What the heck is Ghosting?
Ghosting is a term that refers to discoloration that appears on surfaces in a home.
 The source of this discoloration can be a mystery to anyone not familiar with the phenomenon.
Ghosting is the result of particulates attaching themselves to surfaces. "Particulates" is a catch-all word for any kind of particle small enough to be suspended in the air. Small dust particles from soil, animal dander, cooking residue, and soot residue from a fireplace and candles are all common sources of household particulates. |
|
Behold, the $15 LED bulb
New for 2012
Even though some LED light bulbs boast lifespans that last decades while consuming minimal energy compared to old school incandescent bulbs, their price - often hovering around the $40 mark - has remained a sticking point with many consumers. Sure, the savings in the long run are remarkable, but who really wants to spend more than $20 on a single light bulb?
Well, meet the latest creation from the geniuses over at Lighting Science Group: an omnidirectional, 60-watt equivalent A19 LED bulb with a sticker price of $15 or less. That's right, folks - a $15 LED.
Read more
|
|
Loose FloorTile?
It's an Easy Fix
A loose tile on your bathroom floor is as annoying as a rock in your shoe. Each time you step on it, you wince. But it's easy to fix.
Remove the tile and clean it, along with the hole where it was placed. With a spackle knife, spread a thin layer of floor tile adhesive on the back of the tile. Press back into place and wipe up any excess adhesive with a cloth.
|
|
|
|
The "Honey-Do" List
How to Stop Drafts
You've probably weather-stripped your exterior doors, but don't forget the inside one that lead to uninsulated areas like you garage or attic. A cheap, quick fix is a threshold draft blocker made of two foam rolls connected by a piece of fabric. Slide them under the door to keep cold air out and heat from escaping. The cost is about $10 at a drugstore or online.
|
|
Ask the Inspector
How does a GFCI operate?
A GFCI senses the balance of current in the circuit. As long as the same amount of current that leaves the circuit breaker or supply buss returns to the neutral, the GFCI will remain closed.
If there is any current leakage in the circuit for any reason, the GFCI will sense the difference and opens the circuit. A typical GFCI will open if there is .5 mill amperes of current loss.
Electricity moves at the speed of light, so this allows approximately 1/40,000 of a second for the GFCI to react.
|
|
Holiday Tips & Tricks
Put the Christmas Tree on Layaway
Christmas tree vendors open the day after Thanksgiving, but research shows that indoor mold spore counts (a mark of decay) climb every day a tree sits in your living room., so wait until the week before Christmas to buy a live one.
Measuring Cups
Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.
|
|
