Renovation & Design
Renovation & Design
Backup generator can be a valuable asset for your home
Q: With the latest winter storm, I found myself in line again at the gas station waiting to fill my portable generator gas cans. Earlier this year you wrote an article about standby home generators that operate with natural gas or propane. Can you please go over some of that information again? I think I'm now ready to install this type of system.
-- Pat, Rhode Island
A: Investing in a permanently installed standby home generator can really pay off. Not only for the backup power protection, but a professionally installed standby generator system can also be a valuable home asset.
Because standby generators run on natural gas or propane and are hardwired into a home's electrical system, they're always ready to go at a moment's notice. A special transfer switch controls most standby generator systems and automatically turns the generator on when electrical power is lost.
This all sounds good, but keep a few things in mind if you're thinking about installing one.
First, this is not a do-it-yourself project. You need to work with a licensed standby generator dealer/installer with needed permits taken out. Local dealers may be found on standby generator manufacturer websites.
Second, plan to install in spring or summer, because the installation process may take extra time to complete.
Finally, a standby generator can be a high-end system, so make sure you generate a little extra cash and budget the money before you start the job.
Master Contractor/Plumber Ed Del Grande is known internationally as the author of the book "Ed Del Grande's House Call," the host of TV and Internet shows, and a LEED green associate. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eadelg@cs.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.
-- Tribune News Service
Renovation & Design
Gadgets to make your home life easier
From compact appliances to touchless toilets, today's home devices are designed for streamlined operations. And with homeowners spending more time than ever on their smartphones, designers are responding with apps that allow you to control such devices as lighting and your washing machine with a swipe of a finger. Here, we offer a selection of new designs for 2015 that promise to make home life a little easier.
Wi-Fi connected appliances
Want to preheat your oven before you arrive home? Now you can turn it on remotely using a smartphone app designed by GE for its Profile collection. The Wi-Fi-enabled appliances, which will arrive throughout 2015, include ranges, wall ovens, a French door refrigerator, laundry duo, a Geo Spring water heater and dishwasher. The apps are included in the price of GE Profile appliances, one of GE's higher-end brands. www.geappliances.com
Wireless charging surface
No more searching for cable or wall outlets to charge your fading cellphone. The TechTop wireless charging surface by LG Hausys -- which won best of show at the 2015 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas recently -- allows you to charge your mobile device by simply placing it on top of a surface, such as a countertop, embedded with wireless charging technology. Currently, it is available only for phones, with laptops and tablets to come. Pricing depends on local fabricators listed on the TechTop website. www.lgtechtop.com
Touchless flush toilet
Toilets aren't just toilets anymore. They now come with accessories such as LED illuminated night lights, bidet functionality, self-deodorizing capabilities and heated seating. In some cases you don't even have to flush the toilet using a handle. Kohler's new San Souci touchless flush toilet is the perfect appliance for the germ-phobic. Simply wave your hand over a sensor mounted inside the tank and it will trigger a flush powered by four AA batteries. Available in 10 colours. The toilet starts at $820 in white. www.kohler.com
Garden sensor and water valve
The solar-powered Edyn smart gardening system allows gardeners to assess soil nutrition, moisture, light and temperature via smartphone alerts. Expect a ping from Edyn if your tomatoes need water or fertilizer. The concept: Using Wi-Fi, Edyn's garden sensor measures environmental factors courtesy of a long metal probe that is planted in the ground. The system sends the data to your phone, where you can monitor your plants and activate water valves. The system is composed of the Edyn Garden Sensor, Edyn Water Valve and Edyn App. One sensor is good for 250 square feet. More may be necessary for bigger plots. Available for pre-order on Edyn's website and available at Home Depot stores in spring 2015. Garden sensor, $99.95. Edyn Water Valve, $59.99. www.edyn.com
Small space tub
The new Halo soaking tub from MTI Baths incorporates last year's popular free-standing tub trend with another hot topic: small-space living. The simple circular design measures 52 by 52 by 26 inches and consumes little floor space in a tight bathroom. The Halo also features a built-in seat and can be enjoyed as a soaker tub or as an air bath with 20 air jets, a heated blower and a waterproof remote control. Made of Engineered Solid Stone, it comes in classic white or biscuit with an optional gloss finish. $6,655. www.mtibaths.com
-- Los Angeles Times
Renovation & Design
Avoid the dryer when dyeing jeans
QUESTION: My problem was one that you mentioned in the paper about dyeing jeans. I tried on three occasions to dye faded jeans using RIT dye, (Royal Blue) and I got the colour I wanted. Then I tried setting the dye with cold water and salt. Every time I put the jeans in the wash after that (normally just one wearing) they all faded out to the original colour once again. Do you have any suggestions for setting the dye that will work in the long run? I haven't talked to anyone in the clothing business that has a successful suggestion. Thanks, Angus (Winnipeg)
ANSWER: The manufacturing process has a lot to do with the colourfastness of each particular line of denim. The salt and water combination is typically great for reducing colour loss in fabrics but be sure to hang denim to dry and avoid the dryer. Turn them inside out and use cold water in the wash. Here is another tip that someone shared as a great option to hold the colour of denim dye: purchase Dryel and use it according to the directions. They say the colour lasts and lasts.
QUESTION: I found a very interesting antique watch that has a stamped calfskin watchband. However, on the band, near where the watch touches the band, there's a blue-green sort of stain. I almost think it's the reaction of sweat and the metal. Does that sound like something that can be cleaned? I don't want to buy the watch if the band can't be cleaned. Thanks. Thom (Winnipeg)
ANSWER: This may be due to the chemical used in the tanning process, metal touching the calfskin, or a reaction to the acid in the wearer's skin, much the same as when a finger turns green while wearing a metal ring. The green stain is difficult to remove without damaging the calfskin. In order to prevent further discolouration, you can stick adhesive backing onto the wristband to avoid direct skin contact.
QUESTION: You would not believe how much toilet paper my husband goes through every day! What a waste (pardon the pun). Which toilet paper is the best to purchase to save money? Salena (Brandon, Man.)
ANSWER: Buy toilet paper in bulk and you will save a bundle. For example, if you purchase a bundle of 24 rolls versus packages of four, you can save up to 60 per cent off the cost. Check for supermarket coupons and sales, which are often at the beginning and midway through the month (a great time to stock up). Purchasing generic brands instead of name brands can bring you a savings of another 20 per cent. If you are concerned about the environment, look for packages labelled 100 per cent recycled.
QUESTION: I packed a wet bathing suit coming home from a vacation a couple of winters ago, and even though I unpacked it and washed it right away, it has a mildew smell. I rewashed it, hung it up to dry, tried special bathing suit soap and washed it in vinegar with no luck. Couldn't part with it, so I put it in a cupboard with my two other bathing suits. When I pulled them out recently, all three had a mildew smell. I rewashed them, hung them outside, let them sit in water with vinegar, and rewashed them with vinegar and bathing suit soap -- to no avail. I've worn two of them in a chlorine pool several times this winter, and still the mildew odour remains. I always wash and hang dry right after use. Any chance at all I can remove the smell? What is the best thing to do? Thanks for your ideas! Louise (St. Eustache, Man.)
ANSWER: This is another example of odour that may be caused by dyes and chemicals in the manufacturing of the garment. Before washing your bathing suits in the washing machine, soak them in hot water and borax. Borax contains no phosphates and no bleach but is wonderful at zapping hard-to-handle odours. If you cannot find borax, use a generous amount of Oxy Clean or baking soda instead.
Fantastic household tips of the week
-- To make perfectly shaped pancakes every time, I drop them into the pan using a meat baster. Submitted by Ken
-- Get rid of terrible carpet stains by scrubbing stains with Ivory bar soap, water and an old toothbrush. You won't believe how well this works! Submitted by Helena.
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Need a presenter on the topic: Effective Speaking or the Power of Words? Check out: Reena.ca.
