Energy efficiency in 2012 is looking up. Not only are there new products, but there are also new regulations to help continue the journey toward complete efficiency in the future. One of the most positive signs of a cleaner future is the increase in clean technology investments. The third quarter of the previous year showed a jump of 23%. This is a good sign as public awareness increases and more companies are turning toward creating cleaner products.
New 2012 energy efficiency are set, which will cut emission levels even more for all new cars as well as those … (0 comments)
james hurt: How to Make Your Home Smell More Like the Holidays
- 11/21/11 11:53 AM
With the holiday season drawing near you may want to make your home smell more like the holidays. Any time of year the holiday smells are welcoming and joyous. The months of November and December the aromas that are etched in the mind for the season are almost an essential.
The main smells that are quite holiday friendly include Christmas trees, cinnamon and nutmeg, pumpkin, vanilla, cranberry, mint, and the aromas that are associated with your traditional holiday meals. For every family, and depending on which holiday you celebrate, the latter may vary by quite a bit.
One … (1 comments)
james hurt: Five Quick Fixes to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient This Winter
- 11/21/11 11:50 AM
To make your home more energy efficient this winter you can do several things that do not take a lot of time or money. Creating efficiency is usually about effort. It takes a little effort to find the areas where the efficiency is lacking. Once you find the most deficient areas it is much easier to manage them, fix them, and eliminate them as threats to your home's comfort and your heating bills.
If you do not have an electronic thermostat you need to get one. Many utility companies are actually just handing these out for free, so it … (0 comments)
james hurt: What Does a Title Company Really Do?
- 11/08/11 05:17 AM
A title company, also known as an abstract company, is a third party used in the sale of real estate. Essentially, their job is to make sure that the transactions between the buyer and seller are not interlaced with potential problems when it comes to the deed or title. Unknown issues can arise later when buying or selling a property. Having a third party that is well versed in the legal aspects of real estate helps to avoid finding out later that there was a problem.
When a title company gets involved there will be an initial search to … (0 comments)
james hurt: What is the Origin of Plantation Shutters?
- 11/07/11 02:26 PM
The origin of plantation shutters is not specifically clear. The evidence points to the early Greek societies, where the sturdy louvers were originally cast in stone. Marble slats were placed in between the shutter framework and a round rod was attached to each one. The design was inspired to help offer better weather protection in a time where you couldn't just reach over and turn up the thermostat.
Some people believe the origin of plantation shutters came much later. The weather patterns of ancient Greece did not show the same severity as those of England. With dreadful winter storms, some … (1 comments)
james hurt: What is a Skip Trowel and Other Interior Finishes
- 11/07/11 02:24 PM
Home improvement projects can include many different finishes, including a skip trowel texture. This actually refers to a method, which can be used to create a specialized texture on walls and ceilings. It is not as extreme as some of the popcorn textures that were once making it to walls and ceilings, but it's a subtle and enticing look that can add a lot to your home.
In order to do a proper skip trowel texture you will have to prepare the walls well. The walls must be initially prepared using sheet rock, mudding, and a final phase that includes … (2 comments)
james hurt: What is an Ozone Generator and How Does it Clean My Air or Water?
- 11/07/11 02:22 PM
An ozone generator is a machine that is manufactured to alter the oxygen molecules in order to diffuse pollutants. These are highly controversial machines. Many people use them regularly and are very happy with the improvement in the cleanliness of the air or water. Yet, they remain controversial because there are warnings regarding health risks.
The problem with determining whether an ozone generator is actually a health risk or not is in part because it involves a lot of speculation. One also has to consider that the marketing of other types of air and water filtration systems might be leaning … (1 comments)
james hurt: Why is a School District Important to Me When I Don't Have Children?
- 11/07/11 02:55 AM
When you are buying or selling a home you may not think the value of the school district applies to you if you do not have kids. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth. Essentially, you can break the district's importance down into the potential resale value of the home.
When you're contemplating the value of the school district you need to recognize that the best districts in the area are going to bring in a higher resale value and a more competitive market. Parents with the means to get their children into the best schools are going … (3 comments)
james hurt: Please Do Not Change Your Job or Quit Your Job After You Apply for a Loan
- 11/07/11 02:53 AM
It is never a good idea to apply for a loan and then change jobs. Quitting a job after submitting an application is even more of a mistake. When you opt to take out a loan for anything, you are submitting the current data needed to evaluate your risk potential. The whole idea of loan applications is to assess your income, your rate of payment for other things, and your ability to repay the money you are borrowing.
Changing jobs after you apply for a loan hurts your chances of getting approved for two basic reasons. The first is … (1 comments)
james hurt: How Does a Central Vacuum Work?
- 11/07/11 02:48 AM
How does a central vacuum work? This type of arrangement can add value to your home and help make cleaning up around the house much easier. If you understand the principles of a canister vacuum then you will also understand the principles of a central vac. Each one works the same way, but when you have your unit installed centrally you end up with a greater range of power and a lot less to lug around.
When you use a central vacuum the actual suction and filtration take place from an oversized unit that has been installed in a convenient … (0 comments)
james hurt: What is a HEPA Filter System and How Does it Benefit Me in My Home?
- 11/07/11 02:46 AM
A HEPA filter system is required to meet the governmental standards set forth to ensure numerous aspects of high quality filtration. The requirements for this particular air filter were set in place to expressly determine the definition. Advertisers can not claim they have this type of filter if it does not meet the requirements.
Any HEPA filter system is required to remove 99.97% of all airborne particulates that are 0.3 micrometers or larger. The filter is made by using fibers that are laid in random patterns to create the smallest of openings. The naked eye can not see the openings … (0 comments)
james hurt: What is Water Injection and How Does it Benefit My Foundation?
- 11/07/11 02:44 AM
Water injection refers to a technique that helps to stabilize the foundation. Immediately after a good soaking rain the ground is saturated. That is why it is called a soaking rain. The water has reached down into the dirt for several feet, nourishing trees and plants. It also "nourishes" your foundation.
Dirt dries in the opposite way it gets wet. When it rains the top gets wet first and then it soak through deeper into the ground. When the water starts to dry the top of the ground dries and then the layers underneath will eventually as well. When it … (2 comments)
james hurt: Sustainable, Environmentally Friendly Roofing Products
- 11/03/11 06:45 AM
Sustainable roofs are not new to the World, long before modern roofing methods were developed people used the earth to keep home warm in the winter and cool in the summer; this in itself was recyclable material. Environmentally friendly roofing products are making a comeback with the World’s need to find environmentally friendly energy sources. Sustainable roofing cuts electricity use by insulating homes and business while offering less of a carbon footprint on the environment. James Hurt, a Real Estate Broker promotes the use of environmentally friendly roofing products. Cities are constantly over heated from asphalt and concrete with not enough … (0 comments)
james hurt: What is MDF and Why is it Used in My Home?
- 11/03/11 05:41 AM
MDF stands for medium density fiberboard. It is basically what many people called particle board or pressed plywood. What makes it stand out is that there are certain safety issues that have many homeowners concerned. You can safely live with this material if you understand what the various risks are and how to avoid them.
During the process of making MDF sawdust and tiny shreds of wood are pressed together, making a single board. During the pressing process it is glued together. The material is glued with a substance called urea formaldehyde. Of course, this is where the problem … (0 comments)
james hurt: The Origin of Concrete
- 09/18/11 03:00 PM
The Origin of Concrete Concrete is one of the materials that most of us don't give much consideration because it is so common. In fact, there is no material that is more widely and completely used than concrete. Where it came from isn't so much a mystery once you start tracing the architectural history of buildings and civilizations. As a building material it is strong, durable, cheap, and relatively easy to make. Aggregate refers to a blend of things like sand, stones, and crushed rock. It can also include things such as slag, ashes, burned shale, or even burned clay. It … (0 comments)
james hurt: The Risks of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and How to Avoid it
- 09/18/11 02:58 PM
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a quiet, unscented, and deadly danger that is relevant to every family. In most cases, the gas is leaked from a source such as a furnace that has cracked and is releasing the gas back into the home instead of taking it up and away through the piping.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can also happen from other sources, usually ones that burn. A homeless family that was living in their pick up truck closed the door to the cap and lit a Hibachi grill. The gas it released was carbon monoxide and the family perished in the … (1 comments)
Prior to 1844 the history of Allen, Texas belonged to the Native American tribes of the Caddo and Comanche. Once the settlers began to enter the picture, a few battles raged but the Native American tribes moved on, settling northward. Development was certainly not far behind this transition of land ownership.
The railroad was laid in 1872, which would become a primary transport through Texas but also become a primary financial interest of companies like JP Morgan. The acquisition of the railroad was short lived and Southern Pacific took over the line in 1883. … (0 comments)
james hurt: How to Sharpen a Kitchen Knife
- 09/18/11 02:55 PM
If you haven't quite gotten the hang of how to sharpen a kitchen knife you'll be very happy to know that there are special gadgets to help out with this problem. While the knife sharpening isn't actually difficult, some people just have a harder time than others with the coordination.
The kitchen knife if a powerful tool that is used regularly for so many functions that if it isn't sharp enough it can be hard to use. Being without a good sharp kitchen knife is a bit like trying to flip an omelet with your tongue. It isn't going … (0 comments)
james hurt: What is the Benefit of Double Payne Windows?
- 09/18/11 02:53 PM
The benefit of double payne windows is clear once you have placed your hand near the glass. Double payning is a form of insulation. The single payne windows allow a great deal of air to filter through. All you have to do is place your hand near the middle of the window and you can feel the temperature drop in the winter time.
Winter insulation is a big deal. Anyone who has a heat source knows that the cost of heating any size home is doing nothing but going up. Soon, families will not be choosing their home based on … (0 comments)
james hurt: What is a Post Tension Foundation?
- 09/18/11 02:52 PM
A post tension foundation is a new and improved method of creating stronger foundations with less likelihood of eventual cracking. This is done by reinforcing the foundation with steel. The standard reinforcer has typically been rebar. Some builders have used wire mesh in their foundations. While these items certainly help to increase the overall strength and integrity of the slabs, they do not offer the same type of resistance as tensioned steel.
The beginnings of the post tension foundation are found in the 1960s when it was necessary to come up with new ways of strengthening concrete. There were problems … (0 comments)
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