonesia, India, Australia, South Africa, UK and even extremely cold Finland and Canada. This is because research has proven that with only 2 hours of wind energy or sunlight a day, one can power their entire home for 36 hours, this also implies that both wind and sun energy don't have to be particularly powerful.

Many people reading this article I'm sure are very keen to build their own homemade wind generator. Indeed, I assume you have also read plenty of information about them. Well to tell you a about my experience, I first put together my homemade wind generator not too long ago and quite honestly the results have been astounding. Not only am I SAVING at least 70% on my electricity bills every month, but to know I'm securing a better environment for my children makes all my efforts even more rewarding.

While many DIY wind turbine kits insist you can save up to 80% on electricity bills each month, gathering from personal experience my initial savings weren't as high, especially with my first homemade wind generator. Therefore take my advice; the BEST way to start is to begin small, aim to power only a few devices at first. Try looking at powering your television or computer, then as you become more accustomed to building a homemade wind generator slowly advance to building a wind turbine for an entire bedroom or kitchen, until eventually having the expertise to develop systems for the whole home.

Overall, any DIY project is a fun and satisfying experience and DIY wind turbine kits are absolutely no different.

TAKE NOTE:

As well as buying a DIY wind turbine kit you will also have to buy the items to go with the building process, pieces can be purchased from local hardware stores, on eBay for cheaper prices, or can even be found in your home; and when you consider the price of retail wind turbines which can run well into the 1,000's of $$, you will soon be happy with the monumental SAVINGS you can make by building your own homemade wind generator.



Autor: Farid Kanbar Farid Kanbar
Level: Basic
Hi, my name is Farid Alexander Kanbar, I'm 26 years of age and I was born and raised in London UK; spent the last 2 ... ...

Click here >>>> http://www.indeproductreviews.com <<<< for a full review of the Top 4 DIY Wind Turbine & DIY Solar Panel Kits and start SAVING MONEY Today! Good Luck.


Added: July 8, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Monday, July 6, 2009

Doing Your Own Sump Pump Repair

Imagine this scenario: it's raining and you are at home. Everything seems fine when suddenly your sump pump breaks down. It is only a matter of time that your basement begins to fill up with water, and so quick action is important. You consider calling a repair man to do this. But then again repairing your sump pump can be costly if you call a professional. Furthermore, if you call a repair man, your basement would be flooding already by the time he gets there. So what would be the best course of action? It is, of course, to do your own sump pump repair work. Doing the repairs yourself would allow you to save a lot of money and also time. This article will describe the most common sump pump problems and a way on how to solve each one of them.

1. Float

The most common of sump pump problems is the float. There is a float that rises with the water level and this float turns on the pump. The pump is dependent on the float because it is only when it floats that the pump operates. So first check if the float is obstructed from doing its function. To regain the function of the float, simply clean out any debris that may have clogged the machine. The solution may be simple, but this problem can only be detected when the water level in your basement have risen so high already. So to prevent this problem, make sure that the float is not impeded by any debris or particles by checking the pit periodically.

2. Check Valve

The check valve is a valve that makes sure that the water that goes into the pump does not flow back into the pit. If the water level starts to rise, the check valve may have been installed erroneously. There is an arrow on the valve; check its direction. It should be pointing away from the pump itself.

3. Impeller

If you hear from the pump unusual humming that sounds like it's having difficulty operating, the impeller may have caught debris, bugs and other particles that impede its functions. Clear the impeller of debris. To avoid this, install a filter to catch particles.

4. Wiring

If you've checked all these common troubleshooting points in your attempt to perform a sump pump repair and found that they are working well, then electrical wiring could be the problem. Check if there are any broken wires, or with its main electrical supply. Check fuses and breakers.



Autor: Jeff Olivier

Always remember that prevention is better than cure. Take care of your pump by periodically checking it and performing maintenance. But no piece of equipment lasts for a lifetime. Check if you have to replace your sump pump with a new one. Remember that you can always call on a professional if all your sump pump repair attempts fail.

To learn more about sump pumps, be sure to visit http://www.sumppumphelp.com/


Added: July 6, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Solar Energy is the Wave of the Future - How to Build a 63 Watt Solar Panel

Additionally, building your own solar panel can be even cheaper. There is a large portion of DIY articles and tutorials on-line you can view, and most consist of the following needed materials to build a solar panel.

  1. Tabbing Wire
  2. Bus Wire
  3. Rosin Flux Pen
  4. Extra Solder
  5. Solar Cells
  6. Copper Wire
  7. Pressure Treated or Marine Grade Plywood
  8. Pegboard
  9. Tile Spacers
  10. All Purpose UV Protector Stain Paint
  11. Transparent Silicon
  12. Digital Multimeter (checks voltage and current)
  13. AWG Wire Cutters
  14. Transparent Glass or Plexiglass
  15. Charge Controller
  16. Deep Cycle Battery
  17. DC to AC Inverter
  18. Junction Box

To assemble the solar panel together just follow these steps:

  1. Decide how large you want your solar panel, and cut your pressure treated or marine grade plywood that size. Drill two holes for the negative and positive connection wires.
  2. Cut your pegboard to the right size to fit inside the plywood.
  3. Use your all purpose UV protector stain paint to place two coats on the plywood and pegboard separately.
  4. Once dry, screw down your pegboard to your plywood.
  5. Assemble your solar cells in series with the tabbing wire, bus wire, and flux pen.
  6. Mount your solar cells on top of your pegboard evenly spaced.
  7. Create your negative and positive connections with your copper wire (usually red and black) and solder them to your bus wire, and run them through the two pre-drilled holes in the plywood.
  8. Lay transparent or plexiglass on top of the entire frame, and apply silicon around the exterior of the glass. Before you screw the glass down to the plywood to create a tighter seal, pre-drill your holes to prevent cracks from forming. Allow the silicon to dry for 24 hours.
  9. Connect the positive and negative connections from the solar panel to the charge controller.
  10. Connect the positive and negative connections from the charge controller to the deep cycle battery.
  11. Connect the positive and negative connections from the deep cycle battery to the DC to AC inverter.

After a couple of weeks it would be a good idea to check your solar panels voltage and current to make sure everything is still working properly. You will also need to maintain keeping the solar panel's glass clean from any dirt that may accumulate overtime. Be sure to check after a rainy day that no water got inside your solar panel.



Autor: Robert Steve Smith Robert Steve Smith
Level: Basic
Hi, I am the Chief Executive Officer of HastyHost.com. My aim in life is to give back the knowledge I've learn to uprising young individuals ... ...

Your DIY article may give you more steps on how to go about maintaining and building your solar panel.

Want to learn more about solar power?

Receive free instructions and tips here

A better detailed video on making solar panels can be viewed here at http://www.solartechtown.com

Robert Smith
http://www.HastyHost.com
Chief Executive Officer


Added: July 4, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Friday, July 3, 2009

Benefits of Do-It-Yourself

As many of us have willingly become accustomed to paying extra for modern day conveniences, we have lost touch with the benefits of doing things ourselves. Some of us have even become so dependent on others to do things like cleaning, cooking, or sewing for us that we no longer even know how to do those things on our own.

There is no doubt that doing things ourselves, as opposed to hiring someone to do them for us, does take time that could be spent on other more enjoyable activities. Clearly that's why people hire Landscapers, Cleaning Crews, go to Restaurants, etc. And, consequently those service providers happily charge a premium for performing those services that save us time.

But in tighter economic times, there may now be a new resurgence of people being forced to go back to basics and start doing more things themselves in order to save money.

For those of you reluctant to give up your already limited free time, let's look at some benefits of doing things yourself:

  • You learn new skills that you can repeat again, more quickly, the more you apply them.
  • The cost of the materials needed to do things yourself will likely be considerably less than the hourly service fees you pay to have someone else do it.
  • You will know a lot more about the details and quality of materials that went into your project
  • You are more likely to achieve a better quality outcome because you care more about what you are doing than a hired hand might.
  • You can more easily customize things to your specific needs (e.g., colors, sizes, materials, enhancements, options, etc.)
  • You will appreciate the end result more as you are more aware of the effort that went into getting it done than if someone else did it for you.
  • You can enjoy the satisfaction and accomplishment of knowing you did it yourself.
  • You feel more self sufficient knowing you don't need to rely on others as much as you thought you did.

As you consider which projects to take on yourself, keep in mind that there are some projects that you are truly better of leaving to experts, such as electricity, plumbing, etc.

But for those projects that require less expertise, and are usually avoided simply because of the time involved in doing them, you might be surprised at how much money you can save (and to spend on other fun things later) by adopting more of a Do-It-Yourself attitude.



Autor: Helen Hoefele Helen Hoefele
Level: Platinum
I work full-time in the corporate world. In my spare time, I enjoy freelance writing, generally focusing on thoughtful opinion/editorial articles that connect diverse yet ... ...

To read more articles written by Helen Hoefele, visit her blog at: http://www.Figmentations.com where she focuses on writing thoughtful articles that encourage more people to think in ways that are constructive to improving their lives and the world around them. On her blog, you can easily subscribe to her free (only once monthly) newsletter. (You can also follow her on Twitter at: @figmentations.)


Added: July 3, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

How to Install Your Own Drywall

Do it yourself drywall installation is one of the more practical jobs you can tackle as a homeowner.. Whether you've got a ceiling that's been damaged by a leaking roof or air conditioner pan, or some new walls that are part of a remodeling project, at some point, you'll need drywall work on your home. The great thing is; with the right knowledge, the proper tools, and some practice; just about anyone can do it. The basic thing you need to know include:

Materials-This may seem pretty obvious, but there are a few different options.

  • Thickness-Drywall or sheetrock comes in 1/4", 1/2", and 5/8" thicknesses. The most common in residential is 1/2". 5/8" is more commonly used in commercial work and is a requirement of building codes in many areas due to it's higher fire resistant rating. 1/4" is mostly used over other materials such as paneling or plaster when a different type of wall surface is desired. If you're doing a patch or repair; check the thickness of the existing drywall before buying your new material to insure that it matches.
  • Application-Most walls and ceilings will have standard gray sheetrock. However, in high moisture areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens; use the more water resistant green rock. There is also, now, a drywall that contains the same type of cement fiber materials used in tile backer boards for use on walls that will finish with tile.
  • Joint Compound-Also called sheetrock mud, this is the key element to a successful do it yourself drywall installation. This will come in pre-mixed paste like form in boxes or buckets or powdered, in bags, that must be mixed with water. There are also fast drying kwikset materials that can be used for patches and repairs.
  • Joint Tape-This can be purchased in the traditional paper form, which must be applied with joint compound or in fiber tape, which is commonly used in repairs because it eliminates one step of the process.
  • Nails or Screws-Traditionally, nails have been used in residential work and screws in commercial (due to the use of metal studs. However, screws have become more in residential due to the speed of screw guns.

Tools-Just a few basic tools will take care of most any type of of do it yourself drywall installation.

  • Drywall Knives-These types of knives are not used for cutting, but for spreading the mud, taping the seams, and floating and skimming; and, actually resemble a spatula more than a knife. They come in a variety of widths from about 3" (used for taping seams) up to 12" (for floating and skimming). You will, most likely, need at least 3 sizes for any job, as each skim coat gets a little wider.
  • Mud Pan-These long rectangular pans come in metal or plastic and are used for holding the joint compound. They're narrow enough to hold with one hand, while using the knife with the other.
  • Utility Knife/Sheetrock Saw-Most of the cutting of sheetrock is now done with utility knifes with interchangeable blades. Change them as often as needed for a clean easy cut. Sheetrock saws are long (about 10") triangular saws with small handles and are used mostly for cutting holes for plumbing and electrical.
  • High Powered Drill & Paddle Bit-If you're doing a small repair; you can mix the mud by hand with a drywall knife. But for larger do it yourself drywall installation projects, it's essential that you have a strong enough drill to mix the mud with a paddle for the proper consistency and to eliminate lumps.

Hanging-This is pretty self explanatory. Nail or screw it to the wall or ceiling. Just a couple of tips.

  • Secure it Good-Don't skimp on nails or screws. You don't want movement when someone leans against the wall. Failing to properly fasten it will lead to cracks in the mud.
  • Watch For Cutouts-Keep a close eye on switches, plugs, and phone jacks. They're easy to cover up and difficult to find later.
  • Have Enough Help-Sheetrock is heavy. Make sure you have someone to help you hold it while you get the screws or nails in. This is especially true when hanging ceilings.
  • Countersink the Fasteners-Make sure the nails or screws penetrate beyond the surface so that they can be covered with mud.

Finishing-The process of finishing drywall is called taping and floating and it's the most critical step of do it yourself drywall installation.

  • Tape the Seams-This can be done with either the paper or fiber tape. With paper, spread a thin coat of mud over the seam, the, using a drywall knife; press the tape into the mud and over the seam. Then use the knife to remove the excess mud. When this process is completed; you must wait for the mud to dry before applying the first skim coat. The advantage of the fiber tape is; it adheres to the sheetrock without the need for mud. So, you can immediately apply a skim coat.
  • Float and Skim-This may be done in one coat or it may take 2 or 3. The idea is to have an even surface without rises, bumps, and dips. One of the keys to a successful do it yourself drywall installation is mixing the mud to the right consistency so it spreads easily. The other is just good old fashioned practice. Some people take to it quicker than others. But, the more you do it, the better you'll be.



Autor: Glenn Whitehead Glenn Whitehead
Level: Basic PLUS
Glenn Whitehead is a former general contractor with over 25 years experience in the construction industry. He is currently the owner and webmaster of YourselfHomeRepair.com, ... ...

For more help with your do it yourself project; go to
http://www.yourselfhomerepair.com/doityourselfprojects.html

Learn more about drywall repair and installation techniques. Go to
http://www.yourselfhomerepair.com/drywallrepair.html

Glenn Whitehead is a former general contractor with over 25 years experience in the construction industry in Houston, TX. He is currently the webmaster of YourselfHomeRepair.com, a do it yourself home repair and improvement site with how to articles, tips for finding contractors, and help preparing contract documents.


Added: July 1, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/